Interactive TV FAQ
- What is Interactive TV?
- How does Interactive TV compare to Analog Cable?
- How does Interactive TV work?
- Do I need a separate Interactive TV box for every outlet?
- Do I have to buy a Digital TV to receive Interactive TV?
- What is a digital converter box (set-top box)?
What is Interactive TV?
Interactive TV is a brand new way for to deliver television signals to your home. Digital technology enables
to "compress" its signals, thereby providing you with high-quality picture and sound -- all without the dish
or unsightly antenna. Convenient access to programming, more value, increased viewing control and a
better customer experience are just a few of the benefits you'll enjoy with Interactive TV.
How does Interactive TV compare to Basic Cable?
Interactive TV uses advanced technology to deliver more choice than is available with core analog cable service. Some key benefits of Interactive TV include (not available in all areas):
-
More programming choices
- On Demand (where available) - On Demand lets you choose from hundreds of movies and shows - and
start them whenever you want. - Pay-Per-View - more hit movies at convenient start times
- Commercial-free, high-quality music, 24 hours a day
- Interactive on-screen program guide permits control, choice, and convenience.
How does Interactive TV work?
Imagine your television picture is a jigsaw puzzle broken down into individual pieces, placed in a box, shipped to its final location and put back together again exactly as it was before. That is essentially how Interactive TV works. And because the picture takes up less space in digital pieces, many more channels
can fit through the existing cable system in your town.
Do I need a separate Interactive TV box for every outlet?
No. Many Interactive TV Customers choose to put a Interactive TV box in one room; others prefer to have one
in every room. In rooms that do not have a Interactive TV box, you may not be able to receive all of the
channels that you get in the room with the Interactive TV box. The Interactive TV box is required to view any programs On Demand (where available) and premium or pay per-view channels that offers.
Do I have to buy a Digital TV to receive Interactive TV?
No. With Interactive TV you will receive a Interactive TV box that modifies the incoming Digital signal so that it
can be viewed with your current TV. With Interactive TV you will be able to enjoy extended service from your current television, without having to buy a Digital TV.
What is a digital converter box (set-top box)?
A digital converter box (also called a receiver or set-top box) is actually a powerful computer that receives cable input and processes multiple channels into a single frequency so that sound and images can be viewed on your television. That is why your TV must be tuned to channel 3 or 4 in order for the box to
work properly. When the digital converter is attached to your TV, you are able to watch digital channels. Not only does it process incoming signals, but it also sends information back to our signal-processing center. This enables our digital customers to enjoy services such as ON DEMAND from Interactive TV. Since these boxes now do more than "convert" channels to a single frequency, they are also referred to as set-top boxes. They also allow authorized customer TVs to receive all of the cable channels offered by
the system.