Charter Digital Cable® FAQ | High-Speed® Internet FAQ | Charter Telephone® FAQ


Charter Digital Cable® FAQ

  1. What is a Digital Receiver?
  2. Can I get digital services on all TV's?
  3. Will Charter Communications install extra outlets if I'm a renter?
  4. Is Charter Digital® the same as Digital TV?
  5. Do I need to get a new TV to enjoy Charter Digital?

HDTV FAQ

  1. What is HDTV?
  2. What HDTV programming does Charter Communications® offer?
  3. What do I need to get Charter HDTV?
  4. If I get Charter HDTV-capable receiver/decoder, can I watch HD programming on my regular TV?
  5. I already have an HD television. Do I still need Charter's HD-capable receiver/decoder?

Charter DVR FAQ

  1. What is Charter DVR?
  2. What is the difference between Charter DVR and a VCR?
  3. Will I need to purchase any special equipment to use the Charter DVR product?
  4. Can I watch one program and tape another?


Digital Television FAQ

What is a Digital Receiver?
A Digital Receiver is a piece of equipment that converts digital programming to an analog format so it can be viewed on a TV set. Services included with a digital receiver may include a Universal Remote, Navigator, 40 Digital Music Choice Channels, and 38 Pay-Per-View choices.

Back to top

Can I get digital services on all TV's?
Yes, we can install a digital receiver on all of your TV's.

Back to top

Will Charter Communications install extra outlets if I'm a renter?
Yes, but you will need to obtain written permission from your landlord authorizing Charter Communications to install/move outlets at your direction.

Back to top

Is Charter Digital® the same as Digital TV?
Actually, digital cable and digital TV are different. Both use a compressed signal, allowing for more data (channels, music, movies, etc.) to be sent across our network to your home. The digital receiver decompresses and formats the signal so that you can view it on your television.

However, you can receive Charter Digital on any TV, not just digital televisions. HDTV requires new production (the making of the programs we watch), new transmission (broadcast stations), and specific equipment (HDTV set and decoder) for reception.

Back to top

Do I need to get a new TV to enjoy Charter Digital?
No, our technician will install a digital receiver so you can view the digital services on your TV.

Back to top


HDTV FAQ

What is HDTV?
High Definition Television (HDTV) is a type of Digital Television (DTV). DTV sets receive and display digital images.

HDTV is digital television that combines extremely high resolution with Dolby Digital® 5.1 Channel surround sound. HDTV provides a crisp, sharper image due to the increased number of pixels the digital signal puts on screen; the higher the number of pixels, the sharper the picture - and HDTV has the highest resolution available.

HDTV screens are wider than they are tall, providing a panoramic view, similar to a movie screen. This allows you to see movies as they were filmed without reformatting. There are also HDTV-capable sets that look like regular televisions, but provide HDTV formatting in a letterbox presentation (with black bars on the top and bottom of the TV image).

Back to top

What HDTV programming does Charter Communications® offer?
With Charter HDTV, you can get the following HD channels*:

*Channel availability varies by location.

Back to top

What do I need to get Charter HDTV?
You will need an HDTV set, an HD-Capable digital receiver and decoder. We offer a digital receiver with a built in decoder. You will also need component video (RGB) cables and audio cables to connect this equipment which are available in our Charter HDTV Activation kit.

Back to top

If I get Charter HDTV-capable receiver/decoder, can I watch HD programming on my regular TV?
No. You must have a High Definition television or HD-capable television.

Back to top

I already have an HD television. Do I still need Charter's HD-capable receiver/decoder?
Yes. You will need the Charter HDTV receiver that includes a decoder to receive the HD programming.

Back to top


Charter DVR FAQ

What is Charter DVR?
Charter DVR (Digital Video Recording) is the latest in digital TV receivers that allow you to store TV programming on a hard disk, enabling you to store shows easily and access this programming at any time. The DVR acts like a sooped-up VCR, except that there is no videotape. It records in digital format, and offers more sophisticated recording options and playback features like the ability to:

Back to top

What is the difference between Charter DVR and a VCR?
A VCR uses VHS or Beta tape to store recorded information in an analog format. Charter DVR stores television content in a compressed digital format onto a hard drive (like a computer) in your receiver, saving your shelf space for things other than an additional equipment or tapes.

A VHS tape, with approximately 6 hours of record time, is considerably less than Charter. Charter DVR has up to 77 hours of digital recording capability.

Charter DVR allows more sophisticated recording options like one-time setup to record an entire season of your favorite show or instant replay of live TV.

Can't get rid of the old VHS? Just transfer shows you want from Charter DVR to your VHS tape if you want (VHS tapes store programming in analog format, not digital like Charter DVR).

Back to top

Will I need to purchase any special equipment to use the Charter DVR product?
No purchase is necessary! Charter Communications® will provide you with a Charter DVR receiver when you sign up for service.

Back to top

Can I watch one program and tape another?
Yes, but you will need to install an A/B switch to do so. With an A/B switch you will be able to tape a program while watching another.

Back to top

Close Window