While I don't have this on any definitive source - I wouldn't hold my breath for WCNC's (or anyone else's in this market) news going HD anytime soon.

It's cheap to do something like the Carolina Traveler in HD.

The nightly news? Not so much. For the nightly news you've got to upgrade all of the field cameras and trucks (ENG, Sat, receive sites, etc), gotta upgrade the chopper's camera and the associated electronics. Need to upgrade the studio cameras (and set, as necessary). Need to upgrade the graphics, CG, switcher, and probably most of master control. Don't forget you've got to upgrade the edit bays, and you need a way to archive everything, AND you've got to get training in.

I'm probably missing some stuff, and I'm sure Bob can chime in with the remaining items.


Right you are. Don't look for us to go HD news anytime soon. The spreadsheet just doesn't work. If you're rebuilding a plant due to aged equipment needing replacement that's one thing, but to convert just for the sake of HD just doesn't work financially.

We did shoot and edit our latest weather promo in HD, but it airs in SD..

Bob,

I assume you work for Fox18... Please tell Morgan Fogarty I want to marry her.


She's the hottest thing on TV. National or local.

I'm flattered, but I already have a significant other.

Pretty poor performance for NBC on their first NFL game.

I'm flattered, but I already have a significant other.


So do I! That's just a technicality!

Pretty poor performance for NBC on their first NFL game.

No kidding. It is unwatchable in HD. A lot of audio break ups and video blocking. I turned it off.

No, it is pretty much as I said.

If the eSATA drive is hooked up the rewind and fastforward functions do not work from the moment you turn that drive on.

Disconnect the drive or turn it off and the FF/RW functions magically work again.

You certainly can FF through "live" content (well, with no external drive). If you pause the show and the show gets ahead of you you can FF through it to catch up. Can't do that with a eSATA drive attached. :(

Other than that, the DVR works like you'd expect it too.


I see what you are saying now... I guess it all depends on how you define "live." To me, it is no longer live if you pause it for a few minutes and then start back. I do that a lot... and when I do, I want to be able to ff through the commercials. So... I guess that is a dealbreaker for me. Let us know if they ever get that fixed.

:(

Not that I can watch anything now anyways... I'm having signal problems at my new house. Today will be Time Warner's 5th trip out to "fix" it in the last 10 days. :rolleyes: If they can't get it working today, I will be calling DirecTV tomorrow.

Well, I've had the new 8300HD DVR software update for less than a week and I'm ready to give it back.

I was watching a prerecorded show this morning and TW sent out a EAS alert which showed up while I was watching a prerecorded program. The old software would only show a EAS alert if you were watching live content.

I don't know about you guys, but really, I don't care about EAS alerts. They're never useful to me. I don't care if super quadbroadband triplereflex doppler actuator 4000 thinks it sees a 2 trillion mile an hour tornado. I have ears, I'll get out of the way. And if I don't, well, someone come by and see if the big screen made it through the tornado, and if it did, you can have it. :)

Slightly off topic, but I'm not sure where else to post this... Has anyone heard anything about the availibility of FIOS in Charlotte? The only thing I can seem to find out from the website is that it isn't available in my neighborhood now. Is there a map somewhere showing their coverage or where they plan to expand in the future?

Any other recommendations on alternatives to TWC? I am hearing terrible things about the HD PQ on DirecTV.

I don't know about you guys, but really, I don't care about EAS alerts. :)

Most people don't, I especially think it's a joke, but that's not what the FCC rules say we have to do. Rules which TWC must follow as well, which is to pass the alerts on.

Slightly off topic, but I'm not sure where else to post this... Has anyone heard anything about the availibility of FIOS in Charlotte? The only thing I can seem to find out from the website is that it isn't available in my neighborhood now. Is there a map somewhere showing their coverage or where they plan to expand in the future?

Any other recommendations on alternatives to TWC? I am hearing terrible things about the HD PQ on DirecTV.

FIOS is a Verizon product. VZN used to provide copper dialtone in Union County. Don't know if they still do. I would expect them to wire their bigger neighborhods before they come down here (if they still provide service here). And now that they're switching their fiber technology, it might take even longer.

I wouldn't hold my breath for it. At best, you might get the DeathStar's (AT&T) IPTV offering if the franchise bill gets passed here. Call Doris Boris (she's the cable franchise czar here) and complain about how bad the service is. Maybe she can help.

Pretty poor performance for NBC on their first NFL game.

I was hoping for better. I sold this whole HD expense to the lovely bride as a "better way to watch the Panthers". She wasn't overly impressed. :o
I hope it wasn't indicative of what I should expect.


Bob,

I assume you work for Fox18... Please tell Morgan Fogarty I want to marry her.


She's the hottest thing on TV. National or local.

I think Shannon is hot, myself. Something about her being the oddball in a sea of blondes makes her very attractive. :D

I'll pass your comments on to the Ladies..

I was hoping for better. I sold this whole HD expense to the lovely bride as a "better way to watch the Panthers". She wasn't overly impressed. :o
I hope it wasn't indicative of what I should expect.

You should have used more than that! Just wait. When Fox starts doing the NFL thing here in a week or three you'll see. They do a -great- job with HD and football.


Speaking of Fox, hey Bob. What resolution do you guys actually output at the xmitter? Is it 720p or 1080i? I know Fox uses 720p, but I've heard of stations actually sending out a 1080i signal at the xmitter. What do you send to TW and how do you send it?

It's 720p..the transmitter can't change anything, it's nothing more than a high-power one way modem.. TWC picks us up off-air..

And yes, Sneezy will be in trouble when wifey finds out that 3 of the 4 panther preseason games AREN't in HD....... He'll have to change his name to Grumpy then!
:D :D

Anyone using the Fox splicer should be sending out 720p. Belo stations have a policy of converting to 1080i - even for affiliates of ABC (thank God our Belo station is a 1080i station). But I don't think there are any HD stations converting FOX to 1080i prior to transmission.

Looking forward to FOX NFL, but reports are that ESPN will be letterboxing the SD feeds of MNF - so that should be a real treat once the video guys perfect the 16:9 framing.

It's 720p..the transmitter can't change anything, it's nothing more than a high-power one way modem.. TWC picks us up off-air..

And yes, Sneezy will be in trouble when wifey finds out that 3 of the 4 panther preseason games AREN't in HD....... He'll have to change his name to Grumpy then!
:D :D


Aww bloody 'ell.

She's a bigger FANatic than I am...
I can hear her now: "But you SAID that ALL of the games ~" and then a full five minutes addressing my lack of attention to detail and possible mental deficiencies.

Aye, Grumpy it is. :)

Aww bloody 'ell.

She's a bigger FANatic than I am...
I can hear her now: "But you SAID that ALL of the games ~" and then a full five minutes addressing my lack of attention to detail and possible mental deficiencies.

Aye, Grumpy it is. :)


Atleast you have a shiny new TV to look at while she yells at you. Dial up a good concert on HDNet or InHD and turn it up loud. Really loud while she's yelling. If she's going to yell, atleast make her work at it ! :)

Bob,

I assume you work for Fox18... Please tell Morgan Fogarty I want to marry her.


She's the hottest thing on TV. National or local.
I don't get Fox18 so I googled her name (that sounds way to kinky :) ) and found THIS (http://www.townofstanley.org/100_0099.jpg) image. I can see your attraction to her but in that picture the law is chasing her (looking like Bonnie and Clyde). You wanna marry a criminal? ;) :D

I don't get Fox18 so I googled her name (that sounds way to kinky :) ) and found THIS (http://www.townofstanley.org/100_0099.jpg) image. I can see your attraction to her but in that picture the law is chasing her (looking like Bonnie and Clyde). You wanna marry a criminal? ;) :D

Well, the sign clearly states "For Sale or Trade."

Time to get back on-topic here.

Has there been any word when the 3510HD box might be updated to include real HDMI?

someone mentioned something about this earlier:

Will TWC be offering a multi-room dvr anytime soon? Before I moved here, I was stuck with Charter Cable at my previous location. They were pretty worthless but they did have a 2-room hd-dvr which was a pretty nice feature.

Any help would be appreciated!

Can everyone please call or e-mail TWC and beg them to add NFL Network?

Paying for a "Sports and Games" tier and being rewarded with the Tennis Channel and Fox College sports channels is just embarrassing...isn't this a major city?

(Fred Dressler, TWC VP of Programming - fred.dressler@twcable.com)

Can everyone please call or e-mail TWC and beg them to add NFL Network?

Paying for a "Sports and Games" tier and being rewarded with the Tennis Channel and Fox College sports channels is just embarrassing...isn't this a major city?

(Fred Dressler, TWC VP of Programming - fred.dressler@twcable.com)

If I'm going to contact this guy, I'm going to contact him and ask that they add more HD stuff. Not a channel I'd never watch.

And it looks like TW is in a big tiff with the FCC over the NFL channel:
http://news.com.com/Time+Warner+threatens+court+action+over+NFL+channel/2100-1036_3-6102760.html

Can everyone please call or e-mail TWC and beg them to add NFL Network?


TWC will add the NFL Network when both parties can agree on tier carriage, fees, etc. No amount of e-mailing Mr. Dressler will make a whit of difference, but you can waste your time if you like. It won't really matter until after Thanksgiving anyway, as they're not doing any regular season games until then. So they have a few more months to bicker before football fans get so irate that they form a critical mass that could conceivably force the issue.

The more relevant point is, as I've mentioned before, the fact that our local TWC doesn't have the bandwidth to add more HD channels until they implement digital switching and because it's not as high a priority for them as adding more bandwidth-hogging analog garbage channels. After all, they've had a carriage agreement in place for Universal HD for 9 or 10 months now and we have yet to see it show up on our system here except for 2 weeks during the Winter Olympics. Ditto with Cinemax-HD which is a TimeWarner property. We ought to have them both.

TW isn't the only one not carrying the NFL network. Charter isn't either, at least not here. They do offer it in NE. Satellite companies make you buy much more expensive program packages to get it. Look at the whole picture and it looks to me like the NFL is trying to get a high price for the network while crying that no one is willing to offer it in their less expensive packages.

Less face it, the NFL is one greedy money hungry organization! I still love watching NFL games but they priced themselves out of my money. I use to have sunday ticket but it just got too expensive.

The more relevant point is, as I've mentioned before, the fact that our local TWC doesn't have the bandwidth to add more HD channels

As a paying customer, I don't care. They need to do what they need to do to add more HD content, in my opinion.

Technically, to me, it is an interesting problem. But my wallet has the veto power. :)

Is it possible our picture quality has improved? Atleast a little? Maybe it is my imagination or I am dreaming. But my quality on SD (only some channels) seems to have improved. I use the HD DVR.

I was watchin Almost Famous on TNTHD and it kept breaking up (or locking up). TNTHD always does this when I watch it...

Is it only happening to me or does anyone else have this issue?

cratch, i'm watching that same movie right now and having the same issues. [great movie for anyone thats never seen it]

Also, the NFL game on Fox tonight was awful during the first half - many many breakups.

Also, the NFL game on Fox tonight was awful during the first half - many many breakups.


Much to the sadistic pleasure of my aforementioned lovely bride. :)
Brutal household I live in...

I just got the SA 8300 and it is upscaling everything to 1080i. I want to pass thorugh the native signal, but can't figure out how to do it. Per the instructions on www.sciatl.com, I am supposed to hit "Power" to turn it off and the hold the "Guide" and "Info" buttons simultaneously. I tried this but never got the setup screen. I called TWC last night, but because of the storms I guess call volume was way up and after 30 minutes on hold I hung up.

Can anyone here help?

