
Frequently Asked Questions

What is DVR?
Cox Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is a revolutionary new product that lets
Digital Cable customers take unprecedented control of their
television viewing.
With DVR, customers will have the
freedom to pause and rewind live TV at the touch of a
button, even creating their own instant replays.
DVR lets customers conveniently
store up to 50 hours of programming - versus just six
hours through a traditional VCR - while watching
specific shows whenever they want.
Digital Cable customers can conveniently rent their DVR receiver from Cox
at a cost of just $5.25 per month. There is also a $11.99 monthly charge for
the DVR service. For more information on this and other digital cable
pricing, please check Digital
Cable pricing.
What is the difference between
a DVR and a traditional VCR?
There are several differences
between a DVR and VCR: DVRs store television content
in a compressed digital format onto a hard disk drive
(like a computer). VCRs use VHS or Beta tapes to store
recorded information in analog format.
Because DVRs store information onto
a hard disk drive in a compressed format, the storage
limitations of tape are avoided. For example,
videotapes can only capture approximately six hours of
programming, while DVRs can store up to 50 hours.
DVRs allow more sophisticated
recording options. For example, a DVR can record an
entire season's worth of your favorite show, or every
movie starring your favorite actor.
The DVR receiver replaces
your existing digital receiver.
I am interested
in buying a DVR receiver from my
local retail store. Can I use this DVR player
with my existing Cox Digital Cable service?
Yes. Existing DVRs are compatible
with your Cox Digital Cable service.
However, setting up a DVR system
from another vendor with your Cox Cable receiver
may be confusing to some users - you
will likely end up with two separate program guides: the Cox guide and the DVR guide.
Will I need to
purchase or rent any special equipment to use Cox DVR?
You may conveniently
rent a DVR-enabled receiver from Cox for just $5.25 a
month. This receiver will replace your existing digital receiver
which you are currently renting
at the same price, $5.25. In addition, there is a $11.99 a month
charge for the DVR service for each outlet you wish to have DVR capabilities.
Besides a DVR receiver and a television set, there is
no additional equipment needed to enjoy Cox
Digital Video Recorder service.
When will
Cox DVR be available in
my neighborhood?
DVR from Cox Communications is available to all Cox Digital Cable
customers now. Customers must subscribe to Cox Digital Cable in
order to enjoy DVR service.
How much will Cox DVR cost?
Current Cox Digital Cable customers wishing to subscribe to
Cox DVR Service must rent a
DVR receiver from Cox at a price of $5.25 per month, which replaces their
existing digital receiver.
In addition, there is a $11.99 a month
charge for the DVR service for each outlet you wish to have DVR capabilities.
You may have one of our qualified technicians professionally install your Cox DVR for $75, or do it yourself and self install for
only $15.00! learn more about your installation options...
I am a Basic/Standard Cable customer.
Will Cox DVR service be available to me? If not, why?
Customers currently subscribed to either Cox
Basic Cable or Cox Standard Cable must upgrade
to Cox Digital Cable in order to enjoy Cox DVR
service. Because the technology is so
advanced, DVR functionality is only available with a
digital/DVR receiver.
Do my Program Guide Parental Controls carry over
to DVR recordings?
Yes, if you block programs by
channel or rating in General Settings, those settings
are carried over to DVR recordings. For example, if you decide to block
all R-rated programs in General Settings, the R-rated
programs will still be recorded, but you cannot play
them back until you enter the correct PIN.
NOTE: Because this is a new receiver to your
home, you will need to reset the parental controls you
placed on the former receiver.
I am a Cox HDTV customer. Is your new DVR product
compatible with my existing HDTV service?
Customers with Cox HDTV can now sign up for
Cox
High-Definition DVR Service.
Can Pay Per View (PPV) or On
Demand (OD) programs be recorded?
PPV programs may be recorded after they have been purchased. Once a PPV
program has been recorded, you can use VCR-like controls similar to viewing
an EOD program. Currently, On Demand programs cannot be recorded on your DVR.
How do I know when my DVR’s hard disk drive is getting full?
The Cox DVR Service will alert you when your DVR's hard disk drive is
nearly full. You'll also have the option to automatically erase the oldest programs
when disk space is needed to record new programs is available in your DVR's
setup options, so you don’t need to worry about making space for new
programs.
How do I prevent my DVR from automatically erasing programs when it needs
more space?
To make sure a specific program is not automatically erased when more
space is needed, use the recording options in the Saved Shows screen and set
the program to “save until manually erased.”