FAQs

ShowOff™

Q. What is ShowOff™?

A. It's your chance to "Be on TV!" Send in photo and text ShowOffs and watch for them to appear on your favorite MUSIC CHOICE® channel between the hours of 3pm and 10pm EST - Monday thru Friday. ShowOff™ channels include Hit List, Hip-Hop & R&B, Musica Urbana, Today's Country, and Alternative.

MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

Q. Which Music Choice TV channels offer ShowOff™, and when are they available?

A. TheShowOff™ airs on the Hit List, Hip-Hop & R&B, Musica Urbana, Today's Country, and Alternative MUSIC CHOICE® channels between the hours of 3pm and 10pm EST, Monday thru Friday. The music blocks will go off the air at 10:01pm EST on Friday and return at 3pm EST on Monday.

Q. When can I send in my ShowOffs?

A. You can send us your ShowOffs during the days and hours noted above.

Q. Can I request my ShowOff to appear on a specific day or specific time?

A. Music Choice cannot pre-schedule a ShowOff for a specific day or time.

Q. How do I send in my text-only ShowOffs via my cell phone?

A . Text-only ShowOffs should be sent via your cell phone to 898262 (TXT2MC). TXT2MC is another way to remember the appropriate numbers on your phone's keypad.
This is correct: 898262
This is incorrect: TXT2MC (you must use the numbers 898262 only)

Q. How do I send in my photo with text ShowOffs via my cell phone?

A . All photo with text ShowOffs must be sent to showoff@musicchoice.com. When submitting a photo ShowOff for the first time, you must reply "Y" to the first reply message you receive from Music Choice. If you do not reply, or if you reply "N", your photo with text will be deleted.

Q. Is there another way to send in text and photos other than thru a cell phone?

A . Yes. Music Choice has a designated ShowOff™ web page where you can send text and photos. The web address is http://www.musicchoice.com/showoff You can also send your ShowOffs via e-mail to showoff@musicchoice.com using the appropriate channel keyword, or via AOL Instant Messenger by using the AIM screen name ShowOffonMC.

Q. How do I get free access to the music videos and Originals referenced on the musicchoice.com/showoff site?

A. At the present time, Comcast, Time Warner/RoadRunner, and Cox cable-modem subscribers can Sign On to the ShowOff™ site using the same e-mail address and password used to log on to the cable provider's site to watch the free music videos and Originals provided by Music Choice on the site.

Q. Will I be charged any fees for participating in ShowOff™?

A. Music Choice does not charge any fees to participate in ShowOff™. Customary carrier fees for photo and text messaging will apply. Please check with your cell phone provider for applicable rates.

Q. What are keywords?

A. Keywords help us sort the text messages and photos we receive. Please watch the screen and be sure to include the specified keyword in either the subject line of your text message or type the keywords followed by a space in the body of your e-mail/message. Keywords are normally shown in all CAPS. NOTE: Entries without key words will be disqualified.

Q. Why didn’t my photo with text ShowOff appear on the screen?

A. You will be notified if your photo was rejected. Below is a list of some of the reasons why your photo might not have appeared on the screen. They include, but are not limited to, -

-If you do not respond "Y" to the reply-back message you receive after sending your first photo with text ShowOff, your entry will be deleted and no further message will be sent to you. You must reply "Y" to the message in order for Music Choice to review your message for possible display on TV.

-If you respond with an "N" to the reply-back message, or you don't respond, your entry will also be deleted and no further message will be sent to you.

-If you didn’t include the keyword for your channel in either the subject line or before your text message, you will receive a bounceback message advising you to re-send your ShowOff with the appropriate keyword.

-When submitting your photo with text ShowOff via your cell phone, Music Choice will NOT receive it if you send it to TXT2MC (898262). You will NOT receive any notification or updates if you submit your photo this way. All photo with text ShowOffs must be sent to showoff@musicchoice.com

-Photos may be denied for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to: pictures of anyone who appears to be under 13 years old, nudity, lude acts, pictures of real or mock violent acts, or gestures and symbols that are sexual, excretory, profane, drug-related, or defamotory or derogatory.

