I guess I'm just an idiot..you took a hd signal..downconverted it to sd then up converted it to hd..and I'm supposed to applaud you for that? Why wasn't the HD signal just passed on?

And it we are all to feel sorry for you to have to reinvest in sd...give me a fucing break. Your double speak is almost funny...Not!! Go get 'em WM, use your last remaining leg and kick his ass!!

but of course you have already decided we are idiots...right?

PT


I got a reply from the guys at KTNV about the LOST broadcast last night.
----------------------

Thanks for your note. We are in the process of switching out some equipment in our new HD Facility. We hope to have it all back in place and running properly within a week. I appreciate your patience as we make this transition.

Thanks for watching,

Jim Prather
Executive VP Journal Broadcast Group
VP GM KTNV-TV
------------------------

It is a short term glitch we are having with ABC. KTNV built a new HD facility this year upgrading from analog to digital. We take the HD signal from ABC and down convert it for the SD. ABC said this was not acceptable, so last night to comply by taking the SD signal and up convert to the HD signal. KTNV is currently reinvesting in the old analog technology that will be obsolete in FEB. 2009. This should be installed by next week. The true HD signal will be available soon.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Greg Rogers
------------------------------

Well while Cable is still cable and Embarq (really Sprint) can't seem to do anything new and all seem to be in bed together, and erecTV with a lot of channels but with clunky crappy hardware.......

Dish just launched a new SAT.

Watch out, literally.

And yes, 61.5 and 77 (eastern arc) are viewable from Las Vegas.

I guess I'm just an idiot..you took a hd signal..downconverted it to sd then up converted it to hd..and I'm supposed to applaud you for that? Why wasn't the HD signal just passed on?

And it we are all to feel sorry for you to have to reinvest in sd...give me a fucing break. Your double speak is almost funny...Not!! Go get 'em WM, use your last remaining leg and kick his ass!!

but of course you have already decided we are idiots...right?

PT

You realize those are replies I received from 2 people at KTNV right? heh

I got a couple replies from the guys at KTNV about the LOST broadcast last night.
----------------------

Thanks for your note. We are in the process of switching out some equipment in our new HD Facility. We hope to have it all back in place and running properly within a week. I appreciate your patience as we make this transition.

Thanks for watching,

Jim Prather
Executive VP Journal Broadcast Group
VP GM KTNV-TV
------------------------

It is a short term glitch we are having with ABC. KTNV built a new HD facility this year upgrading from analog to digital. We take the HD signal from ABC and down convert it for the SD. ABC said this was not acceptable, so last night to comply by taking the SD signal and up convert to the HD signal. KTNV is currently reinvesting in the old analog technology that will be obsolete in FEB. 2009. This should be installed by next week. The true HD signal will be available soon.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Greg Rogers
------------------------------
That's the most idiotic network policy ever. CBS and NBC are already working on doing the exact opposite: they are going to cease transmission of SD feeds and force stations to downconvert HD for their analog broadcasts. The CW was designed with this in mind from the start (hence the logo in the 4:3 safe area) and some stations have already made the switch.

Well while Cable is still cable and Embarq (really Sprint) can't seem to do anything new and all seem to be in bed together, and erecTV with a lot of channels but with clunky crappy hardware.......

Dish just launched a new SAT.

Watch out, literally.

And yes, 61.5 and 77 (eastern arc) are viewable from Las Vegas.

I guess you didn't hear the news. The launch of AMC-14 was a failure. It's back to the drawing board for E*. This is about the worst possible thing that could have happened to them. It could take 18 months or longer to get another launch ready. All the new HD channels E* promised for this year looks like a no go at this point. They'll be able to add a few, but not many.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080315/20080314005929.html?.v=1

I guess you didn't hear the news. The launch of AMC-14 was a failure. It's back to the drawing board for E*. This is about the worst possible thing that could have happened to them. It could take 18 months or longer to get another launch ready. All the new HD channels E* promised for this year looks like a no go at this point. They'll be able to add a few, but not many.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080315/20080314005929.html?.v=1

Hoo boy...the launch was out of Kazakhstan? Maybe Dish has it in mind to use Borat for a spokesperson.

.............I think most of us accept that statements from virtually all services can be taken with a grain of salt in regards to time frames that are projected. No, it doesn't mean we are satisfied by any means. But, the reality is that unforeseen setbacks (whatever they may be) and simply the fact that humans are involved in such matters makes solid time frames on a conversion of this size a bit tentative. No excuses for Cox or anyone else for that matter. It is what it is and all the griping in the world won't change it. Action is all these businesses understand...the bottom line. If you're going to change things, it will have to be with money (switch providers!). They understand that and will respond swiftly when revenues begin being affected.

Honestly, please try and keep posts informative rather than having the tone that you are merely on a mission to point out faults of out-dated posts. Especially ones that have nothing to do with your service. Is there an agenda that we're all missing? Sheesh.

It is time to follow ones own set standards.

But really all Dish loses is 4 transponders. This will not change their plans for more national HD.

Hoo boy...the launch was out of Kazakhstan? Maybe Dish has it in mind to use Borat for a spokesperson.

I agree, all these things should be done in the US. But your silly off topic remarks are not following the standars you have set.

This deletion of my original post is an attempt to quell the fires of ignorance. Apologies to this forum minus one.

:rolleyes: Go get yourself a sense of humor and take up a reading comprehension course geared for adults. And learn to spellcheck. A nice standard to have before you remark on others.

now problemmo WOrd, you must have read my sig:D

now problemmo WOrd, you must have read my sig:D

I don't know how I got involved in your response. I haven't directed any posts towards you in a VERY long time.

