There are some things you should know about how Time Warner Cable service works with your TV and VCR. Some customers may have TV's and VCR's that can tune to all the basic and cable channels that we provide. Others may have older models that cannot tune these channels. In this case, Time Warner Cable can provide you with a basic or an addressable set-top converter (see prices in this insert). You also may choose to buy a converter at a retail store. Even if you have a TV or VCR that was advertised as being able to receive all cable channels, you may still need a converter. Until now, there have been no manufacturing standards for TV's and VCR's that relate to the reception of cable channels and regardless of how it may have been advertised, it may not tune to all the channels we provide. Under new government rules, all TV's and VCR's sold in the US cannot be called "cable ready" unless they comply with new requirements, including the ability to properly tune cable channels. Some TV's and VCR's that can tune all cable channels may not be able to do so without causing some interference. If this is the case, you may need to use a converter to eliminate the interference. Additionally, Time Warner Cable scrambles certain channels, and you will need a converter with a built-in descrambler should you wish to receive these channels.
Our set-top converter will "convert" any cable channel that you tune to one channel (2, 3, or 4, depending on your area) on your TV. Please understand that the process of converting all channels to one channel means that you can only receive one channel at a time through the converter. Because of this, there may be certain features of your TV or VCR such as taping one program while watching another, recording two or more consecutive programs that appear on different channels or the use of picture-in-picture which may not function without additional equipment. Should you wish to use some of the features noted above, Time Warner Cable can provide you with supplemental equipment. This equipment might include an additional converter or descrambler with a switch that will enable you to by-pass the converter and tune all unscrambled channels with your TV or VCR. Please contact us for prices for this equipment. You may also purchase by-pass switches and additional converters at retail outlets.
Please be advised that converters with descrambling capability can only be obtained from Time Warner Cable. Should you see advertisements for cable converters that have descramblers in them (so-called "pirate boxes" or "black boxes"), you should know that these devices are illegal. Time Warner Cable will not authorize the use of any descrambling device it has not provided. People who use illegal descramblers are stealing cable service and may be prosecuted. Most equipment furnished by Time Warner Cable can be operated by a hand-held remote control device, which is available for a small monthly fee. It is possible that the remote control that may have come with your TV or VCR is capable of controlling our converter as well. If so, feel free to use it. You also may buy a "universal" remote control device capable of working with our converters at many appliance or electronic stores.
The following remotes are compatible with the equipment that we currently provide our customers and there may be others: Universal URC 2085, 4000, 5000; Memorex VR4, VR6; US Electronics 3 in 1; Fox 400, 600; Zenith MBC 300P, 100; Magnovox MAG 4000, 6250; General Electric GEU 401; RCA RCU 300; Uniwand URC 2600, 4600, Gemini Quik 30.
We hope that this information is helpful. It is up to you to determine if these devices are compatible with your TV and VCR. A schedule of our rates and services is listed in this insert.
