Do I need to connect my Mini-Max converters right away or can I wait until February?

There are a number of good reasons to connect Mini-Max converters as soon as you receive them.

*	Start enjoying the new features and channels – Mini-Max converters deliver digital picture quality, convenient on-screen program information and additional channels.
*	Make sure they work properly – Mini-Max converters have a high degree of reliability, but the possibility exists for damage during shipping. Installing them right away is a good way to make sure they are in good working order.
*	Analog channels will start to disappear before February 17, 2009 – Analog channels will be eliminated on a schedule that ends on February 17, 2009. Connecting your Mini-Max converters now insures you have uninterrupted access to all cable networks.

Will Mini-Max converters continue to be free after February 17, 2009?

Here is more information about the monthly charges for Mini-Max converters:

*	Up to three Mini-Max converters will always be available free of charge.
*	There is a $2.00 per month fee for additional Mini-Max converters (more than three).
*	You will always be able to get additional Mini-Max converters if you need them. You won’t lose that opportunity. That means it is best to order the number of Mini-Max converters you need – no more, no less.
*	You are financially responsible for Mini-Max converters even if there is no monthly fee, so please take only what you need. That will avoid the possibility that you misplace one and have to pay for it.

There are three other things to consider about this question.

*	FREE Front Office Pick Up – There will never be a charge to pick up Mini-Max converters at our office. Self-installation is very easy.
*	FREE Shipping – Free shipping is available now. We will not always provide free shipping, so it is best to order Mini-Max converters now. As noted above, you can always pick them up at the office for self-installation.
*	FREE Installation – Free installation is available now. We will not always provide free installation. Self-installation will always be available.

Do you have a copy of the Mini-Max Instruction Book?

Yes. Click here to view this book.

Do you have a copy of the Mini-Max Remote Instruction Book?

Yes. It can be found here.

Will I need a converter box for every TV in my home?

Yes. Customers receiving Massillon Cable TV/Clear Picture service will need to ensure that each ANALOG TV set in the home is equipped with a digital converter box so that they can continue to enjoy TV service on all of their sets. Only TVs with a built-in digital QAM tuner will not need a converter box to receive the programming listed below.

How do I know if my TV is analog or digital?

The best way to determine if your TV set has a digital tuner or is analog is to consult the owner’s manual. If that’s not possible, try the manufacturer’s Web site. Or, look at your TV set for an input connection labeled "digital input". Not all "digital inputs" will receive digital cable TV signals. "ATSC" means your TV will receive over-the-air signals. You must have a "QAM" tuner to receive cable TV signals without a converter.

TVs made before 1998 were analog. A big-screen, projection TV bought between 1998 and 2004 may have a digital tuner, but chances aren’t great. If you purchased a TV set since 2004, your chances of having a digital tuner are good. It must be a QAM tuner in order to receive cable programming without a converter.

What if I don't want digital converters in my home?

By the end of July, all TV sets in your home must either be connected to a digital converter or have a built-in digital (QAM) tuner in order to receive cable TV signals. This is similar to the change that will take place for broadcast TV viewers at the same time.

What happens if I choose not to get a Mini-Max converter or any other type of converter you offer?

If you choose not to use our free Mini-Max converter, you will no longer receive a TV signal that your current analog TV can receive. If you have a TV set with a built-in QAM tuner, you will not need a converter to receive Lifeline, Basic cable networks and Broadcast High Definition channels only. You can subscribe to other premium cable TV services without a converter if you have a TV set with a built-in QAM tuner and a CableCARD.

What if I don't like the digital converter?

We have a number of different types of converters available to suit different tastes and budgets. Click here to view the options.

If I already have a Massillon Cable TV/Clear Picture converter now, do I need to exchange it for the new Mini-Max converter?

No. All two-way converters will continue to work. The only exception is non-addressable converters (see next question). However, if you have any other TVs in your home that are connected by a cable wire and no converter box, you will need a Mini-Max converter or other Massillon Cable TV converter for those TV sets to receive a signal.

I currently have a non-addressable converter. Will it still work after the digital transition?

