Digital Cable FAQ
Digital Cable FAQ | Broadband FAQ | Phone FAQ
- What is the Interactive Guide?
- What can I do with the Interactive Guide?
- What is Mediacom On Demand?
- What's the difference between On Demand and Pay-Per-View?
- What unique features and programming do I get with On Demand?
- What is Premium On Demand?
- What does an On Demand movie cost?
- How often are On Demand movies updated?
- Can I use my DVR to record On Demand programming?
- What can I do with DVR?
- How easy is it to use?
- How many hours of TV can I record?
- How long can I keep my recordings?
- What are the advantages to having a dual-tuner DVR?
- What equipment do I need to get started?
- Can I record On Demand and Pay-Per-View programs?
- How long can I pause live TV?
- Can I watch a program while I'm recording another?
- Can I program my DVR to record every episode of a specific show?
- Can I receive and record programs in high-definition with my DVR?
- What's the visible difference between HDTV and our current television system?
- Will I be able to see more of the picture with HDTV?
- What's the difference between HD-capable and HD-ready TVs?
- Why doesn't the picture always display in full screen when I'm tuned to a high-definition channel?
- What HDTV programming does Mediacom offer?
What is the Interactive Guide?
The guide is a new and improved programming guide through your remote control. It unlocks a world of greater choice, convenience and control as you watch television.
What can I do with the Interactive Guide?
You can set Reminders, Favorites and Parental Locks. You will have access to Mediacom On Demand and Digital Video Recording.
What is Mediacom On Demand?
Mediacom On Demand is a service that enables customer access to movies and special programs ranging from recently released blockbuster titles to timeless classics. All titles are accessible with your remote control.
What's the difference between On Demand and Pay-Per-View?
With Pay-Per-View movies, you have no control over the title you've selected once it starts playing. On Demand gives you total control over the program for a 24-hour period. That means you can pause a movie, rewind to a part you missed or simply watch as many times as you like.
What unique features and programming do I get with On Demand?
In addition to giving you total control over what you watch with features like pause, fast forward and rewind, On Demand offers the most comprehensive library of movie titles that are available for you to watch whenever you want. You can also choose from a wide selection of free special programming through MagRack, which ranges from cooking to yoga.
What is Premium On Demand?
When you have a subscription to a corresponding digital service such as HBO, you will receive free access to their movies currently playing, plus additional library titles (older titles). There are also original series and special features available.
What does an On Demand movie cost?
Most movie rentals from On Demand are just $3.99 per title, less than many video rental stores, especially when considering the "cost" of time and travel. MagRack selections, however, are free. In order to receive On Demand, you must subscribe to a Mediacom digital package.
How often are On Demand movies updated?
In order to provide you with the best possible choices, we continuously refresh our On Demand selection. Of course, films in the classics section can never be dated. Nevertheless, we rotate classic titles frequently, as well as ensure that the most recent hits are available for your enjoyment.
Can I use my DVR to record On Demand programming?
No. The movies and special programs available through On Demand cannot be recorded on a Mediacom DVR box.
What can I do with DVR?
DVR provides you with the ability to record your favorite programs all season long, in addition to allowing you to pause and rewind live TV. You can even set REMINDERS so you don't miss shows you want to watch.
How easy is it to use?
Using your DVR is easy. When you want to record a program, select the RECORD button. When you want to pause TV, select the PAUSE button.
How many hours of TV can I record?
Recording capacity depends on the video format that is being used. For digital programs, you have approximately 80 hours of storage space, and with high-definition you have approximately 25 hours.
How long can I keep my recordings?
You can keep your favorite programs as long as you want. But remember, recording space is limited, so you may need to delete programs on occasion to make room for more.
What are the advantages to having a dual-tuner DVR?
With a dual-tuner, you can watch one program while recording another. You can even record two of your favorite programs at the same time.
What equipment do I need to get started?
You will need an HDTV/DVR converter box and a remote. It is virtually the same size as a DVD player and can be conveniently placed on top or near your TV.
Can I record On Demand and Pay-Per-View programs?
On Demand content cannot be recorded with your DVR. You may record Pay-Per-View programs like any other program.
How long can I pause live TV?
You can pause up to two hours of standard TV programming; less with HD programming.
Can I watch a program while I'm recording another?
You can watch a previously recorded program while you are recording a live program by accessing the DVR menu. However, if you change channels, a screen will appear asking you to confirm this channel change and stop the recording.
Can I program my DVR to record every episode of a specific show?
Your DVR will allow you to schedule recordings based on a program airtime and channel. You can also set a repeat recording, such as every day or once a week.
Can I receive and record programs in high-definition with my DVR?
Yes! As long as you have the DVR connected to a high-definition television (HDTV), you can watch HDTV programming as well as record it on your DVR.
What's the visible difference between HDTV and our current television system?
One word - resolution. Television images are actually composites of many horizontal lines. More lines mean better picture quality. Regular televisions feature a maximum of 480 interlaced lines in the picture. HDTV uses 720 to 1080 lines, allowing viewers the opportunity to see more detail than ever before, such as specks of color in an actor's eyes.
Will I be able to see more of the picture with HDTV?
Absolutely. HDTV's widescreen format is a 16:9 aspect ratio - just like a movie theater. Widescreen format creates a panoramic effect for the viewer, conveying more scenery and action. By comparison, a standard TV has an aspect ratio of 4:3.
What's the difference between HD-capable and HD-ready TVs?
Today, HDTV is available in two forms: HD-ready and HD-capable. HD-ready sets have built-in HDTV receivers. This built-in receiver, however, is not compatible with Mediacom's HDTV receiver/ converter. HD-capable sets are, essentially, monitors that require an external receiver/converter. In both cases, a Mediacom HDTV digital converter is required.
Why doesn't the picture always display in full screen when I'm tuned to a high-definition channel?
Not all programs are in high-definition format; therefore, programs will not always be full-screen. Not every show currently broadcast by an HD station is in HD format. You can assume that if you are getting a picture on the HD channel, your equipment is functioning properly. You may want to check your HD monitor (TV set) settings (consult the HD monitor's user manual).
What HDTV programming does Mediacom offer?
With the lease of Mediacom's HDTV converter, you receive all local HD broadcasters carried by Mediacom in your market. If you subscribe to HBO, Showtime or Starz premium services, you receive their HDTV offerings at no additional charge. An optional $9.95 package of HD services (HD Pak) consists of ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Universal HD, Discovery HD, HD Net and HD Net Movies.