What is CableCARD?
CableCARD is an interface for digital TV that lets you plug your cable line directly into your TV set without the need for a set-top box. It's about the size of a thick credit card, and fits into a special slot built into digital TVs and a growing number of peripheral devices.
There are two types of equipment that utilize CableCARDs today:
Unidirectional Digital Cable Products (UDCP) are one-way only devices. That is, they are only capable of receiving our linear broadcast programming such as analog cable, Digital Cable, certain HDTV and premium cable channels like HBO, Cinemax and more. There is, however, no access to any two-way services such as OnDemand programming, the Interactive Programming Guide, Seasonal Sports Packages, Pay-Per-View or Interactive enhanced TV services, such as Games as well as future technologies that may be introduced. All equipment currently available at retail with a CableCARD option falls into this category.
Open Cable Products are two-way capable just like Time Warner Cable’s leased set top boxes and allow access to ALL of Time Warner Cable’s one-way and two-way services. We expect Open Cable Products to be available at retail in the 4Q ’07 / 1Q ’08.
We recommend that you refer to the User’s Manual that was supplied with your specific equipment to determine if it is UDCP or Open Cable compatible.
CableCARDs for both types of equipment can be activated, serviced and leased for
a monthly fee of about $2 per month from Time Warner Cable.
Services & Features at a Glance
Digital Cable Ready Device
|
Cable Card Features
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|
Features |
UDCP CableCARD
|
Open Cable CableCARD |
Digital Cable Set-top Box |
|
Basic & Digital Cable Channels
|
Varies |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Crystal-Clear Picture & Sound
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Premium Channels: HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz!, and TMC
|
Varies |
Yes |
Yes |
|
High Definition (HD) Channels
|
Varies |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Two-Way Programming and Services, including:
|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
On Demand such as Movies On Demand, Premiums On Demand, etc.
|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Interactive Program Guide
|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Interactive and Enhanced TV services, such as Games,
|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Switched Digital Channels
|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
DVR Capability
|
No |
Varies |
Yes |
Your personal needs are your guide to selecting the technology that works best for you.
Digital Cable Ready device required for this service. To receive all services, Digital Cable, remote and lease of a Digital set-top box are required. Some services are not available to Cable Card customers. All services may not be available in all areas. Subject to change without notice. Some restrictions apply.
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