March Madness Schedule on Cox and OTA - Round 1

Link To Schedule (http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=7928511)

Thanks , demodave , for that schedule link ! My alma mater playing at the same time as UNLV. It'll be nice to keep track of both games without having to go to a bar.

I couldnt get channel 127 on my TiVo. Oh well, I just wanted to see UNLV beat Kent St.

Anyways, in other news, for Las Vegas "Cox Wireless" won the block A wireless license in the FCC spectrum auction, AT&T won block B, Frontier Wireless (aka Dish Network) won block E. No one bid enough for block D and Verizon won the national license block C.

Ars Technica has a good chart lifted from a FCC publication on the "map" for each block...

http://media.arstechnica.com/news.media/700MHz_spectrum.png

I assume Cox and Dish will both be trying to do wireless video.

I wouldn't be too sure about that for Dish. They may want to do wireless internet so they can more fully compete with cable companies. Also you might need to reboot the TiVo to get those channels. I know my parents do when Cox moves the channel frequencies around.

The audio was a bit garbled on some of the ncaa channels and it also cut out completely a few times. and twice the channel I was watching switched by itself to TVLand channel I think for a few seconds.

I wouldn't be too sure about that for Dish. They may want to do wireless internet so they can more fully compete with cable companies.

I dunno, its possible but wireless data is so expensive - Verizon and AT&T are $60/mo for 1Mb/s downstream and roughly 300-500Kb/s upstream. E* should have just resold Verizon's data service if they wanted to provide internet service. The only reason to own the system from end to end is if you're going to be doing something that an existing teleco might not like (like lots of video downloads). Unless E* is planning to serve underserved rural areas (at a tremendous expense - the traditional tower has a 10 mi radius) its difficult to imagine just a internet service.

Wireless internet, bad idea.

I'll stick with Cox for Internet and Dish for TV.
Or maybe Dish should use the wireless as a free way to pipe VOD chosen by the VIPs with the wired broadband already established for uplink data.

Channel 4 San Diego will be producing every regular season Padres game in HD this year. That's all home and away games.

http://www.4sd.com/4SD_New/padres.php

Vegggas, have you heard any reports of Cox Las Vegas making room for these HD broadcasts this year?

The local CW simply sucks. Everytime there is a new Smallville it is in SD. This has been going on from day one when they went HD over 3 years ago! There is simply no excuse for this crap. They have had years to iron out their bugs. Maybe a nasty letter to the network might help?

Vegggas, have you heard any reports of Cox Las Vegas making room for these HD broadcasts this year?


I'd settle for ANY new HD channels, at this point. What happened to all the HD channels we were supposedly going to get soon after CES? It's been over two months and NOTHING.

D* called me and said if I wanted to continue with NFL Sunday Ticket I would have to upgrade my equipment. They offered completely free upgrade so I said ok. I only have D* for NFL package. They came out a few days later and had to relocate the new dish because it was heavier and the guy said they were no longer allowed to install under an eave. I'm kind of bummed because the new H21 receiver does not have an OTA tuner built in like my old H10 did, but since I get the HD locals thru Cox anyway, I guess it doesn't matter. They mistakenly added HD access to my account which I promptly cancelled , but while I had it, I was impressed by the MPEG 4 quality. I may decide to add it back on this fall as I would enjoy getting the BigTen network HD feeds for the upcoming football season. There going to have a lot of Masters Golf stuff...a mix channel,and a few extra channels all in HD and SD. would be nice to see them in HD..mabey I'll add HD access for 1 month, then cancel.

Channel 4 San Diego will be producing every regular season Padres game in HD this year. That's all home and away games.

http://www.4sd.com/4SD_New/padres.php

Vegggas, have you heard any reports of Cox Las Vegas making room for these HD broadcasts this year?

great question. i watched alot of the games a few years ago when they had it here in HD!

great question. i watched alot of the games a few years ago when they had it here in HD!

i guess we find out tonight...the first hd game is tonight on 704 according to that link.

Cox's DOCSIS 3.0 rollout coming in 2010 (maybe)

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=148909&page_number=2

Cox doesn't seem to be in a hurry to move to DOCSIS 3.0. I cant really blame them. As much as I want faster speeds, the DOCSIS 3.0 spec and equipment is taking forever. The first gen DOCSIS 3 equipment wont support channel bonding (at least not immediately), and then it will only support downstream bonding. It'll take until at least 2010 to get all the promised features (node bandwidth of 120Mb/s down and 100Mb/s up for 4 bonded channels).

i guess we find out tonight...the first hd game is tonight on 704 according to that link.

Thats 704 on San Diego's Cox system. 704 is ESPN HD here in LV.

the answer would be no to the Padres games. However, they are broadcasting the HD feed in SD, allowing us to "stretch" the image to the widescreen size. This really sucks on all of my non 16:9 TV's, but my big-screen looks great (relatively speaking)

not hd related but has anyone noticed how lately there are tons of spots in vegas where a wifi network called "free public wifi" gets listed on your wifi device?

I started to see it a few months ago but now it is nearly everywhere on all major roads I drive. My iPod touch sees the network with 100% signal all the time but I cannot get a real Internet connection with the signal.

I see that something called metrofi exists with this network name in Cali and Oregon but they have no vegas info on thief website.
Metrofi provides ad based free service in several cities.

