TV Services Overview


Cable TV Providers

Cable TV providers have been around for decades. Once simply considered video programming, cable's broadband infrastructure provides an ideal pipeline for delivery of new advanced services, including digital networks, video-on-demand, interactive television, high-speed Internet access and telephony. Allconnect partners with a large number of cable providers across the nation in order to be able to offer video programming: Time Warner Cable, Knology, Brighthouse Networks, Comcast, Charter Communications, and many more.



Analog Programming

Cable Programming is divided into two levels of service: Analog Programming and Digital Programming. Analog Programming, commonly known as Basic or Standard cable packages, has been the US standard for over 50 years. These cable packages typically include local network and basic channels like ABC, NBC, and Fox while Standard cable may also include additional channels such as The Weather Channel, The Discovery Channel, ESPN, Nickelodeon, and MTV. Analog programming does not require any additional equipment besides a cable ready TV.



Digital Programming

Digital Programming requires a receiver to unscramble the signal for a particular channel and send the signal to the television. Most providers lend the customer this piece of equipment at no charge and the receiver must be returned when the service is disconnected. Advanced receivers may be required for increased functionality. Advanced receiver types include:

  • Digital Video Recorder (DVR) Receiver - Allows the customer to record programs, pause live TV, rewind programs, skip through commercials during playback, and much more. There is usually an additional cost associate with the DVR as well as a monthly subscription fee.
  • High Definition (HD) Receiver - For use with an HDTV ready Television (capability of a 720 or 1080 lines of resolution; HDTV ready may also be referred to as "HD Ready," "HD Compatible," "HDTV Display," or "HDTV Monitor"). An HD receiver can unscramble digital and high definition data, providing a 'real life' picture.
  • High Definition Digital Video Recorder (HD DVR) - Combines the features of a DVR and HD Receiver.

Digital Programming is a newer technology that carries more information in the signal that results in high-quality digital picture and sound superior to analog's picture and sound. Digital Programming offers more channels than Analog Programming and additional benefits such as:



Satellite Providers

Satellite providers have provided Satellite TV service since 1996, allowing rural areas the capacity to receive television programming that was not possible by standard methods. Since then, satellite programming has gained in popularity. Allconnect offers satellite TV service from DirecTV and Dish Network. Furthermore, telephone providers like Frontier, CenturyLink, AT&T and Qwest offer discounts on home Phone and Satellite TV Bundles.

Satellite Equipment
Similar to Cable programming, Satellite providers also require a receiver. A receiver is needed for each television that wants to view satellite programming. Dual Receivers (only available through Dish Network) can service up to two rooms. The satellite receiver is often upgradable for an HD receiver, a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), or an HD DVR. Depending on the provider, DVR and/or HD equipped receivers may be purchased or leased.

In addition, to receive satellite programming, a satellite dish is required. An earth-orbiting satellite, the program source, and broadcast center are also essential to providing satellite programming.

All satellite programming is 100% digital quality with features similar to Digital Cable: Basic programming, Premium channels, Digital Music (XM for DirecTV and Sirius for Dish Network), Interactive Program Guide, Parental controls, Multiplexed channels, and Pay per view.



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