Cable Card
The cable card is an electronic card - about the size of a thick credit card - that inserts into a new generation of TV's and other digital electronic devices.
Cable cards decrypt (unscramble) Bright House Networks' channels so that set-top converter boxes are no longer needed. With a cable card, customers can see digital and analog channels; as well as HD programming and subscription channels such as HBO, Cinemax, etc.
But
cable cards do have limitations. Cable cards only work on devices specifically made to accept them.
Supported TVs (PDF) - current list of certified TVs that will support this cable card.
Even on these compatible devices, cable cards do not provide customers with the very popular interactive cable guide
( iGuide) or allow customers to order advanced services such as Pay Per View events, on Demand programming or Premium Sports Packages to name a few. Bright House Networks and other cable operators are currently working with consumer electronics manufacturers to develop a standard that permits the two-way communication required to receive these interactive programming services. However, there are no two-way TV hosts on the market today.
Cable cards are not available at electronic stores. They are only available through Bright House Networks at a low, per month rental fee, plus tax. In order for a cable card to operate, a Bright House Networks technician must visit the customer's home to install and program the card. If a customer moves out of Bright House Networks service area, he/she must return the cable card to Bright House Networks. The new cable provider must install a new card to ensure compatibility with their system.
Bright House Networks actively strives to provide customers with the most innovative products and services available on the market today. The cable card is one of the newest technologies in the electronics industry and as such, is continually being modified. As this process continues, there will be occasional technical challenges with the card, which Bright House Networks, in cooperation with others in the industry, will work to resolve.
Do I still need a Set Top Box?
The CableCARD enables access to the majority of Digital Cable services, however, certain advanced options are not available. Those customers who have an interest in these services may wish to retain their Digital Set Top Box to ensure access to the full suite of digital services.
Our Digital Set Top Boxes are becoming more advanced. They are intuitive and simple to program. We believe that the Set Top Box is a desired part of the American household as it provides an easy-to-use, on-screen guide and allows families to parentally control, record, time shift, fast forward and reverse programming. It also provides for full Video-On-Demand (VOD) capability - one of our most popular features.
Are there products that are not enabled by the CableCARD?
The initial CableCARDS will only enable one-way services and are not capable of delivering two-way interactive services (services such as VOD, use of the interactive program guide (IPG) and Pay-Per-View movies, sports and events).
How do I obtain a CableCARD?
Customers who own a supported television set (DCR set), should call and schedule a convenient appointment for the installation of a CableCARD. Please call our customer service department at 1-866-898-9101.