I'm going to play the part of Word Maestro and complain that 3 of the 5 opening day baseball games on ESPN HD were blacked out--Dodgers vs Giants, Angles vs Twins, and Padres vs Astros (the 4th was postponed and the 5th was my Cubbies loosing) Yes, all were available on our "local" regional sports channels, but when will COX (and MLB) either give us all of the "regional" HD channels MLB says are in our region, or look at a map and realize we are hundreds of miles away from California?

With major league baseball broadcasting thousands of games in HD this year, maybe we'll see more than just TBS love for HD baseball?

Can someone refresh my memory as to how to get to the info pages on the SA receivers? Hold some button and wait until bypass flashes, and then from there push another button. Can someone fill in the blanks?

iir you want to hold menu don until you get a flashing green light and then info. That gives you all that status info ECT.

I'd settle for ANY new HD channels, at this point. What happened to all the HD channels we were supposedly going to get soon after CES? It's been over two months and NOTHING.

I used to think that I'd settle for any HD channels, but now I think I only want the ones with the best programming.

Aw, who am I kidding - I'd take any channels too. I'll even take re-runs of Alice.

"Mel - kiss my HD gritz!" :D

Come on, Cox - I'll I'm asking for is a few more pretty images for my magic picture box!

Hi, I just joined this forum. I've been reading through this thread but it's several hundred posts going back several years. I want some basic information but I can't seem to find it here or in a Google search.

We have two HDTVs. I did the "auto search" on each to find available channels. We have the "Preferred Basic" service (i.e., not digital). It looks like we're getting a few HDTV channels; for example, NBC HD is 3.1, PBS HD is 10.1, etc.

I have two questions. First, where can I find a channel list that shows what I should be getting and what channel is what? The Cox website (http://www.cox.com/lasvegas/hdtv/channels.asp) says PBS HD is channel 731, but I get "no signal" on channel 731, I have to tune to 10.1. Where can I find a channel lineup that lists these subchannels? Also, I can't find any of the HD channels listed in their "preferred basic" lineup (ESPN HD, Discovery HD, etc.). I tried going to 30.1 for ESPN HD but there's nothing there.

Second, one TV gets more HD channels than the other. I can get PBS HD, ABC HD, and several others on one TV, but the other is only getting Fox HD and a couple others. For example, if I tune to 10.1 to see PBS HD it gets no signal. Interestingly, the TV that's getting more channels is on a splitter with a cable modem; the other that's getting less channels is plugged directly into the wall. Would a better cable from the wall to the TV help this?

I'm sure these questions have been answered before but I've been searching for an hour and can't find the answers.

Try this post (6263) from George..he has all the available HD channels in a table form:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12611402#post12611402

That's a good list, but not really complete. For example, I'm getting channels like NBC WTH (it's a weather channel) on 3.3.

Here are the extra channels I'm getting (these are only the ones I wasn't getting on my old non-HD set):

3.1 NBC-HD
3.2 NBC-123
3.3 NBC-WTH
5.1 FOX-HD
5.2 FOX-WTH
6.1 CW HD
8.1 CBS-HD
8.2 LATV
10.1 PBS-HD
10.2 CREATE
10.3 PBS (looks the same as channel 10)
10.4 V-ME
13.1 ABC HD
13.2 ABC TR

That's it, I can't find ESPN HD or Discovery HD or any of the others listed under the "Preferred Basic Cable" section on the above page. Entering any of those 7xx numbers doesn't work. Also, on my second TV I'm only getting 3 or 4 total HD channels, but I'm wondering if better quality cable from the wall to the TV wouldn't help... any suggestions?

The only free HD channels from Cox that your tv can pick up using its built in tuner are the locals. For all others you will need a HD cable box from Cox or a CableCard from them.

Well that answers that question, thanks gvc.

Do you (or anyone else) know if that will always be the case?

I'm also hoping to find an answer as to why one TV picks up a lot more HD channels than the other. I looked at the other (the one that's not picking up all of them) and it has a high-quality cable direct to the wall (no splitter) so I don't think a new cable is going to fix things.

Well that answers that question, thanks gvc.

Do you (or anyone else) know if that will always be the case?

I'm also hoping to find an answer as to why one TV picks up a lot more HD channels than the other. I looked at the other (the one that's not picking up all of them) and it has a high-quality cable direct to the wall (no splitter) so I don't think a new cable is going to fix things.

you may have to do a "rescan" for available channels. sometimes Cox will change channel mappings . I don't use the internal tuner very much on my tv but sometimes when I do , some of the channels I used to get aren't there anymore. If I perform a rescan, they usually will show up again.

I actually did do a rescan... but even without a rescan I should be able to enter 10.1 and get PBS HD, right? I can get 5.1 (Fox HD) so I know HD is working... but that's about the only HD channel I can get on that TV.

Do you (or anyone else) know if that will always be the case?

Yes. It will always be the case. The reason you get the current HD channels you do is because COX sends them without encryption over the cable system. All the other HD channels are encrypted and your TV wont be able to view them. If COX sent all their channels without encryption, you wouldn't need to pay them money for a monthly subscription!

Until TVs start shipping with the "Tru2Way" technology in them (aka OCAP, aka OpenCable, this is the successor to cablecards - what CableCard 2.0 should have been) then you will need an external box for any digital (SD or HD) encrypted channels.

tru2way utilizes CableCards for decryption. You're thinking of DCAS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downloadable_Conditional_Access_System) as the replacement for CableCards. tru2way simply gives devices the ability to communicate back to the cable company to allow for features such as PPV, VOD, SDV, and the EPG to work.

I'm going away this week and was trying to set up some recordings for later in the week. I'm not getting any guide data past Monday. Is anyone else experiencing this or is it just me? This has never happened to me before.