-Music Choice cannot accept any images/photos exceeding 8 Megs. For best results, submit a 640 x 480 size photo.

-There is a limit of 80 characters for the text that accompanies your photo. Music Choice reserves the right to edit your text to make it comply with the 80-character limit, but in most cases the text will be disqualified. All ShowOffs must include text.

Q. Why didn't my text only ShowOff appear on the screen?

A. There are a variety of reasons why your entry might not have appeared on the screen, including, but not limited to -

-There is a text limit of 80 characters. Music Choice reserves the right to edit your text to make it comply with the 80-character limit, but in most cases the text will be disqualified.

-If you didn't include the keyword for your channel in either the subject line or in the body before your text ShowOff followed by a space, it won't go through.
   These are correct:  HIT(space)Hey everyone...--or-  ALT(space)Yo Philly...
   These are incorrect: Hey everyone (with no keyword prior to the message)
                                 Hey everyone HIT (keyword must precede message)

-Text may be denied for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to bad, threatening or offensive language. Any acronyms or shorthand representing these will also be rejected.

-ShowOffs in English and Spanish will be accepted for the Musica Urbana channel only. All other ShowOff™ channels will accept ShowOffs in English only.

Q. Can I watch ShowOff™ online?

A. Only Comcast, Time Warner/Road Runner, Cox, Grande, Cablevision and Conway cable-modem subscribers can watch ShowOff™ online between the hours of 3pm and 10pm EST five days a week - Monday thru Friday. Go to www.musicchoice.com and click CHANNELS in the top menu, then click the play button next to "Music" on the Hip-Hop and R&B, Hit List, Musica Urbana, Today's Country, and Alternative channels. Your selected channel will open in a new browser window and will begin playing in a few seconds. You may need to disable any pop-up blockers to allow the new browser window to open.

Q. Where can I find a copy of the Terms & Conditions (T&C) that govern my participation in ShowOff™?

A. Click on the Terms & Conditions tabs for details.

Q. Will my personal information ever be shared with third parties?

A. Music Choice has an agreement with a trusted third party company called Atrinsic as the service provider that enables you to participate in ShowOff™. Neither Music Choice nor Atrinsic will ever share your personal information (including phone number, e-mail address or name) with any third parties unless we have your permission or are required by a subpoena, court order or other legal process or to establish or exercise our legal rights or defend against legal claims.

Q. Why am I receiving promotional text messages following my input?

A. As our authorized service provider, Atrinsic receives your text messages on behalf of Music Choice and sends back a variety of promotional text-back messages. Only the initial text-back message you receive in response to your submission may include one promotional message. You will receive no further promotional messages unless you subscribe to one of the advertised services or you authorize Atrinsic to contact you.

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Music Choice On Demand

Q. What is Music Choice On Demand?
A. Music Choice On Demand is a free On Demand music network that features a variety of music videos and Original shows showcasing both established and emerging artists – all of the content is available to watch whenever, and as often as you like, at no cost

Q. How do I access Music Choice On Demand?
A. To access Music Choice On Demand, simply go to your cable provider’s On Demand menu and select Music Choice under "music." Choose between hundreds of genre-specific videos or Originals such as Tha Corner, Rock U or Fresh Crops.

Q. Which music videos are included in Music Choice On Demand?
A. Hit List, Rock, R&B and Hip-Hop, Country, Classics, Latin, Kidz! Zone and many more videos are available to watch free of charge! These videos are always updated so check it often.

Q. What are Originals?
A. Originals are exclusive shows produced by Music Choice that showcase both established and emerging artists. Originals include Fresh Crops, Tha Corner and Rock U.

Q. Is Music Choice On Demand available in all locations?
A. Music Choice On Demand is available in a majority of digital cable households nationwide through most of the cable companies, including Comcast, Time Warner, and Cox. Music Choice On Demand is also available to Verizon FiOS subscribers nationwide.

