Some good info in this thread about increasing bandwidth requirements for cable companies. Kudos to Cox here in Wichita for making the investment this year.

Appreciate any comments you may have KScableguy about the thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=891257

Some good info in this thread about increasing bandwidth requirements for cable companies. Kudos to Cox here in Wichita for making the investment this year.

Appreciate any comments you may have KScableguy about the thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=891257

The author of the article failed to mention how cable companies nationwide are already rebuilding their systems or making plans to do so.

Also he failed to mention that cable companies have many other ways to increase bandwidth. One way is to go all digital and ditch analog broadcasts. You can fit 4 to 12 channels on 1 frequency, compared to 1 channel per frequency with analog. Cox currently has about 65 analog channels, so you could add 130 to over 700 channels by going all digital. 130 would be if you went all HD, as you can only get about 2 maybe 3 HD channels per frequency.

Also for data speeds, channel bonding is they next big thing. This will allow cable companies to use multiple frequencies for downstream. They would have to upgrade to Docsis 3.0 for this, but the speeds you could offer would blow Bell away.

I did hear that DirecTV has signed a contract to use power lines in Texas to deliver high speed data. Be interesting how that works out and how they work with the noise issues corrupting the data streams.

KScableguy,

Would you have any input on whether the upgrade will affect my cable cards?
I really appreciate the input you have provided this forum. Thanks.

KScableguy,

Would you have any input on whether the upgrade will affect my cable cards?
I really appreciate the input you have provided this forum. Thanks.

Won't do anything with your cards.

Looking for ideas for someone to speak at our Rotary club about HDTV and perhaps to demonstrate how it compares to analogue.

Anyone have any ideas?

I live in Newton, KS and used antennaweb and it seems like it is not right.

If you would like to see what it tells me: AntennaWeb - Newton, KS (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Location.aspx?__EVENTTARGET=&__EVENTARGUMENT=&__VIEWSTATE=dDwxMDQ2MTc5NDYzO3Q8cDxsPG1hcF9taWxlczt2aXNpdG9y O3N0YXRlO2xhdGl0dWRlO2xvbmdpdHVkZTs%2BO2w8U3lzdGVtLkRvdWJsZS wgbXNjb3JsaWIsIFZlcnNpb249MS4wLjUwMDAuMCwgQ3VsdHVyZT1uZXV0cm FsLCBQdWJsaWNLZXlUb2tlbj1iNzdhNWM1NjE5MzRlMDg5PDQ%2BO1w8Vmlz aXRvclw%2BXDxBZGRyZXNzIGZpcHNDb2RlPSIyMDA3OSJcPlw8U3RyZWV0QW RkcmVzcyAvXD5cPENpdHlcPk5FV1RPTlw8L0NpdHlcPlw8U3RhdGVcPktTXD wvU3RhdGVcPlw8WmlwQ29kZVw%2BNjcxMTRcPC9aaXBDb2RlXD5cPEVtYWls IC9cPlw8U2VuZE1hcmtldGluZ1w%2BVHJ1ZVw8L1NlbmRNYXJrZXRpbmdcPl w8U2VuZFN1cnZleXNcPlRydWVcPC9TZW5kU3VydmV5c1w%2BXDxQaG9uZSAv XD5cPC9BZGRyZXNzXD5cPExvY2F0aW9uIHByZWNpc2lvbj0iWklQIENvZGUi IGxhdGl0dWRlPSIzOC4wNTI4IiBsb25naXR1ZGU9Ii05Ny4zMjA4IiAvXD5c PEhvdXNlQ2hhcmFjdGVyaXN0aWNzIHR5cGU9IlMiIGluY2x1ZGVPYnN0cnVj dGlvbj0ibiIgaGVpZ2h0PSI5LjEiIC9cPlw8L1Zpc2l0b3JcPjtLUzs1MDwz OC4wMjAyMDE1MDE5MDg1NzQ%2BOzUwPC05Ny4zNDg3NDk1Njk5MTU3ODI%2B Oz4%2BO2w8aTwxPjs%2BO2w8dDw7bDxpPDM%2BOz47bDx0PDtsPGk8ND47aT wxMD47aTwxMT47aTwxMj47aTwxMz47aTwxND47PjtsPHQ8cDxsPGhlaWdodD t3aWR0aDtzcmM7PjtsPDM1MDszNTA7aHR0cDovL25ld2FyY2ltc21hcHMuZG VjaXNpb25tYXJrLmNvbS9vdXRwdXQvY29tYmluZWQzX05FV0FSQ0lNUzM2MT YxOTkyNzE4MzAyLnBuZzs%2BPjs7Pjt0PHA8bDxzcmM7PjtsPGltYWdlcy96 b29tbm90Y2guZ2lmOz4%2BOzs%2BO3Q8cDxsPHNyYzs%2BO2w8aW1hZ2VzL3 pvb21ub3RjaF9vbi5naWY7Pj47Oz47dDxwPGw8c3JjOz47bDxpbWFnZXMvem 9vbW5vdGNoLmdpZjs%2BPjs7Pjt0PHA8bDxzcmM7PjtsPGltYWdlcy96b29t bm90Y2guZ2lmOz4%2BOzs%2BO3Q8cDxsPHNyYzs%2BO2w8aW1hZ2VzL3pvb2 1ub3RjaC5naWY7Pj47Oz47Pj47Pj47Pj47bDxwYW5Ob3J0aHdlc3Q7cGFuTm 9ydGg7cGFuTm9ydGhlYXN0O3Bhbldlc3Q7aW1nTWFwO3BhbkVhc3Q7cGFuU2 91dGh3ZXN0O3BhblNvdXRoO3BhblNvdXRoZWFzdDtpbWdab29tT3V0O25vdG NoNDtub3RjaDM7bm90Y2gyO25vdGNoMTtub3RjaDA7aW1nWm9vbUluOz4%2B 1qnOKyGbJcF1fJTWOWmO3CUHmCM%3D&btnContinue=Continue)

My DT stations are either "yellow" or "purple". However, what baffles me most is that there are 3 towers located 18.9-19.3 miles from me at 203-204 degrees. This is essentially the same location, right? Why would two of those be "yellow" and the other "purple"? All 3 are UHF.

I had an HDTV Wonder for a couple weeks last year, and I thought I got all my channels with the included indoor antenna. I just can't remember. I'm getting an HDTV soon and DTV doesn't have HD locals. I'm trying to figure out what I need to do to get them. Any help/recommendations are appreciated.

Looking for ideas for someone to speak at our Rotary club about HDTV and perhaps to demonstrate how it compares to analogue.

Anyone have any ideas?
Bonanza,

I would like very much to discuss with you about a presentation to your Rotary club. I am not familiar with this site on posting and would like to get one on one with you about this.

Benchmark

Tennis today is supposed to by High Def from KWCH. So far it is still in crappy def, I wonder if someone forgot to flip the switch at KWCH?

Edit: Ok after calling the news desk twice, it took them about an hour to flip it to HD at 1080i. Now Golf is
on and switched over from 420p to 1080i about 2 pm. WOW...what a difference!

Edit 2: Or I wonder if it was set to switch over at 2 pm automatically for Golf? But according to the program guide, tennis was supposed to be in 1080i also.

Tennis today is supposed to by High Def from KWCH. So far it is still in crappy def, I wonder if someone forgot to flip the switch at KWCH?

Edit: Ok after calling the news desk twice, it took them about an hour to flip it to HD at 1080i. Now Golf is
on and switched over from 420p to 1080i about 2 pm. WOW...what a difference!

Edit 2: Or I wonder if it was set to switch over at 2 pm automatically for Golf? But according to the program guide, tennis was supposed to be in 1080i also.

They frequently have this problem.

KScableguy,

Here's an article about Cox and Switched Digital Video (SDV) in some of their markets.
With the increased bandwidth here in Wichita, will there be a need for SDV at this time? I've read elsewhere that CableCards will not be able to tune in any channels that are included as SDV. With your previous comment that the cable cards will be unaffected by the upgrade, I can assume that SDV is not in the future in Wichita.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6470803.html

Thanks

I need opinions and help. First off this weekend I rewired my media room and was finally able to get surround sound to work off of my DCT 6416 DVR. I narrowed it down to a optical cable splitter I was using to share my xbox with. So that works great but I removed a cable amplifier that never made a difference in the quality of hdtv signal I recieved. My problem is that all of the broadcast and recorded hdtv content seems to lag or stutter like it is dropping frames. I am using component cables on a sony hdtv with only one DVI hdtv connection so I have not yet tried hdmi. So I guess my question is would this problem be from the cable to the box or my connection to the tv from the DVR. Is anyone else having this problem? Thanks

Hello, I'm not sure I'm in the right forum??
What I'm looking for is help setting up my tv to standard cable, and a hdtv antennae to get the over the air hd channels??
Can anyone send me in the right direction.
Thanks,
J.D.

Hello, I'm not sure I'm in the right forum??
What I'm looking for is help setting up my tv to standard cable, and a hdtv antennae to get the over the air hd channels??
Can anyone send me in the right direction.
Thanks,
J.D.

What is your TV / model no. / etc? Is it an HD set? Does it have a QAM tuner built in?

JB

Here are some of the stats off of neweggs site.


Olevia Black 32" 16:9 8ms LCD HDTV W/ ATSC Tuner Inside Model 532H

Input Video Compatibility PC Input: Analog RGB(VGA-1360 x 768 @60 Hz)
ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM 480p, 720i, 720p

HDTV Capability HDTV Tuner Inside

Thanks,
J.D.

I need opinions and help. First off this weekend I rewired my media room and was finally able to get surround sound to work off of my DCT 6416 DVR. I narrowed it down to a optical cable splitter I was using to share my xbox with. So that works great but I removed a cable amplifier that never made a difference in the quality of hdtv signal I recieved. My problem is that all of the broadcast and recorded hdtv content seems to lag or stutter like it is dropping frames. I am using component cables on a sony hdtv with only one DVI hdtv connection so I have not yet tried hdmi. So I guess my question is would this problem be from the cable to the box or my connection to the tv from the DVR. Is anyone else having this problem? Thanks

Sometimes when you get too many things saved on your hard drive you will get a lag because it has to work so hard to display large HD content. I would try deleting some of the things you don't need on your dvr.

Here are some of the stats off of neweggs site.


Olevia Black 32" 16:9 8ms LCD HDTV W/ ATSC Tuner Inside Model 532H

Input Video Compatibility PC Input: Analog RGB(VGA-1360 x 768 @60 Hz)
ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM 480p, 720i, 720p

HDTV Capability HDTV Tuner Inside

Thanks,
J.D.
Hey I got it figured out I'm getting my local hd channels through cox with the qam tuner.
Thanks for responding JB.
Got the U.S. Open on now the picture is amazing I will be happy when HD is expanded.
Thanks,
J.D.

What is your TV / model no. / etc? Is it an HD set? Does it have a QAM tuner built in?

JB
Hey I got it figured out I'm getting my local hd channels through cox with the qam tuner.
Thanks for responding JB.
Got the U.S. Open on now the picture is amazing I will be happy when HD is expanded.
Thanks,
J.D.

KScableguy,

Here's an article about Cox and Switched Digital Video (SDV) in some of their markets.
With the increased bandwidth here in Wichita, will there be a need for SDV at this time? I've read elsewhere that CableCards will not be able to tune in any channels that are included as SDV. With your previous comment that the cable cards will be unaffected by the upgrade, I can assume that SDV is not in the future in Wichita.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6470803.html

Thanks

Not sure how soon Cox Kansas will use SDV. But I do see it in the future as Cox is already using it for the On-Demand service.

Hey I got it figured out I'm getting my local hd channels through cox with the qam tuner.
Thanks for responding JB.
Got the U.S. Open on now the picture is amazing I will be happy when HD is expanded.
Thanks,
J.D.

Good to hear you're now livin' large in HD! You've already figured out that you get all the unencrypted HD signals thru the QAM tuner. But you'll need to upgrade to either a HD cable box or a cablecard if your tv has a cablecard slot to receive ESPNHD, ESPN2HD, DiscoveryHD, and other "cable not broadcast" channels.

Happy Viewing

I have been having problems with the soundtrack on virtually all channels carried by Cox in Wichita. TNT-HD is usually the worst, with the sound disappearing for about a half second every 1.5 to 10 minutes. This gets really annoying. I assume it has to do with their "upgrade" efforts. I have a cableCard in an LG 50" plasma.

I don't know if the same problem exists with the "set top" boxes, but am trying to experiment with that.

I saw a post here suggesting that CableCards may end up not being compatible with Cox's new system? Does anyone know if this is true? If so, I'm going to be really unhappy that I spend extra money for a TV with a built-in DVR, if I can't use the internal tuning devices.

I have been having problems with the soundtrack on virtually all channels carried by Cox in Wichita. TNT-HD is usually the worst, with the sound disappearing for about a half second every 1.5 to 10 minutes. This gets really annoying. I assume it has to do with their "upgrade" efforts. I have a cableCard in an LG 50" plasma.

I don't know if the same problem exists with the "set top" boxes, but am trying to experiment with that.

I saw a post here suggesting that CableCards may end up not being compatible with Cox's new system? Does anyone know if this is true? If so, I'm going to be really unhappy that I spend extra money for a TV with a built-in DVR, if I can't use the internal tuning devices.


I have a Cox HD/DVR and haven't seen a problem with audio, except at times it doesn't sync up with the lips.

I highly doubt once the Cox upgrade is done that your CableCard will have any problems. If Cox changes how they broadcast stuff in a few years you might see problems, but by that time the CableCard v2.0 will be out supporting a return path.

I'm guessing you either have a bad CableCard or you have a tuner problem with your TV.

Why spend the extra money on a built-in DVR that is only 1 Tuner???? I would have either saved the money gone with TiVo's new HD Box or with Cox's DVR.

I have been having problems with the soundtrack on virtually all channels carried by Cox in Wichita. TNT-HD is usually the worst, with the sound disappearing for about a half second every 1.5 to 10 minutes. This gets really annoying. I assume it has to do with their "upgrade" efforts. I have a cableCard in an LG 50" plasma.

Your audio issues might be signal related. Is this a newer home or older home? Do you have a lot of slices and splits in your cable lines?

I don't have any audio dropouts on three 3 dvrs in our new house. I had issues in my old house though. KAKE was the worse offender.

Thanks, kscableguy and klemsaba.

It is not the cable card itself; they replaced my card about 10 days ago and I still have the sound problem. The TV has a "DTV Signal Strength" indicator--it is nearly off the charts; in fact, my TV dealer suggested using and attenuator to weaken the signal a little--still no fix.

I also removed the cable card altogether, and tested the QAM tuner using the Cox signal--still had sound drops on the HD stations picked up on the QAM.

