Again, Thanks to Veggas the only guy at Cox who has his &%#@ together. I did a rescan and got all the clear digital channels including all the local HDs. I think you need to educate the CSRs at your company. (like you would really want to do that!) They would have lost a customer if not for you.

Vegggas doesn't work for Cox, but I agree he has his S*** together.


Veggas, speaking of Cox, any word on timing for new boxes for Cox (multi-room/burner, etc).


Again, Thanks to Veggas the only guy at Cox who has his &%#@ together. I did a rescan and got all the clear digital channels including all the local HDs. I think you need to educate the CSRs at your company. (like you would really want to do that!) They would have lost a customer if not for you.

foghorn2, Tallen234,
The Multiroom units send encrypted data throughout your home wiring. You would still need a STB to decode the streams. You access the DVR on the other STB's by going to a "DVR" channel, like the current channel #850, but located somewhere else.
I actually think the local MultiRoom test trials are using channel #870 as the MultiRoom DVR channel. There are a few people still testing the multiroom units, but I don't have one this time. At CES, SA was working on making the HD streaming work better, so the current units would be SD only.
Several other Cable co's have been using the SD MR units for a while now. My guess is that locally, Cox is waiting for the HD streaming to work correctly before any public deployment, since the HD DVR base in Vegas is so high. By that time, the DVD Burner MultiRoom units may be available, since they are in final cablelabs trials right now.

hdtvxpert,
Glad to see you figured it out. I've spent most of my career woring on the technical side of Cable, Sat, MATV Distribution and CATV Consumer Electonics industries.

vegggas

Why would the streams be scrambled if there is a filter in the street to block your recordings?

Why would the streams be scrambled if there is a filter in the street to block your recordings?

So Cox can get even more money out of you. That's the way all the television providers work.

So Cox can get even more money out of you. That's the way all the television providers work.

Not out of me, I'll keep switching with their new sub deals and they will make very little from me if they do such things intentionally. :p

Well, it's "half time at the Stupor Bowl". And so, in 30 more minutes, the world returns to sanity.
Don't tell me about the "Pro Bowl". That's more idiotic than hockey.

In early March, Baseball will be back in all its glory for 8 magnificently long months.
Sorry gentlemen. But remember we all can't have what we want, when we want it.
It's MY turn now. :)

Did anyone else watch the Rolling Stones during the halftime show? If so, was it me or was that the most horrid job of sound mixing for 5.1 surround ever? Unbelievably amateurish sound through most all of the three songs. They seemed to be more intent on letting us listen to crowd noise rather than Mick's vocals.

Why would the streams be scrambled if there is a filter in the street to block your recordings?
Each has nothing to do with the other. All content is encrypted, even stuff stored on your drive. That content is streamed, just like the original content (actually, it is the original content, still encrypted) and the video decoder has the decryption authentication algorithim keyed with the headend. It's a rolling code authentication algorithim so that only authorized content is viewed on authorized STB's. The STB has to be authorized to be able to accept the streams and decode the content. The filter is used so that your MR DVR channel does not affect your neighbors MR DVR channel.

So Cox can get even more money out of you. That's the way all the television providers work. Better than buying outdated electronic door stops every year... :D Actually, the cable companies, and STB makers WANT consumers to buy 3rd party equipment. STB's DO NOT MAKE ANY REVENUE, but are needed to sell services and content that are available on the networks. Comcast made the first leap with an agreement of 500,000 Panasonic consumer STB's running OCAP (Open Cable Application Platform) to be available in 2007 for purchase. Once 3rd party manufacturers start writing OCAP compliant devices, then cable owned STB's will be a thing of the past. There were a few OCAP devices at CES, including TV's, a few STB's and other assorted devices all showing their own interfaces and authentication abilities.

vegggas

Each has nothing to do with the other. All content is encrypted, even stuff stored on your drive. That content is streamed, just like the original content (actually, it is the original content, still encrypted) and the video decoder has the decryption authentication algorithim keyed with the headend. It's a rolling code authentication algorithim so that only authorized content is viewed on authorized STB's. The STB has to be authorized to be able to accept the streams and decode the content. The filter is used so that your MR DVR channel does not affect your neighbors MR DVR channel.

Better than buying outdated electronic door stops every year... :D Actually, the cable companies, and STB makers WANT consumers to buy 3rd party equipment. STB's DO NOT MAKE ANY REVENUE, but are needed to sell services and content that are available on the networks. Comcast made the first leap with an agreement of 500,000 Panasonic consumer STB's running OCAP (Open Cable Application Platform) to be available in 2007 for purchase. Once 3rd party manufacturers start writing OCAP compliant devices, then cable owned STB's will be a thing of the past. There were a few OCAP devices at CES, including TV's, a few STB's and other assorted devices all showing their own interfaces and authentication abilities.

vegggas

Thanks for the clarification Vegggas! Actually renting a simple extra box from cox for about 5 bucks and the "Digital Gateway Programming on an Additional Outlet" for another 5 won't be too expensive to pull of the programming off the MR Server.
15 bucks for HD wont be bad either.

Unless they find a way to charge you extra for the capability!

Now would the analog channels be encrypted too? They weren't scrambled to begin with and why would they be when they are QAMmed out to the clients?

Also I noticed that CNN, TBS, FAUX News are in digital clear QAM but not simulcast on the STB like the locals. Why would that be? Also MTV2, Food Network and others have no sound in Clear QAM. Do you notice that too? Are they just scrambling the audio and leaving the video alone?

Better than buying outdated electronic door stops every year... :D Actually, the cable companies, and STB makers WANT consumers to buy 3rd party equipment. STB's DO NOT MAKE ANY REVENUE, but are needed to sell services and content that are available on the networks.


So your saying Cox never made a dime off the cable modem my parents rented for the past 9 years. Also if that is true why are the sat companies turning towards leasing equipment. In my statement I said ALL television providers because there goal is to get your bill as high as possible.

Now would the analog channels be encrypted too? They weren't scrambled to begin with and why would they be when they are QAMmed out to the clients? Actually, I'm not sure they are using QAM modulation to send the mpeg streams to other STB's. I think it could be a form of encapsulated switched packet video over a QAM modulator. Any analog channels, would have to be encoded into digital to be stored onto the hard drive for any playback too. The stored content, regardless of original intent, must reside in secure format on a secure device to maintain integrity.

So your saying Cox never made a dime off the cable modem my parents rented for the past 9 years. Also if that is true why are the sat companies turning towards leasing equipment. In my statement I said ALL television providers because there goal is to get your bill as high as possible
Modems are not STB's, and anything lasting 9 years is an exception and not the norm. When modem first hit the market, they were expensive. As the technology grew, prices came down - Still, the cable companies had to purchase all the equipment at original high prices, wheras, later consumers purchased rock bottom priced units. Your parents could have purchased their own modem at a cost savings to them, but never did.
The New "lease" deal being given by the Sat companies doesn't seem that great to me. You first HAVE TO to PAY a large sum of several hundred dollars for the right to get the equipment. Then PAY EVERY MONTH to lease the equipment, and then are forced into a contract that will effectively pay off the STB before it ends and will be an old model before you are able to upgrade (PAY) for another one. With cable, you can get a ~$500 (manufacturing cost) STB for no money down, use it for two months, then decide that you don't want it, or upgrade whenver you want.
Let's just assume that an HD-DVR costs a flat $480 (not counting shipping personel, maintainance, etc). At a $10/mo lease, that would take 48 months (4 years) each to break even, assuming NO losses, due to damage, theft, etc. The STB is effectively outdated within 3 years (each new model has been out just over 1 year with new units becoming available), and the cable company has to eat the losses of several thousand STB's. How can a cable company make any money off that? They are trying to recoup some of their initial investment.
With the SAT model, they are guaranteeing their investment by upfront costs, and contractual obligations that say they can get their investment back.

vegggas

If the cable boxes came full featured you wouldn't need to upgrade the hardware every year. I've been using the same DTiVo for three years and haven't needed an upgrade because it came with all the features I need. My mom has a TiVo that's been in use for about 5 years and she has no need to upgrade it. I don't see why these cable boxes need to be upgraded every year. I also don't like this leasing plan coming from the sat companies. Don't you find it kind of sad that your TV bill is one of the largest bills you have. The only bill that is higher for me is my home mortgage and my power bill.

But anyways enough about this. I'm ready for the Olympics.

If the cable boxes came full featured you wouldn't need to upgrade the hardware every year. I've been using the same DTiVo for three years and haven't needed an upgrade because it came with all the features I need. My mom has a TiVo that's been in use for about 5 years and she has no need to upgrade it. I don't see why these cable boxes need to be upgraded every year. I also don't like this leasing plan coming from the sat companies. Don't you find it kind of sad that your TV bill is one of the largest bills you have. The only bill that is higher for me is my home mortgage and my power bill.

But anyways enough about this. I'm ready for the Olympics.

Wait a second! The Dtivo was crippled, broken home network option, no VOIP support, no call in using LAN, no caller id on screen, B/W flicker problem and now it is being canned!

...The New "lease" deal being given by the Sat companies doesn't seem that great to me. You first HAVE TO to PAY a large sum of several hundred dollars for the right to get the equipment. Then PAY EVERY MONTH to lease the equipment, and then are forced into a contract that will effectively pay off the STB before it ends and will be an old model before you are able to upgrade (PAY) for another one. With cable, you can get a ~$500 (manufacturing cost) STB for no money down, use it for two months, then decide that you don't want it, or upgrade whenver you want.
Let's just assume that an HD-DVR costs a flat $480 (not counting shipping personel, maintainance, etc). At a $10/mo lease, that would take 48 months (4 years) each to break even, assuming NO losses, due to damage, theft, etc. The STB is effectively outdated within 3 years (each new model has been out just over 1 year with new units becoming available), and the cable company has to eat the losses of several thousand STB's. How can a cable company make any money off that? They are trying to recoup some of their initial investment.
With the SAT model, they are guaranteeing their investment by upfront costs, and contractual obligations that say they can get their investment back.

vegggas

Great, I can't wait to turn in the SA8300HD for the MCP-100 Multi-Room for no extra charge!

Wait a second! The Dtivo was crippled, broken home network option, no VOIP support, no call in using LAN, no caller id on screen, B/W flicker problem and now it is being canned!

I wouldn't call it crippled. It has the same if not more features then the one at Cox has and Directv could add all those features without replacing the hardware if they wanted to. They just choose not to. In fact if you really wanted to you could hack the unit yourself and get all those features.

I agree, set top boxes do nothing but lock you in. Look at how a common PC can allow you to record and stream HD all you want, and can be upgraded in small steps. These STBs contain many of the same parts, but purposely lack in features.

I agree, set top boxes do nothing but lock you in. Look at how a common PC can allow you to record and stream HD all you want, and can be upgraded in small steps. These STBs contain many of the same parts, but purposely lack in features.

Right, when you BUY them, they kind of lock you in. When they lease it with a contract, they lock you in. When you buy it for close to a grand, they don't lock you in on purpose, but you stay anyway. When you lease it and have to pay a 2-4 hundred access fee to it, and lock you in for 18-24 months, thats robbery.

The only reason I still have Cox for HD is no contract, no upfront costs, and no equipment upgrage costs, not to mention the best broadband money can buy.

If they start playing games and deviate from this, I'll be the first to leave them.

Well, it's "half time at the Stupor Bowl". And so, in 30 more minutes, the world returns to sanity.
Don't tell me about the "Pro Bowl". That's more idiotic than hockey.

In early March, Baseball will be back in all its glory for 8 magnificently long months.
Sorry gentlemen. But remember we all can't have what we want, when we want it.
It's MY turn now. :)

Let me guess------you must be a Dodgers fan

Let me guess------you must be a Dodgers fan

Nope. I'm a NY Mets fan. And THIS is their year.

"News 3" reports that the movers and shakers at MLB have announced that they will NEVER give permission for any ML franchise to either move to, or start up, in Las Vegas. So the Marlins aren't coming here and neither is anyone else. The reason for their stance: Availability of Sports betting.

I'm afraid the same will hold true for the NFL, NHL and NBA. And anybody that thinks otherwise is smoking too much weed.

PS- Yeah, I know. The NBA All-Star game will be played in LV this year.
Another meaningless gesture by the NBA. And the Mayor and all his cronies are breaking their backs, bending over backward in thanks. "Nobody in the stands" would teach them a lesson they should be taught. But the chances of that happening when one considers the gullible population of LV, ranges from slim to none.

I have a question. I get my HD signal OTA and recently have been having this problem on both my HDTV's with two different STB's. When watching CSI or CSI Miami, when there is a fast cut with a full bright white screen, my TV's appear to lose signal for a couple seconds, go black, and then come back one. This is happening on both my Plasma and DLP. This also happened while watching the UCONN IU game this saturday during the Army (I think) commercial where they show an explosion and the guy doing pull ups. Is anyone else having this problem? I can't believe that both of my TV's have gone bad at the same time and want to know if maybe there is something in the signal. If someone thinks it is both of my sets, explanation of why would be appreciated.

Thanks.

The only reason I still have Cox for HD is no contract, no upfront costs, and no equipment upgrage costs, not to mention the best broadband money can buy.

If they start playing games and deviate from this, I'll be the first to leave them.
The reason I dont use Cox is because of their "Preferred Subscriber" charge for broadband without cable subscription, and having to use an STB rather than QAM or CableCard. Oh yeah, their USENET servers suck too. Those look like 'playing games' to me.

I have a question. I get my HD signal OTA and recently have been having this problem on both my HDTV's with two different STB's. When watching CSI or CSI Miami, when there is a fast cut with a full bright white screen, my TV's appear to lose signal for a couple seconds, go black, and then come back one. This is happening on both my Plasma and DLP. This also happened while watching the UCONN IU game this saturday during the Army (I think) commercial where they show an explosion and the guy doing pull ups. Is anyone else having this problem? I can't believe that both of my TV's have gone bad at the same time and want to know if maybe there is something in the signal. If someone thinks it is both of my sets, explanation of why would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Is it possible that its too much draw on the current?

Is it possible that its too much draw on the current?

