Cable Network

Q: Can I watch TV and use CMA High Speed Internet at the same time?
A: Yes! You can surf the web, watch TV, and talk on the phone simultaneously without interrupting any of these services.

Q: If I don’t subscribe to cable, can I still get CMA High Speed Internet service?
A: Absolutely. You can subscribe only to CMA High Speed Internet. CMA packages are available to save money with cable and Internet combinations. Ask your CMA customer service rep for more details.

Q: Will CMA install new cable in my neighborhood?
A: CMA uses existing cable lines to provide the high speed Internet service.

Q: I want CMA High Speed Internet, and I already have a cable outlet. Is it still necessary to install another line?
A: Often a new cable outlet is required, but this may differ from household to household. A technician will determine the needs for your specific situation.

Q: How does the cable modem connect to my computer?
A: The cable modem is an external device that connects to your computer’s 10Base-T Ethernet network.

Q: Can I use a splitter on my television cable?
A: One of the advantages of using CMA High Speed Internet service is that, in most cases, it uses the existing cable that is already in your home. This cable is capable of carrying both video signals and data signals at the same time. While it may appear that you only need to install a splitter on the existing cable, due to the potential of introducing “noise” or interference into the cable system, CMA may require the installation of a data outlet in a secondary location. A technician will determine the best solution for your situation.

Q: How can I get cable from the TV in my living room to the PC in my bedroom?
A: Since both data and television signals travel on the same physical cable, you may require a cable splitter to provide multiple connections. To avoid the potential of introducing noise to the system, a cable technician may install a cable outlet or splitter in the second location.

Q: If my cable is out, how will that affect my Internet service?
A: If your cable service isn’t working, your cable Internet service will most likely be inaccessible as well. If the cable service is down, we will work diligently to restore both services, but if the problem persists after cable connectivity has been restored, please call Technical Support.

Understanding Cable Modem Technology
Q: What is a cable modem?
A: A cable modem is a device that connects your computer to the Internet via your local cable television provider. A cable modem has two connections, one that leads to the cable lines outside your home and one that connects to your computer, typically via an Ethernet connection.

Q: How does a cable modem work?
A: Cable modems modulate and demodulate RF signals. The cable modem receives data in what is known as the downstream signal. This signal is modulated on television channels that are six MHz wide at frequencies between 88 MHz to 750 MHz. This signal usually runs adjacent to other television signals.

Q: How does a cable modem connect to a computer?
A: There are typically three main components that connect a cable modem to a computer: a coaxial cable, a Category 5 twisted pair line, and a 10Base-T Ethernet network interface card (also called a NIC card). The coaxial cable line from the outside of the building connects to the cable modem. The Category 5 twisted pair line connects the computer to the cable modem. The network interface card inside the computer enables the cable modem to “talk” to the computer.

Q: Can I watch television and browse the Internet at the same time?
A: Yes. Since television and the cable modem operate on separate frequencies of the available cable bandwidth, you will be able to watch television and browse the Internet at the same time.

Q: How fast will a cable modem download and upload data?
A: Cable modem speeds vary depending on network architecture and configuration, local bandwidth provisioning, your system configuration, the number of users accessing the network at the same time, and the service level to which you subscribe.

The asymmetric cable modem scheme is the most common type of cable network setup and will allow for a faster data transmission rate – or higher bandwidth – on the downstream data path than the upstream data path. This network setup works well since most cable modem users download more information than they send. For example, downloading web pages and multimedia files and participating in newsgroups requires much more bandwidth than sending web page requests or email.

Q: Is a telephone line still required when using a cable modem to access the Internet?
A: No. You will not need a telephone line when using a two-way cable modem. The cable line carries both upstream and downstream signals.

HD Technology

Q: What Is High Definition Television (HDTV or Hi-Def TV)?
A: Better television … crisper, cleaner and clearer pictures with much more detail than standard TV … you know, the kind you’ve been watching all of your life. The size of the HDTV screen is different, too. Instead of the square-ish TV you’re used to, the HDTV picture is wide screen (a 16 X 9 ratio). The HDTV signal is also different. Your old sets are called “analog.” HDTV signals are digital. But, remember, all digital signals are NOT High Definition! On February 17, 2009, there will no longer be analog (the old kind of) signals over-the-air; only digital. Be sure you know you can receive HD signals whether over-the-air or from a multichannel video provider … and you know you’re on the right track using whereishd.com!

