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

I'll try a reboot to see if that helps. As for the new firmare, thats great news!

Now don't tell me we have to wait a while for Cox to release this firmware.

Well Vegggas, I checked the firmware and it is the version you mentioned. I have changed nothing and still I am getting the auto-shutdown. Should I be calling Cox and getting another box?
Also, as a side note, I don't see anything on channels 874 or 875...

Also, as a side note, I don't see anything on channels 874 or 875...

And why would you? vegggas said they're not publically released. Hopefully they're HDNet and HDNet movies, but it's most likely that one of the new channels is MHD since Cox has already added it on many of their other systems.

I noticed that the auto-shutdown "feature" on the 8300HD was re-enabled Saturday night. It's done it every night since then.

Also, has anyone noticed that their DVR is missing recordings that were origianlly marked as "Record all first-run on this channel"? I noticed it with Big Love last Sunday at 10pm. I had to find a future airing and manually mark it to record.

It also happened to my Mom and another friend of mine with a few different shows including Grey's Anatomy and Real Time with Bill Mahr.

The few people I know with a Cox DVR are all reporting this new problem with missed recordings. Most things are being recorded...but not everything.

I noticed that the auto-shutdown "feature" on the 8300HD was re-enabled Saturday night. It's done it every night since then.

Also, has anyone noticed that their DVR is missing recordings that were origianlly marked as "Record all first-run on this channel"? I noticed it with Big Love last Sunday at 10pm. I had to find a future airing and manually mark it to record.

It also happened to my Mom and another friend of mine with a few different shows including Grey's Anatomy and Real Time with Bill Mahr.

The few people I know with a Cox DVR are all reporting this new problem with missed recordings. Most things are being recorded...but not everything.

A-Ha! so it is not just me. Seems like they are reinstating this feature either on purpose or accidentally. Hopefully if there is a new update soon it will get rid of the auto shutdown or at least make it user controllable.
As for the record problem I have not noticed it but I haven't looked for it either.

The auto shutdown feature is supposed to be disabled. The information was forwarded and the correct people have been notified that it has been turned back on. If anyone is watching tonight, let's see if it was reset today or not.

re missed recordings:
I'm not missing any recordings, and I use the first run flag. The problem lately is that the networks are changing and extending their start and stop times, and even days or hours, interefering with DVR's that try to schedule multiple programs on the same night. I know I had to employ BOTH tuners in BOTH of my DVRs on Sunday due to sweeps weeks rescheduling. Usually a single DVR is fine. During this time of year, I go usually go through and cancel the auto recordings and highlight each program I want to record as a one time recording, so that conflicts don't cancel recordings.

vegggas

Any news on the auto-shutdown feature?

Any news on the auto-shutdown feature?

It seems to have gone away. Let's keep it that way Cox.

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.


Thanks for the advice! I went and picked up the exact antenna you mentioned, the VU-75, and it works great. Actually I haven't mounted it yet, but I just put the antenna on the ground next to my TV and most of the channels had a signal level in the 90's. I am thinking of mounting it up in my attic, instead of on the roof. It is a nice performing antenna but it is rather big and unsightly. And if it performed that well just sitting on the ground, it should be just fine in the attic. Thanks again!

Explain this one to me.

I usually watch the MLB "Extra Innings" package as provided by Direct TV. Since I am originally from Long Island, I am a big NY Mets fan, and frequently am on the telephone to a friend that is watching the same telecast as I am, using Cablevision of LI as his source.
Invariably my picture and sound are anywhere from 2-3 seconds BEHIND his. This did not bother me, as I realize that the Direct TV feed must travel 22,500 miles out into space and then the same distance back, before its picture and sound will appear on my TV screen.

But on Tuesday night something unusual occured. INHD 1 carried the NY Mets-Philadelphia game using the SNY feed from NY. They carried it in HD, so naturally I opted to watch that on my HD TV using the Cox Cable feed. My friend in NY was watching the same telecast (but NOT in HD, and on the normal SNY channel on his Cablevison fed TV).

Yet on Tuesday, my reception was at least 5 seconds AHEAD of his.

How come the discrepancy??

It wasn't our imaginations as that discrepancy lasted for the entire length of the game (5hrs,23mins) as it went 16 innings, until Carlos Beltran won it for the Mets in the bottom of the 16th inning

I would venture to say that its because the game is shot in 100% HD. The downscaling from HD to SD is probably that 5 second differential.

Tomorrow is the deadline for KVBC to file for a new channel election. If they don't, their digital signal will be stuck on channel 2 and it will continue to be unreasonably difficult to receive OTA (because of the propogation characteristics of that frequency--especially with digital signals).

Couple of quick questions

When will the 8300MR be available?
When will the 15meg cable modem service be available?
Can you use an external hard drive on the 8300HD box?
What channel will the world cup be on, will it be in HD and will it be free?
Is there any way to get an 8300HD to commercial skip?

Thanks

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

Hi all!
I recently jumped into the HDTV scene by getting a Westinghouse LVM-42w2, paired with cox service on a 8300HD. So far I love it, but thought I might ask a question before my 30 day in home trial is up...

When watching NBC (channel 733) I get a 1 pixel wide yellow stripe on the left hand very left hand side of the screen. It is present when the 8300 is set to 720p or 1080i, and whether the signal is on composite or HDMI. I see the same thing INHD2, but not on any other channels (so far).

Also, when watching some things that are in SD on the HD channels, there are thin white boxes ( (kind of like really thin bar codes) kind of jumping around horizantally at the top of the image. It is almost like the image should be shifted up 2-4 pixels.

Computer images (1920x1080) look fine, as do DVDs.

Because the issues are only on some channels at some times, I assume this is some goofiness in Cox's broadcasting, but I am not sure. IF the monitor is defective, I would like to get it taken care of sooner rather later. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
-bob

Hi all!
I recently jumped into the HDTV scene by getting a Westinghouse LVM-42w2, paired with cox service on a 8300HD. So far I love it, but thought I might ask a question before my 30 day in home trial is up...

When watching NBC (channel 733) I get a 1 pixel wide yellow stripe on the left hand very left hand side of the screen. It is present when the 8300 is set to 720p or 1080i, and whether the signal is on composite or HDMI. I see the same thing INHD2, but not on any other channels (so far).

Also, when watching some things that are in SD on the HD channels, there are thin white boxes ( (kind of like really thin bar codes) kind of jumping around horizantally at the top of the image. It is almost like the image should be shifted up 2-4 pixels.

Computer images (1920x1080) look fine, as do DVDs.

Because the issues are only on some channels at some times, I assume this is some goofiness in Cox's broadcasting, but I am not sure. IF the monitor is defective, I would like to get it taken care of sooner rather later. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
-bob

Your TV does not overscan like mine. Those white boxes I think are closed captioned stuff the broadcasters put there. Cox is not tot blame and your TV is not really defective, maybe it just needs to be calibrated to your liking. Both my 27" and 42" Syntax Olevias do this and I just live with it.

Couple of quick questions

When will the 8300MR be available?
When will the 15meg cable modem service be available?
Can you use an external hard drive on the 8300HD box?
What channel will the world cup be on, will it be in HD and will it be free?
Is there any way to get an 8300HD to commercial skip?

Thanks

When we have real competition here in Vegas, then maybe we will get those things. Right now Cox is in BEd with Sprint who still seems to be in bed with Embarq. To me this is anti-competitive and to me anti-american.

Now if we had Verizon as a telecom........

You may just need to adjust the overscan a bit to hide the line. May need to access the service menu. Search google for service menu access proceedure or contact tech support from the TV manufacturer.


Hi all!
I recently jumped into the HDTV scene by getting a Westinghouse LVM-42w2, paired with cox service on a 8300HD. So far I love it, but thought I might ask a question before my 30 day in home trial is up...

When watching NBC (channel 733) I get a 1 pixel wide yellow stripe on the left hand very left hand side of the screen. It is present when the 8300 is set to 720p or 1080i, and whether the signal is on composite or HDMI. I see the same thing INHD2, but not on any other channels (so far).

Also, when watching some things that are in SD on the HD channels, there are thin white boxes ( (kind of like really thin bar codes) kind of jumping around horizantally at the top of the image. It is almost like the image should be shifted up 2-4 pixels.

Computer images (1920x1080) look fine, as do DVDs.

Because the issues are only on some channels at some times, I assume this is some goofiness in Cox's broadcasting, but I am not sure. IF the monitor is defective, I would like to get it taken care of sooner rather later. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
-bob

When we have real competition here in Vegas, then maybe we will get those things. Right now Cox is in BEd with Sprint who still seems to be in bed with Embarq. To me this is anti-competitive and to me anti-american.

Now if we had Verizon as a telecom........

The word never comes to mind. If I remember right Emarq is just a spinoff of Sprint. Sprint decided to spin local phone service out and only do cell phones.

The word never comes to mind. If I remember right Emarq is just a spinoff of Sprint. Sprint decided to spin local phone service out and only do cell phones.

Right, so Sprint and Cox are supposed to compete but actaully do business together. Someone should look into this.

Sprint sold off their local phone service as a unit, they company is named Embarq. Lets see if they actually do anything or provide the same old Sprint service (or lack thereof).

Foghorn, do you have any examples of this collusion you are alluding to?

Sprint sold off their local phone service as a unit, they company is named Embarq. Lets see if they actually do anything or provide the same old Sprint service (or lack thereof).

Foghorn, do you have any examples of this collusion you are alluding to?

heres one!

http://64.207.132.216/vstore3.html

And when you go to embarq and try to order service, you get sprint.com

What happend to competition?

Uh.. Sprint IS embarq. Sprint is getting out of local phone service. They spun off embarq.

All quiet on the western end?

With Cox looks like some locations went digital 800-899. Also one loc got a HSI speed upgrade. What do we get? Anyone?

I guess we are in socialist controlled Las Vegas where there is no competition. Welcome Fidel Castro, you will like it here! :D

Is anyone currently using a cable card instead of a set top box? A few questions:

How much is it for the card? Cheaper than the set top? Do you rent that too?
I was told that with the card you no longer have the guide? Is that true?
I was also told that cox had to "install" the card for $80. They wouldn't wouldn't let him take it home and plug it in???

Thanks

I can tell you why you cant self install cablecard - its current incarnation is a one way technology. Until cablecard 2.0 comes out and the unit can talk back to the cable co its going to cause a truck roll for each install. I'm hoping by the time the S3 TiVo comes out, Cox locally will offer cablecard 2.0 so I can just have it fedexed to me or whatever.

All quiet on the western end?

With Cox looks like some locations went digital 800-899. Also one loc got a HSI speed upgrade. What do we get? Anyone?

I guess we are in socialist controlled Las Vegas where there is no competition. Welcome Fidel Castro, you will like it here! :D
WTF are you talking about? Upgrades are on a system by system basis, based on hardware and headends. Las Vegas has been going through a MASSIVE upgrade procedure to all digital for the last 9 months, but each local neighborhood node (about 1800) has to be upgraded and serviced before it can be completed and deployed.
This is not a switch that can be flipped on for new services, it's a new infrastructure moving to all digital networks with conversion back to analog done at the local neighborhood node level. With the size of Las Vegas, we are actually way ahead of the other smaller systems in terms of completion, but are not finalized. I mentioned this back several months ago and said that the esitmated completeion date is late summer, but after that, the infrastructure will handle an amazing amount of data.
Until you can convert the entire valley from analog service and convert to digital at each node, the bandwidth is still limited. Smaller sized locations can finish much faster than we can, since they have fewer nodes.

vegggas

Is anyone currently using a cable card instead of a set top box? A few questions:

How much is it for the card? Cheaper than the set top? Do you rent that too?
I was told that with the card you no longer have the guide? Is that true?
I was also told that cox had to "install" the card for $80. They wouldn't wouldn't let him take it home and plug it in???

Thanks
I can tell you why you cant self install cablecard - its current incarnation is a one way technology. Until cablecard 2.0 comes out and the unit can talk back to the cable co its going to cause a truck roll for each install. I'm hoping by the time the S3 TiVo comes out, Cox locally will offer cablecard 2.0 so I can just have it fedexed to me or whatever.
Currently, there are no CC 2.0 host devices (TV's or STB's) that support return data paths. The s3 Tivo MAY support cc2.0, but it's not specifically known at this time.
With current genration 1.0 CC devices in TV's, they can only support a host decryptor that allows permium content subscription and decryption. The TV's don't support the return path to enable the IPG, VOD or any other advanced services. With the usage I have been getting with HBO On demand and other premium VOD services, I wouldn't use CC at all until 2.0 displays were available and had all the bugs worked out.
Remember, the Cable Card is only a decryptor. The display or attached device MUST tune and display the content and then send the data back to the headend for interactive services. Current CC1.0 devices will NOT be able to use the features of CC2.0 and two way services.

vegggas

WTF are you talking about? Upgrades are on a system by system basis, based on hardware and headends. Las Vegas has been going through a MASSIVE upgrade procedure to all digital for the last 9 months, but each local neighborhood node (about 1800) has to be upgraded and serviced before it can be completed and deployed.
This is not a switch that can be flipped on for new services, it's a new infrastructure moving to all digital networks with conversion back to analog done at the local neighborhood node level. With the size of Las Vegas, we are actually way ahead of the other smaller systems in terms of completion, but are not finalized. I mentioned this back several months ago and said that the esitmated completeion date is late summer, but after that, the infrastructure will handle an amazing amount of data.
Until you can convert the entire valley from analog service and convert to digital at each node, the bandwidth is still limited. Smaller sized locations can finish much faster than we can, since they have fewer nodes.

vegggas

I guess the sprint-cox merger ;) is more important than better services from Cox. Gee just think we can watch our recoreded shows from the 8300 on our cell phone. Wow what progress!

But no 9/1, no MR, no family pack all digital yet. But a COX kiosk at you local Sprint store is really important.

Believe me I do know what I'm talking about.

Oh, and if bandwidth is a problem, I'm sure those music channels and religous and shopping channels can be removed or put on PPV! :p

Well I've been experimenting with OTA HD and now find no real reason why the SA8300HD is even needed. Cox last year offered me a come back from dish deal and was supposed to remove the dish. Of course they were lazy and left it up there so I got those cheap clip on antennas and now can pick up all the HD and digital channels OTA! My TV picks em up and so does my HTPC with the Fusion 5 gold +. Discovery HD, INHD 1&2 are getting trite, repetitive and boring and I never watch sports anyway.

As of next week (as soon as the last DALLAS season ends on SOAPNET) COX will be gone in our home and good riddens. They can go and concentrate on wireless cable services!

There is no Sprint and Cox merger, but a NATIONAL CABLE and Sprint deal for carriage of cable services to be piped to wireless services. Comcast, TimeWarner, and Cox have agreed to move into the wireless technology arena by paying to use the wireless services of Sprint PCS. They are not merging toghether, but allowing services across networks, which benefits both sides with more options.
Here in Las Vegas, Sprint Land Line services and Cox Digital Telephone are head to head competitors. So much so that Sprint is running scared and moving to Embarque to try to revive the land line business, and keeping their business interest in the wireless services. Sprint is losing customers to Cox Digital Telephone very quickly as the service is being rolled out across the valley. Cox Digital Telephone (which is not VoIP, btw) is currently the 6th largest phone company in the U.S. and one of the highest rated.

vegggas

Oh, and if bandwidth is a problem, I'm sure those music channels and religous and shopping channels can be removed or put on PPV! :p
PPV uses bandwidth the same as any other channel. The Music channels, combined entirely, use only one analog channel slot. The shopping and religious channels are requirements from the local governent franchise that say they MUST be carried, due to "community standards".

vegggas

I guess the sprint-cox merger ;) is more important than better services from Cox. Gee just think we can watch our recoreded shows from the 8300 on our cell phone. Wow what progress!

But no 9/1, no MR, no family pack all digital yet. But a COX kiosk at you local Sprint store is really important.

Believe me I do know what I'm talking about.
No, I don't believe you.
Better services ARE coming as the digital network is completed - They can't come until it's completed though - including wireless services over Sprint phones. At that point, the phone will become another TV, networked to your home service. Just because you do not want that service, doesn't mean that millions of others don't want it. Look at how many people ar paying $1.99 to download a single show to their phone. After the network completion, you can pay a one time fee, and watch any channel, anytime, anywhere, or access your DVR for specific services.
I don't know what 9/1 is , but a family pack can't come until all the channels are digital - that is part of the digital network upgrade that has been going on for the last 9 months. For MR, they found that it's not compatible with the advanced network. They may be moving to MR via ANY digital STB with network attached storage, accesed from ANY STB, or phone.

Believe me I do know what I'm talking about.

vegggas

There is no Sprint and Cox merger, but a NATIONAL CABLE and Sprint deal for carriage of cable services to be piped to wireless services. Comcast, TimeWarner, and Cox have agreed to move into the wireless technology arena by paying to use the wireless services of Sprint PCS. They are not merging toghether, but allowing services across networks, which benefits both sides with more options.
Here in Las Vegas, Sprint Land Line services and Cox Digital Telephone are head to head competitors. So much so that Sprint is running scared and moving to Embarque to try to revive the land line business, and keeping their business interest in the wireless services. Sprint is losing customers to Cox Digital Telephone very quickly as the service is being rolled out across the valley. Cox Digital Telephone (which is not VoIP, btw) is currently the 6th largest phone company in the U.S. and one of the highest rated.

vegggas

Sprint has a finger in Embarqs pie and now COX's so you will never really see them roll Fiber, do Naked DSL, or Fios TV. Notice the pricing/speed structure of DSL with phone vs COX and you will begin to see a pricing structure that is way higher than in other markets that COMPETE.

