- Cost of Service/Prices
- Programming
- Pay-Per-View
- Installation
- Level of Service
- Digital Service
- Cable Modems
- Office
- TV and Cable
- Service Problems
Q. How much does cable service cost?
A. There are a wide variety of service options. The monthly
cost varies depending on what you want. [ back to top ]
Q. What is the Franchise Fee I see on my monthly invoice?
A. A Franchise Fee is a local tax imposed by your city, village or
township for the use of public rights of way. It varies depending
on the community and some areas have no fee at all. Clear
Picture collects the Franchise Fee and pays it to the local government.
[ back to top ]
Q. How much do extra outlets cost each month?
A. Extra outlets are probably the best entertainment value you will
find anywhere. Basic Cable and STANDARD Service are called Whole
House Services. That means there is no monthly cost for additional
outlets. HBO (Channel 18) also is a Whole House Service.
There is an additional monthly cost associated with extra outlets
of premium services. Please call the office for specific pricing.
[ back to top ]
Q. What is the cost to add or drop service?
A. There is never any charge to cancel service. The cost to
add services varies depending on the work that is done. Please
refer to the Price Section for more information. [ back to top ]
Q. Where can I pay my monthly invoice? What payment methods
are available?
A. Please refer to the Company
Information Section. [ back to top ]
Q. Can I pay for my Cable and Internet Service at the same time?
A. Yes. You can now pay for your Cable service and Internet
Service at Clear Picture with one check. [ back
to top ]
Q. Can I choose my own channels?
A. Cable TV companies carry program services based on contracts with
the program suppliers. The program supplies place certain restrictions
on the manner in which we are allowed to deliver the signals.
The only program suppliers that allow us to offer their service on
a 'per channel' basis are the premium services (like HBO) and Pay-Per-View
providers. All other program services require that we offer
their service as part of a package. [ back to top ]
Q. Why don't you drop some channels and add something else?
A. There is an old saying that 'one man's trash is another man's
treasure.' It applies to television perfectly. You may not like
home shopping or country music or sports or news or government programming
or something else, but someone does. Every channel has loyal
viewers. Cable TV is a lot like a newspaper in this respect.
You may not read the sports section, society page, police log or comics,
but other people do. Our job is to put together a package of
program services that appeals to a wide variety of taste and interests.
[ back to top ]
Q. Can you add more channels?
A. We can’t carry everything. We try hard to offer a wide variety
of program services to suit the varying tastes of viewers. We are
reluctant to add more channels to Basic because we know that it would
increase the monthly cost of the service. There is a channel –
Ohio News Network – that is requested regularly. We have offered
to carry the channel on our Digital Choice level of service, but they
have refused to let us carry them on this basis. They want us to drop
some other service to make room for them. We are unwilling to drop
a channel to make room for them at this time. We will, however, continue
to discuss carriage terms with them and remain open to discuss new
networks. [ back to top ]
Q. Why are there so many shopping channels and infomercials?
Do you have to carry all of them?
A. Home shopping channels and infomercials are very popular and many
people use them every month to buy products they enjoy. Clear
Picture selected two full-time shopping channels (QVC on Channel
26 and HSN on Channel 40). All of the other shopping channels
are broadcast television stations that we are required to carry
by Federal law. Many program services and broadcast stations sell
a portion of the day to advertisers for program length product
demonstrations (infomercials).
They sell the time because they cannot find enough advertisers to
support another form of programming. We can't eliminate the
infomercials unless we drop the whole network. [
back to top ]
Q. How will I know about Free Previews of premium channels?
Do I need a converter to watch them?
A. We include an invoice message or billstuffer a month or so before
Free Previews of premium movie channels. You do not need a
converter to watch them. As long as your TV or VCR can tune
to the appropriate channel, you will see them. You do have
the option to have all Free Previews blocked from your home.