Brutal household I live in...

grumpy... :)

grumpy... :)


Dopey is more fitting to hear her tell it. :)

I just got the SA 8300 and it is upscaling everything to 1080i. I want to pass thorugh the native signal, but can't figure out how to do it. Per the instructions on www.sciatl.com, I am supposed to hit "Power" to turn it off and the hold the "Guide" and "Info" buttons simultaneously. I tried this but never got the setup screen. I called TWC last night, but because of the storms I guess call volume was way up and after 30 minutes on hold I hung up.

Can anyone here help?
Hit the settings button and then the A (yellow triangle) button to get to additional settings where you can select output options. If the native signal is 1080i then that is what you'll get unless you deselect it as an option. My Samsung DLP didn't like changing incoming signal types via the HDMI so I ended up just having 720p output and letting the box do the processing. PQ may suffer some, but simplicity rules with kids and a wife!

You have the Passport software and NOT SARA so the Sci Atl website is only partially usefull. Check out the Passport 8300 thread for info.

I was watchin Almost Famous on TNTHD and it kept breaking up (or locking up). TNTHD always does this when I watch it...

Is it only happening to me or does anyone else have this issue?

Yes, THANK YOU. I thought I was going crazy. But every time I watch something on TNT-HD, it's a nightmare to watch. It's either in "stretch-o-vision" (where they stretch the content to fill the screen), "zoom-o-vision" (where they zoom in on the picture to fill the screen), or "pixel-o-vision" where it's finally true HD content, but it pixellates and drops out throughout the broadcast. I was excited about watching "Nightmares and Dreamscapes" in HD, but it was so difficult to watch I deleted it from my future recordings. (Plus, the shows sucked, but that's just a personal opinion.)

It's like Time Warner is using the lowest possible bandwidth to broadcast TNT-HD, and the box can't handle it. Oh, and I love how when it's not true HD content, there's still a crawl at the bottom telling you this stretched out, zoomed in version of Law and Order (or whatever) is brought to you in splended High Definition. I'm sure folks less adept at HD than ourselves are thinking, "this HD stuff is crap."

Charles

I recorded all the "Dreamscapes" shows but could only watch about four out of the eight because of the freezing video and choppy audio. It seems to be an ongoing problem with TNT-HD.

Satellite companies make you buy much more expensive program packages to get it.

Nope.

Both DBS companies offer the NFL Network in their basic subscription. (D*'s Total Choice & E*'s Top 60 package)

Anyone notice dropouts of video and 5.1 on Deadwood tonight? Seemed to start during second half of the show.

cratch, i'm watching that same movie right now and having the same issues. [great movie for anyone thats never seen it]

Also, the NFL game on Fox tonight was awful during the first half - many many breakups.

I've seen plenty of similar issues on DSC HD recently as well....moved to Charlotte recently and very disappointed w/ TWC thus far.

Yes, DHDT has been particularly bad lately with dropouts, but the "disease" as migrated over to the HDNets as well. The INHD's still seem fairly stable. Don't know if it's due to bit starvation or what...?

I can't fast forward anything on TNT-HD without the screen turning black.

Is there anywhere that has a listing of which specific NFL games that TWC will be broadcast locally in Charlotte this season, including which are in HD?

I'm trying to decide if I should stick with TWC or be forced to move to DirecTV.

Thanks!

Is there anywhere that has a listing of which specific NFL games that TWC will be broadcast locally in Charlotte this season, including which are in HD?

I'm trying to decide if I should stick with TWC or be forced to move to DirecTV.

Thanks!

It's not really up to TWC as to which games will and which games won't be in HD. Any major game that any major network is going to have this season is going to be in HD (Fox, NBC, ESPN, etc).

Switch to DirecTV and you won't have locals at your finger tips (atleast with the crystal clear signal you may get now).

It's not really up to TWC as to which games will and which games won't be in HD. Any major game that any major network is going to have this season is going to be in HD (Fox, NBC, ESPN, etc).

Switch to DirecTV and you won't have locals at your finger tips (atleast with the crystal clear signal you may get now).

But if he switches, he'll have the option of buying Sunday Ticket and he'll have The NFL Network. As for locals, it seems just quickly breezing thru DirecTV's website that CLT locals would be available in HD.

Let me clarify - I want to know TWC's broadcast schedule of NFL games for this upcoming season for games NOT involving the Panthers. I only moved to Charlotte 8 months ago and want to know how many games I might watch of my favorite team.

Reread my post.

TWC does not offer the Sunday ticket. You'll need DTV for that. TWC does not broadcast any NFL games unless they're done by a network they carry.

I was watching the Sunday night NFL game and there were tons of video and audio dropouts and I thought it was my 8300 DVR so I fired up my DVICO Fusion TV card in my computer and they were still there so it must be the signal strength that's causing all this or the maxing out of the bandwidth that seems to be such a problem here. I switched the Fusion over to my OTA antenna and the game looked great and was very stable.
On a side note I got a postcard from TWC the other day saying they were going to be working in my area for a few days and to expect breaks in service during the day. I'm not sure if this is upgrading equipment in the area or if they're moving the lines like they did all the power lines and phone lines where they're widening an intersection about a half mile from my house. I hope they're improving the equipment but I doubt it. :(

Let me clarify - I want to know TWC's broadcast schedule of NFL games for this upcoming season for games NOT involving the Panthers. I only moved to Charlotte 8 months ago and want to know how many games I might watch of my favorite team.

Here's the national schedule for this season:

http://www.nfl.com/schedules/tv/national

Keep in mind, the Panthers will always take precedence in this area. So if the "national game" is on up against the Panthers, this area will see the Panthers.

There's also some kind of rule that blacks out games on opposing networks when the Panthers are playing - or playing at home - I'm not 100% sure. And someone jump in here to set the record straight if and when I get this wrong...

If the Panthers are playing at 1pm at home - on Fox for example, then the 1pm game on CBS is blacked out. If CBS has the 4pm national game that weekend, then our area would still see the 4pm game. Like I said, I don't completely understand that part of the rule. And it doesn't affect me, as I want to see the Panthers play no matter what. But for someone like yourself with rooting interests elsewhere, it could affect you.

So I wasn't trying to be a smart-a--, but if you really want to guarantee you'll see your team, call Mr. Hill and inquire about one of his nice dishes and Sunday packages.

ke4pym, I am fully aware that NFL Sunday Ticket is only offered by DirecTV - I'm only looking for what national games are shown in the Charlotte area.

TeddyTV, thanks for the info. I thought the national schedule differed from region to region. Example- the east coast would get games mostly of east coast teams, etc. But maybe that thinking is wrong.

And yes I realize I could always relieve all doubt and get DirecTV, but honestly I'm happy with TWC and don't want to switch. And getting the boss [wife] to sign off on switching would be almost impossible too!

Also, I believe the blackout rule is if the Panthers play at 1 pm at home that the 4 pm game on the same channel is blacked out. But the rule gets us all confused!

Thanks guys - cant wait for the season to begin!

Haha, here's my new issue. My cable box has stopped showing the color red through Component cables. I tried 3 sets of cables on all of the component inputs on the Tv. Still no red. Xbox360 and DVR show the color red on my TV. Just swapped out the box for another one and still the same thing. Weird.

Haha, here's my new issue. My cable box has stopped showing the color red through Component cables. I tried 3 sets of cables on all of the component inputs on the Tv. Still no red. Xbox360 and DVR show the color red on my TV. Just swapped out the box for another one and still the same thing. Weird.

Well, that should tell you it's not the box, at least. People are always far too willing to blame the box when things go wrong - and they're encouraged to do that by tech support. An awful lot of STBs & DVRs get returned & swapped for nothing. Sounds as though you might have a "dead" red component input on your TV. I suppose it goes without saying that you need to be very careful that you have the right cables connected to the right inputs (that's a terribly easy mistake to make, what with those weird letters and subscripts that describe component connections). Try a DVD player on those inputs and see what happens.

I did and they worked. My wife just called and said that the cable guy came by and fixed it in 2 seconds. She doesn't know what he did.

Nope.

Both DBS companies offer the NFL Network in their basic subscription. (D*'s Total Choice & E*'s Top 60 package)

Better check again.

Dish it first shows up in the top 120 package and DTV's TC package is hardly their base package.

NFL network is available in Dish Network's Top 60. I just checked.

at 29.99 per month

Dish also offers NFL Network HD in their HD Bronze package at 49.99/month

Dish also offers NFL Network HD in their HD Bronze package at 49.99/month

When I went back to check about the top 60 I noticed that HD Bronze package. Very nice ad very tempting if it wasn't for the fact that for the next 11 months I've got a steal of a deal on my cable with high speed internet with some HD content.

I swear when I checked the line-ups earlier today NFL network wasn't showing up in the top 60.

I would not be surprised if their website is a little buggy. I like that HD Bronze package. I just am hooked on TWC HD local channels. I may make the jump as soon as the satellite companies offer Charlotte locals in HD.

Anyone in TWC/Charlotte have any idea what channel CW (from the WB/UPN 'merger') will be on when it airs? Will there be an HD version?

thanks...

Anyone in TWC/Charlotte have any idea what channel CW (from the WB/UPN 'merger') will be on when it airs? Will there be an HD version?

thanks...

WJZY

Yes it will be HD

thought I would try this, sorry if this is already brought up I am TWC in charlotte


I hope ther is an easy fix, but none of my TWC boxes work on my A2000 with HDMI? I returned the 8300 hd and got a new one, so I know it is not a cable issue. It will work on svideo and only on some of the HD channels on component. Any thoughts?

I would not be surprised if their website is a little buggy. I like that HD Bronze package. I just am hooked on TWC HD local channels. I may make the jump as soon as the satellite companies offer Charlotte locals in HD.

I probably will too or when I can justify the upfront cost of the HD-DVR

Anyone else having the same crappy service I've had for the last few days? The HD channels are breaking up, bad video and audio. Right now I have no signal at all for Fox(240) NBC(220), ABC(235) or CBS(225). This is true for my 8300 and the tuner in my computer. I've also had breaks in service for RoadRunner for the last two days. And I'm paying $126 a month for this? C'mon people, get it together!

Anyone else having the same crappy service I've had for the last few days? The HD channels are breaking up, bad video and audio. Right now I have no signal at all for Fox(240) NBC(220), ABC(235) or CBS(225). This is true for my 8300 and the tuner in my computer. I've also had breaks in service for RoadRunner for the last two days. And I'm paying $126 a month for this? C'mon people, get it together!

I just did a quick peek at the channels you mentioned, and in my part of town, South Charlotte, I'm getting all of them. I constantly get mini-breaks in my high-speed cable with TWC, so can't give you much insight there but I think a call to TWC is in order.

Does anyone have any idea when TWC is going to increase the internet speeds in Charlotte like they have done in so many other cities across the country? Hardly seems fair that we pay the same amount of money as NYC, but get less service.

Does anyone have any idea when TWC is going to increase the internet speeds in Charlotte like they have done in so many other cities across the country? Hardly seems fair that we pay the same amount of money as NYC, but get less service.

This is business, fairness plays no part in it.

Does anyone have any idea when TWC is going to increase the internet speeds in Charlotte like they have done in so many other cities across the country? Hardly seems fair that we pay the same amount of money as NYC, but get less service.

NYC is a competitive market for internet services. TW has no competition here. Why should they bother?

CBS Sports is putting up the U.S. OPEN TENNIS in HD and 5.1 tomorrow. Should be available here for your viewing/aural pleasure.

Does anyone have any idea when TWC is going to increase the internet speeds in Charlotte like they have done in so many other cities across the country? Hardly seems fair that we pay the same amount of money as NYC, but get less service.

