What is the difference between analogue and digital channels?
Analogue channels are channels between 2 and 99 and no
converter is needed to receive analogue channels. Digital
channels are delivered by a digital converter.
What do I do if I am having problems receiving channels?
If you are missing some channels…
Go into your TV’s main setup menu and make sure that
it is in the Cable (CATV mode), not TV, Air or Antenna.
If your TV is skipping channels?
You may want to Auto-Program your TV. Go into the main
menu of your TV and look for an option to “Auto-Tune” or “Auto-
Program”.
If you are still having problems, please Contact
Us.
How do I order a PPV movie?
You can order a PPV movie without a digital box. You
can either call our office and request the movie or event
you would like or order through our automated phone system
by pressing option 2 then option 1.
We currently carry two PPV channels on cable channels,
62, and 78.
Channel 62 is PPV Events
Channel 78 is Adult Programming
Remember you need a PIN# to order a PPV movie or event
through our automated phone system.
What do I do if I am having trouble receiving analogue
premium channels?
Please try the following steps if you are having trouble
receiving premium channels:
Are you subscribing to the service?
If not, please Contact Us to learn more about our analogue
premium channels and packages.
Did you just recently start subscribing to the service?
It may take up to 30 minutes for you to receive the channel.
If these steps did not resolve the problem, please Contact
Us.
How does Mid-Hudson Cable choose the networks it carries?
There are many different factors that contribute to the
selection of programming for Mid-Hudson Cable. In general,
some of the deciding factors are cost, subscriber demand,
ratings, availability of open channels on our cable system,
and whether or not there are similar channels on our lineup.
Can I have extra outlets installed if I rent?
Yes, but you will need to obtain written
permission from your landlord authorizing Mid-Hudson Cable
to install/move outlets at your direction.
Why do I have
to know how many cable outlets I need installed?
We need to know the number of TVs for which you would
like to have video service installed so that our technicians
will be prepared to install your service properly. In most
areas of Mid-Hudson Cable service area, you can have our
Basic Cable service, and up to 3 premiums in your home with no additional equipment or charge on one outlet. To
receive our digital services, including, DVR, Movies On
Demand, and multiplexed premium channels, you will need
a digital converter.
I think my neighbor is stealing cable. What should I
do?
Please contact Mid-Hudson Cable if you feel someone is
receiving services without paying for them. It is illegal
to fraudulently obtain cable service by attaching a wire
or device to the converter or any other company wires or
equipment. In some cases, we will offer amnesty if the
offender agrees to become a paying customer, but we do
reserve our right to prosecute to the fullest extent of
the law.
Mid-Hudson
Digital Cable Frequently Asked Questions
A Digital Receiver is a piece of equipment that receives
digital programming from Mid-Hudson Cable and converts
it into a format that can be connected to and viewed on
a TV set. It is also commonly referred to as a Set Top
Box (STB) or cable box. Different models support different
features, and may include or exclude services such as analog
programming, digital programming High Definition programming,
certain Interactive Programming Guides, DVR, etc. Other
items may be included with a Digital Receiver such as a
Universal Remote.
What is the difference between Digital and Cable TV service?
Mid-Hudson Digital uses a digital signal, allowing for
more data (e.g., channels, music, movies, etc.) to be sent
across our network to your home. The Digital Receiver formats
the digital signal so that you may view it on your television.
This allows Mid-Hudson to deliver more choices than are
available with basic analog cable service.
Will Mid-Hudson install extra outlets if I am a renter?
Yes, but you will need to obtain written permission from
your landlord authorizing Mid-Hudson to install/move outlets
at your direction.
Do I have to pay a deposit on the digital converter in order to have it installed in my home?
You do not need to pay a depsosit if you leave a credit card number on your account at the time of installation for security purposes.
Why
does the TV Guide flip bar read, "To Be Announced"?
If this occurs on a single program time slot, then there
may have been no guide data available from the programmers.
If this occurs on multiple channels, then there may have
been a power interruption to the Set Top Box. Leave the
box connected to power and the guide should fully update
itself within approximately 45 minutes. If this does not
refresh the box, please Contact Us.
