The figure for Manhattan Cable was 40 percent.

"This means I'll be put out of a job if Manhattan Cable doesn't like my social status."

Manhattan Cable decided to disconnect them rather than let them view a flawed product, a company spokeswoman said.

Manhattan Cable had offered 37 channels and Paragon 31.

Time's lawyers argued that the citizens group had no standing to sue as third party beneficiaries of the city's franchise with Manhattan Cable.

Last month, the suit was settled when Manhattan Cable agreed to add one pay movie service within six months, and another one or more later.

These would allow Manhattan Cable to scramble or unscramble pay channels from its central office.

Manhattan Cable will present the event on its 25/L channel.

Manhattan Cable could not determine yesterday how many customers had been affected by the blank-out, which involved perhaps an eighth of the company's geographic area.

Manhattan Cable has not informed customers that the selector consumes 16 watts of electrical power.