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* Please
note: *
High-Tech Productions DOES NOT sell or lease
cable boxes or descramblers. This web page is for informational purposes only.
DO NOT call us
for information on where to purchase equipment.
What does a converter do
for me?
It allows you to receive all the basic channels if your TV or VCR is not cable ready. If
you add a cable descrambler, it allows you to view premium and pay-per-view channels.
This is what you would see on your television screen: |
| Without a
Descrambler |
With a
Descrambler |
 |
 |
Are Descramblers and
Converters legal ?
YES! Descramblers are legal. If your cable TV
company can possess & rent the box then you can own the box yourself providing that
you notify your cable company about it's use. It is legal for you to purchase and it is
legal for you to own. When you buy a converter, descrambler, cable boxes & equipment
it is your responsibility to inform the cable TV company that you are
accessing their signal. It is illegal to receive their transmission
without paying for it. This holds true even if your cable box is purchased as a
non-addressable, non-detectable, and "bullet proof" unit.
Are all Descramblers and Converters alike
?
No. Prices can range from $55 to $450 depending on
the quality and amount of features. Some companies sell old converters, descramblers, and
cable boxes that are barely in date and likely to be replaced by the cable companies by
higher technological grades of equipment. State of the art cable box companies will
provide the most recent technology in a variety of packages tailored to fit the consumer's
budget. You must have a box that is right for your cable system in order to receive any or
all channels available.
Do you need a Descrambler if you have or a
cable ready TV ?
Yes you do. A cable ready TV or VCR does not
descrambler TV signals. You must have a descrambler to view premium & pay-per-view
channels.
What is a Converter ?
A converter is an electronic tuning device that transposes all
available channels from the cable company and outputs it into an RF signal on
channel 3 or 4. Some high end converters can also convert the signal to a
"Video" output that can be plugged directly into a video monitor or
projector for higher resolution. A converter is simply a "channel changer" that
cannot by itself descrambler encoded premium channels. It allows you to receive all basic
channels if your TV is not the cable ready type. When you add a descrambler to your
converter, it allows you to view all premium channels.
What is a Descrambler ?
A descrambler is a device that restores the picture and sound of a
scrambled channel. A descrambler must be used with a converter to be able to
descramble all the premium & pay-per-view channels of a cable system.
What is a Combination
Converter/Descrambler ?
A single (one-piece) unit that is capable of descrambling premium
& pay-per-view cable channels. This unit contains a converter and a descrambler,
enclosed in a common box and outputs the signal directly to your TV, VCR or video
projector.
This is also the most common type of equipment supplied by the cable
company to subscribing customers. Customers usually pay a specified monthly rental fee for
such equipment.
Which Descrambler System is best ?
You have two choices when purchasing your equipment, a single unit
or a system containing two units.
| Combination Box Advantages: |
 |
The one-piece system is based on a combination of a
converter and a descrambler, installed in a single box. This unit is referred to as a
combination unit. These units feature:
Separate Component Advantages:
The two-piece system is based on two separate units, a converter and
a descrambler, that are connected together and function as one. The pluses:
What is an Addressable Converter
Descrambler ?
These are cable converter/descramblers that can be controlled by the
cable company. Through remote coded messages sent via the cable system, the cable company
can "address" the customer's unit to begin descrambling selected premium or
pay-per view channels. Addressable cable box equipment allow the cable company to access
your cable box to change the descrambling configuration or programming. This function
provides the cable company the ability to add or delete descrambling on the channels that
come in through your cable line. It also allows them to remotely disconnect you for non
payment of your cable bill.
Can a Descrambler work anywhere ?
No. Descramblers are specific to each cable system. Different cable
companies use different scrambling systems, characterized by the manufacturer's brand name
and model number. You must use a compatible cable box or descrambler that is meant to work
in your area. The same box may not work in a different area or cable company.
What do you do if your Converter doesn't
work ?
Call your cable box source. Let them know that there are problems.
Most companies want to correct any problems you are having. Sometimes technology
changes for your area and you may have to update your equipment.
How can you improve the quality of your
reception?
Amplification may be needed to correct the problem. Whenever a cable
signal is split between two or more TVs/VCR's, the signal weakens and produces a poor
quality picture. The weak signal may cause a "snowy" or grainy picture, or may
even result in poor color. Using an amplifier can usually restore the signal strength and
the picture sharpness. In most cases, the amplifier brings the picture back to its
original quality.
What are "bullets" and can the
cable company hurt my box ?
Bullets are nothing more than a transmitted signal which effects the
cable box program. It does not effect the electronics inside of cable boxes, converters or
descramblers. A non-addressable box is not effected at all by "Bullets" sent by
the cable companies. This is what is meant by a "bullet-proof" cable box.
How do you determine which box to use in
my area ?
Get the brand name & the model number of the converter
descrambler unit that was supplied to you by your cable company. The brand name is located
on the front of the box. The model # is located on the bottom of the box.
Cable terms: Basic,
Premium, Pay
Per View Services
Basic Cable Service:
The least expensive cable service provided by cable companies to their customers. This
service usually includes local TV channels.
Premium Cable Service:
Additional programming service provided by the cable company to subscribing customers. The
extra fee for such additional service may be based on a per channel, per group of
channels, or on any other combination of channels. Some of the premium channels
include:
Disney, Showtime, HBO, Playboy, etc.
Pay Per View: Selected
channels that offer movies and special events such as sports or adult entertainment, for
an additional fee, on a per movie or per program basis. A special "addressable"
converter is furnished by the cable company to subscribers of this service. Through the
use of special equipment, the cable company can "address" the customer's cable
box to descramble the program for which the fee was paid.
For more information, visit our Info Center
* Please
note: High-Tech Productions DOES NOT sell or lease cable boxes.
This web page is for informational purposes only.
DO NOT call us for
information on where to purchase equipment.
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