The working theory is it has to do with the current upgrade process, but Cox is unable to tell me when they will finish work in my area. The dealer reports other customers having similar issues in a variety of locations which they don't recreate at the shop.

It is a 20-year-old house, but the cable from the outside junction box to the inside was upgraded when I added the cablecard, and signal strenght, as I've indicated, is fine even with the splitters.

As for the built-in DVR purchase: my wife is opposed to adding any more devices than necessary, and so opposes having a mandatory exterior tuner for satellite, cable, or DVR. So IF the cable card works correctly, we have the built in TV Guide On Screen system plus built-in DVR which provides TiVo like function. If necessary, I'll end up going with an external box eventually if that is the only way to eliminate the sound issue, but then I will need to look at satellite alternatives.

I have been having problems with the soundtrack on virtually all channels carried by Cox in Wichita. TNT-HD is usually the worst, with the sound disappearing for about a half second every 1.5 to 10 minutes. This gets really annoying. I assume it has to do with their "upgrade" efforts. I have a cableCard in an LG 50" plasma.


You may want to check with the manufacturer of your TV to see if there is a firmware upgrade available. I currently have two cable cards and my Sharp LCD required a firmware upgrade to fix a couple of annoying problems relating to the cable card.

Thanks, VBLyth. That is a good idea, and I am checking with the manufacturer. Now, is there a way for me to stay subscribed to this thread so I get all the posts? Since I am in Wichita, this could be a very helpful thread to stay current on.

Thanks, VBLyth. That is a good idea, and I am checking with the manufacturer. Now, is there a way for me to stay subscribed to this thread so I get all the posts? Since I am in Wichita, this could be a very helpful thread to stay current on.

Up at the top of the thread look under 'thread tools'. You can subscribe there.

Just noticed that on Cox OnDemand, HBO has a HBO HD directory. Only thing that was available was a couple of Timberlake videos. The description stated that a HD TV and a HD box were required. When I played it, the HBO splash screen appeared to be in widescreen format but the video was letterboxed in 4:3. I also noticed that the OnDemand movies had a long list on movies available in HD. Never tried any of these.

Anyone have any luck getting any OnDemand content in HD? Maybe the framework is there but the actual HD streams aren't available yet.

HD movies OnDemand = heaven IMHO

HD movies OnDemand = heaven IMHO

Indeed... HD content OnDemand would be great.

Of course, HD content would also be great on all the channels Cox has on their HD tier. It sure seems to me like there are several channels on the HD tier that have very little HD content.

Is it to much to ask for more HD content? ;-)

FYI from talking to a COX CSR a few minutes ago.... Cox is removing all premium channels from ANALOG CABLE effective November 15th. This would include 14 (Showtime), 15 (HBO) and 16 (Cinemax) in the Wichita area. In other words they are starting the push to get everyone who isn't already onto digital cable boxes.

EDIT: Scrolling announcements are now being shown on the channels several times an hour.

FYI from talking to a COX CSR a few minutes ago.... Cox is removing all premium channels from ANALOG CABLE effective November 15th. This would include 14 (Showtime), 15 (HBO) and 16 (Cinemax) in the Wichita area. In other words they are starting the push to get everyone who isn't already onto digital cable boxes.

EDIT: Scrolling announcements are now being shown on the channels several times an hour.

This isn't anything new. Cox hasn't allowed customers to add Premium Analog movie channels since the summer of 2004. Since that time you either had to already have them and could transfer them to your new address. If you got rid of the movie channels, got shut off for non-payment or ended your service, you couldn't get the channels back.

This opens up 3 channels to be used for HD content, new digital channels or other options. Plus you forgot to mention that Cox is allowing the customers with analog movie channels to go to Cox Digital Cable for free til the end of 2008 (anytype of receiver (dig, HD, or DVR), movie tier, and gateway (guide, discovery tier, etc)). Pretty nice of Cox for doing this for their customers, they didn't have to do this.

Of course, HD content would also be great on all the channels Cox has on their HD tier. It sure seems to me like there are several channels on the HD tier that have very little HD content.

Is it to much to ask for more HD content? ;-)


Cox has no control over what broadcasters show in HD. Everyone wants the local channels, but most of the stuff on those are not HD, just primetime and sporting events. A&E, National Geographic, ESPN, ESPN2, and TNT show most of their stuff in HD. ESPN2 is getting more and more HD content. Discovery HD, MoJo, Universal, and MusicHD all show 100% HD. Once the locals go to HD newscasts, and they add the soaps in HD, then they will be mostly HD also.

With all the discussion about HD on the local stations, I am surprised I havn't noticed any comments about the CW getting new owners and when they are going HD.

It could be my receiver, but were there any problems with NBC (3-1) tonight during the second half of Football Night in America and the Pats-Chargers game? I couldn't get any signal.

I may get too frustrated waiting for my sound problem to be fixed; it seems to relate to the CableCard's relative difficulty handling the full signal it gets. Although once Cox finishes its upgrades, this may not be a problem, it continues to be an annoyance, so I am considering switching to the HD/DVR box.

My problem is there is not enough space on the cabinet that my 50" TV sits on to accommodate the size of these boxes without it looking really crowded and unsightly. The cabinet has enclosed space for components, but these boxes are so wide they will just barely fit; and there is very limited cutout in the back to facilitate ventilation. Am I asking for overheating problems, and possibly a fire hazard, if I put an HD/DVR box in a cabinet space with limited air circulation?

I may get too frustrated waiting for my sound problem to be fixed; it seems to relate to the CableCard's relative difficulty handling the full signal it gets. Although once Cox finishes its upgrades, this may not be a problem, it continues to be an annoyance, so I am considering switching to the HD/DVR box.

My problem is there is not enough space on the cabinet that my 50" TV sits on to accommodate the size of these boxes without it looking really crowded and unsightly. The cabinet has enclosed space for components, but these boxes are so wide they will just barely fit; and there is very limited cutout in the back to facilitate ventilation. Am I asking for overheating problems, and possibly a fire hazard, if I put an HD/DVR box in a cabinet space with limited air circulation?

Overheating? YES!!!
Fire? Doubtfull.

You will probably burn the Hard Drive up first before it bursts into flames.

Have you had your TV checked out yet? I know people hate to hear it, but TV's do go bad. So before you bet it all on a Cox problem, you might want to take advantage of your warraty and have it checked out to make sure the built in QAM tuner is doing its job.

September 28, Cox will be adding the History Channel in HD. It will be on Ch 616.

September 28, Cox will be adding the History Channel in HD. It will be on Ch 616.

Do you (or anyone) know how much History Channel content is available in HD? Will it be all HD content?

Do you (or anyone) know how much History Channel content is available in HD? Will it be all HD content?

I don't know how much content is HD on the History Channel. But I do know the newest Modern Marvels episodes are. What's odd is that they show these in 2.35 : 1 aspect ratio. I haven't figured out if they stretch the SD content out to fill the screen (like TNT does) or not. DISH just got it recently too.

Jeff

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6480083.html?industryid=47194

Cox and Discovery reach agreement with for more HD Channels. Not sure when these will be released in the Kansas area. Also Cox has rolled out HD VOD service in certain areas of the Nation.

Since this forum is supposed to be about "local HDTV info and reception," I'll frame this question keeping that in mind...

I'm looking at buying a house in the country -- which would require either Dish or DirecTV. I've always been a city boy, so I've got no experience with the dishes.

My question is not only which do you prefer, but which is the better option for allowing me to get the local networks in HD? Do the dishes come with OTA tuners to connect to an antenna -- or do they have the locals in HD straight from their boxes?

Any other tips for getting DISH or DirecTV would be appreciated. As a side note, I will obviously need to get my Broadband Internet from the same supplier...

Thanks for your help and thoughts.

Do you (or anyone) know how much History Channel content is available in HD? Will it be all HD content?

I know the latest Modern Marvels episode I just watched was in letterbox and they actually mentioned "our HD cameras" when they refered to something about the production.

Great news about the channel being added!

What is the minimal package I can have with COX and still get the locals in HD using the tuner in my TV?

Right now I have internet + the local basic package + HD package + DVR Box. I'm dumping the DVR box monday since my new TV doesn't need a box, where my projector did.

However, it is my understanding that as long as I have an active internet connection, I'll get all the analog chans and all the unencrypted HD chans. This is why there is a $10 fee for going with just internet. (As conveyed by a local COX CSR). So I'd be safe in dumping everything but the internet, right?

Finally, kscableguy, I just found this thread and really do like that you communicate here. However, I would like to take issue with this idea that COX is somehow being nice to its customers. I'm sorry, but the cost of having digital receivers, yet alone HD digital receivers for all the TVs in a modern house is just crazy. That, added to the lack of non a la carte, makes COX no one's friend. Call me when COX lets me just buy the HD chans and then I'll say they are being customer friendly, even if they are just doing whatever it takes to make as much money as possible (like every good American company should).

Edit: Is there a list of what channels are available via QAM, and their corresponding channel numbers? Someone earlier in the thread mentioned getting music channels and the auto scan didn't pick up any of those.

"However, it is my understanding that as long as I have an active internet connection, I'll get all the analog chans and all the unencrypted HD chans. This is why there is a $10 fee for going with just internet. (As conveyed by a local COX CSR). So I'd be safe in dumping everything but the internet, right?"

I only get the unencrypted HD chans and nasa + music one's with internet service.

KAKE-TV ABC Football Game, Wisconsin Vs Iowa, was being switched to HD for much of the 1st Quarter, but now since the 2nd Quarter it has not switched. I called the News Desk, and they said they would look into it.

Question: is it always the problem with the local switch or can it come from the network?

Edit note: Now the commercials are in HD, but the game is not...I wonder if whoever is switching has it backwards?

Edit note 2: Apparently a Network Feed problem because my parents in Wisconsin are having the same loss of the HD feed
during the game, but commercials are in HD...oh well. Sure is nice when it works!

Well I am sad that we still do not have a CW station in HD and I have to watch Smallville on Cox's crappy tier. Anyone know if they rebroadcast this show on any of the other HD channels. Thanks.

However, it is my understanding that as long as I have an active internet connection, I'll get all the analog chans and all the unencrypted HD chans.

Edit: Is there a list of what channels are available via QAM, and their corresponding channel numbers? Someone earlier in the thread mentioned getting music channels and the auto scan didn't pick up any of those.


If you go to internet only you would only be able to pick up the clear QAM channels. Which would be your HD locals, Music Channels and 1 or 2 other channels. Also many times when you go to internet only, Cox only leaves your internet line active in their junction box. So you could lose cable service on your other outlets.

Every channel Cox offer's is available via QAM. But Cox encrypts mose of the QAM channels. Just do a scan and you will pick up all the open QAM channels your TV sees.

Its kinda off subject, as if there really is any subject. But does Cox plan to put all four of the Discovery HD channels? I am really only looking foward to Discovery HD. Does anybody know when that will launch. Also, I heard CNN HD came out. That would be pretty interesting seeing news in HD. I just see DirecTV is planning 70 new channels in October. I mean, I always thought Cox was behind but... damn. I really don't want to up and go to DirecTV, because I am in love with Cox's internet speeds. Also, Cox had some deal with TiVo, what happened to that?

Edit: Also, has anybody tried those "Channel Mosaics" Like Channel 996-998. It won't work on my HD LCD TV, but they do work on my little kitchen TV. When I turn to the channel my LCD TV says "No usable signal"

Well I am sad that we still do not have a CW station in HD and I have to watch Smallville on Cox's crappy tier. Anyone know if they rebroadcast this show on any of the other HD channels. Thanks.

Next year will be the year for HD on CW. Can't say for sure but it might happen very late this year. The new owners of CW is KWCH. They will be merging CW master control with ch12 and closing down the downtown studios.

Its kinda off subject, as if there really is any subject. But does Cox plan to put all four of the Discovery HD channels? I am really only looking foward to Discovery HD. Does anybody know when that will launch. Also, I heard CNN HD came out. That would be pretty interesting seeing news in HD. I just see DirecTV is planning 70 new channels in October. I mean, I always thought Cox was behind but... damn. I really don't want to up and go to DirecTV, because I am in love with Cox's internet speeds. Also, Cox had some deal with TiVo, what happened to that?

Edit: Also, has anybody tried those "Channel Mosaics" Like Channel 996-998. It won't work on my HD LCD TV, but they do work on my little kitchen TV. When I turn to the channel my LCD TV says "No usable signal"

-- Discover in HD would be cool -- as long as their content is actually available in HD. I'd love watching Mythbusters in HD. And Dirty Jobs. And lots of their other content.

-- It will be hard for Cox to keep up with DirecTV. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm pondering a move to the country where Cox won't be an option. DirecTV (where I can get NFL Sunday Ticket!) is looking like more of a reality for me. I'll be living in HDTV heaven if they really do bring that many channels on board by the end of the year.

-- I have tried the "channel mosaics" -- and they're pretty cool and useful in my opinion. BUT, I too have a problem with them. They won't work at all on my "main" HDTV, a DLP 1080i. They do work on my LCD 720p, but I only know that because I had to move my DVR box to my LCD tv during a remodel. I have never been able to have a COX CSR identify why those channels won't work on my DLP tv.

Its kinda off subject, as if there really is any subject. But does Cox plan to put all four of the Discovery HD channels? I am really only looking foward to Discovery HD. Does anybody know when that will launch.

Read the link on post 1791
Tells about Cox adding Discvoery different channels in HD.

-- I have tried the "channel mosaics" -- and they're pretty cool and useful in my opinion. BUT, I too have a problem with them. They won't work at all on my "main" HDTV, a DLP 1080i. They do work on my LCD 720p, but I only know that because I had to move my DVR box to my LCD tv during a remodel. I have never been able to have a COX CSR identify why those channels won't work on my DLP tv.


Do you have boxes on all the TV's you are trying to view the Mosaics? If not, doubt you will get them to work with a cable card. Might see a pic with a cable card, but won't be able to interact with the channel.

I just see DirecTV is planning 70 new channels in October.

They charge you 9.99 per month for HD service plus they are going to charge you another 4.95 a month to receive the extra HD channels they are adding.

Do you have boxes on all the TV's you are trying to view the Mosaics? If not, doubt you will get them to work with a cable card. Might see a pic with a cable card, but won't be able to interact with the channel.

I've used the same Cox HD/DVR box on both TVs. My experience described in my post is when using the same exact box - just connected to 2 different TVs. The mosaics don't work on the DLP 1080i tv (the tv I regularly have hooked up to my Cox HD/DVR -- but it does work on my LCD 720p (if I move my lone Cox HD/DVR to that tv.

