Cox Hosting Seminars To Teach People How To Use DVRs, VOD

Not sure how to record your favorite TV show or set up Internet security software? Cox Communications wants to help.

Cox's Virginia division is kicking off a series of free workshops for subscribers covering a range of topics, including how to program a DVR, access video-on-demand, set up parental controls online and on TV, and use social media.

Beginning Saturday, April 21, at the nine Cox Solutions Stores in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and Roanoke, the cable operator will host workshops including "Getting the Most from On Demand and Your DVR," "Keeping Your Family Safe in the Digital Age" and "Stay Connected Using Video Chat and Social Media."

Cox said it is offering the seminars because it believes many customers are simply unaware of all the features available to them.

"These classes give us a chance to take our time and give each customer a hands-on approach to their service," Jonathan Freeland, vice president of marketing and sales for Cox Virginia, said in a statement. "Our customers have asked us to show them what features are included in their Cox services and how they can maximize them."

Cox regularly offers classes and one-on-one education at many of its 134 stores located in its 18 markets nationwide, director of media relations Todd Smith said.

The Atlanta-based operator three years ago began converting retail outlets into the "Solutions Stores" format, sprucing them up to make them more inviting places where consumers can demo products and services and get answers to questions from in-store experts.

That was in large part driven by Cox's launch of 3G wireless service in the fall of 2010. The MSO has phased out that offering, which used Sprint Nextel's nationwide network, and instead has entered into an arrangement with Verizon Wireless under which the companies have agreed to market each other's products. In addition, Cox is proposing to sell AWS spectrum to Verizon Wireless for $315 million.

The MSO's subscribers in Virginia who are interested in signing up for classes can visit www.coxlocal.com.