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Digital Cable FAQ

General FAQs
On Demand FAQs
Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
High Definition Digital Video Recorder (HD DVR) FAQs
High Definition service FAQs

General FAQs

  1. Describe Digital Cable.
  2. Explain how Digital Cable is different from satellite and wireless services?
  3. What is the difference between Digital Cable and Standard Cable?
  4. Do I need to buy a special television to get Digital Cable?
  5. Can I get a discount if I want Digital Cable and high speed Internet service?

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1. Describe Digital Cable.
Digital Cable delivers a digital signal to your home with a reliable fiber optic network. Digital Cable provides digital pictures, CD-quality sound and access to a greater variety of channels on your existing television. There are no expensive satellite dishes or antennas to buy.

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2. Explain how Digital Cable is different from satellite and wireless services?
With Bright House Networks Digital Cable, you are not required to sign a service contract or purchase expensive satellite dishes or antennas. We won't cut down trees to secure line of sight, and our signal is unaffected by the weather, unlike satellite and wireless services. Only Bright House Networks Digital Cable gives you access to 59 Premium movie channels (more than any satellite service) plus iCONTROL video on demand, which allows you to start programs when you want, and pause, fast forward and rewind them with the Digital Remote. Bright House Networks Digital Cable customers receive 70 channels of free Standard Cable including 19 local channels on all additional outlets at no additional cost. Only Bright House Networks offers the Digital Combo, allowing you to save money on Digital Cable and high speed Internet packages.

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3. What is the difference between Digital Cable and Standard Cable?
With Digital Cable you get a crystal clear picture, CD-quality sound and more channels -- including 46 music channels and more than 40 Digital Premier Pack channels like Discovery Health, Lifetime Real Women and ESPN Classic. Digital Cable also brings you access to Digital Sports packages, 59 Premium movie channels, Nuestros Canales (our Hispanic channel tier) and iCONTROL video on demand which allows you to start programs whenever you want and pause, fast forward and rewind with your Digital Remote. Navigator interactive on-screen guide is available only to Digital Cable customers. Navigator is a complete program guide that can be used without changing channels.

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4. Do I need to buy a special television to get Digital Cable?
No, you do not need a special television. Digital Cable works with your existing TV.

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5. Can I get a discount if I want Digital Cable and high speed Internet service?
Yes. Save money by ordering the Digital Combo - a specially priced package that brings you Digital Cable and high speed Internet

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On Demand FAQs

  1. What is Movies on Demand?
  2. What types of programming can I watch with Movies on Demand?
  3. Does Movies on Demand have Parental Control features?
  4. What is the cost of Movies on Demand?
  5. Do I need special equipment to access Movies on Demand?
  6. Will I be able to get a program description before I order?
  7. How long do I have to watch my Movies on Demand selections?
  8. Can I change the channel while watching Movies on Demand?

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1. What is Movies on Demand?
Movies on Demand is powered by the technology of iCONTROL allows you to start, pause, fast forward and rewind all with your Digital Remote. Movies on Demand allows you to purchase Pay Per View movies anytime.

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2. What types of programming can I watch with Movies on Demand?
Movies on Demand on channel 123 features a variety of new releases, double features, as well as library classics. Programming is updated weekly, so there is always something new to watch. Please tune to channel 123 regularly to review new movie titles and programming. HD Movies on Demand are available on channel 1123. Adult programming is provided on channel 378.

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3. Does Movies on Demand have Parental Control features?
Yes. You can block movies by rating, or block an entire channel during a specific time of day, individual days, weekends or on weekdays with Parental Control.

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4. What is the cost of Movies on Demand?
Movies on Demand offers new releases for $3.99, double features for $4.99, library classics offered at $1.99, HD movies for $4.99 and adult programming for $8.99. Follow the on screen guide directions for individual pricing.

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5. Do I need special equipment to access Movies on Demand?
You must subscribe to Digital Cableand have a Digital or HD SmartBox, a DVR or HD DVR to access Movies on Demand. If you’re not already enjoying Digital Cable, order onlinetoday or call 1-866-309-EASY (3279) to find out more about Digital Cable or High Definition Service.