Q. Who selects the videos?
A. Music Choice has a staff of music professionals who select the music videos and program our music channels.

Q. How are the videos selected?
A. The Music Choice programmers select the videos based on current charts, music trends, record sales, what they feel will be hot and feedback from our viewers. Music is updated weekly so it's always current.

Q. Why do I see ads on the Music Choice channels and in between videos and MC Originals?
A. Music Choice is a cable network similar to CNN or ESPN. Like those networks, Music Choice has business objectives and we must earn advertising revenue to meet our objectives.

Q. Are the videos and Originals rated?
A. Currently, all Music Choice video content is rated using the TV ratings system. For videos, the rating for each piece of content is displayed with the artist name and video title. For MC Originals content, the rating is displayed at the end of the show description.

Q. How do I use Parental Controls?
A. Depending on your set-top box and television set there are different alternatives available that let you block out specific programs or entire channels. See how to use your parental controls on your digital cable menu.

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Music Choice Music Channels

Q. Why is there no artist image displayed for certain artists?
A. Generally, if there are no images being displayed for a particular artist we were unable to locate a usable image of the artist. This is more common on channels that do not play current music. Deceased and living artists that have not released a single or album in the recent past or are not actively promoting their music also may not have photos displayed when their music is playing due to our inability to locate a usable artist image.

Q. What is the music information on the screen?
A. The items include a rotation of information about the artist and music associated with the channel.

Q. Where is the music information on the screen coming from?
A. Music Choice has an editorial staff that creates the music information.

Q. Why is there an advertisement on the screen?
A. The panel on the screen enables us to advertise without any audio interruptions and contains information about programming and consumer promotions that we offer.

Q. How come the music information on the screen doesn't always match with the artist whose song is being played?
A. In addition to providing information on the artists and songs that are currently being played, we also provide the facts and information that are related to the music being played on a channel.

Q. Why do the images change position at the beginning of each song through my digital cable service?
A. Music Choice displays text and graphics, including artist facts and trivia, to accompany your favorite music. In response to concerns regarding potential TV screen burn-in while watching Music Choice® on your television, we have implemented a graphic rotation plan in which the logo, channel name and other screen images rotate through multiple positions as the screen changes. Please note that burn-in may result from numerous variables, such as leaving static images on screen for extended periods of time at high brightness/contrast settings. Music Choice designed its service in accordance with guidelines it believes are generally more conservative than industry standards, such as using reduced color contrast and brightness settings for its graphics. While Music Choice has taken the above steps, television type and viewer usage pattern and practices will ultimately determine the chance of burn-in. Again, television manufacturers are the best resource regarding this issue.

Q. How do I let you know that the information on the screen is incorrect?
A. Please visit the “Submit a Comment” section to tell us about the mistake you found.

Q. How often does the information on the screen change?
A. Much of the information is updated on a daily or weekly basis and rotates on the screen every 30 seconds.

Q. Who selects the music for the Music Choice music channels?
A. Music Choice has a staff of music professionals who program the music for each channel.

Q. How is the music selected for the Music Choice music (audio) channels?
A. The Music Choice programmers select the music based on current charts, music trends, record sales, what they feel is up and coming and hot in the industry and feedback from our listeners. Music is updated weekly so it's always current.

Q. Can I get a playlist?
A. Music Choice is unable to offer a playlist. The Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 passed by Congress prevents us from disclosing such information. The Digital Law states that if one is transmitting a digital signal, song information cannot be pre-announced.

Q. Are the channels on Music Choice censored?
A. Currently, the following channels on the Music Choice service have a TV-MA rating or higher and therefore may contain objectionable content: Electronica, Rap, Metal, Rock, Alternative Rock and Progressive.

Channel Descriptions

u URBAN

The hottest R&B and Hip Hop jams from the '80s, '90s and today!

Hip-Hop and R&B (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Get the latest R&B and hip-hop, exclusive remixes, rare imports, and the Music Choice^® Mixtape.