This is via COX, of course.

opps messed up the quote. sorry

I'm going away this week and was trying to set up some recordings for later in the week. I'm not getting any guide data past Monday. Is anyone else experiencing this or is it just me? This has never happened to me before.

This is via COX, of course.

I was looking at the guide earlier today (4/5/8) for Wednesday and it said "loading data" after about 20 seconds it did load but took another 20 seconds if you wanted to look at the program descriptions.

Try rebooting the receiver to see if that helps.

I was looking at the guide earlier today (4/5/8) for Wednesday and it said "loading data" after about 20 seconds it did load but took another 20 seconds if you wanted to look at the program descriptions.


I've been experiencing similar issues. Right now, the Cox/SA IPG doesn't want to display this upcoming Friday's (4-11) programming. I've re-booted with no positive results. Strange. Is there a particular time when the IPG downloads info on an automatic basis? I don't recall having this issue before.

Since others are having the problem with the guide I'm going to assume it's a COX problem and not something on my end. Figures. I rarely leave town and when I do I can't set up any future recordings. I'm going to miss a whole week of programming now. Thank you COX!!

Since others are having the problem with the guide I'm going to assume it's a COX problem and not something on my end. Figures. I rarely leave town and when I do I can't set up any future recordings. I'm going to miss a whole week of programming now. Thank you COX!!

Doesn't COX allow you remote access to your account so you can schedule those programs from wherever you are going?
I know that other providers with dvrs allow this, D* being one of them.

Doesn't COX allow you remote access to your account so you can schedule those programs from wherever you are going?
I know that other providers with dvrs allow this, D* being one of them.

Nope.

Nope.

Would Slingbox work for you?

Would Slingbox work for you?

I have a slingbox, but it's not connected to COX. It's connected to E*. Wouldn't make any difference if I can't get guide info to schedule recordings, though. I don't get locals through E* because they don't have them in HD. If they did, I would only have COX for internet. And no, I can't get them OTA. Just can't get a good enough signal to get all the channels.

I can't get them OTA. Just can't get a good enough signal to get all the channels.

I'm running into a similar problem, it seems that you have to be in a sweet spot of the valley to get all of the channels.

With my rooftop antenna, I can pick up all of the DTV channels except ABC 13, I'm right by black mountain. It's pretty frustrating!

Greetings Las Vegans.
Got some info today about Cox HD plans from my friends in Las Vegas.
There should be a major update announcment for Cox Las Vegas HD customers coming this weekend. It seems there may have been long negotiation issues in the channel relocation process that prolonged the delays and they have now been resolved (or so it seems). There could be other issues that need attention for the relocation process and Cox should be sending out information starting this weekend.

I will discuss this further after an announcment is made and I get back to see some documentation regarding the changes.

vegggas

Any word if Cox LV is planning to go 3 HD channels per QAM like Cox Arizona (and Comcast) are doing? All the stories about the new encoders giving equal quality at low bitrates are BS based on what I'm seeing down here: Versus suffers from horrible blocking and smearing on motion, and Food HD degrades to a sea of blocks on anything more than a slow pan. Full bitrate channels like ESPN and HD Theatre are like looking through a window, while the new channels are like looking through a shower door because of the lack of detail and blocking.

Any word if Cox LV is planning to go 3 HD channels per QAM like Cox Arizona (and Comcast) are doing? All the stories about the new encoders giving equal quality at low bitrates are BS based on what I'm seeing down here: Versus suffers from horrible blocking and smearing on motion, and Food HD degrades to a sea of blocks on anything more than a slow pan. Full bitrate channels like ESPN and HD Theatre are like looking through a window, while the new channels are like looking through a shower door because of the lack of detail and blocking.

That development wouldn't surprise me at all. Cable companies are behind the eight ball when it comes to HD delivery. D* is putting immense pressure on the competition in that regards. They need to maximize what available bandwidth they have now to catch up before D*'s new bird goes online this fall.

Hopefully they will add Versus HD. It's the playoffs and there's nothing better in HD then playoff hockey.

Somewhat cryptic Vegggas. Can't give us a hint as to the announcement? Will we see new channels soon (HD NET perhaps)? or is this going to be like many of the other Cox announcements that don't seem to materialize for anther 6-12 months?

This is the start of a major realignment and change of the lineup
From Cox
http://www.cox.com/lasvegas/whatsnew.asp
Hi Def LINE UP CHANGE EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2008

In order to make room for more and more FREE HD channels, Cox is re-structuring the current HD line-up, currently on channels 700-735.

IMPORTANT: If you schedule Hi Def DVR recordings on channels 700-735, please print this line up and use when scheduling any HD recordings starting June 1, 2008
See the new lineup[link = http://www.cox.com/lasvegas/channelchanges.asp ]

http://www.cox.com/lasvegas/channelchanges.asp
701 HD PPV
703 NBC HD
705 Fox HD
706 The CW
707 TBS HD
708 CBS HD
710 PBS HD
713 ABC HD
718 TNT HD
725 Discovery Channel HD
730 ESPN HD
731 ESPN2 HD
732 A&E HD
733 TLC HD
734 USA Network HD
742 Food Network HD
743 History Channel HD
745 SciFi HD
755 HGTV HD
758 Animal Planet HD
766 Travel Channel HD
768 National Geographic HD
769 The Science Channel HD
770 Discovery HD Theatre
791 MHD
792 Universal HD
793 Mojo
800 HBO
810 Cinemax
820 Showtime
830 Starz

vegggas

Looks like Cox is at least grouping the HD lineup more logically. Making the channel numbers parallel their SD counterpart wherever possible. I like that they are keeping open numerical spaces for the premium channels (HBO, etc.). Tells me that we could get multiple HD feeds from the premium entities eventually.