There is a red light showing on my Digital
Receiver. What does it mean?
The red light does not indicate a problem.
It simply indicates that you have a message from Mid-Hudson.
You can access the message through the Interactive Program
Guide and read and/or delete the message. Mid-Hudson will
utilize this feature to advise you of any channel changes,
specials, promotions, and how you can save money by bundling
Mid-Hudson’s services.
To view the message using the TV Guide:
1. Press Menu on your Universal Remote.
2. Go to the house icon on the bottom of the screen.
3. Use the arrow keys to scroll to the digital messages
button.
4. Press OK on the remote to select the message.
5. After reading the message, you have the option to save
or delete the message
6. Use the arrow keys on the remote to highlight the Save
or Delete icon.
7. Press OK on the remote to select the action.
8. When you read or delete the message the red light will
disappear.
9. Press Exit on the remote to exit the guide.
How do I block channels I don't want to receive?
Customers can block channels from their cable
lineup by using the Parental Control feature available
on most digital converter models leased from Mid-Hudson.
It's also possible that, depending on the model of television
or VCR you have, you could program your own television
equipment to block programming you prefer not to receive.
Can I reset the time on the Digital Receiver?
No, the receiver time is controlled by a central system.
Can I get digital services on all TVs in my home?
Yes, we can install a digital receiver on all of your
TVs.
How do I find out which channels are included
in the package and/or digital tier I want to purchase?
The channel lineup contains a list of channels that are
offered by area. View your channel lineup.
Are the prices shown here the actual prices
I will be charged for the services I select?
Yes. Please note that prices may vary per area and do
not include taxes and fees. Installation fees may apply.
Having problems receiving channels?
Are you not receiving channels above 13?
Go into your TV's main setup menu and make sure that it
is in the Cable (CATV mode), not TV, Air or Antenna.
Is your TV skipping channels?
You may want to Auto-Program your TV. Go into the main
menu of your TV and look for an option to 'Auto-Tune'
or 'Auto-Program'.
If you are still having problems please Contact
Us.
Order a Pay-Per-View movie?
While in one of
the PPV listings menus, press or to highlight the program
you want to order, then press OK.
Highlight the desired
start time, then press OK.
Highlight Confirm, then press
OK. NOTE: If you have a purchase code set, you will be
asked to enter it here in place of highlighting "Confirm".
A reminder will automatically
be set for the ordered PPV program. You must tune to
the program within the designated time window in order
for the program to actually be purchased.
Premium channel reception problem?
Please try the following steps if you are having trouble
receiving premium channels.
Are you subscribing to the service?
If not, please Contact Us to learn more about our Premium
channels & packages.
Did you just recently start subscribing to the service?
It may take up to 30 minutes for you to receive the channel.
If these steps did not resolve your problem, please Contact
Us.
What is the difference between coaxial cable
and fiber optic cable?
Coaxial cable is pure copper or copper-coated wire surrounded
by insulation with an aluminum covering used to transmit
television, telephone and data signals. Fiber optic cable
is also used to deliver the same types of signals but carry
much wider bands of frequencies. It's made of very thin,
pliable tubes of glass or plastic.
Movies On Demand lets you get movies at home whenever you
want them. You choose what you want to watch from a collection
of blockbuster movies, classic films, and adult-oriented
titles and, with the push of a button, begin watching.
There are no pre-set start times, no trips to the video
store, no associated late fees and no out-of-stock titles.
Pause, fast-forward, and rewind your movie so you'll never
again miss a minute of the action because of interruptions.
You pay only for the movies you order and you can only
order Movies On Demand from Digital Cable-not satellite.
Do I have to have Digital Cable to get Movies On Demand?
Yes. To access any On Demand services, customers must
have Mid-Hudson Digital Cable. Movies On Demand rely on
digital technology to deliver programming to you.
How do I order Movies On Demand?
It's easy. Just use your remote control
to choose the movie you want from a wide range of categories
listed on easy-to-use on-screen menus and, with a push
of a button, begin watching. And with Mid-Hudson Cable’s
digital remote control you can pause, fast-forward, and
rewind your movie so you'll never miss a minute of the
action because of life's interruptions. You pay only
for the movies you order and those charges automatically
appear on your next bill.