I have spoken with multiple Cox CSRs about the issue, and none of them have been able to get it working -- although they did offer to send a tech out and I refused because it's not that big of deal to me.

As I side note, this issue has remained through a couple different Cox HD/DVRs, so I'm pretty confident it's not the actual DVR that's the problem.

:mad:KWCH does it again. The Denver Broncos game was in crappy-def until around 6 minutes into the 2nd quarter. Will they ever get live sports events right?

Jeff

:mad:KWCH does it again. The Denver Broncos game was in crappy-def until around 6 minutes into the 2nd quarter. Will they ever get live sports events right?

Jeff

I hear ya. They need to have someone there who knows what they're doing.

On a similar note, did you read in the Eagle this morning... CBS National admited they screwed up on last week's Chiefs game by not switching over until the end of the 'bonus coverage' game they were on (Bengals/Browns).

Don't they know not to screw with NFL fans?!

What are the "channel mosaics" referenced above?

Anyone in Manhattan, KS that could let me know what kind of HD I can get OTA? I checked out antennaweb.org but from what I could gather there's only a couple stations broadcasting in digital? My wife and I don't watch that much TV and I really rather not get satellite unless there's no other way to get HD (not counting cox.) Any info would be greatly appreciated.
-T

What are the "channel mosaics" referenced above?

They are what they are. Lol. There are currently three. Kids, Sports and News I think. It shows all the channels relating to that subject. Like Sports is ESPN, ESPN2, FSN, Ect and it shows them all on the screen, and you use your remote to select the one you want to hear the audio from.

From what I have gathered, I think it is a 1080 problem, it works on one of my freinds 720 TV. Which is kinda stupid, because the whole idea really benefits from a large screen.

Anyone using a QAM tuner have issues when the TV is first turned on with the digital signal being really REALLY choppy, basically unwatchable?

KScableguy,

Any hope of Cox-Wichita adding TBSHD in time for the MLB playoffs?

Anyone using a QAM tuner have issues when the TV is first turned on with the digital signal being really REALLY choppy, basically unwatchable?

I've never noticed that problem.

I have noticed that it's good to do a rescan every few months. Every time I do a rescan of the channels, my QAM tuner picks up different channels that it did before. It's like Christmas... Let's see which channels the QAM tuner is going to pick up this time!

For the most part, the main channels (the major networks) remain on the same digital channels. But there are other channels that get picked up that weren't there before.

Don't ask me what they are right now, because I'm at work and I can't remember.

I had a Cox installer at my house on Sat. to install cable cards in my new Tivo S3. He told me that they don't have M cards yet but they did just get in new HD DVRs that are smaller than the current ones and have M cards in them. Anyone seen one yet?

I saw one of the new HD DVRs walking out of the "Cox store" when I dropped off my old Moto box.

I'd consider getting a box again if it wasn't so prone to lockups and allowed me to add an external eSATA drive so I could get some real storage.

So what are they? The new boxes that is?

So what are they? The new boxes that is?

I second that. Anyone got some specs or details on these new boxes?

So what are they? The new boxes that is?

It's probably the DCH3416, an all-digital HD DVR:
http://www.engadgethd.com/media/2007/02/motorola_dch3416_440.jpg
Motorola's DCH3416 M-Card-enabled HD DVR (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch3416_settop.asp)

It's probably the DCH3416, an all-digital HD DVR:
http://www.engadgethd.com/media/2007/02/motorola_dch3416_440.jpg
Motorola's DCH3416 M-Card-enabled HD DVR (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch3416_settop.asp)

So, would there be any benifit to going and picking up one of these new boxes? I mean, I am always one to want to have the newest thing, even if it doesn't do that much more. Would Cox even do that? This would be the call "Yeah, I heard you got in a new kind of box, it looks prettier, can I trade my old one in?" How does Cox take care of trading in. I am on my first STB from Cox. Also, is there any chance this new box includes the "TiVo" features that were 'announced" two years ago? Just Google "Cox and TiVo" if you don't know what I am talking about.

So, would there be any benifit to going and picking up one of these new boxes? I mean, I am always one to want to have the newest thing, even if it doesn't do that much more. Would Cox even do that? This would be the call "Yeah, I heard you got in a new kind of box, it looks prettier, can I trade my old one in?" How does Cox take care of trading in.

I did this very thing about a year ago or so. I heard Cox had boxes with a bigger hard drive, so I walked into my local Cox office with my old box and asked them to swap me out. They did, and I walked out with the new box. I didn't even have to take in the cables. Just plugged the new box into the old cables and presto.

This new box (if correct) looks completely different so it may require new cables and all, but I'm guessing if they have the new boxes at your local Cox office, they would be willing to swap 'em out for you. What do they care whether an existing Client or a new Client gets the boxes?

Cox is now using the Moto DCH100 (digital), DCH3200 (HD) and the DCH3416 (HD/DVR). You should be able to trade your box in at any Cox store in Wichita...but not sure about the stores in other cities.

They are almost just like the current boxes Cox uses. They are Digital only boxes, meaing they don't have analog tuners. HD drive size is 160GB.

The boxes do look better, but not sure if that is enough to go pick one up.

Reason for new boxes is FCC rule on serperate security on STB's. Meaning customers can buy their own STB at a store and cable provider would be required to support the box. This is how the TiVo new boxes are being supported.

They are almost just like the current boxes Cox uses. They are Digital only boxes, meaing they don't have analog tuners. HD drive size is 160GB.

I remember being told that, with Cox, the HD/DVR box I have now is broadcasting channels 2-70ish in analog -- and only 101-up was in digital.

So you're saying these new boxes are broadcasting ALL the channels in digital, which would be an improvement, correct?

I remember being told that, with Cox, the HD/DVR box I have now is broadcasting channels 2-70ish in analog -- and only 101-up was in digital.

So you're saying these new boxes are broadcasting ALL the channels in digital, which would be an improvement, correct?

Cox began simulcasting their analog channels (2-74) back in January. If you already have a digital cable box, cableCARD, or HD-DVR, then any time you tune to one of the analog channels you'll get the digital version instead. See KScableguy's post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9349927#post9349927) for more information.

For Cox to offer an all-digital receiver, this must mean that they've successfully moved all of their analog channels to a duplicate digital channel. Except, of course, the analog versions of HBO, Cinemax, and Showtime, which will be going away (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11640250#post11640250) on November 15th.

Because the new box is all-digital, I've read that it runs cooler than the older DVRs. Cooler means less fans, which means it should also be quieter.

I need to switch out my two DVRs for ones with an HDMI output, so I might stop by the Wichita office and see if they'll switch me out.

September 28, Cox will be adding the History Channel in HD. It will be on Ch 616.

Where did you find that out? Because you were exactly right. Is there some kind of Cox Press Release site that has that information on it?

Where did you find that out? Because you were exactly right. Is there some kind of Cox Press Release site that has that information on it?

I've said it before here... I think he's a mole. A good mole, but a mole, no doubt. I think he's here to spread good Cox chear to all...

He just seems to know things that the rest of us do not know.

Or maybe he's a she. The mystery deepens.

Cox is now using the Moto DCH100 (digital), DCH3200 (HD) and the DCH3416 (HD/DVR). You should be able to trade your box in at any Cox store in Wichita...but not sure about the stores in other cities.

Is the eSATA connection on the DCH3416 active for Cox-Wichita? The user manual states that "availability of certain features is dependent upon application support". It will definitely be worth switching out if an external hard drive can be added.

KScableguy,
Do you know when M-Card cablecards will be available. I think they are inside the new DVRs but the tech told me they don't have the M-cards seperately yet. Supposedly the Series3 Tivos are now capable of using the M-cards with the latest 9.1 firmware.

Is the eSATA connection on the DCH3416 active for Cox-Wichita? The user manual states that "availability of certain features is dependent upon application support". It will definitely be worth switching out if an external hard drive can be added.

I'd go back to a box if the 1394 worked and if it supported eSATA.

Those of you folks looking to connect an eSata drives to your DVR should at least consider a Series 3 Tivo, I have a 750GB eSata drive connected to it, which gives me a full terabyte of storage. I currently have 3 seasons of 24 recorded along with a load of new shows and I can still record 110 hours before I run out of space.

I heard it all the time, the Cox DVR is cheaper, but it seriously lacks features that Tivo has, especially drive space for storing it's recordings.

KSCableGuy, thanks for the channel info you've posted! Time for me to do a channel scan again.

I heard it all the time, the Cox DVR is cheaper, but it seriously lacks features that Tivo has, especially drive space for storing it's recordings.


The Cox DVR isn't made to be an archive device.

Is it turn that TiVo records stuff, even if you don't have it programed to record? Someone says their TiVo will record shows, thinking they would like that show and then they have to go through and erase the shows they didn't ask to record. I'm guessing this is a feature and can be turned off????

Is it turn that TiVo records stuff, even if you don't have it programed to record? Someone says their TiVo will record shows, thinking they would like that show and then they have to go through and erase the shows they didn't ask to record. I'm guessing this is a feature and can be turned off????

The Tivo comes factory defaulted to record shows based on your viewing habits. Most of us turn this feature off.

I have Cox Cable in Wichita. When I have looked at the History Channel HD, the picture is elongated (left to right) and doesn't fill the screen vertically, with a result that the picture is heavily distorted. What gives with that, and given a wide variety of ways for my TV to handle images (4:3, 16:9, and several "zoom" options), what settings might correct that image?

I have Cox Cable in Wichita. When I have looked at the History Channel HD, the picture is elongated (left to right) and doesn't fill the screen vertically, with a result that the picture is heavily distorted. What gives with that, and given a wide variety of ways for my TV to handle images (4:3, 16:9, and several "zoom" options), what settings might correct that image?


They are taking a 4:3 image and stretching it as the programing was not origianally recorded in HD. You can not change it to fill your screen as it is coming to you as a 16:9 image.

The Cox DVR isn't made to be an archive device.

Is it turn that TiVo records stuff, even if you don't have it programed to record? Someone says their TiVo will record shows, thinking they would like that show and then they have to go through and erase the shows they didn't ask to record. I'm guessing this is a feature and can be turned off????

Except 160g won't handle recording WAR on PBS-HD for me to watch later and have room for anything else.

I really wish there was a way for people to let COX know that we want these features.

Except 160g won't handle recording WAR on PBS-HD for me to watch later and have room for anything else.

I really wish there was a way for people to let COX know that we want these features.

160gb is way too small even for those of us who only time shift. HD just takes up too much space on the HD.

160gb is way too small even for those of us who only time shift. HD just takes up too much space on the HD.

I second that. When new computers are coming with Terabyte hard drives, and most people aren't recording HDTV on their computers, you know it's time for DVRs to need some heavy duty (ha, another HD) hard drive storage.

So, I guess we need HD HD HD... (That is, Heavy Duty, High-Def, Hard Drives.)

I still don't understand why COX won't program their DVR to interface with a USB
external hard drive. I think the software change would be simple enough to do. Maybe
it's a copyright reason. There are so many shows I would like to keep to use as
a reference on how great a movie can look AND sound.

Have we determined yet if the eSATA connection on the DCH3416 is active for Cox-Wichita? Does anyone have one of these units yet? Has anyone talked to a knowledgable Cox rep?

KScableguy,
Do you know when M-Card cablecards will be available. I think they are inside the new DVRs but the tech told me they don't have the M-cards seperately yet. Supposedly the Series3 Tivos are now capable of using the M-cards with the latest 9.1 firmware.


Anyone have any idea about this?

Anyone have any idea about this?

From TiVo's web site: Currently, the Series3 HD DVR will support M-Cards in single-stream mode, which means that the DVR requires two (2) CableCARDs to run in dual-tuner mode. The DVR must also be running software version 8.0.1c or later. The TiVo HD DVR supports multi-stream mode for M-Cards. This means that the TiVo HD DVR requires only one (1) M-Card to receive two digital cable channels at once.

Not sure why the cheaper of the two new TiVo would support the M-Card in the way they were made to work.

So if you put a M-Card in both slots on the TiVo, would you have 4 tuners?

I still don't understand why COX won't program their DVR to interface with a USB external hard drive. I think the software change would be simple enough to do. Maybe it's a copyright reason. There are so many shows I would like to keep to use as a reference on how great a movie can look AND sound.

I was told by a Cox CSR that the firewire port on my HD DVR (Moto 6416, I think) was active, but that they couldn't say anything else and wouldn't offer any tech support.

Was that bad information? I've never actually tried to use it that way.

From TiVo's web site: Currently, the Series3 HD DVR will support M-Cards in single-stream mode, which means that the DVR requires two (2) CableCARDs to run in dual-tuner mode. The DVR must also be running software version 8.0.1c or later. The TiVo HD DVR supports multi-stream mode for M-Cards. This means that the TiVo HD DVR requires only one (1) M-Card to receive two digital cable channels at once.

Not sure why the cheaper of the two new TiVo would support the M-Card in the way they were made to work.

So if you put a M-Card in both slots on the TiVo, would you have 4 tuners?

Both the Series 3 and the new HD Tivo support the multi-stream card meaning only one card is necessary.

You can only receive two channels at once as there are only two tuners. Two M-cards get you nothing but a higher bill.

The HD Guys Podcast ( http://www.htguys.com ) is my bi-weekly HDTV fix. The most recent Episode 211 gives an excellent HDTV Information Show, helpful for both HDTV wannabes and oldtimers.

A great referral to all your friends who love your HD setup but haven't the first clue what it's all about. Wonderful review and FAQ for those who know enough about HD to be dangerous!

Happy Listening !

I was told by a Cox CSR that the firewire port on my HD DVR (Moto 6416, I think) was active, but that they couldn't say anything else and wouldn't offer any tech support.

Was that bad information? I've never actually tried to use it that way.

It works on my inlaws box, but it was VERY crashy as their box is in general. However, it didn't work on my DVR box. Go figure.

The new ones? No clue.

I have not been able to receive History HD on Ch 616. I have rescanned the tv for new channels and so far no luck. Is 616 still available for everyone else? I have a cablecard in the tv so I don't think that should make a difference. I was able to get TNT HD right away on 618 without a rescan. Anybody help me on this one??

Both the Series 3 and the new HD Tivo support the multi-stream card meaning only one card is necessary.

Nope...'fraid not yet. This is straight from the horse's mouth:

Tivo Community Forum (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=5556555&&#post5556555)

TivoJerry is one of the Customer Service Engineers who keeps an eye on the forums.

The S3 will take an M-Card, but only utilize it as a single stream card. The TivoHD currently supports M-Cards, and utilizes 2 streams from the card (which will then disable the second slot of the Tivo).

I was told by a Cox CSR that the firewire port on my HD DVR (Moto 6416, I think) was active, but that they couldn't say anything else and wouldn't offer any tech support.