No, it will not. Non-addressable converters (Model Type DQN7 on the back label) only work with analog signals. You will need to exchange that converter for a new, free Mini-Max converter. This exchange will result in a reduction in your monthly charges.

How much will Mini-Max converters cost?

Up to three Mini-Max converters will be available to each household at no charge. Additional Mini-Max converters (including remote control) will cost only $2.00 per month.

Can I install the Mini-Max myself and does it come with everything I need to install it?

Yes. The Mini-Max converter is designed for easy self-installation. Everything, including easy-to-follow instructions and all the required cables, is in the box that will be delivered FREE to your home. That means you don’t need to make an appointment, take time from work or have workers in your home.

What if I need more than three converters?

Additional converters will be available. There are several options. Click here to view the options.

Can I buy additional mini max boxes instead of paying $2.00 a month?

No. Mini-Max converters (and all other types of converters) are the property of Massillon Cable TV/Clear Picture. This policy is in place to make it easy to provide replacement converters when/if they fail or when a customer wants to make a change. Customers don't need to invest in a converter they may only use for a short time. Also, converters only work in one specific service area. They will not work in another city.

What if the converters in my home are lost, stolen or destroyed?

Customers are responsible for all converters they accept. There is a charge for failure to return a converter. Click here for a list of those charges.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The charge for stolen or destroyed converters may be covered by homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. It is important to consider whether your policy will pay for such losses.

What happens if I lose my Mini-Max remote?

The first remote is free. You can purchase a new remote from us for a small fee of $3.50.

What if I want to upgrade to a more advanced converter box, like a DVR? Do I get some type of a discount or promotion if I return a Mini-Max converter at a later date?

We offer different promotions and discounts throughout the year. We ask that you call our office (Stark County – 330-833-4134, Wayne County – 330-345-8114) for more information prior to your return. Click here to view the options.

What happens if I purchase another TV after February 2009, can I still order a Mini-Max at no-charge?

The Mini-Max is designed to work with analog TV sets. Analog TV sets will grow increasingly scarce. TV sets manufactured or imported after February 28, 2007, must have a digital tuner. New TV sets may have an analog tuner in addition to the digital tuner. A TV set must have a QAM tuner to receive digital cable signals without a converter.

Each household may request up to three Mini-Max converters at no charge. After three Mini-Max converters, customers can choose from among a variety of Standard and High Definition converters with a variety of different features.

Eventually, standard installation charges will apply to Mini-Max converters. Self-installation will always be available. Service calls to correct failed self-installations may result in an installation charge.

What happens if my Mini-Max converter stops working? Will I get a replacement for free?

Yes. We provide free service on all converter types. We will replace your Mini-Max converter at no-charge as long as there is not evidence of physical abuse to the converter.

What is a QAM tuner?

QAM stands for Quadrature Amplitude Modulation. It is the transmission method cable TV companies use to send digital TV signals. Many newer TV sets are equipped with a built-in QAM tuner. These TV sets are capable of receiving digital TV signals without a converter box.

How do I know if my TV set has a QAM tuner?

You should check your television's manual to determine if it includes a QAM tuner or check for the DCR (Digital Cable Ready) label on your TV set. A QAM tuner is a special electronic tuning device found in some of the new digital television sets being sold today. A QAM tuner enables your TV to view the program services listed below without the need for a set top box. If you are unable to determine if your TV includes a built-in QAM tuner, then you should check with the manufacturer. You can subscribe to other, premium cable TV services if your TV set has a QAM tuner and a CableCARD.

What channels will I be able to view with a QAM tuner?

A TV set with a built-in QAM tuner will receive Lifeline, Basic cable networks and Broadcast High Definition channels only. Click here for a list of these channels.

QAM tuners can only tune unencrypted (non-scrambled) digital signals. At the present time, all Lifeline and Basic Cable channels, as well as the High Definition signals of local broadcast TV stations are not scrambled. All other signals are scrambled. Click here for a list of program services available to QAM tuners without a CableCARD. Click here for a list of program services available to QAM tuners with a CableCARD.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Program networks may require that their digital signals be scrambled in the future. The networks are within their rights to require us to do this. That means it is possible that the number of program networks available with a QAM tuner may become smaller over time. It is our desire to maintain as many unencrypted QAM signals as possible, but we must comply with the network requirements.