1. Press Menu on your remote
2. Arrow to the IND button and click OK on your remote
3. You will see “One Moment Please” which means
you are entering the On Demand system at our site.
4. Choose a category and movie you want to watch
5. Order movie, then sit back and relax or pause and save
for later.
How long can I watch a Movies On Demand movie?
From the time you begin watching a Movies On Demand movie,
you have unlimited access to it for 24 hours. You'll enjoy
the power to pause, fast-forward, and rewind your movie
so you'll never again miss a minute of the action because
of life's interruptions.
What is the difference between Movies On Demand and Premiums
On Demand?
Movies On Demand let you instantly get movies at home
whenever you want them, and pay only for the movies you
order. Premiums On Demand, HBO On Demand, Cinemax On Demand,
let you instantly watch the best of these channels whenever
you want for a low monthly subscription fee. With both
of these services, you'll enjoy the power to pause, fast-forward,
and rewind whatever you're watching so you'll never again
miss a minute of the action because of interruptions.
Can I get Movies On Demand on every TV in my house?
Yes. You can get Movies On Demand on any TV in your house
that has Mid-Hudson Digital Cable. The TV you order the
movie on is the TV that you will be able to watch it on.
Do I have to buy additional equipment to get Movies On
Demand
No. There is no need to purchase any additional equipment
to get Movies On Demand. However, customers must have Mid-
Hudson Digital Cable.
Is there a parental control option for Movies
On Demand?
Yes. We provide a parental control option that allows
you to block purchases and viewing of Movies On Demand.
How many movies will I have access to with
Movies On Demand? How often are new movies added?
With Movies On Demand you choose what you want to watch
from an extensive collection of blockbuster movies, classic
films, and adult-oriented titles. Movies are updated each
month to provide ongoing new choices.
What do I do with a Movies On Demand error
message?
If you see an error message you can contact our office
at 1-518-943-6600 to see if we are experiencing an outage.
1. From the
middle column of the Main Menu, highlight PPV By Time,
PPV By Title, Special Events, or Adult; then press OK.
2. Press EXIT at any time to return to watching TV.
3. Press MENU to return to the Main Menu.
How
do I order Mid-Hudson Pay-Per-View?
1. While in
one of the PPV listing menus, press or highlight the
desired program; then press OK.
2. Highlight the desired start time; then press OK.
3. Highlight Confirm; then press OK.
4. OR you can call 1-800-342-5400 option 3 to order Mid-Hudson
Pay-Per-View.
A reminder will automatically be set for the ordered PPV
program. You must tune to the program within the designated
time in order for the program to actually be purchased.
How do I cancel a Pay-Per-View order?
1. Highlight the ordered program in any of the listings
menus; then press OK.
2. Highlight Cancel; then press OK.
How
much does Mid-Hudson Cable Pay-Per-View cost?
Events
are available on Mid-Hudson Digital Pay-Per-View and
vary in pricing. Fees for live events like boxing and
wrestling as well as adult events vary by program. All
Movies available on Pay-Per-View are available with our
Movies On Demand feature.
Can
I order a Pay-Per-View event ahead of time?
Yes,
use your remote to access the Main Menu and navigate
to the selection of your choice. You may order the event
any time it is available in the menu. A reminder will be
set and you will not be charged unless you tune to that
channel during the event. You can also pre-order events
by calling 1- 800-342-5400.
Digital
Video Recording Frequent Questions and Answers
What is the difference between Mid-Hudson DVR and a VCR?
A VCR uses a VHS cassette tape to record approximately
2-6 hours, depending on quality, of programs in an analog
format. Mid-Hudson DVR (Digital Video Recorder) stores
recorded programs in a digital format on a hard drive
built into your receiver, saving you from the hassles
of a VCR. Mid-Hudson DVR can conveniently store several
hours* of recorded programming unlike a VCR. Recorded
programs can be easily managed and selected from an electronic
on screen guide.