I wish they would increase the almost aneamic upload speeds.

I just did a quick peek at the channels you mentioned, and in my part of town, South Charlotte, I'm getting all of them. I constantly get mini-breaks in my high-speed cable with TWC, so can't give you much insight there but I think a call to TWC is in order.
They had contractors working up the street from us all day today. Cable and RR was out from noon until about 6:15. Things seem to be better now on both counts but only time will tell. :rolleyes: I did re-scan the channels with my Fusion card and I'm now getting all three WBTV HD channels which didn't have enough signal to come through before.

They had contractors working up the street from us all day today. Cable and RR was out from noon until about 6:15. Things seem to be better now on both counts but only time will tell. :rolleyes: I did re-scan the channels with my Fusion card and I'm now getting all three WBTV HD channels which didn't have enough signal to come through before.

Glad things are returning to "normal" for you.

Glad things are returning to "normal" for you.
:D Hehe, me too!

Hey Gang,
Infrequent lurker, seldom poster, just noticed this localized thread for Charlotte NC.

I noticed the recent firmware/software upgrade too, and now HDMI is our ONLY option for getting signal from our 8300 SA with Pioneer (now Aptiva??) software to my Samsung 5067 DLP. Looks fine, but we also notice very frequent audio drop outs, pixellation, et cetera. So I can commiserate with y'all that are having these issues.

Does your component output work any more? My TV shows that HDCP thing when I try component input from the 8300.

To make it worse, my Weather Channel (41 I think) doesn't work anymore. Just a full grey screen. Is this my fault? Settings or something? Can anybody validate the Weather Channel thing?

With the recent upgrade all my 4:3 channels now have grey sidebars instead of black, which is annoying to us. I know it's got to be some sort of setting, but I'm too technologically challenged to figure it out.

Finally, I'm compelled to call everytime one of these service quality incidents occurs to demand partial/complete refunds of the cable bill, but I suspect this will be pointless and frustrating. Has anybody been successful to any degree with that approach?

I feel like anything short of a class action law suit will fall on deaf ears . . .

Hey Gang,
Infrequent lurker, seldom poster, just noticed this localized thread for Charlotte NC.

I noticed the recent firmware/software upgrade too, and now HDMI is our ONLY option for getting signal from our 8300 SA with Pioneer (now Aptiva??) software to my Samsung 5067 DLP. Looks fine, but we also notice very frequent audio drop outs, pixellation, et cetera. So I can commiserate with y'all that are having these issues.

Does your component output work any more? My TV shows that HDCP thing when I try component input from the 8300.

To make it worse, my Weather Channel (41 I think) doesn't work anymore. Just a full grey screen. Is this my fault? Settings or something? Can anybody validate the Weather Channel thing?

With the recent upgrade all my 4:3 channels now have grey sidebars instead of black, which is annoying to us. I know it's got to be some sort of setting, but I'm too technologically challenged to figure it out.

Finally, I'm compelled to call everytime one of these service quality incidents occurs to demand partial/complete refunds of the cable bill, but I suspect this will be pointless and frustrating. Has anybody been successful to any degree with that approach?

I feel like anything short of a class action law suit will fall on deaf ears . . .

I watched the FSU/Miami via component last night with no issues. I really dislike the gray sidebars as well, but according to the people in the SA 8300 forum there is no way to change them.

I am getting a partial refund on my cable bill, but that's because Directv is coming out tomorrow to install a dish and a high definition TiVo.

I was going to get the Series 3 TiVo, but TWC is implementing switched digital video which breaks the CableCard that the new TiVo uses to tune channels. I have had it with TWC and the SA 8300.

Interesting, I wonder if the component thing is my TV?

I hear you on the frustration, the TiVO thing kills the deal for me too, the wife has to have her shows recorded. I do too for that matter.

Wish it was better, and that we had more choices.

Interesting, I wonder if the component thing is my TV?

I hear you on the frustration, the TiVO thing kills the deal for me too, the wife has to have her shows recorded. I do too for that matter.

Wish it was better, and that we had more choices.

If component was ever turned off on my 8300HDDVR I'd have to shut off cable since my tv is a analog only HD display. As such, its been working fine.

As far as the grey bars ... tell the DVR to stretch 4:3 content. Push settings then A, its a few options down called Aspect.

mfogarty5-->Uh, unless something has changed, or you're getting old hardware, DirecTV does not offer Tivo for its DVRs. You'll have to settle with the DirecTV proprietary DVR. Especially if you want to get the HD content that is being encoded in MPEG4.

???
I'm confused here. What's w/ Direct TV's DVR? Does it not work like TWC's? I'm seriously considering switching from TWC to Direct TV so I can get more HD programming and NFL Sunday Ticket.

Can you explain to me why I shouldn't switch? How is the HD quality compared to TWC?

After the equipment upgrade on my street last week things seem to going well except for two channels. I still get a lot of video breakup (pixelization, smearing of the image) and audio cutting out on TNT-HD and Discovery HD Theater. Yesterday we had to give up and watch the finale of "The Closer" on TNT SD before the HD channel was driving us nuts. Anyone else experiencing this?

Bookworm- It always happens when we watch it.

mfogarty5-->Uh, unless something has changed, or you're getting old hardware, DirecTV does not offer Tivo for its DVRs. You'll have to settle with the DirecTV proprietary DVR. Especially if you want to get the HD content that is being encoded in MPEG4.

Directv only came out with their non-TiVo HD DVR 2 weeks ago and it was only available in L.A until Sunday.

I am getting the HR10-250 TiVo HD DVR. I know that I can't get MPEG-4 stations, but I can get dual OTA tuners as well as ESPN2 HD, NFL Network and ESPNU none of which TWC offers.

Believe me, I have debated this for far too long and in the end the content and the technology is better at Directv.

I'll really miss watching a dog poop on demand.

???
I'm confused here. What's w/ Direct TV's DVR? Does it not work like TWC's? I'm seriously considering switching from TWC to Direct TV so I can get more HD programming and NFL Sunday Ticket.

Can you explain to me why I shouldn't switch? How is the HD quality compared to TWC?

cratch,

no disrepect intended, but have you ever used or seen a real TiVo DVR? It is SOOOOO much better than the garbage SA 8300 that TWC gives out. I feel like one of those Apple fanboys, but it really is a cut above the SA 8300. There is a reason TWC gives out the hardware for free: It is low quality junk. For example, the audio of the SA 8300 does not work with my receiver. This is basic 2 channel analog audio that TWC consistently messes up. When one of the two channels is plugged in, it works fine, but when both are plugged in the audio can't be heard. The SA 8300 is defnitely the culprit. The "new replacement" I got looks like it just returned from Iraq. The cable guy said "it has been bouncing around in the back of my truck."

I can't speak to picture quality, but I will let everyone know after my install is complete tomorrow.

Direct TV hasn't relesed the "proprietary" HD-DVR in this area yet, so you will still get the TiVo version.

The good news is that the "proprietary" HD-DVR seems to be better than the SD-DVR.

cratch,

no disrepect intended, but have you ever used or seen a real TiVo DVR? It is SOOOOO much better than the garbage SA 8300 that TWC gives out. I feel like one of those Apple fanboys, but it really is a cut above the SA 8300. There is a reason TWC gives out the hardware for free: It is low quality junk. For example, the audio of the SA 8300 does not work with my receiver. This is basic 2 channel analog audio that TWC consistently messes up. When one of the two channels is plugged in, it works fine, but when both are plugged in the audio can't be heard. The SA 8300 is defnitely the culprit. The "new replacement" I got looks like it just returned from Iraq. The cable guy said "it has been bouncing around in the back of my truck."

I can't speak to picture quality, but I will let everyone know after my install is complete tomorrow.
Other than the problem channels I mentioned in my post a few up in this thread I'm extremely satisfied with the 8300HD. It lets me manage my TV viewing exactly the way I want. As far as audio goes I have the analog audio hooked up to my TV and the digital audio hooked up to my receiver and I get 5.1 audio to my receiver whenever it's part of any network broadcast and stereo sound to my TV. If the Passport software would handle an external SATA drive the same way the SARA software does I'd be perfectly happy. :)

Bookworm- It always happens when we watch it.
Good to know I'm not the only one experiencing this, I guess. ;)

Good to know I'm not the only one experiencing this, I guess. ;)

Bookworm, put me on the list of folks who had picture/sound troubles while watching The Closer, the other night. And it being the season finale....GRRRRR

There is a reason TWC gives out the hardware for free

You get your SA8300 for free? Howszat? I'm paying, like, $7 + DVR fee a month for mine.

Granted, I don't have the audio problems you have. I've got my 8300HD hooked up to my receiver (a Sony ES 555) via S/PDIF coaxial and I don't have any problems. Well, I do have a complaint about how long it takes the receiver to lock onto the digital signal, but as old as the receiver is, I can't complain too loudly.

I think DirecTV/Dish are just as evil as TW. Atleast TW doesn't make you pay $400 for the DVR that they still own (I was told this by a phone rep while dealing with my parent's dead DTV STB's 2 weeks ago that got killed by lightning). Content is a personal thing. Glad someone has what you're looking for. Some of us don't give a flip about more sports.

Bookworm, put me on the list of folks who had picture/sound troubles while watching The Closer, the other night. And it being the season finale....GRRRRR
I switched over to TNT-26 and used the 8300's zoom. The picture wasn't too bad and we didn't miss anymore of the show. I'm glad there was an alternative. We really like that show, great cast!

You get your SA8300 for free? Howszat? I'm paying, like, $7 + DVR fee a month for mine.

You should only be paying $6.95 a month for the DVR. If you have the HDTV tier (ESPN-HD,HD-NET,HD-Net Movies, INHD1 &2, HBO-HD and Showtime-HD) it costs an extra $6.50 a month but you don't need that to get the local broadcast networks in HD. See this page for more info.
TWC Charlotte HDTV (http://www.timewarnercable.com/charlotte/products/hdtv/hdprogramming.html)

You should only be paying $6.95 a month for the DVR. If you have the HDTV tier (ESPN-HD,HD-NET,HD-Net Movies, INHD1 &2, HBO-HD and Showtime-HD) it costs an extra $6.50 a month but you don't need that to get the local broadcast networks in HD. See this page for more info.
TWC Charlotte HDTV (http://www.timewarnercable.com/charlotte/products/hdtv/hdprogramming.html)

I pay $6.95/mo for the DVR box, then 6-9 bucks (forgot exactly) for the "dvr service", then $6.95/mo for the HD pack (which, by the way, doesn't include HBO-HD or Showtime-HD - you only get those when you sign up for that service). My bill runs (with RoadRunner and HBO) around $145/mo.

???
I'm confused here. What's w/ Direct TV's DVR? Does it not work like TWC's? I'm seriously considering switching from TWC to Direct TV so I can get more HD programming and NFL Sunday Ticket.

Can you explain to me why I shouldn't switch? How is the HD quality compared to TWC?

Generally speaking, "HD Lite" from D* downrezzes the HD signal and they do it on all channels because of bandwidth limitations. The cable companies do their own form of HD signal filtering - they call it "rate shaping", but the picture quality is usually better than that available from D*. Depending on the size of your display, the difference may not be noticable.

But at least D* carries the Universal HD channel, even if it is "HD Lite". TWC refuses to add this channel permanently even though we had it for 2 weeks during the Winter Olympics. Man, I want this channel...... but not enough to switch to "HD Lite".

archiguy-

A buddy of mine in Raleigh says that UHD's content is crap. Mainly shows like Knight Rider.

archiguy-

A buddy of mine in Raleigh says that UHD's content is crap. Mainly shows like Knight Rider.

