CableCARD and Digital Cable Ready FAQs
What does the CableCARD technology do?
CableCARD technology allows a digital cable-ready TV to receive digital programs
without the use of a set-top box. The TV must be labeled by the manufacturer as "Digital
Cable Ready" and must have the Suddenlink CableCARD activated. The CableCARD is
inserted into the CableCARD slot built into the TV. The CableCARD descrambles the
encrypted digital signal provided by Suddenlink.
The first generation of CableCARDs is "one-way," meaning the service cannot support
two-way interactivity. One-way CableCARDs are not capable of accessing interactive
program guides (IPG), Parental Controls, Entertainment on Demand (EOD) services,
Pay-Per-View (PPV) movies, or special program events. The cable and consumer
electronics industries are currently exploring a two-way technology, but its availability
has not been determined.
How does the CableCARD benefit consumers?
The CableCARD enables customers to receive digital programming, including high-
definition (HD) programs, without a cable set-top box.
What is a "Digital Cable Ready" television?
A Digital Cable Ready TV has the built- in technology that allows customers to receive
standard definition and high-definition (HD) digital cable programs using a CableCARD
rather than a set-top box.
How does a Digital Cable Ready television work?
In addition to the electronics typically found in most television sets, a Digital Cable
Ready TV incorporates many of the same electronics found in a digital set-top box except
for the decryption technology that makes a show viewable on the TV screen. This
decryption technology is built into the CableCARD. Since Suddenlink encrypts most, if
not all, digital cable signals, a CableCARD port must be built in the Digital Cable Ready
TV and then activated to receive digital cable programming.
What is a CableCARD?
A CableCARD, which is provided by the cable operator, is shaped like a thick credit card
and contains electronics for decrypting digital cable programs so that the programs can be
displayed on the TV screen. It is inserted into the CableCARD slot on a Digital Cable
Ready TV or other digital cable ready device and replaces a traditional set-top box.
If I buy a Digital Cable Ready TV, will I continue to enjoy all the features that I currently
have through my digital set-top box?
Unfortunately, the current CableCARD technology cannot support two-way interactivity,
so you will not have access to the interactive program guide (IPG), Parental Controls,
Entertainment on Demand services, PPV services, or special program events. The cable
industry is currently exploring a two-way technology with the consumer electronics
industry, but its availability has not been determined yet.
What if I want two-way interactive services?
If you would like to receive two-way services, such as the Suddenlink IPG, Parental
Controls, EOD, PPV, or special program events, you must use a digital set-top box
provided by Suddenlink Communications.
Parental Controls are provided with Suddenlink digital cable service. Are Parental
Controls also provided with the Suddenlink Digital CableCARD Service?
Unfortunately, Parental Controls are not provided with the one-way, CableCARD
service. Two-way service, which is available with a set-top box, is required to access the
IPG and its Parental Controls.
How do I obtain a CableCARD?
Contact Suddenlink Customer Service to obtain a CableCARD.
How much does a CableCARD cost?
You will be able to lease a CableCARD directly from Suddenlink Communications for a
low monthly fee.
How is the CableCARD installed?
A field technician will install the CableCARD and activate it onsite.
Is a Digital Cable Ready TV and a TV with an integrated digital tuner the same thing?
No. A Digital Cable Ready TV has built- in technology that decrypts digital programming
from the CableCARD rather than a set-top box. A TV with an integrated digital tuner can
receive local digital and HD programs from over-the-air broadcasters. However, a cable
set-top box is required to receive the cable TV programs broadcast by your cable service
provider including advanced digital services.
Will my CableCARD work with more than one Digital Cable Ready TV?
No. After your CableCARD device is installed in a TV and activated by a Suddenlink
Field Technician, the CableCARD is "paired" with the TV. In order for your
CableCARD to operate in another Digital Cable Ready device, the CableCARD device
has to be installed in the new device by a Suddenlink Field Technician.
I was unable to create a DVD copy of a program that I watched on my Digital Cable
Ready TV. What happened?
As a part of the regulations for CableCARD technology, the FCC has mandated "Copy
Protection" of digital content. This Copy Protection mandate allows programmers to
determine which programming can be copied digitally by the end consumer. If you are
unable to make a digital copy of a program that you watched on your Digital Cable
Ready TV, the programmer has applied a copy protection directive to that particular
content. Copy protection directives may be "copy never," "copy once," "no more copies,"
or "copy freely."
What happens if I move?
If you move out of your cable service area, you must return the CableCARD to
Suddenlink Communications. The CableCARD will not work in other cable systems. If
you move within your current cable service area, contact a Suddenlink Customer Service
Representative to notify them of your move. They will be able to help you through the
transfer-of-service process.