Mid-Hudson DVR features include:
Seamlessly record
your favorite movies, sitcoms, documentaries, prime-time
drama and live sporting events at your convenience.
Access your
live and recorded programs easily with the Mid-Hudson
On Screen Guide.
Set up a program to record once or to automatically
record every episode for the entire season.
Watch your
favorite show while recording another, or record two
shows while watching a third recorded program.
Pause and rewind
live TV.
Record Standard Definition and/or High Definition
programming.
*Storage time available for each type of programming
depends on the hard drive size and model of DVR used.
Mid-Hudson Cable currently offers the 6412 Digital Video Recorder with a Recording Capacity of:
Analog TV Shows (not digital) - Channels 2 through 78. Capacity is up to 25 hours.
Digital TV shows (compressed) - Channels above 100 and above. Capacity is between 30 and 60 hours.
High Definition TV shows (HDTV) - Capacity is up to 15 hours.
(High Definition TV shows are broadcast in HD may be recorded in the same format, provided your DVR is connected to a High Definition Television.
Can Mid-Hudson DVR record two shows at once?
Yes, you can watch one program while recording
another or you can record two programs simultaneously while
watching a third recorded program.
When will Mid-Hudson DVR be available in my
area?
Mid-Hudson DVR is available in most markets
today. Please call our office for availability in your
area or contact us at cable@mhcable.com.
Will I need to purchase any special equipment to use
the Mid-Hudson DVR product?
No purchase is necessary! Mid-Hudson Cable
can provide you with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) when
you sign up for service.
Can I get a DVR that allows me to watch and
record High Definition programming?
Yes! You can view and record HD programming
with a Mid-Hudson DVR! If you are interested in a Mid-Hudson
DVR that supports HD programming please specify when ordering.
Can I record programs from premium channels such as HBO,
Cinemax, Showtime, etc. on my Mid-Hudson DVR?
Yes, you can record premium channel programming, such as
HBO, on your DVR for later playback.
Can I record Mid-Hudson On Demand programming on a Mid-Hudson
DVR?
No, On Demand programming cannot be recorded onto a DVR.
To view how the DVR function works with Mid-Hudson
Cable please go to the link below for a free Demonstration.
Click on the “Play Demo” for the Dual Tuner
then go to “Digital Video Recording” and
sit back and watch! http://www.i-guide.tv/
A High Definition Television (HDTV)
is a type of Digital Television (DTV) that receives and/or
displays high definition television images and surround
sound. HDTV programming and TVs together provide a detailed,
sharper image due to the increased number of pixels contained
in the received digital. HDTV screens are wider than
the traditional analog TV screens. Analog TVs offer a
screen aspect ratio of 4:3 while HDTV’s offer an
aspect ratio of 16:9, which is similar to a movie screen.
This allows you to see movies as they were filmed without
reformatting. There are also HDTV capable sets that have
the regular TV 4:3 ratio, but format HD content in a
letterbox presentation (with black bars on the top and
bottom of the TV image).
Enhanced Definition Televisions (EDTV) also
exists. These 4:3 aspect ratio TVs can not receive HD formatted
signals. They can receive enhanced definition signals,
which do not have the detail of an HD signal, but do improve
on the standard definition (SD) picture.
What HDTV programming does Mid-Hudson offer?
With Mid-Hudson HDTV, you can subscribe to a number of
HD channels, but availability can vary by location. Available
channels are not limited to, but may include the following:
601 Discovery Science HD
602 WMHT HD
603 FOX NEWS HD
605 QVC-HD
606 WRGB HD
607 WCWN-HD
608 WXXA HD
610 WTEN HD
612 FX-HD
613 WNYT HD
620 Nat’l Geo HD
627 WEATHER CHANNEL HD
629 ESPN HD
634 WE HD
635 TNT HD
637 Discovery HD
639 A&E HD
640 YES HD
644 USA HD
648 Sci Fi-HD
650 HGTV HD
651 History Ch HD
653 BRAVO HD
654 TBS HD
655 TLC HD
664 FoodNet HD
669 AMC HD
670 AnmlPlanetHD
673 Speed-HD
674 fuse HD
679 HD Theater
680 ifc HD
690 HD Net
691 HD NetMovies
692 Universal HD
693 Outdoor Channel-HD
700 HBO HD
750 Cinemax HD
775 Starz HD
776 Starz2 HD
800 Showtime HD
What do I need to get Mid-Hudson HDTV?