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6. Will I be able to get a program description before I order?
Absolutely. At the bottom of the main menu screen is a horizontal list of the program categories or genres. Use the left or right arrow buttons on the Digital Remote to scroll the categories. When a category or genre is highlighted, the library of movies in that category appears. For more detailed information on your selection, press the round, blue "SELECT" button on the Digital Remote. Press the blue "B" button to purchase your selection.

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7. How long do I have to watch my Movies on Demand selections?
Once you start a Movies on Demand program, you have 24 hours to watch it. You can start, pause, fast forward or rewind your program and watch it as many times as you like during those 24 hours.

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8. Can I change the channel while watching Movies on Demand?
Yes. With a touch of a button on your Digital Remote, Movies on Demand will automatically pause your program and store it for later viewing within the 24-hour rental time frame.

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Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

  1. What are the features and benefits of the Digital Video Recorder (DVR)?
  2. Is Digital Cable required to get the Digital Video Recorder?
  3. Will I need to buy the Digital Video Recorder equipment?
  4. Can I use the DVR on any TV in my house?
  5. Will I be able to use a VCR/DVD player with the Digital Video Recorder?
  6. Does the DVR service tie up my phone line?
  7. Do I have to sign a contract, or pay a cancellation fee for the Digital Video Recorder or the DVR-enabled Cable box?
  8. Does your company gather information from what I'm watching or from what I'm recording the way TIVO and SonicBlue Replay do?
  9. How far back can I rewind Live TV?
  10. How long can I pause Live TV?
  11. How many hours of programming can I record on the DVR?
  12. How many channels can I record at one time?
  13. How far ahead can I schedule the recording of a program?
  14. Am I able to record Pay Per View programs?
  15. Are there programming services that my DVR will not record?
  16. How will I know when I am almost out of recording space?
  17. How long are programs stored once they've been recorded?
  18. Will I be able to recover recorded programs from my DVR if it should fail?
  19. Can I transfer or send recorded programs from the DVR to a VCR or other recording device?
  20. Will I be able to view high definition (HD) programs and take advantage of the DVR's advanced recording features?
  21. Do Program Guide Parental Controls carry over to DVR recordings?
  22. What is the meaning of the red light on the front of the Explorer 8000 set top?
  23. Are all of the connections on the back of the DVR functional?
  24. Does the operation of the DVR require a special remote control?
  25. Can I make payments, or drop off and pick up equipment at the Demonstration Centers?

Back to Digital Cable FAQ


1. What are the features and benefits of the Digital Video Recorder?
The Digital Video Recorder (DVR) puts you in control enabling you to watch TV on your schedule - so you can watch what you want, when you want to watch it. With the touch of a button on your remote control, it automatically digitally records your favorite shows so you can turn them on at anytime. There's no need to remember to program your VCR, track schedule changes, rewind or fuss with videotapes. And you won't miss a minute of your favorite show or the Big Game because you have the power to pause live TV and even do your own instant replays. You can even fast forward and rewind your recorded programs. And, unlike other DVR users, our customers don't need to buy additional expensive electronic equipment. You can watch what you want when you want.

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2. Is Digital Cable required to get the Digital Video Recorder?
Yes. Because the DVR is an enhanced Digital Cable set top box, subscribing to Digital Cable is required.

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3. Will I need to buy the Digital Video Recorder equipment?
No, there is no need to purchase additional expensive equipment and there's no extra box on your TV.

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4. Can I use the DVR on any TV in my house?
Yes. If you subscribe to Digital Cable you can get the Digital Video Recorder for any TV in your house; however each TV requires its own Digital Video Recorder, available for an additional monthly fee.

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5. Will I be able to use a VCR/DVD player with the Digital Video Recorder?
Yes, the Digital Video Recorder works with all home entertainment including VCRs, DVD players and surround sound systems.

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6. Does the DVR service tie up my phone line?
No. Unlike other DVRs, our Digital Video Recorder service does not require a phone line to call for programming information.

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7. Do I have to sign a contract, or pay a cancellation fee for the Digital Video Recorder or the DVR-enabled Cable box?
No, there is no need to sign a contract beyond the basic customer agreement and there are no cancellation fees.

