Valley's
Digital Video Frequently Asked Questions
What is a set-top box? A set-top box is a
"converter" box that connects to a DSL modem and to
your television to make the signal viewable on your tv.
Do I need a special TV for these new Video
services? No, the set-top box will connect to your existing
TV.
How many TV's can be connected to a set-top
box? The current set-top box Valley will use can be
connected to up to 2 tv's however both tv's will watch the same
channel. Valley will provide up to 3 Set-top-boxes at no
additional monthly fee.
If I did own an HDTV or Digital TV, would I
still need to lease additional set-top boxes? Yes, although
the system is considered a digital system, the signal used by
Valley is not an HDTV signal. The set-top box is what will make
the signal tunable by your television.
Can I go to a store to purchase my own
set-top box? The set-top box Valley will be using has been
recommended by our system engineers to work best with our new
system. Because of the many technologies available, Valley can
only provide technical assistance with set-top boxes we have
provided. We do not recommend purchasing your own set-top box
from other sources, because there may be compatibility
problems.
Will I need to call into the office every
time I wish to purchase a Pay-Per-View (PPV) Movie? No, PPV
movies will be purchasable using your remote control and the
set-top box will automatically report the information to our
billing system. If your account becomes past due, it is possible
your PPV privileges will be disabled until the account is paid
in full.
Can Adult channels be purchased using the
remote control? Yes, the Spice Network will be available as
PPV. There are exceptions to this though. Certain
"public" locations will not have access to PPV &
Adult channels, for example: Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Meeting
rooms, Cafe's/Bars, etc.
Why is Valley offering Adult channels? Although
many people find these channels unacceptable, the fact is they
are high in demand.
Will the networks really be as clear as the
other channels? Yes! Our new system will no longer rely on
"over the air" signals to provide you with the South
Dakota ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and Public TV networks. Our video
partner, SDN Communications Inc., has a direct fiber connection
with each of those networks in Sioux Falls and will supply us
with those channels using more underground fiber connections
directly from their source.
Will weather conditions affect my signal? No,
weather should not be a factor because the lines are all
underground. Of course there are some cases where reception
could be interrupted. For instance: Fiber cuts, severe power
outages, and periodic sunspots in the Spring/Fall.
I don't see a certain channel I'd like. Can I
make a request? We're always interested in hearing your
requests however we can not guarantee your wish as it must be
agreed upon by all the partner companies using the SDN
Communications signals.
How did Valley decide which channels would be
in which package? There is always going to be a channel or
two in the "Premium" package that some would like to
see in the "Basic" package. If we could have provided
all the channels in the basic package we would have.
Unfortunately, each channel charges their own fees and some
channels require we carry them in our most basic package. We
wanted to keep a basic package as close to the prices we were
already charging as we could.
I have a satellite dish & have purchased
specialized sports programming from them. Can I have both Valley
Video services and my sports package? We have researched
into this situation and found DirecTV allows you to subscribe to
your sports programming without having a "basic"
monthly package from them. This would allow you to save some
money on the monthly programming costs while still enjoying your
favorite sports team on your satellite. DISH subscribers will
need to contact their provider to inquire.
Prices are subject to change upon market
conditions.