When can I receive two-way interactive services through a CableCARD?
The consumer electronics and cable industries have agreed in good faith to continue
discussions and negotiations toward development of a two-way, CableCARD agreement.
When a definitive agreement is reached, a launch date for the two-way product will be
anticipated. Even with a two-way CableCARD technology agreement, the one-way
Digital Cable Ready TVs will not be capable of receiving two-way interactive services
without the use of a set-top box.
CableCARD is a trademark of CableLabs, Inc.
Billing
Is there any cost for the Interactive Programming guide?
No. There have been no rate changes related to the program guide.
How much does a CableCARD cost?
Consumers will be able to lease the cards directly from Suddenlink for a low monthly fee.
Repair/Technical
Will my current Suddenlink remote work with the new Suddenlink Interactive Program
Guide?
Yes. All remotes will work.
Will my set top converter work with the new Suddenlink Interactive Program Guide?
Yes.
How do I reset my preferences that are lost the night of the transition?
Reset the preferences by pressing the "MENU" key on the remote. The selections are as
follows:
Favorite Channels
Skipped Channels
Timer Review (pending timers)
Purchase Review (PPV history)
Parental Control
Change PIN
PPV Purchasing
Locking (on/off)
Lock by rating
Lock by channel
Lock by time
Set top Audio
Language
Volume level (Variable, Fixed)
Output mode (Mono, Stereo, Surround, Digital Surround)
Set top Clock
Display (Time, Channel, Time/Channel)
Illumination (Always On, On/Off w/Set top)
Set top AC outlet (On, Off, On w/Set top)
While in the SETTINGS MENU screen,
the you can highlight an option then press "INFO" on the remote.
A help screen will appear to assist them in setting up that options preference.
Will the Suddenlink Interactive Program Guide affect my TV with regards to "burn in"?
The guide and Music Choice information will automatically fade out after 5- minutes of
idle time.
Suddenlink is currently working with the vendor to reduce this to 30-60 seconds of idle
time.
Why does my TV now show a blank screen when the set top box is turned off? It used to
still have a picture.
When the set top is powered off, it is really off and no video will pass through to the
television. This is the configuration that is recommended by the manufacturer of the set
top.
Parental Control
How do I block channels or programming that I don't want my family to have access to?
Suddenlink Digital Cable subscribers can use their digital cable remote controls to block
unwanted programming from entering their homes by simply setting a PIN number.
Customers can completely block specific channels, limit television access by time of day,
restrict viewing by program rating and prevent pay-per-view purchases. Through
Suddenlink Digital Cable, you'll have the most advanced, highly secure parental controls
available.
How can I block programming?
Digital cable boxes provide advanced parental control capabilities. These boxes allow
you to block programs by:
Channels - You can select one or more channels to block. Once you do, the channel(s)
will be blocked at all times unless viewing is authorized by the use of a Personal
Identification Number (PIN) that you create.
TV Ratings -You can block all programs that have received a certain TV rating(s). Be
aware that some programs, such as live sports events, newscasts and public affairs
programs have not been assigned ratings.
MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) Movie Ratings - You can block all films
that have received a certain movie rating(s). Premium channels like HBO and Showtime
air unedited movies that carry the original MPAA movie ratings.
What if I have analog service?
While the controls are not as sophisticated as those of digital cable, most analog boxes
allow customers to block channels they do not want to view. To block a channel,
customers create a Personal Identification Number (PIN) code using the set-top box's
remote control or keypad. Children will not be able to view the blocked channel(s) or
change the control settings without entering the PIN code. Customers will need to repeat
the control procedure for every TV set/set-top box combination in their home. For further
assistance, contact your local Suddenlink customer care center.
What if I don't have a cable set-top box?
If I don't have a cable set-top box, how can I block certain channels from being viewed in
my home? In many cases, you can remove or skip a specific channel using your TV's
settings. Refer to your TV user's manual for more information. Or you can request that
Suddenlink block channels by installing an electronic filter that "traps" out a particular
channel. This filter is physically installed on the cable equipment outside your home and
provides complete blocking of the specific channel until the device is removed. However,
because the trap can affect the quality of the picture, you may want to consider upgrading
to a cable box that includes parental controls.
What is a V-Chip?
The V-chip is available in newly manufactured TV sets with screens 13" or larger. It
works in conjunction with the TV ratings system to allow parents to block programming
they do not want their children to see. After becoming familiar with the TV ratings,
parents can identify the level of programming they want to block. Then, by following the
directions in the TV manual, parents can set the V-chip to block programs with certain
ratings. The settings are password protected and can be changed at any time. For more
information go to www.tvguidelines.org.