You will need an HD capable digital receiver from Mid-Hudson
Cable and an HDTV set. You will also need Component video
cables and Composite audio cables to connect this equipment
together. These are available when you have Mid-Hudson
HDTV installed.
Is
Mid-Hudson Digital the same
as Digital TV?
Actually, digital cable and digital TV are different. Both
use a digital signal, allowing for more data (e.g., channels,
music, movies, etc.) to be sent across our network to your
home versus an analog signal. The digital receiver receives
formats and outputs the signal so that you can view it
on your television.
However, you can receive Mid-Hudson Digital on any TV,
not just digital televisions. HDTV requires new production
(the making of the programs we watch), new transmission
(broadcast stations), and specific equipment (HDTV set
and decoder) for reception.
Note: If any of the components above are not HD-compatible,
you will see a digital-quality image, not an HD-image.
If I get a Mid-Hudson HDTV-capable receiver/decoder,
can I watch HD programming on my regular TV?
You need to have a High Definition television with a
HD receiver to display HD content in HD. Some HD receivers
can be configured to down convert the received HD signal
into a standard definition signal for display on SDTVs.
The viewed content would no longer be HD content, but would
be viewable in SD.
I already have an HD television. Do I still need Mid-Hudson's
HD-capable receiver/decoder?
Yes, you will need the Mid-Hudson HDTV receiver that includes
a decoder to receive the HD programming.
High Speed
Internet Access Frequently Asked Questions
What are
the Mid-Hudson High Speed Internet System Requirements?
We can only provide technical support for
the machines specified below:
Pentium Class Machine
16 Meg of Ram
Windows 95/98/NT-or
A Power Mac, OS 7.5.3 or above
You must also have a Broadcast Basic Cable Account with
Mid-Hudson Cablevision.
All machines MUST have an Ethernet Card (10-Tbase or above).
If you need a referral to have one installed, we'll be
happy to provide some options.
What is a cable modem?
A cable modem is a small box that connects your computer
to the Internet via your local cable television provider.
A cable modem has two connections, one that leads to the
cable lines outside your home and an Ethernet connection
to your computer.
How does a cable modem work?
Cable modems modulate and demodulate RF signals. The
cable modem receives data in what is known as the downstream
signal. This signal is modulated on television channels
that are 6 MHz wide at frequencies between 88 and 750MHz.
Using QAM 64 technology, downstream speeds can reach up
to 27Mb/s on the 6 MHz channel, through which the data
is transferred. This signal usually runs adjacent to other
television signals.
How does High Speed Internet Access work?
Instead of a computer modem hooked up to a local phone
line, you are provided with a high speed cable modem that
links your PC to the cable fiber- optic/coaxial network
and server complex. You can access local and national content
from our servers which also provide a gateway for you to
connect to the Internet at very high speeds.
What are the advantages of using a cable modem to access
the Internet?
A cable modem will provide you with
rapid download transmission speeds. Downloading a file
that would take one-half hour using a telephone modem
connection will take only a few seconds with a cable
modem connection. As a high- speed medium, you will be
able to view many different multimedia presentations – “live” or streamed – such
as concerts, movies, etc.
Also, a cable modem provides a continual connection to
the Internet because two-way cable modems do not require
the use of a telephone line. Your service will not be interrupted
or receive external static since the outer layer of the
cable line will not allow any noise to enter the transmission
line.
How does Mid-Hudson High-Speed Internet connect
to my computer?
We provide you with a cable modem that
connects to the USB port on most computers – it’s
as simple as that.
Do I need an Ethernet Card for my computer and what is
the cost to install?
Yes, most new computers come with an Ethernet Card already
however if you need one it can be supplied by Mid- Hudson
for $ 20.00 and $ 25.00 to install it for you.
What operating system do I need for High Speed Internet
Access?
