WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HDTV AND HDTV-READY?
An HDTV (also called an "integrated HDTV") combines an HD-capable display and an HDTV tuner in one package. The tuner can usually receive both digital and analog over-the-air broadcasts. Nearly all HDTV sets use the widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. This type of TV and ETC Basic cable are all you need in order to receive HD programming. The integrated tuner can detect the Digital Channels that we simulcast. An HDTV-ready TV (also called an "HDTV monitor") has the high-resolution display, but must be connected to a separate HDTV tuner to receive digital broadcasts. HDTV-ready TVs can have either the square 4:3 aspect ratio or the widescreen 16:9 ratio.

I HAVE A BLACK DIGITAL RECEIVER AND A NEW HD TV, WHY DON'T I HAVE A PICTURE ON YOUR NEW HD CHANNELS?
Our Standard Digital Receivers are capable of outputting standard definition broadcasts up to 480i. The newer HD broadcasts are available in 720p and 1080i. In order to tune and watch these newer broadcasts, you must have a HD Receiver from ETC to take full advantage of the programming capabilities. The last option is to connect a splitter on the input side of the digital cable box. Run one line to the “digital cable in” input of your TV and allow it to auto program the digital channel line up. Run another line from the splitter to the “Cable In” Input of the black Digital Receiver. Connect the “TV/VCR Output” line to the other screw on connector on the back of your TV named “Antenna” and tune it to channel 3. You most likely will need to use your factory TV remote to swap the tuners in your TV. All TV’s are basically the same, but many have different features and options. Consult your TV’s owners manual for help with connections.

I BOUGHT A NEW TV AND MY REMOTE STOPPED WORKING. WHY?
The Motorola remote that ETC supplies with the digital receivers is a universal-type remote. Universal remotes need to be programmed for each different type of TV that you want to control. The instructions and how to program your remote are listed here.

WHY DO I HAVE BLACK BARS ON MY TV? click here for examples
TV Broadcasts are sent to ETC in many different formats from our networks. We retransmit them to our customers in the same format in which we receive them. Some are broadcast in a 16:9 aspect ratio or “Widescreen.” Others are broadcast in a 4:3 ratio or “Standard” format. Many of the new HD TV’s have a screen size of 16:9 and most of the HD content is broadcast in this same way. Most is the key word because some of the older content that was recorded before “Widescreen” has not been reformatted to the new standard. Some of the new content such as news casts and soap operas are still broadcast in standard format which means you will have black bars on the sides of your screen.

WILL MY TV CONTINUE TO WORK ON CABLE WHEN THE BROADCAST BECOME DIGITAL?
ETC plans to maintain business as usual to keep our regular analog cable TV customers happy. The broadcast will be sent to ETC and then brought to you through the cable lines the same way it has been for years. For more information about the digital TV transition, please visit the website http://www.dtv.gov/.

HOW CAN I GET THE BEST AUDIO OUT OF MY DVR?
A DVR has a digital coaxial output and a fiber optic audio output for the optimum connection assuming you have a TV or Home Audio Equipment that also has this input. This is the only way to broadcast digital information and take full advantage of the audio available with the new HD broadcasts. Utilizing the standard left and right (red and white) audio connections only allows an analog audio connection even if you have it connected to the best audio equipment available.

WHY DO I HAVE A WHITE VOLUME BAR AT THE TOP OF MY SCREEN WITH MY NEW REMOTE?
When ETC installs a digital cable receiver we enable a setting on the receiver called “Optimal Stereo” which constantly outputs audio at a fixed level and then the user is able to control the TV’s volume as they wish. This setting is found under the home menu, then settings, then audio settings, then toggle to the left or right so that “Optimal Stereo” reads “Yes”. Then we set the remote control to always control the TV’s volume so you don’t have to worry about changing both settings. If you get a new remote without these changes, you can disable the optimal stereo settings accidentally. To program your new remote, see Motorola Remote Controls and see the "Changing Volume Lock" section to set it up appropriately for your use.

WHAT ARE THE BEST CABLES TO HOOK UP MY TV FOR OPTIMUM VIEWING ON HD?
Many different types of cable are capable of repeating the 1080i image whether they are Component video cables (Supplied by ETC), HDMI cables, and DVI cables. HDMI cables allow the TV to communicate with the DVR and exchange information about proper settings with no additional input from the user. In this day of ever changing technology, this TV-DVR communication can cause compatibility errors as the broadcasters ultimately influence the information transmitted to your TV.

HOW DO I CHANGE THE FRONT OF THE RECEIVER TO SHOW THE CHANNEL INSTEAD OF THE TIME?
The method to change the front display is to press menu 2 times, select Cable Box Settings settings, then front LED Display, then select either channel or time. Once you are satisfied with your settings, press exit to return to your program.

HOW DO I CHANGE THE VIDEO OUTPUT SETTINGS OF THE DVR TO MATCH MY NEW TV?
Not all HDTVs can display every output format (1080i, 720p, 480p, or
480i) available on the Motorola receiver. To select a different format:
1 Ensure that your Motorola receiver is plugged into a power outlet and is turned off.
2 Press the MENU key on the front panel. Your settings are displayed on the Motorola receiver front panel display.
3 Press the and keys to display the YPbPr OUTPUT setting.
4 Press the  key to cycle through the available output formats until
a picture displays on the TV.

MY PICTURE IS FROZEN BUT THE AUDIO IS STILL ON FROM SOME OTHER CHANNEL, WHAT DO I DO?
Unplug Power Cord from wall and allow unit to reset for 5 seconds, DVR may take up to 2 minutes to reset after reconnecting. If problem persists, call the repair line. Simply turning OFF and ON from the remote will not usually fix this problem.

I HAVE NO AUDIO BUT THE PICTURE IS ON.
Check to see if Mute is enabled on both the DVR and the TV set. If not, you may have scheduled a recording and powered the DVR off. The DVR can turn itself on to do the recording and the volume is locked so as not to disturb you. If you leave the DVR turned On all of the time, this shouldn’t be a problem.

I HAVE NO PICTURE, BUT I HAVE AUDIO AND THE INFO BAR.
Either disconnect the power cord and allow the DVR to reset, or press List on your remote and watch one of your previous recordings. Exit from the recording and all things should operate just fine.