Was that bad information? I've never actually tried to use it that way.

Yes they work and there is a post some where on this site that tell's you how to get it to work. But I think all it is good for is to transfer data to your computer. But if you are transfering a 1 hour program, it will take 1 hour to transfer, so not a great fix.

I have not been able to receive History HD on Ch 616. I have rescanned the tv for new channels and so far no luck. Is 616 still available for everyone else? I have a cablecard in the tv so I don't think that should make a difference. I was able to get TNT HD right away on 618 without a rescan. Anybody help me on this one??

What type of TV do you have?

Yes they work and there is a post some where on this site that tell's you how to get it to work. But I think all it is good for is to transfer data to your computer. But if you are transfering a 1 hour program, it will take 1 hour to transfer, so not a great fix.

I have used it before. The computer, with a few tweaks, sees it as a Firewire DV camera basically. A video capture device. So like KScableguy said, you can capture exactly what you see on the TV, or in a DVR situation, what is playing, it basically puts out exactly what you get on the HDMI out. Including menu's and such. Be careful though, it is RAW footage, so HD stuff... It would take up a few gigs, exactly what you save on the DVR's Hard Drive. Anyways, just google something like "How to use the (Model Number) Firewire port" Thats how I figured it out.

I was told today that COX can do nothing about the poor signal I am getting whilst using my QAM tuner on my Samsung TV. Is there something I should check / change? My connection has one splitter, the one COX installed that splits it to a jack that isn't in use, my cable modem, and the jack upstairs for this TV. I've been told many times that my cable modem reads max signal so I wouldn't think that it would be that splitter.

Often I would have this same loss of signal, choppy stuff happening when I had the Moto box. When the CSR suggested swapping that box out as it was likely bad, that is when I found out that I could just use the QAM tuner and we ditched the box all together.

I was told today that COX can do nothing about the poor signal I am getting whilst using my QAM tuner on my Samsung TV. Is there something I should check / change? My connection has one splitter, the one COX installed that splits it to a jack that isn't in use, my cable modem, and the jack upstairs for this TV. I've been told many times that my cable modem reads max signal so I wouldn't think that it would be that splitter.

Often I would have this same loss of signal, choppy stuff happening when I had the Moto box. When the CSR suggested swapping that box out as it was likely bad, that is when I found out that I could just use the QAM tuner and we ditched the box all together.

One of my HDTVs is a Samsung HDTV and I'm using its QAM tuner. (my other HDTV is hooked up to a Cox HD DVR).

I'm picking up all the local channels and a several other channels that I don't think are supposed to be passed thru unencrypted, but are.

I think Cox only controls which channels are allowed to pass thru, but the signal strength is controlled by other factors, such as the splitter, the quality of the cable line, etc. Since you were having similar problems with your Cox Box, it could be that your main line into your house (the coax cable wire) is faulty somehow. If you're getting a clear and strong signal to your Internet Modem, that wouldn't seem to be the problem. Well, good luck with that. I'm fresh out of ideas.

Does anybody have any information on TBS HD and CNN HD? I read on Engadget HD that Cox signed a deal with them, and that it has shown up in many other Cox markets. Also, does anybody know if any of our local TV news stations are going to go HD anytime soon, or even have plans to? Its killing me. Watching the SD version of channel 10 looks better than the HD version when 10 PM rolls around.

I was told today that COX can do nothing about the poor signal I am getting whilst using my QAM tuner on my Samsung TV.

Who told you this? A person on the phone or a tech at your house? If on the phone, just ask for a tech to come out to your house to check stuff anway. If it was a tech at your house, then there is a reason for his/her answer.

I'm picking up all the local channels and a several other channels that I don't think are supposed to be passed thru unencrypted, but are.

I think Cox only controls which channels are allowed to pass thru

What channels are you getting that you think you shouldn't...you can send a private message if you want to answer that way.

You are correct on the second part, that Cox can encrypted any channel or leave them in the 'clear' if need be.....

What channels are you getting that you think you shouldn't...you can send a private message if you want to answer that way.

No problem. Here they are:

83.008 -- Appears to be some Spanish channel. Unsure of name.
118.005 -- The Weather Channel
119.005 -- HGTV

So, are these just digital channels -- but not in HD?

Am I committing a crime by getting these channels unencryped? (I worry about being caught, you know... since you're a Cox Mole!) :-)

No problem. Here they are:

83.008 -- Appears to be some Spanish channel. Unsure of name.
118.005 -- The Weather Channel
119.005 -- HGTV

So, are these just digital channels -- but not in HD?

Am I committing a crime by getting these channels unencryped? (I worry about being caught, you know... since you're a Cox Mole!) :-)


As said above, if they are in the clear, free game.

Have we determined yet if the eSATA connection on the DCH3416 is active for Cox-Wichita? Does anyone have one of these units yet? Has anyone talked to a knowledgable Cox rep?

Not active at this time...

What happened to the HD signal on 612? I watched the first half in HD, went up, made a sandwich, and came back to crap. Anyone know the phone number to the KWCH control room? Or is this a Cox issue?

What happened to the HD signal on 612? I watched the first half in HD, went up, made a sandwich, and came back to crap. Anyone know the phone number to the KWCH control room? Or is this a Cox issue?

Today's Chief's game is not being broadcast in HD. They ran a ticker several times at the beginning of the game. I know... Low-Def Sucks for NFL games, let me tell ya.

Off-Topic -- regarding Cox DVRs...

I had to record today's Chiefs game until into the 2nd QTR. So, I fast-foward during the commercials to get caught up. What sucks is that there's no good way to come out of fast-forwarding at an exact spot. It seems to always jump backwards to the nearest minute; 28:00, for example, instead of 28:47. If a commercial break happens to end at 58 seconds past the whole minute, it backs way up into the commercial break (back to the last whole minute) and dumps me there.

Is this a common problem with the Cox DVRs -- or ALL DVRs? I think my model is the 6416 160-Gig unit.

Off-Topic -- regarding Cox DVRs...

I had to record today's Chiefs game until into the 2nd QTR. So, I fast-foward during the commercials to get caught up. What sucks is that there's no good way to come out of fast-forwarding at an exact spot. It seems to always jump backwards to the nearest minute; 28:00, for example, instead of 28:47. If a commercial break happens to end at 58 seconds past the whole minute, it backs way up into the commercial break (back to the last whole minute) and dumps me there.

Is this a common problem with the Cox DVRs -- or ALL DVRs? I think my model is the 6416 160-Gig unit.

Mine does that too. I noticed it kinda helps in a way, if you hit the FF button four times by the time you see the program back and react by hitting the play button it gets you right where you need to be. Does that make sense? Either way, yeah, that has always bugged me and I have the same problem, I guess I have learned to deal with it.

Oops - that's right, I was watching the first half of the game on my kitchen tv, I assumed it was in HD. Sorry. Yeah, that does suck - I still don't understand why they don't broadcast everything in HD. Watching SD games is like sticking your head in an aquarium. It's horrible.

And regarding the DVR issues - get a Tivo. The new HD units have the cable card slots, I'm really enjoying mine (and definitely not missing the Moto unit.....)

Oops - that's right, I was watching the first half of the game on my kitchen tv, I assumed it was in HD. Sorry. Yeah, that does suck - I still don't understand why they don't broadcast everything in HD. Watching SD games is like sticking your head in an aquarium. It's horrible.

And regarding the DVR issues - get a Tivo. The new HD units have the cable card slots, I'm really enjoying mine (and definitely not missing the Moto unit.....)

I have been thinking about getting a TiVo box, but I have been holding out and waiting for this Cox/TiVo deal thing. If you don't know what I am talking about, I wouldn't be surprised. It was announced in 2006. If anybody has any information on the whole deal that would be cool. I hate to spend the money to get a TiVo then have Cox strike a deal. Here is a link, h**p://www.news.com/2100-1037_3-6109246.html (http://www.news.com/2100-1037_3-6109246.html)

I hear ya. I actually beta tested the new HD Tivo, decided after I had to return it that I couldn't live without an HD DVR. I had read about the Cox/Tivo deal, but the wheels of motion at Cox turn verrrrrrry slow. Too slow for me.

I hear ya. I actually beta tested the new HD Tivo, decided after I had to return it that I couldn't live without an HD DVR. I had read about the Cox/Tivo deal, but the wheels of motion at Cox turn verrrrrrry slow. Too slow for me.

Basically what is the cost to have the TiVo HD DVR? Like per month. You have to pay for the CableCARD and the TiVo service? And then how much is the initial cost of the box? I'm in college, so cash flow isn;t exactly... well, flowing.

That's one of the few advantages of the Cox box. It has a relatively low monthly fee, and if it breaks, you go swap it out (like I did when I finally realized that ash-tray smell in my non-smoking home was coming from the DVR.....yuck....)

The Tivo box is $10-$20 per month for the service, something like $5 for the card, and of course the initial cost of the box ($299 for the HD box).

I'm tight on money too (not quite college-student tight :^)), but still tight. The Tivo functionality, though, is well worth it to me. It is LIGHT years beyond the Moto box. I have several friends with the Moto box, they think it's fine, and see no reason to switch to a Tivo. Funny thing is, none of them have sat and used a Tivo. There's nothing like it, and it pretty much makes the Cox Fake-O seem silly.

Off-Topic -- regarding Cox DVRs...

I had to record today's Chiefs game until into the 2nd QTR. So, I fast-foward during the commercials to get caught up. What sucks is that there's no good way to come out of fast-forwarding at an exact spot. It seems to always jump backwards to the nearest minute; 28:00, for example, instead of 28:47. If a commercial break happens to end at 58 seconds past the whole minute, it backs way up into the commercial break (back to the last whole minute) and dumps me there.

Is this a common problem with the Cox DVRs -- or ALL DVRs? I think my model is the 6416 160-Gig unit.

it does that because by the time you see the program you are forwarding to, and react and hit play, you are about 2 to 3 secs into it. So it is made to jump back from 3 to 6 secs depending on how fast you are forwarding.

Mine does that too. I noticed it kinda helps in a way, if you hit the FF button four times by the time you see the program back and react by hitting the play button it gets you right where you need to be. Does that make sense? Either way, yeah, that has always bugged me and I have the same problem, I guess I have learned to deal with it.

That solution is great if you're watching anything but sports.

But, I can't tell you how many times I'm fast forwarding thru the commercials -- and I see that the game is back on. And by the time I hit the play button, it's as if the DVR took me into the future to get a sneak-peak at the play -- but then dumped me back into the commercials.

For example, coming out of a commercial break, I see that the first play is a run as my brain is telling me to hit the play button to stop forwarding. It's just an annoyance.

it does that because by the time you see the program you are forwarding to, and react and hit play, you are about 2 to 3 secs into it. So it is made to jump back from 3 to 6 secs depending on how fast you are forwarding.

Interesting. Never thought of that. I guess that makes sense. Thanks for the insight.

I hear ya. I actually beta tested the new HD Tivo, decided after I had to return it that I couldn't live without an HD DVR. I had read about the Cox/Tivo deal, but the wheels of motion at Cox turn verrrrrrry slow. Too slow for me.

Dude..."There is NO fight club".

That solution is great if you're watching anything but sports.

But, I can't tell you how many times I'm fast forwarding thru the commercials -- and I see that the game is back on. And by the time I hit the play button, it's as if the DVR took me into the future to get a sneak-peak at the play -- but then dumped me back into the commercials.

For example, coming out of a commercial break, I see that the first play is a run as my brain is telling me to hit the play button to stop forwarding. It's just an annoyance.

It would be nice if that was a preference that you could set, or turn off all together. I mean, a teenegers reaction time is much faster than that of a 65 year old. My reaction time for hitting play has always set me back in the commercials. Like I said though, I have kind of adapted to it and seem to be able to get it right on now. I can see how that would be an annoyance in sports though.

Who told you this? A person on the phone or a tech at your house? If on the phone, just ask for a tech to come out to your house to check stuff anway. If it was a tech at your house, then there is a reason for his/her answer.


I was told by the CSR I reached by dialing the local COX #, and using the menus for technical support. He had never heard of QAM and his manager came on the line to confirm that they won't do anything for someone using a QAM tuner.

What type of TV do you have?

Thanks for responding, I have an HP LC3700N. Sharp glass / HP (AFAIK) electronics. Its a great TV. Like I said earlier, I picked up 618 without redoing a channel scan when Cox put it on earlier this summer. I have done several channel scans and it doesn't pick up 616. Cable card with QAM tuner, no cable box. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks for responding, I have an HP LC3700N. Sharp glass / HP (AFAIK) electronics. Its a great TV. Like I said earlier, I picked up 618 without redoing a channel scan when Cox put it on earlier this summer. I have done several channel scans and it doesn't pick up 616. Cable card with QAM tuner, no cable box. Any help is appreciated.

I'm just guessing it's the card that for seom reason doesn't know that channel has been added. I woulud have Cox change out the card and see if that helps. If that doesn't help, it could be a TV issue.

I was told by the CSR I reached by dialing the local COX #, and using the menus for technical support. He had never heard of QAM and his manager came on the line to confirm that they won't do anything for someone using a QAM tuner.


Wish I knew the FCC rule on locals in HD. I know Cox has to provide them to you in the clear, which they do, and I would assume they would be required to fix any type of signal issue causing you not to see these channels. I would just call back in and ask for a tech to come out to check out signal. They will probably tell you there will be a charge, but that is up to the tech at your home.

Wish I knew the FCC rule on locals in HD. I know Cox has to provide them to you in the clear, which they do, and I would assume they would be required to fix any type of signal issue causing you not to see these channels. I would just call back in and ask for a tech to come out to check out signal. They will probably tell you there will be a charge, but that is up to the tech at your home.

Thank you.

I, too, had an experience with Cox several months ago where the tech people didn't know what a QAM tuner was, or denied Cox supplied signals for the OTA local digitals that could be tuned with QAM; but, indeed, once I hooked up the TV--there they were! Plus, it is my understanding that CableCards only "map" channels that are then put through the QAM tuner; so they can't even use CableCards without the QAM.

I, too, had an experience with Cox several months ago where the tech people didn't know what a QAM tuner was, or denied Cox supplied signals for the OTA local digitals that could be tuned with QAM; but, indeed, once I hooked up the TV--there they were! Plus, it is my understanding that CableCards only "map" channels that are then put through the QAM tuner; so they can't even use CableCards without the QAM.

Me too. I've never been able to get any help from a Cox CSR regarding the QAM tuner or any digital channels being passed thru the QAM tuner. I'm guessing they really don't like it when you figure out that you don't need one of their digital tuners to get the locals in HD without an antenna.

I'm just guessing it's the card that for seom reason doesn't know that channel has been added. I woulud have Cox change out the card and see if that helps. If that doesn't help, it could be a TV issue.

