Frequently Asked Questions
Programming
Does Windjammer ever survey customers to find out which channels they are watching?
We are very concerned about the interests of our customers. Our job is to satisfy as many customers as we can.
Just like other businesses, we occasionally hire professional research firms to objectively poll our customers. We are interested in what people are watching, and how they feel about our customer service, picture quality, prices, how we stack up against other entertainment options, etc.
We also stay in touch with the interests of our customers by paying very close attention to the comments and requests you make to our customer service and technical staff every day.
How do you decide when and which channels to add?
Our programming decisions are based upon several criteria. FCC guidelines require us to offer a number of "Must Carry" channels. We are also required to carry certain public education and government channels. Consumer research, including, but not limited to, tally feedback from customer service calls and mail, surveys, telemarketing contacts and other types of feedback are an important part of our decision-making process. We listen attentively to the voices of our customers and care about what you think.
Who decides what movies will be shown on Pay-Per-View (PPV)?
We receive our PPV movies on several satellite-fed channels, much like CNN or HBO. Windjammer tries to carry as many of them as possible so you always have several choices. When a big movie is released by the Hollywood studios for PPV, you may see it scheduled continuously on one or more channels. This way, you have several opportunities to watch or tape it. After a day or two the newest movies go into rotation with other current films. For a list of current movies and events on Windjammer's PPV channels, click on this web site link: Pay-Per-View.
Why can't I just buy the channels I want?
There could be unintended consequences of a "totally individually priced cable lineup" scenario. Here are a few:
- Customers would probably pay more for their monthly cable service. The cost of our most popular levels of service is less than 40 cents per channel. Premium services, which are already offered individually priced, cost up to $10.00 per channel. We can only hypothesize on the rate for other programming offered on a stand-alone basis, but be assured it would be much higher than the rate paid in a package.
- The economic viability of niche channels like Sci-Fi, Home and Garden TV, and Animal Planet could be in peril. Without broad distribution, these popular new channels may not survive.
Why are certain programs occasionally BLACKED OUT?
This is due to Syndicated Exclusivity (SYNDEX) protection which has been requested by a local broadcaster and which we are legally required by FCC regulation to provide.
What is Digital Music?
Digital Music is a special service offered as part of the digital TV package. It is similar to radio without the talk or commercials. It doesn't come through the air, it comes through the cable. It sounds as clear as CDs, because it uses the same digital technology. There are 37 channels of music now included in the Digital Music service, from country to classical, new age, rap, reggae, jazz, oldies, blues, heavy metal, love songs and more. Each one is programmed individually by music experts.
Is there an additional charge for digital or high-definition channels from broadcasters?
If you subscribe to our basic broadcast level of service, you are able to receive all the digital or high-definition broadcast signals that we have the rights to provide, and for which we get a sufficient signal, at no additional cost. However, some digital television sets may require additional equipment to receive these signals, which we are happy to provide at a reasonable fee.
Parental Controls - Frequent Questions
What can I do to control what my child watches?
There are two main ways you can control or influence what your children watch. You can help them easily find quality programming, and/or you can use technology to block out programs you don't want them watching when you're not around to monitor their television use.
What technology can I use to prevent my children from watching certain programming?
Windjammer offers options for all customers to block programming. If you don't subscribe to digital programming (or you're not sure whether or not you do), please call us at 888-495-2881 and we'll discuss the various options for you based on your needs. If you're a digital customer, your set-top box (digital terminal) has built-in parental control features. Parents can use these parental control features to block out any channel, program or program ratings category they think would be inappropriate for children to watch alone.
How can I easily find good children's programming?
Because we offer so many channels and choices, sometimes sorting through them all to find the programs you want is time consuming. To see a list of excellent educational children's programming with brief descriptions, click on A Parent's Guide to Children's TV or browse a list of family-friendly programs at ControlYourTV.org. Another great idea is to give your kids a button of their own on the remote control. Program The Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, the Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel etc. into the remote's "favorite channel" button. Show your kids where this button is and tell them they can find their favorite programs just by pushing that button. To order one of our digital packages that includes this remote, call us at 888-495-2881.
My kids watch too much TV. What can I do about it?
TV is what you make it. It can be a waste of time, or it can be a gateway to learning. Parents and children have a lot of choices when the TV is turned on. Although kids may gravitate toward cartoons, it doesn't take much to switch them over to Animal Planet, The History Channel, Discovery Kids or ABC Family.
Here are some things parents can do to improve TV time:
- Watch TV with your kids. Find out about their viewing habits. Help them find the incredible science and travel shows further up the cable dial. Set a "favorite channel" button on your remote control for each of the kids.
- Look through the program guide before turning on the TV. If there's "nothing on," don't turn it on. For a monthly list of great educational programming for kids. For a list of family-friendly cable programs, browse a list of programming at ControlYourTV.org.
- Set a maximum amount of time your kids may watch TV each day.
- Set rules such as, "No TV until all homework and chores are done, " and stick to them!
- Make a videotape or Digital Video Recording whenever you watch a science show for later viewing by your kids.
- If you have little ones in the house, be sure to discuss the difference between fantasy and reality while they watch. They tend to believe whatever they see.
- If something on TV strikes your kids' interest, find a book in the library on the same subject. Use TV as a catalyst for reading.
- Take advantage of the choices Windjammer provides. If your children are stimulated in a positive way by what they're viewing, leave it on. Sit down and watch with them – then talk about it.
