Television
There are many options for the TV addict: cable, satellite, Direct-TV or Dish Network. The start-up costs depend on how much equipment you need, anything from CI$90 to CI$1,800. Monthly fees are in the range of CI$54 to CI$107.
Cable
Digital cable television is currently only available from WestStar TV (Tel: 345 745 5555 or info@weststartv.com). If your home is currently wired and has an antenna installed for cable, the connection cost of their service is $89.95. If your home is not wired for cable then the cost is about $250 for installation. Installation fees include one cable box. If you are planning to have more than one television then you should order the extra boxes when you sign up. If you add boxes post-installation, you’ll be charged a $50 one-time fee and an additional $10 per month. The cost per month depends on the type of package you choose. The basic digital cable package costs $71.95/month. This package consists of 37 TV channels plus 45 music channels. You can add packages such as Family and Variety Movie plus, Sports and Info or Alternative Language packages. To apply for cable, fill out an application form, available from their office at Governor’s Square on West Bay Road. Take your passport or Cayman driving licence as ID. Alternatively, you can download the application forms on-line from www.westtel.ky. Installation time is usually about three to four weeks.
Satellite
Dish Direct TV supplies satellite service with about 200 channels (Tel: 949 4000). If your home or apartment complex does not have the equipment it will cost between CI$1,175 and CI$1,750 to purchase a dish and have it installed. The monthly fee depends on the number of channels you want: a basic plan is CI$54.99 (100 channels), CI$70 (200 channels) and an advanced plan (200 channels plus HBO and Cinemax) is about CI$91. This company also sells the DVR system for CI$500 (similar to TiVo in the US) where you can programme it to record in advance and then you can fast forward all the commercials.
NOTE – TV Satellite systems can be affected by weather; heavy rain or dense clouds can block the satellite signal.
|
