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 receiver from Cox Communications for a monthly fee.

Is HDTV programming available in my area?

• Cox’s upgraded customers in Fairfax County 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), ESPN HD, HBO HD (included with Digital HBO subscription), SHOW HD (included with Digital Showtime subscription), Starz! HD (included with Digital Starz! subscription), ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, INHD1 & INHD2, WETA HD, TNT HD 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 Fairfax County.

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

• Customers will need an HDTV-capable or HDTV-ready set and an HDTV receiver 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 receiver different than my current digital set-top?

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

Can I install my HD receiver 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.
• There is a $5.99 monthly charge per channel for customers wishing to subscribe to Discovery HD. (Effective Jan 1, 2005 all HDTV customers with Expanded Basic service & Digital Gateway will receive this at no extra charge.)
• Customers wishing to order HBO/Showtime in HDTV format must subscribe to these channels in digital. The HD broadcast channels are provided at no 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 receiver that will receive the HDTV signals for a small monthly lease charge.
• Cox also offers the high definition signals of your local network broadcasters at no additional charge. 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.

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 receiver 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 receiver, most of these integrated sets still require the external receiver/HD receiver to get the full array of HD channels.

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.