Now to be on topic, when will Embarq offer digital TV and HD services? My guess is NEVER. THe same thing that has been going on with internet will go on with TV. Until Embarq decides to sell to a real competitor to COX, we will see the same socialist (anti competitive corporate monopolists linked with the government) continue to gouge us.

For MR, they found that it's not compatible with the advanced network. They may be moving to MR via ANY digital STB with network attached storage, accesed from ANY STB, or phone.

Believe me I do know what I'm talking about.

vegggas

Wow thats a first. THe MR is not compatible with the advanced network?
But watching your 8300HD from a Sprint phone is! Goodbye Cox and good riddens!

How does HD and SD look on your Sprint cell phone. Man I can't wait for that.

Will you have a vertical stretch or bars. IS the downscaler on your phone up to par?

Now will CNN alow me to watch their shows on COX's networked STBs and phones. Well maybe not:

no go (http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/74965)

Way to go CNN!

Sprint is losing customers to Cox Digital Telephone very quickly as the service is being rolled out across the valley. Cox Digital Telephone (which is not VoIP, btw) is currently the 6th largest phone company in the U.S. and one of the highest rated.
vegggas

No, the telecoms are losing to fiber and VOIP. Thats why you have to have phone service to get cheap DSL and no Naked DSL is offered although it can be easily done. With naked DSL you could go with Vonage with a whole lot of savings. Thats probably why Cox's Value tier is only 256/128, not good enough for VOIP. So you have to jump up to 4 megs and pay 50 bucks! Either way you pay the same and get gouged.

Sorry I went off topic but I had to set the record straight that COX and Sprint really do not compete in anything and are just monopolists in my opinion.

The MR uses a propriatary SA scheme over coax that interferes with the cable co's switched packet and digital network of the cable system. The DVR would work, but not the MR portion, because of the packetization of the network already going to the other STB's.
The CNN article has nothing to do with watching CNN live or from your DVR on your phone. It only references the storage of DVR content at a location other than the customer's home.
And Yes, the quality DOES look GOOD on my phone. Your phone's quality will vary, just like TV's do. The signal will be downconverted and primed to use the phone network.

You still don't understand. Cox Digital telephone is a legitiment telecom. In Las Vegas, they are competing directly against Sprint for business and residential customers. VoIP services, like Vonage are not even comparable services, and rely on internet service for network transport, which is a major varible. CDT and Sprint use their own dedicated digital hardware links that are transport proof, and not relying on network traffic, and are fully enhanced 911 services that work when there is no power to your home or neighborood.

vegggas

The MR uses a propriatary SA scheme over coax that interferes with the cable co's switched packet and digital network of the cable system. The DVR would work, but not the MR portion, because of the packetization of the network already going to the other STB's.
The CNN article has nothing to do with watching CNN live or from your DVR on your phone. It only references the storage of DVR content at a location other than the customer's home.
And Yes, the quality DOES look GOOD on my phone. Your phone's quality will vary, just like TV's do. The signal will be downconverted and primed to use the phone network.

You still don't understand. Cox Digital telephone is a legitiment telecom. In Las Vegas, they are competing directly against Sprint for business and residential customers. VoIP services, like Vonage are not even comparable services, and rely on internet service for network transport, which is a major varible. CDT and Sprint use their own dedicated digital hardware links that are transport proof, and not relying on network traffic, and are fully enhanced 911 services that work when there is no power to your home or neighborood.

vegggas

A battery and cable modem is still used by COX for the phone service. It uses it own frequencies different from your internet traffic. I use a cable modem and battery backups for my cable and vonage router and E911 services too. I bet you anything VIOP is just as good as Cox services. Well up until the ISPs start to throttle the data speeds! I bet thats coming next.

As for the DVRs, are you saying that the sharing of shows could be done from anywhere, but not the 8300?

Does anyone have an ideal distance to watch your cell phone shows according to screen size? I plan to watch while I'm driving too and from work and hope there is a distance to screen size calculator like the ones for Plasmas and LCDs so I can pick up the right phone from Sprint/Nextel/Embarq/Cox/Clark County store at the corner. :rolleyes:

Oh, and is there any 5.1 surround sound phones by SPRINT/COX and will the advanced prioritized Cox/Sprint network pass the dolby digital through Sprint and Nextels wireless infrastructure. DTS would be nice too.

Maybe Polk audio will come up with a 5.1 mini surround bar for Sprint/Nextel/Embarq/COX phones. Now that would be totally cool. AWESOME! THE phones could connect to it with an optical mini-SPDIF connector.

No, a battery and cable modem are not Cox Digital Telephone service. The Digital Telephone service is a digital network of full time, full power, fully backed up network infrastructure (with power generators) from node to node to node to backbone to regional backbone to world services. It is also fully 911 enhanced compliant and is used for emergency service and business communications and has 99.9999% (6 sigma) reliability with uptime and throughput. It is NOT a Vonage or Skype compressed transport over someone elses network.

For viewing TV programs over the cell phone, ask Itunes how many MILLIONS of downloads customers paid $1.99 each for the ability to view a previously aired program. The public is demanding this service more than you realize. Personally, nothing beats my Home viewing HD expereince on at a minimum of 65" of screen size, or Hi-Def music with SACD and DVD-Audio (none of that crappy dolby digital lossy compression methods for me), but the public is demanding portability with low res mp3's and mobile video they can view anytime and anywhere.


vegggas

No, a battery and cable modem are not Cox Digital Telephone service. ..

vegggas

from cox own mouth:

The Modem used with the Cox Digital Telephone service also services as a modem for Cox High Speed Internet. It has been thoroughly tested and can provide the download speeds associated with your current High Speed Internet service. So even if you already have Cox High Speed Internet, you will lease a Cox High Speed Internet modem FREE of charge when combined with Cox Digital Telephone service. If you already own your modem, you will get use of an additional modem at no cost. The modem is the property of Cox Communications, and in the event of discontinued service the modem must be returned to your local Cox Communications location.

Legal notes:
This offer applies only to Cox residential customers in serviceable areas. Modem required for Telephone service. Modem with battery backup will be provided and installed by Cox. Modem and battery backup shall remain the property of Cox and must be returned upon discontinuation of service. If Modem is disconnected or removed, or battery is not charged or otherwise fails, telephone service, including access to emergency 911 services, will not be available. Cox is leasing this modem to its customers. If digital telephone service is cancelled, subscribers must return the modem to Cox. Purchase or continued modem leasing may be offered at that time."

No, a battery and cable modem are not Cox Digital Telephone service. .. Meaning that putting a UPS on you internet modem will not give you Digital Telephone service, and will only help your Vonage or Skype VoIP services, as long as the cable isn't out.
"ALSO serves as a MODEM for cox high speed internet"
Yes, it CAN be used as a MODEM for internet, but your CABLE MODEM is not Digital Telephone service. If you already have a modem, for example, you HAVE to get this additional MODEM device to allow Digital Telephone transport services to your home. The main reason is for mac authorization and athentication across the digital network. Modem only means MOdulator/DEModulator. In this sense, it is DEModulating from the Digital Telephone line to the Analog lines in your home, and then from your analog phone lines MOdulating back to Digital Telephone service. It can ALSO serve as an internet MODEM if you want that service too, but NO OTHER MODEM can be used for Digital Telephone service.
The equipment mentioned is ONLY the part that is in the customers home to translate to the analog phone lines found in homes. The entire Digital Telephone network is a specific network infrastructure as I mentioned above. This is why Digital Telephone is taking almost a year to be released valley wide. Each of the transport sections have to be upgraded for it to be rolled out.

vegggas

Yeah! Cox seems to be passing the PSIP data for KVBC HD and KTNV HD. So now I get 3-1, 5-1, 8-1, 11-1 (PBS) and 13-1, instead of channels 102, 103 and 105 (or wherever they're at now).

Its possible they started doing this a while back, as it took me going into the service menu of my TV (not recomended) to get them to show up. But it does make viewing HD more convienent.

I don't understand all the technical jargon, but I do know that I am for whatever gets me more quality HD channels on my plasma as soon as possible.

I don't understand all the technical jargon, but I do know that I am for whatever gets me more quality HD channels on my plasma as soon as possible.

You will get the most with DISH, but their equipment is too expensive and their 18 months commitment is ridiculous.

Forget Direct TV. You really don't get much for 10 extra dollars a month.

Cox is a good choice.

I'm going OTA because I'm sick of them all and am tired of making them rich while they don't really compete for business and never upgrade their equipment to the fullest potential.

Suppose I call Direct TV and tell them I'm giving my receiver and dish to a relative in NYC. But I will ask them to continue to send me the bill for those services here in Las Vegas. I will ask them to reprogram the receiver to receive NY city local stations. Will they do it? Can it be done?

PS- Of course I have no intention of moving anything. I'm
just sick and tired of all the MLB "Extra Innings" blackouts we have to suffer through here in Vegas.

You will get the most with DISH, but their equipment is too expensive and their 18 months commitment is ridiculous.

Forget Direct TV. You really don't get much for 10 extra dollars a month.

Cox is a good choice..


Good article in today's USA Today about Cable companies HDTV bandwidth problems:

"Cable operators find it tough to swallow HDTV"

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2006-06-04-cable-hdtv_x.htm

Yea, if Cox goes switched digital, I'm going to be pissed. I'm not going to drop $500+ on a HD TiVo to not be able to get all the channels. And I definately dont want to pay for their crap DVR.

Yea, if Cox goes switched digital, I'm going to be pissed. I'm not going to drop $500+ on a HD TiVo to not be able to get all the channels. And I definately dont want to pay for their crap DVR.

Did I not tell you they are up to something? A new advanced network not compatable with SA MR scheme? And they want to cozy up to TIVO? I told you why, they want to control it.

Tivo S3 is what people want, and the cable companies may find ways for you not to enjoy it.

But its ok, you will get to watch shows from your 8300 on your Sprint/Cox/Nextel/Embarq phone!

Try ordering a PRI from Cox here in Las Vegas. 90-day lead time and beacoup bucks. They have a ways to go as far as providing telco to businesses. They also said that they don't have a local PBX yet... so I believe all phone calls to somewhere outside the Cox network need to go to california first.

I went to the "Embarq Launch" at the Orleans Arena yesterday.. they have a couple silly commercials that really bag on "the cable company". But I've never been a big fan of Sprint AKA Embarq either.

Try ordering a PRI from Cox here in Las Vegas. 90-day lead time and beacoup bucks. They have a ways to go as far as providing telco to businesses. They also said that they don't have a local PBX yet... so I believe all phone calls to somewhere outside the Cox network need to go to california first.

I went to the "Embarq Launch" at the Orleans Arena yesterday.. they have a couple silly commercials that really bag on "the cable company". But I've never been a big fan of Sprint AKA Embarq either.

Why should they bag Cable when their masters do business with them?

How does recorded HD shows on the 8300 look on the COX/Sprint/Embarq phone?

Why should they bag Cable when their masters do business with them?
Ummm, Since they are competing head to head with them for telephone services... That sounds like a reason for them to make commercials.


How does recorded HD shows on the 8300 look on the COX/Sprint/Embarq phone? Probably about the same as Verizon/IPOD/ITunes/Vcast/MAC/Dish/SBC/DirecTV phones do.
You are reading this totally in the wrong light. It's like saying that Vonage is in bed with Sprint because you can use Vonage with DSL service.

vegggas

Ummm, Since they are competing head to head with them for telephone services... That sounds like a reason for them to make commercials.

Probably about the same as Verizon/IPOD/ITunes/Vcast/MAC/Dish/SBC/DirecTV phones do.
You are reading this totally in the wrong light. It's like saying that Vonage is in bed with Sprint because you can use Vonage with DSL service.

vegggas

I see. I guess we will be seeing a Vonage Kiosk at the Sprint store soon!
And motorcraft parts at the GM dealer!

Competition is great isn't it?

For clarification... Yes, Sprint(Nextel) is in partnership with Cox, however, the local telephone provider (now EMBARQ) is totally 'divorced' from Sprint. EMBARQ is a stand-alone company, i.e., - no "master."

If Vonage were to have a kiosk anywhere, it would be in an EMBARQ store (Sprint-Nextel is wireless only - no DSL), but I wouldn't hold your breath for that.

The commercials hit Cox right in the gut. Those Cox associates in attendance at the launch event were speechless after watching them. Pretty dang funny! (Truth hurts, eh? :p )

Business phone-wise, Cox is more than severely lacking. They're just now in training to install 1B lines (single-line business - no frills, no key systems, etc.) And their residential service offering is blah; there's nothing to make me want to switch.

For clarification... Yes, Sprint(Nextel) is in partnership with Cox, however, the local telephone provider (now EMBARQ) is totally 'divorced' from Sprint. EMBARQ is a stand-alone company, i.e., - no "master."

If Vonage were to have a kiosk anywhere, it would be in an EMBARQ store (Sprint-Nextel is wireless only - no DSL), but I wouldn't hold your breath for that.

The commercials hit Cox right in the gut. Those Cox associates in attendance at the launch event were speechless after watching them. Pretty dang funny! (Truth hurts, eh? :p )

Business phone-wise, Cox is more than severely lacking. They're just now in training to install 1B lines (single-line business - no frills, no key systems, etc.) And their residential service offering is blah; there's nothing to make me want to switch.

You really think Embarq is a different company from Sprint, we shall see! And thank you for supporting my premise that Cox really does not compete, blah!

Will Embarq compete? When they roll out fiber internet and TV like Verizon has, then we will talk.

You really think Embarq is a different company from Sprint, we shall see! And thank you for supporting my premise that Cox really does not compete, blah!

Will Embarq compete? When they roll out fiber internet and TV like Verizon has, then we will talk.

Yeah, I think Embarq is a different company from Sprint. Sprint used the local division as a cash cow for years while building their wireless business. Hesse's got big plans for new products - both residential and business. And the philosophies are different. Customer service will definitely improve because the focus is entirely on local customers now.

Bundled packages will kick Cox's butt. Residential customers who go for the whole she-bang (local phone, long distance, DISH, DSL and wireless) will see deep discounts that Cox won't be able to touch and everything will come on one bill. And that doesn't include the fact that Cox will probably NEVER be able to compete in the Business market. There are other competitors, yeah, but EMBARQ is a strong incumbent.

EMBARQ does have TV - an agreement with Echostar/DISH Network. I do know that they have fiber-to-the-curb in many areas of Las Vegas. Not sure what the plans are for it.

Yeah, I think Embarq is a different company from Sprint. Sprint used the local division as a cash cow for years while building their wireless business. Hesse's got big plans for new products - both residential and business. And the philosophies are different. Customer service will definitely improve because the focus is entirely on local customers now.

Bundled packages will kick Cox's butt. Residential customers who go for the whole she-bang (local phone, long distance, DISH, DSL and wireless) will see deep discounts that Cox won't be able to touch and everything will come on one bill. And that doesn't include the fact that Cox will probably NEVER be able to compete in the Business market. There are other competitors, yeah, but EMBARQ is a strong incumbent.

EMBARQ does have TV - an agreement with Echostar/DISH Network. I do know that they have fiber-to-the-curb in many areas of Las Vegas. Not sure what the plans are for it.

To keep this on topic, Embarq is doing nothin new that Sprint has not yet. Once again we will talk when they offer TV with Fiber. The Echo/Dish is the same deal that Sprint had. Like I said the same old Sprint under a different name.

Like I said, When they roll out FTC TV then we will talk. But it is nice to have you here to support Embarq. Now we can square you off with Veggas and get real competitive. But so far Embarq is just Sprint who deals with Cox, so no competition, just socialism.

BTW look at the wireless Embarq USA coverage map and look at Sprints. It is the same map! Who are they foolin?

To keep this on topic, Embarq is doing nothin new that Sprint has not yet. Once again we will talk when they offer TV with Fiber. The Echo/Dish is the same deal that Sprint had. Like I said the same old Sprint under a different name.

Like I said, When they roll out FTC TV then we will talk. But it is nice to have you here to support Embarq. Now we can square you off with Veggas and get real competitive. But so far Embarq is just Sprint who deals with Cox, so no competition, just socialism.


Like *I* said, EMBARQ does NOT deal with Cox - Sprint does. EMBARQ is not part of that partnership in any form. Embarq vs. Cox is strictly competition (such as it is since Cox is a rather lame duck); definitely not socialism.

You'll see the differences. Watch for 'em.

I don't understand all the technical jargon, but I do know that I am for whatever gets me more quality HD channels on my plasma as soon as possible.

Actually I take back what I said about Dish and Cox.

Actually I'm now a Dish subscriber. They are offering $200 in programming credits which takes care of the lease upgrade fee for the Vip622. It can tune local OTA HD and record it, and record 2 other shows at the same time! It can even serve as a second box by agile modulating the second tuner or recorded shows to another TV!

This is exactly why I was looking for and not to mention the 29 HD channels I get with the other 120 all digital channels, way cheaper than Cox.

Hello all:
I'm new to the forum and to Las Vegas. We'll be buying an HDTV as soon as the Sony 06's appear next month and will need a provider. We currently are a Cox subscriber (Digital TV,Phone, and Hi Speed Internet) and will probably opt for Cox HD service. I understand that the only way to get HDMI hook up to the TV is through their HD DVR. All the comments I've read about their box are discouraging. Has anyone had any luck with an indoor antennae for OTA?

Welcome!

Don't be too discouraged by the comments on their HD-DVR (8300HD). Many of us have this box, and, IMO, it works just fine. It has a few flaws, some of which should be fixed in the next firmware update.