Windows 98 or newer.
What are the system requirements for Mid-Hudson High-Speed
Internet?
Please visit the system requirements page to see if your
computer can support Mid-Hudson High-Speed Internet.
Will I be able to talk on the phone and use Mid-Hudson
High-Speed Internet at the same time?
Yes. Mid-Hudson provides you with a dedicated, always-on
connection that never has busy signals and never ties up
your phone.
Will I be able to watch TV and use High-Speed Internet
at the same time?
Yes. While our services travel over the same network,
neither service is affected by using both simultaneously.
How
fast will a cable modem download and upload data?
Network speeds can reach up to 27Mb/s, but
speeds will also depend on the service level to which you
subscribe. The asymmetric cable modem scheme is the most
common type of cable network setup, and will allow for
a faster data transmission rate (higher bandwidth) on the
downstream data path than the upstream data path. This
network setup works well since most cable modem users download
more information than they send. For example, downloading
web pages and multimedia files and participating in newsgroups
requires much more bandwidth than sending web page requests
or e-mail.
How does a cable modem compare with a dial-up
or DSL?
Cable modems can connect to the Internet and download
information much faster than a dial-up modem. For example,
it will take a cable modem user milliseconds to connect
to the Internet, while it will take a dial-up modem user
about a minute. Cable modems can also download information
at speeds up to 3Mb/s while a dial-up modem will only download
information at 53Kb/s or less. Cable Modems are 3 to 10
times faster than DSL depending on where you live.
Is a telephone line still required when using a cable
modem to access the Internet?
You will not need a telephone line when using a two-way
cable modem. The cable line carries both upstream and downstream
signals. However, you will need a telephone line if you
are using a one-way cable modem. The upstream signal travels
via the telephone line to the cable office and then to
the Internet. Information that you request is sent back
to you via the cable line.
What browsers can
I use?
Most current versions of Netscape and Internet Explorer
work well with our cable modem service.
How do I set my home page in Internet Explorer
(IE)?
To set the home page in Internet Explorer:
Go to Start >> Settings >> Control
Panel
Select "Internet Options"
Under
the first tab labeled "General" in the top
of this window
Type in the name of the web page you would
like to use as your home page, such as http://www.mhcable.com
or any page that you would like to use.
Click "Apply"
Click "OK"
What e-mail
programs can I use?
Netscape Communicator, Microsoft Outlook Express, and
Eudora are the most common e-mail programs and work well
with our cable modem service.
Mid-Hudson offers up to five (5) e-mail addresses
FREE.
Does Mid-Hudson
provide virus protection?
Yes, Mid-Hudson offers FREE virus protection
but many customers also purchase their own. Go to the System
Requirements page to access our free virus protection. Click here for FREE anti-virus protection.
Does Mid-Hudson provide spam control
and a firewall protection?
Mid-Hudson offers FREE spam protection but many customers
also purchase their own. There are many types of Firewall
Protection available through other vendors. Most Anti-Virus
software have Firewall protection available.
How much can I save by packaging the services I take?
If you subscribe to our Basic Cable service, High Speed
Internet Access and Cable Phone, you can save $20.00 per
month. You can save with several different package choices
which include our High Speed Internet Access and our video
services, to see our Discount Packages please see our Channel
Lineup Packages. (Discount packages will take them to the
Special Offers page)
Can I have more than one computer hooked up in my home
or office?
Yes, Mid-Hudson also provides networking services at
an additional cost. Please contact us if you are interested
in our networking services at support@mhcable.com.
Can I keep my current Internet Service Provider?
Yes, but you will be paying for them.
How
many e-mail addresses can I have?
Mid-Hudson offers up to five (5) e-mail addresses
FREE.
If you have a question that cannot
be answered here, please call our Customer Service Center
1-518-943-6600, Monday- Friday 8 am to 8:30 pm & Saturday
8:30 am to 5:00 pm & Sundays 8:30 am to 5 pm or send
an e-mail to support@mhcable.com.
Mid-Hudson Cable offers high-speed Internet connection
via a cable modem. Stop waiting for the Internet to boot
up. Connect with cable. Visit High Speed
Internet Access.