Vegggas, what are the chances that this list could expand by June 1? Or is this set in stone? Also, any word on them carrying Padres Cox 4 San Diego games in HD? Was really hoping to see CNN and Weather Channel this time around.

Anyway, thanks for the heads up!

so, basically, 5 new HD stations on June 1:

USA
Travel
Animal
SciFi
Science

and , who knows..mabey a bigger HD On Demand selection including freebies?

Thanks, that is much less cryptic! Too bad we have to wait until June, but beggars can't be choosers.

Looks like Cox is at least grouping the HD lineup more logically. Making the channel numbers parallel their SD counterpart wherever possible. I like that they are keeping open numerical spaces for the premium channels (HBO, etc.). Tells me that we could get multiple HD feeds from the premium entities eventually.

That's the plan.
Now, think about how changing those channel locations affects you, as a customer, with a DVR. Then, think how those changes affects local stations advertising revenues and Nielson ratings, and you start to get a small idea of how much of an impact this actually is and why there has been such a long delay while all affected entities work out the issues associated with this change.
Really, do you think anybody would let you change a channel location while there were new network episodes around that might get missed? Imagine if your weekly recordings of Lost, Idol, or CSI were not found during a sweeps period for a given DMA. That would be catastrophic to networks bottom lines.

The lineup change had to happen for any more growth in the HD lineup, but there were many hurdles that had to be addressed and negotiated first that kept pushing back dates. Once the dust settles, the buildup can continue with the new lineup as the basis of things to come.

vegggas

so, basically, 5 new HD stations on June 1:



Wow, that's impressive. :rolleyes:

Any word on when they'll be going SDV? I still haven't heard anything about the SDV dongle and last I heard it was supposed to come out sometime this quarter (Q2 08).

Wow, that's impressive. :rolleyes:

They said 50 by end of 2007, and we get 5 by the beginning of June - what more do you want?!?!? :p

That's the plan.
Now, think about how changing those channel locations affects you, as a customer, with a DVR. Then, think how those changes affects local stations advertising revenues and Nielson ratings, and you start to get a small idea of how much of an impact this actually is and why there has been such a long delay while all affected entities work out the issues associated with this change.
Really, do you think anybody would let you change a channel location while there were new network episodes around that might get missed? Imagine if your weekly recordings of Lost, Idol, or CSI were not found during a sweeps period for a given DMA. That would be catastrophic to networks bottom lines.

The lineup change had to happen for any more growth in the HD lineup, but there were many hurdles that had to be addressed and negotiated first that kept pushing back dates. Once the dust settles, the buildup can continue with the new lineup as the basis of things to come.

vegggas

Thanks for the response. Sounds like a mammoth amount of negotiating to be done. Hopefully, as you suggest, things can streamline a bit more in regards to getting more HD channels in the Cox lineup. It's a shame that there wasn't more forward thinking about channel assignments especially with the locals. The upcoming assignments make much more sense.

Yes. It will always be the case. The reason you get the current HD channels you do is because COX sends them without encryption over the cable system. All the other HD channels are encrypted and your TV wont be able to view them. If COX sent all their channels without encryption, you wouldn't need to pay them money for a monthly subscription!

Until TVs start shipping with the "Tru2Way" technology in them (aka OCAP, aka OpenCable, this is the successor to cablecards - what CableCard 2.0 should have been) then you will need an external box for any digital (SD or HD) encrypted channels.
So what's the cheapest way to get these extra "free" HD channels (like ESPN HD)? Is there a tuner or something I can buy?

Depends on what you consider cheaper. There are two ways. Get a device that has a cablecard in it and rent "for a fee" a cablecard. The other way is to rent a box "for a fee" from Cox. The cablecard is cheaper by the month but by time you either buy a TV with a cable card or a box it wouldn't be cheaper for a long time.

Also I wonder why they chose those channels to add. I would of rather seen them add something like CNNHD for people who like news, the RSN's for those who like sports, and Disney for the kids. This way there is a little something for everyone. Instead there seems to be more Discovery type channels then anything else.

So what's the cheapest way to get these extra "free" HD channels (like ESPN HD)? Is there a tuner or something I can buy?

Rent an HD Box from Cox for $6/mo. You wont get a DVR but you'll get the HD channels (700s) for "free".

What about a Tivo HD? Would that act as a CableCard?

http://www.cox.com/lasvegas/whatsnew.asp
HD change will affect your scheduled digital video recordings

If you schedule HD recordings on channels 700-735, you must start using this new HD channel line up on June 1, 2008 to record scheduled programs on your HD DVR. Once the channels move on June 1, scheduled programs will stop recording unless you modify the scheduled programs with the new HD channel line up.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we make room for more and more FREE HD from Cox Digital Cable

http://www.cox.com/lasvegas/dvrInstructions.asp
DO YOU RECORD IN HD?
CAUTION: HD Channel changes effective 6/1/08 will affect scheduled HD/DVR recordings

In order to make room for more and more FREE HD channels, Cox is re-structuring the HD line-up, currently on channels 700-735.
Don’t miss any recordings- follow these steps on 6/1/08

IMPORTANT! All of the HD channel locations will change on 6/1/08.
If you schedule your HD DVR to record channels 700 – 735 those recordings will STOP beginning June 1, 2008 unless you follow these easy steps:
Please print this printer-friendly channel lineup (Java link on website)
Use this line-up when scheduling any new HD recordings starting June 1, 2008.
Cancel and re-setup all of your HD recordings according to this line-up, using the steps below.