Do you have a suggestion on what to do for this? I would assume it would be something internal in the set correct, like a capacitor or something? I just don't know what to do about it and find it peculiar that I would have the problem with both sets. Both sets are one surge protector/line conditioner/UPS backups, so I am assuming it's not something with the incoming power supply.

Did anyone else watch the Rolling Stones during the halftime show? If so, was it me or was that the most horrid job of sound mixing for 5.1 surround ever? Unbelievably amateurish sound through most all of the three songs. They seemed to be more intent on letting us listen to crowd noise rather than Mick's vocals.

That was horrible. The sound went from being awesome during the game and commentary, then when they announced the Rolling Stones you could literally hear it switch over to the crappy sound, then when they were done playing, back to the good sound. It sounded like they were using a microphone that a guy was holding up in the catwalk.

Do you have a suggestion on what to do for this? I would assume it would be something internal in the set correct, like a capacitor or something? I just don't know what to do about it and find it peculiar that I would have the problem with both sets. Both sets are one surge protector/line conditioner/UPS backups, so I am assuming it's not something with the incoming power supply.
Have you tried just plugging into the wall temporarily to rule out an issue with that equipment?

`
The only reason I still have Cox for HD is no contract, no upfront costs, and no equipment upgrage costs, not to mention the best broadband money can buy.

If they start playing games and deviate from this, I'll be the first to leave them.

The reason I dont use Cox is because of their "Preferred Subscriber" charge for broadband without cable subscription, and having to use an STB rather than QAM or CableCard. Oh yeah, their USENET servers suck too. Those look like 'playing games' to me.
From the website:
Broadband preferred service cost is $49.99 for 4 Mbps/512 kbps. Buy another service, like digital cable, and the two of them get a $10 discount. If you get the digital telephone and have the two other services, you get an additional 20% off an unlimited plan. This is basically true of any economically viable product or service - The more you buy, the lower per unit the price is. Super Big Gulp's don't cost twice as much as a regular Big Gulp, but if that's all you want, it's more per ounce.
You are also free to use your own QAM tuner to tune in local channels, or use a cable card with a compatible Display or your own STB. I don't get what you are trying to say.
As for Usenet, I stopped using them a long time ago, but then I would usually subscribe to alternetly located groups anyway.

vegggas

Have you tried just plugging into the wall temporarily to rule out an issue with that equipment?

That was the reason I bought the line conditioner in the first place because I was getting the problem with my plasma when plugged directly into the wall. That is why I was wondering if it could be the OTA HD signal (I know that seems pretty unlikely). I'm just at a loss for what to do now. I thought it was just my plasma, but now that I am getting it on my DLP too, not sure what to do.

It sounds like most other people here are getting their HD from Cox, but if anyone else is getting OTA and seems to not have this problem with CSI, I guess I'd like to know as uncomforting as the answer might be.

Pbear, I've always gotten local hd ota and have never had any problems like that.

Pbear, I've always gotten local hd ota and have never had any problems like that.

Thanks for the response, I guess it is something to do with my TV's. Back to the drawing board. But do appreciate the suggestions and feedback.

`


From the website:
Broadband preferred service cost is $49.99 for 4 Mbps/512 kbps. Buy another service, like digital cable, and the two of them get a $10 discount. If you get the digital telephone and have the two other services, you get an additional 20% off an unlimited plan. This is basically true of any economically viable product or service - The more you buy, the lower per unit the price is. Super Big Gulp's don't cost twice as much as a regular Big Gulp, but if that's all you want, it's more per ounce.
You are also free to use your own QAM tuner to tune in local channels, or use a cable card with a compatible Display or your own STB. I don't get what you are trying to say.
As for Usenet, I stopped using them a long time ago, but then I would usually subscribe to alternetly located groups anyway.

vegggas

For us Vegas dwellers, 49.99 for 4mb is cheap compared to Sprint DSL. 39.99 with a bundled sevice is even better.

Also you HAVE TO have crappy expensive phone service to even get DSL. Thats playing games because it is technically possible to have naked DSL. You don't have to have video to get HSI with COX.

COX HD, COX HSI and Vonage 15 buck service is the best service and deal I can find right now.

Usenet is a waste of time full with JUNK.

Usenet is a waste of time full with JUNK.
If you're using Cox bandwidth capped USENET servers then it is a waste of time. Real servers push more than 4X the data and max out my 5mbit Cox line. I wonder what else Cox is capping, at the same time advertising fast speeds.

Here is another alternative to Cox:
http://www.keyon.com/markets/lasvegas/plans.html

Server traffic is the biggest factor in a servers UPload speed. Most systems have a lilmit of 128, 256, 512, kbs or even 1Meg upload speed. If you found servers with 5Meg upload speed, then I would keep them quiet so that everyone doesn't jump on them and start downloading music and movies. ANY service coming down the line at 5Meg in the real world is virtually non-existant outside of private lines. I use several REAL FIBER 10Mb and 100Mb connections to the sonnet ring and rarely get download speeds from commercial servers greater than 1.5 MB. DSLreports gives about 15MB up and down with 100Megabit and Gigabit connections, but they are the exception and not the rule.
As for the Keyon link, their speeds are a joke in todays market. $200 for installation and activation and a 12 month contract @ $29/mo for 128kbps up
1.5Mbps down is more like a lifeline for checking email anymore.

vegggas

$200 dollars just to get and ugly antenna on the roof and slow speeds and high latency, only 8-5 support. You've got to be kidding! And what happens when they go belly up?

Does anyone else get no sound with QAM (COX) with History, TV Land, VH1 ?

Vegggas, can you verify?

Does anyone else get no sound with QAM (COX) with History, TV Land, VH1 ?

Vegggas, can you verify?
Nope, no audio on that QAM.
Technically, Cox is not simulcasting anything other than the 5 basic local channels so that digital customers can tune digital versions of locals instead of analog. They are running tests on another QAM (85), but are not actually simulcasting. Expect changes, disruptions, and other abnormalities, until they launch simulcast later in the year. Afterall, the QAM tuners in new displays are taking advantage of a service that is not available yet - you are seeing the tests as they are happening.

vegggas

I am having a new problem with my 8300HD....

The guide data is only going about 24 - 48 hours ahead. That's it. If I load up the guide and try to change the date to three or more days ahead, the guide will say "Changing date to (new date), one moment please". Then after about 30 seconds, it will say "No data available."

Also, information for a show is only available for shows in first 18 to 24 hours.

Can anyone else verify this problem? I am in the southwest at Tropicana & Rainbow. I have tried unplugging the 8300HD to force a reboot....but that didn't fix the problem either. This problem just started happening in the last week.

Demodave,
Try a hard reboot, where you press and HOLD the power button (10 sec) while plugging the STB in. Allow about 20 min for a complete download of OS and IPG data. If that doesn't work, maybe your FDC signal level is too low and the data is getting corrupted. Check the link in my sig for the 8300 thread to get into the diagnostic menus and check things out.
Let us know if this helps.
vegggas

OK...I did the hard reboot. The problem still exists. I have noticed that a few of my digital channels are barely locking in to the signal. I am getting freezing and audio stuttering on about 4 or 5 channels.

From the diagnostic screen, page 1....here are the values I am getting on a few channels.

Channels with problems:

Ch 707
Tuner 1: 585.000 MHz -7 dBmV 849/Sec (Avg)

Ch 129
Tuner 1: 585.000 MHz -7 dBmV 302/Sec (Avg)

Ch 359
Tuner 1: 585.000 MHz -7 dBmV 580/Sec (Avg)



Channels with NO problems (which are all except a few):

Ch 732
Tuner 1: 663.000 MHz -7 dBmV 0/Sec (Avg)

Ch 358
Tuner 1: 699.000 MHz -8 dBmV 0/Sec (Avg)

Ch 357
Tuner 1: 573.000 MHz -8 dBmV 0/Sec (Avg)

As you can see, the problem channels are all at 585.000 MHz. How does the signal look overall? Do I need to make a call to Cox?

Demodave,
about -9 is the threshold for the tuner levels. at that level, there will be breakups. At -7 or -8, you are pushing it and are at the edge of threshold, but still should have a lock. Having just one channel breaking up at 585Mhz and the errors you are getting for those streams, sounds like there is some type of interference around that frequency. Go up a few pages and look the specific pages for FDC, RDC, and QAM levels and also look at the S/N ratio levels.

I was more concerned with your FDC and RDC levels. These are your Forward and Return Data Carriers. What are they sitting at?
Do you have any splitters, barrels, extra jumpers or any other equipment between your wall and your STB? Each connection can increase resisitance by about 3.5 dB in either direction. Remove them and see how it looks andreacts.

vegggas

Is anyone else having problems with KVBC's Prime Time Olympic coverage. The openeing ceramonies yesterday was fine, but today it keeps flipping from HD to SD. I'm also getting a lot of drop outs. I'm not sure if it is coming from their end or my end. I have looked and the signal strength is all over the place. Sometimes it's in the 80's and sometimes it's in the teens and even weirder sometimes it keeps bouncing between the two. Does anyone know what would cause that. Even as I type this (at the end of the speed skating race) it looks like on the analog signal it was switching between 16x9 and 4x3.

What's everyone else's experience like?

lvthunder,
I saw similar things too. It looks like there was a problem with getting the HD feed all over the place. It wasn't a local problem as many complained about it.

vegggas

NBC basically uses an DirecTV dish to uplink their hd feed from their broadcast center in New York. Whenever there is bad weather in New York the uplink signal suffers from break-ups and drop-outs and eventually the local stations will make the decision to fall back to the analog feed.

Next weeks Daytona 500 race on NBC will also launch the Nascar In-Car racing series, where you can watch and listen to cameras from inside 6 select cars as well as see real time stats (you can also vote for which cars to see each week). Cox and InDemand are giving a FreeView of the In-Car PPV series to all digital customers for that first race.
The Nascar In-Car series information can be found here at indemand.com (http://www.indemand.com/sports/goincar/index.jsp)
Specific channels to tune in the race will be posted later, but they will be in the 600 range of sports PPV channels
The in-car series is still in SD of course.

vegggas

NBC basically uses an DirecTV dish to uplink their hd feed from their broadcast center in New York. Whenever there is bad weather in New York the uplink signal suffers from break-ups and drop-outs and eventually the local stations will make the decision to fall back to the analog feed.
Gee, and there are still people who think rain/snow fade on a KU dish is a myth! :rolleyes:
NBC SD coverage is jumping from time to time too and there is a crawl across the bottom saying no HD coverage today due to weather conditions in NY.
vegggas

Is it the size of the dish or the KU band itself that causes rain fade. I know I've only had it about 10 minutes the 5 years I've had Directv. So while it may not be a myth it is definately rare here.

vegggas, do you know which local station(s) are selling bandwidth for the MovieBeam service?

https://moviebeam.com/opencms/opencms/Pages/AboutUs/

"The MovieBeam service is currently available in 29 metropolitan areas across the U.S.: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland (Oregon), Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, St. Louis, Tampa and Washington D.C."

vegggas, do you know which local station(s) are selling bandwidth for the MovieBeam service?

https://moviebeam.com/opencms/opencms/Pages/AboutUs/

"The MovieBeam service is currently available in 29 metropolitan areas across the U.S.: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland (Oregon), Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, St. Louis, Tampa and Washington D.C."
Don't know of any TV stations carrying this service, and I doubt that it would work without an external antenna anyway. It's more likely that it's being transmitted via cellphone frequencies, probably over Verizon's network.

vegggas

Don't know of any TV stations carrying this service, and I doubt that it would work without an external antenna anyway. It's more likely that it's being transmitted via cellphone frequencies, probably over Verizon's network. Most or all cities will be getting the data/movies off the analog KPBS broadcast. It is up and running in the San Diego area.
Moviebeam comes with an small amplified indoor antenna.
Matt

Looks like KLVX-DT is about to look even worse than it already does.
[actually I found some more info and in the short-term it should be transmitted on a subcarrier on the analog channel using DNTSC. http://broadcastengineering.com/news/broadcasting_disney_offer_moviebeam/
]

http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=15711&hed=Video-Store-in-a-Box+Funded&sector=Regions&subsector=Americas
"The player will have a 160-GB hard drive and a central processing unit which connects directly to any television set. The movies will be pushed to the box through a long-term agreement with National Datacast and its nationwide network of PBS stations. To broadcast the movies to the set-top boxes in customers’ homes, MovieBeam will use PBS’ network."

And the company that is selling off "public" television:
http://www.nationaldatacast.com/

See what happens when you don't research anything? :o
Looks like the box is continually getting bits of data and eventually stores the entire movie(s) for later viewing. You pay for the ones that you watch, each time you watch them. The datacast stream is very low bandwidth, so it seems it would take a while to get an entire movie. I would be concerned with the inability to get a clear enough signal in some areas, and how that relates to download speeds.

On similar notes, NBC's multicast weather is now on cable channel 124. It's been available OTA for a while now.

PBS Kids Sprout is on ch 355.

vegggas

I'm moving to LV in July from DC. I currently have DTV HD with an antenna for the locals (2 of the locals are network owned and operated and would not grant waivers for DTV so...).

Been very happy. Question, what is the best option in LV, cable or staying with DTV? (I'll be living in Henderson if that makes a difference in terms of cable service). I've been with DTV primarily because that was the only way I could get ESPN Full Court (Is that still true? DTV only source for FC?).

Anyway, looking for suggestions and recommendations.

Thanks!

Roscoe

See what happens when you don't research anything? :o
Looks like the box is continually getting bits of data and eventually stores the entire movie(s) for later viewing. You pay for the ones that you watch, each time you watch them. The datacast stream is very low bandwidth, so it seems it would take a while to get an entire movie. I would be concerned with the inability to get a clear enough signal in some areas, and how that relates to download speeds.

vegggas

We'll if MovieBeam is still around in 2009 things get interesting. You can't very well have a datacasting service based on a DNTSC subcarrier in an NTSC analog channel when there are no NTSC analog channels.

I'm moving to LV in July from DC. I currently have DTV HD with an antenna for the locals (2 of the locals are network owned and operated and would not grant waivers for DTV so...).

