Moving on Up: CG993 Replaces Channel 5

For many years, Cape Girardeau and Jackson residents have viewed and submitted programming from their community and local government through public access channel 5. Submissions have included local videos and simple text event notices for the "Cape Update" slideshow.

Channel 5 has a new home as of March 16. CG993 is the newest source of community-generated programming for the Cape Girardeau area. During a transitional period through mid-June, the broadcast will be available on channels 5, 993 and 118.1. At the end of the transition, Cape-area public access programming will only be available on Charter digital channels 993 and 118.1.

In order to open bandwidth for additional high quality programming in digital format, Charter Communications has created a Public Affairs Neighborhood (PAN) block, which includes our relocated public, educational and government "PEG" channels. CG993's neighbors will include C-SPAN 2, C-SPAN 3 (new addition), Cape Girardeau School's channel 23, and public access from Sikeston. Several channels have already begun dual broadcasting on their new channels, including changes in Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Farmington, and St. Louis.

The PAN block is available to Charter subscribers as part of their basic digital tier. The City estimates that up to one-third of Cape-area subscribers do not currently have digital cable. CG993 will only be available through a digital receiver after the transition period, or by using the "auto program" menu feature on televisions purchased after mid-2006.

"The newer televisions should pick up channel 993 as an EIA frequency. It will appear as channel 118.1," said Neal Gilb, government relations manager with Charter Communications.

Customers that do not have a digital receiver or newer TV set can request receivers from Charter free for six months, then $5 per receiver for additional months. Some analog-to-digital conversion boxes purchased last year as part of the nationwide switch to digital television could be able to re-scan and receive CG993 at channel 118.1. These products are still available in some retail stores. For viewers that do not have a newer TV and do not already subscribe to a digital tier, Gilb said the advantages of upgrading to a digital box include an on-screen programming guide, digital music channels, Video on Demand and Pay Per View services in addition to access to local access programming.

New content submissions for CG993 are always encouraged and accepted. Acceptible content includes text or images for the Cape Update slideshow promoting your non-profit or community event, and locally-submitted programs in DVD format. All previous submissions for Channel 5 will continue to run on CG993, exactly as before. Details about acceptable posts and the change to CG993 are available by calling 573-339-6391, or by emailing CG993@cityofcapegirardeau.org.

Customers with questions for Charter Communications should call 1-888-438-2427.

###