CANCEL RECORDINGS
Press 'DVR LIST' (or LIST) button
Press 'A' for Scheduled Recordings
Press 'Select' on program you need to cancel
Press 'B' to Cancel Recording
Press 'A' to confirm cancel

RE-SETUP RECORDINGS USING NEW CHANNEL NUMBER
Press 'Guide'
Enter NEW channel number for program
Press 'B' to change the date to the day/date of the program
Press 'Arrow Down' to move to correct date
Press 'Select' to select that date (You can verify that you're on the correct date by looking at the center/bottom of screen next to Date)
Press 'Arrow Right' to move to correct time slot for program
Press 'Record' on program you want to record
Press 'Arrow Up' to select All Episodes (if that is what you want)
Press 'A' to Accept Recording
Press 'Select' on First Run only on this channel (or any other setting on this screen that you prefer)
The program should turn RED in the guide, which means it is scheduled to record

REPEAT THE CANCEL RECORDINGS AND RE-SETUP RECORDINGS STEPS FOR ALL PROGRAMS THAT ARE AFFECTED BY THE HD CHANNEL LINEUP CHANGES!!
ALSO: if you use any of the HD channels for features including: Favorites, Power On, Blocked Channels, etc., these channels will also need to be re-set using this new line-up starting June 1.

vegggas

Any word on when they'll be going SDV? I still haven't heard anything about the SDV dongle and last I heard it was supposed to come out sometime this quarter (Q2 08).

This entire lineup is linear HD - No SDV at this time. Cable Card users should be able to access all the HD channels, depending on their level of service or tier, except that Cable card devices are unable to access 2-way interactive services, such as OnDemand, IPG, channel remapping or PPV (there are only 4 channels of linear, scheduled, PPV servces for cablecard users compared to instant access PPV with interactive services on a STB or Tru-2-way devices.

Here are the current service tiers for having HD service included with subscriptions when using a STB. Only the limited Basic is available via clear QAM when using a QAM tuner without a cable card.
http://www.cox.com/lasvegas/hdtv/channels.asp

For the basic service plan channels 2- 17
Must have a minimum subscription to Limited Basic Cable.
699 HD Movies On DEMAND
726 TBS HD
730 CBS HD
731 PBS HD
732 ABC HD
733 NBC HD
734 CW HD
735 Fox HD
For the Expanded basic Channels 18-69 and 95-98 (Basic + Expanded = Preferred Basic)
Must have a minimum subscription to Preferred Basic Cable.
700 Discovery HD Theater TM
703 The History Channel HD
704 ESPN HD
705 ESPN2 HD
706 MOJO
707 A&E HD
708 Universal HD
709 TNT HD
722 The Learning Channel HD
723 HGTV
724 Food Network
725 MHD
727 Discovery Channel HD

With digital cable service and any additional tier above Preferred Basic
Must have a minimum subscription to Digital Cable with 1 Tier.
702 National Geographic HD

Subscribe to HBO, get HBO HD, etc.
Must have a minimum subscription to the corresponding premium network.
710 HBO HD
711 Cinemax HD
720 Showtime HD
721 Starz! HD

vegggas

Thanks for the response. Sounds like a mammoth amount of negotiating to be done. Hopefully, as you suggest, things can streamline a bit more in regards to getting more HD channels in the Cox lineup. It's a shame that there wasn't more forward thinking about channel assignments especially with the locals. The upcoming assignments make much more sense.
I Agree with all of those statements.
It had to be done. Once the smoke clears, things can progress further, but they are under scrutiny with the providers right now during the changeover.
After the changover is complete things will be re-evaluated. There were many more HD channels in the testing phase, including those mentioned by others who wanted specific additions.
My best guess is that they have to get through the changeover first, then they can look at using the national feeds of some of these channels to regroup the new lineup, and then add new HD channels, etc.

vegggas

<snip>
I'm also hoping to find an answer as to why one TV picks up a lot more HD channels than the other. I looked at the other (the one that's not picking up all of them) and it has a high-quality cable direct to the wall (no splitter) so I don't think a new cable is going to fix things.
Different tuners and differing methods of tuning in different displays results in varyances in how the channels get picked up. I see many brands of TV's in my line of work, and each has it's own quirks when tuning QAM or Digital OTA signals. If you were to swap the TV's locations, the same TV will still pick up the same number of channels - This is a tuner issue in the display, not a location problem.

vegggas

Any word if Cox LV is planning to go 3 HD channels per QAM like Cox Arizona (and Comcast) are doing? All the stories about the new encoders giving equal quality at low bitrates are BS based on what I'm seeing down here: Versus suffers from horrible blocking and smearing on motion, and Food HD degrades to a sea of blocks on anything more than a slow pan. Full bitrate channels like ESPN and HD Theatre are like looking through a window, while the new channels are like looking through a shower door because of the lack of detail and blocking.

coyoteaz,
Yes, LV is planning to go to 3 HD channels per QAM. It is part of the national backbone feed coming from Atlanta. I have personally seen the new encoder tests and can affirm that there is the SAME quality at a lower bitrate. I was also able to preform the tests myself at NAB last year and I cranked down the bitrate while simultaneously looking at the original source feed and the compressed feed at the same time on 56" 4k x 2k monitors (3,840 x 2,160 pixels compared to consumer 2k sets at 1920x1080 or less pixels). With last year's encoders, I was able to get down to 11 and 12Mbps on 1080i sourced high motion (basketball) material before noticing any differences in quality.
Here in LV, I can also test the FoodHD 3-1 signal and compare it to the 2-1 signal and can't seen any difference on various displays. VS HD also looks good and clean. If you have other specific quality comments on specific channels, I would like to know about them. Are they on the same frequency and having a problem on that particular frequency, etc? Get with Dave in Phoenix and point me to the threads you are discussing about this issue. Phoenix may be reprocessing that signal for some reason, which would have detrimental effects on the signal quality.

vegggas

What about a Tivo HD? Would that act as a CableCard?