Been very happy. Question, what is the best option in LV, cable or staying with DTV? (I'll be living in Henderson if that makes a difference in terms of cable service). I've been with DTV primarily because that was the only way I could get ESPN Full Court (Is that still true? DTV only source for FC?).

Anyway, looking for suggestions and recommendations.

Thanks!

Roscoe

You can get ESPN Full Court from Cox.

Here's what HD channels you can get from the various providers. (As of 2-17-05)

Local Networks:

KVBC-DT (NBC): OTA 3-1, Cox 733
KVVU-DT (Fox): OTA 5-1, Cox 735
KLAS-DT (CBS): OTA 8-1, Cox 730
KLVX-DT (PBS): OTA 10-1, Cox 731
KTNV-DT (ABC): OTA 13-1, Cox 732
KVWB-DT (WB): OTA 21-1

National Networks:

Discovery HD Theater: Cox 700, DirecTV 76, Dish 9421
ESPNHD: Cox 705, DirecTV 73, Dish 9424
ESPN2HD: DirecTV 72, Dish 9425*
HDNet: DirecTV 79, Dish 9422
HDNet Movies: DirecTV 78, Dish 9423
TNT HD: Cox 709, DirecTV 75, Dish 9420
Universal HD: Cox 708, DirecTV 74, Dish 9427*

NFL Network HD: DirecTV 98, Dish 9464 will have regular season games next season

Premium Channels:

HBO HD: Cox 710, DirecTV 70, Dish 9456
Cinemax HD: Cox 711
Showtime HD: Cox 720, DirecTV 71, Dish 9460
Starz! HD: Cox 721

Voom: (theoretically not exclusive, but Dish is the only provider carrying these)

Rave HD: Dish 9470
Equator HD: Dish 9471
Gallery HD: Dish 9472
World Sport HD: Dish 9473*
Animania HD: Dish 9474
World Cinema HD: Dish 9475*
Rush HD: Dish 9476
Treasure HD: Dish 9477*
Ultra HD: Dish 9478
Kung Fu HD: Dish 9479
Film Fest HD: Dish 9480
Monster HD: Dish 9481
HD News: Dish 9482
Game Play HD: Dish 9485*
Family HD: Dish 9486*

Sunday Ticket HD is a DirecTV exclusive.

inHD is a cable exclusive.

inHD 1: Cox 706
inHD 2: Cox 707

* indicates an mpeg4 receiver and Dish 1000 required (or extra dish pointed at 61.5 or 129)

Depending on what part of Henderson you live in, you may be in a OTA blackout area. Our local stations transmit from the Henderson hills. If you live in say Anthem, Seven Hills, or any area close to the base of the mountains you will not get a clear OTA signal. So in that case cable is your best choice. However D* will have Las Vegas HD locals in April. But that will only be the big four networks. I was recently at their local shop and they are training their installers on how to install the new MPEG 4 dishes.

When did you find out that we would get HD locals on Directv in April?

However D* will have Las Vegas HD locals in April. But that will only be the big four networks. I was recently at their local shop and they are training their installers on how to install the new MPEG 4 dishes.
This would be news. All published schedules do not show Las Vegas as an HD-LIL market for the next set of rollouts. There is no indication that Vegas will have a sheduled spot beam until at least, the next wave of scheduled rollouts (at the end of 06 or 07?).
I'm not sure wether or not if they would have to give up one of their already published spot beam reservations to move it to Vegas. It doesn't seem plausible to take away a published service to move it to a non-published area. If you have any specific information though, please share.

vegggas

I'm not sure wether or not if they would have to give up one of their already published spot beam reservations to move it to Vegas. It doesn't seem plausible to take away a published service to move it to a non-published area. If you have any specific information though, please share.

vegggas

Huh? That's not how the Spaceway sats work. There is no reserved spotbeam footprint because the phase array antenna they use lets them dynamically create, size, and position the beams.

They do have to make a CHANGE in the position somewhere to cover the Vegas area, right? Anything they do to position the array, will affect the availability of another region, if it's already mapped out. I'm just saying that an unpublished event area is rare, and that it shouldn't come at the expense of a known published area. They wouldn't do anything to remove an already mapped out and announced area. If they could just pop in any area they wanted, at any time, then why not cover the entire US?
I'll leave it to you two, GeorgeLV and hdtvxpert to get more info, as I have no stake in this matter, nor the resources to track it down right now...

vegggas

I used to work for Ironwood Communications, which is the Home Services Provider D*. I was at their shop last week visiting some of the guys I used to work with. One of the techs there I know, showed me the new KA/KU dishes. They have palets stacked with boxes of them. They just received training on the installation (which has currently begun. They told me this is all in preparation for an April launch of Vegas HD locals. These dishes are much larger than the triplesats. The mast is about 3 inches in diameter and has additional braces for support. To aim it you must have a Bird dog sat meter. They support the new Mpeg 4 receivers which you can buy at any local retailer.

Any word on what they are going to do with those of us using the HD-Tivo's......?

Ihey told me this is all in preparation for an April launch of Vegas HD locals. They support the new Mpeg 4 receivers which you can buy at any local retailer.

All fine and dandy. But how will the HD picture produced by those Mpeg4 receivers compare with the HD picture produced by the SA 8300 Box provided by Cox Cable?

And is the April launch you speak of April 2006 or April 2007?
I would think that if it was this year, DirectTv would be flooding Las Vegas homes with information confirming that, with the intent to lure customers from Cox to DirectTV.

Nasacar Free PPV feeds for the DAYTONA 500 are up and running on channels 502 - 507 for Cox digital cable customers.
ch 502 = car 48 Johnson
ch 503 = car 20 Stewart
ch 504 = car 08 Earnhardt
ch 505 = car 21 Schrader
ch 506 = car 88 Jarrett
ch 507 = car 55 M. Waltrip

vegggas

Warning: - I can't seem to be able to use the PIP window to see the car cams, but can watch the camera in the full screen, and the main race in PIP. Looks like a PPV issue.
Warning 2: The InCar camera telemetry is having problems due to the weather. The signals are picked up via helicopters way overhead, but the cloudcover prohibits them from getting high enough to get coverage cover the entire track, etc.

Nasacar Free PPV feeds for the Indy 500 are up and running on channels 502 - 507 for Cox digital cable customers.


Not really a race fan, but I always thought the Indy 500 was run around Memorial Day.

Not really a race fan, but I always thought the Indy 500 was run around Memorial Day.
DOH!!! My Bad!
Fixed the original post to say Daytona 500. Completely different race - I apologise.

vegggas

Warning: - I can't seem to be able to use the PIP window to see the car cams, but can watch the camera in the full screen, and the main race in PIP. Looks like a PPV issue.
Warning 2: The InCar camera telemetry is having problems due to the weather. The signals are picked up via helicopters way overhead, but the cloudcover prohibits them from getting high enough to get coverage cover the entire track, etc.


The PPV issues has been around for some time. When I first suscribed to the ESPN pay football package a few years back, I complained that I couldn't watch two games at the same time because the PIP window wouldn't show it. My complaints fell on deaf ears so it must be planned and not just an error of some sorts.

I read on one of the IN Car channels that Nascar will offer a free IN-Car preview next race to make up for the problems today

I'm not clear which of these are cable and which are Sat.


You can get ESPN Full Court from Cox.

Here's what HD channels you can get from the various providers. (As of 2-17-05)

Local Networks:

KVBC-DT (NBC): OTA 3-1, Cox 733
KVVU-DT (Fox): OTA 5-1, Cox 735
KLAS-DT (CBS): OTA 8-1, Cox 730
KLVX-DT (PBS): OTA 10-1, Cox 731
KTNV-DT (ABC): OTA 13-1, Cox 732
KVWB-DT (WB): OTA 21-1

National Networks:

Discovery HD Theater: Cox 700, DirecTV 76, Dish 9421
ESPNHD: Cox 705, DirecTV 73, Dish 9424
ESPN2HD: DirecTV 72, Dish 9425*
HDNet: DirecTV 79, Dish 9422
HDNet Movies: DirecTV 78, Dish 9423
TNT HD: Cox 709, DirecTV 75, Dish 9420
Universal HD: Cox 708, DirecTV 74, Dish 9427*

NFL Network HD: DirecTV 98, Dish 9464 will have regular season games next season

Premium Channels:

HBO HD: Cox 710, DirecTV 70, Dish 9456
Cinemax HD: Cox 711
Showtime HD: Cox 720, DirecTV 71, Dish 9460
Starz! HD: Cox 721

Voom: (theoretically not exclusive, but Dish is the only provider carrying these)

Rave HD: Dish 9470
Equator HD: Dish 9471
Gallery HD: Dish 9472
World Sport HD: Dish 9473*
Animania HD: Dish 9474
World Cinema HD: Dish 9475*
Rush HD: Dish 9476
Treasure HD: Dish 9477*
Ultra HD: Dish 9478
Kung Fu HD: Dish 9479
Film Fest HD: Dish 9480
Monster HD: Dish 9481
HD News: Dish 9482
Game Play HD: Dish 9485*
Family HD: Dish 9486*

Sunday Ticket HD is a DirecTV exclusive.

inHD is a cable exclusive.

inHD 1: Cox 706
inHD 2: Cox 707

* indicates an mpeg4 receiver and Dish 1000 required (or extra dish pointed at 61.5 or 129)

I'm not clear which of these are cable and which are Sat.

If you see "Cox" next to the channel, then it's available here on cable. Directv and Dish are Sat companies. I don't understand your confusion.

I'm not clear which of these are cable and which are Sat.

Cox is the cable company in Las Vegas. DirecTV and Dish are the two satellite companies. OTA means the channel is available off the air with an antenna.

Is NBC HD out AGAIN????

Sorry, that's what I get for doing this when I'm tired :o

If you see "Cox" next to the channel, then it's available here on cable. Directv and Dish are Sat companies. I don't understand your confusion.

I've tried searching this post but may have missed something. I have the 3250 HD and when connected with component everything works fine SD/HD (I use pass thru). When using the DVI connection only the HD channels show. I just get weird horizontal lines on non HD channels (audio works though).

If I press teh HD Zoom button on the remote I can see the non HD channels, but they are of course zoomed. Regardless of what I have in the setup, 480i/p/widescreen etc... dvi auto fix etc... the problem is always there.

I called up cox and they said dvi output does work on non HD channels. I explained my situation and they told me it was some handshaking thing. So I did the power off/on using different combinations of what turns on first. Still nothing.

Wondering if anyone else had a problem like this with their 3250hd and if you were able to fix it.

I have used my DVI input on the display before with a DVD player with no problems with either 480/720/768/1080 signals. I do know the problem is with the STB but how do I fix this?

edit: I hooked the DVI output again and same problems but I did notice something in re to INHD2 and UHD. INHD2 is all blocky and slow moving and UHD refuses to show.. just a gray screen. The other HD channels work.

So if anyone has the same problems what did you do to fix it? I will call cox again in the morning but they give me such the round around its amazing.

I've tried searching this post but may have missed something. I have the 3250 HD and when connected with component everything works fine SD/HD (I use pass thru). When using the DVI connection only the HD channels show. I just get weird horizontal lines on non HD channels (audio works though).

If I press teh HD Zoom button on the remote I can see the non HD channels, but they are of course zoomed. Regardless of what I have in the setup, 480i/p/widescreen etc... dvi auto fix etc... the problem is always there.

I called up cox and they said dvi output does work on non HD channels. I explained my situation and they told me it was some handshaking thing. So I did the power off/on using different combinations of what turns on first. Still nothing.

Wondering if anyone else had a problem like this with their 3250hd and if you were able to fix it.

I have used my DVI input on the display before with a DVD player with no problems with either 480/720/768/1080 signals. I do know the problem is with the STB but how do I fix this?

edit: I hooked the DVI output again and same problems but I did notice something in re to INHD2 and UHD. INHD2 is all blocky and slow moving and UHD refuses to show.. just a gray screen. The other HD channels work.

So if anyone has the same problems what did you do to fix it? I will call cox again in the morning but they give me such the round around its amazing.

The so called "technicians" at Cox don't know s*** from shinola. I suggest that you get in touch with Scientific Atlanta (look at their webpage for info). If all else fails DEMAND that Cox swap the box for an 8300HD.

I've tried searching this post but may have missed something. I have the 3250 HD and when connected with component everything works fine SD/HD (I use pass thru). When using the DVI connection only the HD channels show. I just get weird horizontal lines on non HD channels (audio works though).

If I press teh HD Zoom button on the remote I can see the non HD channels, but they are of course zoomed. Regardless of what I have in the setup, 480i/p/widescreen etc... dvi auto fix etc... the problem is always there.

I called up cox and they said dvi output does work on non HD channels. I explained my situation and they told me it was some handshaking thing. So I did the power off/on using different combinations of what turns on first. Still nothing.

Wondering if anyone else had a problem like this with their 3250hd and if you were able to fix it.

I have used my DVI input on the display before with a DVD player with no problems with either 480/720/768/1080 signals. I do know the problem is with the STB but how do I fix this?

edit: I hooked the DVI output again and same problems but I did notice something in re to INHD2 and UHD. INHD2 is all blocky and slow moving and UHD refuses to show.. just a gray screen. The other HD channels work.

So if anyone has the same problems what did you do to fix it? I will call cox again in the morning but they give me such the round around its amazing.

I don't know if the DVI should work or not. But from your post you explain blocky/snow etc. Seems like you may have a low signal to the cable box. You can check it yourself by holding down the button in the center of the up/down right/left for about two seconds. The email light will begin to flash. Let go, then hit the info button. You will then be looking at the service screen. You can scroll throught the pages via the up/down directional buttons. I think there is about 15 pages or so. Look for anything in red or yellow and note it. Before leaving the service menu tune to the channels giving you the problem. Report back anything in red or yellow to give us a better idea of the signal values. You can exit this menu by hitting exit or turn the box off.

I dout you will have any luck with Scientific Atlantic. They do not support the end user.

I have the same cable box. I use component to my projector any everything works just fine. DVI is a more troublesome connection method with little to no increase in picture quaility in my opinon. Let us know what you find.