Q: What Do I Need in Order To Watch Hi-Def?
A: You will need (1) a high definition TV set; (2) an available high definition TV signal source (some signals may be available free over-the-air but will require a special antenna); (3) a TV show shot in (or at least converted to) high definition; and (4) a high definition TV tuner. The tuner requirement causes some confusion because some so-called HDTV sets are really only HDTV-enabled and need a special tuner (a sometimes separate component) or an HD cable or satellite set-top box. (NOTE: one can, of course, watch a standard definition TV signal on an HDTV set … but it won’t look as good so don’t be disappointed. Also, all DVDs look great on HDTV sets and HD-DVDs look even better. Some networks advertise themselves as “HD.” But in fact provide little – or in some cases zero – programming in high-definition format. Instead they provide standard definition digital signals which have been “up-converted” to HD. To find out which networks provide the most HD format programming, enter your ZIP code and check out the listings by provider … the listings also show the percentage of time HD signals are available per day.)

Q: How Do I Find a High Definition Signal?
A: Most cities have some HDTV over-the-air from their local major network affiliate stations. Many so-called cable networks also are available from your local cable TV system, perhaps from a second local cable provider, from satellite providers DISH and DIRECTV, perhaps from your local telephone company (either on the telephone system’s special distribution facilities or from a satellite provider), or even from the large satellite dish known as 4DTV. The over-the-air signals are free but require a special antenna. All other sources charge some monthly fee for the programming, the set-top box or both. Just enter your ZIP code at www.whereishd.com to find out what’s available at your home. You’ll also see what percentage of each day’s broadcasts is in HD. This information can help you pick the best service for your needs. The website also has direct links to the HDTV signal providers for your convenience.

Q: What Do All of Those Numbers – 720p and 1080i – Mean? And, What About Plasma and LCD and Flat This or That?
A: The numbers refer to the lines of information the TV set can display. Standard TV has 480 lines. While the more the better might seem obvious, it isn’t. HDTV sets come in sizes ranging from 15″ to, believe it or not, 105″ and more! HDTV’s also come in a bewildering array of technologies. One important point, though: they ALL look great! The 720p means that the set has 720 lines filled in a progressive scan technology (each line is filled in a continuous stream that looks smooth). The 1080i means the set has 1,080 lines filled in a technique known as “interlaced.” And there is also 1080p (yep, 1,080 lines in progressive scan). All are good, but 1080p is considered the very best if you are really, really picky and don’t mind that most programming is shot in either 720p or 1080i anyways. A lot of programming is also “up-converted” form standard to Hi-Def and, naturally, isn’t quite as perfect (but still looks great). Flat panel sets and rear-projection sets are available in a number of screen technologies including plasma, DPL, LCD and more. Which one is best depends upon your intended use and your own viewing taste. For more detailed information, check out http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5137915-1.html on CNET (highly recommended) or http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/how-to-hdtv3.htm from the Discovery Channel.

Q: We Give Up … What Is C-Band (4DTV)?
A: Remember way back before DISH and DIRECTV? Backyard satellite dishes were much bigger … 4DTV is the set-top box for Hi-Def signals for the large dish world.

Q: How Do I Find Out More Information?
A: Easy. Just click on the button in the middle of the bottom frame of the TV set at whereishd.com … enter your phone number and email address and someone will call you in just a few moments to answer your questions … as you are waiting for this free service, a short video will play informing you about some exciting Hi-Def programming services.

Q: What is High Definition programming?
A: High Definition programming via your television can offer spectacular video qualities … but that doesn’t mean much if you don’t have good programming, and a good variety of programming, to choose from on your television. While the amount of HD programming is growing every day, as of early 2008 the actual number of U.S. networks offering HD services was well under 100. To be sure, these services include some of the best known names in television (see the list below) but many of these provide only SOME of their programming in HD.

Thus, for example, in January 2008 CNN HD provided only 30 percent of its programming in actual high definition; MTV HD offered just over half of its line-up in HD; and ESPN HD provided slightly less than 80 percent of its programming in HD.

