In this section we explain the television options in the Cayman Islands.
Television
There are many options for the TV addict: cable, satellite, Direct-TV or Dish Network. Start-up costs, depending on how much equipment you need, can range from CI$75-CI$2,000. Monthly fees are in the range of CI$75-CI$130. There are also four local TV stations and you can view their programmes for free. They are Island 24 (channel 24 over-the-air/channel 9 on WestStar), Cayman 27 (channel 27 over-the-air/channel 12 on WestStar), Cayman Christian TV (channel 21 over-the-air/channel 21 on WestStar) and Cayman Adventist TV Network (channel 30 over-the-air/channel 25 on WestStar).
Cable
Digital cable television is currently only available from WestStar TV (Tel: (345) 745 5555 or info@weststartv.com). If your home is already wired and has an antenna installed for cable, the connection cost of their service is CI$75. If your home is not wired for cable, then the cost is about CI$125 for installation of a regular antenna. If you need a tower installed, so the antenna can pick up service, then the installation cost is CI$325. Installation fees include one cable box. If you are planning to have more than one television, order extra boxes when you sign up. If you add boxes post-installation, you'll be charged a CI$40 one-time fee and an additional CI$10 per month.
Monthly costs depend on the package you choose. The basic digital cable package, consisting of 46 TV channels plus 49 music channels, costs CI$72 per month. You can add packages such as family and variety, movies, sports and alternative languages. WestStar now offers HDTV for an additional CI$12 per month, but if you are in an apartment complex, then the entire complex has to upgrade. Please check this before you buy that beautiful high definition TV you have been longing for! Customers must subscribe to the Basic Cable package to qualify for HDTV and each additional HD converter is CI$40. To apply, take your passport or Cayman driving licence as ID to either of the WestStar TV locations: Governors Square on West Bay Road or The Television Centre, off Eastern Avenue. For information call (345) 745 5555 or email: customerservice@weststartv.com.
Satellite
Dish Direct TV (Tel: (345) 949 4000) supplies satellite service, which includes about 300 channels with a broad range of international and special interest programmes. Your home or apartment complex must have a satellite dish and you must buy a programming box. There is an option for high-definition TV, but again, this has to be done at the main satellite dish on your complex and so will often be a decision your apartment strata board will decide on. The monthly price depends on the number and selection of channels, but typically starts at CI$41 per month for a basic plan (100 channels), CI$54 for 200 channels, CI$64 for 250 channels plus HBO and Cinemax and a total package for CI$103 per month. There is a one-time set-up activation fee of CI$179, an annual fee of $60 and a monthly service/equipment warranty fee of $10. The cost to purchase a dual tuner standard definition box is in the region of CI$250.
This company also sells the DVR system (similar to TiVo in the U.S.), which you can program to record shows in advance and then use to fast forward through all the commercials. A standard-definition DVR costs CI$399, while high-definition DVR receivers range from CI$469-$729. Dish Direct TV is located in the Brand Source Home Gallery, 209 Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park, George Town. For information call (345) 949 4000 or email: sales.dishdirecttv@candw.ky. You can also buy premium brand plasma, LCD and DLP televisions and home entertainment systems from their sister company, Brand Source, located in the same building.
