Time running out for TWC customers to prepare for digital transition

“Beginning on May 5th, we'll do a series of channel cuts which will run May through the end of June," TWC spokesman Scott Pryzwansky said.

The transition will be in stages, a few channels at a time.

To be able to watch TV, each set will need to be connected to a cable box or a digital adapter.

"For those customers that are affected - meaning they have a cable that comes directly from their wall and runs into the back of their TVv or VCR or similar device - they will need a form of digital equipment,” Pryzwansky said.

For most customers, that applies to extra TVs in the bedroom, for example. Those sets will need an adapter.

Because Time Warner's cable signal will be encrypted, subscribers cannot buy an adapter. They must get it from the company.

They are free until June 2016, then they will cost. Currently, that rate will be $2.75 each, per month. To qualify for the free adapters, customers must place their orders by Oct. 29.

There is a limit of two free adapters for customers who have no digital equipment. For those with some digital equipment, such as a cable box, there is no limit to the number of free adapters they can request.

Customers who receive Medicaid and currently have no digital equipment can get two free adapters through June 30, 2020.

Time Warner Cable said the change will free up bandwidth to provide faster Internet service.

"That will mean three to six times faster speeds for every Time Warner Cable customer, up to 300 mbps per second,” Pryzwansky said.