Please call the office for details. [ back to top ]
Q. Can I receive premium services without a converter box?
A. Yes. We maintain one premium service that is available
without a converter. It is HBO. HBO is a Whole House
Service. This one channel will appear on all TV sets in your
home. However, it is only one channel. You can increase
the convenience and increase your viewing choices with a Digital
Converter. Digital Converters offer multiple channels of premium
movie services. Please refer to the Digital Choice Section
for details. [ back to top ]
Q. There are so many channels. How will I know what is
on?
A. TV Guide Channel is included with your Basic Cable service.
It shows all of the programs for the current half-hour. TV
Gateway Interactive is included with our Digital Basic Service. For
a demonstration of this guide, please visit http://www.tvguideinteractivedemo.com/#.
T.H.E. Box also includes an interactive program guide. Clear
Picture offers the printed version of TV Guide. Please refer
to the Price Section for more details. Local area newspapers
all include TV listings. [ back to top ]
Q. I find some of the programs objectionable. What can
I do?
A. Clear Picture does not choose the programs that appear on
television channels. The local stations or networks make the
program content decisions. We are not permitted to delete
or alter their programming. If you find program content objectionable,
you have a number of options. First, turn it off. No
one is required to watch any programs. Second, write to
the program service. Click on the Program Lineup Section. There
you will find a list of program services. We have links
to almost every one of them. Typically, their web sites
include a Contact Us section, so you can email, fax, write or
call them. Finally,
consider parental control. Our Digital Converters, T.H.E. Box
and many newer television sets include parental controls that can
block unwanted programs by channel, rating and even program title.
Click
here for information about movie ratings.
Q. How can I 'block out'
the channels I find objectionable?
A. There are several different ways. Newer television
sets over a certain screen size are required to have parental control
functions. Consult your Owner's Manual for instructions.
Our Digital Converters and T.H.E. Box have parental control functions
as well. [ back to top ]
Q. Do you show all sports
events of local interest?
A. There are many reasons why certain sports events are not available
to local cable viewers. First, the game may not be televised.
Local and national producers make decisions about both professional
and amateur events. Second, the game may not be available in
our area. Both professional and college sports are subject to
'blackout' rules. Sometimes these are based on the distance
from the stadium. Other times they are enforced to protect another
market. The blackout rules are very complex. We have no
choice but to comply with them. Finally, we may not carry a
program network that is televising a specific game. Carrying
a program network is not as simple as turn it on today and turn it
off tomorrow. Multi-year agreements, sometimes at very high
prices, are required. There are times when it is not feasible
(or desirable) to carry a network full-time in order to receive a
few additional sports events. [ back to top ]
Q. Will I see The Columbus
Blue Jackets?
A. The Blue Jackets are available exclusively on Fox Sports Ohio.
However, Stark County falls within the market designated by the
NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins. We are not allowed to import
the Blue Jackets games into Stark County.
[ back to top ]
Q. What is a 'Pay-Per-View'
program?
A. Pay-Per-View programs are movies and special events that can
be purchased on an individual program basis. They include
theatrical movies, sports and music specials and programs for adult
viewers. [ back to top ]
Q. How can I purchase them:
A. A converter is required for all Pay-Per-View purchases. Digital
converters provide access to more than 40 channels of Pay-Per-View
programs. T.H.E. Box provides access to 8 Pay-Per-View channels.
[ back to top ]
Q. How much do they cost?
A. The price varies depending on the program. Theatrical movies
cost $3.95. Sporting events and concerts vary depending on
the event. Adult programming costs between $5.95 and $9.95
depending on the feature.[ back to top ]
Q. How do I order Pay-Per-View features?
A. Many years ago, Pay-Per-View features were ordered by telephone.
That system is no longer used. Now, Pay-Per-View features
can be ordered only through the converter. It is very
easy. You simply tune to the feature you want to see and press
the appropriate buttons on the remote control. [ back to top ]
Q. Is there a limit to the number I can order? What is
it?
