TV Support

CableCARD technology allows a digital cable-ready (DCR) device to receive digital programs without the use of a cable box. The DCR device must be labeled by the manufacturer as “Digital Cable Ready” and must have the Cox CableCARD activated. The CableCARD is inserted into the CableCARD slot built into the  DCR device.

The CableCARD enables customers to receive digital programming, including high-definition (HD) programs, without a cable box.

A Digital Cable Ready device has the built-in technology that allows customers to receive standard definition and high-definition (HD) digital cable programs using a CableCARD rather than a cable box.

In addition to the electronics typically found in most television sets, a Digital Cable Ready TV incorporates many of the same electronics found in a digital cable box except for the decryption technology. This decryption technology is built into the CableCARD. Since Cox encrypts most, if not all, digital cable signals, a CableCARD port must be built in the Digital Cable Ready TV and then activated to receive digital cable programming.

Two–way interactive video services and Digital Cable Ready devices that use CableCARDs are not currently available. With CableCARD devices, you will not be able to use the following services:

• Cox's interactive Program Guide, including Cox's Parental Controls
• Pay-Per-View  movies and special events
• On DEMAND services, including Subscription Video on Demand (where available)

If you would like to receive two-way services, such as the program guide, Parental Controls, On DEMAND, pay-per-view services, or special program events, you must use digital TV and a Cox digital cable receiver.

Unfortunately, Parental Controls are not provided with CableCARD service. Two-way service, which is available with a cable receiver, is required to access the interactive program guide (IPG) and its Parental Controls.

To obtain a CableCARD, simply contact a Cox customer service representative.

You can lease a CableCARD directly from Cox Communications for a low monthly fee. Please contact your local Cox Care Center for specific information.

A field technician will install and activate the CableCARD. After the CableCARD is installed, do not remove it. 

Important: You must complete the pre-installation steps from the manufacturer before the Cox technician arrives to install the CableCARD. This pre-installation process can take up to 45 minutes to complete.

No. A Digital Cable Ready TV has a digital tuner and a CableCARD slot. A TV with an integrated digital tuner but no CableCARD slot can receive local digital and HD programs from over-the-air broadcasters. It requires, however, a cable box to receive the cable TV programs broadcast by your cable service provider, including advanced digital services.

No. After your CableCARD device is installed in a TV and activated by a Cox Technician, the CableCARD is “paired” with the TV. In order for your CableCARD to operate in another Digital Cable Ready device, the CableCARD device has to be reconfigured and installed in the new device by a Cox Technician.

As a part of the regulations for CableCARD technology, the FCC has mandated “Copy Protection” of digital content. This Copy Protection mandate allows programmers to determine which programming can be copied digitally by the end consumer. If you are unable to make a digital copy of a program that you watched on your Digital Cable Ready TV, then the programmer has applied a copy protection directive to that particular content.

If you move out of your cable service area, you must return the CableCARD to Cox Communications. The CableCARD will not work in other cable systems. If you move within your current cable service area, contact a Cox customer service representative with notification of your move.

Devices providing two-way interactive services with a CableCARD are not currently available. We can offer you an HD digital cable receiver until such devices are available,