Optimum
Optimum Advisor: Digital Cable

Digital Cable > Q&A's

Q. How do I get Digital Cable service?
A. It's easy to get Digital Cable service - simply call your cable provider and ask for it - there are usually several great Digital Cable packages to choose from.

Back to top

Q. What is the difference between "Digital Cable Television" and "HDTV?"
A. Digital Cable transmits digital signals in digital format. HDTV, or High-Definition Television, also transmits video signals in digital but at a much higher resolution. To learn more about HDTV, visit the HDTV section of the Optimum Advisor.

Back to top

Q. How can I make sure my children don't watch inappropriate programming?
A. Parental control options are available to ease your mind. You can block your kids from watching certain channels or ordering programs that aren't appropriate for them by setting personal preferences only you can know.

Back to top

Q. Do I need a special wire to view Digital Cable?
A. No special wire is required to receive Digital Cable Television service - you can get Digital Cable service through the same cable wire that provides you with analog service. You will need a digital set-top box different from the one you may currently have to receive analog premium channels, digital channels, order video on demand services or listen to digital music channels.

Back to top

Q. Does my house need to be rewired to get Digital Cable Service?
A. In most cases, no - most homes may already have a cable television jack, and you can get Digital Cable service through the same cable wire that provides you with analog service.

Back to top

Q. Do I need Digital Cable to view HDTV?
A. Yes, but keep in mind that in order to view HDTV content and programs you not only need Digital Cable service, but also an HD ready television and an HDTV tuner/receiver. To learn more about HDTV, visit the HDTV section of the Optimum Advisor by clicking here.

Back to top

Q. What is the difference between Video On Demand and using a DVR?
A. A DVR is perfect for recording the shows you love, simply by pressing a button. Want to record an entire season of your favorite sitcom or drama? Just program your DVR to record that show and you're all set. It's like a VCR, but smarter. You can also pause and rewind live TV while you are watching it.

Video On Demand is technology that works around your schedule as well, but just a bit differently. When you're actually ready to view a program at a time that's convenient for you, Video On Demand lets you select from a whole library of shows and movies. All you have to do is choose your program and its ready to go when you are. It's like a DVD player, but better.

Whether you use a DVR or choose Video On Demand, both services allow you to pause, rewind or fast-forward the program you're watching at any time you like.

Back to top

Q. What is Subscription On Demand?
A. For an additional monthly fee, Subscription On Demand lets you gain access to your favorite premium programming, 24 hours a day. You can watch a film, documentary, original series and more on your own time. Plus, you'll have the ability to start, rewind, pause and fast-forward at your fingertips. Some Subscription On Demand services are also available free of charge.

Back to top

Q. What is a CableCARD™?
A. A CableCARD™ is a device that consumers who own Digital Cable Ready (DCR) TVs or other Digital Cable Ready devices will receive from Cablevision to allow for the descrambling of digital programming. The card is inserted into your DCR TV and thereby allows for the descrambling of the digital signal. The card works in place of a traditional set middle box, although it may lack some of the capabilities of a standard set middle box, such as interactive TV services and games. The term CableCARD is a marketing term that has been adopted by the cable and consumer electronics industries for the Point of Deployment (POD) security device. It is used with the permission of CableLabs.

Back to top

Q. How does digital cable compare with satellite TV service?
A. Satellite TV signals are beamed to household receiving dishes which need to be installed on your house, while digital cable service runs over existing coaxial cables to the home. Digital cable service includes features such as On Demand programming, which satellite TV can't provide.

Back to top

Interested in purchasing television products? Visit OptimumStore.com.