A. Every account has a credit limit. It is not based on Pay-Per-View
charges. Instead, it is set at $75 more than your regular
monthly charge. This means that Pay-Per-View purchases will
be restricted any time an account balance increases to more than
$75 above the monthly charges. This could be an unpaid balance
or Pay-Per-View charges. [ back to top ]
Q. Can I cancel a movie once I order?
A. If you order in advance, you can cancel an order as long as you
do not watch any of the feature. However, it is not possible
to cancel if the movie has already started. Canceling an order
is easy. Just find the feature in the interactive Program Guide,
press SELECT and follow the instructions. [ back to
top ]
Q. I don't want Pay-Per-View. What should I do?
A. The best way to restrict Pay-Per-View is to install a Purchase
Password and keep it secure. This requires only a few simple
steps. Call the office and we will be glad to take you through
them. KEEP IN MIND THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERY Pay-Per-View
PURCHASE EVEN IF YOU INSTALL A PURCHASE PASSWORD. Of course,
the easiest way to avoid Pay-Per-View charges is to tell everyone
in your family not to order. [ back to top ]
Q. Can I restrict my children from adult Pay-Per-View but still
let them order movies?
A. Yes. Use the Parental Lock feature to block the adult channels.
Now, they can order theatrical movies, but not adult channels.
You can also use the Rating feature in Parental Control to restrict
the type of movies they order (G, PG, etc.). [ back
to top ]
Q. How long will I have to wait for an installation appointment?
A. Under normal circumstances, we complete all installations within
7 business days. Very often, people want special installation
times (Saturdays, first thing in the morning, etc). It might
take a little longer for special times. [ back to top ]
Q. Why do I need to be at home when installation or service work
is done?
A. We want to make sure we complete all work to your satisfaction
the first time. The best way to do that is to see that all
of your televisions are working properly. Otherwise, you might
not have what you expect and we will have to make an extra visit.
[ back to top ]
Q. How many cable TV outlets can I have in my home?
A. There is no limit to the number of outlets you can have in your
home. However, there are some important things to consider.
First, every time you split the cable signal, you lose a little bit
of signal quality. Too many splitters (especially if they
are installed poorly) will lead to poor pictures. You may
need an in-house amplifier if you have more than 4 TV sets. Please
check with Clear Picture before installing an in-house amplifier.
Second, it is important to design the wiring properly. Splitters
leading to other splitters can create problems. You should
also be concerned about the quality of the workmanship. Improper
installation can lead to poor picture quality and signal leakage.
Signal leakage can create interference on other TV sets and, more
importantly, interfere with aeronautical signals. We check
for signal leakage throughout the system on a regular basis.
If found, we may be required to discontinue service to a home until
it is corrected. [ back to top ]
Q. Can I install my own extra outlets?
A. Yes. You can install them for yourself. However, Clear
Picture installs extra outlets for a very small charge when you consider
the cost of the materials and the time it can take. If you
install your own extra outlets, please keep in mind that there
may be a charge for emergency service if the problem is caused
by improper installation.
Use RG-6 cable, crimp-on fittings (this requires a special tool)
and 5-1000MHz (or 1GHz) splitters. [ back to top
]
Q. Why is there a charge to add HBO or STANDARD Service to my
Basic Cable?
A. HBO and STANDARD Service are Whole House services. That
means they will appear on every TV set in your home. We must
perform work at your home in order to add them. The charge
is for the technician to complete the work outside your home. [ back to top ]
Q. How many channels will
I receive and what are they?
A. The number of channels you will receive depend of the services
you choose. Please refer to the Cable Services sections for
more information about service packages. There you also will
find a complete list of all
available channels. A link to the web sites of each channel
is provided. [ back to top ]
Q. Can I receive broadcast signals only?
A. Clear Picture does not offer an Antenna Only Service at this
time. [ back to top ]
Q. Why are there so many different types of converters?
A. We offer different types of converters for different needs and
budgets. The simplest converters (non-addressable converters)
increase the tuning capacity of older TV sets and provide remote
control. However, they don't provide access to premium services
or Pay-Per-View. T.H.E. Box includes an interactive program
guide, digital music channels and access to 12 premium movie channels
and 8 Pay-Per-View movie channels. Digital Converters (our
newest offering) provide even more capability. Here you will
find a more advanced program guide, more CD-quality music channels,
access to 42 premium movie channels, season packages to 'out of
market' professional and college sports, over 40 Pay-Per-View movie
channels and close to 30 channels from some of the best known program
providers in the world. [ back to top ]
Q. What is the difference between a digital signal and an analog
signal?