OTA from an indoor antennae works fine, depending on your location (proximity to Black Mountain in Henderson, I believe).

What are your cross streets?

Thanks bcombs.
Glad to hear all is not bad with the 8300HD. We live very close to Ann and Durango. Do you and indoor ant? If so, what kind?
Thanks again.

I use the 8300HD for local HD. I've had very few problems with my set top box. It basically does what I want, which is record and time shift programs. I never had a Tivo, so I don't miss the things that Tivo does that the 8300HD doesn't do. I also have an external 300 GB hard drive (Maxtor Quickview) which increases the amount of available recording time, and is basically a plug-in solution.

As mentioned earlier, we'll be buying a new HDTV next month, and had asked about the Cox HD DVR. It now occurs to me that our new set has a digital tuner and probably a cablecard slot. I haven't seen much in this forum on the Cox cablecard installation or prices. I know I'll forfeit the TVGuide and the OnDemand but I can get by without them. I've read that the picture quality is better with the card and I presume I can hook up a HDDVR to the set for recording. Can anyone provide info on Cox install and pricing, and is anyone using the above described configuration?

Thanks bcombs.
Glad to hear all is not bad with the 8300HD. We live very close to Ann and Durango. Do you and indoor ant? If so, what kind?
Thanks again.

OTA with an indoor antenna will probably not work for channel 3 (NBC).* As for the other stations, unless you're right behind Lone Mountain (I'm not quite up on my NW valley geography, but I thing Ann & Durango is around there) you should be fine with the cheapest indoor antenna you can find.

*There are technical issues with the digital frequency (channel 2) KVBC was assigned by the FCC that make it very difficult to recieve reliably and without artifacts OTA. Cox has a fiber feed from the station so cable users are unaffected.

As mentioned earlier, we'll be buying a new HDTV next month, and had asked about the Cox HD DVR. It now occurs to me that our new set has a digital tuner and probably a cablecard slot. I haven't seen much in this forum on the Cox cablecard installation or prices. I know I'll forfeit the TVGuide and the OnDemand but I can get by without them. I've read that the picture quality is better with the card and I presume I can hook up a HDDVR to the set for recording. Can anyone provide info on Cox install and pricing, and is anyone using the above described configuration?

Stay away from cable cards. They're a pain to authorize and they won't be compatible with technology changes, like switched digital, that Cox has planned.

Also, there's no way to intergrate a cable card and an hd-dvr in the way I think your describing. There are proposals to make a 3rd party hd-dvr (i.e. Tivo Series 3) by using cable card slot in the dvr unit for conditional access, but that would still be an external reciever connected to your tv by hdmi/component.

Thanks GeorgeLV.

A Tweeters guy was just here for "free home consultation" and he pretty much said the same thing. He suggested going from the wall into the Cox box, from there to a receiver with component hook up, from there to the TV with component hook up. Any other devices (DVD player etc) into the receiver as well. I was surprized he didn't use the HDMI on either TV or receiver and he said Cox has not caught up with technology yet, so it was not trustworthy. But he also was unaware of the '06 Sony A2000, so he might not know Cox that well. Anyway, thank you for reply. It was very helpful.

Jauhar........

No he was right about Cox and HDMI... actually it is not Cox but rather Scientific Atlanta that makes the box. They have a known bug in their implementation of HDMI, but have not been concerned about fixing it because they get very few complaints about it... (at least that is what the head of the SA8300 told me at last January's CES).

Channel 21 has changed their callsign from KVWB to KVMY because they will be affialiated with My Network TV next season.

Channel 33 has changed their callsign from from KFBT to KVCW because that picked up the CW affialition.

Channel 21 has changed their callsign from KVWB to KVMY because they will be affialiated with My Network TV next season.

Channel 33 has changed their callsign from from KFBT to KVCW because that picked up the CW affialition.
KFBT -> KVCW: So the CW network will air on the station with SD only capability? Their equipment is all SD and most of the bandwidth is sold off to USDTV, leaving them about 4Mbps of broadcasting signal.

KVWB -> KVMY: The old WB will now be the MyNetwork remote syndicated network of SD reruns (aka Gilligans Island, Full House, Growing Pains, etc) and "daily" night time soap operas during primetime, possibly in HD. http://www.mynetworktv.com/
Just to be clear, MyNetwork will have "daily telenovela" (aka soap operas) programming from 8:00 - 10:00 of the same two shows every night of the week with a recap episode on Saturday. The shows are called "Desire" and Secret Obssessions"
On Tuesday, September 5th, we'll be changing the face of Prime Time Television with two bold, innovative series that are filled with drama, intrigue and adventure.
And you can watch them 6 NIGHTS A WEEK! This is the programming set until at least Sept 2007 before any scheduling changes may happen.
The intended target audience age is supposed to be 14 - 21 years of age.

vegggas

KFBT -> KVCW: So the CW network will air on the station with SD only capability? Their equipment is all SD and most of the bandwidth is sold off to USDTV, leaving them about 4Mbps of broadcasting signal.

KVWB -> KVMY: The old WB will now be the MyNetwork remote syndicated network of SD reruns (aka Gilligans Island, Full House, Growing Pains, etc) and "daily" night time soap operas during primetime, possibly in HD. http://www.mynetworktv.com/
Just to be clear, MyNetwork will have "daily telenovela" (aka soap operas) programming from 8:00 - 10:00 of the same two shows every night of the week with a recap episode on Saturday. The shows are called "Desire" and Secret Obssessions"
This is the programming set until at least Sept 2007 before any scheduling changes may happen.
The intended target audience age is supposed to be 14 - 21 years of age.

vegggas

vegggas, hopefully Sinclair will realize the CW is the stronger network and move their HD equipment over to KVCW. At the very least they should fix whatever is screwing up their PSIP; my DirecTV H10 can't tune KVCW-DT because of something the USDTV mux is doing.

We can hope, but I for one wouldn't hold my breath. They would have to move USDTV to the other channel and I bet that's not in the contract.

Actually, they BOTH sell their bandwidth to USDTV.
KFBT (now KVCW) sells about 16Mbps to USDTV, leaving less than 4Mbps for their programming.
KVWB (now KVMY) sells about 8Mbps to USDTV, leaving less than 12Mbps for their programmiing. Some people thought the WB signal wasn't too bad for HD-Lite, but it was far inferior when there was any action on the screen.
Since they are both in bed with USDTV, they should be able to reconfigure the data to scale a more useable signal for the CW network programming. The recievers would get updated with the correct psip data for USDTV to use, but it all boils down to wether they can transfer equipment and the data.
Still - It probably won't happen.

vegggas

Yeah, MurdDoc has a finger in every pie in everything now. :eek:

Except Dish which is what I had installed today. The ViP622 is so much better than the SA8300HD. It even picks and records local OTA! I love the agile modulator. It actually mods both tuners to 2 separate RF or Cable frequencies. When I called cox to cancel service, the cox lady blatantly and rudely stated how they will come right away and install a trap so I won't get their channels! :eek: Like I really got hurt and wanted their crappy analog service anyway.

Actually they did me a favor with the trap. Now I can have my home distribution and the internet (which will be gone soon enough) on the same circuit and my signals won't be leaking into their delicate overburdened and saturated system. Thanks Cox!

SD channels look so much better on Dish on a HD set compared to Cox. I had no idea what I was missing. I was expecting Directv quality but no, Dish PQ is so much better!

Sorry but Cox Cable is dead in my book. I can't believe I was with them for so long. I guess I won't be able to watch my SA8300HD recorded shows on my Sprint phone. :p

The Tube is announced as coming to KVWB (now KVMY) subchannel 21.3. http://www.thetubetv.com/ so I'm guessing that when MyNetworkTV moves in HDTV moves out. I'm still crossing my fingers that KVCW goes HD somehow.

The Tube is announced as coming to KVWB (now KVMY) subchannel 21.3. http://www.thetubetv.com/ so I'm guessing that when MyNetworkTV moves in HDTV moves out. <snip>.

DING! DING! DING! We have a winner folks - well, not really. No HD soup for you!
With only 12 Mbps of bandwidth available to the original WB channel (rest sold to USDTV), adding the multicast of the tube network will be the death knell for HD broadcasting for the station formally known as the WB.
They can still sell another couple of Mbps to USDTV before COMPLETELY selling out to everything once thought of as a TV station.

vegggas

DING! DING! DING! We have a winner folks - well, not really. No HD soup for you!
With only 12 Mbps of bandwidth available to the original WB channel (rest sold to USDTV), adding the multicast of the tube network will be the death knell for HD broadcasting for the station formally known as the WB.
They can still sell another couple of Mbps to USDTV before COMPLETELY selling out to everything once thought of as a TV station.

vegggas

No loss here as I NEVER saw anything worth watching on WB to begin with. Same goes for UPN. I'd say that the HD PBS is the best thing going as far as local OTA HD.

As for the new music channel, SD only?
Well I now watch the RAVE channel on Dish Network. 24hr HD DD5.1 music! :) :)

Funny thing happened lately. I've been using an OTA clip on antenna on an old DTV dish and was able to pick up all the OTA digitals with no trouble. The analog signals came in very good too with little or no ghosting or snow. Then Dish replaced the DTV dish with their new 1000pro and clipped the antenna and hooked it up the same way (straight feed to the tv with a diplexer and a power injector).

Now I have to orient the antenna a certain way to get 3,5,8,13 together but a different way to get 15,21,33! They all came in no matter what before the switch. Also the analogs are all weak with some snow and smearing. I checked all the connections and they are fine.

The only other thing that has changed is the next door neighbor has moved his small RTV from his side lot which I was happy to see go away! So either the old dish was of a different material than the new one or that ugly camper was reflecting the signals to my antenna. I'm in Silverado Ranch X Maryland part of town.

Any clue to this phenonema? I'd hate to ask "Hank Hill" next door to bring back his camper so I can get all the channels at once. :D

The RV could have been reflecting one or more of the transmitter locations back to your antenna. In your general location you have one Southern and one Eastern transmitter location, so you almost need dual elements to point in both of those locations to get all the stations off the mountains.

vegggas

The RV could have been reflecting one or more of the transmitter locations back to your antenna. In your general location you have one Southern and one Eastern transmitter location, so you almost need dual elements to point in both of those locations to get all the stations off the mountains.

vegggas

It looks like the signals pass above us as it should be and not aimed to the ground. The scrambled USDTV don't show up either and thats a good thing. I'm gonna get bold and put up a real antenna like the one Pa put up on his house when I was a kid! Well maybe the attic. We youngens are not as bold and spoiled.

Thanks Vegggas!

I'm still waiting for the new Sony's to arrive so am still watching with last generation TV (no HDTV). The audio through the Cox box is very unstable. It goes from soft to loud and back again for no apparent reason. Is this a Cox problem, or my old set. Also, GeorgeLV said that the cable cards are hard to "authorize". Can someone explain what that means? Thanks

....made a recent attempt to implement same, (re-)discovered set lacks it....(now glad!)
IIRC, Cox will send a tech with a card for rent, install and "set authorization" for princely sum of about $45. Then monthly rent for same ($2-$3?) Card is ONE-WAY only, cannot use PPV or other such options. Simply eliminates, or replaces, set-top box; mostly.
Like most cable cos, (I gather) Cox is waiting for 2nd gen Cable Card; TWO-WAY operation......

I'm still waiting for the new Sony's to arrive so am still watching with last generation TV (no HDTV). The audio through the Cox box is very unstable. It goes from soft to loud and back again for no apparent reason. Is this a Cox problem, or my old set. Also, GeorgeLV said that the cable cards are hard to "authorize". Can someone explain what that means? Thanks

You'll have to explain how you have the audio connected for us to make any informed comments. However, it sounds like the common issues with 5.1 sound being downmixed to stereo. You need to get an external receiver and at least a 5.1 (7.1 is preferable) speaker configuration to experience digital sound properly.

Cable cards are hard to authorize because they are one way. They can't communicate back to the cable company so you can forget about ppv, on-demand, etc. A tech has to make a house call to "marry" the card to your television and get programming added. The cable companies want absolutely nothing to do with them; they only exist because of government regulation. A CABLE CARD WILL NOT MAKE THE PICTURE ANY BETTER THAN HDMI. Unless you're a sadist, don't even consider one.

Unless you're a sadist, don't even consider one.

George, I bet you mean masochist.....

You'll have to explain how you have the audio connected for us to make any informed comments. However, it sounds like the common issues with 5.1 sound being downmixed to stereo. You need to get an external receiver and at least a 5.1 (7.1 is preferable) speaker configuration to experience digital sound properly.

Cable cards are hard to authorize because they are one way. They can't communicate back to the cable company so you can forget about ppv, on-demand, etc. A tech has to make a house call to "marry" the card to your television and get programming added. The cable companies want absolutely nothing to do with them; they only exist because of government regulation. A CABLE CARD WILL NOT MAKE THE PICTURE ANY BETTER THAN HDMI. Unless you're a sadist, don't even consider one.


Thanks GeorgeLV. I'm neither sadist or masochist, although I sometimes feel I'm banging my head against the wall. Sound: Out of the wall into Cox box (co-ax), out of the box into JVC TV (co-ax). Using TV speakers.

Waiting for new HDTV before arranging 5.1 Dolby surround system. thanks for your input

Phoenix TV in Las Vegas?

If the service countours predicted the FCC are correct, Las Vegans will be able to watch Phoenix CBS affialite KPHO by way of Lauglin's KMCC when their digital transmitter goes full power.

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT995554.html

Does anyone know when KMCC is going full power? I can't get CBS OTA because the mountain is in the way.

The Tube is announced as coming to KVWB (now KVMY) subchannel 21.3. http://www.thetubetv.com/ so I'm guessing that when MyNetworkTV moves in HDTV moves out. I'm still crossing my fingers that KVCW goes HD somehow.

Nothing yet @ 21.3. When is it live?

Nothing yet @ 21.3. When is it live?

Hopefully, it will never launch there. Sinclair is bandwidth starved and a lot of us would rather see the CW in HD over yet another music channel. If there must be another subchannel in Las Vegas it should replace the useless ABC SD simulcast on 13.2.

I had a SA 8000HD that won't power on any longer after a power outage that happened on Monday afternoon. Is there a way to remove the harddrive and transfer the recordings or move the hard drive to the new box when I pick one up?

I had a SA 8000HD that won't power on any longer after a power outage that happened on Monday afternoon. Is there a way to remove the harddrive and transfer the recordings or move the hard drive to the new box when I pick one up?
No. The data is encrypted to the specific STB.
Have you tried unplugging the power from the back of the unit for about 15 minutes?; Or better yet, overnight?
When you are ready to plug it back in, Hold the power button down while applying power. Continue holding power for about 1 minute.

vegggas

Phoenix TV in Las Vegas?

If the service countours predicted the FCC are correct, Las Vegans will be able to watch Phoenix CBS affialite KPHO by way of Lauglin's KMCC when their digital transmitter goes full power.

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT995554.html

KMCC is not a satellite of KPHO. KMCC broadcasts spanish language programming from the Teleformula network.

At one time, KMCC rebroadcast the programming from KVBC.

KMCC is not a satellite of KPHO. KMCC broadcasts spanish language programming from the Teleformula network.

At one time, KMCC rebroadcast the programming from KVBC.

OK, I was going off what Wikipedia said their programming was.

No. The data is encrypted to the specific STB.
Have you tried unplugging the power from the back of the unit for about 15 minutes?; Or better yet, overnight?
When you are ready to plug it back in, Hold the power button down while applying power. Continue holding power for about 1 minute.

vegggas

The box has been unplugged since Monday evening. I tried your suggestion of holding the power button in for about a minute while plugging it in, but the display remains blank. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Darwin

Look at the bright side. The storm knocked out the cable co's DVR and not one that you had to pay for. When getting a replacement DVR, ask for the 8300HD with HDMI instead.
Overall it's a much better and more responsive unit. You can also add more external storage, although it's still tied to the same DVR via encryption. Various details are in the links of my sig.

vegggas

Look at the bright side. The storm knocked out the cable co's DVR and not one that you had to pay for. When getting a replacement DVR, ask for the 8300HD with HDMI instead.
Overall it's a much better and more responsive unit. You can also add more external storage, although it's still tied to the same DVR via encryption. Various details are in the links of my sig.

vegggas

You can look even on the MORE brighter side.

Actually you could dump COX, get local OTA with the Dish HD Vip622 receiver and 29 channels in HD for a lot cheaper than COX. You can modulate both tuners to your other TV's, get 2 remotes and won't have to rent 2 boxes and watch recorded programs on other sets while watching another on the main. The picture quality you will get with dish on HD and SD is far superior to Cox also. No Kick back to live problems or recording anomalies.

You really don't know what you are missing. I was in the same boat.

Hey foghorn--

Does the HD from Dish really look equal or better than from cable?

The reason I ask is when I was shopping for an HDTV some of the stores had cable, others had satelite, although it was DirecTV, not Dish. The evening I went, shopping there was an HD baseball game on ESPN. I thought the PQ in every store on the cable was FAR better than those on DirecTV, using the same ESPN signal to compare.

I used to be a Directv subsriber in LA, and I used to see the compression artifacts even in SD programming, so I just figured it would be even worse with an HD signal.

Again, I realize this was all with DirecTV and not Dish, but I just thought I would get some opinions as to the HD picture quality over Satellite.

Also, how well does the VIP622 pick up OTA signals? Specifically FOX and ABC? I am close to the intersection of St Rose and Eastern if it matters. And how does the DVR get programming info for the OTA stuff?

thanks in advance,
-bob

, but I just thought I would get some opinions as to the HD picture quality over Satellite.


