VIEWERS tapping into the CableVision network without paying for the service have been warned they will face a television blackout, thanks to a tightening of security measures.

Since last year, cable viewers have needed a convertor box to be able to receive the channels they pay for.

But the company has now become aware of a number of people on the island who are using convertor boxes other than those supplied by the company.

CableVision's customer solutions manager Alan Smith said yesterday: "We are continuing to appeal to the public not to install any equipment not provided by CableVision. Illegal connection of stolen or imported convertor boxes can impair picture quality for our paying customers.

"We have now made adequate progress on our rebuild, so we will be tightening down security. The features that are built into our new system, when fully utilised, can detect and shut down all non-company equipment. This is an important means for us to protect our customers."

The news came as CableVision announced a coming upgrade of its network which will allow customers to order pay-per-view movies and events by using their remote control, rather than having to put a call in to the company.

The service will be rolled out area by area, and offered first where CableVision has completed the installation of new fibre optic lines and nodes. Viewers in parts of Pembroke are expected to be first to be offered "Impulse Pay-Per-View" in the fall. The company will be testing the new system in coming weeks.

Mr. Smith said: "It gives customers more freedom and flexibility. Customers simply pick up their remote and place their order electronically."

A new headend controller will allow the network to handle four times as much "traffic" as the current equipment and pave the way for two-way services like the remote control pay-per-view order system and also the sending of personalised messages to customers' boxes.

Meanwhile CableVision had no update to give yesterday on Fox Sports World's efforts to be able to show English Premier League soccer, which has been blacked out on their channel in Bermuda since last weekend.

Mr. Smith said this week that the blackout had been a result of a failure to obtain rights to show EPL soccer in Bermuda and the Caribbean. This had been an oversight by FSW, which was now working to obtain the rights.