A. The scientific answer is very complex. However, the practical
answer is fairly simple. Analog signals are traditional TV
channels.
Each channel is a Radio Frequency (RF) signal. This is an electrical
signal. Therefore, it is subject to electrical and atmospheric
interference like lightning, CB radios, pagers, etc. That's
what causes little lines and sparkles on some channels. Digital
signals are made of the same 1's and 0's of computer language.
They do not suffer from the same type of interference. Therefore,
the picture and sound quality are very high. In addition,
digital signals can be compressed. This means more channels. Clear
Picture's digital service offers 42 premium movie channels, over
40 Pay-Per-View movies channels, over 40 channels of professional
and college sports, 40 CD-quality music formats and 30 channels
from familiar program suppliers. [ back to top ]
Q. Can I install my own Digital Converter?
A. No. Digital Converters require that the installation be
completed in a specific manner. In the initial stages of the
digital cable rollout, we will install all Digital Converters.
As time goes by, we may change this policy. The service provided
through Digital Converters is quite different from other cable services.
Our installers also will provide hints on how to make the most of
this new service. [ back to top ]
Q. What channels are available on Digital Cable?
A. Please click here for a complete Channel
Line-Up
Q. What sporting events can I see with Digital Cable?
A. Digital Cable offers viewers the opportunity to see a huge selection
of professional and college sports. You can choose from:
- ESPN's Game Plan
- ESPN's Full Court
- ESPN's MLS Shootout
- NHL Center Ice
- ESPN Extra
[ back to top ]
For more information about cable modems, click
here.
Q. How much does a cable modem cost and how do I use it?
A. Cable modems are available in a number of different packages
to suit needs and budgets. Please consult the Cable Modem
section (link) for more information. A cable modem is very
simple to use. In fact, you don't really 'use' it. The
cable modem provides a faster path to the Internet. During
the installation process, your computer is configured to use the
cable modem every time you start a process that requires an Internet
connection. There is nothing you need to do, expect enjoy
the faster speeds and full-time connection. [ back to top ]
Q. Why do I need a cable line if Super-Net provides the cable
modem service?
A. Super-Net provides the connection to the Internet, manages e-mail,
provides Help Desk technicians and a host of other tasks vital to
cable modem service. However, the signal must travel from
your home or office to Super-Net first. The wires and electronics
of the cable system are the path for the signals. [ back to top ]
Q. I have an e-mail account with another service (AOL, Hot Mail,
etc.). Can I continue to use it?
A. Yes, High-speed cable modems do not interfere with your ability
to use existing e-mail accounts, web browsers, bookmarks, etc. [ back to top ]
Q. When is the office
open?
A. Please refer to the Company Information
Section. [ back to top ]
Q. Can I return my converter/remote
somewhere other than the office?
A. No. The only place equipped for converter returns is our
main office. However, we will send a technician to pick up the
converter if that is more convenient for you. Please call the
office to arrange for a converter pick up. [ back to top ]
Q. What does 'Cable Ready' mean?
A. TV sets used to have only VHF channels 2-13 and UHF channels 14-83.
The popularity of cable TV service caused set manufacturers to create
TVs and VCR with more channels. 'Cable Ready' refers to the
tuning capacity of a television or VCR. Cable Ready sets usually
have two different settings for tuning. One normally is called
something like Antenna. It will set your tuner for VHF 2-13
and UHF 14-83. The other tuning mode is called Cable.
