Notes To Cable Viewers:

DVRs:

Many if not most operators now offer Digital Video Recorders. These devices allow a viewer to pause and rewind live programming, easily record programs they don't want to miss and, where available, provide high definition programming to TV sets with that capability. Contact your local operator for more information.

Sports on Television :

Today, sports programming is probably the most expensive for the cable operator and its customers. Increasingly, sports groups want their own signals – i.e., NFL Network, the Big Ten Network. Cable operators are attempting to hold the line by providing these services on optional tiers, but the sports programmers would like to have their signals carried to all customers, so that all our customers pay for the programming.

High Definition Television:

Check with your local cable operator before buying a high definition television set. Most of them will be able to provide you with a box that delivers HDTV, so long as you have an " HDTV Ready" television set. You will be renting the tuner from your operator instead of paying for one with your TV set.

Who should franchise cable?

Cable television franchises have traditionally been awarded by and regulated by local government. Recently, telephone companies have sought statewide or nation-wide franchises. If local franchising is to be abandoned, the new regulatory framework needs to be fair to all competitors, including the existing cable operators who have made significant local contributions in return for their local franchises.

Did you know?

Most cable television in Iowa is delivered via a fiber optic backbone. This increases reliability and allows operators to deliver advanced services.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on these or other topics in cable television.