Would there be a trip charge for coming out to swap the cable card??

Would there be a trip charge for coming out to swap the cable card??

If the Cox repairman determines that the cause of your problem is the wiring in the house or is your TV, he may charge you for a service call.

Before I started by struggle with my cable card, I called up Cox and picked up the service plan ($3.99 a month, I believe). This was alot cheaper than the service charge ($29, I believe). Now that I have my issues cleared up (at least as good as I will get them), I called and cancelled the service plan. This got me 4 visits from Cox for 3 months of the service plan ($12). Just an idea.

DirecTV has launched 37 HD channels in the last 3 weeks. Cox has added one, and not even one that I was interested in. Sorry, this is getting really old. Can Cox Kansas not step it up? I have heard most other Cox markets have added at least more than one. If this goes on much longer, Its bye bye to Cox and hello DirecTV. The Advantages of DirecTV over Cox far outweight the disadvantages. Hell, I am willing to pay more if I get more HD. Free HD from Cox means nothing if there isn't any. Any news Cox Mole on new HD channels?

DirecTV has launched 37 HD channels in the last 3 weeks. Cox has added one, and not even one that I was interested in. Sorry, this is getting really old. Can Cox Kansas not step it up? I have heard most other Cox markets have added at least more than one. If this goes on much longer, Its bye bye to Cox and hello DirecTV. The Advantages of DirecTV over Cox far outweight the disadvantages. Hell, I am willing to pay more if I get more HD. Free HD from Cox means nothing if there isn't any. Any news Cox Mole on new HD channels?

I feel your pain. I've been complaining about this consistently to friends over the last week or so. I have a lot invested in my Tivo's and I'm not able to use them with DirecTV so it's highly unlikely I'll switch until I've gotten my money's worth out of these devices. Also, the DirecTV alternative to my Tivo I hear isn't as good as a real Tivo.

When I really think about the channels I want in HD, it's TLC, Sci-Fi and Fx. I can't think of any others really. I can't help but find the DirecTV HD channel line-up appealing, but I know I can live without it.

When I really think about the channels I want in HD, it's TLC, Sci-Fi and Fx. I can't think of any others really. I can't help but find the DirecTV HD channel line-up appealing, but I know I can live without it.

Ditto about SciFi.

Cox added the NHL Network on ch 262.

Not sure when other HD channels will be added, but do I hope soon and I do hope they add a bunch. I'm hoping once the System Upgrade is done in Wichita, they will start to add more HD channels.

So was looking at what HD DirecTv offers and these would be the channels I would like to see Cox add:

Big Ten HD, NFL HD, CNN HD, TBS HD, HDNet, Speed HD, CMT HD, CSTV HD.

"Cox added the NHL Network on ch 262."

Oh, thank goodness. The insatiable demand of Kansans for all things hockey shall now be quenched. /sarcasm

I would be willing to pay extra just for Sci-Fi HD. /dead serious

Let me apologize for cross-posting this question, which is also on a thread for the TV involved. I have an LG 50PC1DR, and Cox cable in Wichita. I have a cable card. When I first put a cable card in, I did not have this problem, but once I started having to swap out cablecards to try to solve my sound problem, this new problem also surfaced, and I'm trying to figure out if it is related to cablecards, or to something internal to the TV.

When I try to watch an input other than antenna or cable, like my AV1 input or a component input, I keep getting a black screen with white lettering informing me I can (or should) register my cable card (even though it is already registered) with my cable provider. I haven't experimented with it enough to know how persistent it is; and I think it only happens AFTER they have "paired" my card to my TV, but I later eject the card to test various sound issues that I'm still having.

So: is this likely caused by the cablecard trying to send me a message while I'm watching another input, or from a problem the TV is having knowing which input I'm trying to watch?

Let me apologize for cross-posting this question, which is also on a thread for the TV involved. I have an LG 50PC1DR, and Cox cable in Wichita. I have a cable card. When I first put a cable card in, I did not have this problem, but once I started having to swap out cablecards to try to solve my sound problem, this new problem also surfaced, and I'm trying to figure out if it is related to cablecards, or to something internal to the TV.

When I try to watch an input other than antenna or cable, like my AV1 input or a component input, I keep getting a black screen with white lettering informing me I can (or should) register my cable card (even though it is already registered) with my cable provider. I haven't experimented with it enough to know how persistent it is; and I think it only happens AFTER they have "paired" my card to my TV, but I later eject the card to test various sound issues that I'm still having.

So: is this likely caused by the cablecard trying to send me a message while I'm watching another input, or from a problem the TV is having knowing which input I'm trying to watch?

I'm going with you have a bad TV and need to get it checked out......

Cox added the NHL Network on ch 262.

Not sure when other HD channels will be added, but do I hope soon and I do hope they add a bunch. I'm hoping once the System Upgrade is done in Wichita, they will start to add more HD channels.

Thats not even HD. Either way. It seems like Cox is, like the guy below kinda stated, adding channels we... really don't care about. I mean, if they have limited bandwidth, how about a survey to CONSUMERS about what THEY want. Also, what exactly is the System Upgrade, and is there an Estimated Completion? Oh, and if you do like the selection on DirecTV, why not switch? :-p

Thats not even HD. Either way. It seems like Cox is, like the guy below kinda stated, adding channels we... really don't care about. I mean, if they have limited bandwidth, how about a survey to CONSUMERS about what THEY want. Also, what exactly is the System Upgrade, and is there an Estimated Completion? Oh, and if you do like the selection on DirecTV, why not switch? :-p

KSCableGuy said earlier the upgrade was suppose to be done in November.

Personally, I'm not switching to DirecTV because my multi Tivo's won't work on DirecTV.

We had a COX tech out this morning to figure out why I get such bad performance with my Samsung DLP's QAM tuner. He threw out a bunch of numbers about taps and dbs that mean jack all to me. He didn't bother checking the TV before he left, just said signal was good and ran out the door.

I used the new cable he gave us for the jack -> TV and turn the TV on and sure enough, bad signal.

(On top of that he added a filter that none of the others had ever added taking away the regular cable chans we had always had. Thanks for that buddy.)

If AT&T DSL wasn't so god awful...

Oh, and if you do like the selection on DirecTV, why not switch? :-p

Cause I like watching my TV when it's raining. I have family who have Dish/DirecTV and when ever it rains, snows, or any other precip, they lose their picture. I was watching the Bills/Jets game two weeks ago and a rain storm started and I missed over 5 minutes of the game cause of "poor signal".

(On top of that he added a filter that none of the others had ever added taking away the regular cable chans we had always had. Thanks for that buddy.)



Where you paying for those channels? If not, then that tech did the right thing.

Based on my observations, the possible source of trouble of performance with Cox Wichita currently has to do with problems with the Program Clock Reference; at least that is what appears to be the issue at my house. Equipped with this info, I'm having a tech out next week; I'll report what we find out on this issue.

If AT&T DSL wasn't so god awful...

Says who? My AT&T DSL is much faster than the Cox Cable Internet. My company provides the DSL since I work from home. But, I pay for the Cox Internet. I even had a tech come out because I just knew something must be wrong with my Cox Internet. The tech guy that came out was amazed at the speed difference. He checked everything he could think of. I think his sensibilities were offended. But nothing he tried or did made a difference.

Says who? My AT&T DSL is much faster than the Cox Cable Internet. My company provides the DSL since I work from home. But, I pay for the Cox Internet. I even had a tech come out because I just knew something must be wrong with my Cox Internet. The tech guy that came out was amazed at the speed difference. He checked everything he could think of. I think his sensibilities were offended. But nothing he tried or did made a difference.

Thats weird. I don't know what Cox's lowest speed package is. I have the premium package and we are guaranteed 12 MBps, but almost always when I try a test can get a good 15-16 MBps, even during peak hours. I got 22 MBps one morning at like 3 AM. Cox's Internet speeds is keeping me from leaving Cox for my TV choices. I guess you can't win them both...

Anyone know if Cox is planning to add HGTV HD anytime soon?

While testing various digital sources as possible sources for my sound issues, I had to remove my CableCard temporarily from my TV. I am a cox customer in Wichita. As result of removing the card, it is no longer "paired" to the TV. Tech support tells me they must have a technician come to "re-pair" the card to the TV; I have to believe it should be possible without a tech call. Is it possible to "pair" or "re-pair" a cablecard to the TV without the necessity of having a tech in? If so, how?

While testing various digital sources as possible sources for my sound issues, I had to remove my CableCard temporarily from my TV. I am a cox customer in Wichita. As result of removing the card, it is no longer "paired" to the TV. Tech support tells me they must have a technician come to "re-pair" the card to the TV; I have to believe it should be possible without a tech call. Is it possible to "pair" or "re-pair" a cablecard to the TV without the necessity of having a tech in? If so, how?

Pulling the card from the TV doesn't un-pair the card. Unless for some reason one of the 3 sets of numbers have changed, then it wouldn't be paired. Now does a tech need to come out to pair the card? Not really, but most customers doen't know how to find the numbers needed to pair the card, or they read the numbers wrong and such........

Based on my observations, the possible source of trouble of performance with Cox Wichita currently has to do with problems with the Program Clock Reference; at least that is what appears to be the issue at my house. Equipped with this info, I'm having a tech out next week; I'll report what we find out on this issue.

Huh what? What problems are you having?

Says who? My AT&T DSL is much faster than the Cox Cable Internet. My company provides the DSL since I work from home. But, I pay for the Cox Internet. I even had a tech come out because I just knew something must be wrong with my Cox Internet. The tech guy that came out was amazed at the speed difference. He checked everything he could think of. I think his sensibilities were offended. But nothing he tried or did made a difference.

I find this hard to believe. What tier of Cox Internet are you paying for and What tier of AT&T service you getting? I'm guessing if you are using DSL and Cox on the same computer, that would be the problem. If you are using two different computers, I'm guessing spyware, virus, trojan or just a old computer. Now this is all without knowing what you are running, so not bashing anything you have...just throwing out reasons.

AT&T's fastest speed is up to 6mb at $35/mo.
Cox regular speed is up to 7mb for $42/mo. But I get around 12mb down, 500k up........

KSCableGuy:

1. The problems I've been having are the sound drops. Every 5 to 10 minutes, I lose the sound for about a half second. this happens on every channel, although the time period varies from channel to channel. You had suggested I get the TV checked out, and it checked out fine; part of this process included having to eject the cablecard so we could test the QAM tuner without the cablecard in place; plus, the dealer replaced the circuit board just in case. Diagnostics in the TV reveal that at my house, at the precise moment I lose sound, the Program Clock Reference status changes from Locked to Not Locked. The PCR is a synchronizing piece of data in the data stream.

2. When I asked Cox Tech Support about whether ejecting the cablecard would affect its pairing, they indicated that ejecting the card results in it losing its pairing; this is consistent with the information on my Conditional Access menu in the TV setup, which show a value of "unknown 03" in one of the fields which is the indicator that the card is no longer "paired"; Cox insists a tech must do the pairing.

KSCableGuy:

1. The problems I've been having are the sound drops. Every 5 to 10 minutes, I lose the sound for about a half second. this happens on every channel, although the time period varies from channel to channel. You had suggested I get the TV checked out, and it checked out fine; part of this process included having to eject the cablecard so we could test the QAM tuner without the cablecard in place; plus, the dealer replaced the circuit board just in case. Diagnostics in the TV reveal that at my house, at the precise moment I lose sound, the Program Clock Reference status changes from Locked to Not Locked. The PCR is a synchronizing piece of data in the data stream.

2. When I asked Cox Tech Support about whether ejecting the cablecard would affect its pairing, they indicated that ejecting the card results in it losing its pairing; this is consistent with the information on my Conditional Access menu in the TV setup, which show a value of "unknown 03" in one of the fields which is the indicator that the card is no longer "paired"; Cox insists a tech must do the pairing.

Did the problem still happen when the card was removed?
The TV would think there wasn't a card there when it's removed, but once it's placed back into the TV, everything would work just fine.

Where you paying for those channels? If not, then that tech did the right thing.

We thought we were. When we got rid of the box, they took those channels and didn't tell us. He didn't say a word about it nor did he bother to turn the TV on and actually see if everything was still working when he scampered out the door. After that we had to run downtown to get a box and get things taken care of before end of business that day (or I wouldn't have been able to watch football later). We had to wait until today to get a tech out to take the trap off.

I get that a lot of times these traps are never added back in. We never really watched TV but we have always had those channels, since the day we moved in. We have had probably a dozen techs since 2005 and not a single one ever put the trap on. We have been paying for those channels for the last year (since we got a TV), and so we assumed we would still have them after getting rid of the HD DVR box.

All the tech had to do was say "Hey, I'm going to have to put a trap on the line since you no longer have this package," and we could have said "Wait, we should. Let us call and fix that so you don't take the cable away before the football game is on that we all want to watch." Instead he put the trap on and left. That was bad, bad, bad. Had it been a few hours later, we would have been SOL with the COX office closed.

(Also, boo to the CSR at the downtown COX location who said the analogs would be back on in 30 minutes after she re-added them to the account.)

Says who? My AT&T DSL is much faster than the Cox Cable Internet. My company provides the DSL since I work from home. But, I pay for the Cox Internet. I even had a tech come out because I just knew something must be wrong with my Cox Internet. The tech guy that came out was amazed at the speed difference. He checked everything he could think of. I think his sensibilities were offended. But nothing he tried or did made a difference.

First off, there is the DSL hardware. Luckily, I have a few older DSL modems that aren't the newer pieces of junk. With Cable, I have a much wider range of hardware selection that is much more reliable. For example, with most of their DSL offerings, you can not maintain a PPTP connection when the model is handling the PPPoE connection.

Second, there is the speed. 768KBps tops when I can double that with COX. When you download as much as I do, that extra speed is well worth it. Plus, I get a much better upload with COX then I ever did with DSL. When playing on XBox Live and hosting a game, this makes all the difference in the world.

Now, I don't like the port 25 blocking COX does, but I'm almost certain ATT does that these days too. When I had service with ATT, they also did ICMP blocking which meant I couldn't easy check to see if a server was responding.

On top of that, ATT DSL requires a phone line. If I could get a better upload and IF I could get naked DSL for $35/mo, I would. Now, if you want to compare BUSINESS class products, then we have a whole different ballgame. I wish Wichita had the competition KC has, as my clients in KC pay half of what my clients in Wichita pay for twice the speed and better service to boot.

As much as I want all the HD channels Direct TV offers (they added more recently, and all I want is HD. Even on the food network, the difference on shows like Good Eats makes all the difference when trying to figure out what they are talking about on texture, consistency, etc.) I don't want the satellite headache. (Large tree to my due south, and I don't want to have to go sweep my dish when we have a snow storm like I had to when I had Dish Network a few years ago). Oh, and I want KS Now 22 for WSU stuff too.