-bob

D* HD looks much better for ESPN2 and HDNET...probably because there not carried by Cox ! :D :D :D

Seriously..I have both D*and Cox and my personal preference is with Cox for all digital channels. I cancelled D* HD but still get it for NFL Sunday Ticket. As far as those games go, the regular non HD games are totally unwatchable as far as I am concerned so without the Superfan option to get the games with HD, its a total waste of money.

Mabey Word Maestro could chime in here...haven't heard from the old fart in a while..where'd he go? He was always a good one to stir things up in here when it got boring !!! :p

Hey foghorn--

Does the HD from Dish really look equal or better than from cable?

The reason I ask is when I was shopping for an HDTV some of the stores had cable, others had satelite, although it was DirecTV, not Dish. The evening I went, shopping there was an HD baseball game on ESPN. I thought the PQ in every store on the cable was FAR better than those on DirecTV, using the same ESPN signal to compare.

I used to be a Directv subsriber in LA, and I used to see the compression artifacts even in SD programming, so I just figured it would be even worse with an HD signal.

Again, I realize this was all with DirecTV and not Dish, but I just thought I would get some opinions as to the HD picture quality over Satellite.

Also, how well does the VIP622 pick up OTA signals? Specifically FOX and ABC? I am close to the intersection of St Rose and Eastern if it matters. And how does the DVR get programming info for the OTA stuff?

thanks in advance,
-bob

Dish really does look better. Especially SD. CNN and Faux for example look way better on Dish. Now I know it is anologe with Cox but also G4 and VH1 Classics look better and both have them digital.

I had Directv (Tivo) and the picture really sucked, thats why I went with Cox. As for HD, it really does look better with Dish. Maybe its the box, the Vip622, being superior? Better HDMI implementation? But it really looks better and the colours stand out better with Dish.

Now I am surprised as you are at all this. I was a long time supporter of Cox, but Dish has 'em beat by many miles. The SA stuff is really good, but Cox does not know what to do with them but to milk you for nothing.

As for OTA, I'm generally right next door to you and I use clip ons and get all the digital OTA channels with no problem (my antenna was defective in my previous posts).

D* HD looks much better for ESPN2 and HDNET...probably because there not carried by Cox ! :D :D :D

Seriously..I have both D*and Cox and my personal preference is with Cox for all digital channels. I cancelled D* HD but still get it for NFL Sunday Ticket. As far as those games go, the regular non HD games are totally unwatchable as far as I am concerned so without the Superfan option to get the games with HD, its a total waste of money.

Mabey Word Maestro could chime in here...haven't heard from the old fart in a while..where'd he go? He was always a good one to stir things up in here when it got boring !!! :p

Yeah I kicked him in the butt a long time ago, but now I wish he'd come back and bash Cox again (constructively :) . I really do see some of his points.

D* HD looks much better for ESPN2 and HDNET...probably because there not carried by Cox ! :D :D :D
My HDNets look awesome! Tulsa had a free preview for the shuttle launch too. And yes, Mark is aware of this.
Ooops, maybe I wasn't supposed to say that. Ummm, for the record: There is no current retransmit agreement between HDNet and Cox Commnications.
Oh well, back under a rock I go...

vegggas

My HDNets look awesome! Tulsa had a free preview for the shuttle launch too. And yes, Mark is aware of this.
Ooops, maybe I wasn't supposed to say that. Ummm, for the record: There is no current retransmit agreement between HDNet and Cox Commnications.
Oh well, back under a rock I go...

vegggas

If Cox gets the HDNets, then they'll almost certainly be my provider when I move later this year.

I have just about had it with D* lack of HD. How did you get Dish to give you 2 HD DVRs? I called them and was looking at $249 up front, and only one DVR. They said I had to purchase the second one. Twenty four HD channels, but a huge upfront cost.

I have just about had it with D* lack of HD. How did you get Dish to give you 2 HD DVRs? I called them and was looking at $249 up front, and only one DVR. They said I had to purchase the second one. Twenty four HD channels, but a huge upfront cost.

You get the $49 act fee back on the first bill and you get $20 in credits for 10 months which takes care of the other 200 bucks. When you look at all the channels you get for the price, it is way better than Cox could ever offer.

Right, you do have to purchase the second one though. But you can get the non-DVR HD box for free and use the Vip622 to agile modulate the recorded progs to the other TVs (in SD only). You only loose out watching recorded HD on the other sets this way but still get to watch live HD on the other set. My other HD set is a 26" and the modulated recorded progs look almost as good as HD.

If Cox gets the HDNets, then they'll almost certainly be my provider when I move later this year.

Dish has it now. Why wait for promises?
BTW, HDNets is far superior than that boring INHD1 and INHD2 that Cox offers.
And the 24/7 live HD 5.1 live concert channel called RAVEHD is something Cox probably will never offer, not to mention the 20 or so other channels that Cox does not or may never offer. Their messy cables are just to filled and saturated and overburdened right now! ;)

Oh and also you need just one cable coming from the Dish to your HD Vip622 even though the it has 2 satellite tuners. It uses new "DISH PRO" technology which has bulit in switches at the LNBs and a seperator at the box. Then you use a diplexor at the box and run the modulated output to the termination box with another diplexor and feed that to all your other TV sets. Both tuners and the DVR list are viewable on the other sets using UHF or cable channels (not 3/4) of your choosing.

This is the CABLE killer! You can watch all your Digital channels and your recorded progs on all of your other sets! Not just the crappy analogue channels with Cox. With Cox, you would have to rent a box for every TV to get all digital.

So who really is you "friend" in the digital age?

Well maybe it is Cox, but it is in the digital "iceage" ! :D :D :D

Look at the bright side. The storm knocked out the cable co's DVR and not one that you had to pay for. When getting a replacement DVR, ask for the 8300HD with HDMI instead.
Overall it's a much better and more responsive unit. You can also add more external storage, although it's still tied to the same DVR via encryption. Various details are in the links of my sig.

vegggas

I brought in the dead box and traded it in for the 8300HD. After the first couple of days the only complaint I have is that it has rebooted twice on me while watching the morning news. Does the 8300 fix the "bug" of when watching a program that is recording and it ends, it kicks you out and you have to replay the recording? Also, are the firewire ports active on the 8300? I haven't had a chance to go into the diagnostics yet.

You can look even on the MORE brighter side.

Actually you could dump COX, get local OTA with the Dish HD Vip622 receiver and 29 channels in HD for a lot cheaper than COX. You can modulate both tuners to your other TV's, get 2 remotes and won't have to rent 2 boxes and watch recorded programs on other sets while watching another on the main. The picture quality you will get with dish on HD and SD is far superior to Cox also. No Kick back to live problems or recording anomalies.

You really don't know what you are missing. I was in the same boat.

The only problem I've seen, is that I currently have 6 TVs (2 HD). Does Dish allow you to hook up 6? When I went to their web site, it only gave me a choice for 4.

The only problem I've seen, is that I currently have 6 TVs (2 HD). Does Dish allow you to hook up 6? When I went to their web site, it only gave me a choice for 4.

I explained the agile modulator already. You can also get the SD DVR for free along with the Vip622.

Here is the explantion again:

"Oh and also you need just one cable coming from the Dish to your HD Vip622 even though the it has 2 satellite tuners. It uses new "DISH PRO" technology which has bulit in switches at the LNBs and a seperator at the box. Then you use a diplexor at the box and run the modulated output to the termination box with another diplexor and feed that to all your other TV sets. Both tuners and the DVR list are viewable on the other sets using UHF or cable channels (not 3/4) of your choosing.

This is the CABLE killer! You can watch all your Digital channels and your recorded progs on all of your other sets! Not just the crappy analogue channels with Cox. With Cox, you would have to rent a box for every TV to get all digital."

Now if you also get the 625, you will have 2 more tuners and recorded programs to choose from to all your sets using splitters backwards as combiners fed into the distribution circuit. Now you coud have 4 different programs running to any of the 6 TVs you have and or 2 sets of recorded programs using 4 different UHF or Cable frequencies.

Could you do that with Cox? How much would you have to spend to do that?

Cox can't even do MR!
It's MR stands for "mentally retarded"

Your friend in the digital iceage. So true.

I've been running multiple TV's of a single box for over a decade. I use the RF output of the cable box to other TV's, such as in the bathroom and garage, where I have small displays that don't need their own STB's, but that can run off master controls elsewhere. I also have a display in the other room connected via the AV outputs to use the copy to VCR to send a program out, if needed. BTW, I have about 10 - 12 different viewing locations throughout my home. With Sat, it cost a fortune in STB's to run half of them, cause there was no programming at all without a STB. With cable, I can do analog viewing on any display without a STB.
The MultiRoom STB was tested in Las Vegas, but in it's current configuration, the MR portion does not play nice with OCAP standards that Cox is moving towards this year. For that reason, they do not want to launch a product and have the feature go away in a few months.
Does anyone think Foghorn and Word Maestro are like the odd couple of this thread or is it just me???

I brought in the dead box and traded it in for the 8300HD. After the first couple of days the only complaint I have is that it has rebooted twice on me while watching the morning news. Does the 8300 fix the "bug" of when watching a program that is recording and it ends, it kicks you out and you have to replay the recording? Also, are the firewire ports active on the 8300? I haven't had a chance to go into the diagnostics yet.
The "bug" you mention was a specific patent issue with Tivo that tivo remained victorious in court. Somehow, an agreement was either made or a workaround was found and in version 1.88.xx, the currently recording program can be started at the beginning, and not kicke dout to live at the end. 1.88 has been released in SanDiego and Phoenix, and finalized testing means it will be available in Las Vegas soon.
Also, Firewire recording to 5c compliant devices currently works on live programming, but better with the 1.88 version.
Check the 8300 thread in my sig for better details.

vegggas

I've been running multiple TV's of a single box for over a decade. I use the RF output of the cable box to other TV's, such as in the bathroom and garage, where I have small displays that don't need their own STB's, but that can run off master controls elsewhere. I also have a display in the other room connected via the AV outputs to use the copy to VCR to send a program out, if needed. BTW, I have about 10 - 12 different viewing locations throughout my home. With Sat, it cost a fortune in STB's to run half of them, cause there was no programming at all without a STB. With cable, I can do analog viewing on any display without a STB.
The MultiRoom STB was tested in Las Vegas, but in it's current configuration, the MR portion does not play nice with OCAP standards that Cox is moving towards this year. For that reason, they do not want to launch a product and have the feature go away in a few months.
Does anyone think Foghorn and Word Maestro are like the odd couple of this thread or is it just me???

The RF output of the cable box is 3/4. Pretty crappy and full of interference. The Copy to VCR is broken in Vegas, the picture is full of zaggies and low rez. It does not cost a fortune to get 2 boxes with Dish which will get you 4 different progs or 2 different sets of recorded progs to any TV. And that is ALL YOUR PROGRAMMING AND RECORDED SHOWS. Not just analog. You would need to rent 4 DVR boxes with Cox to watch all recorded shows and all subs including digital and pay the additional gateway fees and DVR fees on top of that.

The only thing "odd" here is that this is not a pro COX CABLE board and the facts are there that Cox is not such a great deal for Las Vegas subscribers and nothing you can do or say here will make those facts go away. Cox does not compete, just look at the lawsuit in Arizona they got busted for.

BTW, how would one get sound out of SPRINT/EMBARQ/COX/NEXTEL OCAP compatible cell phone while watching shows recorded on the discontinued and obsolete SA8300HD? Would you have to watch the show a bit, and then put the phone to your ear and then pull away to watch the show and back and forth?

The "bug" you mention was a specific patent issue with Tivo that tivo remained victorious in court. Somehow, an agreement was either made or a workaround was found and in version 1.88.xx, the currently recording program can be started at the beginning, and not kicke dout to live at the end. 1.88 has been released in SanDiego and Phoenix, and finalized testing means it will be available in Las Vegas soon.
Also, Firewire recording to 5c compliant devices currently works on live programming, but better with the 1.88 version.
Check the 8300 thread in my sig for better details.

vegggas

There is no such bug with the Dish Vip622 HD box. Also the HDMI and components are both live at the same time! :) :) :)

.......With cable, I can do analog viewing on any display without a STB.

Did you read the 2 posts which explains how you DO NOT need STBs to view ALL the channels digital and recorded programs on all of the TV sets in your home with Dish Network boxes? Now thats ODD!

There is no such bug with the Dish Vip622 HD box. Also the HDMI and components are both live at the same time! :) :) :)
Dish was just sued by Tivo, and lost.

Did you read the 2 posts which explains how you DO NOT need STBs to view ALL the channels digital and recorded programs on all of the TV sets in your home with Dish Network boxes? Now thats ODD!
I still don't know what you are talking about here. When I have a house full of people and all bedrooms are in use, they can all watch unique programming on every display, while the main home theater and other living areas can also watch unique or recorded programming.
What you are describing sounds like you attach a dish to your house and you never need any STB's to any of your TV's (in my case 12). That sounds odd. How would you get unique programming to 12 TV sets with Dish?

BTW, how would one get sound out of SPRINT/EMBARQ/COX/NEXTEL OCAP compatible cell phone while watching shows recorded on the discontinued and obsolete SA8300HD? Would you have to watch the show a bit, and then put the phone to your ear and then pull away to watch the show and back and forth? It really has nothing to do with the 8300. All the major cable companies are porting digital cable signals to Sprint enabled cell phone devices. People can watch whatever they want on their phone, PDA, or Cell enabled devices, just like they were at home. They can even, if they have a DVR, set the DVR to record a program, or play back a program. Viewing is via the device's screen, and sound is either through headphones, or speaker. In case you haven't been out lately, cell phones already have headsets and speakerphone capabilities, as well asa MP3 and video capabilities and other providers are offering V-cast downloads of their favorite TV episodes at $1.99 per episode. After millions of downloads, people will now be able to pay a flat fee to watch whatever they want on any channel they want, wherever they want.

vegggas

The RF output of the cable box is 3/4. Pretty crappy and full of interference. The Copy to VCR is broken in Vegas, the picture is full of zaggies and low rez. It does not cost a fortune to get 2 boxes with Dish which will get you 4 different progs or 2 different sets of recorded progs to any TV. And that is ALL YOUR PROGRAMMING AND RECORDED SHOWS. Not just analog. You would need to rent 4 DVR boxes with Cox to watch all recorded shows and all subs including digital and pay the additional gateway fees and DVR fees on top of that.
My home wiring is secure with no interference on channel 3 or 4, but It sounds like your home wiring is full of ingress due to poor physical connections, bad wires, etc. The Copy to VCR works ok on my system, however I rarely use it, but, like you, I can get ALL programming and recorded content, both analog and digital to 4 TV's by just using two STB's on the RF out or directly through the video out .

vegggas

Dish was just sued by Tivo, and lost.

But we still don't have that bug, and Dish is bringing Tivo back to court! :) :)

At least they fight for the enduser, unlike Cox.

I still don't know what you are talking about here. When I have a house full of people and all bedrooms are in use, they can all watch unique programming on every display, while the main home theater and other living areas can also watch unique or recorded programming.
What you are describing sounds like you attach a dish to your house and you never need any STB's to any of your TV's (in my case 12). That sounds odd. How would you get unique programming to 12 TV sets with Dish?

All your guests have to watch crappy anologe programming while my guests watch all that Dish can offer, which is more than what COX can ever offer!

For your guests to get all the digital programming and recorded shows, you would have to fork over 12X$5 for the STBs, 12X$5r gateways, 12x$10 DVR fees!

For my guests, I would need the dish pro system with 6 boxes, thats only 6x$5 for additional box, DVR fees are free with the premium package.

Thats $240 extra for you.
and only $30 bucks more for me!

I'd save that money and entertain my guests with more luxuries and food instad of making Cox richer.

Not to mention I will get alot more HD, way more, and more channels for a way cheaper price than Cox can ever offer.

You'e been watching too many Cox commercials.

It really has nothing to do with the 8300. All the major cable companies are porting digital cable signals to Sprint enabled cell phone devices. People can watch whatever they want on their phone, PDA, or Cell enabled devices, just like they were at home. They can even, if they have a DVR, set the DVR to record a program, or play back a program. Viewing is via the device's screen, and sound is either through headphones, or speaker. In case you haven't been out lately, cell phones already have headsets and speakerphone capabilities, as well asa MP3 and video capabilities and other providers are offering V-cast downloads of their favorite TV episodes at $1.99 per episode. After millions of downloads, people will now be able to pay a flat fee to watch whatever they want on any channel they want, wherever they want.

vegggas

Would you need a battery back up on your phone so that you could watch a whole movie on the SPRINT/EMBARQ/COX/NEXTEL OCAP compatible cell phone with a speaker phone?

What will the local channels say if you watch your Vegas channels in Rhode Island. Will you need some kind of waiver from the locals in Rhode Island?

Do either Cox or Dish get FSN West/Prime Ticket HD? (DirecTV carries some of their games on channel 95)

My home wiring is secure with no interference on channel 3 or 4, but It sounds like your home wiring is full of ingress due to poor physical connections, bad wires, etc. The Copy to VCR works ok on my system, however I rarely use it, but, like you, I can get ALL programming and recorded content, both analog and digital to 4 TV's by just using two STB's on the RF out or directly through the video out .

vegggas

Yeah, thats because you use a different cable to send 3/4 out, which you could not do with one with cox since they are not in the digital age and still send out 3/4! Your house must be such a mess with all those extra cables!