Well, that's a matter of opinion. The very fact that they carry the best show on TV at the moment, Battlestar Galactica (my opinion, but shared by many, many others including some of the most widely read TV critics in the country; it even won a prestigeous Peabody Award last year), in HD and I can't see it that way drives me nuts! The PQ of the analog Sci-Fi channel is horrendous.

And they're also carrying another personal favorite, Firefly, in newly remastered HD as well. Heck, just those two shows, forget everything else they carry, would make it worthwhile to me. And they have HD movies as well as HD sporting events such as U.S. Open (tennis) coverage going on right now that's unavailable anywhere else. I consider this channel one of the best HD channels available. Even if you don't appreciate all the programming I've just listed, having more HD choices is always a good thing. And the fact remains that TWC has not given us any new HD channels in going on 3 years now, at least. They claim it's lack of bandwidth, yet they managed to fit it into the lineup back in February without sacrificing anything else. Who knows where the truth lies?

I'm switching to DISH next week I believe. Cheaper, one tuner can be used on two TVs and the installer said he can program it to give me the Memphis local channels (need it for Memphis Tiger games). TWC hasn't added any channels in the last year and I can get more from satelitte. It just makes sense to me.

the installer said he can program it to give me the Memphis local channels (need it for Memphis Tiger games).

Let us know how that goes if/when the local stations find out about that.... :)

Let us know how that goes if/when the local stations find out about that.... :)

I will if they do. If they do, no big deal. I know of a Memphis fan in San Antonio that got the same hookup, so no idea how they find out.

I will if they do. If they do, no big deal. I know of a Memphis fan in San Antonio that got the same hookup, so no idea how they find out.

Uh, from this forum. :)

I will if they do. If they do, no big deal. I know of a Memphis fan in San Antonio that got the same hookup, so no idea how they find out.


No big deal other than it's illegal, and if you do some reaseacrh you'll find that E has been in legal trouble over that. :D

And how do they find out? from those like you who can't keep their mouth shut and get on public forums bragging. :rolleyes:

Awesome, they pay people to look at forums?

No big deal other than it's illegal, and if you do some reaseacrh you'll find that E has been in legal trouble over that. :D

And how do they find out? from those like you who can't keep their mouth shut and get on public forums bragging. :rolleyes:

my fault guys, I wasn't bragging. Just giving my reasons for wanting to switch. Wasn't trying to make up for my small penis

Wasn't trying to make up for my small penis

happens to me all the time.

anyone else having serious overscan problems w/ a samsung dlp and the 8300 HD DVR box? I can barely see the score ticker at the bottom of the screen on ESPN-HD.

anyone else having serious overscan problems w/ a samsung dlp and the 8300 HD DVR box? I can barely see the score ticker at the bottom of the scren on ESPN-HD.

No problem here but it is not the SA8300 but rather your set. A common problem that can be corrected by calibration.

Did it seem blury during some cam shots? (particulary the shot right before the snap)? I've noticed in on 235 last week as well (no issues on 285). Does EPSN have a bad lens that's being used?

Anyone else having issues on channel 240??

Here in Concord, I'm getting significant break-up and pixelation.

I've alerted TWC to their "issues" and short-comings, hopefully they will get things corrected.

Nooooo! Fox18s HD channel is all screwed up today. The PreGame show is unwatchable. Blocks and sound cut outs. Same at my neighbors. I never have drop outs or problems (North Meck). I can't beleive this is happening on opening day.


Wait... While I write this Franks Picks is on and everything looks great. Maybe they fixed something.

Nevermind. Go Panthers!!!!

great. Maybe they fixed something.

Nevermind. Go Panthers!!!!

Yep.. the splicer got a wedgie and needed a kick in the pants.. :eek:

Are you getting 5.1 audio?

Some of the camera angles are SD.

Are you getting 5.1 audio?

Yep.

Is it just me or are all the commercials extremely loud today during the game? It's gotten so bad that you can't watch them. I'm either muting them or switching channels.

Yes they are too loud, and we've voiced our complaints to FOX.

Yes they are too loud, and we've voiced our complaints to FOX.

Thanks.

I'd like to voice my compaints about the level of play.


Wait, wrong forum...

Quick-change subject for whining:

COMMERCIALS WERE INCREDIBLY IRRITATING!

There we go.

While watching the U.S. Open tennis on channel 225 (CBS-HD), I noticed the center channel information was also being routed to the right surround speaker. The effect was that the announcers' voices were coming from the center, where they belong, but also from behind my right ear, where they don't. This isn't the first time I've noticed this effect from a CBS sports HD + DD5.1 telecast.

Has anyone here in the Charlotte area also noticed this? I posted the question in the Programming Forum, but nobody responded. This "goof" was present in both my STB's, the 8300 and 3250, so it's not a hardware problem on my end.

While watching the U.S. Open tennis on channel 225 (CBS-HD), I noticed the center channel information was also being routed to the right surround speaker. The effect was that the announcers' voices were coming from the center, where they belong, but also from behind my right ear, where they don't. This isn't the first time I've noticed this effect from a CBS sports HD + DD5.1 telecast.

Has anyone here in the Charlotte area also noticed this? I posted the question in the Programming Forum, but nobody responded. This "goof" was present in both my STB's, the 8300 and 3250, so it's not a hardware problem on my end.


CBS does that. And just not on their sports. I've had to delete several instances of How I met your mother because the audio mix had -no- center channel information. All you heard was the laugh track. I don't know that there is anything WBTV can do about it...

I wrote TWC MONTHS AGO and complained of this on almost every cbs show. All csi's, the unit, etc were doing this. We'll see if it's fixed when the new seasons start up. I couldn't stand to listen to them so I deleted them from the dvr and missed the whole seasons....

I wrote TWC MONTHS AGO and complained of this on almost every cbs show. All csi's, the unit, etc were doing this. We'll see if it's fixed when the new seasons start up. I couldn't stand to listen to them so I deleted them from the dvr and missed the whole seasons....

TWC only repeats what they get. They probably did nothing more than pass your comments along, if that.

True. They sent out a tech even after I told them that was useless as it was only on cbs 225 programs. If it were something else it would happen on other channels. He said "yep, you're right" and left after me showing him the problem. That was maybe 6 months ago. I'm just waiting for the new season now to see if anything has changed...

Interesting.. we haven't had any of those issues with our CBS station..

True. They sent out a tech even after I told them that was useless as it was only on cbs 225 programs. If it were something else it would happen on other channels. He said "yep, you're right" and left after me showing him the problem. That was maybe 6 months ago. I'm just waiting for the new season now to see if anything has changed...


You don't have to wait for the new season to see if there is a problem. The reruns were in HD. So the problem won't magically show up when the brand new shows start ... if the problem is still there anyway.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bookworm
You should only be paying $6.95 a month for the DVR. If you have the HDTV tier (ESPN-HD,HD-NET,HD-Net Movies, INHD1 &2, HBO-HD and Showtime-HD) it costs an extra $6.50 a month but you don't need that to get the local broadcast networks in HD. See this page for more info.
TWC Charlotte HDTV -------



I pay $6.95/mo for the DVR box, then 6-9 bucks (forgot exactly)
for the "dvr service", then $6.95/mo for the HD pack (which, by the way, doesn't include HBO-HD or Showtime-HD - you only get those when you sign up for that service). My bill runs (with RoadRunner and HBO) around $145/mo.

Yep that's what mine is $149 +/- ... same package, looks like.


Hey wormy :p ....

Interesting.. we haven't had any of those issues with our CBS station..

So, you've checked the national CBS feed to WBTV and you're thinking it may be a TWC problem? But I thought cable companies (and the two satellite companies for that matter) simply passed the DD5.1 feed on through untouched...? I don't have an OTA receiver where I could sample the "native" feed before it gets to TWC.

The very fact that nobody else in America seems to be noticing this (judging from the lack of response to my bringing up this issue in the Programming Forum) would seem to indicate a TWC source for this thing. It's not that big a deal, but it is a curiosity, a riddle I'd like to solve.

Any my problems were the exact same as mentioned earlier. The center channel dialog coming out of the center channel and the right surround. It creates a nasty echoey, tunnel effect and pretty much makes it horrible to even watch the show.

When did they can INHD2? I was hoping to watch some of the football games on there. Did they make an announcement?

you're thinking it may be a TWC problem? .

Nope. I never said that. TWC can't alter the audio in that manner.

When did they can INHD2? I was hoping to watch some of the football games on there. Did they make an announcement?

I just checked...I still have INHD2 - is yours gone??

Nope. I never said that. TWC can't alter the audio in that manner.

Didn't think so. However, what dvdguru and I are seeing (hearing, actually) does seem to be localized as nobody, I mean nobody anywhere else in the country is reporting this issue with CBS, at least not here on AVS. You can hear the "native" feed, can't you Bob? Is it present there?

And I moved to Shelby last november too... I did watch csi miami last night though and the problem was gone so I set csi ny and csi on thurs to record to see if it's gone from those shows too. Fingers crossed...

I just checked...I still have INHD2 - is yours gone??

It was gone this weekend, nothing but a gray screen the whole time. I'll check again tonight. Maybe technical difficulties.

It was gone this weekend, nothing but a gray screen the whole time. I'll check again tonight. Maybe technical difficulties.

What were you tuning in for? Baseball games are blacked out occasionally. (I think that's INHD that does that, and not HDNet...) For example, if the Orioles are playing on Fox Sports South (channel 40), and INHD is also showing that game, then INHD has to black it out here in our area. It's frustrating as hell to see the game listed as being in high-def, but then realize it's only available in TWC's analog SD tier.

What were you tuning in for? Baseball games are blacked out occasionally. (I think that's INHD that does that, and not HDNet...) For example, if the Orioles are playing on Fox Sports South (channel 40), and INHD is also showing that game, then INHD has to black it out here in our area. It's frustrating as hell to see the game listed as being in high-def, but then realize it's only available in TWC's analog SD tier.

The local blackout rules are by MLB. For Charlotte the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds & Washington DC Nationals consider Charlotte NC there home territory and are subject to local black out rules. On TWC we get the Braves games on the Turner Braves home channels. You get a handful of Orioles & Reds games on Sports South & I don’t think they carry any National games at all on Sports South. So when EVER any of these teams are shown on INHD or HDNET they have to be blacked out in Charlotte. (Of course the National blackout rules override this for FOX & ESPN) I know this because I purchase the MLB ticket on TWC every year and ALL of these teams games are blacked out on the MLB ticket in Charlotte. So if you are an Orioles, Reds or Washington Nationals fan living in Charlotte you have to get the Satellite to watch your teams. Way to go Major League Baseball!!

Are you getting Dolby Digital signal - I am not getting anything. Looks like a upgrade went through - sidebars are grey. If I go into settings and choose DD - I get nothing - but do get 2 chanel...anyone else having issues?

Are you getting Dolby Digital signal - I am not getting anything. Looks like a upgrade went through - sidebars are grey. If I go into settings and choose DD - I get nothing - but do get 2 chanel...anyone else having issues?

I found I had to restart my DVR a half dozen times when it got the upgrade to finally get DD back. It finally came back the next morning.

Ok.. afore ya'll start complaining... FOX has just notified us that the Panthersgame this weekend will NOT be produced in HD.. :(

Has anyone else noticed how hollow and echoy sounding the Today Show audio is now that they switched to HD? It sounds to me like they have the center channel audio going out to the surrounds but delayed by a 1/4 second. Really hard to listen to sometimes.