To put it bluntly: COX has me by the balls.

Anyone know if Cox is planning to add HGTV HD anytime soon?

Well, DirecTV just added it. Along with 9 other HD channels. That brings DirecTV's count of new HD channels to 47, in the time that Cox Kansas has added... well. One..

Does anyone know if the quality of the HD channels is going to go up as these upgrades happen. Some of the macro blocking really defeats the purpose of HD.

Does anyone know if the quality of the HD channels is going to go up as these upgrades happen. Some of the macro blocking really defeats the purpose of HD.

The blocking could be caused by the compression that the broadcaster is using, that Cox is using or your TV. I know my HD TV will block on close-ups of high rate of speed (i.e. basketball).

HD Quaility is in that hands of so many different people, and that is something most people don't understand.

The blocking could be caused by the compression that the broadcaster is using, that Cox is using or your TV. I know my HD TV will block on close-ups of high rate of speed (i.e. basketball).

HD Quaility is in that hands of so many different people, and that is something most people don't understand.

I would put the blame on Cox. I have at many times while watching ESPN on ABC or something switched over to the OTA ABC channel. It has always looked crisper and better than the Cox version. Same TV, same broadcast. The only HD Quality that changes is Cox.

Cox regular speed is up to 7mb for $42/mo. But I get around 12mb down, 500k up........

Are you serious? I pay that much and usually get less than 3mb. Maybe I should give Cox a call...

Are you serious? I pay that much and usually get less than 3mb. Maybe I should give Cox a call...

Computer issues can slow down internet speeds. Spyware is a speed killer. If you ahve ton of search bars at the top of IE, you will be slow. Plus only good speed test site is speakeasy.net/speedtest

Well, DirecTV just added it. Along with 9 other HD channels. That brings DirecTV's count of new HD channels to 47, in the time that Cox Kansas has added... well. One..

Somehow I figured that Squid. Anyone (read that as"KScableguy" :)) know how and where to contact someone with authority at Cox to suggest/request programming ideas?

Somehow I figured that Squid. Anyone (read that as"KScableguy" :)) know how and where to contact someone with authority at Cox to suggest/request programming ideas?

Just need to call the regular Cox number and tell the person you are requesting a channel be added. They (CSR) should fill a form out and submit it and then the request would be entered. I also think there is a spot on the Cox.com site for channel requests. Also I know many broadcasters have forms that you can fill out to request the channel be added and they submit them to your cable provider.

Computer issues can slow down internet speeds. Spyware is a speed killer. If you ahve ton of search bars at the top of IE, you will be slow. Plus only good speed test site is speakeasy.net/speedtest

That's the site the tech used when he came out to my house. And I don't take offense at your previous post either. You don't know what I've done or not done to try and help improve my speed. All the testing the tech did was on a DuoCore 2 gigs of Ram laptop that is never used for regular web surfing. I regularly scan all the computers in my home for virus' and spyware. While I do have some older much slower computers, I wanted to test the connections on the best and most pristine computer in my house, which is the DuoCore with 2 gigs of ram.

Oh and no I don't have both Cox and DSL hooked up to the same computer. For the moment Cox is hooked to only one computer in my house while everything else is hooked to DSL.

I honestly don't expect a resolution, I'm happy with the DSL for Internet. I'll just be thrilled when Cox starts adding more HD channels!

KSCableGuy:

As to the sound problem: I have tested this at painful length and loss of time. I experience the sound drop on ALL digital channels received through the Cox cable. Currently, that means ALL channels if the cablecard is in place. The reason the card got "un paired" was I had to eject it to see if I had a problem on analog channels. When the card is ejected, most of the channels become analog. In that situation, all analog channels do NOT have a sound problem (which is true for our two other older TVs that are not digital). However, the QAM channels (like 114-1, I don't recall their specific numbers) which ARE digital still had the sound problem. Therefore, it is not the card (it wasn't the first card; it wasn't the second one they gave me; it isn't the third one they gave me). My dealer has even replaced the circuit board that has the QAM tuner, ATSC tuner, analog tuner, and slot for the cable card, along with the System Time Clock used for digital tv signals. I still have the problem. So, I also set up an OTA antenna (which was no mean feat, since the TV is in the basement). I got a strong enough signal for KAKE's OTA digital signal to watch TV uninterrupted for 40 minutes WITHOUT any sound problem; so, the ATSC tuner, which uses the same system clock as the QAM tuner, works fine; and, therefore, the system clock works fine as well. And the diagnostics on the TV show that everytime I have a sound drop watching a digital channel from Cox, which occurs on average every 5 minutes, I have a corresponding change in state of the Program Clock Reference from "locked" to "unlocked". So, the sound problem is independent of the card, and is related to a subtle problem with the signal; and because testing the source of the problem required ejecting the CableCard to test the QAM tuner without the card in, the card has become unpaired.

Just need to call the regular Cox number and tell the person you are requesting a channel be added. They (CSR) should fill a form out and submit it and then the request would be entered. I also think there is a spot on the Cox.com site for channel requests. Also I know many broadcasters have forms that you can fill out to request the channel be added and they submit them to your cable provider.

I know people who have done that and it is really jsut an automated response. Honestly, it seems like Cox has no intention to listen to consumer input.

I know people who have done that and it is really jsut an automated response. Honestly, it seems like Cox has no intention to listen to consumer input.

Actually they do base some of their channel adds on consumer request. But if people don't call in and ask for HGTV in HD, then they don't think people want it. But that group of people who want the new religion channel, and 100's of people call for that channel, Cox will add that channel not ScFi in HD, or the Big Ten Channel or ESPN360.

Ihave been an occasional poster and regular reader of this thread for 5 yrs and always find it informative and helpful, lately I've seen a lot of dis'ing on our local cable provider, some of it deserved, but after sending ALL day at work w/o satellite signal due to weather I'd take cable any day despite their limited HD offerings right now. I look forward as much as anyone, but when it comes to reliability there is no compare, unfortunately my office location is not served by cable yet (which I'm really p.o.'d with cox about btw)

I'm just guessing it's the card that for seom reason doesn't know that channel has been added. I woulud have Cox change out the card and see if that helps. If that doesn't help, it could be a TV issue.

I emailed Cox over the weekend and by Monday PM I was able to receive Ch's 616 and 617. The email indicated they re-sent a "signal" to the cable card. Neat resolution to the problem.

Off-topic, HD channels I'd like to see added sooner than later -- TBS, CNN, HGTV, Food, DIY, USA, FoxNews, CNN Headline, CNBC, MSNBC, and the Weather Channel when it is broadcast next year.

Cox will be adding TBS and CNN within 2 weeks.

http://hd.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=202796

About time, Cox gets sued for lying about their HD, maybe this will open their eyes. If anybody has ever followed the links on Cox's website about "Better HD than Satellite" it links to a Comcast page. Also, Cox, as a company announced TBS and CNN HD in the coming weeks two weeks ago. I would think the threat of U-verse in January would cause Cox to step it up a bit. That has been the problem in Wichita. We have no competition, so Cox doesn't have to do anything, because they already have everybody.

I talked to an AT&T Tech when they were down the street installing some of the new Fibre stuffs and they gave January as a launch date for U-verse. Anybody else heard anything more about it? From what I have seen it is looking to be a great Cox alternative. Not too thrilled about the INternet speeds though.

http://hd.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=202796

About time, Cox gets sued for lying about their HD, maybe this will open their eyes. If anybody has ever followed the links on Cox's website about "Better HD than Satellite" it links to a Comcast page. Also, Cox, as a company announced TBS and CNN HD in the coming weeks two weeks ago. I would think the threat of U-verse in January would cause Cox to step it up a bit. That has been the problem in Wichita. We have no competition, so Cox doesn't have to do anything, because they already have everybody.

I talked to an AT&T Tech when they were down the street installing some of the new Fibre stuffs and they gave January as a launch date for U-verse. Anybody else heard anything more about it? From what I have seen it is looking to be a great Cox alternative. Not too thrilled about the INternet speeds though.

Now I understand. Wife has received numerous AT&T internet marketing calls in the past two weeks at home (McPherson). My guess is U-Verse is the next step here for AT&T. We're on Cox for both cable and internet but at my office I am AT&T. Internet service at office has been much more stable than at home (read: fewer outages).

HD and general TV lineup of U-Verse is interesting to say the least.

Might want to check the forums, etc., about U-Verse. Found this link which appears relatively new. www.uverseusers.com

Cox will be adding TBS and CNN within 2 weeks.

That TBS part is cool ... too bad it wasn't in time for the NLCS :(

Well, I've reached the point on my sound problem referenced earlier that no diagnosis seems possible; there are reasons to believe it is inherent in my Cox signal; other reasons to believe it is inherent in the CableCard/QAM tuner set up in the Tv itself. So, I'm considering switching to an HD box. I have a few questions:

1. Does the current Cox HD/DVR box allow you to watch and record at the same time, and "replay" live TV?

2. Is there any reason to go with a TIVO system instead?

3. Is the TIVO system cablecard-driven, and if so, has anyone had trouble with them on the Wichita Cox system?

4. If I go TIVO instead of a COX box, I guess I have to buy a box, pay Cox for the TV service, including digital gateway and each tier of service I want, AND I pay TIVO about $15/mo for something?

5. Finally, if I go with the COX box, which is better--component video, or HDMI?

Well, I've reached the point on my sound problem referenced earlier that no diagnosis seems possible; there are reasons to believe it is inherent in my Cox signal; other reasons to believe it is inherent in the CableCard/QAM tuner set up in the Tv itself. So, I'm considering switching to an HD box. I have a few questions:

1. Does the current Cox HD/DVR box allow you to watch and record at the same time, and "replay" live TV?

2. Is there any reason to go with a TIVO system instead?

3. Is the TIVO system cablecard-driven, and if so, has anyone had trouble with them on the Wichita Cox system?

4. If I go TIVO instead of a COX box, I guess I have to buy a box, pay Cox for the TV service, including digital gateway and each tier of service I want, AND I pay TIVO about $15/mo for something?

5. Finally, if I go with the COX box, which is better--component video, or HDMI?


1. Cox HD/DVD box is Dual Tuner, so you can record 1 channel and watch another. You can record two channels at once. Or you can record two channels at once and watch a record program.

2. Some people like what TiVo can do, but it's all personal prefrence.

3. No Clue on this.

4. You would pay $3 for each card per month, plus digital gateway (about $5/mo), then you pay for each tier you want or any movie channel. Then you would pay TiVo something like $10 to $15 for their service.

5. HDMI is better

What is the current storage capacity of the Cox HD/DVR (in HD hours)?

4. You would pay $3 for each card per month, plus digital gateway (about $5/mo), then you pay for each tier you want or any movie channel. Then you would pay TiVo something like $10 to $15 for their service.

Not correct.

CableCards from Cox are $1.99 each. If you have the newest Tivo HD DVR, it supports the multi-stream card so you only need one. Cox is deploying the M-Card across the country. Not sure if Wichita has them yet but they will.

One digital gateway charge for Tivo just like Cox.

You pay the same for each Tier on Tivo just like Cox.

If you have the Cox DVR, you pay a $9.95 rental fee plus a $4.95 DVR fee. Tivo fee is comparable based on payment option.

Regarding #3, There can be CableCard issues during installation whether you have them installed in a Tivo or a TV that supports them. The difficulty usually is a result of Cox's poor training and the lack of their tech's experience with CableCards. Once installed and working, you should not have any problems.

If I'm considering adding yet another device and remote to my assemblage by getting a Cox HD/DVR, I suppose I should also consider satellite.

So: in Wichita, what comments does anyone have regarding the satellite providers? And, just as important to me: if I switch to satellite, do I have to run new cable throughout the house, or will my exisiting 75-ohm coaxial cable I'm using for cable tv work?

Existing rg-6 will work, but you will need a phone line to sat. box. I have cox at home and sat at work, I hate satellite due to weather interuptions that are numerous. Your mileage may vary. My .02

If I'm considering adding yet another device and remote to my assemblage by getting a Cox HD/DVR, I suppose I should also consider satellite.

So: in Wichita, what comments does anyone have regarding the satellite providers? And, just as important to me: if I switch to satellite, do I have to run new cable throughout the house, or will my exisiting 75-ohm coaxial cable I'm using for cable tv work?

If you have no problem waiting, U-verse seems to be a good alternative to Cable and Satellite. No real Idea on when or cost of anything, but I heard in January. Also, I have a neighbor with sattalite. They said, if you have a good quality new dish and have it positioned correctly, rain fade only becomes and issue in REALLY heavy rain. And during that heavy of rain, they normally are watching the weather, which they get OTA. As far as the Cable goes, it seems like the satalitte installers prefer to run their own new wire rather than use the existing. Personally, I am thinking of installing Satallite, and if I do, I would just install it myself. As far as I know, the cable is the same. Its just one of those control things I assume. They can be absolutely sure nothing goes wrong if they install it all.

I am using a Tivo Series 3 HD DVR and have been experiencing some problems with my Cox video skipping and pixelating right during the middle of Prisonbreak tonight and it looks like it effects all of my channels. Also this is happening on my other HD Tivo as well. Anyone else having this problem with Tivo or the Cox HD DVR?

I am using a Tivo Series 3 HD DVR and have been experiencing some problems with my Cox video skipping and pixelating right during the middle of Prisonbreak tonight and it looks like it effects all of my channels. Also this is happening on my other HD Tivo as well. Anyone else having this problem with Tivo or the Cox HD DVR?


No problems tonight viewing Prison Break, Heroes, Chuck, and MNF on the Cox HD DVR.

Also HBO HD OnDemand is up and running. Only 4 movies available now but this is big plus for Cox cable in my opinion.

Has anyone noticed that KSNW (NBC, 3-1) has an orange (sometimes green) stripe down the far left side on their HD programming? It looks like it's only 1 or 2 pixels wide.

Also, for anyone wondering, an Engineer at KWCH told me the CW would probably be broadcasting in HD next year. He said that they don't have the equipment to receive HD yet but planned to after they moved the studio to KWCH.

Well, I've reached the point on my sound problem referenced earlier that no diagnosis seems possible; there are reasons to believe it is inherent in my Cox signal; other reasons to believe it is inherent in the CableCard/QAM tuner set up in the Tv itself. So, I'm considering switching to an HD box. I have a few questions:

1. Does the current Cox HD/DVR box allow you to watch and record at the same time, and "replay" live TV?

2. Is there any reason to go with a TIVO system instead?

3. Is the TIVO system cablecard-driven, and if so, has anyone had trouble with them on the Wichita Cox system?

4. If I go TIVO instead of a COX box, I guess I have to buy a box, pay Cox for the TV service, including digital gateway and each tier of service I want, AND I pay TIVO about $15/mo for something?

