Digital Transition / Digital Television (DTV)
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• What is Digital Television (DTV) and why are TV Stations transitioning to DTV?

DTV will allow Stations to offer viewers better image and sound quality and also more programming choices. DTV is designed to use radio spectrum more efficiently than the current analog service. Therefore, upon completion of the DTV transition, the Federal Government will reclaim and reassign analog broadcast television spectrum to other important uses, including public safety and advanced wireless services.

• When will the DTV transition be completed?

Some TV Stations are already using digital channels to offer DTV programming in their local markets. On February 18, 2009, full power television stations will stop analog broadcasting and return their analog channels so those channels can be put to other uses.

• Satellite ads and telemarketers are saying I'll lose my cable tv service when the transition occurs.

No. As a cable customer, we will either convert the Digital signals at our office or provide you a converter box so you will continue to receive those stations uninterrupted. When the Digital Transition is complete, ONLY viewers who DO NOT subscribe to cable or satellite will lose their ability to view broadcast signals with their current analog TV set.

For more information on Digital Television and the Digital Transition, the FCC has setup an informational website: www.dtv.gov

General
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• How do I sign up for Northland Cable Television?

First complete the "Find Local Offices and Services" form located to the right to find out what specific services are offered in your area. Then call your local office through the contact information located on the right or fill out the sign up form and a customer service representative will contact you to schedule your installation and obtain any additional information we may need to set up service.

• How does Northland's digital cable service compare to the deluxe cable service?

Northland's digital cable uses the latest technology to deliver more services and features than is available with deluxe cable service.
Starz/Encore, HBO and other multi-screen premium channels
Access to Pay-Per-View movies and events
Digital Music - multiple channels of commercial-free, high quality music, 24 hours a day
On-Screen Interactive Guide
Parental Controls
Option for more channels of sports, science, history and health for the whole family to enjoy

• What channels do I get with digital cable?

A: Please complete the Find Local Offices and Services form to the right to show the available packages. A listing of the channels in each package is available through the "view lineup" link to the right of each package.

• Why choose cable over satellite?

RELIABILITY: Cable service is not affected by weather conditions. Satellite equipment can be affected by rain, snow, precipitation, and even trees.
LOCAL CHANNELS: Northland brings you local broadcast channels with local news, weather, sports and network programming at no extra charge. Satellite companies may not offer local channels, and if they do they probably will cost extra.
LOCAL PRESENCE: Northland offices are conveniently located in the communities we serve and are staffed with local employees. Most satellite companies are located far from areas they serve.
INTERNET ACCESS: Cable service offer reliable, high-speed internet access available via a cable modem. Satellite equipment can be affected by weather conditions.
NO ANNUAL CONTRACT: If you're not satisfied with your Northland Cable service at any time, we'll disconnect your service, no questions asked and no early termination fees. For satellite companies annual contracts are standard practice. You may be charged a fee for early termination directly to your credit card.
INSTALLATION: Northland technicians will install everything you need for cable service. For satellite equipment you need to install it yourself or pay someone to do it.
EQUIPMENT: Northland will lease you all the cable equipment you need, and when necessary, we'll update it free of charge. With most satellite systems, you own the equipment, so when it becomes outdated or obsolete, you're responsible for buying the new components. There re additional costs if you want satellite service on a second TV.
MULTIPLE TV CONNECTIONS: with cable, multiple (cable-connected) TV sets in your homes can access different channels on each set simultaneously. With satellite, you have to purchase additional receivers for multiple TV sets to be simultaneously.
BILLING: Northland will send you one bill each month, and with satellite you may receive multiple statements each billing cycle.

• How do you choose what channels are included in your lineup?

We choose high-quality programming, while keeping our programming costs as low as possible to keep our rates reasonable.

• Who can I contact about objectionable programming?

Although Northland does not have any direct control over the content or specific programs shown on any channel, please feel free to contact us with any concerns or questions and we will forward them on to our programming contacts at the channel. Most channels also have individual websites through which you can directly send comments to. You can also share your programming concerns with us by completing our contact us form.

• What do I do when I move?

If you are planning to move within our service area, please contact the office to schedule your transfer of service. Keep your cable equipment and bring it to your new location. If you move outside of our service area, please return the Northland converter and remote control to our local office. A prompt return of the equipment helps to avoid additional charges and is necessary for us to close your account. Any lost, stolen, or damaged converters will be charged to you. You local Northland customer service representative can explain the move or disconnect procedures to you in detail and provide you with any charges or final balance amounts.

Installation
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• How many television sets can I connect to digital cable?

You can connect to digital cable to any number of TVs in your home for a low fee per month for each additional TV. Alternatively, you can receive the Deluxe Basic lineup on each additional TV for no charge and without any additional equipment.

• Do I need a separate digital cable box for every TV?

No. You only need a digital cable box if you wish to view the channels above 99 or would like to use the digital guide.

Cable Theft
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• What is cable television signal theft?

Cable television signal theft is the illegal interception of cable programming services without the authorization of or payment to a cable system. While laws vary from state to state, according to the Telecom Act of 1996 (47 USC 553 and 605), cable theft is a crime that is punishable by both hefty financial penalty and jail time.

• I receive cable but have never been billed for it. Am I doing something illegal?

Yes, you are doing something illegal. There are two kinds of cable theft: active and passive. Active theft is when a person knowingly makes an illegal connection to the cable system or tampers with the equipment in order to obtain unauthorized services. For example, cutting into your neighbor's cable to get free service is theft. Passive theft is when a customer knowingly receives free services due to the unlawful connection of a previous homeowner. If you are currently receiving cable service without receiving billing, please call your local office to establish an account, or to disconnect your service - no questions asked.

Parental Control
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• What is a V-Chip?

All TV sets with screens 13" or larger manufactured after January 1, 2000 are required to be equipped with features to block the display of television programming based upon its rating. This technology is known as the "V-Chip". It works in conjunction with the TV ratings system to allow parents to block programming they do not want their children to see. After becoming familiar with the TV ratings, parents can identify the level of programming they want to block. By following the directions included with your TV, parents can set the V-chip to block programs with certain ratings. The settings are password protected and can be changed at any time. For more information go to www.tvguidelines.org or www.controlyourtv.org.