The TiVO HD uses cablecards (I have a TiVo HD and use a single multistream cablecard). However the box is $300 up front plus $12.95 or more per month, plus the $2/mo rental fee from Cox for the cablecard. You don't have to use that awful box that Cox provides!

Vegggas's post on how to go about redoing your HD recordings, etc etc all goes away with a TiVo. As long as Cox sends out the right channel mapping data to my TiVo then I wont have to lift a finger when Cox rearranges the channels in June. They could rearrange the channels every week and as long as they sent out the right info, I wouldn't notice a thing.

This entire lineup is linear HD - No SDV at this time.
Well thats good news I guess. On one hand I want more HD, but I know that sooner or later I'll have to go SDV to get it. I'm skeptical about 3 HD channels per QAM, but if Cox groups them right (and doesn't put a bunch of fast action channels like ESPN and ESPN2 on the same QAM) it should be OK. I mean I understand the improvement in encoders completely, I look at how people used to say MPEG 4 wouldn't help at all when it came to broadcast grade TV signals, but the various encoders improved dramatically at increasing quality at a given bitrate, and now everyone is looking at it as a way to squeeze more channels into their finite bandwidth. I mean, I use x264 to encode movies to watch movies on my iPhone and on my TV via my 360 (and soon TiVo). They look great! (not the same file for both locations - two separate files, one for the iPhone and one for the HDTV).

coyoteaz,
Yes, LV is planning to go to 3 HD channels per QAM. It is part of the national backbone feed coming from Atlanta. I have personally seen the new encoder tests and can affirm that there is the SAME quality at a lower bitrate. I was also able to preform the tests myself at NAB last year and I cranked down the bitrate while simultaneously looking at the original source feed and the compressed feed at the same time on 56" 4k x 2k monitors (3,840 x 2,160 pixels compared to consumer 2k sets at 1920x1080 or less pixels). With last year's encoders, I was able to get down to 11 and 12Mbps on 1080i sourced high motion (basketball) material before noticing any differences in quality.
Here in LV, I can also test the FoodHD 3-1 signal and compare it to the 2-1 signal and can't seen any difference on various displays. VS HD also looks good and clean. If you have other specific quality comments on specific channels, I would like to know about them. Are they on the same frequency and having a problem on that particular frequency, etc? Get with Dave in Phoenix and point me to the threads you are discussing about this issue. Phoenix may be reprocessing that signal for some reason, which would have detrimental effects on the signal quality.

vegggas
With those encoders you were playing with, were they being fed an uncompressed or lightly compressed source? Or were they getting the inferior 17Mbit/s Versus provides or the 14.5 provided by Food HD?

Versus is heavily degraded for us. I have been watching most of the NHL playoff games, and there are the obvious blocking artifacts, but there's also some weird ghosting on pans: the dividers between the glass at the near side of the rink look like bad analog multipath since they all show up 3 or 4 times. I don't see the problem on games on NBC HD, Universal HD, ESPN HD, or FSN HD so I know it isn't my TV (Samsung 4065) or box (4240HDC), and I'm using HDMI so it's not an actual problem due to an analog step. There is also a weird effect where patterns don't move along with the object. For example, on a tight headshot, fine facial details dont move up and down when the person nods. This also occurs on pans across textured surfaces like walls and carpet, and is very distracting to me.

Versus, Food, and History are muxed into the same channel (44), with Versus getting about 14Mbit/s, Food about 12, and History about 10. I don't have any major reception problems with the channel, just some rare bit errors leading to a corrupt block or line of blocks.

The TiVO HD uses cablecards (I have a TiVo HD and use a single multistream cablecard). However the box is $300 up front plus $12.95 or more per month, plus the $2/mo rental fee from Cox for the cablecard. You don't have to use that awful box that Cox provides!

Vegggas's post on how to go about redoing your HD recordings, etc etc all goes away with a TiVo. As long as Cox sends out the right channel mapping data to my TiVo then I wont have to lift a finger when Cox rearranges the channels in June. They could rearrange the channels every week and as long as they sent out the right info, I wouldn't notice a thing.

Ditto here. I am a long time Tivo user and dumped the SA 8300 HD box as soon as the Tivo S3 came out. Tivo has worked flawlessly for me with two cable cards and an upgraded 750 GB internal drive. I have no Tivo monthly fee as I grandfathered in my lifetime subscription from my original S2 Tivo.

My only issue is as a long time subscriber to Limited Basic Cable I am limited to a few HD channels. I used to receive all HD channels under Preferred Basic Cable. On January 23 Cox sent me a letter telling me I was receiving more than I am now entitled to and they would be cutting my service back. I am only interested in few HD channels and "a-la-carte" pricing would be perfect for someone with my viewing habits.

