Digital Transition FAQs

DTV is an all-digital system for transmitting, receiving, and viewing higher-quality TV images and stereo (surround) audio. DTV allows Cable Bahamas Limited to offer better picture and sound quality through the use of digital signal processing and to allow the introduction of new digital services such as multicasting (transmitting multiple streams of video on a single channel) and data casting.

Cable Bahamas Limited is converting its entire network to digital to ensure that customers continue to have access to the best in TV programming, HDTV, DVRs, Video On Demand and all the future benefits that digital technology can provide. Converting to digital means ceasing analogue programming and providing 100% digital programming. This conversion will ensure that you have access to all the digital world can provide.

Instead of being limited to providing one analogue programme, Cable Bahamas Limited's all digital system is able to offer two sharp High-Definition (HD) digital programmes or multiple Standard-Definition (SD) digital programmes using the same channel space of one analogue channel.

Digital TV is an advanced technology that replaces analogue TV. In comparison with analogue, digital broadcasting provides sharper pictures, improved sound and more channels.
 

The program will commence in April and the entire network will be completed within eighteen (18) months. We will be transitioning the network one neighborhood at a time.  When your area is scheduled for transition, we will contact you by phone or knock on your door to establish what you need. The only customers that need to take any action are those that have basic analogue TV services and no digital set-top box.

You will need a Cable Bahamas Limited account and a digital set-top box. If you already have these, then you are all set. If you do not have a digital set-top box, one will be provided for you free of charge.

If you have a TV set in every room in your home or at every outlet in your home, then you will need a digital box for each outlet. If you have never had a digital box before, your first box will be provided at no cost. Additional boxes can be rented for as low as $2 per month.

A set-top box is a unit connected to your TV that converts signals from the cable TV system that your TV receiver cannot, so you can view channels. There are several different types of set-top boxes.

Digital Set-Top Box: allows standard-definition digital cable signals to be transferred onto a TV screen. The digital cable box can be bought or rented from Cable Bahamas. If you don't already have a digital box when your neighborhood is converted to digital, your first digital box will be provided to you at no cost.

High-Definition (HD) Set-Top Box: allows high-definition digital cable signals to be transferred onto a TV screen. A HD cable box can be purchased or rented from Cable Bahamas. To view HD programmes you must also have a HDTV.
 

It doesn't! Transitioning onto the digital system allows you to receive so much more! You now have more channels, and access to other featured products and services. You can choose to upgrade to a higher digital platform depending on your needs.

No. Your existing TV sets will continue to work after the digital transition, if they are connected to set-top boxes.

If you're a landlord and you currently provide cable services to your tenants, they will no longer be able to receive service unless they are converted to the digital platform. All tenants in the digital area will have to have a digital box in order to receive cable services.

For Tenants: If you're a tenant and the cable account is in your name, you would simply need to get a digital set-top box.

If you currently operate a business in an area that will be transitioned to a digital area, you will need to receive a digital set-top box for your TV if you do not already have one. The first digital box will be free if you don't already have one.