Do I need High Speed Internet Access in order to receive
Cable Phone?
Yes, since Cable Phone utilizes your broadband bandwidth,
it is necessary to have High Speed Internet Access to receive
Cable Phone.
What is VOIP technology?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
is the technology that Mid-Hudson Cable Phone uses to
carry phone calls. VOIP provides voice telephony services
using Internet Protocol (IP). This allows you to make
telephone calls using Mid-Hudson’s
broadband network. VOIP converts the voice signal from
your telephone into digital packets that travel over the
broadband network and then converts these packets back
to a voice signal at the other end of the call. VOIP allows
you to call anyone with a regular phone number and works
the same way as traditional telephone service. When placing
a call using Mid-Hudson Cable Phone service, you’ll
hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have. Your
call will be placed using VOIP technology, but the call
will be just as crystal clear as with traditional telephone
service.
How much is the Cable Phone service and what is included
in the service?
$29.95 per month for all calls in the 48 contiguous states & Canada (excluding Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico). All Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding
features are also included free.
Can I port (transfer my same land line number to the
Cable Phone number) my existing number and at what cost?
Yes in most cases, there is a $15.00 charge to port your
number and a time frame of approximately 30 to 60 days.
We will give you a temporary phone number until your number
is ported. (Porting of your number depends on the telephone
provider)
Should I disconnect my land line service?
It is totally up to you, we usually ask if
you have a cell phone or another means of contacting someone
in case of a power outage.
What happens to my phone service if my electrical
power goes out?
Mid-Hudson Cable Phone provides homes with
phone service using a Network Interface Unit that requires
electrical power in the home. As is the case with most
cordless phones, Mid-Hudson Cable Phone equipment will
not work in the event of an electrical power outage, and
you will not be able to make or receive calls, including
911 calls. This includes electrical power outages that
are not necessarily at your home but are occurring on the
lines which feeds the cable service to your area.
Please note that if your Cable service and modem service has been shut off for any reason, your cable phone will not operate.
Can I call 911 using Mid-Hudson Telephone
service?
Yes.
To help you quickly respond to emergencies, Mid-Hudson
Cable Phone provides 911 services much like traditional
telephone companies. Should you ever need to access emergency
services—fire, police, or ambulance—just dial
the familiar digits 911, using your Mid-Hudson Cable Phone
service. Your call will be routed directly to the nearest
public safety operator, who will dispatch the appropriate
services. With Enhanced 911, emergency services will be
able to quickly find you—your telephone number and
address are electronically routed to the operator the moment
your call goes through.
To ensure that 911 calls are properly
routed, do not move the Network Interface Unit installed
in your home to another location*. If you use our service
from an address that is different from the one you initially
provided, the E911 service will not work properly. When
you plan to move and need to change your service address,
please call Mid-Hudson Customer Care so that we can properly
move your service.
*The
Network Interface Unit is the property of Mid-Hudson Cable
and is to remain on the premises if service is relocated
or disconnected. If the device is removed, the customer
will be subject to a one-time charge for the device.
Can I have my whole house hooked up to the Cable Phone?
Yes, there is a $119.95 installation charge
for this service and it must be scheduled separately from
your original installation.
Can I make overseas calls?
Yes, Cable Phone has very competitive International Rates please see the International Rates.
Can I have more than 1 number?
Yes, there is a small fee for the 2nd phone number on the same phone of $4.95
per month. This is a virtual number, not a seperate phone line.
Can I still receive collect calls with Cable Phone?
No, however, you can sign up for an 800 number which
enables the caller to call you toll free.
What are the packages that include the Cable Phone service?
We offer "All The Right Connections" which
includes our Basic Cable service, High Speed Internet Access & Cable
Phone for $ 99.00 per month for the first 3 months then
only $119.95 per month thereafter.
Who can order Mid-Hudson Cable Phone service?
To order Mid-Hudson Cable Phone, you must live in a location
where Mid-Hudson Cable Phone service has been deployed.
Check to see which services are available at your address.