Sounds like the DVI input is having problems with handshaking in SD 480 modes for DTV resolutions and wants to use PC resolutions instead. When there is no HD signal, it sounds like the Display is sending out EDID monitor information for computer resolutions on the native rate of the panel instead of for DTV resolutions.
BTW DVD players do not accept two way communication to accurately test resolution compatibility. The monitor sends the display table back as EDID info through the DVI connection. The table it is sending back is for computer resolutions and not DTV resolutions.

vegggas

Regarding the DirecTV HD locals possibly coming soon...
Feb 22,2006
DirecTV announced today the next 24 markets to get HD-LIL starting in April.
http://phoenix.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=820591&highlight=
Las Vegas was still NOT on the list. This follows the plan mentioned many months ago... Look for a new announcement in late summer for fall schedules of other markets.

vegggas

Can anyone explain all the popping I'm getting through my speakers? My SA box/ Cox has been terribly bad the past week with this.

However D* will have Las Vegas HD locals in April. But that will only be the big four networks. I was recently at their local shop and they are training their installers on how to install the new MPEG 4 dishes.

You either are spreading unsubstantiated rumors for some reason, or simply are badly informed.

According to the latest news release by Direct TV, Las Vegas is NOT going to receive their local HDs this April, and will have to wait for the next round of cities sometime in the fall (or probably later). The "hdtvexpert" has proven to be not such an expert after all. This is very important to me, because I can't give the boot to Cox Cable soon enough. If it wasn't for local HD service, they would be out of my home so fast their head would spin.

Can anyone explain all the popping I'm getting through my speakers? My SA box/ Cox has been terribly bad the past week with this.
???
Details? Channel? Program? Time? What kind of noise?
Nothing strange like that for me.

Word,
As posted in my previous post and elsewhere, there is no scheduled rollout of HD LIL for Vegas yet. I do believe HDTVxpert DID see, hear and believe about new dish installs being prepared, but even the installers were waiting for official word to move forward. Every installation company needs to be prepared, but must still wait for the signal to be available to get content. The original poster did the right thing by posting the info here for validation, but many of us were puzzled by the news, since DirecTV had not announced anything at that time. We would have been pleasently suprised by the news, but it still didn't pan out. This is the way the non-official threads, such as this one, develop inside info.

vegggas

You either are spreading unsubstantiated rumors for some reason, or simply are badly informed.

According to the latest news release by Direct TV, Las Vegas is NOT going to receive their local HDs this April, and will have to wait for the next round of cities sometime in the fall (or probably later). The "hdtvexpert" has proven to be not such an expert after all. This is very important to me, because I can't give the boot to Cox Cable soon enough. If it wasn't for local HD service, they would be out of my home so fast their head would spin.


Dude, have you ever heard of OTA for local HDs???? And what is the world coming to when some rumor might spread via the Internet, I thought this was the last stand for truth telling.

Dude, have you ever heard of OTA for local HDs???? And what is the world coming to when some rumor might spread via the Internet, I thought this was the last stand for truth telling.

ROFLing!!!!

Details? Channel? Program? Time? What kind of noise?
Nothing strange like that for me.

"Survivor" last night was another example. All through the episode I kept getting loud pops out of both the right and left channels. This seems to happen in waves: bad for a couple days, then fine for a month or more. This week has been particularly bad. I have an SA 8000. I tried cycling through all the channels and it remained consistent across them. Also, when I turn the volume down on my set, the pops remain at the same volume. I'm starting to wonder if its my cables.

"Survivor" last night was another example. All through the episode I kept getting loud pops out of both the right and left channels. This seems to happen in waves: bad for a couple days, then fine for a month or more. This week has been particularly bad. I have an SA 8000. I tried cycling through all the channels and it remained consistent across them. Also, when I turn the volume down on my set, the pops remain at the same volume. I'm starting to wonder if its my cables.


Are you using optical or coax for the digital audio?

Are you using optical or coax for the digital audio?


Optical, but I'm bypassing it and using the R and L channels of the TV via Monster audio cables. I rarely use the digital audio, and when I have I have not noticed it. Then again, it hasn't been popping at those times.

Also, when I turn the volume down on my set, the pops remain at the same volume. I'm starting to wonder if its my cables.
If you turned down the volume of the TV, then it's not the input signals, it's something in the TV.

vegggas

Feed the audio (from analog outputs) on your cable box to the L and R inputs of a well maintained stereo preamplifier or receiver. Turn on your stereo system and turn down the TV sound. If the "pops" arise again or continue, the trouble is in your cable box or with the Cox feed to your home. I'm betting it's one of those two. and NOT your TV.

Dude, have you ever heard of OTA for local HDs???? And what is the world coming to when some rumor might spread via the Internet, I thought this was the last stand for truth telling.

I'll be glad to install an OTA HD antenna if both of you would assist me in cutting down vegetation and other buildings that block any such antenna from a "line-if sight" view of the transmitters. And even if that could be done, since I live in an apartment complex, I have no private roof or attic on/in which to install it. My DTV dish is installed on a patio, which has direct line of sight to Direct TV satellites. But there is no unobstructed view of the mountain on which sits the local HD OTA transmitters.

It's totally amazing that I can get all the local channels ota indoors with a pair of bunny ears. :)

Has KVBC changed anything in their broadcasting? I used to get about a 70-80 signal from them on my HDTivo. Now the signal is around 6-15 so it hardly ever comes in. I called the station and they say everything is working fine on their end, which I am sure is the answer for everything. I even went on antennaweb and got the exact compass bearing to the antenna and adjusted the antenna on my roof to face exactly that direction. All of the other OTA channels come in just fine, in fact it appears that there are several other transmiter/antennas at the same location as the KVBC one (Black Mountain?), and they all come in fine 70-80 signal level. I can only think that they changed their transmission in some way.

Has KVBC changed anything in their broadcasting? I used to get about a 70-80 signal from them on my HDTivo. Now the signal is around 6-15 so it hardly ever comes in. I called the station and they say everything is working fine on their end, which I am sure is the answer for everything. I even went on antennaweb and got the exact compass bearing to the antenna and adjusted the antenna on my roof to face exactly that direction. All of the other OTA channels come in just fine, in fact it appears that there are several other transmiter/antennas at the same location as the KVBC one (Black Mountain?), and they all come in fine 70-80 signal level. I can only think that they changed their transmission in some way.
I'm not in a position to measure signal level right now, but...
Since NBC is at the lowest point of the RF spectrum (RF channel 2 @ 54Mhz), it could be something in your wiring, such as a bad fitting or barrel connection. A bad or corroded contact would affect the lower frequencies first.
You could loosen and reconnect all your connecting points and see if the signal strength increases...

vegggas

Or he could just have his cell phone charger plugged in...yes, channel 2 really is that sensitive to rf interference.

I just found a great way to save money with COX and keep HD. I never watched any of the analog channels so I got rid of the "expanded basic" channels which saves me about 30 bucks a month.

You have to keep the basic services to get digital service which I get for 7.95 for 1 tier which is where all the channels I watch are (variety tier), and pay 21 bucks for the HD/DVR with DVR service. Bill is only about 40 bucks a month and the HD service and equipment remain unchanged! :o :o :o :o


Best thing next to AL-LA-CARTE! :) :) :) :) :) :p

I'm not in a position to measure signal level right now, but...
Since NBC is at the lowest point of the RF spectrum (RF channel 2 @ 54Mhz), it could be something in your wiring, such as a bad fitting or barrel connection. A bad or corroded contact would affect the lower frequencies first.
You could loosen and reconnect all your connecting points and see if the signal strength increases...

vegggas

Thanks for the pointers. Interestingly enough, now KVBC comes in fine (don't know the signal level, need to check that). I have never had problems in my 4 months of having OTA with that channel before the Olympics. I was frustrated that I couldn't watch a good portion of the Olympics in HD. But now that I think about it that is one of the few shows I have watched in HD on NBC, most of the other shows I watch are in 4:3 but I still get it over the DT OTA channel. So perhaps my antenna can't get all of the HD signal but it's just good enough to let the SD or ED stuff through? So perhaps it is a bandwidth (for lack of a better word) issue.

I just found a great way to save money with COX and keep HD. I never watched any of the analog channels so I got rid of the "expanded basic" channels which saves me about 30 bucks a month.

You have to keep the basic services to get digital service which I get for 7.95 for 1 tier which is where all the channels I watch are (variety tier), and pay 21 bucks for the HD/DVR with DVR service. Bill is only about 40 bucks a month and the HD service and equipment remain unchanged! :o :o :o :o


Best thing next to AL-LA-CARTE! :) :) :) :) :) :p
That has been mentioned many times before.
If you have a QAM tuner of your own, you can just get basic service for only about ~$9 and save a lot of money, but only get the local channels.
If you need to rent a STB, because you don't have your own equipment, you have to pay the mac address gateway fee of ~$5 local HD only OR ~$8 for 1st tier with ALL non-premium HD, music, IPG and etc OR a premium movie tier for ~$11. & a rental fee for an HD STB ~$10.
If you want the DVR service on your HD STB (or SD STB), that's an additional fee of about ~$10.

vegggas

That has been mentioned many times before.
If you have a QAM tuner of your own, you can just get basic service for only about ~$9 and save a lot of money, but only get the local channels.
If you need to rent a STB, because you don't have your own equipment, you have to pay the mac address gateway fee of ~$5 local HD only OR ~$8 for 1st tier with ALL non-premium HD, music, IPG and etc OR a premium movie tier for ~$11. & a rental fee for an HD STB ~$10.
If you want the DVR service on your HD STB (or SD STB), that's an additional fee of about ~$10.

vegggas

Now try to get any of that that with satellite!

And with the 8300HD, I still get Discovery HD, INHD 1&2, TNT-HD, UHD !

Is anyone aware of ESPN's audio configuration? What I'm trying to say is that ESPN used to be processed by my surround sound receiver as Pro Logic II. That is because ESPN used a method called "Circle Surround" to deliver their audio. It required a receiver with that specific circuitry in order for the consumer to hear true surround audio from ESPN. However, I noticed this evening that my receiver is indicating Dolby Digital 5.1 during ESPN's programming. Has there been a change of heart by them or is this just an anomaly? I am, of course, referring to the HD ESPN.

Are you talking about ESPN non-HD using the Circle Surround? Most of the HD channels broadcast in Dolby Digital now, although they often don't use all 5.1 channels, meaning they will use the Left and Right Channels, combine the Surround, and have a center while not separating the bass. So really you have Pro-Logic over a digital signal, but my receiver will switch to and say Dolby Digital.

According to some of the the main programming threads, ESPN-HD is now using Dolby Digital instead of circle surround.

vegggas

Thanks vegggas. I know I should have explored further, but time constraints with raising an active 2 year old often halt my info gathering! lol.

ESPN was kind of an oddball of sorts with the circle surround sound. Were there any other channels using this method that anyone knows of?

Anyone know if Cox will be providing additional coverage of the NCAA Tournament like they have the last few years? I like the fact that I can watch any game I want, and for free! Tournament starts in two weeks and I haven't heard anything about it. D* provides coverage of all the games, but for $29.95.

Yep, beginning March 16th on Channels 314, 315 and 316 for March Madness coverage.

Now try to get any of that that with satellite!

And with the 8300HD, I still get Discovery HD, INHD 1&2, TNT-HD, UHD !

well my HD service from Directv is 10 bucks a month. Now I dont get locals that way so ya got me there, but I get them OTA, I also do not get the INHD which when I had Cox I liked. I do get a very fine selection of about what is it 8 or 10 HDs from them that I enjoy as much as I did INHD. Its all about Football for me or I would find the cheapest roue I could otherwise.

Any new word on the SA8300hD multiroom cable box?

well my HD service from Directv is 10 bucks a month. Now I dont get locals that way so ya got me there, but I get them OTA, I also do not get the INHD which when I had Cox I liked. I do get a very fine selection of about what is it 8 or 10 HDs from them that I enjoy as much as I did INHD. Its all about Football for me or I would find the cheapest roue I could otherwise.

But what is your total bill, don't you have to get one of their packs to even get the HD?

My bill is only 40 bucks, that includes no upfront fees, the locals, the inhd's, the hd sports, Discovery HD, TNT HD and UHD, the dual tuner HD DVR and a good number of digital channels (including SoapNet :)).

Any new word on the SA8300hD multiroom cable box?

I'd like to know too. Why the long wait?

KVWB affialiates with Fox's MyNetworkTV.
http://www.sbgi.net/press/release_200632_146.shtml

The odds of us getting the CW next year in HD (if at all) just took a huge hit.

So that is where old stations go off to die...
Lets see, a "Station friendly programming option" that shows the same two shows (ahem soaps) 6 nights a week from 8 - 10 PM.
MyNetworkTV, scheduled to launch on Tuesday, September 5th, 2006, will
program 12 hours of original programming from 8:00 to 10:00pm (EST/PST)
Monday through Saturday. Station-friendly by design, MyNetworkTV will
enable broadcasters with significant operational flexibility and a seamless
flow of original primetime programming. The network's pro-station strategy
also intends to strengthen consumer recognition and increase viewership with
powerful marketing initiatives conceived to unify the network's brand on
both the national and local levels.
The new scripted primetime drama strips "Desire" and "Secrets" will
inaugurate MyNetworkTV. The hour-long programs produced by Twentieth
Television will feature a 65-episode story arc stripped Monday through
Friday over the span of 13 weeks. Each Saturday, a re-cap episode
highlighting the two programs' previous week's storylines will air.
"Desire," scheduled to air at 8:00pm (EST/PST), follows two close brothers
on the run from the mafia who both fall in love with, and then passionately
battle for, the same woman. Immediately following "Desire" will be
"Secrets," airing at 9:00pm (EST/PST). The drama takes an in-depth look at
the dreams, successes and tragedies found everyday in the fashion industry.


Oh, and absolutely NO mention of HD content.

vegggas

I was curious what most of you use for audio settings. It seems that lately my volume indicator is ¾ of the way across the screen and it still isn’t very loud. I realize my hearing isn’t what it used to be but my wife agrees with the recent decline in volume.

How should I setup the following menus?

Audio Digital Out: Dolby, other?
Audio Range: Wide, normal, narrow?
Audio Volume Control: Fixed, variable?