Come to think of I get this audio issue many times on LIVE NBC events, but never from ABC, CBS, FOX or HBO, just NBC.

Ok.. afore ya'll start complaining... FOX has just notified us that the Panthersgame this weekend will NOT be produced in HD.. :(

It will be SD widescreen, however, so it's [slightly] better than nothing (aka SD 4x3). They upconvert those, don't they?

BTW Bob, did you see the question I asked you about 10 posts (# 3129) back up the page? (About the DD5.1 audio issue with CBS telecasts on WBTV).

Ok.. afore ya'll start complaining... FOX has just notified us that the Panthersgame this weekend will NOT be produced in HD.. :(

Well that just plain stinks! It's just not the same if it's not in HD. Go Panthers.

Those that have Charter here is some bad news. Charter will not be carrying the NFL network :(

Added the HD tier this week (ESPNHD, INHD1, INHD2, HDNet, etc.) primarily for ESPNHD. I am not receiving the INHD signals (grey screen). It's been this way for 4 days with multiple shows. Is the problem with TW, my 8300, or wiring. I subscribed to the same tier for New Years Day football and didn't have the INHD channels then either. Any guidance on troubleshooting? Seems unusual that my wiring would be fine for all channels but these two. House is ~7 yrs old and there is a TW splitter in the line to the 8300 to feed the TV directly. 8300 connected to Samsung DLP via HDMI.

Thanks!
Charlie

Added the HD tier this week (ESPNHD, INHD1, INHD2, HDNet, etc.) primarily for ESPNHD. I am not receiving the INHD signals (grey screen). It's been this way for 4 days with multiple shows. Is the problem with TW, my 8300, or wiring. I subscribed to the same tier for New Years Day football and didn't have the INHD channels then either. Any guidance on troubleshooting? Seems unusual that my wiring would be fine for all channels but these two. House is ~7 yrs old and there is a TW splitter in the line to the 8300 to feed the TV directly. 8300 connected to Samsung DLP via HDMI.

Thanks!
Charlie


As of 11:30 Saturday morning, I'm getting both INHD1 and INHD2 so you might want to place a call to TWC.

I've had TWC HD service, w/ the sports tier, HD tier and HBO, for about 2 months. So far I have noticed:

- No ESPN2 HD or NFL Network, though I do get worthless tennis and NBA channels on the sub-par "sports tier"
- Very spotty HD service - constant video and audio interruptions
- Miserable customer service - e-mails often go unanswered and telephone support is generally incompetent

I see no solutions on the way for any of these, so for obvious reasons I would like to evaluate a switch to satellite TV. I am in a north-facing apartment, so I believe DirecTV is not an option (correct?). Does anyone in the area have Dish Network, or any other service, that they can comment on? Thanks.

Ok.. afore ya'll start complaining... FOX has just notified us that the Panthersgame this weekend will NOT be produced in HD.. :(

Hey Bob, why wasn't the PreGame show in HD?

I saw a couple posts ago that the game is not in HD. Very Disappointing.... Loose one game and we are moved to the bottom of the list. I'm seeing the game in 4x3? What happened at least to the SD widescreen?

Hey Bob, why wasn't the PreGame show in HD?

An excellent question, we're looking into it.. :confused:

It will be SD widescreen, however, so it's [slightly] better than nothing (aka SD 4x3). They upconvert those, don't they?

BTW Bob, did you see the question I asked you about 10 posts (# 3129) back up the page? (About the DD5.1 audio issue with CBS telecasts on WBTV).

Doesn't even look like its SD widescreen... This is just ugly.

Not getting Widescreen yet.

Just went widescreen...

Now it is.

Just went widescreen...

Apparrently, for the second week in a row, the splicer had a case of dyspepsia
and required re-booting. :mad:

Ok.. afore ya'll start complaining... FOX has just notified us that the Panthersgame this weekend will NOT be produced in HD.. :(


To whom should my currently ranting FANatic wife address her email(s)?

Anything to get her out of my ear.

Sheesh.

To whom should my currently ranting FANatic wife address her email(s)?

Anything to get her out of my ear.

Sheesh.

Well, I could think of a couple of solutions.. :eek: but send me emails to hdtv-at-fox18wccb.com and I'll pass them on.

It's SD widescreen because it's the lowest ranked/viewed game behind the first 6, as FOX can only do 6 in HD maximum.

Well, I could think of a couple of solutions..


:D


The storm has passed, she is out of my ear and onto the performance of the team.

Rare that I appreciate lackluster performance.

I've had TWC HD service, w/ the sports tier, HD tier and HBO, for about 2 months. So far I have noticed:

- No ESPN2 HD or NFL Network, though I do get worthless tennis and NBA channels on the sub-par "sports tier"
- Very spotty HD service - constant video and audio interruptions
- Miserable customer service - e-mails often go unanswered and telephone support is generally incompetent

I see no solutions on the way for any of these, so for obvious reasons I would like to evaluate a switch to satellite TV. I am in a north-facing apartment, so I believe DirecTV is not an option (correct?). Does anyone in the area have Dish Network, or any other service, that they can comment on? Thanks.

I switched to Directv for the same reasons you mentioned(no ESPN2 HD, no ESPNU, etc.). I have a southward facing apt. and get Directv quite well, but I can't seem to get the ABC and NBC OTA stations simultaneously. I get one or the other depending on how I turn the antenna. This is because i, like you, have an apartment and can't put a dish or antenna on top of my unit.

I will either have to see if I can get the 5 LNB dish and their new HD DVR that can get Charlotte locals from the satellite OR reluctantly have to go back to TWC. If I go back to TWC I will have to decide whether I want to get the TiVo Series 3 or the crappy SA 8300 again. I showed some TWC "DVR" users my Directv tivo last night and they were impressed. It's simply amazing to me that everyone thinks "DVR" is great until they actually see a TiVo in action.

Unfortunately if you face north and have no option to face the dish to the south, then neither Directv or Dish is an option for you.

Does anyone here in Charlotte use a CableCard with their TWC service? As I mentioned in my previous post I might have to reluctantly go back to TWC and am thinking about getting a Series 3 TiVo which uses 2 cablecards.

I noticed that analog service is 47.25 and digital is 61.95 but includes the set top box and remote. If you have CableCard do you get credit on your bill for the set top box and remote you aren't using?

The Columbia, SC thread has a person from TWC that posts regularly and there the digital service is not "tied" to the equipment like it appears to be here.

It seems that CableCard users should get a 9.47 credit(the cost of an additional converter and remote) for not using a cable box.

I switched to Directv for the same reasons you mentioned(no ESPN2 HD, no ESPNU, etc.). I have a southward facing apt. and get Directv quite well, but I can't seem to get the ABC and NBC OTA stations simultaneously. I get one or the other depending on how I turn the antenna. This is because i, like you, have an apartment and can't put a dish or antenna on top of my unit.

I will either have to see if I can get the 5 LNB dish and their new HD DVR that can get Charlotte locals from the satellite OR reluctantly have to go back to TWC. If I go back to TWC I will have to decide whether I want to get the TiVo Series 3 or the crappy SA 8300 again. I showed some TWC "DVR" users my Directv tivo last night and they were impressed. It's simply amazing to me that everyone thinks "DVR" is great until they actually see a TiVo in action.

Unfortunately if you face north and have no option to face the dish to the south, then neither Directv or Dish is an option for you.

WSOC's tower is in SE Charlotte while WCNC's tower is over in Dallas (along with WBTV's).

You could get TW for your HD locals. I've got a friend who uses D* and has TW for his HD locals. He told me it was a real PITA to get it done, but he finally got it.

I personally wouldn't go drop $800 on a S3 Tivo. The nice thing about TW's box is if it breaks they give you a new one. No questions asked. If a newer model comes out (or they fully implement Switched Digital Video) you get a new box, no questions asked. For me, (and I've used them before) Tivo offers exactly 0 features I'd want over TW's HD-DVR. But YMMV.

I switched to Directv for the same reasons you mentioned(no ESPN2 HD, no ESPNU, etc.). I have a southward facing apt. and get Directv quite well, but I can't seem to get the ABC and NBC OTA stations simultaneously. I get one or the other depending on how I turn the antenna. This is because i, like you, have an apartment and can't put a dish or antenna on top of my unit.

I will either have to see if I can get the 5 LNB dish and their new HD DVR that can get Charlotte locals from the satellite OR reluctantly have to go back to TWC. If I go back to TWC I will have to decide whether I want to get the TiVo Series 3 or the crappy SA 8300 again. I showed some TWC "DVR" users my Directv tivo last night and they were impressed. It's simply amazing to me that everyone thinks "DVR" is great until they actually see a TiVo in action.

Unfortunately if you face north and have no option to face the dish to the south, then neither Directv or Dish is an option for you.

I was afraid of that...such miserable service from the cable monopoly in what I consider to be a major city is very disappointing. I guess I'll just start spending Thursdays and Saturdays somewhere else if I want to see live NFL games in December.

And after reading TWC's pathetic, amateurish www.nflgetreal.com website, I have zero faith that improvement is coming anytime soon. If anyone on this board works for TWC, please look into taking that site down, you're embarassing yourself! Oh, and then quit your job.

I was afraid of that...such miserable service from the cable monopoly in what I consider to be a major city is very disappointing. I guess I'll just start spending Thursdays and Saturdays somewhere else if I want to see live NFL games in December.

And after reading TWC's pathetic, amateurish www.nflgetreal.com website, I have zero faith that improvement is coming anytime soon. If anyone on this board works for TWC, please look into taking that site down, you're embarassing yourself! Oh, and then quit your job.


Eh, I'm with TW on this one fact (from the site you posted):

"Time Warner Cable wants to make the NFL Network available in a way that suits all of our customers’ interests. We believe the best way to do this is to offer the NFL Network as part of a sports package. This is the fairest approach, guaranteeing sports fans access to this high–priced, targeted programming while not requiring all of our customers to pay for it."

I don't want to subsidize any more channels that I'll never watch. If people want the NFL network then they should have to pay for it. Not me. Seems the NFL doesn't want TW to put the NFL network in a tier that costs more $ to the consumer. Because then their advertisers will know the REAL numbers that the network actually can target.

Apparently, it's not THAT big of a deal for you. If it were, you'd goto the lenghts necessary to rx this channel.

This whole deal with the NFL Network is a problem of their own making. Don't blame TWC for this one (there's lots of stuff we can blame them for, like the unwillingness to make 1394 connections on their STB's work properly, but not this). The NFL is feeling their oats and is pushing for the ridiculous rights fees to a handful of games be borne by all the subscribers to cable companies, regardless of whether they want this programming or not. This, after freezing the cable companies out of Sunday Ticket for all these years! They're following the ESPN formula and trying to raise it to another, even more unreasonable level.

You want to blame someone for this fiasco, blame the staggering greed of the NFL. I hope TWC sticks to it's principles on this one, and thinks of it's customers for a change.

Well CBS is a blank gray screen again tonight. It varies from INHD to CBS etc. Usually these two channels. It's always at the worst times. I've had nothing but problems for a couple months now. TW has come out six different times for gray screens, freezing audio drop outs etc. I've spoken to an R-TAC supervisor Greg Hitner and was supposed to get a phone call from the Director Joan Smith. That never happened.

I'm told the same thing all the time now. "Maint is scheduled to come out". I've stayed home to see if they ever actually show up... they don't. I have all three services and will have to drop the phone for fear it won't be available if we need to call 911.

I'm not ready to give up. Do I have another avenue that I haven't tried or is it time to quit? What causes the gray screens?