Does Mid-Hudson Cable Phone
service work the same way as traditional phone service?
Inside the customer’s
home, the only difference is that Mid-Hudson Cable Phone
does not work with rotary phones. Outside the customer’s
home, we take advantage of state-of-the-art broadband technology.
This allows us to deliver clear calls and advanced calling
features
What equipment is needed for Mid-Hudson
Cable Phone Telephone service?
Customers with touch-tone phones will not
need to purchase new equipment. The customer’s existing
telephone wires and phones will work with Mid-Hudson Cable
Phone service. There is some equipment that needs to be
installed, but the customer is not responsible for purchasing
the equipment. Mid-Hudson Cable Phone service will not
work with rotary phones.
Is there any troubleshooting I can do on my own should
I have a problem?
Absolutely! If you take a few minutes to double-check
the following items, your problem may be easier to fix
than you thought:
Check your equipment (e.g., cordless phone,
answering machine, or fax) by disconnecting it from the
phone jack and power source. Sometimes resetting your
equipment will restore service.
Make sure all of your phones are hung up.
Do
a visual inspection of all exposed wiring and connections
for damage or loose connections.
If you have more than one
outlet, check each instrument at each outlet to determine
if operation can be obtained from any outlet.
To isolate
jack or house wiring problems, move a working telephone
to each jack in the house to find which location is causing
the trouble.
How to Use Your Cable Phone
You will use Cable Phone the same way you always have.
Can I Fax with my Cable Phone?
Many Cablephone members enjoy using Mid-Hudson's service for small and home office needs - including faxing.
Feedback from our members has revealed that many members do not know that faxing is available with Cablephone today. However, faxing via any Internet phone service provider can be a bit of a challenge. The service provider must convert the fax transmissions into an Internet format, send them out, and translate them back at the other end. These complex hand-shakes make for a challenging transaction. This article contains some valuable tips on faxing with CablePhone.
What to look for in a fax machine
The vast majority of current consumer grade fax machines and the increasingly popular all-in-one printer/fax/scanner machines available via national retailers provide a consistent level of service. Look for Fax Transmission Speeds described in terms like "G3 compatible", "sends 1 page per 6 seconds" or "modem speed at 9,600 bps or 14,400 bps" (sometimes shown as 14.4k bps). If your fax machine package indicates this level of performance, you should be in good shape to fax via Cablephone. Remember, your fax reliability may vary depending on the speed of your broadband connection.
Avoid Super G3 speed
There is another fax speed out there called Super G3. Most consumer grade faxes don't offer Super G3 speed. Fax machines supporting Super G3 are most typically found in a corporate business environment. While sometimes a fax in Super G3 mode will go through using Cablephone service, longer faxes are more likely to have some sort of transmission problem, and we cannot guarantee reliable operation of Super G3 fax transmissions.
Some more technical speak and what the future holds
Mid-Hudson wants you to have the best service quality possible. To accomplish this, we use the G.711 VoIP format to send both our voice and fax calls. G.711 is the closest format to the traditional telephone network and needs 80-90 kbps to operate which broadband easily supports. In addition, Cablephone supports the protocol T.38 for fax. This protocol was developed by Cisco Systems in the late 1990's and has become the industry standard for fax. Unfortunately, when you make a fax call using Cablephone, a combination of VoIP and traditional telephone companies may be involved to get your call to it's destination, thus if the service provider you're calling doesn't support T.38 we're back to using G.711 (which everyone supports). Mid-Hudson is looking to make fax work all the time with any fax machine and be as fast as possible. To improve fax, Mid-Hudson is challenging our equipment vendors and other service providers to work with us and make all kinds of calling, including fax, easier and more reliable for you.
Domestic Calls
For calls within your own service area
Dial either the 7 digit number or the 10 digit number
For calls outside your service area
Dial 1+ area code+ 7 DIGIT NUMBER
International Calls
Dial 011 + the country code + phone number
To contact your Operator Dial 0. Operator Assisted calls
area billed on a per use basis. These charges depend on
the service requested. Remember International Calls will be applicable anywhere outside the contiguous 48 states & Canada ecluding Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico.