My home has a custom distribution panel and only one cable is used to feed the panel the modulated signals to the panel which is the same cable that brings in both the local DTV OTA and satellite signals!

Try that with cox and try merging two boxes, one with ch3 and the other with ch4 into the same cable that supplies the cox STB signals! It can't be done!

Also with dish, you only need ONE box to supply 2 different programming sets or recorded programs. Not two!

BTW, you must be royalty, because all the poor pheasants who break their backs every day to afford Cox Ice Age Cable are still dealing with the old firmware which has a broken Copy to VCR function :eek: :eek:

Do either Cox or Dish get FSN West/Prime Ticket HD? (DirecTV carries some of their games on channel 95)

I have not seen that channel on Dish yet, but then again I don't watch much sports channels unless they are showing cheerleaders. I not much into seeing guys in tights or shorts trowing balls aroung and getting exited over it. :D

Or manly women doing the same :D :D

Thats where D* has the edge. Sports!

Veggggas, what are you going to do when Cox does go all digital and all of your 12 discriminating anti-social guests including the one who wants to watch the Playboy channels in your bathroom on your tiolet seat?

Are you going to rent 12 STB's, pay 10 dollars a pop extra 12 times each for DVR fees and 5 dollars times 12 for the gateway fees?

Oh. I get it, you can get rid of all those Tvs and they can watch all they want on their Sprint/Nextel/Cox/Embarq phones.

Keep the one for you friend in the bathroom though, Cox is better with 2 hands ;)

USDTV collapsing??

The USDTV homepage is now carrying this statement:

"Due to circumstances beyond our control we are currently unable to respond to inbound telephone calls and emails. Please monitor our website for updates.

We appreciate your patience during this period and apologize for any inconvenience."

vegggas do you really have a TV in your bathroom? Are you addicted to TV that much?

vegggas do you really have a TV in your bathroom? Are you addicted to TV that much?

His garage too! That Tv must be weather resistant or his garage has A/C! Hopefully the one in the bathroom is steam and bodily fluids resistant. :o

USDTV collapsing??

The USDTV homepage is now carrying this statement:

"Due to circumstances beyond our control we are currently unable to respond to inbound telephone calls and emails. Please monitor our website for updates.

We appreciate your patience during this period and apologize for any inconvenience."

What, are all the foreign cheap labor booked?

USDTV collapsing... thats the best phrase I've heard all day! :) :) :)

This much is obvious. KINC-DT and KBLR-DT have both been off the air for weeks. Their subchannels alone account for over half of USDTV's programing in Las Vegas. So anyone subscribing would be sustantially pissed! They only have 3 channels up including the program guide which was the only channel in the clear. That one is currently black. So I would guess they are not showing anything at all in at least this market. Anyone want to guess their their offices are vacant too?

This much is obvious. KINC-DT and KBLR-DT have both been off the air for weeks. Their subchannels alone account for over half of USDTV's programing in Las Vegas. So anyone subscribing would be sustantially pissed! They only have 3 channels up including the program guide which was the only channel in the clear. That one is currently black. So I would guess they are not showing anything at all in at least this market. Anyone want to guess their their offices are vacant too?

No, they've remained on-air. I've been watching KINC quite a bit for the World Cup.

vegggas do you really have a TV in your bathroom? Are you addicted to TV that much?Quite a few comments since I've been away...
Attached a pic taken just moments ago...Listening to a Digital Music Channel at the moment... I watch the news and traffic in the morning while in the shower and "other" activities. This one is controlled from the bedroom STB via RF chan 3. Note that the TV is actually an 1980's era TV with a non-cable-ready tuner. It's been in this particular installed location since 2001. The garage is similar, fed from HT area, but used mainly for music. I used to pop in a CD an pipe it around the house via the TV's.
Hey, look, No Wires! I installed my own networks in my home during building. I have dual RG6 Quad Shield cable runs and Ethernet to every location I could imagine. I can run any signal (RF or baseband AV) to and from any location as I see fit. I started this with D* many years ago to pass the signal to multiple locations with minimal receivers. Now, I have a few cable receivers that I can move around as needed. There is no point in keeping all the bedrooms with STB's when they are not in use, so when the house is full, I give them their own receiver from my office or other locations if needed.
For RF distribution, I use a notch RF filter that cuts the FM band and lower channels (108Mhz down to 50Mhz), so I can modulate on channels 2 - 6 where I want too. Since the Digital STB's tune the Digital channel equivelents of 3 and 5, those are passed to the STB in digital form anyway.

vegggas

Would you need a battery back up on your phone so that you could watch a whole movie on the SPRINT/EMBARQ/COX/NEXTEL OCAP compatible cell phone with a speaker phone?

What will the local channels say if you watch your Vegas channels in Rhode Island. Will you need some kind of waiver from the locals in Rhode Island?
I don't know??? Ask the Verizon users who watch episodes of LOST, American Idol, CSI, etc on Verizons VCAST 3G broadband network at $1.99 per episode, or who download music or games directly to their phones, etc.

vegggas

After reading through the last couple of pages and getting a few PM's, I would also like to clear up one other thing. I had sold and installed C-Band and various DBS sat systems as well as designing custom RF distribution and low voltage systems for many years, but I have never sold or done a cable company install for a home. With the possible exception of USDTV, I don't bash ANY provider for what they do or don't have or provide. Currently, I am a cable subscriber after giving up on sat systems a few years ago and I am accentuating the positives of my current setup. Knowing how the technology is changing and seeing where we are today, I chose cable over sat. If I were to switch back to sat for some reason (unllikely), I would sing it's praises where I could too, but still not bash my previous provider.
I view this thread/forum as a place to go for all aspects of all available options to users. If I don't have anything to add to the conversation, I usually sit back and let others discuss the topic. If a blanket statement is made that I think is wrong, I usually chime in with my opinion or known facts based on published documentation or years of experience.
Thank you for your time
vegggas

After reading through the last couple of pages and getting a few PM's, I would also like to clear up one other thing. I had sold and installed C-Band and various DBS sat systems as well as designing custom RF distribution and low voltage systems for many years, but I have never sold or done a cable company install for a home. With the possible exception of USDTV, I don't bash ANY provider for what they do or don't have or provide. Currently, I am a cable subscriber after giving up on sat systems a few years ago and I am accentuating the positives of my current setup. Knowing how the technology is changing and seeing where we are today, I chose cable over sat. If I were to switch back to sat for some reason (unllikely), I would sing it's praises where I could too, but still not bash my previous provider.
I view this thread/forum as a place to go for all aspects of all available options to users. If I don't have anything to add to the conversation, I usually sit back and let others discuss the topic. If a blanket statement is made that I think is wrong, I usually chime in with my opinion or known facts based on published documentation or years of experience.
Thank you for your time
vegggas

Thank you Vegggas. You are invaluable to these forums. You are a challenge and very informative. I love the friendly banter between us and I try to be as comical as I can with it. We always can't agree and can totally agree and then argue and that the beauty of being Americans. We can all still get along.

BTW, the TV set in your bathroom looks very nice. It couldn't be any better.

I don't know??? Ask the Verizon users who watch episodes of LOST, American Idol, CSI, etc on Verizons VCAST 3G broadband network at $1.99 per episode, or who download music or games directly to their phones, etc.

vegggas

I'm hoping Cox can pull this watch anything anywhere anytime thing. If they will get away with this, I'll soon be able to get distant locals, SF Bay area to be specific, without waivers from the locals with Dish.

And I'm sure Charles Ergen will push this for all of us a soon as he gets word that this stuff is happening. Heck, Dish is all for A la Carte too! Talk about being on the customers side!

BTW, the TV set in your bathroom looks very nice. It couldn't be any better. Well, maybe if it wasn't a 20 year old set!!! It used to be a "signature" of my installation services - To install in odd areas, that sound strange, until you realize how much you actually use them. Other common areas are pool areas, patios, garages & kitchens. That was in the early 90's, now, almost every major hotel in Las Vegas and around the country has a TV in the bathroom. It's not about TV addiction, but about information access wherever you are.

I'm hoping Cox can pull this watch anything anywhere anytime thing. If they will get away with this, I'll soon be able to get distant locals, SF Bay area to be specific, without waivers from the locals with Dish.

And I'm sure Charles Ergen will push this for all of us a soon as he gets word that this stuff is happening. Heck, Dish is all for A la Carte too! Talk about being on the customers side!
I've mentioned this before - All the top 4 cable companies together have signed an agreement with Sprint to roll out these services.
If you really want out of market locals from your "Home" market, theres a better solution. Buy a slingbox and get a friend in your home market to host the server. The Slingbox has an analog tuner and can stand alone connected to the cable outlet (or antenna) and an internet connection. The video can be streamed, wth decent quality, anywhere in the world. Out of market broadcasts are it's primary selling point, and the reason it was created.

vegggas

According to MHD's website, http://www.mhd.tv/, it will be added to Cox Las Vegas by 12/30/06.

According to MHD's website, http://www.mhd.tv/, it will be added to Cox Las Vegas by 12/30/06.
That's the static date that means that it will be added here sometime this year. We discussed this several months back when it launched in other Cox markets. Locally, Cox has said that they will add a great deal of HD content before the end of the year as network expansion continues. What exactly that means is still a guess, but there are some finished contracts.

vegggas

George,

Are you referring to the analog or digital signals of KINC, and KBLR? I live near Decatur and 95, and have completely lost any trace of the digital signals of those two stations. Which is why I came to the determination in my last post. I have two HD Tivos in two different buidings. Each has it's own outdoor antenna. Channels 16 and 40 DT show zero signal strength, and pull in no subchannels at this time.

In case anyone missed it...this was in the last bill from Cox:

Cox is ON the MOVE and we're EXCITED! Beginning 8/1/06,
we are moving ABC Family from ch. 74 to 59, Discovery
Health from 72 to 60, OLN from 73 to 67, CSPAN1 from 59 to
97, CSPAN2 from 67 to 98 and TV Guide Channel from 60 to
95! Why are we excited? Now even MORE of our customers
can tune into CSPAN1, CSPAN2 and the TV Guide Channel!
Not to mention, this move will make room for us to provide
new products, services and improvements for our customers
in the near future. So keep a look-out for the new changes on
8/1/06!

I'm not sure why MORE customers will now get CSPAN1, CSPAN2, and TV Guide Channel with these moves. But Cox is certainly moving things around for future services, I suppose.

George,

Are you referring to the analog or digital signals of KINC, and KBLR? I live near Decatur and 95, and have completely lost any trace of the digital signals of those two stations. Which is why I came to the determination in my last post. I have two HD Tivos in two different buidings. Each has it's own outdoor antenna. Channels 16 and 40 DT show zero signal strength, and pull in no subchannels at this time.

I get KINC-DT at 86% and KBLR-DT at 63% on my D* H10 with a little indoor UHF loop antenna. I live in Mountain's Edge by Blue Diamond and Durango.

In case anyone missed it...this was in the last bill from Cox:

Cox is ON the MOVE and we're EXCITED! Beginning 8/1/06,
we are moving ABC Family from ch. 74 to 59, Discovery
Health from 72 to 60, OLN from 73 to 67, CSPAN1 from 59 to
97, CSPAN2 from 67 to 98 and TV Guide Channel from 60 to
95! Why are we excited? Now even MORE of our customers
can tune into CSPAN1, CSPAN2 and the TV Guide Channel!
Not to mention, this move will make room for us to provide
new products, services and improvements for our customers
in the near future. So keep a look-out for the new changes on
8/1/06!

I'm not sure why MORE customers will now get CSPAN1, CSPAN2, and TV Guide Channel with these moves. But Cox is certainly moving things around for future services, I suppose.

They were moved so they will fall within the trap used for lifeline basic. Channels 95-99 come after channel 6 frequency-wise.

http://www.jneuhaus.com/fccindex/cablech.html

Ok George,

That makes sense. They don't have enough power to reach my area via the crappy ATSC tuner the 10-250 has. I checked today and get an occasional blip on the signal meter just enough to show they are there, but not enough to be of any use.

USDTV IS BANKRUPT!!!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7985252&&#post7985252

I currently get all HD channels with rabbit ears but would like to get them out of my living room. I tried to hook up an antenna myself outside but I'm not getting very good reception. Can anyone point me in the direction of a reputable company in Las Vegas that can come to my house and install the most appropriate antenna? I've been tinkering with it for a few days now and I'm waving my white flag. Thanks for the help.

USDTV IS BANKRUPT!!!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7985252&&#post7985252

Yeahh!!!!!!

I always thought all they were doing was robbing bandwidth on purpose, we will never know I guess. Most of those channels they show should just be broadcast free since they have commercials anyway. There should never be scrambled OTA. I wish the FCC would be on our side.

I currently get all HD channels with rabbit ears but would like to get them out of my living room. I tried to hook up an antenna myself outside but I'm not getting very good reception. Can anyone point me in the direction of a reputable company in Las Vegas that can come to my house and install the most appropriate antenna? I've been tinkering with it for a few days now and I'm waving my white flag. Thanks for the help.
Before spending any money, might I suggest going to www.antennaweb.org and seeing what kind of advice they can give? The biggest Vegas issues are usually related to antenna direction and the (non) use of a VHF type antenna. Overal, HD is usually on UHF, but Vegas instead, has a lot of VHF stations.

vegggas

Maybe Embarq can buy USDTV and offer USDTV shows on their Embarq/Sprint/ Cox/Nextel phones :D

Maybe Embarq can buy USDTV and offer USDTV shows on their Embarq/Sprint/ Cox/Nextel phones :D
Just opened my Embarq phone bill - They are pushing Dish Network right now. Maybe you can get your dish programming on your Embarq phone in the near future with Pocket Dish phones? http://pocketdish.com/dvr_compatibilty.jsp
USDTV, however is not going to be giving up any bandwidth even after being liqidated. It's already earmarked for use for the long term. There are also rumors that have been around for a long time that phone companies would like to use this traffic to provide a basic TV package to be a multi-service provider with voice, video, data and wireless.

vegggas

Just opened my Embarq phone bill - They are pushing Dish Network right now. Maybe you can get your dish programming on your Embarq phone in the near future with Pocket Dish phones? http://pocketdish.com/dvr_compatibilty.jsp
USDTV, however is not going to be giving up any bandwidth even after being liqidated. It's already earmarked for use for the long term. There are also rumors that have been around for a long time that phone companies would like to use this traffic to provide a basic TV package to be a multi-service provider with voice, video, data and wireless.

vegggas

The pocket dishes are not phones at all. They are dedicated mp3 like video players that that have their own hard drive and real video lcd screens. No slow cell phone packets needed to view shows downloaded from a Dish Dvr via usb port. This is truly innovative technology that is light years ahead of the Sprint/Cox scheme.

Someone will buy USDTV I think and knowing how business works now days, its all planned out already and its us taxpayers who subsidize these schemes. Bankrupcy for corporations . Right! :eek: More socialism I'd say.

There are lots of reports than INHD2 is going away on 8/1/06 (to be combined with INHD1). Since Cox is also rearranging their analog lineup on 8/1, it could be a huge day for HD additions.

There are lots of reports than INHD2 is going away on 8/1/06 (to be combined with INHD1). Since Cox is also rearranging their analog lineup on 8/1, it could be a huge day for HD additions.
I have not heard that report, but then again who knows. I would rather keep INHD2 than have MTVHD.
I got a letter saying they are upgrading my area and may notice a few issues during the upgrade process during the late nightor early morning hours. Further investgation found that they are upgrading my neighborhood from 750MHz to 860MHz. Also this is going to be a valley wide upgrade that will take some time to complete.

vegggas

The pocket dishes are not phones at all. They are dedicated mp3 like video players that that have their own hard drive and real video lcd screens. No slow cell phone packets needed to view shows downloaded from a Dish Dvr via usb port. This is truly innovative technology that is light years ahead of the Sprint/Cox scheme.
Someone will buy USDTV I think and knowing how business works now days, its all planned out already and its us taxpayers who subsidize these schemes. Bankrupcy for corporations . Right! :eek: More socialism I'd say.
You may have missed my point. Dish would like to go the phone route, but needs local phone support to make it work. The goal is to be untethered from wires. BTW, downloading to an MP3 player has been around for a long time. Downloading directly to a phone is the next generation operator usage without wires. Dish or Direct could even buy USDTV and use the data as an internet serivce channel to provide video and data in certain markets.
Reading the news release about USDTV, it mentions that Lasa Vegas only had about 2000 users after a year of service.

vegggas

There are lots of reports than INHD2 is going away on 8/1/06 (to be combined with INHD1). Since Cox is also rearranging their analog lineup on 8/1, it could be a huge day for HD additions.
Ok, I read some posts about INHD2 possibly going dark on Aug 1st, but nothing concerning Cox. With a channel lineup change coming on Aug 1st, it does sound reasonable that MHD, which is already contracted to Cox would take it's place.

As for other channels, There is no news on the wires about finished agreements, but negotiations are on-going.

vegggas

There are lots of reports than INHD2 is going away on 8/1/06 (to be combined with INHD1). Since Cox is also rearranging their analog lineup on 8/1, it could be a huge day for HD additions.

I wouldn't hold my breath.

