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Cable Frequently Asked Questions

    Cable Television Questions


  1. Can I watch cable TV and use cable Internet at the same time?
  2. What are the channels in the 800's?
  3. What is the channel 999?
  4. What is Channel 2, 17, or 19?
  5. What channels are available on City Cable?
  6. What packages are available on City Cable?
  7. What does Cable TV service cost per month?
  8. Do I have to have a cable box for City Cable?
  9. My Cable service was disconnected because of a leak, how can cable TV "leak"?
  10. I want to expand the cable service to other rooms in my house, is there anything I should know first?
  11. I am considering Satellite TV service, why should I choose cable?
  12. I lost or never received the instruction book for my digital cable box remote, how can I get one?
  13. I lost or never received the instruction book for my digital cable box, how can I get one?
  14. Should I disconnect my cable during an electrical storm?
  15. What is the differences between Analog and Digital cable broadcast?
  16. Can my cable ready TV pick up all the cable channels?
  17. Can I use my cable ready set to pick up the digital channels
  18. If I buy a HDTV set can it be connected to cable to pick up HDTV?
  19. I think someone I know is stealing cable, what should I do?



    Cable Internet Questions

  20. What does Cable Internet service cost per month?
  21. Will my computer work with Cable Internet at City Cable?
  22. What choices do I have for an ISP on City Cable?
  23. How fast is Cable Internet?
  24. When is telephone technical support available on City Cable Internet?
  25. What do the lights on my cable modem indicate?
  26. My friend's cable modem looks different than mine, is it better?
  27. Is it better to connect my modem through USB or Ethernet Cable?
  28. I subscribed to the _____ package, does this mean that speed is guaranteed?
  29. To what e-mail address can I send questions?
  30. What is WinPOET and do I need it?
  31. Someone mentioned a "cable router" to me, do I need one?
  32. What cable Internet speed is right for me?
  33. I have a Macintosh, can I use it on Cable Internet?
  34. I don't use Windows or want to switch to another operating system, what other operating systems will work on City Cable Internet?
  35. I am considering Satellite Internet, why should I choose cable?
  36. Will I get a static IP address or dynamic IP address?
  37. Am I required to log out when I am not using my connection?
  38. Can I use servers on my Internet connection?
  39. I want to create (or already have) a small home network, how do I connect it to my Cable Internet connection?
  40. I want to use file sharing software, is this permitted?
  41. Can I use my Cable Internet connection for bulk e-mailing or other e-mail marketing?
  42. How do I tell which modem I am using?
  43. Is there any online technical support information?


  44. Have a question not listed here? Visit our contacts page and let us know using the webform e-mail.
Cable Television Questions


     
  1. Can I watch cable TV and use cable Internet at the same time?

    Yes, the modem data and TV data run on the same wire but at different frequencies.


     

  2. What are the channels in the 800's?

    Those channels are part of the Pay-Per-View system found in the 600's. To access Pay-Per-View, you need to use the 600's to place your order and it will show up on that channel.


     

  3. What is the channel 999?

    That channel is part of the DVR system on DVR equipped cable receivers and is only used on those cable receivers.


     

  4. What is Channel 2, 17, or 19?

    Channels 2, 17, and 19 are City Cable's Local Origination channels. This means local programming is inserted on these channels. Channel 2 is primarily a classified ads channel with some news, weather, and sports related local programming. Channel 17 is our local religious programming channel where you will find local church information programmed directly by the churches. Channel 19 is our local educational channel where you will find school and college related information programmed directly by the schools.


     

  5. What channels are available on City Cable?

    City Cable has a comprehensive lineup to suit everyone's viewing needs. For a full listing, check our channel line-up page.


     

  6. What packages are available on City Cable?

    City Cable has tons of choices and combinations of cable packages. You can browse the selection at our cable pricing and packages page.


     

  7. What does Cable TV service cost per month?

    Prices for City Cable's Services can be found on the Pricing and Packages page.


     

  8. Do I have to have a cable box for City Cable?

    You do not have to have a cable box to receive City Cable's basic package (ch 2 - ch 79) unless you do not have a cable-ready television or VCR. For City Cable's digital package which includes many premium channels, Pay-Per-View, Digital Music, Digital Basic channels as well as the Interactive Program Guide a digital cable box is required. If you are worried about the "Big Switch" to digital, rest assured cable subscribers will not be impacted for any services that are received through the cable connection. The only people directly affected are those that do not have cable or satelite for service and pick up their channels over-the-air.