Video Channel: The best of today's popular hip-hop and R&B videos.

Classic R&B (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Get down with Classic R&B, funk, soul, and Motown from the late ’60s, ’70s, and early ’80s.

R&B Soul (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Kick back and unwind with smooth R&B, and sultry slow jams.

Video Channel: R&B Soul videos featuring artists of today and yesterday for the grown & sexy!

R&B Hits (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Hear the very best R&B hits of the ’80s, ’90s, and now.

Old School Rap (TV-MA)

Music Channel: Go back in the day with classic Hip Hop and rap cuts from the ’80s and early ’90s.

Rap (TV-MA)

Music Channel: Hear the uncensored voice of a generation represented by the entire hip-hop nation!

Video Channel: The hottest Hip-Hop videos from Classic Throwbacks ... Indie-Underground...and Today's Bangers!

Underground Rap (TV-MA)

Music Channel: Tune in as original MCs and non-commercial hip-hop come together in the rap underground.

u ROCK

From chart topping hits to the new rock revolution! Trend setting tracks that redefine the modern rock sound.

Metal (TV-MA)

Music Channel: Prepare yourself for an uncensored aural assault like no other.

Video Channel: An uncensored Video Visual assault like no other.

Rock (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Get rock served straight up with no frills.

Video Channel: Intoxicating dose of rock videos served straight up with no filler.

Indie Rock (TV-MA)

Music Channel: Hear the independent label rock, ska, emo, and punk music that thrives within the underground/college scene.

Arena Rock (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Get back to big hair rock- grab your aqua net, acid washed jeans, and flick your Bic.

Classic Rock (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Catch the hits and album tracks from the pioneers who defined the foundation of today's rock.

Alternative (TV-MA)

Music Channel: Hear the trend-setting tracks from artists that continue to redefine the modern rock sound.

Video Channel: Trend-setting videos from artists that redefine modern rock.

Retro-Active (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Pogo your way through the synthesized sounds of post-punk and new wave.

Adult Alternative (TV-MA)

Music Channel: Enjoy an eclectic blend of the most lyrically inspiring songwriters of their generation.

Video Channel: Videos with an edge, but without the attitude.

u POP

The top pop on the planet! Hits from the '80s, '90s and today from all your favorite artists.

Hit List (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Get the best of today's pop, rock, and hip-hop on the planet, straight off the charts!

Video Channel: The best of today's pop, rock, and hip-hop videos straight off of the charts!

Lite Hits (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Kick back and enjoy a blend of popular hits and love songs from the ’60s to the present.

Video Channel: A mellower blend of hit videos from the present and past.

Adult Top 40 (TV-PG)

Music Channel: A mature mix of today’s pop and rock hits, along with favorites from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Video Channel: Today’s hit videos with favorites from the '90s and '80s.

Party Favorites (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Throw your hands in the air and get the party started with a mix of good-time tracks from the ’60s to the present!

’90s (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Jam to the hottest pop, rock, and urban hits of the decade.

Video Channel: Peep the hottest pop, rock, and urban videos of this killer decade.

’80s (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Tune in for totally awesome pop, rock, and urban songs of the 80s!

Video Channel: Awesome pop and rock videos of this totally tubular decade!

’70s (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Get groovy with the best of pop, rock, and soul hits from one of music's most diverse decades!

Classic Disco (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Get your nostalgic groove on with the best mix of the greatest 70’s and 80’s dance music ever!

Solid Gold Oldies (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Listen as Rock n' Roll's most prolific era comes alive with the artists and the songs that shaped the lives of an entire generation.

u DANCE

Catch a non-stop party featuring the biggest club hits and the hottest international DJ mixes.

Electronica (TV-MA)

Music Channel: Experience hard-hitting international DJs with pulsating sounds and exclusive mixes you can’t hear anywhere else!

Dance (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Catch a non-stop party featuring the biggest club hits and the hottest international DJ mixes.