$150 ~$200 a month for 7 years and they could care less. Without a doubt this is the worst customer service I have ever experienced.

Noticed same problem with my service last night-->CBSHD & PBSHD started dropping out/interference. Problem 1st started about 1 month ago and cleared up for the past couple of weeks (until last night).

2 weeks ago, I was told by a service tech that it's a "maintenance" issue and is related to "not enough bandwidth". He also said TWC has taken many calls about the problem. Guess our only option is to call, be put on hold for hours, and put pressure on "maintenance".

Noticed same problem with my service last night-->CBSHD & PBSHD started dropping out/interference. Problem 1st started about 1 month ago and cleared up for the past couple of weeks (until last night).

2 weeks ago, I was told by a service tech that it's a "maintenance" issue and is related to "not enough bandwidth". He also said TWC has taken many calls about the problem. Guess our only option is to call, be put on hold for hours, and put pressure on "maintenance".

On hold on the phone for hours? I have never, ever had a hold time of more than 10 minutes calling TW. You calling the national number or the local 377-9600 number?

"I was told by a service tech that it's a "maintenance" issue and is related to "not enough bandwidth".

Not enough Bandwidth? yea you need to call and ask for a supervisor.

This, after freezing the cable companies out of Sunday Ticket for all these years! They're following the ESPN formula and trying to raise it to another, even more unreasonable level.

You want to blame someone for this fiasco, blame the staggering greed of the NFL. I hope TWC sticks to it's principles on this one, and thinks of it's customers for a change.

Well said.

As much as I love beating up on the evil cable empire, I have to agree with them in principle on this one. I really wouldn't be interested in a rate increase so that my neighbors could enjoy eight extra episodes of American Idol. The NFL knows that the price they want to charge for this "service" is one fans really won't want to pay, so their best bet is to coerce the service providers into spreading it out over the entire subscriber list. Hardly fair to my aforementioned neighbors, who could not care any less about football, but love American Idiot.

On hold on the phone for hours? I have never, ever had a hold time of more than 10 minutes calling TW. You calling the national number or the local 377-9600 number?

i moved last month and it took time warner SIX trips to my house before they got the cable working. each time i had to call them, i called that 377-9600 and waites at least an hour each time. and yes, their customer service is the worst i have ever dealt with. the people they have answering the phones don't know sh1t and couldn't care less about fixing your problems... they just want to get you off the phone as quick as possible. the only way you can get anything accomplished is by demanding to speak with a supervisor... and when you do that make sure you get the supervisor's direct number so you can call them back directly when the technicians still don't fix your problems. :mad:

maybe you can tell i'm a little bitter about my nightmare experience last month. :D Once Direct-TV gets rid of HD-lite and gets an affordable HD-DVR, i'm leaving TW and never looking back.

The Passport system here in Charlotte, NC has a Keyword search funtion in addition to a title search function. Keyword search allows you locate all programs that contain a particular keyword in either the title or program description, so for example if you were a wine enthusiast you could list all programs that either have the word, "wine" in the title or in the description. This is clearly a lot more powerful than the title search that only lists programs BEGINNING WITH whatever you type in.

All the information I have seen for the new Mystro Digital Navigator that is due to arrive in the next few months mention the title search but there is nothing about keyword search. If there is no keyword search then this is truly a step back. How do I find all movies starring my favorite actor or all shows about Italy?

TiVo, DirecTV and Dish Network all provide keyword search functionality. Please don't let us down Time Warner!

For info on the soon-to-arrive MDN, see http://www.timewarnercable.com/nebraska/products/cable/mystro/page_1.html

I heard if you do a keyword search for 'NFL Network' the cable box will blow up!!! :eek:

Really! :D

I heard if you do a keyword search for 'NFL Network' the cable box will blow up!!! :eek:

Really! :D

And the problem with that is? :cool:

Does anyone know as to why TWC here in Charlotte does not offer a decent variety of HD on Demand movies? Their selection is horrible to say the least.

The Passport system here in Charlotte, NC has a Keyword search funtion in addition to a title search function. Keyword search allows you locate all programs that contain a particular keyword in either the title or program description, so for example if you were a wine enthusiast you could list all programs that either have the word, "wine" in the title or in the description. This is clearly a lot more powerful than the title search that only lists programs BEGINNING WITH whatever you type in.

All the information I have seen for the new Mystro Digital Navigator that is due to arrive in the next few months mention the title search but there is nothing about keyword search. If there is no keyword search then this is truly a step back. How do I find all movies starring my favorite actor or all shows about Italy?

TiVo, DirecTV and Dish Network all provide keyword search functionality. Please don't let us down Time Warner!

For info on the soon-to-arrive MDN, see http://www.timewarnercable.com/nebraska/products/cable/mystro/page_1.html

Wonder if that office is running SARA on their DVRs. That looks similar to what we've had since the beginning of the HD cable boxes (even the "beta" High Def cable box I had in March of 2002 had this "feel").

This maybe a NooB question but here it goes... I am in charlotte and my DVR sucks! It will freeze on channel 4 (and ONLY on channel 4) at different times. The volume is low on that channel as well often. Sometimes you can get back to "normal" if you go to 4 and then (when you realize it is freezing up) quickly change to another channel and then back again. If you don't move quickly enough, it may even reboot on you (if your unlucky). I do have an older box and it has been doing this since day one but I keep hoping that one of the nightly downloads will fix it. But it still has not yet (about 2 years now). I guess I've just been too lazy to dig out the issues for resolution (I haven't been on here in nearly a year). I also have no Sunday Ticket, no movie channels but do have DVR, remote and kids channels. Seems to me that $75/moth is a waste. I will dig around this site for the best offers (Dish, DTV, etc) but in the meantime would like to learn if this is a common problem that has been adddressed by others already (and if someone has a link to the thread I would appreciate it)> If not a link, maybe a hint as to what to search on...

This maybe a NooB question but here it goes... I am in charlotte and my DVR sucks! It will freeze on channel 4 (and ONLY on channel 4) at different times. The volume is low on that channel as well often. Sometimes you can get back to "normal" if you go to 4 and then (when you realize it is freezing up) quickly change to another channel and then back again. If you don't move quickly enough, it may even reboot on you (if your unlucky). I do have an older box and it has been doing this since day one but I keep hoping that one of the nightly downloads will fix it. But it still has not yet (about 2 years now). I guess I've just been too lazy to dig out the issues for resolution (I haven't been on here in nearly a year). I also have no Sunday Ticket, no movie channels but do have DVR, remote and kids channels. Seems to me that $75/moth is a waste. I will dig around this site for the best offers (Dish, DTV, etc) but in the meantime would like to learn if this is a common problem that has been adddressed by others already (and if someone has a link to the thread I would appreciate it)> If not a link, maybe a hint as to what to search on...

Have you, you know, thought about the possiblity of maybe, thinking about getting the DVR replaced? TWC will replace it at the drop of a hat.

DirecTV will not be adding any new national HD channels until atleast 2q-2007.

And now they've got a class action lawsuit on their hands for HD Lite.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/directvbig092106.htm

Eh, I'm with TW on this one fact (from the site you posted):

"Time Warner Cable wants to make the NFL Network available in a way that suits all of our customers’ interests. We believe the best way to do this is to offer the NFL Network as part of a sports package. This is the fairest approach, guaranteeing sports fans access to this high–priced, targeted programming while not requiring all of our customers to pay for it."

I don't want to subsidize any more channels that I'll never watch. If people want the NFL network then they should have to pay for it. Not me. Seems the NFL doesn't want TW to put the NFL network in a tier that costs more $ to the consumer. Because then their advertisers will know the REAL numbers that the network actually can target.

Apparently, it's not THAT big of a deal for you. If it were, you'd goto the lenghts necessary to rx this channel.

"rx"?

It would be unreasonable if the NFL were anything less than the juggernaut it has become. No other sport comes close based on any number of metrics, and if their approach is that ridiculous then it's hard to believe how they have achieved the subscriber numbers listed here: http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/fastfacts

This could all just be a manifestation of the disgust I feel towards the endless stream of incompetent and unresponsive TWC representatives I've dealt with over the past month or two, but I've lived in 4 other major cities, all of which offered easy access to the NFL Network, and people weren't exactly rioting in the streets. Just more proof that the customers suffer most in an effective monopoly situation, I suppose.

On hold on the phone for hours? I have never, ever had a hold time of more than 10 minutes calling TW. You calling the national number or the local 377-9600 number?

When I called TWC to cancel my service I was on hold for 56 minutes and I called 704-377-9600. I agree with the other poster who said that the phone reps are useless. All they do is confirm your address and the last 4 of your social.

DirecTV will not be adding any new national HD channels until atleast 2q-2007.

And now they've got a class action lawsuit on their hands for HD Lite.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/directvbig092106.htm

I'm not sure what bone you have to pick with Directv, but I laughed at your comment. Because of the OTA issues I mentioned earlier, directv is coming out tomorrow and replacing my HD TiVo with the new HR20 as well as the new 5 lnb dish. I actually get to keep the HD TiVo(will use it with the SD tv) and the whole deal costs me an extra $20.

As for the HD lite, as far as I know that does not apply to the MPEG-4 locals, only the MPEG-2 national feeds.

You complain about HD lite, but I would rather have ESPN2 HD and Universal HD in HD Lite than not at all. In addition the new HR20 receives FSN South in HD. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that I watched my Hokies on ESPNU which TWC doesn't even offer.

You say that Directv won't add any additional HD channels for 9 months, but when was the last time TWC added a new HD channel?

I just don't understand why you constantly have to justify your TWC service. If you want all the Charlotte public access channels, you local weather forecast on the weather channel and News14 carolina, then keep TWC. If you want sports programming satellite probably provides a better value.

When I called TWC to cancel my service I was on hold for 56 minutes and I called 704-377-9600. I agree with the other poster who said that the phone reps are useless. All they do is confirm your address and the last 4 of your social.



I'm not sure what bone you have to pick with Directv, but I laughed at your comment. Because of the OTA issues I mentioned earlier, directv is coming out tomorrow and replacing my HD TiVo with the new HR20 as well as the new 5 lnb dish. I actually get to keep the HD TiVo(will use it with the SD tv) and the whole deal costs me an extra $20.

As for the HD lite, as far as I know that does not apply to the MPEG-4 locals, only the MPEG-2 national feeds.

You complain about HD lite, but I would rather have ESPN2 HD and Universal HD in HD Lite than not at all. In addition the new HR20 receives FSN South in HD. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that I watched my Hokies on ESPNU which TWC doesn't even offer.

You say that Directv won't add any additional HD channels for 9 months, but when was the last time TWC added a new HD channel?

I just don't understand why you constantly have to justify your TWC service. If you want all the Charlotte public access channels, you local weather forecast on the weather channel and News14 carolina, then keep TWC. If you want sports programming satellite probably provides a better value.


Aside from their stupid pay out the wazoo for HD hardware only to lease it in the end, I really have no complaints about DirecTV. I started with DirecTV in late 1996 and was with them until 2002 when I got my HD set and they had like, 1 HD channel.

*I* said nothing about DTV adding channels or HDLite. I simply posted that DTV now has a lawsuit on their hands for HD Lite and that they won't be adding any national channels for sometime to come. More of a public education/FYI kinda thing.

HD Lite on 90% of the LCD/Plasma sets out there will probably look just fine. Those of us with HD displays that are actually capable of resolving full HD (and those who are probably bringing the lawsuits) might say otherwise.

I don't care who you go with if it provides better service for you. I'm just posting the facts.

Granted, it has been quite some time since I've had to call TW for service. The last issue I had was back in March or so when my DVR died. I took it with me to work and stopped by the Morehead St. office and had it promptly swapped out. The last time I called support I had prompt service as well.

