What is the difference between standard definition and high definition?
Standard, High, or Ultra High Definition refers to video resolution, or the image quality of the picture on your television. Numbers like 480, 720, or 1080 refer to how many rows of pixels make up the image. The more pixels on the screen, the more detail that appears in the picture.
Standard Definition (SD) refers to the resolution of basic cable channels, or a DVD. TV channels broadcast SD feeds in 480p.
High Definition (HD) is a higher quality image with more visible detail in the picture, such as on HD channels or Blu-Ray discs. TV channels broadcast HD feeds in either 720p or 1080i.
4K, or Ultra High Definition (UHD), offers four times the resolution and a greater range and depth of color than HD. No terrestrial TV channels currently broadcast in 4K/UHD. You can find 4K video via online streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, or YouTube. Services such as these would display the resolution as 2160p. Read more in our 4K article.
How do I receive HD channels?
Good news! On September 1st 2020, all cable customers will receive the HD (High Definition) Channels included in their lineup at no additional cost. You can now enjoy the best picture available on an HDTV. High definition will provide a clearer, more detailed image, and be formatted to fit the width of a widescreen TV.
Please note: You will need an HD-capable box, connected to your TV with HD cables, to receive HD channels.
Your box will automatically display the available HD version of a given channel. For example, in the Lehighton area, whether you tune to channel 8 or channel 601, you will receive the HD feed of that station.
Video on Demand content will be available in HD through the HD on Demand category.
Is my cable box HD-capable?
The following cable boxes are capable of providing HD channels:
Blue Ridge Stream:
TiVo: All TiVo boxes, including DVR, Mini, and SmartBox.
TiVo HD DVR
TiVo 4K
Cisco: All Cisco boxes. Models include Explorer 4652HDC and Explorer 8652HDC.
Cisco 4652HDC
Cisco 8652HDC
Scientific Atlanta: HD-capable models include Explorer 4250HDC and Explorer 8300HDC Please note: While the Explorer 3250HD is also capable, we do not recommend using this box for HD channels as it lacks the ability to connect via HDMI.
Scientific Atlanta Explorer 4250HDC
Scientific Atlanta Explorer 83000HDC DVR
DTA: DTA Mini boxes also support HD signals for customers who subscribe to Broadcast Basic HD or Basic Plus HD, but will not receive Expanded or Expanded+ channels, or Video on Demand.
DTA Mini
How do I connect an HD box to my HDTV?
In order to receive an HD signal from the cable box, you must connect it to the TV with HD cables. We strongly recommend HDMI cables.
An HDMI cable carries both HD picture and audio from the cable box to your TV (or receiver). If you need an HDMI cable, you can pick up a six-foot HDMI cable at your local Blue Ridge office for free.
You must insert one end into your cable box, and one end into your TV/receiver, into a port shaped like the following:
Adjust your TV’s input to the HDMI port to which you connected your cable box. For example, if you plugged the cable box into the “HDMI 2” port on your TV, you will need to set the input on the TV set to HDMI 2.
The following is an example of connecting your cable box to your TV via HDMI:
If you have an older HDTV without an HDMI input you may be able to connect the box with Component cables. These have three prongs for video (red, green, blue) and two for audio (red and white). The following is an example of connecting your TV via Component cables.
Please note: We only recommend this for use with older cable boxes or TVs. Newer models of cable boxes or TVs, such as the DTA or TiVo, may not be capable of a Component connection. Where possible, use an HDMI cable.
Do I need to change any settings to get HD channels?
To ensure the best possible picture, please check the following settings on your cable box:
On a TiVo box:
- Press the [TiVo] button to go to TiVo Home, and then navigate to
Menu > Settings > Audio & Video Settings > Video Resolution. - Select your preferred option(s) to match your TV’s capabilities. Options include 1080p 60fps, 1080p pass-through, 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i, depending on which formats your TV can support. 4K-ready TiVo boxes also include 4K 60fps and 4K 24/25/30fps (pass-through). Pass-through will pass content from apps such as Netflix through to your TV in the format in which it’s received, such as a movie that streams in 24 frames per second.
Please note that selecting multiple resolutions may allow the TiVo to output content to your TV in its native resolution, but it may result in a flicker or delay when changing channels or switching between shows. - When you have selected your preferred option(s), press Exit.
- A message will appear. Press
[Thumbs Up] to confirm you can see the message and wish to set the resolution to the selected option(s).
On a Cisco or DVR Box:
- Press the [Settings] button on your Blue Ridge remote control, then the yellow triangle button [A] for more settings.
- Press the [down arrow] button to scroll through the preferences column and highlight Audio/Video. Press the [right arrow] and then press the [down arrow] button to highlight Video Output Formats.
- Make sure this lists only one option, for the highest resolution your TV can support. Typically this is 1080i. If multiple resolutions are listed, press [SEL/OK] to view the list of resolutions. Each selected resolution will display a dot next to it. To remove the dots, highlight and press [SEL/OK] on each resolution (480i, 720p, etc.) until only 1080i has a dot next to it.
Please note that selecting multiple resolutions may allow the box to output content to your TV in its native resolution, but it may result in a flicker or delay when changing channels or switching between shows. - Press [Exit] when done.
On a Scientific Atlanta Non-DVR Box:
- Press the [Settings] button on your Blue Ridge remote control, then the yellow triangle button [A] for more settings.
- Press the [down arrow] button to scroll through the preferences column and highlight Output Formats.
- Make sure this lists only one option, for the highest resolution your TV can support. Typically this is 1080i. If multiple resolutions are listed, press the [right arrow] to view the list of resolutions. Each selected resolution will display a dot next to it. To remove the dots, highlight and press [SEL/OK] on each resolution (480i, 720p, etc.) until only 1080i has a dot next to it.
Please note that selecting multiple resolutions may allow the box to output content to your TV in its native resolution, but it may result in a flicker or delay when changing channels or switching between shows. - Press the [left arrow] to return to the list of preferences, then press the [down arrow] button and highlight Audio Digital Out.
- If connected with an HDMI cable, make sure this lists HDMI. If not, press the [right arrow], highlight HDMI, and press [SEL/OK].
- Press [Exit] when done.
How do I exchange my cable box for an HD-capable box?
If you have a standard definition cable box or one without an HDMI port, you can exchange your box out for a newer model.
If you subscribe to cable and internet, we recommend our Blue Ridge Stream, which will provide HD channels and connect to the internet for access to apps. Please contact us to set up an appointment. You can also exchange equipment at your local office.
Please note, with a DTA box you will not be able to receive channels in the 100s and 200s, their HD equivalents, or Video on Demand services. If you subscribe to Starter, Expanded, or Expanded+, you will need Blue Ridge Stream to receive these services.
Help! The HD channels are not working on my DTA Mini Box.
In order to tune in the new HD channels, your DTA may require a signal sent to it. You can send this to your boxes via the My Blue Ridge app. Once logged in, tap the Menu button 
in the top left, and then tap My Equipment. Tap Reactivate TV Equipment, then tap OK.
Alternately, log in using your web browser to www.brctv.com/login. Click Services, then the TV tab, and then click Reset TV Boxes. On the next screen, click Confirm.