The FCC opened up applications for low power digital companion channels. Look for these stations to show up on a digital tuner near you...sometime before 2009

KVPX-LP 28 (Multimedios) has applied for channel 6 at 0.1 kW [MAKO COMMUNICATIONS, LLC]
KLVD-LP 23 (Daystar) has applied for channel 14 at 15 kW [WORD OF GOD FELLOWSHIP, INC.]
KTUD-CA 25 (UPN->ind.) has applied for channel 20 at 8.9 kW [LAS VEGAS TV PARTNERS, LLC]
KEGS-LP 63 (Retro Television Network) has applied for channel 24 at 15 kW [NEVADA CHANNEL 3, INC.]
K43FO 43 (3ABN) has applied for channel 36 at 15 kW [THREE ANGELS BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC.]
KHDF-CA 19 (Azteca) has applied for channel 38 at 15 kW [UNA VEZ MAS LAS VEGAS LICENSE, LLC]
K41IO 41 (TBN) has applied for channel 41 at 15 kW [TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK]
KGNG-LP 47 (HSN) has applied for channel 48 at 11.8 kW [KING KONG BROADCASTING, INC.]
KLSV-LP 50 (Jewelry TV) has applied for channel 49 at 8 kW [BILTMORE BROADCASTING CORPORATION]
KEEN-LP 17 (Total Living Network) has applied for channel 51 at 11 kW [CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATIONS OF CHICAGOLAND, INC]
KNBX-CA 31 (TeleForumula??) has applied for channel 51 at 15 kW [NEVADA CHANNEL 6, INC.]

The FCC opened up applications for low power digital companion channels. Look for these stations to show up on a digital tuner near you...sometime before 2009

MAKO COMMUNICATIONS, LLC (Multimedios KVPX-LP 28) has applied for channel 6 at 0.1 kW
WORD OF GOD FELLOWSHIP, INC. (Daystar KLVD-LP 23) has applied for channel 14 at 15 kW
LAS VEGAS TV PARTNERS, LLC (UPN->ind. KTUD-CA 25) has applied for channel 20 at 8.9 kW
NEVADA CHANNEL 3, INC. (RTN KEGS-LP 63) has applied for channel 24 at 15 kW
THREE ANGELS BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC. (3ABN K43FO 43) has applied for channel 36 at 15 kW
UNA VEZ MAS LAS VEGAS LICENSE, LLC (Azteca KHDF-CA 19) has applied for channel 38 at 15 kW
TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK (TBN K41IO 41) has applied for channel 41 at 15 kW
KING KONG BROADCASTING, INC. (HSN KGNG-LP 47) has applied for channel 48 at 11.8 kW
BILTMORE BROADCASTING CORPORATION (Jewelry TV 50) has applied for channel 49 at 8 kW
CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATIONS OF CHICAGOLAND, INC (Total Living Network KEEN-LP) has applied for channel 51 at 11 kW
NEVADA CHANNEL 6, INC. (TeleForumula?? KNBX-CA) has applied for channel 51 at 15 kW

Gee, I can't wait for the CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATIONS OF CHICAGOLAND in Digital! Just think of the picture quality of your favorite Teleavengelist on your large flat screen.

The will make HIM proud :rolleyes:

Gee, I can't wait for the CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATIONS OF CHICAGOLAND in Digital! Just think of the picture quality of your favorite Teleavengelist on your large flat screen.

The will make HIM proud :rolleyes:

Actually a good portion of their lineup is classic tv. http://www.keentv.com/

Actually a good portion of their lineup is classic tv. http://www.keentv.com/

Too bad they don't have Leave it to Beaver. That a program with a lifestyle that the very people who promote that lifestyle, are the ones who make it harder for us to all achieve every day!

They also have the Jim Baker Show! Wonderfull! I can't wait :rolleyes:

Many of those channels already exist as low power analog stations in and around the Las Vegas area. Many are just applying to get digital licenses. Here are some low power analog examples:

Call Sign Channel Network City
K57FA 57 TBN LAS VEGAS
KEGS-LP 63 IND LAS VEGAS
KYRK-LP 35 IND LAS VEGAS
KEEN-LP 17 A1 LAS VEGAS
KNBX-LP 31 BOX LAS VEGAS
K49AB 49 CBS PAHRUMP
K44AA 44 NBC PAHRUMP
K23BS 23 PBS JEAN
K42AA 42 ABC PAHRUMP
KTUD-CA 25 UPN LAS VEGAS
KHDF-CA 19 HTN LAS VEGAS

There are probably more, as some pop up and dissapear on antennaweb as you move you zipcode around the valley

Many of those channels already exist as low power analog stations in and around the Las Vegas area. Many are just applying to get digital licenses. Here are some low power analog examples:

There are probably more, as some pop up and dissapear on antennaweb as you move you zipcode around the valley

Yeah, I put which LPTV analog they correspond to in my post. Obviously at least one of these won't be approved (two are applying for channel 51). Every LPTV in Vegas applied except for KELV 27 (TFT), which is already carried on 15-2, and KVTE-LP 35 (ind. "Vegas 35").

I'm guessing the first ones that will go on air are KTUD and KHDF since I'm guessing they're the best funded. (because they have Cox Cable and DirecTV carriage) However, depending on how well selling sub-channels pays, we could see these pop up as soon as the FCC approves their applications.

I tried adding a Seagate 400GB SATA II drive I had in an Adaptec eSATA enclosure to the 8300HD. After adding it, the video would pixelate about every 5 minutes and if there was any sound at the time, it would sound garbled while watching any of the HD channels. SD was not affected. I unhooked it, and the sound and picture is great once again. Is there any place in town to pick up one of the Maxtor Quickview expander drives? I would think they would work better since they were made to work with the 8300HD.

That a program with a lifestyle that the very people who promote that lifestyle, are the ones who make it harder for us to all achieve every day!

Huh?!?

Huh?!?

The Elephants! (Off topic).
Just listen to Dina Titus on local OTA (now we are on topic :D ).

Many of those channels already exist as low power analog stations in and around the Las Vegas area. Many are just applying to get digital licenses. Here are some low power analog examples:

Call Sign Channel Network City
K57FA 57 TBN LAS VEGAS
KEGS-LP 63 IND LAS VEGAS
KYRK-LP 35 IND LAS VEGAS
KEEN-LP 17 A1 LAS VEGAS
KNBX-LP 31 BOX LAS VEGAS
K49AB 49 CBS PAHRUMP
K44AA 44 NBC PAHRUMP
K23BS 23 PBS JEAN
K42AA 42 ABC PAHRUMP
KTUD-CA 25 UPN LAS VEGAS
KHDF-CA 19 HTN LAS VEGAS

There are probably more, as some pop up and dissapear on antennaweb as you move you zipcode around the valley

So this means no or very little new programming on digital OTA. Just more of the same.

I wonder if the Poor Rump channels will be picked up in Vegas? Can you imagine their news channels?

darwin838,
Check the link in my sig for external drives. Quickview expanders are available from weakknees and buy.com.

foghorn, others et el,
More of the same... Many low power stations (and low profit) will basically take their analog signal, encode it to digital, and transmit the converted signal on a few Mbps of space, until it's feasible to use digital mixing equipment in the future. Then they will mix in digital instead of analog. Still there is no reason to upgrade equipment unless they can sell off their bandwidth to pay for their transmitter. With digital, they may be able to keep their main SD signal on the air and make a profit off the excess bandwidth given by the license. Many business technologists would like to use the excessive bandwidth for specialized datacasting, a la USDTV, broadband use, or other services. With multiple digital transmitters, such a service is more feasible as an umbrella type of service for OTA receivers with specialized data decryption methods (like USDTV). Don't think for a moment that this will bring more video services to anyone, but more business opportunities to specalized datacasters.

vegggas

What vegggas is say is probably true for the most part. Some broadcasters will have programming for their entire mux (although I doubt anyone here is looking forward to the the TBN mux).

TBN has been applying for many digital flash cuts on their analog LPTVs. Once digital, they'll send out FIVE SD channels...

xx.1 - TBN
xx.2 - JC-TV
xx.3 - Church Channel
xx.4 - TBN Enlace
xx.5 - Smile of a Child

Has anyone tried this antenna....

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7322499&type=product&id=1118844006524

I'm currently getting all stations with rabbit ears (89031) but would like to get them out of the house.

Don't waste your money on a Terk. Most of those antennas lean on the UHF side. You need a good VHF antenna (especially to get channel 3). I suggest the VU-75 or 95 from Radio Shack if you want a good outdoor antenna. Besides you would be hard pressed to get any usefull information from a kid at Best Buy.

Don't waste your money on a Terk. Most of those antennas lean on the UHF side. You need a good VHF antenna (especially to get channel 3). I suggest the VU-75 or 95 from Radio Shack if you want a good outdoor antenna. Besides you would be hard pressed to get any usefull information from a kid at Best Buy.

I have a Silver Sensor OTA antenna and that is a UHF antenna. I got it to pick up the WB digital signal since Cox does not carry it. Interestingly enough, I can pick up digital channel 3 with this antenna, but cannot get FOX, CBS, or PBS on the VHF side. ABC comes in fine. Signal strength on 3-1 is in the 80's. I'm near Sahara and Fort Apache. Did KVBC increase their signal power or is this some strange phenomenon that I'm able to pick up a hard to get VHF channel with a UHF antenna with strong signal strength?

Don't waste your money on a Terk. Most of those antennas lean on the UHF side. You need a good VHF antenna (especially to get channel 3). I suggest the VU-75 or 95 from Radio Shack if you want a good outdoor antenna. Besides you would be hard pressed to get any usefull information from a kid at Best Buy.


Is there anyone using an outdoor antenna that is not a large aerial and getting all major networks? An aerial will be a last resort. I would prefer to try some other things first.

I have a Silver Sensor OTA antenna and that is a UHF antenna. I got it to pick up the WB digital signal since Cox does not carry it. Interestingly enough, I can pick up digital channel 3 with this antenna, but cannot get FOX, CBS, or PBS on the VHF side. ABC comes in fine. Signal strength on 3-1 is in the 80's. I'm near Sahara and Fort Apache. Did KVBC increase their signal power or is this some strange phenomenon that I'm able to pick up a hard to get VHF channel with a UHF antenna with strong signal strength?

I can pick up KVBC with high signal strength...but the signal is totally useless because it's corrupted with impulse noise. You must just be luck to live in an area without much RF inteference.

Is there anyone using an outdoor antenna that is not a large aerial and getting all major networks? An aerial will be a last resort. I would prefer to try some other things first.


So I installed a Terk TV44 for ha ha's today (everyone said they were horrible) and I'm getting every channel now with even higher signal strength. I'm quite pleased! And no more bunny ears!

So I installed a Terk TV44 for ha ha's today (everyone said they were horrible) and I'm getting every channel now with even higher signal strength. I'm quite pleased! And no more bunny ears!

I use the tv-42, I get em all too!

KLVX is testing Create on 10-3. Audio doesn't seem to working yet. It looks like a really good channel, but the bandwidth on PBS HD will suffer.

http://www.createtv.com/

(Right now PBS HD 10-1 is a little be degraded, but watchable, but the regular PBS SD feed on 10-2 looks like bad circa 1995 internet video. I think KLVX ought to convert PBS HD to 720p if they want to make this work well.)

KLVX is testing Create on 10-3. Audio doesn't seem to working yet. It looks like a really good channel, but the bandwidth on PBS HD will suffer.

http://www.createtv.com/

(Right now PBS HD 10-1 is a little be degraded, but watchable, but the regular PBS SD feed on 10-2 looks like bad circa 1995 internet video. I think KLVX ought to convert PBS HD to 720p if they want to make this work well.)

Yeah, a bit grainy but the content is real nice. No sound yet and the sound on the reg HD channel is clicking and popping now. :(

I had a question about the cox HD box. Was thinking about getting the HD service from cox but what i want to do is watch it on my comp. My question is: if I hook the box up through my ATSC tuner card (in my comp) using the coax, will the card capture it in HD on my pc? Also, when I visited the cox site... it said that I would have to have a 1080i capable tv... my pc monitor supports up to 1440x900 widescreen. Is there anyway to scale the reso down to 720p on the box so it can support my monitor? I just don't want to order the service and not be able to watch it =(

All cable STB's, and pretty much any HD STB from anywhere for that matter, only output HD resolutions over TV outputs from Component, DVI, or HDMI connections. A few older, mostly OTA and some sat STB's used/use a VGA (RGBHV) compatible output that you could connect directly to a computer monitor.
RF outputs are downressed to 480i 4x3 NTSC resolution. I don't know of ANY STB's of any kind (other than one ancient [long unavailable] sat box that had an ATSC RF output, so that is really not an option.
Since you already have an ATSC tuner, you may want to use an antenna and tune in the locals off the air. If the PC tuner is QAM Cable compatible, Cox does provide the locals unencrypted on the incoming full service cable line, but if that is all you can get, it also seems like a waste of money going that route.
I don't see a way to connect a STB to your computer in any resolution, other than downsampled sandard def 480i, unless it's connected directly to your monitor by one of the previously mentioned inputs, so it may be a waste of money going that route.

vegggas

Thanks Vegggas,
That's what I was wanting to know. Will head to the Shack to grab an antenna for OTA channels. Just hope they come in *crosses fingers*... amplified indoor rabbit ears are poo... learned the hard way on that one.

I would suggest going to antennaweb.org and doing some research there, based on your location, etc.

vegggas

Just moved to Vegas, and went with Cox rather than DTV (variety of reasons).

Three questions:

1) The 8300 is an HDMI-equipped box. My 2-yr-old Samsung DLP is equipped with a DVI connection. I asked Cox if they had a DVI-equipped HD DVR and they offered me the 8000. I connected it and got an error message saying it wasn't compatible (HDCP? don't recall now) and that I had to use the component connection. Rats. I had a DVI HD DTV receiver that worked great (no TiVo though).

Now for the question...if I get an HDMI cable and a DVI adapter, will it work on my computer? I mean if the DVI box didn't, is there any hope that the HDMI will?

2) I **HATE** the fact that the SA8300 has gray pillars when the picture is not widescreen. My Sony DTV receiver could be set either to black (yea) or gray (boo), but I can't find that anywhere in the option and the tech support guy's only help was run the setup routine. Can this be fixed? If yes, any body know how?

3) 2 features I loved about my old TiVo (basic, non HD) was (a) the 30 sec fast forward hack (b) when in playback you could fast forward 15 minutes at a time (to the tick marks) and (c) if you stopped watching a playback (went live for example) and then went back to it, it remembered where you left off. In contrast, the 8300 can't jump ahead at all except to the very end (fast forwarding through a 3 hour event is a painful process), and if you leave the playback, it starts over the next time you go back to it.

Anybody with solutions or helpful comments?

Thanks!

I don't see a way to connect a STB to your computer in any resolution, other than downsampled sandard def 480i, unless it's connected directly to your monitor by one of the previously mentioned inputs, so it may be a waste of money going that route.

vegggas
Every cable company is by law required to have at least one box capable of outputting via firewire. There is free software available to enable the recording of this to a PC or Mac computer. See this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695) right here on AVS for more information.
FYI, the box with firewire enabled down here on Cox Phoenix is the SA3250HD, with the 8300HD having beta firmware with it enabled that some people have managed to get pushed to their boxes.

Every cable company is by law required to have at least one box capable of outputting via firewire. There is free software available to enable the recording of this to a PC or Mac computer. See this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695) right here on AVS for more information.
FYI, the box with firewire enabled down here on Cox Phoenix is the SA3250HD, with the 8300HD having beta firmware with it enabled that some people have managed to get pushed to their boxes.
Firewire is made for 5c compliant devices (D-VHS) for recording or viewing only. Use of a PC to capture content is purely coincidental on not having the 5c status being enforced at this time and is not a compliance issue.

vegggas

Every cable company is by law required to have at least one box capable of outputting via firewire.

I seriously doubt the existence of this law for various reasons, not the least being the numerous counterexamples.

Just moved to Vegas, and went with Cox rather than DTV (variety of reasons).

Three questions:

1) The 8300 is an HDMI-equipped box. My 2-yr-old Samsung DLP is equipped with a DVI connection. I asked Cox if they had a DVI-equipped HD DVR and they offered me the 8000. I connected it and got an error message saying it wasn't compatible (HDCP? don't recall now) and that I had to use the component connection. Rats. I had a DVI HD DTV receiver that worked great (no TiVo though).

Now for the question...if I get an HDMI cable and a DVI adapter, will it work on my computer? I mean if the DVI box didn't, is there any hope that the HDMI will?

2) I **HATE** the fact that the SA8300 has gray pillars when the picture is not widescreen. My Sony DTV receiver could be set either to black (yea) or gray (boo), but I can't find that anywhere in the option and the tech support guy's only help was run the setup routine. Can this be fixed? If yes, any body know how?

3) 2 features I loved about my old TiVo (basic, non HD) was (a) the 30 sec fast forward hack (b) when in playback you could fast forward 15 minutes at a time (to the tick marks) and (c) if you stopped watching a playback (went live for example) and then went back to it, it remembered where you left off. In contrast, the 8300 can't jump ahead at all except to the very end (fast forwarding through a 3 hour event is a painful process), and if you leave the playback, it starts over the next time you go back to it.

Anybody with solutions or helpful comments?

Thanks!
Stick with the 8300, it's a much later and more robust unit. You can go from HDMI down to DVI easily for the connection to the display.
Pillar bars, can be three shades of grey - Light, medium or dark. This is found in the second set of "Settings".
The 30 skip function is being mandated to be turned off wherever it can due to broadcaster rights agreements. Eventually only legacy equipment will still be able to do this. The fast-forward may be disabled if ABC gets their way too. If you are watching a recorded program and pause or stop your recording, then view live programming, if you return to the DVR channel (850 in Vegas) it will still be at the location where you left off. It only has a reservation for one program.
4th FF and rewind should be available soon, as well as many other features. Click the link in my sig for more extensive details on the 8300.
vegggas

Stick with the 8300, it's a much later and more robust unit. You can go from HDMI down to DVI easily for the connection to the display.
Pillar bars, can be three shades of grey - Light, medium or dark. This is found in the second set of "Settings".
vegggas

I did not get a manual with my box...how do I get to the second set of settings?