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8. Does your company gather information about what I'm watching or from what I'm recording the same way as TIVO or SonicBlue Replay?
No. We respect our customers' privacy. Our DVR equipment will neither collect nor report information about our customers' viewing.

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9. How far back can I rewind live TV?
The length of time you can rewind live TV depends on how long you have been watching a single channel. If you have been watching the same channel for 15 minutes, you can rewind for 15 minutes.

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10. How long can I pause Live TV?
You can pause up to one hour on the Main screen and at the same time, pause up to one hour on the PIP screen. Note: You must "swap" before you are able to pause PIP.

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11. How many hours of programming can I record on the DVR?
Your DVR will store between 30 and 50 hours of programming depending on the programming format.

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12. How many channels can I record at one time?
You can record two channels at one time.

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13. How far ahead can I schedule the recording of a program?
You may use the Program Guide to select programming to record up to seven days in advance. However, you can schedule automatic recording of a series indefinitely.

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14. Am I able to record Pay Per View programming?
You are able to record Pay Per View programming once you purchase the program you want to record.

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15. Are there programming services that my DVR will not record?
Yes. Your DVR will not record iCONTROL powered video on demand or subscription video on demand services. iCONTROL services are available for your viewing convenience at any time with the same play, pause, fast-forward and rewind features provided by the DVR. In addition, your DVR will not record High Definition (HD) programming.

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16. How will I know when I am almost out of recording space?
Your DVR will help you manage your saved programs, providing an alert to you if you do not have enough reserve recording space remaining to record your next event. You will be offered the option of deleting previously recorded programs to make space available for new recordings. You also have the option of saving previously recorded programs to a VCR or other recording device prior to deleting programs from your DVR. See diagram.

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17. How long are programs stored once they've been recorded?
The DVR will only delete programs when the recorder has reached its full recording capacity and needs to make room for other shows you've requested it to record, or when you request it to delete a saved program.

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18. Will I be able to recover recorded programs from my DVR if it should fail?
No. Programs recorded on your DVR cannot be recovered after a DVR failure. Therefore, we recommend that important programs can be recorded (saved) onto a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) or other recording device by connecting it to the "Cable Out" connector or the "Out 1 TV" connector on the back of the DVR. See diagram. This will protect against the loss of recorded programs in the event of a DVR failure.

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19. Can I transfer or send recorded programs from the DVR to a VCR or other recording device?
Yes. Programs recorded on your DVR can be transferred to a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) or other recording device by connecting it to the "Cable Out" connector or the "Out 1 TV" connector on the back of the DVR. See diagram.

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20. Will I be able to view High Definition (HD) programs and take advantage of the DVR's advanced recording features?
No. The Explorer 8000 DVR cannot record or display HD programming. To view HD programming using a DVR, an HD-capable Digital Cable terminal must be obtained and installed by Bright House Networks. The DVR will neither decode nor record high definition programming.

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21. Do my Program Guide Parental Controls carry over to DVR recordings?
Yes. If you block programs by channel or rating in General Settings, those settings are carried over to DVR recordings. For example, if you decide to block all R-rated programs in General Settings, the R-rated programs will still be recorded, but you cannot play them back until you enter the PIN.

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22. What is the meaning of the red light on the front of the Explorer 8000 set top?
The red light indicates that recording is currently in progress.

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23. Are all of the connections on the back of the DVR functional?
No. There are some connections that do not work at this time, but are provided for features that will be added in the future. The connectors that are currently not functioning are:

  • Input Aux
  • Out 2 (VCR)
  • Both 1394 connectors
  • USB
  • IR Port

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24. Does the operation of the DVR require a special remote control?
Yes. A special remote control with specific keys for operation of your DVR is provided with your DVR service enabling you to take full advantage of the advanced features of the DVR.

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25. Can I make payments, or drop off and pick up equipment at the Demonstration Centers?
No. The Demonstration Centers are designed to give consumers a chance to experience a variety of our products and services. If you live in the Orlando area and need help with your account or other service-related questions, call 407-291-2500, or try one of these convenient customer service resources:

  • Visit any Customer Carelocation.
  • View the Customer Care sectionwhich includes trouble shooting tips, and FAQs. You can also view or pay your monthly bill electronically.
  • See the iCONTROL Movies on Demand Digital Cable channel 123. Choose the free Bright Solutions section for free videos featuring some of the questions asked most frequently about Bright House Networks products.

