Some Cable One customers will need black box

Major changes at Cable One have some customers asking questions. Channels are moving, and beginning Jan. 1, economy and standard package customers will need a black converter-box in order to receive a signal.

“A few people have been a little concerned. They’re — it’s hard for them to make a change,” said Bill Tietjen, who owns Merlin’s TV Service, in Idaho Falls.

As Cable One prepares to convert to an entirely digital platform, analog signals will stop working in 2015.

“For years we’ve continued to offer that analog signal, and it’s just come to the point where it’s time for us to switch,” said Dennis Hacking, with Cable One.

After the transition, Hacking said, Cable One’s service will improve.

“It’ll improve picture quality. It’ll free up space, giving us the ability to offer more channels,” said Hacking.

But the change still has some concerned.

“They’re worried about how the expense is going to go up, so they’re looking for possible alternatives,” said Tietjen.

Cable One said each customer will get two black boxes free. Each additional black box can be rented for an additional $5 per month.

“In most cases, it’s just an easy self-install. It’s got a little walk-you-through guide,” said Hacking.

The black boxes will be available beginning Oct. 21.

Cable One is recommending you order them online for fastest delivery.

The channel changes take affect Oct. 17., but only for those who already have digital television. If you don’t, channels won’t change until you get the black box.