5. Finally, if I go with the COX box, which is better--component video, or HDMI?

Answering only Tivo questions here.....

2. There are tons of features Tivo has that the Cox DVR doesn't. Check out Tivo.com.

3. Only the Series 3/HD Tivo is cable card driven. The Series 2 is not cable card driven. I have two Series 2 Tivo's and a Series 3 which has two cable cards in it.

4. I pay $16.95 for my primary Tivo and $10.95 for each secondary Tivo. To purhcase a Tivo, the box itself will cox more than the Cox DVR, but again has tons of features the Cox DVR doesn't have. I also pay 1.99 a month per cable card.

Cox will be adding TBS and CNN within 2 weeks.

TBS is ok... but CNN? Seriously what a waste.

Where's SciFi HD????????

Has anyone noticed that KSNW (NBC, 3-1) has an orange (sometimes green) stripe down the far left side on their HD programming? It looks like it's only 1 or 2 pixels wide.

Also, for anyone wondering, an Engineer at KWCH told me the CW would probably be broadcasting in HD next year. He said that they don't have the equipment to receive HD yet but planned to after they moved the studio to KWCH.

My question is when OUR News stations will start broadcasting the LOCAL news in HD. I mean, we are a smaller city, but have very large news stations, since we broadcast to all of Western Kansas. I guess HD woulld only be a benifit to people in Wichita. Either way, if one station does it, the others will be forced to, thats how it has happened in other cities.

My question is when OUR News stations will start broadcasting the LOCAL news in HD. I mean, we are a smaller city, but have very large news stations, since we broadcast to all of Western Kansas. I guess HD woulld only be a benifit to people in Wichita. Either way, if one station does it, the others will be forced to, thats how it has happened in other cities.

Switching to shooting the news in HD is a very expensive undertaking. First they would have to upgrade to HD cameras in studio, then HD cameras in the field. Second, they would have to upgrade the studios themselves as most sets looks really bad (like they do in person) in HD. Then they would have to re-do their whole production back end to handle the HD content. In the end, this would be very beneficial to them as all their B roll would be digital and it will make it a lot easier to find and roll that stock footage. There are a lot of other things that would have to be done as well.

When the stations switched to being able to rebroadcast HD, they all talked about how crazy expensive it was. I would be surprised if they are done paying off that expense, so I suspect it may be awhile as the benefits to doing it really aren't there to match the cost at this point.

I'm not saying there aren't benefits. It would be very nice to have the weather in HD as that would provide greater detail on the maps / show more area when they are showing off the radar. That said, a lot of weather equipment would have to be upgraded as well. Also, it would allow them to start running syndication programs like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune in HD.

I know this question has been asked and answered before but here it goes again.

I currently running my HDTV with the Cox HD-DVR. If I purchase another TV with a NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner, what channels will I receive by connecting the cable directly to the TV?

I believe I should receive the analog channels and the local HD channels. Will I be able to receive any of the channels on the digital tier also (I'm guessing no)?

Appreciate any info from anyone currently using their QAM tuner in this manner.

Why is the World Series not in HD? I would think that the people at Fox would try a little harder for something being watched by so many viewers. At which point does this become unacceptable?

I currently running my HDTV with the Cox HD-DVR. If I purchase another TV with a NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner, what channels will I receive by connecting the cable directly to the TV?

I have a Cox HD-DVR on one of my HDTVs, and am using straight cable through QAM tuner on my other HDTV.

On my QAM HDTV, I get all the analogs, and a bunch of digital channels, some in HD.

I get all the networks in HD... the same channels you could get OTA. But I also get the Weather Channel and HGTV in digital (not HD) for some reason. I guess Cox is letting them pass through, so it's on them.

An interesting side note, every time I do a new channel scan (every few months or so), it seems to find different channels. For example, I didn't have Weather Channel or HGTV in digital until my most recent scan. Also, in the past the location of the network channels has changed. Not sure why this is.

Hope this helps.

Although I have had multiple Cox representatives deny this, and most recently a tech told me if I was getting these channels, I wasn't supposed to, you are correct. If you connect a Cox cable to a TV with a built-in QAM tuner, you should get the analog channels that Cox still carries (I think they're still doing all of 2-72 or so as an analog simulcast), along with the local digital channels with peculiar numbers like 114-1. I don't have a current list of what channels are what. In addition, somehow you get some other digital channels that aren't the local digitals.

Currently, I have a sound problem with Cox's digital signal using my internal QAM tuner, but I don't have it when using their box. If you connect a TV with a built-in QAM tuner, I'd be curious whether you experience anything like I get--sound drops about every 5 minutes (for about 1/2 second or so). I'd be curious either way, because I have a theory as to the cause, and I'd probably want to exchange some private messages to compare our locations and the like.

I have a Cox HD-DVR on one of my HDTVs, and am using straight cable through QAM tuner on my other HDTV.

On my QAM HDTV, I get all the analogs, and a bunch of digital channels, some in HD.

I get all the networks in HD... the same channels you could get OTA. But I also get the Weather Channel and HGTV in digital (not HD) for some reason. I guess Cox is letting them pass through, so it's on them.

An interesting side note, every time I do a new channel scan (every few months or so), it seems to find different channels. For example, I didn't have Weather Channel or HGTV in digital until my most recent scan. Also, in the past the location of the network channels has changed. Not sure why this is.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. Exactly what I was looking for.

Why is the World Series not in HD? I would think that the people at Fox would try a little harder for something being watched by so many viewers. At which point does this become unacceptable?

They finally fixed it in the middle of the 2nd inning.

Although I have had multiple Cox representatives deny this, and most recently a tech told me if I was getting these channels, I wasn't supposed to, you are correct...

Currently, I have a sound problem with Cox's digital signal using my internal QAM tuner, but I don't have it when using their box. If you connect a TV with a built-in QAM tuner, I'd be curious whether you experience anything like I get--sound drops about every 5 minutes (for about 1/2 second or so). I'd be curious either way, because I have a theory as to the cause, and I'd probably want to exchange some private messages to compare our locations and the like.

On issue #1, it doesn't seem like Cox's CSRs are very knowledgeable about QAM tuners in general. They usually give me the runaround as if they really know nothing about them and don't offer any support.

On issue #2, I have a QAM tuner on one of my HDTVs, and have had no audio problems -- except for the fact that the HD channels seem to be quieter than the analog channels. I have just always assumed this was because the HD channels are trying to output 5.1 audio thru the speakers on my TV, whereas the analog channels are set up to use just those two speakers and no surround sound.

I know there was post on this a while back, but does anyone know the current expected timetable for Cox in Wichita to stop the simulcast of analog, and have analog customers switch to having to use a digital box? Although I've got one digital, "digital cable ready" TV, I've got one analog only TV and one HD Compatible TV that only has an internal analog tuner.

I know there was post on this a while back, but does anyone know the current expected timetable for Cox in Wichita to stop the simulcast of analog, and have analog customers switch to having to use a digital box? Although I've got one digital, "digital cable ready" TV, I've got one analog only TV and one HD Compatible TV that only has an internal analog tuner.

There isn't one...nothing in the works to shut off analog anytime soon.

On issue #1, it doesn't seem like Cox's CSRs are very knowledgeable about QAM tuners in general. They usually give me the runaround as if they really know nothing about them and don't offer any support.

On issue #2, I have a QAM tuner on one of my HDTVs, and have had no audio problems -- except for the fact that the HD channels seem to be quieter than the analog channels. I have just always assumed this was because the HD channels are trying to output 5.1 audio thru the speakers on my TV, whereas the analog channels are set up to use just those two speakers and no surround sound.

#1: Will agree with this comment, as I doubt they are trained on QAM and that TV's can pick-up Digital Channels without a card. But Cox really only supports your TV if you are using a CableCard. But nothing wrong with being smart and picking up what Cox sends out in the clear.

#2: I'm still thinking it's his TV itself that is the problem. He has the problem with a CableCard and without one. I bet if you have a Tech put a box on the TV, you won't have the problem. Plus you get onscreen guide, PayPerView, OnDEMAND and interactive TV. Plus you can buy an all-in-one remote, so you don't have multiple remotes.

#1: Will agree with this comment, as I doubt they are trained on QAM and that TV's can pick-up Digital Channels without a card. But Cox really only supports your TV if you are using a CableCard. But nothing wrong with being smart and picking up what Cox sends out in the clear.



Not only are they not trained, they specifically say that it shouldn't work and that I shouldn't be using it. It is one thing to train everyone to say they don't support anything on Clear QAM but it is another thing to say I have to have a box when I don't.

Kind of frustrating.

"I have just always assumed this was because the HD channels are trying to output 5.1 audio thru the speakers on my TV, whereas the analog channels are set up to use just those two speakers and no surround sound."

I think that going from 5.1 to two will reduce the volume.


"#2: I'm still thinking it's his TV itself that is the problem. He has the problem with a CableCard and without one. I bet if you have a Tech put a box on the TV, you won't have the problem. Plus you get onscreen guide, PayPerView, OnDEMAND and interactive TV. Plus you can buy an all-in-one remote, so you don't have multiple remotes."

cable guy

I would agree the sound problem could be the TV, but for these facts: (1) The circuit board that has the QAM tuner, the ASTC tuner, the system clock, and the cablecard slot was replaced, and I still have exactly the same problem I had before; (2) with the original board and with the replacement board, the problem was not duplicated at the dealer--and I went there personally to listen for the sound problem; (3) both the QAM tuner and the ASTC tuner use the same system clock, and there is NO problem using the ASTC tuner, but there is with any signal being processed by the QAM tuner--i.e., the digital stream on cable; and (4) the built-in diagnostics on the set show an exact correspondence between the sound problem and the status of the "program clock reference", which is part of the transport stream (i.e, the digital signal).

I would agree the sound problem could be the TV, but for these facts: (1) The circuit board that has the QAM tuner, the ASTC tuner, the system clock, and the cablecard slot was replaced, and I still have exactly the same problem I had before; (2) with the original board and with the replacement board, the problem was not duplicated at the dealer--and I went there personally to listen for the sound problem; (3) both the QAM tuner and the ASTC tuner use the same system clock, and there is NO problem using the ASTC tuner, but there is with any signal being processed by the QAM tuner--i.e., the digital stream on cable; and (4) the built-in diagnostics on the set show an exact correspondence between the sound problem and the status of the "program clock reference", which is part of the transport stream (i.e, the digital signal).

So take your TV to your dealer and have them hook cable into it and see what happens. Or have the dealer bring another TV out and try it at the same time with your TV (use 2-way splitter). This will be the only way you figure out if its the TV or not.

Have you contacted the manufacture and asked if their is a firmware upgrade? What brand TV do you have? Hope it's not a Toshiba.

Any word yet about when Cox will add CNN to its HD channel lineup ??

Any word yet about when Cox will add CNN to its HD channel lineup ??

Well... KSCableGuy said on the 18th of October that they would be adding it in the next two weeks. November 1st is two weeks from the 18th, so... Tomorrow?

November 1st but no CNN HD yet........but Iim a patient man :)

November 1st but no CNN HD yet........but Iim a patient man :)

Maybe you can give me some lessons, because I am not patient at all... If they could tell us that the wait would be worth it, maybe I would be okay, but, like. A roadmap would be nice.

What is the big deal about CNN HD? I would rather Cox use that valuable bandwidth on a better HD channel like the Discovery HD channels. I can't imagine that CNN HD would be any good at all considering most of the news stories will probably not be in HD.

What is the big deal about CNN HD? I would rather Cox use that valuable bandwidth on a better HD channel like the Discovery HD channels. I can't imagine that CNN HD would be any good at all considering most of the news stories will probably not be in HD.

Ditto! Fox Sports Net Midwest HD would be a much better choice.

What is the big deal about CNN HD? I would rather Cox use that valuable bandwidth on a better HD channel like the Discovery HD channels. I can't imagine that CNN HD would be any good at all considering most of the news stories will probably not be in HD.

Thats the problem, until Cox can go from saying, "What are we going to squeeze in the little Bandwidth that we have." to "There isn't enough HD channels for the space we have." They have no chance against satellite. Cable HD options are embarrassing, but Cox is on the bottom of the list of even cable operators.

Thats the problem, until Cox can go from saying, "What are we going to squeeze in the little Bandwidth that we have." to "There isn't enough HD channels for the space we have." They have no chance against satellite. Cable HD options are embarrassing, but Cox is on the bottom of the list of even cable operators.

What we need to do is have find a common channel that everyone agrees would be good for Cox to carry in HD... gather a ton of signatures from this market area... and then dump them on Cox's doorstep.

KScableguy.... you wanna spearhead that? :D

What we need to do is have find a common channel that everyone agrees would be good for Cox to carry in HD... gather a ton of signatures from this market area... and then dump them on Cox's doorstep.

KScableguy.... you wanna spearhead that? :D

I sent an email to Cox about the channels I wanted to see. Never heard back from them, so they must not have liked the amount of channels I asked for. Basically I sent a email with all the channels I wanted to see that their "competitors" have. Although, Cox isn't really what I would call competing.

Animal Planet HD
Cartoon Network HD
CNBC HD
CNN HD
Discovery HD
Food Network HD
Fox Business HD
HDNet
HGTV HD
TBS HD
Science HD
Weather HD

Mainly I personally want to see CNN, Discovery, HGTV and Weather.

Cox will be adding the following before the end of 2007:

CNN
TBS
TLC
Discovery
HGTV

I know I said CNN, and TBS would alreday be here, but looks like they pushed that back til' after they remove HBO, Cinemax and Showtime from the regular line-up.

Cox will be adding the following before the end of 2007:

CNN
TBS
TLC
Discovery
HGTV

I know I said CNN, and TBS would alreday be here, but looks like they pushed that back til' after they remove HBO, Cinemax and Showtime from the regular line-up.

Wasn't that HBO, Cinemax, Showtime cut off supposed to be at the end of October, or was it November?

Cox will be adding the following before the end of 2007:

CNN
TBS
TLC
Discovery
HGTV

I know I said CNN, and TBS would alreday be here, but looks like they pushed that back til' after they remove HBO, Cinemax and Showtime from the regular line-up.

Well, if they get these added, I would be very pleased.

Has anyone in Wichita with Cox Digital experience lost signal or lots of tiling on channels in the range of 50 to 73? I mysteriously lost TCM (65), along with channels 64, and Univision, and Cox's 73 along with others on both my HD/DVR and my cablecard. I had some tiling or signal loss on other channels intermittently on the Box. This began sometime between 6:45 PM on Tuesday, 11/6, and 9:00 PM the same day (I discovered it because I intended to record a movie off TCM, but saw nothing was happening; I had checked the channel at 6:45 to peek at the Man from UNCLE rerun that was showing).

