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hdtv faqs header

What is HDTV?

  • High-definition television (HDTV) refers to a high-resolution digital widescreen TV format.
  • A high-definition TV signal has twice the color resolution and features a picture that is six times sharper than that provided by a traditional analog TV.
  • Specifically, traditional analog TV sets have 480 horizontal lines. However, HDTV sets have 720 or 1080i horizontal lines - providing far superior clarity.

Is Cox Digital Cable the same thing as HDTV?

  • No. HDTV refers to a type of digital signal that appears at a higher resolution than Cox Digital Cable or any analog signal.
  • In order to receive HDTV, customers must purchase an "HDTV-capable" or an "HDTV-ready" television set.  Customers must also lease an HD compatible box from Cox Communications for a monthly fee.

Is HDTV programming available in my area?

  • Cox’s upgraded customers in Fredericksburg currently have access to HDTV service.
  • Although customers must live in an upgraded area to receive HDTV.
  • For customers in non-upgraded areas, we will proactively notify customers as the launch of this exciting new service gets closer.

Which HDTV channels does Cox carry as part of its programming lineup?

  • Currently, Cox carries Discovery HD Theater (must subscribe to Digital Cable), FOX, ESPN HD, HBO HDTV (included with Digital HBO subscription), SHO HDTV (included with Digital Showtime subscription), ABC, NBC, CBS, INHD1 & INHD2 and NBC Universal HDTV.
  • We are in the process of developing partnerships with a variety of other popular programmers to offer HDTV to our customers in Fredericksburg.

What do I need to have in order to receive HDTV?

  • Customers will need an HDTV-capable or HDTV-ready set and an HDTV set-top box from Cox to receive HDTV.
  • Customers must also subscribe to Cox Digital Cable.
  • Some televisions sold previously as HD sets only feature a 720 signal. These sets aren't compatible with Cox's HDTV service, which requires a 1080i signal.

How is a High Definition Television set-top box different than my current digital set-top?

  • Customers will require a new HDTV set-top box to enjoy Cox HDTV service.
  • The HDTV set-top box looks a lot like your current digital box. In fact, if you are a digital subscriber, the HDTV box will replace your digital set-top box.
  • The HDTV set-top box will have the ability to provide high-definition signals to your HDTV set, which will offer improved picture quality and sound, along with the HD programming described above.

Can I install my HD set-top box myself?

  • Yes, self-installation instructions are included in the HDTV Kit that is provided with the HD receiver.

How much does Cox's HDTV service cost?

  • There is a $9.99 monthly charge to lease our HDTV receiver. Digital cable service required per receiver.
  • Customers wishing to order HBO/Showtime in HDTV format must subscribe to these channels in digital. The HD broadcast channels are provided at not additional cost.

Why should I get HDTV from Cox instead of a Satellite provider?

  • It will cost less to have HDTV through Cox. With satellite providers, consumers must make significant upfront investments - including an expensive HDTV-ready television, receiver and two dishes. With Cox, the customer need only purchase an HDTV capable set and lease the digital set top box that will receive the HDTV signals for a small monthly lease charge.
  • Cox also offers the high definition signal of FOX, NBC, CBS, NBC Universal HDTV & ABC in your local network area at no additional charge. Customers must subscribe to Expanded service to receive at no additional charge ESPN HD, Discovery HD Theatre, INHD1 & INHD2 in high definition. Satellite providers send one set of signals to all of their customers across the nation. This is a drawback because they can only carry a limited number of signals due to bandwidth restrictions. In order to watch local network affiliates, some satellite customers may have to switch from their dish to an antenna. With Cox, there are no hassles with switching between antenna and satellite. Customers wishing to receive HBO HD, Starz! HD or Showtime HD must subscribe to limited basic, digital gateway and HBO and/or Starz! and/or Showtime.

How will High Definition TV look on my regular analog television?

  • HDTV will not work on regular analog televisions since these sets don't support the interfaces required for HDTV signals.
  • It is necessary to purchase an actual HD capable or HD ready TV set in order to enjoy HDTV-quality signals.
  • HDTV sets are available at such popular local retailers as Best Buy and Circuit City.

What is the difference between "HD-ready" and "HD-capable" televisions?

  • HDTV Ready or HDTV Capable (the terms are used interchangeably) means that the HDTV set is capable of delivering the HDTV signal, but requires the addition of an external receiver/tuner or HD cable set top box to pick up the HD signals.  An HDTV Integrated set, a significantly more expensive option, is one with an HD tuner built in. While this type of HD set will allow consumers to pick up unencrypted HD broadcast signals without an external receiver/tuner or set top box, most of these integrated sets still require the external receiver/HD set top box to get the full array of HD channels. With Cox, those channels include Discovery HD Theater.

I would like to purchase a High Definition TV - what features should I look for?

  • In order to receive the Cox HDTV service, you will need an HDTV set, which supports resolutions up to, and including, the 1080i input format.

Will Cox HDTV support Plasma televisions?

  • Most Plasma televisions will be capable of supporting HDTV in 1080i format.
  • We advise you to consult your owner's manual to see if HDTV will be compatible with your Plasma TV.

What is the difference between off-air HDTV broadcast channels and Cox's HDTV service?

  • Customers receiving off-air broadcast signals can only receive national broadcast channels and are very limited in terms of programming variety.
  • Cox HDTV customers will receive greater programming choices, and will enjoy a consistent High Definition experience that includes a sharper picture and improved sound quality.

How does the recent FCC ruling affect Cox’s HDTV service?

  • The recent FCC ruling doesn't directly affect Cox or the compatibility of our digital set-tops, but instead addresses TV-set manufacturers.
  • We look forward to continuing our work with broadcasters to bring more digital and HDTV signals to our customers.
To access all available HD channels, certain levels of cable, digital cable and/or premium services (HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz) are required. Cox Basic Service only required for local HD channels. An HDTV receiver or CableCARD and an HDTV set with YPbPr inputs that supports a 1080i HD signal is required. Some televisions and other consumer owned devices equipped with a CableCARD may require a digital set top receiver in order to receive all programming options offered by Cox Digital Cable.
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