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High Definition Digital Video Recorder (HD DVR) FAQs

  1. How many hours of programming will I be able to record with the HD DVR?
  2. How will I know if the HD DVR is almost out of recording space?
  3. With the HD DVR, can I record two shows at once in High Definition?
  4. Can I record digital or analog programming?
  5. Will I be able to select the resolution best suited for my High Definition television?
  6. Will the HD DVR work with my home theater equipment?
  7. What is the HDMI port on the rear of the HD DVR SmartBox?
  8. Can I connect a hard drive to the SATA (Serial-ATA) port?

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1. How many hours of programming can I record with the HD DVR?
The Explorer 8300HD DVR has a 160 gigabyte (GB) hard drive which enables it to record up to 90 hours of standard definition programs or up to 20 hours of HD programs.

Keep in mind that the total program hours that can be stored depends upon whether the format and data rate of the programming source is HD, SD or analog. Consider that HD programming (on the average) takes up to four times the storage space as standard definition programming. This explains why you are able to record 20 hours of HD programming instead of 90 hours of standard definition programming.

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2. How will I know if the HD DVR is almost out of recording space?
When you try to schedule the next recording, a warning appears on the Confirm Recording screen.

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3. With the HD DVR, can I record two shows at once in High Definition?
Yes. You will be able to record two shows at once in High Definition, plus you can watch a previously recorded show at the same time!

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4. Can I record digital or analog programming?
Absolutely. Start anytime, pause, fast forward and rewind, or digitally record your favorite digital, analog, or HD programs with one simple click. Record every episode of your favorite shows.

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5. Will I be able to select the resolution best suited for my High Definition Television?
Yes. You may customize viewing by selecting the resolution (scan rate) best suited for your HDTV (480i, 480p, 720p, or 1080i) by choosing the output resolution in the General Settings Menu. You can set your HD DVR to record the highest quality format available to play back on your HDTV.

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6. Will the HD DVR work with my home theater equipment?
Yes. Optimize your home theater experience with composite and S-video connections, as well as Dolby Digital 5.1 digital optical audio outputs. Note: The composite (video, L & R audio) on the front of the terminal are not currently operational.

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7. What is the HDMI port on the rear of the HD DVR SmartBox?
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. The port uses an HDMI cable that provides for transmitting digital television audio and visual sources to television sets, projectors and other video displays. The HD DVR HDMI output port requires the use of a HDMI to DVI, or HDMI to HDMI cable as required by the television's inputs.

The HDMI and DVI cables will be available for an additional charge.

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8. Can I connect a hard drive to the SATA (Serial-ATA) port?
At this time the SATA port is not active. We do not currently support the SATA connection.

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High Definition service FAQs

  1. Describe High Definition (HD) service?
  2. Explain the difference between HDTV and digital television?
  3. What are the differences between analog cable, Digital Cable and HD service?
  4. Do I need special equipment to receive HD service?
  5. What does an HD SmartBox do?
  6. Explain the difference between the Digital SmartBox and the HD SmartBox?
  7. What type of cables are needed for HD service or Surround Sound?
  8. Is there an additional cost or box deposit for HD service?
  9. Can I get High Definition channels with a digital TV?
  10. What do I get with Bright House Networks HD service?
  11. How do I order HD service?
  12. Can I use the HDTV as a computer monitor?
  13. How many channels are offered in HD, and is all programming in HD?
  14. When will Bright House Networks offer more HD programming?
  15. Can I record HD programming with my VCR?

Back to Digital Cable FAQ


1. Describe High Definition (HD) service?
High Definition service provides the ultimate home theater experience, with higher-resolution pictures, wider aspect ratios, and Dolby Digital Surround Sound.