Has anyone in Wichita with Cox Digital experience lost signal or lots of tiling on channels in the range of 50 to 73? ..snip...

The past 2 mornings in Dodge City have been getting lots of signal dropouts that have sound drops and tiling on channels. Also several channels "Not Available".

Today looks ok.

My channels were still out this AM before leaving for work; but I'll check again this evening. I've got a tech scheduled for Friday just in case.

Personally, I really want to see Food Network in HD. A lot of the cooking techniques, showing off what the texture of something should look like, etc. really benefit from being in HD.

Odd question, I know... but...

I have the Cox HD DVR Remote with black on bottom and silver on top where the buttons are...

Anyhow, my remote just stopped working. Every time I push any button, the "cable" button light (top right under the master power button) flashes twice. Nothing actually happens, though.

I've replaced the batteries, but nothing. Here's the kicker: I've talked to Cox CSRs more than once, and they run me through a bunch of stuff that doesn't do anything.

I guess I'm going to run to the local Cox Office and see if they'll just let me swap out my remote, but I wonder if any of you have experienced this before? I'm fairly tech savvy, but this one has me stumped.

Odd question, I know... but...

I have the Cox HD DVR Remote with black on bottom and silver on top where the buttons are...

Anyhow, my remote just stopped working. Every time I push any button, the "cable" button light (top right under the master power button) flashes twice. Nothing actually happens, though.

I've replaced the batteries, but nothing. Here's the kicker: I've talked to Cox CSRs more than once, and they run me through a bunch of stuff that doesn't do anything.

I guess I'm going to run to the local Cox Office and see if they'll just let me swap out my remote, but I wonder if any of you have experienced this before? I'm fairly tech savvy, but this one has me stumped.

I have the same remote. I suspect somehow your code got wiped out. The manual for the remote includes a list of 4-digit codes for different kinds of devices, including cable converters; perhaps you can reprogram it by manually entering codes until you get the right code.

I have the same remote. I suspect somehow your code got wiped out. The manual for the remote includes a list of 4-digit codes for different kinds of devices, including cable converters; perhaps you can reprogram it by manually entering codes until you get the right code.

Thanks. I thought about this, but you would think that at least one of the multiple CSR's I spoke with would have given me the codes for my HD DVR as one of the first things to do.

Let me know if that remote code selection solves it. Some of us might think the CSRs would suggest it; others of us might not.

Let me know if that remote code selection solves it. Some of us might think the CSRs would suggest it; others of us might not.

I'm home from work today, so I just ran the remote over to the local office and swapped it out. New one is working fine.

ON ANOTHER NOTE: My local Cox office new NOTHING of the new HD DVR all-digital box that was talked about earlier... Does anyone actually have one? My office is a small one in Newton, so I wonder if I could go to a Wichita office and get one of these new boxes? Or is there any point to having a new one?

I'm home from work today, so I just ran the remote over to the local office and swapped it out. New one is working fine.

ON ANOTHER NOTE: My local Cox office new NOTHING of the new HD DVR all-digital box that was talked about earlier... Does anyone actually have one? My office is a small one in Newton, so I wonder if I could go to a Wichita office and get one of these new boxes? Or is there any point to having a new one?

I have one....works like a relgular DVR. I don't have a eSata drive so can't check if that feature will work but have been told that port isn't active. I doubt it ever will be due to copywrite laws.

Wasn't that HBO, Cinemax, Showtime cut off supposed to be at the end of October, or was it November?

November 15th

I have one....works like a relgular DVR. I don't have a eSata drive so can't check if that feature will work but have been told that port isn't active. I doubt it ever will be due to copywrite laws.

The newer DirecTV boxes (with 300GB space onboard) have the eSATA port active. Why would their copywrite concerns be any different than Cox's?

I have one....works like a relgular DVR. I don't have a eSata drive so can't check if that feature will work but have been told that port isn't active. I doubt it ever will be due to copywrite laws.

So, is there ANY reason I would want to get that new box instead of the one I have now? Does it have more storage or any features that would be an improvement over my current box?

November 15th

I may have missed something about this "cutoff". Wife wants to know what it means? Surely HBO, etc., aren't going to be completely removed from the Cox HD lineup! Can someone give me an answer to keep "peace" around the house? :p

I've been using my Cox HD/DVR for a few weeks now, and am finding that it has some advantages over the built-in tuner and DVR on my TV, so I'm likely to keep it or invest in a TIVO, although I'm not sure it's worth the extra money to me to buy a TIVO since the monthly ongoing charges work out to be about the same.

In any event, I've got one of the newer boxes--it has an HDMI output; and on the face of the box there is what appears to be a USB port. The documentation that came with it doesn't say what that's for. What is it for? Is it for input from other devices, like a computer, external drive, or digital camera? If so, how do you select it for use?

I may have missed something about this "cutoff". Wife wants to know what it means? Surely HBO, etc., aren't going to be completely removed from the Cox HD lineup! Can someone give me an answer to keep "peace" around the house? :p

This is referring to the "old" channels for HBO, SHOW, and MAX (15, 16, and 17).

The digital versions of the channels and the HD ones will remain. I think they're just trying to get more people to bump up to the digital tier.

Hey thanks Moreinc :) Mama's smiling again!!

So, is there ANY reason I would want to get that new box instead of the one I have now? Does it have more storage or any features that would be an improvement over my current box?

Nope

In any event, I've got one of the newer boxes--it has an HDMI output; and on the face of the box there is what appears to be a USB port. The documentation that came with it doesn't say what that's for. What is it for? Is it for input from other devices, like a computer, external drive, or digital camera? If so, how do you select it for use?

Like all of Cox's other boxes, there are inputs and outputs that arre on the box but not active. This is due to these boxes being used with in other systems for other cable companies.

Any updates on when AT&T will launch U-Verse in Wichita, KS? Last night, for the second time in 8 days or so my Cox HD/DVR decided not to have a signal--when I was wanting to record a show. Both times have required a reset, meaning I also get to waste a bunch of time reconfiguring skipped channels, etc. A petty inconvenience if occassional, but almost weekly seems a bit extreme.

Any updates on when AT&T will launch U-Verse in Wichita, KS? Last night, for the second time in 8 days or so my Cox HD/DVR decided not to have a signal--when I was wanting to record a show. Both times have required a reset, meaning I also get to waste a bunch of time reconfiguring skipped channels, etc. A petty inconvenience if occassional, but almost weekly seems a bit extreme.

AT&T won't be anywhere near as good as COX, DISH, or DirecTV... at least for the next 12-18 months. Just read about the problems and issues in other threads. That doesn't mean AT&T won't improve though... but the near term, no way.

It sounds like you should exchange you DVR. I don't have any major issues with the 3 DVRs in my house.

After posting about U-verse I did some searches and agree--for the time being, it doesn't sound like what I'm looking for just now, either.

After posting about U-verse I did some searches and agree--for the time being, it doesn't sound like what I'm looking for just now, either.

Although it has some serious potential, and finally will give Cox some competition. Its initial launch, even if it isn't that great, will hopefully cause Cox to want to look much more attractive, i.e. we all win. Cox has the edge in Kansas over Satellite because we all know the uncertainties of Kansas Weather, but when another hardwired alternative comes to town... we will just have to see, last I heard was January 2008, and that was from an at&t rep.

I heard august 08 at earliest depending on location

Cox has the edge in Kansas over Satellite because we all know the uncertainties of Kansas Weather

I don't really think so. I hope you're not just listening to the marketing put out by the cable companies. I occasionally lose a signal when a REALLY bad rainstorm blows through. When that happens, I still have OTA to fall back on. I have friends/family who have cable and they lose their signals for no apparent reason. If its HD you want, well then there are two better choices than cable.

I don't really think so. I hope you're not just listening to the marketing put out by the cable companies. I occasionally lose a signal when a REALLY bad rainstorm blows through. When that happens, I still have OTA to fall back on. I have friends/family who have cable and they lose their signals for no apparent reason. If its HD you want, well then there are two better choices than cable.

I'm completely with you on that, I have nothing against Satellite. Pretty much all I DO have to go off is Cox's advertising, which means its working, unfortunately. Its not so much me believing that they have that advantage, its just that they have the ability to make the public believe that. I have had people tell me they never lose signal, and people that hate it because they always lose it.
DirecTV just announced 55 new, well, really more like 5, with a lot of Sports channels, either way, much more than Cox. Every day I get closer to switching. My only problem is that we have 5 TV's in the house, only mine is HD, I can't convince my family to switch over, so it would be just me going the satellite route. I can't justify purchasing all that right now, and with me going away to college in a year. Is there a way to rent an HD DVR from DirecTV instead of spending something like $299?

Alright, 14,15, and 16 gone, gimme some HD.

Alright, 14,15, and 16 gone, gimme some HD.

SECOND!

Does anybody know when KSCW (Kansas CW ch. 33.1) will broadcast in High Definition over the airwaves? I have heard that some affiliates in other markets already have so what is the hold up here in KS?

The CW has new owners and they are planning on their HD install sometime next year.

Alright, 14,15, and 16 gone, gimme some HD...

Given that HD uses more bandwidth, how many HD channels could be added by the deletion of these three channels?

I have one....works like a relgular DVR. I don't have a eSata drive so can't check if that feature will work but have been told that port isn't active. I doubt it ever will be due to copywrite laws.
..

TIVO has just activated the eSata ports on their units that have them.

..

Given that HD uses more bandwidth, how many HD channels could be added by the deletion of these three channels?

Between 6 and 9. Most of the time you can get 2 HD channels per frequency, but depending on compression you could get 3. Something that doesn't have alot of action or movement, you could compress more. CNBC, CNN and QVC could all be compressed and all put on 1 frequency. But ESPN and ESPN2 couldn't be compressed as much, therefore you could only get 2 per frequency.

I just thought of something though. Cox can't put anything on those 3 movie channels for at least a few months, as all the customers who didn't have 14,15,16 (17 in some areas) have traps that are blocking the frequency. So they would have to remove all the traps first before putting anything on the channels.

Between 6 and 9. Most of the time you can get 2 HD channels per frequency, but depending on compression you could get 3. Something that doesn't have alot of action or movement, you could compress more. CNBC, CNN and QVC could all be compressed and all put on 1 frequency. But ESPN and ESPN2 couldn't be compressed as much, therefore you could only get 2 per frequency.

I just thought of something though. Cox can't put anything on those 3 movie channels for at least a few months, as all the customers who didn't have 14,15,16 (17 in some areas) have traps that are blocking the frequency. So they would have to remove all the traps first before putting anything on the channels.

Does that have anything to do with Digital, aren't they Analog traps? Oh well, we have never had one, never watched those channels anyways. And before you say that is illegal, we called Cox more than once in the years we had those three channels and nothing was ever done about it. We even had a Tech out once and they noticed there wasn't a trap, but he didn't have any, so he supposedly put in a word about it and we were supposed to have it fixed, whatever. Lol. Never watched those channels anyways. I bet Cox is going to love this Digital thing, no more dealing with those stupid filters.

So on to the question, when do we see those new channels? My craving for HD is peaking and the current HD channels are mostly re-runs.

I have one....works like a relgular DVR. I don't have a eSata drive so can't check if that feature will work but have been told that port isn't active. I doubt it ever will be due to copywrite laws.

It has nothing to do with the laws. The recordings put on an eSata drive are encrypted and DRM'd just like what is recorded to the HD inside the DVR box. There would be no way for me to hook that drive up to my PC and rip from there ... even though there should me.

The USB port on the front of the new DVR boxes does have power. I found that handy for charging my X360 controllers :) However, plugging a keyboard in did nothing in terms of allowing me to type and search for shows, etc.

My month old DVR box is filling up quickly. eSata needs to get turned on in a firmware upgrade.

As for the traps, you are exactly right. If you have a trap (like we do) on those chans, if those frequencies are used for digital, you won't receive them. A digital tuner is still a tuner and if a frequency is blocked, it still can't tune to it.

It has nothing to do with the laws. The recordings put on an eSata drive are encrypted and DRM'd just like what is recorded to the HD inside the DVR box. There would be no way for me to hook that drive up to my PC and rip from there ... even though there should me.

I believe the way Tivo is handling this issue is they are writing data accross both drives. Therefore the eSata drive has only a portion of the recording.

DirecTV/OTA -- Local Channels in HD?

Hey, maybe I actually pulled an "ON TOPIC" subject out of my backside... :-)

For those of you who have DirecTV...

1. Do you know why DirecTV doesn't have our local networks in HD? Does that mean, other than OTA, you're just stuck watching SD locals -- or do you get other cities HD feeds, like ABC out of New York or something like that?

And here's the "on topic" part...

2. Does the DirecTV HD DVR Tuner have a 2nd tuner input for OTA? And how would that work if I have two HDTVs?

I'm moving out of the City (out of Cox's domain) and into the country where I'll have to go with a dish. Thanks for your help.

DirecTV/OTA -- Local Channels in HD?

Hey, maybe I actually pulled an "ON TOPIC" subject out of my backside... :-)

For those of you who have DirecTV...

1. Do you know why DirecTV doesn't have our local networks in HD? Does that mean, other than OTA, you're just stuck watching SD locals -- or do you get other cities HD feeds, like ABC out of New York or something like that?

And here's the "on topic" part...

2. Does the DirecTV HD DVR Tuner have a 2nd tuner input for OTA? And how would that work if I have two HDTVs?

I'm moving out of the City (out of Cox's domain) and into the country where I'll have to go with a dish. Thanks for your help.

I think our DMA is in the 60's and DirecTv only has the top 50 DMA's thus far. Maybe we'll get locals in HD in 2008. It's not an issue for me, as I prefer my locals OTA. We only get SD locals right now. Check this (http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=665923&postcount=1) thread over at DBSTalk.

The HR20 has an OTA input which is split internally so you can actually watch one OTA channel while recording another. Or are you asking about hooking up two HDTV's to one HD DVR?

I think our DMA is in the 60's and DirecTv only has the top 50 DMA's thus far. Maybe we'll get locals in HD in 2008. It's not an issue for me, as I prefer my locals OTA. We only get SD locals right now. Check this (http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=665923&postcount=1) thread over at DBSTalk.

The HR20 has an OTA input which is split internally so you can actually watch one OTA channel while recording another. Or are you asking about hooking up two HDTV's to one HD DVR?

Thanks for the info! I assume I'll get two HD DVRs (one for each TV), so I would have them both hooked up to the OTA as well as the HD DVR.