Cable's latest innovations are keeping consumers on the edge of their seats, connecting them to home entertainment and communications technologies that will simplify and enhance their lives. Following a recent visit to the industry's national cable show, new products expert and Best Magazine senior editor David Gregg provides a glimpse of what's now and what's to come. Consumers can look forward to a future filled with products and services that deliver on the promise of choice, convenience and control from their cable companies. Here are a few of the ways Gregg says cable is making the connection today and innovating for tomorrow.
Highest Definition
High Definition television sets are becoming more affordable, and according to In-Stat Research, by the end of 2006 HD sets will be in more than 19 million homes. But a new TV set is only half of the equation. To fully enjoy the amazing hi-def picture and sound experience, you need to connect to an HD digital content service - and cable leads the way in providing that high-quality service, now available to more than 90 million U.S. homes.
What, When and How You Want TV
Cable continues to expand its digital cable On Demand choices with recent movie releases and viewers' top choices from HBO to Showtime, National Geographic to C-SPAN, PBS to CBS - along with cable's exclusive On Demand network, Mag Rack. Whether they're looking for sports, music, education or just fun, cable customers are turning to On Demand on average 20 times per month, putting them in control of their TVs.
What's New?
Cable's already innovative and convenient set-top box/DVR combo is about to get a makeover that is sure to please everyone. Digital cable customers will be able to combine their set-top box, DVR and DVD player and recorder. So, they'll have the clutter-free simplicity of one box and one remote, with lots more ways to watch and save favorites for later viewing. Consumers will not-only be able to play DVDs, but record shows on their DVRs and then burn them onto DVDs for their personal libraries.
Faster Than a Speeding Bullet
Cable's lightning fast high-speed Internet service takes music, video and online gaming to the next level. Consumers can enjoy the fastest downloads to their portable music and video players, and only cable delivers the speed and reliability gamers need to win. In fact, when asked which Internet service provider is the best for gaming, 60 percent of adult gamers said they preferred cable.
TV To Go!
Another future innovation means customers will be able to take their favorite cable shows with them on their wireless phones. These new portable media devices allow customers to watch an incredibly clear picture on a cell phone screen, plus program their DVRs, check email and voicemail, access the Internet, and remain connected at all times.
For more information on the cable services offered in your area, visit www.thisiscable.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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