Time Warner changes high-def channels

the vindicator

AKRON — Time Warner Cable is changing its digital channel lineup to make it easier for viewers to find high-definition channels.

Beginning in March, all HD channels will move to the 1000-block. Customers can simply add a “1” to the digital channel number to find the HD version. For example, if Discovery is on Channel 130, then the HD version will be 1130.

“We now offer over 100 HD channels, and as a result, we’ve virtually outgrown the 400-block in our lineup,” said Vin Zachariah, regional vice president of operations for the cable company. “So, by moving them to the 1000s, we enable ourselves to continue adding HD channels and make them easier to find for our customers.”

The new lineup will affect all areas served by Time Warner in Northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania, including the Mahoning Valley.

Other changes include moving Free On Demand channels, which are located in the 500s, to the 400s. Movies On Demand, along with other “pay” On Demand content, will remain in the 500s, but the channel positions will change slightly. Customers will be able to buy movies from the new Movies On Demand position 500.

Local On Demand, which features exclusive local programming such as high school sports, will move from Channel 501 to 411. Local On Demand is available free to digital cable customers.

The Time Warner lineup will look like this after the changes take effect:

U2-99: Basic and expanded basic

U100-399: Digital Categories, grouped into Kids and Family, Learning and Discovery, Home and Leisure, Shopping, Entertainment, Music, Movies, Sports, News and Weather, and Faith and Inspiration

U400-499: Free On Demand

U500-599: Movies On Demand

U600-699: Premium channels

U700-799: Pay-per-view events and sports packages

U800-875: Nuestra Tele and international premiums

U900-999: Digital music

U1000-1999: High-definition channels

A special “Ask Time Warner Cable” segment on the channel realignment will be aired throughout February. “Ask Time Warner Cable” airs on the NEON Network (Channel 23) at 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and at 11:30 a.m. Sundays. The segment will also be aired for free on Local On Demand, Channel 501.

More information can also be found online at twcguide.com or twcneo.com.