Some Cablevision subscribers on Long Island began earlier this month the slow process of converting to all-digital television while the company phases out the last of the analog channels and brings their service in line with national standards.
Cablevision headquarters in Bethpage
The switchover mirrors similar digital TV upgrades cable providers are making nationwide and follows the broadcast TV signal changeover last year. Bethpage-based Cablevision Systems Corp. has been alerting customers of their options while the company targets small pockets of western Nassau County and works its way east.
“We have already discontinued analog service in New York City and Connecticut and are extending a variety of offers to our Long Island customers to help make this transition,” said Cablevision spokesman Jim Maiella.
Subscribers that still use analog service will soon need a new digital set-top box or a CableCARD to be able to continue watching Cablevision. Maiella said the process should be completed by early 2011.
Customers should contact Cablevision to learn about the set-top box offers being provided, which varies depending on the level of service. CableCARDs are also available for $2 per month for customers who have television sets that can take the cards to access digital programming.
Verizon FiOS and satellite subscribers will not have to undergo a conversion, as they already provide digital service.