I have a 2 year old that is often very “helpful” changing my settings on the tv with the remote but I’ve reset them to factory settings so I think the problem is with my SA box. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

....maybe someone will enlighten me. Though I read all the technical issues raised recently, my inquiry is much more simple, primitive. I'm confused.....basically, is it possible to receive digital broadcasts from cox if I connect the cable to my dtv antenna input on tv set (Hitachi 57s700) and let remote surf for channels??? OR - is it necessary to obtain a digital upgrade of service and/or require a stb?? I do not want premium channels, or another remote.....just hoping for a better picture on my expanded basic analog stations...... am I otherwise confused??? Thanks.

You should pick up the local digital channels (with a QAM tuner) on the 102, 103, and 106 QAM's.
There are a few channels floating around from a QAM Simulcast test, but they are not really available, documented or supported.
If you want digital programming beyond that you either need a cablecard equipped TV or a Digital STB.


vegggas

Unfortunately, the 57s700 only has an NTSC tuner so it can't pickup the signals from Cox cable. You can plug in a pair of rabbit ears (preferrably powered) and pick up the HD signals over the air-- what part of town you live in will determine what signals you can get.

citizen, digital-cable ready tvs are just starting to be standardized, so unfortunately you'll require a stb to get the digital channels from Cox. You wouldn't get any better picture quality on the expanded basic channels until Cox Las Vegas finishes analog-digital simulcast--which is a topic that vegggas would be most knowledgable about.

Thanks, all.
My primitive research consulting owner's manual reveals the mfg includes a QAM tuner for un-encrypted cable signals, and a cox install tech says all cox digital is encrypted; so apparently other than perhaps local network stations, the dtv co-ax input would be useless as asserted by veggas. Picture on the set has always been fine, was hoping a digital input would be even superior.......oh, well.

The only thing that is useful about the QAM demodulator is that you can get HD channels for free without having to put up an antenna and aim it (and deal with all the associated crap like NBC being on channel 2). You might also pick up other unscrambled content that Cox is testing, or Cox doesn't encrypt (like Video on Demand).

The only thing that is useful about the QAM demodulator is that you can get HD channels for free without having to put up an antenna and aim it (and deal with all the associated crap like NBC being on channel 2). You might also pick up other unscrambled content that Cox is testing, or Cox doesn't encrypt (like Video on Demand).

Yeah, like CNN and Faux News which looks washed out on purpose!

i want a New subscriber Dtv account.

the fact that u have to pay 400$$ for HR10-250 and you only lease it now pisses me off. not to mention a 2 year contract.

any suggestions for someone in the las vegas area that wants a new account

i need:

2x HD boxes (1 might be DVR)

and 2x plain boxes

so 4 total.

whats the best deal around? or best place to order?

Unless you're a big sports fan just go with Cox. DirecTV doesn't have the lease system worked out yet as evidenced by their outrageous upfront fees.

agreed. but i just realized u can buy a new HR10-250 on Ebay for about 375-400 and OWN it..

Brand new sealed box.

so u can activate a 3-4 Room system. and buyt the HR10-250 on ebay... sounds like a good way to do it to me

That tivo will be outdated when Mpeg4 rolls out.

Unless you require Sunday Ticket, Cox or Dish Network (for HDNet and ESPN2HD) make more sense than DirecTV right now. When DirecTV has their new satellites up next year and gets their lease program figured out they'll have a offering that should be difficult to beat, but until then they aren't very attractive for new subscribers.

agreed. but i just realized u can buy a new HR10-250 on Ebay for about 375-400 and OWN it..

Brand new sealed box.

so u can activate a 3-4 Room system. and buyt the HR10-250 on ebay... sounds like a good way to do it to me

You do realize that Cox has an HD-DVR for $10 a month, do you? NO upfront costs. Plus, D* doesn't have the LV locals in HD yet and probably won't until 2007. Unless NFL Sunday Ticket is a must, you're better off with Cox right now. You'll save a ton of money upfront. And, like foghorn2 said, once D* goes Mpeg4 full time, that Tivo will be nothing more than a $400 paperweight.

yes. BUT...


lets just say its nice having 1 D* account with 4 boxes at 2 diff houses... :-)

Does anyone know if Cox is working on any new HD channels? I hope they get the NFL Network HD. I wonder if DirecTV will include it on their NFL Ticket plan.

Toby

maldoman, NFL Network HD is included with the HD Pack on DirecTV. You don't need to buy Sunday Ticket.

How would one go about asking Cox-LV politely to add ESPN2-HD before the World Cup?

Is this something they set on a systemwide basis, or is it up to individual markets?

If Cox is working on new HD channels I hope Speed is one of them along with G4, Bravo and Food. Unlike most on this thread I am really not interested in anything ESPN unless it is about F1 or WRC. Shoot I would even give up DiscoveryHD for sprout (355) since looking at bugs and somebody's quest is just as exciting as watching sea monkeys.

But one can dream. Law&Order was funny last night on NBC because it was a little rectangle on my display because I guess somebody forgot to turn the switch to HD :P

I think Cox's reply to any polite inquiry regarding new HD channels would be to ever so politely blow you off and tell you they'll add new channels when they're good and ready. Cox CSRs will rarely have any info more than a month out, and any requests for new stuff seem to fall on deaf ears.

For Cox to add channels, corporate has to reach and agreement with the channel, and then each market implements it on their own timetable. TNTHD went live first somewhere in the Midwest (Omaha??), and Phoenix and Vegas were 2 of the last markets to add it. Down here, we got MHD on 3/15, but still don't have Cinemax HD. From what I can tell on Cox's website, Vegas still doesn't have MHD, but you do have Cinemax HD.

What's MHD?

mtv

I would gladly give up espnhd for mhd.

Got it. So, is it HD version of "Real World," or will they actually play music videos?

http://www.mhd.tv/

it seems to be just like mtv and mtv2. i wonder if cox will add it here soon.

Thanks for the link. It actually seems like there's less crap (IMHO) and more music. They even explain that it's a "music-centric" HD channel. I'm all for that...

I just remember MTV in the mid to late 80's, and how it was almost all music videos. Heck, I'd even settle for my college days when it showed Beavis and Butthead and Liquid Television...

The MHD website indicates that Cox in Las Vegas will be adding it on 12/30/2006. I hope it's sooner.

bcoombs: just by those comments i can tell we're around the same age :) ah.... aeon flux in HD.

How would one go about asking Cox-LV politely to add ESPN2-HD before the World Cup?

Is this something they set on a systemwide basis, or is it up to individual markets?

REQUEST (http://www.cox.com/LasVegas/ChannelRequest.asp)

OK, lets all get together and request all these HDs by the end of this weekend. Lets send 'em a message, "WE WANT MORE HD!"

REQUEST (http://www.cox.com/LasVegas/ChannelRequest.asp)

OK, lets all get together and request all these HDs by the end of this weekend. Lets send 'em a message, "WE WANT MORE HD!"

Don't forget to demand HDNet and HDNet Movies.

Don't forget to demand HDNet and HDNet Movies.

I could careless about the "Wireless Cable Services" from Sprint and would rather just have more HD channels like Dish and multroom units.

What are they thinking?

Any news as to whether or not Cox will once again have the San Diego Padres games on Channel 96? Sure hope so!

Here's the dealy-o.
Cox Las Vegas, just like many other cable systems, is going through a MAJOR renovation to go to an all digtal system. Basically, everything will be digital and sent to various nodes around the city and local neighborhoods, and the basic package will be converted back to analog for the basic users, but digital subscribers will have everything in digital format, including the original analog channels. By converting everything to digital at the main lines, there is a huge savings in bandwidth that can be carried out to the neighborhoods. At that point forced conversions can be done for the basic people at the local level, but everything is still digital to anyone with the digital STB. Major channels can be sent to all homes in the current digital format, but lesser watched channels can be sent, virtually on demand, as you change the channel. This frees up even more space that HAD to be dedicated to the each and every channels people rarely watch.
When is this happening? It's already underway (since last year actually), but will take many months before it's complete and the old system can be removed to take advantage of the savings. They basically have to move and shift channels in chunks and repeat certain aspects of bandwidth to keep it online so that it's invisible to the user. The commitment dates are before the end of the year, and then a great expansion should happen.
When asked about including more HD channels and what channels are they expecting, the answer seemed to be to expect all of them.

Please make use of the above link for requesting new channels and/or if you call in, ask then to make a note that you want specific HD channels (that exist). Ask for HD-Net and HD-Net movies while you are at it. Those channels are currently up for negotiations again, and POSITIVE feedback will help bring them to Cox.

Another note to consider is that Cox corporate policy has been to offer the HD channels at NO ADDITIONAL COST, meaning that there is no programming price increase for an HD channel compared to a standard channel. A Digital subscriber has no additonal programming fees to watch the HD version of Sopranos over the SD version, etc.
Some programming negotiations get pushed back when the prices demand individual pricing per subscriber, but if anyone is open to that scenario, let them know that too. An example would be if you want HDNet and HDNet Movies, or ESPN2 or the Voom HD pak, it would be an additional $5/ month/ per package or bundled together at a lesser cost. This is very similar to what ComCast and other cable companies do to keep programming costs down for subscribers who do not have HD.

I will, as always, keep my ear to the ground and let the forum know if anything is approaching that can be revealed...

vegggas

Vegggas,

I just want to let you know how much your posts here are appreciated. It's great to get some of the "inside" info. Thanks!!!!

The Padres will be on 96 again this season......Wednesdays exhibition game was on... with bars on top and bottom AND double side bars......a SMALL picture in the middle of my already small HD television (26 in)...had to zoom just to make it look like a regular SD screen...LOL

The commitment dates are before the end of the year, and then a great expansion should happen.
When asked about including more HD channels and what channels are they expecting, the answer seemed to be to expect all of them.



I can't wait for that day to come.

Can I add CW-HD (WB and UPN) to our wish list?

But WHEN will SciFi channel be available in HD?

But WHEN will SciFi channel be available in HD?

I can't wait for HD versions of Star Trek the Next Generation if that ever happens.

Here's the dealy-o.
Cox Las Vegas, just like many other cable systems, is going through a MAJOR renovation to go to an all digtal system. Basically, everything will be digital and sent to various nodes around the city and local neighborhoods, and the basic package will be converted back to analog for the basic users, but digital subscribers will have everything in digital format, including the original analog channels. By converting everything to digital at the main lines, there is a huge savings in bandwidth that can be carried out to the neighborhoods. At that point forced conversions can be done for the basic people at the local level, but everything is still digital to anyone with the digital STB. Major channels can be sent to all homes in the current digital format, but lesser watched channels can be sent, virtually on demand, as you change the channel. This frees up even more space that HAD to be dedicated to the each and every channels people rarely watch.
When is this happening? It's already underway (since last year actually), but will take many months before it's complete and the old system can be removed to take advantage of the savings. They basically have to move and shift channels in chunks and repeat certain aspects of bandwidth to keep it online so that it's invisible to the user. The commitment dates are before the end of the year, and then a great expansion should happen.
When asked about including more HD channels and what channels are they expecting, the answer seemed to be to expect all of them.

Please make use of the above link for requesting new channels and/or if you call in, ask then to make a note that you want specific HD channels (that exist). Ask for HD-Net and HD-Net movies while you are at it. Those channels are currently up for negotiations again, and POSITIVE feedback will help bring them to Cox.

Another note to consider is that Cox corporate policy has been to offer the HD channels at NO ADDITIONAL COST, meaning that there is no programming price increase for an HD channel compared to a standard channel. A Digital subscriber has no additonal programming fees to watch the HD version of Sopranos over the SD version, etc.
Some programming negotiations get pushed back when the prices demand individual pricing per subscriber, but if anyone is open to that scenario, let them know that too. An example would be if you want HDNet and HDNet Movies, or ESPN2 or the Voom HD pak, it would be an additional $5/ month/ per package or bundled together at a lesser cost. This is very similar to what ComCast and other cable companies do to keep programming costs down for subscribers who do not have HD.

I will, as always, keep my ear to the ground and let the forum know if anything is approaching that can be revealed...

vegggas

This is great news! Finally, a friend in the digital age, well partially digital at least for now. It's great having the HD stuff for free but if they did offer more channels, good channels, I would not mind paying en extra 5 or even 10 bucks a month for them.

Thanks for the info Vegggas, its been a while.

I can't wait for HD versions of Star Trek the Next Generation if that ever happens.

You'll be waiting a long time, if it ever happens, because the special effects and editing were done on video.

You'll be waiting a long time, if it ever happens, because the special effects and editing were done on video.

:mad: Well tell them to re do them. Make it so. ;)

Sweet!

I'm curious though, is this D to A conversion done at the hub or the node? The whole on-demand style wouldnt make much sense if this conversion was done at the hub, but makes a lot of sense at the node, which serves about 150 homes. Its kinda funny, it sounds like the system has more in common with IPTV than traditional RF-based cable television. Oh well, hopefully some of that extra bandwidth gets put toward faster internet speeds in addition to more HD. I wonder if Embarq is going to go FTTP here in LV and give cox some real competition.

When asked about including more HD channels and what channels are they expecting, the answer seemed to be to expect all of them.

vegggas


I'm sure that would not have been the answer if D* didn't have huge HD expansion plans with their new sallelites going up. It goes to show you that competition turns the wheels of management much much more than the "valued" customer wishes.

Sweet!

I'm curious though, is this D to A conversion done at the hub or the node? The whole on-demand style wouldnt make much sense if this conversion was done at the hub, but makes a lot of sense at the node, which serves about 150 homes. Its kinda funny, it sounds like the system has more in common with IPTV than traditional RF-based cable television. Oh well, hopefully some of that extra bandwidth gets put toward faster internet speeds in addition to more HD. I wonder if Embarq is going to go FTTP here in LV and give cox some real competition.

yeah! Sprint is now in bed with Cox. I hope Verizon buys Embarq and gives them both the finger!

thanks vegggas for the update. do you think cox is waiting to complete the uprade befor offering multi room and on demand hd?

Hello all!

Coming to Vegas soon... what are the areas to avoid for OTA HD?

