HD Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between standard TV and HDTV?

HD TVs have a higher resolution than standard definition TVs. The image on a TV is made up of small picture elements called pixels. Today, a standard definition TV displays an image of 200,000 pixels while an HD TV displays an image up to 2,000,000 pixels. The end result is a sharper, clearer picture.

HDTV is also transmitted in a widescreen display commonly referred to as 16:9 format which means 16 units wide by 9 units high. A standard definition display is 4:3.

HDTV provides you with the 16:9 format which gives you a wider image area and many HDTV programs also contain six-channel (5.1) Dolby Digital surround sound, both of which combined more closely matches the experience you have at a movie theater than standard definition TV.

What is the difference between digital cable and HDTV?

HDTV from Shentel is a type of digital cable that provides a higher resolution than standard digital cable.

What do I need to get HDTV from Shentel?

In order to receive HD service from Shentel, you will need an HD capable TV and Shentel's HD service.

What kind of TV should I get?

Shentel recommends you do your homework as you would with any major household appliance. An HD-capable TV and the HD set top box is all that is required to receive HD service. Shentel recommends purchasing an HD TV with at least 1 HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) input and is capable of displaying resolutions of either 720p or 1080i or both.

Do I need a Shentel HDTV set top box if I already have an HD TV?

If you have an HD capable TV with a built-in QAM tuner and subscribe to the “Better Basic” channel package, you will not need a set top box to view the broadcast HD channels. You will not however receive any of our Premium HD channels such as ESPN HD or Discovery HD without an HDTV set top box from Shentel. If you subscribe to HBO, Cinemax or Showtime you will need a Shentel HDTV set top box to view their HD offerings.

Can I watch HDTV on a regular TV if I get an HDTV set top box from Shentel?

No. You will not be able to view HDTV channels on a regular TV if you get an HDTV set top box from Shentel. You need a HD capable or HD ready TV.

What HDTV programming does Shentel offer?

Shentel offers NBC (WRC), FOX (WTTG), my20 (WDCA), ABC (WJLA), ABC (WHSV), CBS (WUSA), PBS (WVPT), CW (WDCW), Discovery HD, ESPN HD, Universal HD, HDNET, HDNET Movies, HBO HD*, CINEMAX HD* and Showtime HD*.

*HBO HD, CINEXMAX HD and Showtime HD require a subscription to their respective packages.

Why do I see black bars on the left and right of my television screen when watching some channels and/or shows?

Not all HD programming is wide-screen, and when viewing either standard or HD 4:3 programming on a wide-screen HDTV, you will see black bars on the left and right of your screen.

What is the difference between HDTV capable and HDTV ready televisions?

An HD capable TV has a built-in HDTV tuner and the ability to display at least 720-line resolution images.

An HD ready TV is not capable of receiving digital TV broadcasts on its own and must be connected to a separate HDTV tuner to view digital broadcasts. An HD ready TV must still be able to display at least a 720-line resolution images.

What is Dolby Digital Surround Sound?

Dolby Digital is a series of audio compression technologies created and marketed by Dolby Laboratories. Dolby surround sound typically contains up to 6 discrete channels of sound, with 5 channels for normal-range speakers (Right front, Center, Left Front, Right Rear and Left Rear) and one channel for a subwoofer. These combinations of speakers are used to simulate the experience of being in the movie or show.

Will my current TV still work when Shentel broadcasts HD?

Yes. HD broadcasts will not interfere with any existing programming.

How should I connect my HDTV to the set top box?

Please refer to the instruction manual provided to you from Shentel for detailed connection instructions and diagrams. Shentel recommends you connect your HDTV set top box via the HDMI connection for optimal viewing and sound. However if you do not have HDMI on your HDTV you can use Component Video (Red, Green, Blue cables) to connect your HDTV to the set top box video feed and composite (White & Red cables) to connect your HDTV to the set top box audio feed.

Where is HDTV available from Shentel?

HDTV is available everywhere Shentel cable is available.

What is the pricing and how is it applied?

Shentel's HD+DVR product is $15.95 per month. Additional set top boxes are available at $8.95 each.

Are any HD channels offered in my existing service for no additional charge?

If you subscribe to the “Better Basic” package or above and have an HD capable TV with a built-in QAM tuner, you can receive the off-air HD channels for no additional charge.

How do I order Pay Per View if I subscribe to HDTV?

If you have an HDTV set top box and wish to order Pay Per View, you will need a standard set top box from Shentel as well. PPV cannot be ordered with the HD set top box. PPV content is not currently broadcast in HD.

If I subscribe to a premium movie channel, can I get it in HD?

If you subscribe to HBO, Cinemax or Showtime, you will be able to receive their corresponding HD channel with our HDTV set top box.

If I order your HDTV service, will I receive all my channels in HD? Will some be digital? Will some be analog? What's the difference?

Only the channels in the HDTV package will be capable of displaying HD content, your remaining channels will be contingent upon the package to which you subscribe. Typically any channel higher than channel 100 is broadcast as a digital channel and anything below channel 100 is an analog channel.

Can I pick up any HDTV channels from my personal antenna without subscribing to your HDTV package?

Yes, however your reception depends upon your geographic area and proximity to the broadcast location.

If I have Economy Service, can I rent a digital HDTV box in order to pick up the digital broadcast channels only?

No. You must subscribe to the “Better Basic” package or above.

Can I buy an HDTV box from someone else to pick up the broadcast HD channels and not pay you monthly for yours?

You are not required to use a Shentel set top box to receive the broadcast HD channels. You will need an HD TV with a built-in QAM tuner. In order to receive HDNET, HDNET Movies, Universal HD, Discovery HD and ESPN HD you will need an HDTV set top box from Shentel.