Charter Selects Contec As Preferred STB Test and Repair Vendor; Relationship Includes Deployment of Contec's QuickTest Integrated System

SCHENECTADY, N.Y., Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Contec, a leader in integrated logistics and repair services for the cable telecommunications industry, today announced that it has been selected by Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR) as the preferred provider of set-top box (STB) testing and repair across Charter's service territory.

The agreement, an expansion of an existing relationship between the two companies, calls for Charter to optimize management of its STB fleet using Contec's QuickTest® automated testing stations and web-based data and support resources. Leveraging the best-in-class system, Charter can expedite testing and return-to-service of functional STBs. To ensure each customer has high-performance equipment, Charter will be able to identify and proactively address performance trends, and can rapidly service and redeploy units requiring repair within Contec's state-of-the-art facility.  Contec was selected following a comprehensive Request for Proposal process.

The industry's fastest and most comprehensive testing system, a single QuickTest station can process more than 100 devices per hour with high degrees of flexibility and accuracy.  The integrated QuickTest system includes 24-slot test-stations that can simultaneously test any mix of STBs – regardless of manufacturer or model – as well as real-time access to full, historic test data across operator and STB footprints; live and automated support and preventive maintenance resources; and billing system updates. 

"Rapid, accurate testing, returning quality inventory to the field as quickly as possible and ensuring the optimal condition of our set-top box inventory are important to ensuring our customers have the best service experience," said Kathy Carrington, Vice President, Corporate Services for Charter Communications.  "Our selection of QuickTest is designed to reduce testing and service time, and to provide all of our customers with the assurance that the STBs they receive meet our high service standards."

"Ensuring full visibility into testing, repair and performance trends is crucial to an efficient STB management program," said Wes Hoffman, COO of Contec.  "We're delighted that Charter selected QuickTest as the system that most effectively meet those needs and maximize the value of its set-top box inventory."

Honored as a "Best in Test" finalist by Test & Measurement World, QuickTest stations eliminate the need for pre-test sorting STBs by manufacturer and are engineered to eliminate false positives or false negatives that can reduce redeployment efficiency. QuickTest automatically performs more than a dozen tests, including DVR functionality, tuner functionality and a parametric test of picture quality, as well as a test of true – not downconverted – HDMI quality.  The QuickTest system's real-time access to historic test data enables Contec and operator customers quickly to recognize and address issues that require service in specific makes or models of devices.

About Contec
Contec is a leader in the delivery of advanced logistics, testing and repair services for the cable telecommunications industry. Contec's automated solutions and advanced repair facilities provide best-in-class testing and servicing to more than 12 million CPE units annually.  The company is headquartered in Schenectady, NY, with locations in Seattle and Mexico.  More information is available at www.gocontec.com.

SOURCE Contec