Hello all!

Coming to Vegas soon... what are the areas to avoid for OTA HD?

OTA in general works throughout the valley except for some parts of Henderson shadowed by the mountains. Because of the digital frequency (2) the NBC affiliate, KVBC, was assigned it is very difficult to receive. Because of the situation with KVBC, if you don't plan on putting up an outdoor VHF yagi, I'd recommend you consider subscribing to Cox Cable.

Is anyone familiar with the baseball games u get on DTV ?

with baseball package i know u get every game (except those that are blackout out due to local blackout restrictions) all though i dont completely understand how that works.

Really need to know if with the SPORTS PACK i will get ALL the Yankee Games

YES network is part of Sports Pack

and i live in Las Vegas.

so will the sports packl alone get me all my NY Yankee games?

Is anyone familiar with the baseball games u get on DTV ?

with baseball package i know u get every game (except those that are blackout out due to local blackout restrictions) all though i dont completely understand how that works.

Really need to know if with the SPORTS PACK i will get ALL the Yankee Games

YES network is part of Sports Pack

and i live in Las Vegas.

so will the sports packl alone get me all my NY Yankee games?

My initial guess is no. It seems unless you are getting the specific channel that the games are broadcast on as part of your channel lineup, it falls under the mysterious blackout rules. I could get on a rant about the "rules", but that's for another board...argh! Yes, I am frustrated to no end about it as it affects the INHD carriage of west coast baseball. C'mon MLB. Give us a freakin' break!

On another related thought, I would hope that with the freed up bandwidth later this year we could get the Padres back in HD. That was awesome.

id assume the Yankee network (YES Network) carries all their games

the Sports Pack gives u YES network

if there playign a california or Az Team its usually blacked out anyway.

so is the YES network alone on the sports pack going to give me the same amount of Yankee games as the baseball package.

id assume the Yankee network (YES Network) carries all their games

the Sports Pack gives u YES network

if there playign a california or Az Team its usually blacked out anyway.

so is the YES network alone on the sports pack going to give me the same amount of Yankee games as the baseball package.

All out-of-market professional (MLB/NBA/NHL) are blacked out even if you have sports pack. You must purchase MLB Extra Innings ($159) to get the YES network Yankees games.

http://www.directvsports.com/Blackout_Info/

However, some cities have secondary RSNs, which make a few more teams be considered local if you have the sports pack. In Las Vegas it means you get the Arizona Diamondbacks on FSN-AZ and the SF Giants and Oakland A's on FSN-BA in addition to the FSN West/West 2 teams.

ty for explaining blackout. 1 more question...

Sports Pack adds YES network

so if u only care about yankee games, would u get just as many if u ONLY subscribe to the sports pack?

ty for explaining blackout. 1 more question...

Sports Pack adds YES network

so if u only care about yankee games, would u get just as many if u ONLY subscribe to the sports pack?

I'll try to be as explicit and clear as possible. Subscribing to sports pack will get you ZERO Yankee games from YES. Unless you live in the NYC DMA you need to pay the $159 for extra innings.

Im not sure if this is the right section for my post but seeing my question is in regards to LV reception..

Has anyone been able to connect their Fusion5 or any QAM capture card to their cable line and get the major networks in HD?

Vegggas, any update on the DVD recorder units Cox is supposedly coming out with? My 5 year old DVD recorder is on its last legs and I don't want to buy a new unit if Cox is coming out with something in the near future.

Vegggas, any update on the DVD recorder units Cox is supposedly coming out with? My 5 year old DVD recorder is on its last legs and I don't want to buy a new unit if Cox is coming out with something in the near future.

Now its days later and it's just as quiet here as Cox is with the new MR or DVR units! :eek:

Are we in for a surprise or we are gonna get disappointed now from another telecommunications friend? I've been rooting for Cox over the others but I'm starting to get worried about where my money is going after all this silence.

I don't always see the updates, and often miss new posts... Don't know why, but it's seems hit and miss with emails or using "User CP" page for new posts.
If you guys are talking about the MCP-100 Multi-room DVR with DVD burner, or the Multi-Room DVR, then SA has been working on making the HD streaming work better (as of CES). There are a few test Multi-room DVR's in Vegas, but I didn't get one :( . One of the main problems is that they are SD versions, and things seem spotty with the installs and people are having problems with their in-home wiring causing S/N problems. There is also an industry wide push to do network DVR's, where any cable box can be a DVR with the storage on the local nodes. This model allows your current, old STB's to be used as multi-room DVR's, where you can playback from any STB on your local account.
If I hear more, I'll fill everyone in. My earlier post also explained that there is a major renovation going on that is expected to take most of the summer to complete with results showing up later in the year. There are also tests underway for new channels. I hope they get approved :) , but I bet they have to come off for the migration path to finish up, then get put on for everyone later in the year.

vegggas

Yep it sounds like the industry doesn't trust us to record TV anymore. I hate it how these guys treat everyone like a criminal.

Yep it sounds like the industry doesn't trust us to record TV anymore. I hate it how these guys treat everyone like a criminal.
Sigh... How true...
The only good thing supposedly to come of this is that eventually STB's will be voided out and not needed anymore. In the short term the STB will shrink down to just the digital component needed for decryption and communication (a-la Cable-Card v2) or smaller than a pack of smokes to give decryption and digital only tuning to analog sets. At that time prices will be essentially be next to nothing, and you can add whatever third party device you want for recording from your display.

vegggas

Yep it sounds like the industry doesn't trust us to record TV anymore. I hate it how these guys treat everyone like a criminal.


I hear you. I just discovered this past week that the UHD presentation of the obscure movie, "Nightmares", must have been flagged for auto deletion. I mysteriously disappeared from my list of recordings. Don't know how else to explain that one as I never manually set anything to be auto deleted as default or otherwise. Harumph!

I hear you. I just discovered this past week that the UHD presentation of the obscure movie, "Nightmares", must have been flagged for auto deletion. I mysteriously disappeared from my list of recordings. Don't know how else to explain that one as I never manually set anything to be auto deleted as default or otherwise. Harumph!
What device and service?
I had several episodes of LOST deleted one day off the SA8300... I did a lot of research and did not find any specific reason for the deletion. The closest thing that made sense was that I was cleaning out old shows and I may have had corruption that erased the header info for that area of content.
If you do have the 8300 DVR, check your default save time and recorded list show's save time. Sometimes after a software patch, the setttings will default back to save 14 days and/or Auto erase is turned back on.
I know that auto deletion by content flag is coming, but I have not found any evidence of it actually being implemented anwhere by a flag yet. several devices do auto delete by a setting for predetermined time, or to free up space as needed for other shows.

vegggas

What device and service?
I had several episodes of LOST deleted one day off the SA8300... I did a lot of research and did not find any specific reason for the deletion. The closest thing that made sense was that I was cleaning out old shows and I may have had corruption that erased the header info for that area of content.
If you do have the 8300 DVR, check your default save time and recorded list show's save time. Sometimes after a software patch, the setttings will default back to save 14 days and/or Auto erase is turned back on.
I know that auto deletion by content flag is coming, but I have not found any evidence of it actually being implemented anwhere by a flag yet. several devices do auto delete by a setting for predetermined time, or to free up space as needed for other shows.

vegggas

It was the SA 8300HD DVR with Cox. My defaults have not been altered from my no deletion and auto erase in the off position. There were no disk space issues. Very strange. This hasn't happened to any other program recorded in the same time period. Oh well. I suppose it could have been a glitch of sorts then. I only brought up the flagging element as I had heard that it was being considered and was kind of wondering if it was being implemented on UHD.

Anyone have problems recording on Monday? We have two DVRs (8300 HD and 8000 SD) both failed to record from 8pm to 9:27pm....So I missed 'Prison Break' and half of '24'....just wondering if the cable went out or power failure.

I had no problems recording Prision Break on either unit.
If you had an hour of blank video, it was a cable outage. If it started recording halfway into the show, it was power.
You can check the diagnostic page and check last boot time, which will tell you when the STB had power applied.

vegggas

Just got my new Direct TV system installed yesterday

North West Las Vegas.

they gave me a 5 LnB Dish (its Freggin Huge, OMG)

3x H-20's

2x D-11's

total cost was like 354.xx and i get 100$ rebate somehow.

im actually recieving OTA HD content using the little antenna provided in the box that is suposed to be used for making the remotes RF, lol

it actually works.

now i just have to install my SquareShooter on my Roof for better OTA HD Locals

UPDATE... nice day today so i checked my local OTA Reception using that dumb little 6 inch antenna supplied to make ur Remote work RF...

i get the following channels which seem to come in great

5-1 FOX
8-1 ABC
10-1 PBS
33-1 WB

13-1 ABC breaks up a bit.
3-1 doesnt come in at all.

anyone have experience using a indoor HD antenna and getting all the locals?

if this little Piece of sh*t 6 inch thing works, id imagine a better one would be great

Turd, you probably won't get 3-1 with any indoor antenna for various technical reasons. Even when you get the square shooter on your roof you might not get it. However, if you want to connect anything better than the remote control antenna, you shouldn't have much trouble pulling 13 in.

Well, the good news is that we have the Padres on Channel 96 all season. The bad news is that tonight they are showing ESPN 2, which leads me to believe there is some complex blackout protocol in effect. The game is the giants v. padres and is not available on any other channel. Yesterday's game involving the same teams was not blacked out (although the ESPN2 feed of the same game was blacked out). So, can anyone figure out what is up? Does the Giant local affiliate have precedence over the Channel 96 Padres?

Well, the good news is that we have the Padres on Channel 96 all season. The bad news is that tonight they are showing ESPN 2, which leads me to believe there is some complex blackout protocol in effect. The game is the giants v. padres and is not available on any other channel. Yesterday's game involving the same teams was not blacked out (although the ESPN2 feed of the same game was blacked out). So, can anyone figure out what is up? Does the Giant local affiliate have precedence over the Channel 96 Padres?

There was no "complex blackout protocol" in effect. There simply was no game to broadcast. The Padre game was rained out tonight and ESPN2 was the "replacement" programming. First rainout in San Diego in 8 years, btw.

Turd, you probably won't get 3-1 with any indoor antenna for various technical reasons. Even when you get the square shooter on your roof you might not get it. However, if you want to connect anything better than the remote control antenna, you shouldn't have much trouble pulling 13 in.

I messed around a little tonight by laying my square shooter down ontop of my Tower speaker, and every Local cam in. lol

i Assume if i get it outside and mount it properly, they should all come in as well.

I hope so. But you know what they say about when you assume...

Hi,
I just kind of stumbled across this thread. I don't know if anyone here has noticed the EyeFi thread on here. Here's the link:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=659611

There's another one, the initial thread, here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=654328

Anyway, the reason I ask is that EyeFi has a showroom and distribution centre in Las Vegas. If you read the threads there were a number of posts wondering if anyone could visit the showroom and check their products out. Here's the EyeFi link:

http://usa.eyefi.tv/

They currently sell 3 of their products through Sam's Club at pretty nice prices. Apparantly Sam's will carry the entire line soon.

So, anyway, I'm just running this by you. If it's something anyone thinks they'd like to check out, I'm sure a lot of EyeFi posters would love to hear your review of the store, the personnel, and the various products they have on display.

If not, no big deal, but I felt compelled to ask.

Thanks

1080p!!!

Hi,
I just kind of stumbled across this thread. I don't know if anyone here has noticed the EyeFi thread on here. Here's the link:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=659611

There's another one, the initial thread, here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=654328

Anyway, the reason I ask is that EyeFi has a showroom and distribution centre in Las Vegas. If you read the threads there were a number of posts wondering if anyone could visit the showroom and check their products out. Here's the EyeFi link:

http://usa.eyefi.tv/

They currently sell 3 of their products through Sam's Club at pretty nice prices. Apparantly Sam's will carry the entire line soon.

So, anyway, I'm just running this by you. If it's something anyone thinks they'd like to check out, I'm sure a lot of EyeFi posters would love to hear your review of the store, the personnel, and the various products they have on display.

If not, no big deal, but I felt compelled to ask.

Thanks

1080p!!!

jb, or anyone else: If anyone has the time and inclination, please take a look at the Eyefi sets and report what you think. Stucandu is a poster on another thread involving the Westinghouse 1080p sets (37 and 42 inch), and he, as well as many others (me included) are trying to determine if this set is a viable competitor/alternative. The Westinghouse sets seem to get great reviews from AVS Forum members, but they have their share of problems (seem to be getting better, though).

I would check it out myself, but the wife's getting ready to pop with our 3rd child (c-section scheduled for next Wed.), and I'm spending an inordinate amount of time at home... ;)

i'd go take a look, but i really can't fit that into my sched right now.. Not to stray too far off topic, but what kind of prgramming (if any) from Cox would look better at 1080p??

jb

The set will upconvert the 1080i (and 720p) signal to 1080p. Owners of this set (on the other forum) have expressed that it does a very good job of this. Also, they report a great picture with HTPC (1080p) and Xbox 360 (720p and 1080i) as sources.

Am I dreaming? Is KTNV-DT actually broadcasting in native aspect ratio? I never saw stretch-o-vision all day last Monday. Let's hope it stays that way. They have never looked better.

Am I dreaming? Is KTNV-DT actually broadcasting in native aspect ratio? I never saw stretch-o-vision all day last Monday. Let's hope it stays that way. They have never looked better.

So far so good. It looks like after years of complaints they finally listened. Now we just need to work on getting 13-2 removed or replaced with some actual content. (Besides a third Vegas weather subchannel.)

Now the next goal.....getting KLAS to upgrade their equipment to pass 5.1 audio.

A few months ago, I reported what seemed reliable information regarding D* delivering Vegas local HD in April. Well obviously that has not happened, and I have no word on it other than '07. I guess the guys at the local field office of D* don't know what they are talking about. I do know they are installing the KA dishes on all new HD installs. Too bad there is nothing new to receive on them. Sorry if I ampped everybody up over nothing.