In addition to cable networks with HD services, many broadcasters provide free over-the-air HD programming. For example, in early 2008, Long Island showed 15 broadcast channels offering at least some HD programming. (It should be noted, of course, that some of this programming is duplicative … that is two different feeds from ABC, two from NBC etc.) As with the cable networks, broadcast HD networks may offer anywhere from 1 percent to 100 percent of their programming in HD. Likewise, while all major networks offer HD programming, there is no guarantee that the local affiliate will choose to carry that programming.

The below is a list of all known U.S. networks providing at least some programming in HD. Pay-per-view, Video on Demand, and seasonal sports networks are not included. HD availability for specific ZIP codes can be found at the following website: http://whereishd.com.

U.S. TV Networks with HD Programming
A&E HD East Fox HD Channel (FOXHDWE) Home Box Office Digital Spike TV HD
ABC Fox HD Channel (Prime HD) Madison Square Garden High Definition Sportsnet NY HD
Animal Planet HD Fox Sports Detroit HD MGM HD Movie Net Starz Comedy HD
ANiMANia Fox Sports New York High Definition MOJO HD Starz Edge HD
Big Ten Network HD Fox Sports Pittsburgh HD Monsters Starz Kids & Family HD
Biography Channel HD Fox Sports Rocky Mountain HD Movie Channel, The (Digital) STARZ! High Definition
CBS Fox Sports SW HD MTV HD Sun Sports HD
USA HD FX Networks HD National Geographic HD TBS HD
CineMAX High Definition Gallery NBC The Discovery Channel HD
CNBC HD GamePlay New England Sports Network (Digital) The Weather Channel HD
CNN HD Golf Channel/Versus HD NFL Network HD TNTHD (TNT-HD)
Comcast Sportnet HD HBO Latino Outdoor Channel HD 2 Treasure
EQUATOR HD Cinema 2
(World Cinema) PBS Ultra HD
ESPN2 HD HD Cinema 4
(Kung Fu) Rave Universal HD
ESPNHD HD News Rush USA Network HD
Family Room HD Theater Sci-Fi Channel HD Wealth TV HD
Film Fest HDNet Science Channel HD WGN/UVTV Satellite Group
Food HD HDNet Movies Showtime 2 HD World Sport
FOX HGTV HD (HGHD) Showtime Digital Yes Network HD
Fox Business Network HD History HD Smithsonian Network

Q: Why do you list channels for Local Broadcast that I cannot receive?
A: Local Broadcast or ‘over-the-air’ requires a line-of-sight to the broadcast tower. Our search functionality does not take topography or other obstructions such as tall buildings that may block line-of-sight into account. For an in-depth reception resource, we suggest using AntennaWeb.

Q: Okay, but I would still like to know even more about High Definition Television. Where can I go?
A: Wikipedia has an exhaustive article on High Definition Television that can be found here.

Q: Does the transition to digital TVs in 2009 mean that I will start to get HD programming?
A: No! The digital transition does NOT mean that you will start to receive HDTV. Absolutely, positively, NOT. Here’s why: High definition television is a KIND of digital television just as a Maserati is a kind of car or caviar is a kind of egg. Obviously, a Maserati or a spoonful of caviar takes a great deal more time, money and materials or energy to produce than, say, a Honda or a hen’s egg. In the world of digital television, HD is exactly the same: It takes more time, money and, in this case, bandwidth (the energy waves used to transmit TV) than regular digital television. Of course, regular digital television provides a sharper, clearer picture than the old analog TV just as high-def TV produces a sharper, clearer picture than regular digital television. To receive HDTV, you will still need to purchase a package of HD channels or get a special antenna for over-the-air reception.

Q: I’m a HDTV retailer, and would love to include your data in my stores – how do I do that?
A: Contact Robert Lehmann at (303)271-9960 or lehmannr@mediabiz.com and ask for details.

Q: Why is the number of “HD Ready” Channels counted as HD Channels?
A: We’ve been talking a lot around here about that, and we’ve gotten to the point where we want to include channels that are HD Ready into the count to make sure we don’t leave a programmer out that may have HD Programming tomorrow afternoon. They are included because we feel confident that at some point they will have HD Programming.