     

  9. My Cable service was disconnected because of a leak, how can cable TV "leak"?

    Since cable television is a "closed" system and does not broadcast it's signals into the air, it is permitted for cable systems to use frequencies which, in the air, are designated for aircraft control as well as other sensitive communications. If the cable system "leaks" those signals travel into the air which can disrupt those sensitive communications such as aircraft control and can be dangerous. For this reason, it is important that when a "leak" is found, it is corrected quickly. If the leak happens to be inside a residence or other structure that we cannot immediately gain access to, the service has to be disconnected until the leak is repaired. Leaks can be caused by bad connectors, loose connectors, damaged cables and cable insulation. Special instruments allow the cable technicians to detect the source of signal leaks.


     

  10. I want to expand the cable service to other rooms in my house, is there anything I should know first?

    Yes, signal levels are taken upon your service installation and when you add splitters, cable or other equipment to your cable television connection, it can adversely affect the signal quality. Poor quality devices or devices not designed for our type of cable system can also adversely affect the cable system. If you plan to add any cable television wire or splitters, it is important to check with City Cable beforehand to ensure the splitter and type of cable you plan to use is of proper design and type. Splitters and cable come in many types and frequency ranges.


     

  11. I am considering satellite TV service, why should I choose cable?

    Cable television does not require the purchase of additional hardware such as satellite dishes or satellite receivers. Cable television does not require a dish to be bolted to your home or sit in your yard to mow around. Cable television is not affected as much by wind and rain. Cable television provides a wide selection of local air channels and local origination channels which many satellite providers do not offer.


     

  12. I lost or never received the instruction book for my digital cable box remote, how can I get one?

    You can download and print the manual from the online manuals page.


     

  13. I lost or never received the instruction book for my digital cable box, how can I get one?

    You can download and print the manual from the online manuals page.


     

  14. Should I disconnect my cable during an electrical storm?

    The cable service is grounded throughout the system and should be protected, but it's a personal choice.


     

  15. What is the differences between Analog and Digital cable broadcast?

    In our system, the Analog channels are 2 thru 85. At the present time, 2 to 79 and Digital is every channel above 100. Analog is subject to all types of interference, such as snowy pictures. With Digital channels, there is minimal interference such as an occasional rare micro block, freezing or stuttering image, but will never be snowy. If for any reason your reception is not clear on all the channels, please let us know.


     

  16. Can my cable ready TV pick up all the cable channels?

    TV's are manufactured at different times and have the channel capacity at the time the TV was manufactured. Generally speaking, the older the set, the lower number of channels it will support. Sets that are made the last 9 years are capable of picking up all the analog channels. Premium Digital Channels require the City Cable provided Digital Cable Receiver or a Cable Card (for sets that accept cards). There are a few Digitial Channels available without a Digital subscription package, if your television set has an integrated QAM Tuner.


     

  17. Can I use my cable ready set to pick up the digital channels?

    Generally no, There are a few Digital Channels that can be received on a newer television set with an integrated QAM Tuner. For all other content, you will need to call the customer service department to have a Digital Cable Receiver or Cable Card installed (for sets that support Cable Cards).


     

  18. If I buy a HDTV set can it be connected to cable to pick up HDTV?

    Yes, City Cable now offers HDTV service. HDTV service requires the use of an HDTV cable receiver or a cable card for your cable-card-ready television. You must also subscribe to standard Digital Television service from City Cable. City Cable recommends the HDTV cable receiver over using the cable cards for several reasons. The HDTV cable receivers offers access to Pay-Per-View, has an interactive 7-day on-screen program guide, and are available for a low monthly rental fee, the cable cards do not support pay-per-view or the on-screen guide and must be purchased. Please note that the HDTV service is a tiered package offering a group of HDTV channels in addition to standard definition channels. Having the service and the receiver does not make all cable channels HDTV. If you have any questions, please feel free to call customer service at 686-8020.