It will set your tuner for VHF channels only (Cable tuning doesn't
use UHF). The number of channels depends on the range of the
TV or VCR. Typically, Cable tuning will provide about 100 channels.
[ back to top ]
Q. Why do I need a converter
box if my TV is Cable Ready?
A. Converters do more than increase tuning capacity. They also
provide access to premium movie and Pay-Per-View channels. These
services are scrambled so they are seen only by those homes that order
them. The converter box unscrambles them. [ back to top ]
Q. What is a 'Digital TV?'
A. There are two different types of Digital Televisions. The
first is called Enhanced Digital. This type of TV set will accept
standard analog cable signals and produce digital pictures.
The second type is a High Definition Television. This type of
TV set accepts digital signals and produces digital pictures.
An Enhanced Digital TV will not accept digital signals. A High
Definition TV will not accept analog signals. A High Definition
TV also requires a separate digital decoder for viewing digital television
signals.[ back to top ]
Q. When are repair technicians
available?
A. Emergency service is available from 8AM to midnight every day
of the year by calling 330-345-8114. Please consult the Company
Information Section for more information. [
back to top ]
Q. Is there a charge for
repair service?
A. Normally there is no charge for emergency repair. However,
there may be a charge if faulty wiring inside your home, improperly
connected or programmed TVs or VCRs cause the problem. There
also may be a charge for repeated 'customer education' calls.
We also may charge you for additional work done at the time of a repair
call if the work is unrelated to the problem. The typical charge
to repair faulty wiring, correct home electronic equipment installation
or provide customer education is $20.00. The charge for additional
work depends on what is done. [ back to top ]
Q. My TV used to tune all the channels and now it only tunes 2-13.
What happened?
A. Your TV probably lost electrical power. Many TVs and VCRs
have factory settings for tuning channels (See the question about
'Cable Ready' in the TV and Cable Questions Section). When you
lose electricity, the TV reverts back to these settings. Consult
your Owner's Manual and change the tuning back to CABLE. [ back to top ]
Q. Sometimes I hear programs
in Spanish and sometimes I hear two languages. What is wrong?
A. The SAP (Second Audio Program) setting on your TV needs to be changed.
Many TVs have an option that allows the viewer to listen to an alternate
audio feed. Most television stations broadcast the same English
version on both feeds. However, there are times when they broadcast
a second language (usually Spanish) on the Second Audio Program.
If your TV is set to receive the SAP, you will receive the Spanish
language. If your TV is set to receive both, you will hear two
languages. Consult your Owner's Manual for instructions. [ back to top ]
Q. Why do some channels
have sparkles, lines, and 'ghosts' in them?
A. The sparkles, lines and 'ghosts' normally seen on some channels
are the result of atmospheric interference. This interference
is caused by electrical storms, other radio transmissions, reflections
from buildings and other sources. Normally, these problems appear
on broadcast television signals. The problem is worse during
certain weather conditions. There is little we can do to change
it. We are working with the local broadcast stations to receive
digital or fiber optic feeds of their signals to avoid this atmospheric
interference. [ back to top ]
Q. What are 'sun outages'?
A. Sun outages occur twice each year (early March and early September).
The sun outage period is about two weeks. Sun outages occur
in the afternoon when the sun passes directly behind the satellites
from which we receive signals. The solar radiation from the
sun is stronger than the satellite signals. Basically, the sun
overpowers the satellite. The interference first appears as
small while sparkles in the picture. As the sun moves directly
behind the satellite, the sparkles become more and more pronounced
and, eventually, the picture is completely lost. The interference
normally lasts for about 10 minutes.
[ back to top ]
Q. What is 'Close Captioning?' How do I turn it on or off?
A. Close captioning is a service for deaf viewers. It prints
the words (and other audio information) on the screen. This
information is included with the TV signal but is not seen unless
you activate it. All newer TV sets over 12' are required to
have close captioning built into the set. Consult your Owner's Manual
for instructions to activate this service. If you have an
older set, please know that close captioning devices are available
to attach to your TV set. [ back to top ]
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