Yeah, well don't let it happen again........we're watching you.......:rolleyes:

Speaking of Dish I was wondering what other users have experienced with them. I signed up nearly one month ago. Last week I finally received the VIP 622 HD-DVR. They were scheduled to install on April 11th. Someone from Dish (?) came out and said he had no tools to install. He left. I called Dish and of course they apologized. They rescheduled for this past Saturday (April 15th). No one showed up. There is no way that I will ever attempt to use them again. I hear all the negative discussion with Cox. I have been a subscriber of theirs for 11 years. They are not perfect but when I have had issues they did resolve them. I wanted to try a satellite company just to see how it compared to Cox Cable. In my opinion why try to fix what ain't broke. Cox cable works. They are physically connected to my home. I don't need a phone line. It may not have channels that Dish or Direct-TV have but I like INHD and PBS-HD. Neither satellite company has them. As I said earlier, Cox is not perfect but they have never stone-walled me like Dish did. Not that it means anything but I did send a complaint to the Better Business Bureau and notified JD Power and Associates. A letter to Echstars corporate has also gone out.

The 622 is a poorly designed unit and has the usual glitches that need to be corrected by software updates. Check out the discussion on DBStalk.com

Someone from Dish (?) came out and said he had no tools to install. He left.

So what did he think he was coming to your house for, to shoot the breeze? I would have smacked him in the head. :confused:

I called Dish because I am paying a small fortune to Cox every month for 2 HD DVRs and all the channels in the world. I am pretty happy with them, but I liked the Dish DVRs and the Voom channels so I figured I would see how much money I would save. When I talked to the Dish people they asked what I needed and I said I wanted five rooms with 2 HD DVR boxes and they said they only had a four room deal and they could NOT give me 2 HD DVRs at all. I said I needed 2 or the multiroom deal they were showing at CES and they said NO.
So I don't know how much I would have saved (probably nada), but it is a moot point since they would not sell me Dish. I guess THAT is why cable companies do so well and can charge whatever they want.

The best Dish deal I could get with their dishbuilder (dishnetwork.com or dishtv.com) webpage was:
Platinum Service with MAX allowed STB's
1 HD DVR
1 HD STB
1 SD DVR
1 SD DVR
$111.95/ month after rebates and discounts
+$349.98 upfront setup fees
or $141/mo amortized over 1 year which is roughly the same as Cox, but I have 2 HD DVR's and 8 outlets (5 digital, 3 analog w/o cable STB's[replayTV for SD DVRs])

Dish will not connect my other 4 TV's without calling customer service and working out a plan, but it would add up to a lot for connecting all of my TV's and purchasing STB's. I couldn't get anymore info without calling.

As always, Your Milage May Vary!
Just added as another comparison.

vegggas

The best Dish deal I could get with their dishbuilder (dishnetwork.com or dishtv.com) webpage was:
Platinum Service with MAX allowed STB's
1 HD DVR
1 HD STB
1 SD DVR
1 SD DVR
$111.95/ month after rebates and discounts
+$349.98 upfront setup fees
or $141/mo amortized over 1 year which is roughly the same as Cox, but I have 2 HD DVR's and 8 outlets (5 digital, 3 analog w/o cable STB's[replayTV for SD DVRs])

Dish will not connect my other 4 TV's without calling customer service and working out a plan, but it would add up to a lot for connecting all of my TV's and purchasing STB's. I couldn't get anymore info without calling.

As always, Your Milage May Vary!
Just added as another comparison.

vegggas

And what happens when the HD DVR (622) is obsolete?

Yes, more upfront costs and more commitments

What happens when the 8300HD is outdated?

Trade it in for a new one for no cost and no commitment.

I think I am paying about $170 or so for my cable bill including the highest speed cable modem. I also don't want to buy equipment if I can help it since everything will be obsolete eventually. Just look at the people who spent big bucks for the DirecTV HD Tivos that will be obsolete, if they aren't already, with the new MPEG4 HD channels.
But, as I said, Dish WOULD NOT even sell me a system anyway. So they made my choice easy.

I think I am paying about $170 or so for my cable bill including the highest speed cable modem. I also don't want to buy equipment if I can help it since everything will be obsolete eventually. Just look at the people who spent big bucks for the DirecTV HD Tivos that will be obsolete, if they aren't already, with the new MPEG4 HD channels.
But, as I said, Dish WOULD NOT even sell me a system anyway. So they made my choice easy.

Also the people who purchased the older 942 which was around $900-$1000 with Dish still have to pay for the new 622 which is a lease upgrade fee of $300 and still have to pay a lease fee of $10 a month to get the new HD channels!

Stay with Cox. All they have to do is release the DVD and or MR stuff and add the new HD channels and Satellite will never be able to touch them.

We are a company based in the Washington, DC area that has a very good customer moving to the Las Vegas area. He has asked us if we could find a company in the Las Vegas area that will take care of him for his a/v, and antenna needs. He needs his home theater installed and av equipment hooked up. If the company can install DirecTV, so that he can avoid the dreaded "free installer" that would be a plus.

We know of no company but we do know that this is the place to go to find out the name of a company that has a good reputation and is fair to customers. Also, if there are any companies that do not have a favorable reputation and that he should stay away from.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Dave T

So what did he think he was coming to your house for, to shoot the breeze? I would have smacked him in the head. :confused:
I haven't the faintist idea. Apparently he did not want to install new cable. When I spoke to Dish initially I stated that I have high speed internet with my cable provider and they would need to install new cable. They said they do that all of the time. The so-called installer really did not want to do it. And Dish says ALL of their installers are professional.

When I turned the 622 on to check it out it made a sound you could hear in another room. It also doesn't have a clock which in itself is not a big deal but added a function I'm used to. Yes I could have bought a new clock but whatever. It's a mute point. Dish is persona-non-grata in my house. I doubt that Direct-TV is any better but this expierence has taught NOT to deal with satellite companies

Now that I am staying with Cox I would like to know how others on this forum are setup with digital phone. I first started out with AT&T Call Vantage and used them for 18 months. The service was actually very good. I switched to Vonage since they supported virtual lines to the UK which I need. I now have five lines with Vonage. One is the virtual line and one is a "softphone" which I use with my laptop when I travel. The other three are physical lines in my home with two VOIP adapters. I keep on getting ads in the mail from Cox on their digital phone service but they can not compete with any broadband provider (Vonage, AT&T,etc.) as far as price goes. If they did I would probably switch. It would be nice if Cox could come up with a way to better bundle ALL of their digital services. I have HDTV cable as well as their 5mb internet service. They should be able to provide a complete bundle package that would reduce the overall cost of their phone service as well. I dont know why they are so expensive. It's not that much cheaper then Sprint provides. I was paying them $55.00 per month.

Now that I am staying with Cox I would like to know how others on this forum are setup with digital phone. I first started out with AT&T Call Vantage and used them for 18 months. The service was actually very good. I switched to Vonage since they supported virtual lines to the UK which I need. I now have five lines with Vonage. One is the virtual line and one is a "softphone" which I use with my laptop when I travel. The other three are physical lines in my home with two VOIP adapters. I keep on getting ads in the mail from Cox on their digital phone service but they can not compete with any broadband provider (Vonage, AT&T,etc.) as far as price goes. If they did I would probably switch. It would be nice if Cox could come up with a way to better bundle ALL of their digital services. I have HDTV cable as well as their 5mb internet service. They should be able to provide a complete bundle package that would reduce the overall cost of their phone service as well. I dont know why they are so expensive. It's not that much cheaper then Sprint provides. I was paying them $55.00 per month.

Vonage is still a better deal than Cox even with the bundles. Just make sure your router and modem are on battery back ups and the service may be just as reliable as Cox's.

I agree that I should have "battery backup" but I don't. I guess I have ben lucky. I did set Vonage's "safe number" which works well where if for any reason the adapter does not respond Vonage will forward the call to my cell phone. I haven't lost a call yet. My setup is as follows: the output of my cable modem goes to a 5 port switch. I have my two VOIP adapters connected to the switch each one getting its own DHCP IP address. On one adapter I have one phone line which goes to my fax. An ethernet connection then goes to an 8 port switch where I have my LAN devices connected to. Six PC's, one network printer, and a netgear powerline wireless adapter. The second VOIP adapter is where I have two phone lines connected to. I have found with this setup that even with datastreaming all of my voice connections are perfect. When I ran everything thru one adapter I had voice degradation when I datastreamed.

I was unable to pull in Fox OTA last night while all other channels worked fine as usual. Did anyone else have a problem with FOX OTA last night?

I was unable to pull in Fox OTA last night while all other channels worked fine as usual. Did anyone else have a problem with FOX OTA last night?

No problems at all, you might need to re-aim. A properly aimed antenna should register 80-100 on the signal meter for 5-1 (9), 8-1 (7), 10-1 (11), 13-1 (12), 21-1 (22), and 33-1 (29). Channel 3-1 (2) is on a low-vhf frequency, so just getting enough signal to lock it can be quite a challenge.

I have had signal strength readings similar to what you describe above for almost a year now consistently. For some reason though I was not able to pull a signal for Fox at all last night with either of my two STB's. I'll tinker with it again tonight to see if I can get it back.

KVVU-DT was off the air Wed. night. I had zero signal strength on both of my HD Tivos. Normally I get them at 95% signal strength.

It happened once again to me. I had a couple of movies saved on my HD-DVR (SA8300), one saved for a couple of months from HBO HD and the other from UHD. Strangely, the movie "Nightmares" from UHD had mysteriously disappeared not long ago and once again this weekend. I'm starting to become convinced of some red flagging of some sort. Why would be beyond me as I'm not aware of cable companies beginning to do this yet. I know it's been a topic of discussion that has been just that to this point...discussion and not implementation. Any ideas or similar experiences with this phenomena via Cox?

There's a rumor that the next set of HD Locals from DirecTV will be:

Austin, TX
Cincinnati, OH
Grand Rapids, MI
Green Bay, WI
Greensboro, NC
Las Vegas, NV
Madison, WI
Memphis, TN
Portland, OR
Portland, ME
Providence, RI
Reno, NV

On a somewhat related HD topic: Did anyone buy an HD DVD player here?

There's a rumor that the next set of HD Locals from DirecTV will be:

Austin, TX
Cincinnati, OH
Grand Rapids, MI
Green Bay, WI
Greensboro, NC
Las Vegas, NV
Madison, WI
Memphis, TN
Portland, OR
Portland, ME
Providence, RI
Reno, NV


Well, I did notice a full page ad in the RJ a few days ago advertising D*. It did say the locals were available but didnt say one way or another if that meant HD also.

If that's the next set of D* locals, then look for a possible air date in October or November.

vegggas

Well, I did notice a full page ad in the RJ a few days ago advertising D*. It did say the locals were available but didnt say one way or another if that meant HD also.

No, just the standard definition locals are delivered by satellite from either provider for now. However, all of the current satellite high definition receivers have ATSC over-the-air tuners and will pick up the hd local channels with a regular antenna where reception permits.

Well I've had it. I've had HDTV for over a year now and I'm already tired of all the crap. Got rid of the 42 incher and will be rid of COX and the 8300hd in a few weeks. No new programming, no bug fixes, no MR why bother with it any more.
I'm going back to SD DTIVO with my Syntax HVX in panoramic mode and that will do just fine.

Good Bye to you all!

wow...i could never give up hd and go back to sd. "tired if all the crap"??? good luck to you..


Well I've had it. I've had HDTV for over a year now and I'm already tired of all the crap. Got rid of the 42 incher and will be rid of COX and the 8300hd in a few weeks. No new programming, no bug fixes, no MR why bother with it any more.
I'm going back to SD DTIVO with my Syntax HVX in panoramic mode and that will do just fine.

Good Bye to you all!

wow...i could never give up hd and go back to sd. "tired if all the crap"??? good luck to you..

I see your point, but sd on a smaller screen looks as good as HD on a huge screen.

Thats the point most don't realize.

I don't watch sports and love nature and science stuff and there is not enough of that in 16:9 HD, especially science stuff.

As for the"crap" , thats in reference to the industry dragging their feet with equipment innovation and new programming.

I see your point, but sd on a smaller screen looks as good as HD on a huge screen

Right.... :rolleyes:

I have SD on a 27" TV, and HD on a 53-inch. Still no comparison. My eyes have lost some strength in the last few years. But you, my friend, may want to get YOURS checked...

Right.... :rolleyes:

I have SD on a 27" TV, and HD on a 53-inch. Still no comparison. My eyes have lost some strength in the last few years. But you, my friend, may want to get YOURS checked...

I did and my eyes are fine. I still say Hd is good for only bigger screens and right now there isn't much good HD out there FOR ME to justify it. It may for you.

I really don't want to argue so I'll just make this my last post <again>.

I did and my eyes are fine. I still say Hd is good for only bigger screens and right now there isn't much good HD out there FOR ME to justify it. It may for you.

I really don't want to argue so I'll just make this my last post <again>.

Well, we'll miss you. I guess I like to watch sports (when my wife lets me), and we both really enjoy movies, CSI and Law and Order in HD. To each his own.

Which 42-inch set did you have (if you're not totally gone yet)?

Well, I did notice a full page ad in the RJ a few days ago advertising D*. It did say the locals were available but didnt say one way or another if that meant HD also.

INCOMPLETE ADVERTISING FOR SURE.

Yes the "locals" are available. But you still need an auxiliary antenna to get HD. The "locals" are NOT yet available IN HD on the primary dish on Direct TV, but the standard transmission IS. The RJ ad was just for suckers.

It's official, DirecTV will be offering HD locals by satellite in Las Vegas.

http://phoenix.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=850780&highlight=

Just announced today:

Sinclair has signed on with the CW network. KFBT (currently Gold 33) will carry the new CW network. Sinclair's other station, KVWB (currently WB) will carry the new MyNetwork.

Already announced, KTUD (UPN Las Vegas) will go independent with new sydicated and sports programming.

Now, I wonder if Sinclair will add HD to KFBT's digital signal in time for the CW's launch? Will they ever work out a retransmission deal with Cox for HD?

