Cablevision Systems, an entertainment and media company, has announced plans to sell its expanded basic service in digital format only. All new customers will be offered this service and Cablevision will continue to offer analog services to existing customers. Digital customers would also have access to these analog simulcasts on television sets that are directly connected to cable.

Cablevision has over three million television customers today and 91 percent of them already receive digital service, while five percent of their customers receive analog service will continue to receive these limited services on a grandfathered basis without having to take any action.

"The transition to digital television is something that is happening across our nation, because digital is a far superior format for delivering television service, both in terms of quality and capacity," said John Trierweiler (News - Alert), Cablevision's senior vice president of product management.

 "The vast majority of our customers have already embraced this standard, and Cablevision's move away from analog expanded basic for new customers is the next logical step in an evolution that will deliver clear benefits including more programming, particularly HD (High Definition), and additional choice."

Cablevision offers over 4,000 titles on demand, plus a video on demand service that has to be subscribed to. Interactive programs that can give local traffic details and local stories are also available. A total of nearly 400 channels can be accessed including 50 movie channels and 48 commercial free digital music sites, plus a number of local news, traffic and weather stations. Their customers who have opted for the Optimum (News - Alert) voice phone service can have additional features like Caller Identification.

Cablevision has three million or so customers in the New York metropolitan area. The company also offers their iO TV in the digital format, high speed internet, digital voice-over cable and other integrated services for business communications. It also has a number of print media businesses and owns a number of sports teams, as well as operates cinemas and theatres.