I am curious to know why ya'll have to call support so much. Well, I know why, you're having problems. But what are the techs doing wrong in your neck of Charlotte that got done correctly in this neck of Charlotte?

Finally, I personally would be happy to see sports programming fall off the face of the planet. But I don't get to make that call, so using that as an excuse to switch is pretty much irrelavant.

Keep us posted on how your install experience goes. As well as what you think of the service once you start handing over some coin. Hopefully, you won't get the install tech who thinks you can run a single line to a DTV Tivo box from the LNB and feed both inputs using a simple splitter (like a friend of mine had 2 weekends ago).

This is not a sales post - item is *No Charge*

My 32"Sony XBR (SDTV) just crapped out. No response at all when power button is pushed. Could be fuse, transformer, or total meltdown - no idea, and no desire to take it to a repairman (if there is such a thing anymore ;) ) Anyone that thinks they may be able to get it to work, and wants to pick it up - can have it. Send me a PM if interested.

Well, Dish network couldn't get a signal at my house, so I'm stuck! I'm going to at least call up TWC and act like I'm quitting to get a better price though.

Finally, I personally would be happy to see sports programming fall off the face of the planet. But I don't get to make that call, so using that as an excuse to switch is pretty much irrelavant.


That made me laugh.

:D

This is not a sales post - item is *No Charge*

My 32"Sony XBR (SDTV) just crapped out. No response at all when power button is pushed. Could be fuse, transformer, or total meltdown - no idea, and no desire to take it to a repairman (if there is such a thing anymore ;) ) Anyone that thinks they may be able to get it to work, and wants to pick it up - can have it. Send me a PM if interested.

You actually think those of us here actually watch SD? :)

You actually think those of us here actually watch SD? :)


Only when a certain splicer needs to be rebooted!

*runs for the hills*

Well, Dish network couldn't get a signal at my house, so I'm stuck! I'm going to at least call up TWC and act like I'm quitting to get a better price though.

Let us know if that works. ;)

Let us know if that works. ;)


It usually does. I'm in the middle of a $20 off "promotion" per month for 6 months. The lady said they'd do that for you 1x a year if you were a long time customer in good standing. YMMV of course.

Only when a certain splicer needs to be rebooted!

DOH! lol

Let us know if that works. ;)

don't see why it wouldn't. The price they charge for as few HD channels that they carry it robbery compared to the Sat services. Sadly, just a ton of trees in my neighborhood!

nevermind, an installer was able to get me a great signal. Just canceled TWC

nevermind, an installer was able to get me a great signal. Just canceled TWC

So, did TWC offer you a discount rate to try to get you to stay?

. Sadly, just a ton of trees in my neighborhood!

Poulan Ed, Poulan! :D

So, did TWC offer you a discount rate to try to get you to stay?

Acutally, they did not. I was quite surprised that they didn't keep me on the phone forever like they did 2 years ago when I cancelled. Probably the best experience I ever had cancelling any kind of service. I just have to take my boxes back to them now.

The only question the woman on the phone asked was, "Have you reviewed your Satellite contract carefully"?

Can someone please explain to me how to record programs off my DVR onto a VCR? I have a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8000 DVR. Is it possible?

Thanks,

Can someone please explain to me how to record programs off my DVR onto a VCR? I have a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8000 DVR. Is it possible?

Thanks,

Simple. Just connect the two together with a set of composite cables (those are the yellow video (or, better yet, the black S-video) and the red and white R/L audio connectors. Then just start running the show on the DVR and hit "record" on your VCR. Make sure you have the right input selected on your VCR, of course; if you can see it through the VCR, you can record it.

Now, if you're wanting to tape record HD content to a D-VHS tape deck via the IEEE1394 (firewire) connector, it grieves me to tell you you're sh!t out of luck. They seem to have taken that capability away from us in the latest software update.

Thanks Archiguy!!

Does anyone have the "lagtime" when switching channels on the HD=DVR? When I switch channels on the Explorer 8300HD it sometimes takes about 20 seconds for the channels to come up. Sometimes even the channel won't come up, and the screen will go blue and will "freeze up" the channel. I think it may be an upconverting problem. Not sure why it'll freeze up, and it happens every so often, seems like it mostly happens when I go from a 420p program to a 1080 program. I have it hooked up to the Tv via an HDMI cable.

Thanks,

Why no Panthers in HD yesterday? Is this a TWC problem or NFL problem?

Why no Panthers in HD yesterday? Is this a TWC problem or NFL problem?

Neither, the game was not produced in HD by CBS due to capacity constraints and not being one of the top 3 games.

Anyone know if they have fixed the fast forwarding/rewinding problems after hooking up a second hard drive to the 8300?

Anyone know if they have fixed the fast forwarding/rewinding problems after hooking up a second hard drive to the 8300?

This problem with "trick-play" functionality is not going to be fixed until the Passport people (Pioneer? Aptiva?) fix the source code. This problem is evident everywhere the latest software update has been downloaded into an 8300, nationwide, not just here. The SARA software has no such issues with the eSATA port and expansion drives. My theory is that when the new expansion drive is formatted, it does not create permanent buffers, as are present on the internal drive. No buffers = no trick play. This would not be a difficult problem to solve.

The best bet now is to find out an e-mail address/phone number of someone at the above mentioned company; get the story straight from the horses's mouth. TWC is no help on this - it's not officially a "supported" feature, so they basically don't care.

I'm having serious problems with the picture on Fox 240 (panthers Game)... anyone else having the same problem?

Anyone else having pixelization issues w/ TWC channel 240??!!

Anyone else having pixelization issues w/ TWC channel 240??!!

Mine is okay, other than it lets me watch Foster ruin our chances in glorious 720p. Put in DeAngelo!

We had the same issues on OTA.

I'm having serious problems with the picture on Fox 240 (panthers Game)... anyone else having the same problem?

Have not had any problems with fox 240 and the Panther game so far today. CBS is another story. 225, the Washington game, is unwatchable as picture is so pixilated you can’t make anything out, picture or voice. We have had this problem with CBS for several years here in the University area. Have complained to TWC for years and they won’t even acknowledge the problem. One CSR actually told me sometimes that’s the way things are & if you can’t live with it drop the service!

We have had this problem with CBS for several years here in the University area. Have complained to TWC for years and they won’t even acknowledge the problem. One CSR actually told me sometimes that’s the way things are & if you can’t live with it drop the service!

The problem is not TWC.

Is anyone experiencing a ton of audio dropouts on their TWC service (University)? It doesn't seem to happen on one particular channel. Happens on all of them. I'm using the 8300 right now, and it's happening every few seconds, makes watching the Panther game a PITA!

Mine is okay, other than it lets me watch Foster ruin our chances in glorious 720p. Put in DeAngelo!

I think DeAngelo is out this week with a sprained ankle.

I think DeAngelo is out this week with a sprained ankle.

What he said... that is correct.

Have not had any problems with fox 240 and the Panther game so far today. CBS is another story. 225, the Washington game, is unwatchable as picture is so pixilated you can’t make anything out, picture or voice. We have had this problem with CBS for several years here in the University area. Have complained to TWC for years and they won’t even acknowledge the problem. One CSR actually told me sometimes that’s the way things are & if you can’t live with it drop the service!

My issues on Ch. 240 cleared up. The signal cut to black soon after I posted, a Fox slate came up, then everything was good. Though there were a couple of digital hiccups during the game.

As for Ch. 225, I've had numerous problems in the past. Every time it happened, I called TWC, though none ever encouraged me to leave. Granted, I normally don't leave them much time to speak, it's better if they just listen. :D

At one point, they referred to a problem with a 'node' between my neighborhood & their headend, sent someone work on it, and that did make things better. So maybe ask the CSR to transfer you to a supervisor. (You can tell the supervisor from a CSR by the coffee mug the supervisor uses. A CSR is only allowed to use the cheap styrofoam coffee cups, just thought you should know.)

The problem is not TWC.

... and TWC has offered this explanation up as well. Blaming WBTV - in essence - of being greedy for packing as many signals/channels on the path as possible (Sorry Bob, I've butchered the technical explanation for this) and decreasing signal strength for each one.

Because in all reality, if I'm not going to trust WSOC's or WCNC's weather radar, I've got to have WBTV's radar 24/7. You know, if they'd provide a channel of just that one orange-tanned weather girl from WBTV (oh sorry Eric Thomas.... meterologist!!), I'd tune in and pay my cable bill on time, yet I digress.

Noticed poor reception on many HD channels in the university area this weekend (including 240 during the Panthers game). Was told about 1 month ago by a service tech that "it's a maintenance issue" and many customers have complained in the area. Tech also said problem is related to "not enough bandwidth".

TWC had best get this fixed pronto. Checking on Direct TV this week.

Because in all reality, if I'm not going to trust WSOC's or WCNC's weather radar, I've got to have WBTV's radar 24/7. .

You should be watching the radar on 242 anyway.. :)

I've noticed the last couple of days when I turn my tv on in the morning it's on channel 14. Is TWC doing that now? Kinda reminds me when I stay in a hotel and the tv automatically starts at the hotel preview channel.

I've noticed the last couple of days when I turn my tv on in the morning it's on channel 14. Is TWC doing that now? Kinda reminds me when I stay in a hotel and the tv automatically starts at the hotel preview channel.

There is a choice in the Settings Menu that allows you to set up which channel your cable powers on with. In that Menu you can also set it to power on to the last watched channel.

To get to the menu: Hit the Settings button on your remote, then hit the yellow triangle "a" to get to the secondary menu and go to the Power On Channel selection.

I've noticed the last couple of days when I turn my tv on in the morning it's on channel 14. Is TWC doing that now? Kinda reminds me when I stay in a hotel and the tv automatically starts at the hotel preview channel.

Yeah, I noticed that too. Used to "start" on channel 2. Since NEWS14 is a TWC property (I think...), it looks like they have some way to "reset" the channel on their STB's to whatever they want (channel 14 in this case) overnight. Or maybe it's a non-buffered channel which gives the HDD in the DVR's a "rest" overnight (if both are tuned to non-buffered channels) and might theoretically prolong the life of the unit.

Yeah, I noticed that too. Used to "start" on channel 2. Since NEWS14 is a TWC property (I think...), it looks like they have some way to "reset" the channel on their STB's to whatever they want (channel 14 in this case) overnight. Or maybe it's a non-buffered channel which gives the HDD in the DVR's a "rest" overnight (if both are tuned to non-buffered channels) and might theoretically prolong the life of the unit.

Have ya'll noticed the new feature in the menu that lets you choose to power down the hard drive when the system is turned off? Makes for a lot quieter box. The drawback is that you can't rewind the minute you turn it on.

Have ya'll noticed the new feature in the menu that lets you choose to power down the hard drive when the system is turned off? Makes for a lot quieter box. The drawback is that you can't rewind the minute you turn it on.

Can't wait to run home and check that out! That is a nice feature. What is the latest with adding external SATA drives? Did the latest firmware updates improve that?

Are any of you experiencing noise like "scratching" in the rear surround chanels when on 225 (CBS) - Happened during Criminal Minds often last night

i have on all 225 channel shows since tuesday along with the "dialog coming thru the center channel AND right rear speaker problem since early this year". Also dropouts every few seconds but only on cbs. TWC said they just send out what CBS sends them. So far, it's an ongoing, annoying problem and I wish someone, somewhere would fix this....

I noticed this from Monday night's recorded How I Met Your Mother. I'll mention it to an engineer when I get there this afternoon.