Never mind - I tumbled onto it. Accidently pressed settings a second time and voila!

Thanks for the rest of the stuff.

Just moved to Vegas, and went with Cox rather than DTV (variety of reasons).

Three questions:

1) The 8300 is an HDMI-equipped box. My 2-yr-old Samsung DLP is equipped with a DVI connection. I asked Cox if they had a DVI-equipped HD DVR and they offered me the 8000. I connected it and got an error message saying it wasn't compatible (HDCP? don't recall now) and that I had to use the component connection. Rats. I had a DVI HD DTV receiver that worked great (no TiVo though).

Now for the question...if I get an HDMI cable and a DVI adapter, will it work on my computer? I mean if the DVI box didn't, is there any hope that the HDMI will?

2) I **HATE** the fact that the SA8300 has gray pillars when the picture is not widescreen. My Sony DTV receiver could be set either to black (yea) or gray (boo), but I can't find that anywhere in the option and the tech support guy's only help was run the setup routine. Can this be fixed? If yes, any body know how?

3) 2 features I loved about my old TiVo (basic, non HD) was (a) the 30 sec fast forward hack (b) when in playback you could fast forward 15 minutes at a time (to the tick marks) and (c) if you stopped watching a playback (went live for example) and then went back to it, it remembered where you left off. In contrast, the 8300 can't jump ahead at all except to the very end (fast forwarding through a 3 hour event is a painful process), and if you leave the playback, it starts over the next time you go back to it.

Anybody with solutions or helpful comments?

Thanks!

My solution for you would be to dump the outdated/discontinued SA8300HD and go with Dish network. With the Vip622 you can have grey, or no pillars with the touch of a button without going to the setup menu like the 8300.

Just use a HDMI to DVI cable with the Vip622 and you will get a way bettter picture than you ever will with the outdated/discontinued 8300. You will also get more SD and HD (23+)channels for a lot less than Cox. Also you will have to rent fewer boxes to get ALL DIGITAL programming on all your TVs.

There is no kick back to live problems the Cox box has with the Dish box . Also there is a 30 second skip foward button! :) :) :) and you can FFWD 600x!
Vip622 is closer to Tivo than the 8300 and in many ways alot better.

Firewire is made for 5c compliant devices (D-VHS) for recording or viewing only. Use of a PC to capture content is purely coincidental on not having the 5c status being enforced at this time and is not a compliance issue.
Most HD channels have their 5c status set to none, and those that are set to once or never (TNTHD, MHD, HBO, Showtime, and Starz here in Phx) do not transfer to the PC, so the box is enforcing it exactly as intended.
I seriously doubt the existence of this law for various reasons, not the least being the numerous counterexamples.
Doubt all you want, but just remember that thinking something doesn't make it true. I refer you to section 640 of part 76 of the FCC Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/part76.pdf):
(4) Cable operators shall:
(i) Effective April 1, 2004, upon request of a customer, replace any leased high definition
set-top box, which does not include a functional IEEE 1394 interface, with one that
includes a functional IEEE 1394 interface or upgrade the customer's set-top box by
download or other means to ensure that the IEEE 1394 interface is functional.

Anyone have updates on the status of local HD stations via DirecTV?

Create on 10-3 has finally got audio up and working.

Create on 10-3 has finally got audio up and working.

Excellent! It's kinds like an extention of the painting show with Donna Dewberry.
My daughter loves it!

Hello all,

I new to the Las Vegas area and had been lurking in this thread for some time. I have signed up with all Cox services and everything is going well. Not really too satisfied with how the guide works and all and awaiting for Tivo Series 3 to come out.

I just accept a back office type position with Cox and will be starting with them shortly. However, roommate and myself are contemplating unfreezing his DirecTV service if we can get the dish pointed correctly to use our HD Tivo. Plus to he has like 1 year left on his contract.

Something that I just saw is that Cox is changing the menus of OnDemand from my most recent statement which states, "coming soon". Hopefully they will be more user friendly than they are now.

I moved from St Louis, MO where I worked for the Cable Co there (Charter Communcations) and we had a great DVR guide provided by Moxi (www.digeo.com) even though that had some problems would take that guide over this SARA guide any day.


Mark

DirecTV HD DVR Delayed Again

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Linda Moss 7/24/2006 5:06:00 PM

DirecTV once again delayed the rollout of its new HD digital-video recorders, which could make impatient subscribers switch over to competitors EchoStar Communications or cable, a Wall Street analyst said Monday.

In a report, Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett wrote that DirecTV’s churn rates could rise because of yet another postponement of the deployment of its state-of-the-art dual-tuner HD DVRs.

http://multichannel.com/article/CA6355813.html?display=Breaking+News

Mark

SOOOO.....is cox adding any NEW channels Aug 1 or just re-arranging some??

SOOOO.....is cox adding any NEW channels Aug 1 or just re-arranging some??

It's a mystery. :P If any HD channels are added, the most probable channels would come from MHD, HDNet/HDNet Movies, and A&E HD. Some of the other high profile channels without any rumors attaching them to Cox are National Geographic HD, HGTV-HD, Food Network HD, and FSN West/Prime Ticket HD. Worst case, no channels are added and INHD2 is lost.

Worst case, no channels are added and INHD2 is lost.

And I believe that is exactly what's going to happen.

It's a mystery. :P If any HD channels are added, the most probable channels would come from MHD, HDNet/HDNet Movies, and A&E HD. Some of the other high profile channels without any rumors attaching them to Cox are National Geographic HD, HGTV-HD, Food Network HD, and FSN West/Prime Ticket HD. Worst case, no channels are added and INHD2 is lost.

We maybe getting FOODHD here @ Dish Network pretty soon to add to the 22+ HD channels we already get :) :)

We also will recaive another firmware update this week to fix some minor bugs. :) :) :)

What has Cox/Sprint/Nextel/Embarq done for you lately?

Got the firmware update. Man is this Dish VIP622 great or what. I have no BUGS! Can you beleive that?

No kick to live problem,
So recording anomolies,
No Copy to VCR bug,
Stretch mode memory seperate for HD and SD,
30 second skip foward commercial zapper,

I could go on and on...

And now there is talk of another firmware update with new features and not just bug fixes! :)

I know this is off topic but since this is a Las Vegas based tech savvy group I wanted to know if any of you own a XM Pioneer Inno portable satellite radio. This gadget intrigues me and I might be willing to shell out the $$ to purchase one but not if the reception sucks here in Vegas. I have heard that many cities have "repeaters" that allow decent reception all around but can't find info about Vegas. Anyone own one of these want to chime in as to their usability here? thanks

I am an xm subscriber. I think Vegas has pretty good repeater reception.

I used to live in Temecula, CA, (where there were no terrestrial repeaters) and it would cut out under over-passes, and in my garage, as it was relying only on the satellites.

Here in Vegas, however, I get good reception in my garage and under over-passes. In fact, I don't think I have ever had it drop signal. The only exception is an occasional problem on Paradise, about in the middle of the tunnel, under the runway.

I have an old Delphi "ski-fi" and a terk car roof antenna, not the pioneer, so I don't know if that makes a big difference or not.

-bob

Speaking of sattelite radio, I get all of the music Sirius radio stations included FREE with Dish Network for use in the home. Way better than those stations that Cox/Sprint/Embark/Nextel offered.

But maybe you will be able to listen to those Cox stations with your Cox/Sprint/Embark/Nextel cell phone that is OCAP but not Multiroom compliant devices over the overburdend 75 ohm coaxial Cox Cable and Sprint/Embark/Nextel lines. Then you wouldn't need satellite radio in your car and you could just place your cell phone to your ear while driving, this is the Vegas way of Livin! :D

Don't forget D* has XM for free.

So did the Cox lineup reshuffle result in any new content for you guys?

So did the Cox lineup reshuffle result in any new content for you guys?

Of course not.

Speaking of sattelite radio, I get all of the music Sirius radio stations included FREE with Dish Network for use in the home. Way better than those stations that Cox/Sprint/Embark/Nextel offered.

But maybe you will be able to listen to those Cox stations with your Cox/Sprint/Embark/Nextel cell phone that is OCAP but not Multiroom compliant devices over the overburdend 75 ohm coaxial Cox Cable and Sprint/Embark/Nextel lines. Then you wouldn't need satellite radio in your car and you could just place your cell phone to your ear while driving, this is the Vegas way of Livin! :D

Hey Foghorn...I think we get it. How many more "Cox bashing" / "Dish praising" messages are you going to leave on here?

Hey Foghorn...I think we get it. How many more "Cox bashing" / "Dish praising" messages are you going to leave on here?

Yeah, you have definitely become a disciple of WordMaestro. All complaining, all the time. Reminds me of politcal ads that concentrate on opponent's downsides. I'm sure the path you took in acquiring HD content works for you. But, one size doesn't fit all. If you have pertinent information to give to us, do so. But this continuous jabbing at other services is getting a bit old. Please join this thread again to give us useful information as opposed to schoolyard taunts. Thanks.

Does anyone have a Panny 60U (or 50U) plasma with the QAM tuner working with Cox Cable???

I just got the 50PX6U and all of the clear HD digital channels from Cox will scan OK but after a day or two I will get random flashes of "Channel not Available". Rescanning will fix the problem, but then it will start up again. I have applied the latest firmware which was supposed to fix the problem, but that hasn't helped. And now that Cox has moved 129 (ABC-D) to 122, I can scan 122 and display a picture while in the scan mode, but when tuning to that channel I get a picture for only a few seconds and then the set switches to channel 1 (which is just snow).

If anyone has the 60U model working OK, I may just take the 6U back and get it.

Comments or advice is appreciated....

Keith

PS-my signal levels are excellent +3 to +5 db depending on the channel. S/N 37db.

Hey Foghorn...I think we get it. How many more "Cox bashing" / "Dish praising" messages are you going to leave on here?

As much as I want. You don't have to read my messages. Just move on.

Yeah, you have definitely become a disciple of WordMaestro. All complaining, all the time. Reminds me of politcal ads that concentrate on opponent's downsides. I'm sure the path you took in acquiring HD content works for you. But, one size doesn't fit all. If you have pertinent information to give to us, do so. But this continuous jabbing at other services is getting a bit old. Please join this thread again to give us useful information as opposed to schoolyard taunts. Thanks.

JoustGod: Yeah, you have definitely become a disciple of WordMaestro. All complaining, all the time. Reminds me of politcal ads that concentrate on opponent's downsides. I'm sure the path you took in acquiring HD content works for you. But, one size doesn't fit all. If you have pertinent information to give to us, do so. But this continuous jabbing at other services is getting a bit old. Please join this thread again to give us useful information as opposed to schoolyard taunts. Thanks

Here is some pertinent info reguarding Viewing Local HDTV Info and Reception:

I just noticed that a Dish network transponder has added FoodHD! Its now available for viewing yet but soon us local HDTV viewers in Las Vegas using Dish reception will bee seeing Giada Delaurentis and Rachel Ray in stunning 16:9 HD. ;)

When will you Cox users get this channel? :p

Has anyone receiving OTA PBS notice a signal degration after the addition of Create?

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?


Yes I did notice this problem when I had COX, I had Cox back then when you made your last post here back in April and did notice this.

I now have the Vip622 and have no such problems.

In case anyone missed it...this was in the last bill from Cox:



I'm not sure why MORE customers will now get CSPAN1, CSPAN2, and TV Guide Channel with these moves. But Cox is certainly moving things around for future services, I suppose.

What new future services from Cox? Let me know, I might want to come back!

Has anyone receiving OTA PBS notice a signal degration after the addition of Create?

Yes, but I've got to have my Create for Bob Ross and his happy trees.

Yes, but I've got to have my Create for Bob Ross and his happy trees.

Bob Ross is great with a brush, except for the one he uses on his head :D

I have Cox Cable High Speed Internet and just ordered Vonage for my Telephone services.

I have been waiting to geta HD-TV for a long time now since i didnt have a home telephone. do the HD-Tivo's work with vonage?

any update on when a replacement for the 10-250 will be available?

i have had the new 5 LNB dish for about 4 months now, id like to get a MPEG4 HD-Tivo.

I have Cox Cable High Speed Internet and just ordered Vonage for my Telephone services.

I have been waiting to geta HD-TV for a long time now since i didnt have a home telephone. do the HD-Tivo's work with vonage?

any update on when a replacement for the 10-250 will be available?

i have had the new 5 LNB dish for about 4 months now, id like to get a MPEG4 HD-Tivo.

With Vonage all you have to do is set the device, whether its a DVR or fax machine or modem, to pre-dial *99. Then it works in ATA mode and works almost as good as a land line.

Direct TV keeps postponing the release of the MPEG4 HD DVR WHICH WILL NOT BE A TIVO!

Unless you are a NFL freak, go with Dish Network and the VIP622. They offer a promo for new subs which gets you the HD-DVR for nothing. You will also get more HD channels than any other provider and a better picture than Cox or DTV.

No matter what, I advise you to stay away from Cox. They will offer you very little in HD channels, hardly any Sports and will lease you and old outdated SA8300HD DVR which is full of bugs and Cox in Vegas rarely ever releases fixes for the bugs.

Stay with DTV for NFL and suffer without HD MPEG4 for a long time or go with Dish and get the best HD DVR out there with the most amount of channels. The VIP622 is the closest thing to a TIVO and in many ways it is alot better one you get used to it.

Foghorn...you need to look into employment opportunities for Dish..they could use someone as passionate as you seem to be about their service. :D

Foghorn2:

ty for answering my questions about the Vonage.

Can anyone recommend the best OTA Antenna to pick up HD ?

i went to antennaweb.org and this is what i got

* yellow - vhf KVBC-DT 3.1 NBC LAS VEGAS NV 126° 26.5 2
* yellow - uhf KINC-DT 15.1 UNI LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.8 16
* yellow - vhf KLAS-DT 8.1 CBS LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.9 7
* yellow - vhf KTNV-DT 13.1 ABC LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.9 12
* yellow - vhf KLVX-DT 10.1 PBS LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 11
* green - uhf KBLR-DT 40.1 TEL PARADISE NV 126° 26.4 40
* red - uhf KFBT-DT 33.1 IND LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 29
* red - uhf KVWB-DT 21.1 WB LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 22

I Currently use a SS-1000 (Square Shooter) i live in the NW of Las Vegas.

im having a hard time getting NBC and ABC.

FOX, CBS, and PBS come in great.

id like a smallish outdoor antenna that will give me CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, PBS at the same time

any ideas?

Fog,

I have never used the VIP622, but am familiar with the HD-Tivo and the ReplayTV units...

In what way do feel the VIP622 is better? (not flaming, just curious)

Can anyone recommend the best OTA Antenna to pick up HD ?

i went to antennaweb.org and this is what i got

* yellow - vhf KVBC-DT 3.1 NBC LAS VEGAS NV 126° 26.5 2
* yellow - uhf KINC-DT 15.1 UNI LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.8 16
* yellow - vhf KLAS-DT 8.1 CBS LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.9 7
* yellow - vhf KTNV-DT 13.1 ABC LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.9 12
* yellow - vhf KLVX-DT 10.1 PBS LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 11
* green - uhf KBLR-DT 40.1 TEL PARADISE NV 126° 26.4 40
* red - uhf KFBT-DT 33.1 IND LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 29
* red - uhf KVWB-DT 21.1 WB LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 22

I Currently use a SS-1000 (Square Shooter) i live in the NW of Las Vegas.

im having a hard time getting NBC and ABC.

FOX, CBS, and PBS come in great.

id like a smallish outdoor antenna that will give me CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, PBS at the same time

any ideas?

To start, the square shooter is designed for UHF reception only. The digital stations for CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, and PBS are all on VHF in Las Vegas, so you need an VHF-UHF combo antenna. To make thinks worse, the KVBC's (NBC) digital signal is on low-VHF channel 2. There's an entire thread dedicated to the troubles with low-VHF reception: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=434937

Because of the technical issues with low-VHF it is possible that in your area there will be no amount of antenna you can buy to get reliable reception of NBC.

Foghorn2:

ty for answering my questions about the Vonage.

Can anyone recommend the best OTA Antenna to pick up HD ?

i went to antennaweb.org and this is what i got

* yellow - vhf KVBC-DT 3.1 NBC LAS VEGAS NV 126° 26.5 2
* yellow - uhf KINC-DT 15.1 UNI LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.8 16
* yellow - vhf KLAS-DT 8.1 CBS LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.9 7
* yellow - vhf KTNV-DT 13.1 ABC LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.9 12
* yellow - vhf KLVX-DT 10.1 PBS LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 11
* green - uhf KBLR-DT 40.1 TEL PARADISE NV 126° 26.4 40
* red - uhf KFBT-DT 33.1 IND LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 29
* red - uhf KVWB-DT 21.1 WB LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 22

I Currently use a SS-1000 (Square Shooter) i live in the NW of Las Vegas.

im having a hard time getting NBC and ABC.

FOX, CBS, and PBS come in great.

id like a smallish outdoor antenna that will give me CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, PBS at the same time

any ideas?


If you have satellite I'd reccomend trying a Terk clip-on antenna. I'm in NW area as well and pick up all channels with 75-90% signal strength.

Foghorn...you need to look into employment opportunities for Dish..they could use someone as passionate as you seem to be about their service. :D

Well I really do not need a new job, but thanks anyway!