Just announced today:
Sinclair has signed on with the CW network. KFBT (currently Gold 33) will carry the new CW network. Sinclair's other station, KVWB (currently WB) will carry the new MyNetwork.
Already announced, KTUD (UPN Las Vegas) will go independent with new sydicated and sports programming.
Now, I wonder if Sinclair will add HD to KFBT's digital signal in time for the CW's launch? Will they ever work out a retransmission deal with Cox for HD?
Not hardly! Recent measurments of KFBT's OTA digital signal are below. Unless they can fit HD into 4Mbps "they ain't gonna be showin no purty HD channels!" They are contracted to sell out to USDTV all their available bandwidth. The WB is also a bandwidth sellout. As for KTUD, they are/were low power with no digital signal...
See this post for specific details (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6895834&&#post6895834)
KFBT-DT (29)
4.2Mbps 33-1 Gold 33 (independent)
1.8Mbps 99-1 USDTV (USDTV Guide)
3.7Mbps 99-2 USDTV (ESPN)
4.4Mbps 99-3 USDTV (ESPN2)
2.0Mbps 99-6 USDTV (Food Network)
2.6Mbps 99-9 USDTV (HGTV)

KVWB-DT (22)
11.4Mbps 21-1 WB HD
3.5Mbps 99-10 USDTV (Lifetime)
2.4Mbps 99-50 USDTV (Starz!)

The MyNetwork ...will offer twelve hours of original programming per week in a primetime schedule dominated by telenovelas and reality shows. This is via 2 hours per night for six nights a week. Basically a daily primetime soap with a weekly recap episode. These two shows per night are not promised to be in HD, so they could sell off even more bandwidth to USDTV.
This is basically a non-manned television station that offers no local programming and gets all feeds via sat. Outside of the primetime "telenovelas" will be constant syndicated situation comedy reruns and dramas - All specifically in SD from a tape que loop.
This is the way it's looking now, and nothing indicates it's going to change. USDTV is offering specials, giveaways and yearly programming contracts with NEW programming coming soon, so they are staying on the air and using those stations bandwidth to keep themselves on the air.

The BEST we could have hoped for, is that KVWB would offer the CW programming so that we could at least get HD-lite at 11Mbs.

vegggas

I came across this blog article and thought you all may be interested...


"Cox Communications and TiVo Sitting in a Tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, Is a Cox Communications and TiVo Deal Looming? "

http://thomashawk.com/2006/05/cox-communications-and-tivo-sitting-in.html

I came across this blog article and thought you all may be interested...


"Cox Communications and TiVo Sitting in a Tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, Is a Cox Communications and TiVo Deal Looming? "

http://thomashawk.com/2006/05/cox-communications-and-tivo-sitting-in.html
There have been rumors... ;)

vegggas

Bah, I'm still buying a S3 HD TiVo when they come out regardless of what Cox offers. Though it is great news for TiVo, at least I know they'll be around in a few years.

Bah, I'm still buying a S3 HD TiVo when they come out regardless of what Cox offers. Though it is great news for TiVo, at least I know they'll be around in a few years.

Well I got back the 42 inch plasma that I lent my parents while theirs was being fixed. Looks like the Tivo deal will keep me at COX unless they decide to handcuff the network/sharing features like DTV did.

I'm back thanks to this "rumor". :rolleyes:

I wouldn't expect any corporate announcements either way until late in the year.
IF something like this is in the works, it would center around 3rd party OCAP technology, which is feverishly being built and incorporated into some systems by end of year. This would enable the software to ride on existing hardware.
Two of the main reasons areements are being made with cable companies are for the advertising push during commercial FFwd and statistic data retrieval of users.

vegggas

1. do we have anu idea what the local might hit ? i was excited to see we will be in the next wave.


2. I want a D* HD-DVR. was waiting for a replacement for the HR-10250.

i dont have any phone lines in my house and i was todl that Tivo's require a landline to make monthly calls that help Defrag the unit.. otherwise it will start running very slow.

so D* told me that their DTV + boxes dont need phone lines.

so if TIVO is back with D* again, i might be screwed?

anyone have opinions?

I've never heard of a Tivo needing a phone line to defrag. I do know that if you don't plug it into a phone line it won't update and will give you some nag screens unless you hack the unit. You might want to look at the Tivo forums at www.tivocommunity.com. There is a forum just for the HR10-250.

1. do we have anu idea what the local might hit ? i was excited to see we will be in the next wave.


2. I want a D* HD-DVR. was waiting for a replacement for the HR-10250.

i dont have any phone lines in my house and i was todl that Tivo's require a landline to make monthly calls that help Defrag the unit.. otherwise it will start running very slow.

so D* told me that their DTV + boxes dont need phone lines.

so if TIVO is back with D* again, i might be screwed?

anyone have opinions?

Stand alone Tivo units need a phone line to update the programming guide and to update the unit's firmware. With D*, all this info is transmitted through your sat line, therefore no need for a connected phone line for it to update.

That's not quite right. You need the telephone connection on the D* units for them to send the signal to the unit to do the update. It downloads the update over the SAT, but the unit doesn't install it until it gets the word to during the phone call.

I did and my eyes are fine. I still say Hd is good for only bigger screens and right now there isn't much good HD out there FOR ME to justify it. It may for you.

I really don't want to argue so I'll just make this my last post <again>.

I bought a 17 inch LCD Widescreen from Costco as a PC monitor but it also accepts component input for HDTV. I hooked it up to my second HDTV set top box from Cox and even though it is small it still looks better then standard TV, especially when you are only sitting two feet away. Now my family can watch one HD channel while I watch another. I agree a multi-room box would be great but it needs to be able to support two HDTV's not one. Most of the MR units I've seen support one HDTV and one standard.

That's not quite right. You need the telephone connection on the D* units for them to send the signal to the unit to do the update. It downloads the update over the SAT, but the unit doesn't install it until it gets the word to during the phone call.

Never connected a phone line to mine and it updated just fine. Never connected a phone line to ANY D* receiver ever, as a matter of fact. Never had any problems.

Same here on the phone line. SA Tivos need the line for guide data while D* receivers get the data from the satellite. HR10-250 will not give you the local HD via satellite. You will have to upgrade to their, yet to be released, new HD DVR.

Same here on the phone line. SA Tivos need the line for guide data while D* receivers get the data from the satellite. HR10-250 will not give you the local HD via satellite. You will have to upgrade to their, yet to be released, new HD DVR.
Will D* be releasing an HD DVR alongside the HD rollout in Las Vegas or is it not yet known?

I've never heard of a Tivo needing a phone line to defrag. I do know that if you don't plug it into a phone line it won't update and will give you some nag screens unless you hack the unit.

That's not totally right. Tivo needs a phone line for the initial one-time setup. After that, you can use a Wifi connection to download guide data. I know people who have taken their Tivo to other people's houses for the initial setup, and then brought the thing home.

Of course, if you don't have wifi, your neighbors might...

I've never heard the defrag thing before, and I'm 99% sure that's a made up problem.

That's not totally right. Tivo needs a phone line for the initial one-time setup. After that, you can use a Wifi connection to download guide data. I know people who have taken their Tivo to other people's houses for the initial setup, and then brought the thing home.
Actually my S2 TiVo was able to complete the inital setup over the broadband connection. #4-something-something was the code (my mind is fuzzy) - check the TiVoCommunity forums.

So what kinds of OTA antennas are folks using with success? I live over by Nellis and Flamingo and over the past few months channels 3-1, 8-1, and 13-1 have been gradually losing signal strength to the point where I can't receive the channels for extended periods of time. I have always had problems with KVBC but 8-1 and 13-1 have never given me problems until recently Currently I have an outside antenna installed by DirecTV, it is one of those square mesh antennas with two bowtie configurations attached. From my understanding that is a UHF antenna and most of the HD channels in LV are VHF. Should I buy an outdoor VHF antenna? If so which ones have had the most success in this area? In addition, this antenna is on a diplexer, would that affect signal quality? I bought an amplified set of rabbit ears from radioshack to try indoors and they didn't work at all. The antenna isn't near any trees or anything, could it be the heat causing the degredation in signal quality?

I know that DirecTV is coming out with HD locals soon, but I really think the quality of picture OTA will be way better than the compressed DirecTV signal. In addition, I don't want to buy new equipment.

Directv in their infinite stupidity, does not get it through their heads that Vegas is a mostly VHF market and refuses to install the correct antenna for this market. That antenna they installed works great for most other areas of the country, but for here, it is a very good replacement for holding hamburgers on your barbeque. Go to Radio Shack and get a VHF antenna such as the VU-75 for about $20. It will pull all the channels in perfect from your part of town. I Get 0ver 90% signal strength with that antenna, and I live near 95 and Decatur.

I don't know if this is the right place to ask but I have a question about the 8300HD from Cox. It seems like the box is going into auto-shutdown mode. It tells me if I don't press a button the box will shut off. Usually when I am not watching for a while, but leave the box on when I come back and turn on the TV the box is off. I have looked through the manual and the settings on the box and I cannot find a way to turn this off. Does anyone else know how to do this?

I don't know if this is the right place to ask but I have a question about the 8300HD from Cox. It seems like the box is going into auto-shutdown mode. It tells me if I don't press a button the box will shut off. Usually when I am not watching for a while, but leave the box on when I come back and turn on the TV the box is off. I have looked through the manual and the settings on the box and I cannot find a way to turn this off. Does anyone else know how to do this?

Unfortunately there's no way to turn this feature off at the set. It's supposed to reduce truck rolls to replace burned out hard drives. It's only supposed to shut down late at night when no key has been pressed for a while. Providers have disabled this in some markets via a firmware change.

Lon

Unfortunately there's no way to turn this feature off at the set. It's supposed to reduce truck rolls to replace burned out hard drives. It's only supposed to shut down late at night when no key has been pressed for a while. Providers have disabled this in some markets via a firmware change.

Lon

That stinks. Since The on/off is a toggle that makes it impossible for me to have the macro on the Pronto turn on all devices at once. Do you think it can be turned off individually or would Cox have to turn the feature off on all the boxes at once?

The auto-shutdown feature should be disabled on all 8300's that have the standard download of 1.87.16.1, since it's a global setting for the current release firmware package. If you have a different version (i.e. not current standard), due to asking for upgrades, or testing, or firewire, or rollback, etc, etc, then it can't be turned off individually on a per box basis.

What firmare version do you have - If you need help, check the first post of the 8300 thread in my sig. If it's diffrent than the above, did you just recently get this box with that firmware, or did you ask for a differnt download?

Also, for the macro, set up the box so that the Power: Turn On function works with the power button AND any number press. This way you can macro a channel number or something else to make sure the TB is on. This, and MANY other things are also in the first post of the 8300 thread.

vegggas

Rush R30 is on INHD1 at this very moment and the 5.1 sound sucks when compared to the DVD version, but the picture is slightly better. Just an observation. :D

...<with the nasal tone of Don Adams>..

-at this very moment.. Cox is releasing the SA 8300MR, the DVD box, all the HD channels available on earth all for free...

-would you believe just the 8300HD MR?

-would you believe more HD channels?

-ok, how about a a faux reality channel? :eek:

awh, sorry about that chief........

The auto-shutdown feature should be disabled on all 8300's that have the standard download of 1.87.16.1, since it's a global setting for the current release firmware package. If you have a different version (i.e. not current standard), due to asking for upgrades, or testing, or firewire, or rollback, etc, etc, then it can't be turned off individually on a per box basis.

What firmare version do you have - If you need help, check the first post of the 8300 thread in my sig. If it's diffrent than the above, did you just recently get this box with that firmware, or did you ask for a differnt download?

Also, for the macro, set up the box so that the Power: Turn On function works with the power button AND any number press. This way you can macro a channel number or something else to make sure the TB is on. This, and MANY other things are also in the first post of the 8300 thread.

vegggas

I will check the version I have. I know I got the box a while ago, but I have not asked for any specific versions. I should be getting the same updates as everyone else...

Rush R30 is on INHD1 at this very moment and the 5.1 sound sucks when compared to the DVD version, but the picture is slightly better. Just an observation. :D
I don't have the DVD, but I saw this tour live at MGM, and the sound was, as usual, LOUD and crisp. The INHD version has decent audio to me with the STB set to Dolby Digital and dynamic range set to wide and reciever set to Dolby Digital normal (no processing, which made it sound echoy). The front sound stage is the strongest, with weak reverb at the rears, except for during the mini movie.
There's a whole thread dedicated to this showing somewhere...
vegggas

...<with the nasal tone of Don Adams>..

-at this very moment.. Cox is releasing the SA 8300MR, the DVD box, all the HD channels available on earth all for free...

-would you believe just the 8300HD MR?

-would you believe more HD channels?

-ok, how about a a faux reality channel? :eek:

awh, sorry about that chief........
Hmmm, There ARE MR units in Vegas, but they didn't pass compatibility and stability tests with current release firmware.
There ARE more HD channels on the system, since around NAB... 874 & 875 with each channel running around 19Mbps. They just don't have rights to broadcast them publicly - Yet ( they look great though :p ). Sorry, no details allowed.

vegggas

Hmmm, There ARE MR units in Vegas, but they didn't pass compatibility and stability tests with current release firmware.
There ARE more HD channels on the system, since around NAB... 874 & 875 with each channel running around 19Mbps. They just don't have rights to broadcast them publicly - Yet ( they look great though :p ). Sorry, no details allowed.

vegggas

Are you under the "cone of silence" chief?

There is one thing I notice abouth the SA8300HD. If it is recording a show while watching another, the show being viewed has faint horizontal zaggies/streaking.
Maybe the current set of boxes just have enough horsepower to run the current firmwares and no more?

Is this why there is a "copy to VCR" problem? Because the output is like the above mentioned but 2000 times worse.

What! HuH! Did you say No Ice on the 83 Hummer? (shouting into cone)

I never noticed any streaking or jaggies on playback, and I regulary record two programs while watching a third.
The problem with copy to VCR only exists in version 1.87.16.1. All previous and newer versions do not have this issue. A new version jump is almost ready.

vegggas

Just in the past week my box (8000HD) has started doing the auto shut down thing. When I first got this box, about two years ago, it had this annoying feature and then, all of a sudden, it stopped doing it. Now it has come back from the dead. I actually do the bulk of my TV viewing late at night because of my work schedule and this is one feature I could really do without.