Standard/Limited Cable
What is a "cable ready" TV?
In order to be marketed as "cable ready," televisions
and VCR's must meet three specific requirements. The first
requirement is an improved tuner that is more resistant to
interference than traditional tuners. The second requirement
is the ability to tune cable channels according to an FCC-approved
channel plan. The final requirement is a special connector
that allows cable service to be directly connected to the
television without the use of a set-top converter.
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My cable is out. What should I do?
Please report all outages by calling Cox customer service,
478-784-8000. Before you call, please check to see if
the electricity is on, the television is plugged in and
that your TV is on the correct channel if you have a converter
or VCR hooked up.
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Will Cox install extra outlets if
I'm a renter?
Yes, but you will need to obtain written permission from
your landlord authorizing Cox to install/move outlets at
your direction.
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What are my responsibilities regarding
the Cox-owned equipment that I rent?
If any equipment you rent from Cox is lost, stolen or destroyed
you are responsible for replacement costs. The charges range
from $150 to $500 for each converter depending on the make
and model of the unit(s). We recommend that you include this
equipment on your homeowner or rental insurance policy so
in case of loss, your out-of-pocket expenses are minimal.
If insurance coverage is not an option, Cox will bill you
for the equipment and work out payment arrangements.
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What is a public access channel?
Cox is required to set aside one or more channels for use
by the public, educational institutions, municipal government
or for lease on a non-discriminatory basis.
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What
does "channel capacity" mean?
Channel capacity is the maximum number of channels that a
cable system can carry simultaneously.
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What is the difference between coaxial
cable and fiber optic cable?
Coaxial cable is pure copper or copper-coated wire surrounded
by insulation with an aluminum covering used to transmit
television, telephone and data signals. Fiber optic cable
is also used to deliver the same types of signals but carry
much wider bands of frequencies. It's made of very thin,
pliable tubes of glass or plastic.
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What is DBS service?
DBS stands for Direct Broadcast Satellite. Programming signals
are transmitted directly from a satellite to a home roof-top
receiving dish (antenna).
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How does Cox Communications choose
the networks it carries?
There are many different factors that contribute to the selection
of programming for Cox Cable. In general, some of the deciding
factors are cost, subscriber demand, ratings, financial viability
of the company that is offering the channel, availability
of open channels on our cable system; and whether or not
there are similar channels on our line-up.
Cox is committed to providing quality programming to our
customers, and we welcome your programming suggestions.
- Request a channel
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What
is a "Premium Channel"?
A premium channel offers uninterrupted, commercial-free programming.
Many premium channels (such as HBO and Showtime) started
by offering mainly uninterrupted, commercial-free, uncut
movies and were referred to as "movie channels," But
today, HBO and Showtime channels offer a range of sports
programming and original series - as well as movie favorites.
Other premium channels guarantee all movies, all the time.
To get more details about Premium channels available in
your area, special offers and to order online, click
here to setup an online account.
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How do I request a channel not currently
carried on my channel line-up?
Channel requests help us to make decisions when we have the
ability to add to or change a channel line-up. You may submit
your request online, by calling the customer service
number listed on your monthly billing statement, in person
at your local Cox office, or by mailing your request to the
local office address also listed on your billing statement.
Please do not include any written correspondence with your
payment.
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How do I block out channels I don't
want to receive (such as MTV)?
Customers can have channels such as MTV removed from their
cable line-up by using the parental control feature available
on most addressable converter models rented by Cox. It's
also possible that, depending on the model of television
or VCR you have, you could program your own television equipment
to block programming you prefer not to receive.
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Why
do I need a converter or "cable
box"?
Some cable channels are scrambled to prevent theft. The "cable
box" provided to you at the time of installation helps
to unscramble those signals. On some older TVs, this equipment
also helps you to receive additional channels that your TV
tuner may not be able to receive on its own.
The more sophisticated converters, addressable converters,
are controlled by computers at our office and allow you to
order pay-per-view movies and events and add a premium service
without having a technician come to your home.
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What is an access channel?
Access channels are channels set aside by the cable operator
for use by the public, educational institutions, municipal
government, or for lease on a non-discriminatory basis.
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How does Cable TV work?
Early cable TV systems operated on the principle of tree
and branch. It consisted of an antenna for receiving over
the air broadcast programs, a building called a headend
for combining the programs received and a trunk distribution
system of booster amplifiers and coaxial cables for delivery
of the programs to customers.
In the 1970s, the antenna was replaced with a satellite
earth station and the trunk system with microwave links to
what are called hub sites. With the introduction of commercially
practical fiber optic cables in the late 1980s, a significant
advancement in improving the quality and reliability of the
cable network became possible.
Today, Cox Communications engineers have designed a Hybrid
Fiber Coax (HFC) network with a unique configuration called "ring-in-ring." A
primary fiber optic ring covers a large geographical area,
such as your city or community, and carries signals in a
circular path around the ring. Connecting to the primary
ring are groups of secondary rings serving smaller areas.
Finally, grouped around each secondary ring are fiber optic "nodes." The
nodes function to convert the optical signals back into a
standard broadcast form for distribution to the consumer.
The purpose of these optical rings is to insure uninterrupted
service to you, the customer. For example, in the event of
a loss of signal flow from one direction around the primary
ring, a sensor located at each secondary ring will detect
this loss, automatically switch to an alternative route and
then send a high priority maintenance signal back to the
system office. The result is a network that provides a reliability
of 99.99 percent.
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