     

  19. I think someone I know is stealing cable, what should I do?

    You should call City Cable at 686-8020 and report the address. If you prefer, you may do so anonymously. If you are not home during business hours or prefer not to talk directly to someone, you can e-mail us using our contacts page webform e-mail link. us the information. A technician will check to see if cable service is actually being stolen. Not only is stealing cable STEALING, it is also dangerous. When cable services are stolen, frequency leaks occur that can interfere with aircraft and other sensitive communications (see a previous question in the FAQ above regarding leaks). If you are getting cable services you are not paying for, please report this to City Cable right away. It is much better for you and City Cable.


    Cable Internet Questions

     

  20. What does Cable Internet service cost per month?

    Prices for City Cable's Services can be found on the Pricing and Packages page.


     

  21. Will my computer work with Cable Internet at City Cable?

    Minimum requirements for City Cable Internet are:
    Any Operating System with a normally functioning 10/100 Network Interface and DHCP network configuration.
    Browser and optional Email Client
    ** Your Operating System Installation CD (WINDOWS CD or RESTORE CD) may be required, please have it available **
    ** Your computer MUST be operating normally with NO PROBLEMS prior to install. Technical support is only **
    ** available for Windows XP and newer Operating Systems.**


     

  22. What choices do I have for an ISP on City Cable?

    City Cable has an open access cable system which provides its cable plant for competing Internet service providers to use. City Cable offers it's own Internet service with speeds between 256k and 3072k (3mb), five free e-mail accounts as well as personal web space for a homepage. You also have the option of choosing SEMO.NET, TCMAX.NET or BIGRIVERTELEPHONE.COM as your ISP through City Cable. Please check with these ISP's for details on their pricing and services.


     

  23. How fast is Cable Internet?

    Cable Internet is comparable to some DSL services but is much faster than traditional dialup service through a phone line. Your speed will depend on what package you purchase with your account. Users that frequently download files and streaming audio or video will need 512k or faster (up to 3072k), while users that primarily send e-mail, browse web pages, and download the occasional file can usually get by with 256K. Switching speeds is quick and easy and there are no charges to change your speed, the additional cost of the package will automatically be billed to your next utility bill.


     

  24. When is telephone technical support available on City Cable Internet?

    City Cable Internet has 24 hour / 7 day a week telephone technical support available through a toll-free 888 number.


     

  25. What do the lights on my cable modem indicate?

    Currently City Cable uses two different cable modems. They are all essentially the same with the same capabilities. Most have the following lights; Power, Cable, PC or Activity, Data or Send and Receive), and Test.

    - Power a steady green indicates the unit is receiving electrical power.

    - Cable or Online solid indicates a connection to the City Cable network. Under normal operating conditions the Cable light should remain steady green. When this light (or send / receive) are blinking, the modem is in the process of connecting to the City Cable network. If this light cycles between blinking and solid frequently, contact City Cable for a technician to check your cable service.

    - PC or Activity a steady green indicates a connection to your computer from the modem. If this light is NOT ON and your computer is powered on and connected to the modem, there could be a technical problem with either the modem or your computer. If you experience problems and this light is OFF, contact City Cable.

    - Data or Activity indicates activity on the City Cable network. It is normal for this light to blink at irregular intervals.

    - Test (if present) is a self test light and normally only is on during power up on the cable modem.

    - Motorola SB5120 Modems have a STANDBY button on the top of them in addition to the lights. This button places the modem in standby mode and turns off all lights except the bottom "standby" light. If the button is pressed, it must be pressed again to reactivate the modem.


     
  26. My friend's cable modem looks different than mine, is it better?

    No, City Cable uses (at the time of this writing) two different cable modems that have essentially the same capabilities but are slightly different models.


     

  27. Is it better to connect my modem through USB or Ethernet Cable?

    City Cable strongly recommends connecting your cable modem through Ethernet (network card) rather than USB. In many cases, either will work, but Ethernet is the preferred method. Connecting your cable modem through Ethernet (network card) does not require any modem drivers to be installed. USB can be very crowded with all the peripherals that use it now. Network cards are designed specifically for network and Internet traffic. USB support on the modems are being phased out.


     

  28. I subscribed to the _____ package, does this mean that speed is guaranteed?

    No, these are "best effort" speeds and are the limits placed on your service. Generally, your service should be close to these speeds most of the time but a connection between you and somewhere else in the world will only go as fast as the slowest point, regardless of where that point may be. If the site you are visiting is experiencing a lot of traffic or if a junction point on the Internet has high traffic volume, it will reduce the speed to a certain degree.