What is a CableCARD and what does it do?

A CableCARD is a device about the size of a credit card and is available from cable TV companies. Some digital TV sets are equipped with a CableCARD slot. When a CableCARD is inserted into the CableCARD slot, the digital TV set can receive additional services without the need for a converter box.

What extra services can be received using a CableCARD?

Some digital signals on a cable TV system are encrypted (scrambled). A converter box or CableCARD is required to receive any of these signals. CableCARDs are able to receive all encrypted signals. These include the High Definition signals of cable TV networks (like ESPN and CNN) without an extra monthly fee. Other encrypted signals include premium movie services (like HBO), premium sports packages (like NCAA football and basketball packages) and Digital Basic service (including more than 40 additional program services). A CableCARD-equipped TV set cannot order and receive On Demand programs or pay-per-view movies or events. Click here for a list of program services available with to QAM tuners with a CableCARD.

How much does a CableCARD cost?

CableCARDs are available for $2.00 per month.

Can you control the converters in my home?

Yes. All digital converters can be controlled remotely. That control is limited to sending commands to the converter that authorize certain program services. For example, we can turn HBO on or off. All service changes to a converter are done at the request of the customer with the exception of discontinuing service for non-payment. We also have the ability to send messages to individual converter boxes. To date, we have not used this capability.

Can I still use my VCR to record programs or is it now obsolete?

You will be able to use a VCR to view pre-recorded tapes and to record. However, recording one program while watching another requires two converters – a pretty complicated arrangement. If you record a lot of programs, we recommend that you switch from a VCR to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). All DVRs include the ability to record two programs at the same time and control live TV using pause, rewind and fast forward functions. DVRs allow you to easily schedule recording of your favorite program series using the convenient On Screen Program Guide – one setting to record the whole series. You can record and watch in High Definition with a DVR - something a VCR cannot do.

Can you tell what I am watching?

Two-way converters do communicate with our computer network when they are used to order On Demand or pay-per-view programs. All of this information is considered confidential. Individual program choices and other information is not reported to any outside organization. We do not use converters to track viewing habits. They are not used to develop TV ratings, gather consumer information, "target" specific consumers with specific ads or for any other purpose.

Will I need an electrical surge or lightning protector if I have converters?

The possibility for damage from electrical surges or lightning exists as long as a TV set (or any electrical device) is connected to the outside world. A TV set is no more likely to be damaged by lightning or a surge when connected to a converter. Electricity has two pathways to a TV set when connected to a cable TV system. One path is through the AC power cord. The power cord has nothing to do with the cable system. The other path is through the cable TV wire. The converter is located "between" the outside world and the TV set when properly connected. Often, a converter will protect a TV set by absorbing damage from electrical surges. However, there is virtually nothing that will fully protect any electrical device from lightning damage, except completely disconnecting all of the wires from it.

Most Homeowners’ and Renters’ Insurance will cover the cost of property damaged by lightning. You should consult your policy for details.

Massillon Cable TV/CPI will replace converters damaged by lightning or electrical surges at no charge.

Is the Mini-Max converter compatible with other remotes?

Programmable universal remotes are sold in retail stores. The Mini-Max converter should be able to be programmed via the “auto search method “ on your universal remote control, but this will vary by each remote type. In some cases, your universal remote may not find the correct code and you may need to contact the manufacturer of the remote.

Can I redeem a government coupon for equipment from Massillon Cable TV /Clear Picture?

No. The coupons can only be used to purchase an over-the-air Digital TV converter at an authorized retail location. The letter that accompanies each coupon includes a list of these authorized locations. Massillon Cable TV/Clear Picture converter boxes are not eligible for the DTV Converter Box Coupon Program. The important thing to keep in mind is that these special converters WILL NOT WORK ON A CABLE SYSTEM. Massillon TV /Clear Picture customers will need a converter box we supply to continue to receive video service. This includes both analog and digital TV sets. Only TVs with a built-in digital QAM tuner will not need a converter box.