Interested in purchasing digital cable? Visit Optimum.com.

Digital cable is a type of television service that offers a greater variety of television content, enhanced picture quality and sound. In addition, a digital cable platform makes it possible to provide a host of new features, such as interactive components and on-demand services not available with older cable television technology, called analog. Cable companies are using their upgraded networks to offer a wide array of new digital services.

In the simplest of terms, digital video signals can be compressed, to take up less space, or bandwidth, than older analog channels. This greater bandwidth capacity allows cable companies to deliver more television channels, such as specialized niche content, to multicultural channels, as well as a multitude of premium movie channels, commercial-free CD quality digital music channels and high-definition television channels.

With all these choices it might be difficult to find what you want to watch. Fortunately, most digital cable operators offer their customers an Interactive Program Guide (IPG). The IPG allows you to easily browse through available content and select the program you want to watch by time, channel or even genre. Some IPG's allow you to set program reminders so you won't miss your favorite shows! Other common features of an IPG include the ability to block out inappropriate shows or channels using a parental control feature, as well as the ability to select favorite channels for instant access. All these features are easily managed with a remote control.

Due to the flexible format of the technology it is easy to manipulate content and activate many advanced features and services. You can also employ your remote to select from a menu of On-Demand movies and shows, play games on your television, check news and information instantly, and even set personalized viewing preferences on some interactive channels. Read more about these special services offered by digital cable in the "Benefits" section.