Video Channel: Sexy videos perfect for the dance floor with the funkiest beats!

Chillout (TV-PG)

Relax with a laid-back blend of ambient, trip-hop, and acid jazz.

u COUNTRY

The biggest hits from the brightest country music stars.

Today’s Country (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Embrace the moment with the biggest hits from this generation’s brightest country music stars.

Video Channel: Today's most popular country videos from your favorite artists.

Americana (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Bust through the borders of Country with a mix of Texas grit, Nashville edge and Appalachian sweetness.

Classic Country (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Enjoy Country Music's Prime Time with the songs you love from the Pioneers and the Legends of Country.

Bluegrass (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Get that high-lonesome sound straight off the mountain from the masters and today’s innovators.

u JAZZ & BLUES

Discover the true essence of jazz and get your mojo workin’ with everything blues.

Smooth Jazz (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Experience an eclectic blend of soulful and polished grooves mixed with a myriad of pop and rock inspirations.

Jazz (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Discover the truth and essence of jazz with tracks from throughout Jazz music’s rich history.

Blues (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Get your mojo workin’ with everything blues - from the electrifying Chicago sound to the Mississippi Delta!

u CLASSICAL

Discover the power, passion, and elegance with classical favorites performed by the world’s greatest musicians.

Classical Masterpieces (TV-G)

Music Channel: Discover the power, passion, and elegance of the great Classical masterpieces as performed by the world’s greatest performers.

Opera (TV-G)

Music Channel: Experience the tragedy, comedy, and romance of classic operas through the voices and ensembles that bring them to life.

Light Classical (TV-G)

Music Channel: Hear the lighter side of Classical with the delicate styling of solo instrumentalists, chamber, and orchestral favorites.

u VOCAL & THEATRICAL

Get a front row seat for timeless classics from Broadway and the Great American Songbook

Singers & Standards (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Rediscover the Great American Songbook in a tasteful mix of the best recordings of those timeless classics we all fell in love with.

Show Tunes (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Get a front row seat for the best of Broadway and musical theater!

u INSPIRATIONAL

From traditional to contemporary, lift your spirit with the most inspiring, entertaining and uplifting Christian and Gospel music.

Contemporary Christian (TV-G)

Music Channel: Enjoy a wide variety of yesterday and today’s most inspiring, entertaining, and uplifting Christian music!

Gospel (TV-G)

Music Channel: Lift your spirit with the best traditional and contemporary gospel music.

u INSTRUMENTALS

Relax with the gentle melodies of contemporary jazz, light classical, and modern instrumentals.

Easy Listening (TV-G)

Music Channel: Wrap yourself around the warm feelings of remembrance with string orchestras and great instrumentals.

Soundscapes (TV-G)

Music Channel: Caress, energize, and expand the soul with this rich mix of new age, atmospheric, and world-positive music.

u VARIETY

Get the party started with an eclectic mix of great music from Party Favorites to Reggae!

Showcase (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Catch blocks of Old School Rap, Classic Disco, and ’90s music! Visit musicchoice.com for monthly schedules.

Big Band & Swing (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Listen to the swinging sounds of the Big Band era alongside the current bands who keep the music alive for today’s audiences.

Reggae (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Groove to the positive cultural roots of reggae, ska, dancehall, and soca, intertwine in a blend of sunny Caribbean rhythms.

Kidz Only! (TV-G)

Music Channel: A channel just for youngsters featuring the coolest pop hits and sing-a-long songs. NO parents allowed!

Sounds of the Seasons (TV-PG)

Enjoy the holidays with tunes that capture the spirit of the season!

u LATIN

The hottest hits from the latest Latin artists.

Musica Urbana (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Feel the rhythm with the latest Latin R&B, rap, raeggaeton, and hip-hop hits!

Salsa y Merengue (TV-PG)

Music Channel: Caliente!<

Popular Questions

ShowOff™

MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

Music Choice On Demand

Music Choice Music Channels