Resolution: A standard television is capable of displaying 480 lines, compared to HDTV's 720 or 1080 lines. Bright House Networks HD service provides 1,080 interlaced lines of resolution. That's more than double the resolution of a standard television, which means you get a crisper and clearer picture. Aspect ratio: HD programming provides a wide-screen display, allowing you to view movies the way they were intended to be seen. The aspect ratio (the width of the picture compared to the height) of HDTV is 16:9, considerably wider than standard analog television broadcasts with an aspect ratio of 4:3. Dolby Digital Surround Sound: Bright House Networks HD service provides AC-3 digital sound. AC-3 digital sound allows up to six audio channels -- left, right, center, left surround, right surround, and a subwoofer signal -- as well as stereo audio (left and right channels).

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2. Explain the difference between High Definition Television and digital television?
High Definition Television, or HDTV, refers to broadcasts containing a high-resolution, wide-screen picture and Dolby Digital Surround Sound. Digital television, or DTV, refers to any all-digital TV broadcast. There are 18 video formats for digital television in the United States, and many more in other countries.

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3. What are the differences between analog cable, Digital Cable and HD service?
Analog cable is the same signal that has been there for years. It is a relatively low bandwidth, composite signal. Digital Cable is digitally-encoded, standard-definition video. Digital Cable provides superior color resolution, particularly when used with component or S-video connections. HDTV, like standard digital, is digitally-encoded video, but it has roughly six times the spatial resolution of standard-definition television, which means you get clearer, crisper images, plus wide-screen viewing.

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4. Do I need special equipment to receive High Definition (HD) service?
To receive HD service, you must own a High Definition Television or monitor with component-level input. Bright House Networks provides a High Definition SmartBox as part of the service. Because you rent the box, you don't need to worry about purchasing expensive hardware that may become obsolete.

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5. What does an HD SmartBox do?
Our HD SmartBox outputs YpbPr (component) signals. In addition to these component outputs, the SmartBox allows S-video and base-band video connections. Audio connections include both AC-3 digital (six channels) and stereo (analog) audio.

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6. What is the difference between the Digital SmartBox and the HD SmartBox?
Digital and HD SmartBoxes look and function similarly. However, the HD SmartBox is designed to process the HD signals needed to view HDTV.

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7. What type of cables do I need to get HD service or Surround Sound?
You will need component-type cables for video, and either RCA or Digital Audio (AC3) cables for audio. Bright House Networks will provide a component cable for video during installation.

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8. Is there an additional cost or box deposit for HD service?
There are no additional incremental costs associated with our HD service. You pay regular package prices, and the SmartBox deposit of $25 is the same as the deposit for Digital SmartBoxes.

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9. Can I get High Definition channels with a digital TV?
No. You must have a digital television capable of processing High Definition signals and an HD SmartBox in order to receive HD service.

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10. What do I get with Bright House Networks HD service?
Our High Definition service provides access to hundreds of channels of programming, including 14 High Definition channels.

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11. How do I order HD service from Bright House Networks?
Contact the Bright House Networks Customer Phone Center at 317-972-9700 or 662-0071 in Marion, IN.

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12. Can I use my HDTV as a computer monitor?
Maybe. Some HDTV sets include S-video inputs. If your computer has S-video outputs, you can use your HDTV as a monitor.

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13. How many channels are offered in HD, and is all programming in HD?
We offer 16 High Definition channels. The programming available on these channels is determined by the broadcaster and may not be entirely HD. Channels provided in HD are:

Bright House Networks HD channels
WESH NBC Broadcast
WKMG CBS Broadcast
WFTV ABC Broadcast
WOFL FOX Broadcast
WRBW UPN Broadcast
WKCF WB Broadcast
PBS Broadcast
Discovery HD Theater Broadcast
TNT HD Broadcast
ESPN HD High Definition Pack
HDNet High Definition Pack
HDNet Movies High Definition Pack
INHD High Definition Pack
INHD 2 High Definition Pack
HBO HD HD Premium
Showtime HD HD Premium

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14. When will Bright House Networks offer more HD programming?
We will be adding High Definition programming as it becomes available to us.

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15. Can I record HD programming with my VCR?
No. High Definition programming is not compatible with VCR technology and will not record. HD programming can only be recorded with specialized Digital Video Recorders (D-VHS) or HD DVRs.

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