I thought it might have just been me.

Do you have the problem with the dialog coming thru the center and right rear speakers? I've seen a few people complain of this before but am not sure if people just aren't noticing this....

The problem I saw from Monday's show was just the annoying scratching/clicking from the back channels. But I do know what your're talking about where the dialog comes through the right channel and it is very low. I've seen that happen a couple of times, though not recently with CBS shows.

I don't honestly know if the problem is at WBTV. It could very well be coming from the network. All a MCO (master control operator) does is flip a switch to flip the station's feed to CBS's HD feed. Now, if something is going wrong with our encoder or perhaps something in the line between the station and TW... just speculating here. We'll see.

Well, if you know anyone who can check on that plz do as I've had that problem since last season and it's on all cbs hd shows. It creates an echo effect and makes dialog hard to understand. I've sent this on to cbs corporate and they're looking into it too. I'm just hoping either cbs, twc, or both can fix this once and for all. I reported that it was coming thru the center and right rear channel earlier this year but nothing was fixed so I'm on a mission now lol

Do you have the problem with the dialog coming thru the center and right rear speakers? I've seen a few people complain of this before but am not sure if people just aren't noticing this....

Sure, I've noticed it and commented on it in a couple of forums including this one about a month back (in response to your original post about it). I believe this is a CBS problem with their HD/DD5.1 telecasts, as it doesn't appear on any other network/channel. It's annoying as hell. TWC doesn't do anything to alter the HD feed, so it's not them. I believe I've seen a couple of others on the general HDTV Programming Forum comment on it as well, so it's not just us.

I've asked Bob Davis (bdfox18doe) to check on the "native" CBS feed coming into WBTV and give us a lowdown on this issue, but he hasn't chosen to reply yet, other than to say it's not a TWC problem.

Bob.... :confused:

I wrote cbs corporate last week and they're checking on it. They also know about the problem this week with the scratchy, popping noises in the rear channels and said it was something to do with their encoder and they're working on it. Hopefully soon if we're persistent this will be fixed.

Thanks, guru. That's taking the ol' bull by the horns! :)

Also, thank you Bob.

Bob.... :confused:

Spoke with CBS today, as we have one CBS station I handle.. They are aware of the audio issue and working on the problem.

No prob :) It's crazy that's it's still around the next season after I first reported it early this year. I'm thinking it's a cbs issue too now.

According to the engineering folk at WBTV, the issue should have been corrected today.

Allegedly.

I tested the new hard drive off at power down feature, but it doesn't seem to work. The hard drive still spins 20 minutes after powering the unit off. I tried this on all three of my DVRs.

The popping issue in the surround is indeed fixed but not the dialog coming from the right surround issue. I'm watching CSI now and it's still present. That problem will take some more investigation I would assume as it's a longtime problem.

I tested the new hard drive off at power down feature, but it doesn't seem to work. The hard drive still spins 20 minutes after powering the unit off. I tried this on all three of my DVRs.

On mine the drive powers off around 20 seconds after I powered it off. I was concerned if this would affect any shows I had set to record when the unit was in the off position but so far everything has recorded with no problems. I really like this feature as I have my DVR in the bedroom.

Anyone notice that WCNC (220) has now been airing Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune in HD for sometime now? They were a little late jumping on the bandwagon, but apparently when the shows debuted in HD last month they did not have the correct equipment!

Thanks WCNC!

On mine the drive powers off around 20 seconds after I powered it off. I was concerned if this would affect any shows I had set to record when the unit was in the off position but so far everything has recorded with no problems. I really like this feature as I have my DVR in the bedroom.

I am using it on mine as well and it seems to be working fine. I was more concerned about heat than noise, and it seems to have helped a little bit with that as well.

I've asked Bob Davis (bdfox18doe) to check on the "native" CBS feed coming into WBTV and give us a lowdown on this issue, but he hasn't chosen to reply yet, other than to say it's not a TWC problem.

Bob.... :confused:


Bob, you working at WBTV now? You should come say hi! ;)


On another note, WCNC annoyed me last night, again, for not returning to the HD feed after a commercial break during The Office. All of the stations in this market are guilty of this. But CNC is the worst (I usually see them not return to a HD network feed 2 or 3 times a week). I went to their web site last night and couldn't find an address to fire off a technical complaint. So I fired off one to the general mailbox of Carolina Traveler.

Got a reply from Andy and Mike this morning. They're going to forward the complaint off to the Ops guys.

CT is going HD in November with new shows. Should be interesting to see what they do with their new HD toys.

I am using it on mine as well and it seems to be working fine. I was more concerned about heat than noise, and it seems to have helped a little bit with that as well.

Well I powered the units completely off then plugged them back in last night before bed. Now all of them have the hard drive off. Very nice. We will see if the wife notices! ;)

Bob, you working at WBTV now? You should come say hi! ;)


On another note, WCNC annoyed me last night, again, for not returning to the HD feed after a commercial break during The Office. All of the stations in this market are guilty of this. But CNC is the worst (I usually see them not return to a HD network feed 2 or 3 times a week). I went to their web site last night and couldn't find an address to fire off a technical complaint. So I fired off one to the general mailbox of Carolina Traveler.

Got a reply from Andy and Mike this morning. They're going to forward the complaint off to the Ops guys.

CT is going HD in November with new shows. Should be interesting to see what they do with their new HD toys.

Just a FYI.... The Office (Best Show Ever). I did not have any issues as you described with this HD feed during The Office.

. All of the stations in this market are guilty of this. .

Uhh... Nooo.. ours is hard tallied (automated), we can't forget to "go back" It's not optional here.
Unless the splicer crashes or there is a network feed issue, you won't see that on us.

It's really not that hard to do.. :)

Just a FYI.... The Office (Best Show Ever). I did not have any issues as you described with this HD feed during The Office.


Go back and watch it again if you have it DVR'ed. After the 2nd commercial break (or was it the 3rd?) it never returned back to WS/HD nor did the 5.1 mix come back. Earl was fine. I don't know about ER. I don't watch NBC after The Office...


Bob - OK so MOST of the stations are guilty ;) Though I really guess I can't comment on SOC. I never watch that network.

Are any of the local stations planning on offering their local news in HD like WRAL does in Raleigh?

Bob - OK so MOST of the stations are guilty ;) .

yea.. and some are REALLY bad.. :(

Are any of the local stations planning on offering their local news in HD like WRAL does in Raleigh?

Cratch, we had a discussion about this in mid-summer. Probably about 5-7 pages back or so.

In short, don't hold your breath for it to happen anytime soon (tm).



***Edit - Anytime soon seems to have been defined. Look for WSOC-TV to broadcast their news shows in HD sometime in early 2007.

Howdy folks! An extra big hi to Mr. Davis at WCCB.. I tried to log on to AVS forums today, but apparently I have been so inactive here on the forums, I found my account had been deleted! Yikes!! No biggie though, I re-registered and now I'm back up and running again. Looks like I am in the process of moving back to the Charlotte area after a period of time away. I see we have around 3200 messages just in this thread alone, so please be kind as I try to collect some information.. I'm deciding whether to move my directv service and keep it, or sign up for TWC's service. Since you guys have had some time to deal with TWC's offerings, what do you think? Is TWC's service satisfactory to you? Is it quirky and cumbersome? I assume Charlotte digital TV OTA locals are available via TWC?? May I ask a more specific question, is South Carolina's ETV digital channel in Rock Hill included as part of the local OTA package?? If there is a FAQ available for our area, please forward the web address to me so I can check it out.

Thanks guys, and it's great to be coming home soon.

Regards,
Steve

Howdy folks! An extra big hi to Mr. Davis at WCCB.. Thanks guys, and it's great to be coming home soon.

Regards,
Steve

Hey Steve...bought time you surfaced!.. I recommend you get an antenna..why pay for OTA that's free..and not transparent?? :rolleyes:

As the getting others non-OTA HD, I would do a careful comparison of the 3 options available based on what programming you watch. there is no one right answer overall.. :)

Anyone else not getting audio a digital audio feed on EITHER the SD or HD channels for the Panthers game today? In fact, only a few channels are getting audio including the following: 3, 9 (TWC leased access with nothing but a screen splash), 15-24 (but not 18), 26 and some others above. Do I have a box problem?

Anyone else not getting audio a digital audio feed on EITHER the SD or HD channels for the Panthers game today? In fact, only a few channels are getting audio including the following: 3, 9 (TWC leased access with nothing but a screen splash), 15-24 (but not 18), 26 and some others above. Do I have a box problem?

No problems with the Panthers Game or any other channel. I’m in the University area.

no problems in matthews either (except for the score...)

I'm thinking there has to be a way I can spin this into being Time Warner's fault... :D

http://www.hdsportsguide.com/singleNews.php?page=300

I'm thinking there has to be a way I can spin this into being Time Warner's fault... :D

http://www.hdsportsguide.com/singleNews.php?page=300

Good. Now there will be bandwidth for ESPN2HD or NFLHD or VersusHD or FoodNetworkHD.

Now if TWC does not give us one of these....

I'm thinking there has to be a way I can spin this into being Time Warner's fault... :D

http://www.hdsportsguide.com/singleNews.php?page=300

While I'm sure you're right, I doubt it. InDemand is partially owned by TW and other cable ops.

Here's a really good interview with InDemand's CEO about InHD and InHD2 (which he states, as of September there has been no hard decision to roll InHD2 into InHD).

http://www.tvpredictions.com/jacobson091606.htm

Hello all. I need to know if I can use an HDCP enabled pc monitor to watch hdtv from my Pioneer Voyager HD STB? I get a message saying my device does not support HDCP when I run a DVI cable from the STB to the monitor.

I have the SA8300DVR and an SA8300HDDVR. Currently I can not view Headline News(channel 33) or Weather Channel(41) on either and CBS HD(225) on 8300 has a very poor reception. Channels 33 and 41 work on all TVs w/out the boxes, and if i disconnect the boxes from those 2 TVs, the channels come through. Anyone else having similar problems? Any ideas?

CT (7:30pm/Sat/WCNC) was in HD for the first time last night. The show didn't skip a beat making the transition from SD to HD. Audio is presented in Dolby Digital 2/0 so no surround sound. The graphics package is very crisp. Their first story was about austistic children surfing in a surf camp. HD adds another layer to the story telling process. It was almost like standing there beside Mike watching these kids surf.

They also added a end of segment wish you were here post card (graphics also in HD) with a star marking the location of the story and a link to their website on where to find more information.

Check the show out, if you can. You know HD is finally making in roads when locally produced shows are showing up in it and it is a very nice treat for those of us who've been watching HD for many years and seeing it come around from a couple hours a week amoung a couple stations to locally produced stuff showing up in HD.

Bye, Bye INHD 2
Company chief confirms rumors that it will be dumped.
By Phillip Swann
http://www.tvpredictions.com/inhd2110406.htm

Washington, D.C. (November 4, 2006) -- Rob Jacobson, chief executive of In Demand, has confirmed that the High-Definition channel INHD 2 will be eliminated on January 1.

Jacobson tells Multichannel News that INHD 2's programming will merge with INHD, its sister HD network. The executive adds that INHD will likely get a new name as well. He said it's a "pretty good likelihood” that it will be Mojo, which is currently the name for INHD's block of male-oriented programming such as Wall Street Warriors and Dr. Danger.

Jacobson's revelation confirms weeks-long rumors that INHD 2 would be eliminated. The high-def channel, which features live concerts, IMAX movies and some sports, has struggled to find an audience.

Several cable operators have recently dropped INHD 2 from their lineups so they could add new HD channels such as MHD and National Geographic HD.