Don't worry, if they ever piss me off and some other provider does better, I'd be passionate about them too. ;)

Foghorn2:

ty for answering my questions about the Vonage.

Can anyone recommend the best OTA Antenna to pick up HD ?

i went to antennaweb.org and this is what i got

* yellow - vhf KVBC-DT 3.1 NBC LAS VEGAS NV 126° 26.5 2
* yellow - uhf KINC-DT 15.1 UNI LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.8 16
* yellow - vhf KLAS-DT 8.1 CBS LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.9 7
* yellow - vhf KTNV-DT 13.1 ABC LAS VEGAS NV 135° 28.9 12
* yellow - vhf KLVX-DT 10.1 PBS LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 11
* green - uhf KBLR-DT 40.1 TEL PARADISE NV 126° 26.4 40
* red - uhf KFBT-DT 33.1 IND LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 29
* red - uhf KVWB-DT 21.1 WB LAS VEGAS NV 127° 26.5 22

I Currently use a SS-1000 (Square Shooter) i live in the NW of Las Vegas.

im having a hard time getting NBC and ABC.

FOX, CBS, and PBS come in great.

id like a smallish outdoor antenna that will give me CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, PBS at the same time

any ideas?

I agree with the above. I use a cheapo Terk TV-42 clipped on the DISH dish and get all the channels digital and most analoge. I think they still have some left for under 10 buks at the sahara radio shack.

When I had Cox and my old DTV dish I wired a 12v power supply to a RG6 cable with diplexors to power the antenna since I did not have a DTV STB to power it.

To start, the square shooter is designed for UHF reception only. The digital stations for CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, and PBS are all on VHF in Las Vegas, so you need an VHF-UHF combo antenna. To make thinks worse, the KVBC's (NBC) digital signal is on low-VHF channel 2. There's an entire thread dedicated to the troubles with low-VHF reception: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=434937

Because of the technical issues with low-VHF it is possible that in your area there will be no amount of antenna you can buy to get reliable reception of NBC.

GeorgeLV:

I looked into what you were saying and found a link to the specis on the SquareShooter. http://www.winegard.com/offair/squareshooter.htm

VHF Ch. 2-6 0-10 miles 0-15 miles
VHF Ch. 7-13 0-35 miles 0-40 miles
UHF Ch. 14-69 0-45 miles 0-50 miles

I assume that the 3.1 (Low VHF) is just a little out of the SS-1000's range. im about 26 Miles away.

If it matters, I have the newer 5 LNB Dish on my house.

Anyone have a specific Antenna I should look into? NW Vegas (95 & Durango)

Fog,

I have never used the VIP622, but am familiar with the HD-Tivo and the ReplayTV units...

In what way do feel the VIP622 is better? (not flaming, just curious)

First of all the Vip622 is and HD BOX MPEG4 from a provider that provides a whole lot of HD channels.

Its guide is way faster than the HDTIVO's.

More Storage.

Better SD and HD PQ.

2 Remotes, TV1, TV2 is UHF!

Agile Modulator can send both tuners and recorded progs to other sets in home, no need for more STB's!

30 second commercial skip and skip back goes to prev blank screen end.

Dish Pro technology which requires only ONE cable from the dish for BOTH tuners.

Bugless local digital HD and SD tuners for recording OTA.

Shall I continue?

To start, the square shooter is designed for UHF reception only. The digital stations for CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, and PBS are all on VHF in Las Vegas, so you need an VHF-UHF combo antenna. To make thinks worse, the KVBC's (NBC) digital signal is on low-VHF channel 2. There's an entire thread dedicated to the troubles with low-VHF reception: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=434937

Because of the technical issues with low-VHF it is possible that in your area there will be no amount of antenna you can buy to get reliable reception of NBC.


Well, I think if you get a REAL Antenna like our Pa's used to put on the roof in the good 'ol days, 3 should come in.

They have Channel Masters at very good prices at FRIED ELECTRONICS.
I might just piss of the landscape committe and put up one of those to see if I can pick up some stuff from Keno or Aridzona just for the fun of it.

Vegggas,

Do you know when Cox might be downloading software version 1.88.xx.x for the SA 8300? My box shows it is now 1.87.16.1. As I understand it, the following fix is included, which is a pet pieve of mine:

*Kick out to live - Let's say you schedule the recording of a program and go out for dinner. When you get home, you begin watching the recorded program from the beginning while the rest is still recording. When the recording ends, you are no longer 'kicked out' of your viewing.

Any info you have on upcoming HD channels would be nice too :D

Thanks!

You know what? As annoying as foghorn's cheerleading for Dish Network has been, nobody else has given us anything to cheer for. Cox hasn't added any HD channels since TNT and UHD...last October. We have no idea if there's any hope for HDTV next season or ever on Sinclair's channels (KVMY 21/22 KVCW 33/29). We do know OTA is being further degraded by subchannels, Create on 10-3 and The Tube which is supposed to launch on KVMY 21-3 soon. 2006 has been a dark year for everyone not on Dish.

Hey Veggas....
I am getting my 12bit color , 180Wt super lamp -Mitsu DLP firewire 65831 TV on the 20 - 25th of Aug from UE in Vegas... can you get me turned on so I can test the 1080P firewire imputs.. 1 front, 2 read... as you know the 8300 stills says disabled for me....

"Teach"

You can look even on the MORE brighter side.

Actually you could dump COX, get local OTA with the Dish HD Vip622 receiver and 29 channels in HD for a lot cheaper than COX. You can modulate both tuners to your other TV's, get 2 remotes and won't have to rent 2 boxes and watch recorded programs on other sets while watching another on the main. The picture quality you will get with dish on HD and SD is far superior to Cox also. No Kick back to live problems or recording anomalies.

You really don't know what you are missing. I was in the same boat.

Can I add storage as I have over a terabyte from my 8300 online now...is the a firewire option to view my new mitsu 65831 firewire TV? Could you add storage on the Dish HD Vip622 with usb,sats, or firewire..
I would like to try adding the setup you are speaking of.. keep my cox also and decide what's really up?

Can you help?
Also.. anyone in Las Vegas that wants to know where and how to get a new HDTV at the way under list and store prices locally.. contact me PM.. I will also help

Here is the explantion again:

"Oh and also you need just one cable coming from the Dish to your HD Vip622 even though the it has 2 satellite tuners. It uses new "DISH PRO" technology which has bulit in switches at the LNBs and a seperator at the box. Then you use a diplexor at the box and run the modulated output to the termination box with another diplexor and feed that to all your other TV sets. Both tuners and the DVR list are viewable on the other sets using UHF or cable channels (not 3/4) of your choosing.

This is the CABLE killer! You can watch all your Digital channels and your recorded progs on all of your other sets! Not just the crappy analogue channels with Cox. With Cox, you would have to rent a box for every TV to get all digital."

Now if you also get the 625, you will have 2 more tuners and recorded programs to choose from to all your sets using splitters backwards as combiners fed into the distribution circuit. Now you coud have 4 different programs running to any of the 6 TVs you have and or 2 sets of recorded programs using 4 different UHF or Cable frequencies.

Could you do that with Cox? How much would you have to spend to do that?

Cox can't even do MR!
It's MR stands for "mentally retarded"

Your friend in the digital iceage. So true.
Could you send me a link to sign up and try the service?
I would like the firewire out to my TV and some kind of expansion on my own also... is it a possibleity?
Cox box has firewire but it has never worked or been activated on the 8300

The "bug" you mention was a specific patent issue with Tivo that tivo remained victorious in court. Somehow, an agreement was either made or a workaround was found and in version 1.88.xx, the currently recording program can be started at the beginning, and not kicke dout to live at the end. 1.88 has been released in SanDiego and Phoenix, and finalized testing means it will be available in Las Vegas soon.
Also, Firewire recording to 5c compliant devices currently works on live programming, but better with the 1.88 version.
Check the 8300 thread in my sig for better details.

vegggas
Is my new mitsu 65831 firewire 1080P ports compliant? :eek:
Thanks Veggas for helping old teach learn... :)

"Teach"

:eek: There is no such bug with the Dish Vip622 HD box. Also the HDMI and components are both live at the same time! :) :) :)

You two really go at it....
Can I learn soething here... I want to try the dish setup and keep cox so I can find peace in the far west/middle ... :) :)

So whitch service will really help me with my cutting/bleeding edge firewire/hdmi/dvi computer 1090P imputs...???
HELP ME PLEASE..... I know we can sort this out if I can have and evalute both....

What ya THINK?

"Teach"

I am for the consumer..... anyone that pays retail or overpays for any service deserves what they get..... Those sticker price paying , non questioning fools cost us all.. in quality and advancement in technology.... let them pay for and use windoze 98 forever ... that's there problem... I want to pay for and suppoet what works.. thye pretenders will fall by the wayside ....

My home wiring is secure with no interference on channel 3 or 4, but It sounds like your home wiring is full of ingress due to poor physical connections, bad wires, etc. The Copy to VCR works ok on my system, however I rarely use it, but, like you, I can get ALL programming and recorded content, both analog and digital to 4 TV's by just using two STB's on the RF out or directly through the video out .

vegggas
Veggas I love ya bro.... but you just lost me there.... PLEASE you know that is not true.... :mad: The copy to VCR use to work.... :o It is unwatchable/ unusable.... :eek:
Never have seen you stoop to the bending of the truth that others do here to defend there points of view.... Pleaae say it ain't so...
Restore my faith.... I'm crushed..... You were my IDOL! :(

But we still don't have that bug, and Dish is bringing Tivo back to court! :) :)

At least they fight for the enduser, unlike Cox. :D

Brilliant comeback and so that's a 10 - 8 round scored for the foghorn :)

Do either Cox or Dish get FSN West/Prime Ticket HD? (DirecTV carries some of their games on channel 95)

Go George..... :) as another fighter enters the ring.... :p
Way cool..... :cool:

:mad: USDTV collapsing??

The USDTV homepage is now carrying this statement:

"Due to circumstances beyond our control we are currently unable to respond to inbound telephone calls and emails. Please monitor our website for updates.

We appreciate your patience during this period and apologize for any inconvenience."

Been there with voom.... done that... :(
Still have their ota recievers... I have 3 dishes on my roof all from pst people.. nobody comes and picks up there stuff when they go belly up :)

First of all the Vip622 is and HD BOX MPEG4 from a provider that provides a whole lot of HD channels.

Its guide is way faster than the HDTIVO's.

More Storage.

Better SD and HD PQ.

2 Remotes, TV1, TV2 is UHF!

Agile Modulator can send both tuners and recorded progs to other sets in home, no need for more STB's!

30 second commercial skip and skip back goes to prev blank screen end.

Dish Pro technology which requires only ONE cable from the dish for BOTH tuners.

Bugless local digital HD and SD tuners for recording OTA.

Shall I continue?

Yes do continue.....
Does it have firewire out to my TV? Not that Cox's works or even cares or even knows that they have the connection on their box

Can you add your own storeage...

With Vonage all you have to do is set the device, whether its a DVR or fax machine or modem, to pre-dial *99. Then it works in ATA mode and works almost as good as a land line.

Direct TV keeps postponing the release of the MPEG4 HD DVR WHICH WILL NOT BE A TIVO!

Unless you are a NFL freak, go with Dish Network and the VIP622. They offer a promo for new subs which gets you the HD-DVR for nothing. You will also get more HD channels than any other provider and a better picture than Cox or DTV.

No matter what, I advise you to stay away from Cox. They will offer you very little in HD channels, hardly any Sports and will lease you and old outdated SA8300HD DVR which is full of bugs and Cox in Vegas rarely ever releases fixes for the bugs.

Stay with DTV for NFL and suffer without HD MPEG4 for a long time or go with Dish and get the best HD DVR out there with the most amount of channels. The VIP622 is the closest thing to a TIVO and in many ways it is alot better one you get used to it.

PLEASE send me link to promo... I will sign up immediatly... :)
but not drop cox yet.... :rolleyes:
Although I do feel as if they have droped me :(

Just moved to Vegas, and went with Cox rather than DTV (variety of reasons).

Three questions:

1) The 8300 is an HDMI-equipped box. My 2-yr-old Samsung DLP is equipped with a DVI connection. I asked Cox if they had a DVI-equipped HD DVR and they offered me the 8000. I connected it and got an error message saying it wasn't compatible (HDCP? don't recall now) and that I had to use the component connection. Rats. I had a DVI HD DTV receiver that worked great (no TiVo though).

Now for the question...if I get an HDMI cable and a DVI adapter, will it work on my computer? I mean if the DVI box didn't, is there any hope that the HDMI will?

2) I **HATE** the fact that the SA8300 has gray pillars when the picture is not widescreen. My Sony DTV receiver could be set either to black (yea) or gray (boo), but I can't find that anywhere in the option and the tech support guy's only help was run the setup routine. Can this be fixed? If yes, any body know how?

3) 2 features I loved about my old TiVo (basic, non HD) was (a) the 30 sec fast forward hack (b) when in playback you could fast forward 15 minutes at a time (to the tick marks) and (c) if you stopped watching a playback (went live for example) and then went back to it, it remembered where you left off. In contrast, the 8300 can't jump ahead at all except to the very end (fast forwarding through a 3 hour event is a painful process), and if you leave the playback, it starts over the next time you go back to it.

Anybody with solutions or helpful comments?

Thanks!

I use a dvi/hdmi gender bender from newegg for $9 works fine... on the sammy... it might need a flashrom upgrade on the tv to handle it... the new sammy sets fix this.. firmware... go to sammy forums do search

Wow, I've been gone for two weeks, and there is fertilizer evrywhere... I'm gonna have to take a few day to review some data and catch up.

vegggas

I hope these statements can clarify some things from the past few weeks of posts, without me posting a thousand seperate posts.

First, there was a channel lineup change done by cox to recover some space for future servces. There was no mention of adding more HD at that time, although we hoped it would happen and speculated. Right now, cox corporate is only contracted to carry MHD, but it hasn't launched locally here yet, like in other markets. The buzz I heard was MHD soon, along with another unknown HD channel (A&EHD ?), and the possibility of up to six HD's depending on contract negotiations by the end of fall/winter timeframe.

8300 firmware update. More problems here in Vegas. The 8300 software platform shares with the 8000, so there are lot of incompatibilities to work around. Most other cox markets already rolled out the 1.88.xx versions that fix "kick to live", 4th FF and REW and adresses many other issues. Reports are that there is a high failure rate with the update and issues with timers and programming that vegas is delaying the update to keep the stability of the current version working.

More later
vegggas

You know what? As annoying as foghorn's cheerleading for Dish Network has been, nobody else has given us anything to cheer for. Cox hasn't added any HD channels since TNT and UHD...last October. We have no idea if there's any hope for HDTV next season or ever on Sinclair's channels (KVMY 21/22 KVCW 33/29). We do know OTA is being further degraded by subchannels, Create on 10-3 and The Tube which is supposed to launch on KVMY 21-3 soon. 2006 has been a dark year for everyone not on Dish.
Cox has not announced HD carriage of anything new - they never have before, and they just launch when it becomes feasible. They are in the process of a major change and upgrade throughout the valley, that promises to be very beneficial to users. My guess is that with the ongoing upgrades, they are limiting major changes to not interfere with the overall plan. As mentioned earler, the buzz is for major updates to the system, channels and expanded services.
For local OTA, and it being carried on any cable or sat network, looks very bleak. EVERYONE is multicasting now - I will analyze and post OTA signals some time later with multiple streams and datarates.
The changeovers for the WB and UPN are also not promising in either programming or quality. With Sinclair selling off bandwidth to USDTV and whoever buys them out, quality is not on the top of their list.
George, I look to you to continue with the updates on these channels, since you seem to have your finger on the pulse of this topic.

vegggas

Hey Veggas....
I am getting my 12bit color , 180Wt super lamp -Mitsu DLP firewire 65831 TV on the 20 - 25th of Aug from UE in Vegas... can you get me turned on so I can test the 1080P firewire imputs.. 1 front, 2 read... as you know the 8300 stills says disabled for me....

"Teach"
I really have no idea what you are talking about here???
There are STB's, like the 3250, with firewire enabled. You can call cox and get the 8300 firewire ports enabled, but it may take a few calls to get the right people, but beware that it's a version that was not released due to customer complaints about other issues.
BTW,
1) Firewire is a compressed format
2) Other than a few speculated Blueray titles (check out their forums) there is no 1980P content sources, and nothing via firewire.
3) The next release of the 8300 has the firewire enabled already.

On other issues of your other posts -
Firewire 5c compliance is for recording of viewing content over firewire. Most people are upset that PC's are not compliant like D-VHS and direct connect firewire displays. Your display should be fine for direct viewing off firewire.

vegggas

Veggas I love ya bro.... but you just lost me there.... PLEASE you know that is not true.... :mad: The copy to VCR use to work.... :o It is unwatchable/ unusable.... :eek:
Never have seen you stoop to the bending of the truth that others do here to defend there points of view.... Pleaae say it ain't so...
Restore my faith.... I'm crushed..... You were my IDOL! :(
It's true for me, since qround the start of the year when I was able to get alternate versions of the software. It was only "Broke" for the single version that was stable that was used her in vegas and other markets. ANY different version, does not have the copy to VCR issue. SA was not even aware of the issue, since it was only seen in a single version, and cleared up in all subsequent versions. It's only sad that a different version has not been released to all users yet due to other issues.
If you NEED copy to VCR and don't want to use the live version of copying, call in to cox and ask for an alternate version that enables firewire.
vegggas