     

  29. To what e-mail address can I send questions?

    You may send questions using our webform e-mail on our contacts page. If you have difficulties with the webform, please call our office at 686-8020 and let us know.


     

  30. What is WinPOET and do I need it?

    WinPOET and other PPPOE software are no longer needed and will not work on the City Cable Network. The City Cable Network is now DHCP and generally does not require much if any setup on your computer.


     

  31. Someone mentioned a "cable router" to me, do I need one?

    Only if you wish to have a small home network (mulitple computers) on your Internet connection. Otherwise you do not need one.


     

  32. What cable Internet speed is right for me?

    This depends on what you typically do on the Internet. If you frequently download files or use streaming media, you may need the 512k or faster (up to 3Mb '3072k') service. If you primarily surf web pages, send e-mail, and chat online, 256k will probably work fine for you. It is just a simple call to our office if you should want to change from one speed to the other.


     

  33. I have an Apple/Macintosh, can I use it on Cable Internet?

    Yes, Apple/Macintosh computers with installed and working 10/100 Network Interface Cards are supported. In fact, almost any computer with any operating system that has an installed 10/100 Network Interface Card is supported. This is, of course, assuming the computer is operating properly with the software that is loaded on it.


     

  34. I don't use Windows or want to switch to another operating system, what other operating systems will work on City Cable Internet?

    Macintosh, Linux, Unix, Lycoris, Linspire, and any operating system that has an installed and normally operating 10/100 Network Interface Card setup for DHCP will be able to directly connect to City Cable Internet.


     

  35. I am considering satellite Internet, why should I choose cable?

    For those people who do not have other options, satellite is certainly better than dialup or nothing at all. However, there are some disadvantages to satellite Internet. It is not suitable for those wanting to play online games due to the uplink/downlink lag time. The signal takes a few seconds to go from the ground station up to space and back down again, so games and other applications that require fast switching between sending and receiving may not work well if at all. satellite Internet is also more expensive in most cases. It also requires the purchase of the satellite dish, a downstream modem and upstream modem which can be a significant cost. It is also not suitable for home networks in most cases. In addition to these downfalls, it is also subject to the same problems as satellite television with rain and strong winds. Also, most satelite Internet providers require a contract and minimum subscription time. City Cable is pay as you go with no commitments.


     

  36. Will I get a static IP address or dynamic IP address?

    Dynamic IP addresses are assigned unless you have a specific need for a static address. Static addresses are available but incur an additional charge annually.


     

  37. Am I required to log out when I am not using my connection?

    Unlike dialup connections, you do not use a login to access City Cable. With no login, there is no need or method of logging out. It is an always-on connection available whenever you need it.


     

  38. Can I use servers on my Internet connection?

    No. Servers to the Internet are not permitted. If you have a special case or would like a situation considered, please send an e-mail from our contacts page and someone will respond to your inquiry.


     

  39. I want to create (or already have) a small home network, how do I connect it to my Cable Internet connection?

    You will need to purchase a cable/dsl router to connect between your cable modem and your computers or hub. Many are pre-setup to use DHCP and can be connected with no programming necessary.


     

  40. I want to use file sharing software, is this permitted?

    Yes, file sharing software is permitted. However, you may not configure your connection to act as a "super node", or other server. You must not share copy protected data or other illegal files of any kind. Failure to follow the rules (and the law) will result in your account closure.


     

  41. Can I use my Cable Internet connection for bulk e-mailing or other e-mail marketing?

    No. In no case may any connection the the City Cable network be used for bulk mail or electronic mail marketing.


     

  42. How do I tell which modem I am using?

    You can click the following image links to see pictures of the modems we use.
    Motorola Surfboard SB5120/5101 Angle / Front / Back (Black)
    Terayon Terajet TJ715 Angle / Front / Back (Blue)

    If you are currently use any other models such as the Terayon TJ210, Terayon TJ615, VCG CXC110 (silver), you can bring in the cable modem for a new model.

     
  43. Is there any online technical support information?

    Our primary technical support is through telephone at 888-394-4772 which is available 24 hours a day. Some online information is available at our Support Page.



  44. Have a question not listed here? Visit our contacts page and send it to City Cable.