What is a CableCARD?

CableCARD is an interface card for digital TV that allows customers plug their cable line directly into their TV set without the need for a digital set-top box.  The CableCARD is about the size of a thick credit card, and it is inserted into a designated slot built into digital TVs and some other video devices.

What does it do?

CableCARD is intended to replace digital set-top boxes.  However current “one-way” CableCARD standards do not currently provide all set-top box functions.  Specifically, you can't  use a CableCARD yet for services that require “two-way” interactivity, such as accessing an interactive guide or purchasing pay-per-view programs. 

Simply put: It descrambles and authorizes reception of digital package channels and optional premium channels – nothing more.

Also, equipment manufactured before the CableCARD specification was created won't work with CableCARD.

Will CableCARD devices work with the BellSouth Entertainment?

NO – CableCARD devices will not work on the BellSouth Entertainment System.  BellSouth Entertainment was a leader in deploying digital cable television technology.  As such, the current BellSouth Americast Digital Cable delivery system was designed and made available to customers long before CableCARD standards  for other digital cable systems were introduced.  Therefore, CableCARDs are not compatible with the BellSouth Entertainment system.

Isn’t it true that ALL cable companies are required to be compliant with CableCARD compatibility standards?

YES and NO – Although the Federal Communications Commission has stated that cable systems must now be compliant with CableCARD standards, BellSouth Entertainment received a waiver (exemption) from those standards for their Atlanta and South Florida Americast digital cable systems on August 17, 2004 (FCC DA 04-2544).  This waiver was granted by the FCC, based on the fact that the BellSouth Entertainment Americast Digital Cable delivery system was designed and made available to customers long before CableCARD standards were introduced and that compliance would require a complete replacement of the system platform infrastructure.  However, a condition of this waiver is that BellSouth Entertainment will provide a digital settop box, at no charge, to any customer requesting activation of a CableCARD compatible device.

What should you do if you want to activate a CableCARD device (TV etc.)?

As explained above, the current BellSouth Entertainment Americast platform will not support a CableCARD device. However, we will be happy to provide a digital settop box, to any customer requesting CableCARD activation, at NO ADDITIONAL MONTHLY CHARGE.  Although the 1st digital settop box is automatically included as part of our service, an additional digital settop is typically $5.00 each thereafter.  We will waive the additional $5.00/ea. digital settop box charge for each CableCARD ready device that a customer owns. 

The process for providing  the NO CHARGE digital settop is as follows:

1. Customers must contact the BellSouth Entertainment Call Center at the following numbers:

Metro-Atlanta: 770.360.4990
South Florida toll-free: 1.877.241.5491

2. A customer service representative will take your information, but will request that you provide a copy of the purchase receipt for the CableCARD compatible device: 
    

   • You must fax or mail you a legible copy of the purchase receipt for the the CableCARD compatible device.

   • You will also needs to include a copy of the page from the owner’s manual which shows the manufacturer’s name and device model number.

3. Customers must forward the required documentation

BellSouth Entertainment
Attn: Customer Care Department
660 Hembree Pkwy, Suite 120
Roswell, GA 30076-3817
Fax: 770-360-4876

4. Upon receipt of the required information, your account will be updated accordingly.

close window