Installing CableVision's new cable boxes is proving to be a little too technical for some of the Island's subscribers, which has prompted the company to run a video on the community channel - channel nine - explaining exactly how to install the new system.

CableVision General Manager, Jeremy Elmas said yesterday that customers were installing their new boxes correctly, but they were too quick in trying to operate them.

He said the correct procedure was to install the box, turn it on, then turn it off. A built in clock should then pop up on the display screen after ten to 20 minutes as the box has to receive information from the head office before it will operate.

Mr. Elmas also spoke about concerns that customers had lost some of the versatility after the new boxes were introduced. He said it was an "all or nothing decision" whether or not to introduce the boxes.

and that the additional services outweighed the negatives.

Mr Elmas said there were several reasons why the new boxes were introduced. Not only do they scramble the signal, preventing the three to four thousand "pirates" who steal the signal.

It will also enable subscribers to access pay-per-view shows which Mr. Elmas said they could have done on the old system, but they would have had no way of knowing who was watching.

The new box will also allow subscribers to access an interactive programme guide which will list upcoming shows several days in advance, as well as improving the signal as there is an amplifier built in which boosts the signal a few degrees.

Mr. Elmas said another improvement was the parental control feature which could be used to prevent children from watching adult shows.

Mr. Elmas said the new boxes were a "controlled system" enabling them to solve problems from the head office rather then sending a truck out, for example, they can upgrade a subscribers package without having to adjust the cable on the pole outside their residence.

Mr. Elmas also spoke about the 30 channels of 24 hour commercial free music, the concept of which was introduced in a questionnaire printed in The Royal Gazette and Bermuda Sun several months ago, asking what channels and features customers would like, and if they would be interested in paying for 30 music channels.

Mr. Elmas said that 70 percent of those responding to the questionnaire were interested in receiving the music channels.

However, he also said that if such a service was introduced, another box would be needed. He said technologically they could do this, but they were still checking on the legal aspects of introducing this feature.

Mr. Elmas said that the technology the company currently use is a "trap system" which filters out channels that customers do not subscribe to and was typical of 1970's, technology.

He said the converter boxes are 1990's style technology but the move to fibre optics - which will be installed during the next few years - will be state of the art technology.

Mr. Elmas said once they had upgraded about half of the Island with fibre optics they would introduce a digital service which would make better use of the capacity they have.

He said that after the system is rebuilt, they will have approximately 90 analogue channels, and when they introduced digital service, they will be able to broadcast 10 digital channels on every one analogue channel, meaning the maximum capacity would be roughly 900 channels.