Billing | Repair/Technical | Key features glossary
How do I record a program with the VCR?
To record something on your VCR
- You'll now need to program both your digital set-top box and your VCR.
- To program your digital set-top box
- Highlight the program that you want to record
- Press select
- Select, and set a Timer (the program will be highlighted in red).
- Then follow your VCR manufacturer's instructions and set the VCR to record for channel 3 or 4.
Why are we changing on screen program guide?
Customers have requested a faster, easier to read guide that provides them with the most up to date available technology. This change also allows us to meet the evolving needs of our customers and new products that may be rolled out in the future.
How would a Favorite, Skipped, Locked, or Timer set program be identified in the guide grid or the browser bar?
- In the guide grid, the appropriate icon will appear in the top left corner when the program is highlighted.
- In the browser bar, the appropriate icon will appear on the far left side.
How do I cancel a timer or an advance PPV purchase?
You will need to access the SETTINGS MENU
- select timer/purchase review
- navigate to the program to be cancelled
- follow direction listed on pop-up prompt.
Special note: On a PPV purchase the you may lose the option to cancel as soon as the box tunes to the channel.
What are the enhanced features of the Cox Interactive Program Guide?
- Faster, up, down, left, and right scrolling on the guide is more responsive and all commands are executed quicker
- The on-screen look is easier to read, with less clutter and a sharper type.
- Intuitive navigation using the remote's cloverleaf design (up, down, left, and right).
- Provides Parental Control for both Movie and TV ratings as well as for a specific time of day.
- Provides context-sensitive help screens to guide you through navigation and personal preference setup.
- There is only one password required to set up PPV purchases and Parental Control Blocking.
- PIN
lock out.
- If you fail to enter the correct PIN 3 consecutive times
- You will need to call Customer Service to reset PIN to the default "0000".
- Provides a "Skip Channel" function for skipping non-subscribed pay channels while channel surfing.
- Provides a "Setting a Timer" function for setting your set top converter to tune to a specific channel at a specific time.
- Provides a "PPV Purchase Review" feature that allows you to view your past purchases.
- The set top now supports AC-3 audio, (Digital surround sound).
What is a WMA file?
WMA stands for Microsoft's "Windows Media Audio" file format. The WMA format can be played using Windows Media Player, AOL Player, WinAmp, Real Jukebox, RealOne, and MusicMatch Jukebox. WMA can also be played on certain portable devices.
What is a digital audio file?
A digital audio file is a file that you can download and play on your computer. It's usually music, but can be any type of audio.
What is a Media Player?
Media players are programs used to play digital music stored on the computer, accessed online, or on a CD. Windows Media Player, for example, comes with Windows 98, 2000, ME, and XP. There are other players available that can be downloaded for free such as the RealOne Player, MusicMatch Jukebox, and Winamp.
What are some of the features that are lost?
- Guide
Data Information.
- Currently you may see 3-4 days of data.
- With the new guide you will see 1-3 days depending on the type of set top that you have.
- Data is refreshed every 24 hours around 4:00am.
- Long program descriptions from the browser bar. Long program descriptions must be accessed through the guide grid.
- PPV purchasing limits set by customer.
- Color accents for the PPV and Movie/Premium channels
- Cox is working to restore these features, but the functionality may be slightly different.
Is there anything I need to do after the transition to the Cox Interactive Program Guide?
You will need to reset the following;
- Parental Control Settings
- Favorite Channels
- Advanced PPV purchases
What if I don't have guide data after the transitions?
Please call your local Cox Customer Service.
How will the EAS (emergency alert system) notify the me (customer)?
The EAS will act the same as it currently does by force tuning to the alert.
How do I obtain the program description?
- While in the guide grid, a short description is displayed at the top of the guide for the program highlighted.
- While in the guide grid, a long description can be accessed by highlighting the program and pressing the "INFO" key on the remote.
- The guide will slide to the right and expose the long description. Long descriptions will only be provided if the program provider supplies the information.
- While viewing a program, press the "INFO" key on the remote to display a short program description.
- If you are channel browsing, then the long description can be accessed through the guide grid.
How do the various program timers work?
When an PPV advanced purchase is made (program will be highlighted green in guide), a reminder barker will appear 1-minute prior to the event starting and then auto tune to the channel when the movie starts. You do not have respond to the barker for the box to tune to the event.
Also, when a reminder timer is set (program will be highlighted red in guide), a reminder barker will appear 1-minute prior to the program beginning and then auto tune to the channel when the program starts. You do not have to respond to the barker for the box to tune to the program selected.
Set an auto tune to a program and turn the set-top box off.
- At the program start time the set-top box will be turned on.
- this will activate the AC power outlet if it has been set to turn on and off with the set top converter.
- At the end of the program the set top converter will turn off if the channel was not changed.
CableCARD and Digital Cable Ready FAQs
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 Cox CableCARD activated. The CableCARD is inserted into the CableCARD slot built into the TV. The CableCARD descrambles the encrypted digital signal provided by Cox.
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?
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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 Cox 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 Cox IPG, Parental Controls, EOD, PPV, or special program events, you must use a digital set-top box provided by Cox Communications.
Parental Controls are provided with Cox digital cable service. Are Parental Controls also provided with the Cox 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 Cox Customer Service to obtain a CableCARD.
How much does a CableCARD cost?
You will be able to lease a CableCARD directly from Cox 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 Cox 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 Cox 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 Cox Communications. The CableCARD will not work in other cable systems. If you move within your current cable service area, contact a Cox 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.
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 Cox for a low monthly fee.
Will my current Cox remote work with the new Cox Interactive Program Guide?
Yes. All remotes will work.
Will my set top converter work with the new Cox 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 Cox 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.
- Cox 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.
How do I block channels or programming that I don't want my family to have access to?
Cox 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 Cox 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 Cox 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 Cox 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.