Cable FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding Orbitel Communications Cable TV services. Scroll down and see if we can answer your question as well. If you don’t see your question, then click here to see our hours of operation and how to contact us. We want to answer any question you have.
Q. How does Cable TV work?
A. Most of the programming, including networks such as ESPN, MTV and CNN, come to Orbitel Communications from communications satellites. Programming originates at its network source, and is encoded and transmitted to a satellite that is designed to receive and transmit broadcast signals. The programming signal is amplified and retransmitted to our receivers, then sent to you through our cable network. “Off air” programming is the programming you can receive with an ordinary antenna: network television, like NBC and Fox, local affiliate broadcasts, and PBS. We receive these signals, amplify them, and send them to your TV through our “head-end” or distribution center.
From the head-end, channel signals are transmitted to your neighborhood via underground cabling. Fiber optics are used to transmit our signals to and from your neighborhood using a series of transmitters and receivers. Coaxial cables, are used to carry signals from the fiber optic receivers into “feeder” cables that carry signals to each street. The final connection is made with the “drop” cable, which plugs into your TV or VCR.
After the cable is brought in to your home, a converter may be required. A converter is used when the tuner in the television is not cable ready or when you want to receive channels that are scrambled (DigitalConnect, Premium Movie Services, High Definition (HDTV), Pay-Per-View and Adult Programming). In other words, if your TV is capable of tuning in all the channels that you would like to view and hear, then you only need to connect a cable to the television to start enjoying your cable service.
Q. How do I Use Your Cable Service?
A. Depending upon you television or VCR and the optional channels you request from Orbitel, you may need to connect the cable to a Set Top Converter in your home. Orbitel offers several Set Top Converters to choose from. From either your wall outlet or the set top converter the cable is connected directly to your television or VCR antenna input. To view cable programming using a set top converter, your television or VCR (if connected) must be tuned to channel 3. Wiring diagrams are provided below for the typical cable TV installations. You can also contact our office and one of our Technicians will be glad to assist you with any installation or service problems.
Q. How do I connect OrbitelConnect or ExpandedConnect without a Set Top Converter?
A. To hookup the cable to your TV:
- Locate the cable outlet on your wall.
- Connect a cable wire from the wall to the cable input on the back of the television set.
Q. How do I connect cable TV service using an Orbitel Set Top Converter?
A. To hookup your TV:
- Carefully screw the cable coming from the wall outlet onto the connector marked “IN.”
- Carefully screw the cable going to your television onto the connector marked “OUT.”
- Plug in your cable box, but do not turn the cable box on. You will see some symbols flashing in the window on the cable box. It will then go blank for a short period of time. This means that your box is receiving data from our hybrid fiber optic network. This normally takes less than five minutes. When a clock appears in the window, it’s finished.
- Make sure your television is on and set to Channel 3. Turn on your cable box.
Q. How do I solve problems with my cable TV service?
A. While we make every effort to deliver the best possible picture to your home, you may occasionally experience a reception problem. Please go through this brief checklist before calling us so that we might assist you more effectively.
- Are your TV, VCR and converter all connected properly, plugged in and turned on? Does a wall switch control power to that outlet? Are other electrical devices in that room working properly? Are all cable connections tight?
- Is your TV or VCR tuned to channel 3 and in the proper mode? (if necessary, refer to your TV or VCR instruction manual or television menu screen if available.)
- Is the reception problem on just one or on several channels? Are other televisions connected to cable working properly?
- Could a power failure or neighborhood construction have caused the problem?
- After you have checked the items above, please call our Customer Service Department at (520) 568-8890. We will work with you to correct the problem as quickly as possible.
Q. What are Parental Controls?
A. Orbitel is committed to giving you more choice and control over what you and your family watches on TV. From the widest programming choices to the best education on how to make smart decisions about children’s use of media, we provide you with a powerful range of tools to manage the content that comes into your home – giving you more control. Depending on your set-top box and television set, there are different alternatives available that let you block out specific programs or entire channels. Click here to visit our equipment section of our website. You can view an on-line version of our set top converter manuals.
Q. What is a V-Chip?
A. The V-Chip is a device built into most new television sets. The V-Chip electronically reads television-programming ratings and allows parents to block programs they believe are unsuitable for their children. Parental Controls can be used in conjunction with the V-Chip. The V-Chip is in every television set 13 inches or larger manufactured after January 2000 and some sets sold after July 1, 1999.
