This article answers some of the most commonly asked digital cable equipment questions. You may choose a topic or questions from the list below or scroll through all of the questions to gain a better understanding of Charter TV equipment.
Charter, in support of the OpenCable project, currently leases CableCARDs in order to support Plug & Play televisions through retail outlets.
A CableCARD is a security device that plugs into a Digital Cable Ready TV and permits reception of encrypted digital services. A CableCARD looks like the PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card or PC Card typically used in PCs. In the past, CableCARDs were initially referred to as “Point-of-Deployment (POD) modules,” and that term may be occasionally used in technical and regulatory material.
A CableCARD (the card that Charter will provide) is required for the customer to view encrypted programming such as HBO, Cinemax, Digital Tiers, Music Choice, etc.†
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How does a Digital CableCARD-Ready TV work?
Most of the signal-processing capabilities normally provided by the set-top box are built into the television set, such as the ability to receive High Definition programming. The exception is digital signal security, which is controlled by the CableCARD.
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How do I get a CableCARD?
CableCARDs can be leased from Charter Communications and can be activated by professional installation. Please contact Customer Service for pricing and scheduling installation.
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What services will I be able to take advantage of as a CableCARD customer?
Analog and digital channels that are in the clear will be available through a CableCARD-Ready TV. With the authorized CableCARD, you can receive encrypted video services that you subscribe to, such as HBO. With the CableCARD, you will also be able to tune channels using the Charter assigned channel numbers. The currently available CableCARD TVs and CableCARDs do not support interactive services such as Pay-Per-View, Video On Demand, iTV, or Interactive Program Guides. That capability may come in future devices from consumer electronic manufactures using CableCARDs.
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I have a CableCARD. What do I need to do to deactivate my service?
You must communicate any change in your status to Charter, just as if you were a regular cable television customer. You may either return your CableCARD to your local Charter office or schedule a technician to come to your home to disconnect and retrieve any Charter equipment, including the CableCARD.
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Do I have to have a CableCARD to get digital cable from Charter?
No, you can choose between a CableCARD for a CableCARD TV and any available Digital Receivers.
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What equipment do I need in order to use a CableCARD?
You will need to purchase a retail set-top box or a television with a CableCARD slot.
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What happens if I move to a new area?
If you relocate to an area with a different cable provider, simply turn in your CableCARD to Charter and obtain a new CableCARD from your new provider. Essentially, you own the equipment and lease the CableCARD.
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† CableCARDs will not provide access to digitally encrypted channels in areas where Charter has implemented Switched Digital Video (SDV). In SDV areas, HDTV CableCARD customers will need an HD Receiver to view digitally encrypted channels. Customers using a CableCARD TiVO device will need to install a Tuning Adapter to view digitally encrypted channels. For more information on the Tuning Adapter, click here.