Hello,
i'm been struggling for some time now to get HD channels to work with my setup. I have Cox Cable and built my own custom Media center box. The computer is running Windows Vista Ultimate and has a ATI 650 Combo Tuner Card so I obviously have no way to add cablecards etc. I can not figure out how to get to a HD channel in media center without an antenna (I'm looking for a non antenna solution) I saw that people say to tune to channels like 13-1 etc but my media remote or harmony remote does not have a - button. I would like to be able to view the Clear QAm channels using media center. I currently can view channels 1-99 just fine. Any help would be appreciated.

Ryan

Is there a dot on the remote. Some stuff uses a dash and some use a dot.

Does the 650 support PSIP data at all? Cox LV broadcasts PSIP data on the OTA signal they put out, so if you do a full scan, you should be able to pick it up. If you dont have a dash or a dot, try leading zeros - 01301. I have an ATSC VCR at work and I have to type in leading zeros to get the digital channels Cox puts out unencrypted.

If it doesnt support PSIP data, then you have to start at channel 90 and keep surfing through channels until you find the ones that are unencrypted.

Hello,
i'm been struggling for some time now to get HD channels to work with my setup. I have Cox Cable and built my own custom Media center box. The computer is running Windows Vista Ultimate and has a ATI 650 Combo Tuner Card so I obviously have no way to add cablecards etc. I can not figure out how to get to a HD channel in media center without an antenna (I'm looking for a non antenna solution) I saw that people say to tune to channels like 13-1 etc but my media remote or harmony remote does not have a - button. I would like to be able to view the Clear QAm channels using media center. I currently can view channels 1-99 just fine. Any help would be appreciated.

Ryan

lvthunder is right. it's not 13-1. it's 13.1

My remote does not have a dot . either. I haven't tried the 01301 idea yet which I will try tonight. If anybody else has any ideas I appreciate all the help, thanks

My remote does not have a dot . either. I haven't tried the 01301 idea yet which I will try tonight. If anybody else has any ideas I appreciate all the help, thanks

if you run a scan so your tv recognizes all the channels, you don't need a dot or dash. all you need to do is insert 13 and then hit the channel + button and it will take you to the next channel which will be 13.1

So I tried pressing channel 01331 and it just reverts back to the current channel. I discovered something new at least, I did a channel guide scan again this time I chose to do cox digital as a guide instead of the other plain cox selection. Now my guide has all the normal cox channels 1-999. So when i saw this i got excited and tried going to HD channels like the high 700's such as ABC, NBC etc but it just gives a Windows media center error that says this channel is not supported. Any other ideas? All this help is so appreciated, thanks

So I tried pressing channel 01331 and it just reverts back to the current channel. I discovered something new at least, I did a channel guide scan again this time I chose to do cox digital as a guide instead of the other plain cox selection. Now my guide has all the normal cox channels 1-999. So when i saw this i got excited and tried going to HD channels like the high 700's such as ABC, NBC etc but it just gives a Windows media center error that says this channel is not supported. Any other ideas? All this help is so appreciated, thanks

Try just 131 for channel 13-1.
Are you getting channels ABOVE 99? Cox goes up through channel 116 at 747 MHz and most of the digital content is in the upper channels over 100.

vegggas

When I try 131 it reverts back to 13 and also after doing the digital guide it shows me channels 1-999 but anything over 99 gives me the Not support error. Does anybody out there have the ATI 650 Tuner and use Windows Media center and can pickup HD channels? It Would make me feel better knowing this thing could pick up HD signals through the normal cable. It PICKS up HDTV antenna signal through the ATSC fine and it never says on the Tuner box that it can do it. It only brags about getting HD through the ATSC.

Another side note does anybody know why not or if you can plug the cable directly into the coxial on the tuner that says Antenna /ATSC?

When I try 131 it reverts back to 13 and also after doing the digital guide it shows me channels 1-999 but anything over 99 gives me the Not support error. Does anybody out there have the ATI 650 Tuner and use Windows Media center and can pickup HD channels? It Would make me feel better knowing this thing could pick up HD signals through the normal cable. It PICKS up HDTV antenna signal through the ATSC fine and it never says on the Tuner box that it can do it. It only brags about getting HD through the ATSC.

Another side note does anybody know why not or if you can plug the cable directly into the coxial on the tuner that says Antenna /ATSC?


If your Tuner is not QAM capable, then you will only be able to pick up OTA HD signals through a separate antenna.

Another side note does anybody know why not or if you can plug the cable directly into the coxial on the tuner that says Antenna /ATSC?
Ummm... Isn't that where it's supposed to be? The other tuner is supposed to be analog NTSC only. That would explain a lot...

vegggas

When will cox offer starz hbo movies etc in HD on Demand on channel 699?

Saturday morning: Cox Cable problem...no guide data. did a hard reboot, but still no guide data. anyone else?

I have the same problem with the guide this morning. There are a few channels with data but not many.

It's working once again for me now.

Saturday morning: Cox Cable problem...no guide data. did a hard reboot, but still no guide data. anyone else?

I've been having guide problems for over a month now.

Please can anybody tell me when cox will be offering starz, hbo movies etc in HD on Demand on channel 699 as they do in San diego?

Thank you

Please can anybody tell me when cox will be offering starz, hbo movies etc in HD on Demand on channel 699 as they do in San diego?

Thank you

Why dont you call them and ask?

My dad called Cox and tried to order the baseball package. After about a half hour with those people they finally told him that you needed a cable box and not the cable cards he has. Is that true or did they just not know how to do it.

The latter. Cox isn't using SDV on this side of the country yet, so there should be no problem with CableCards working with any non-VOD channel.

When I try 131 it reverts back to 13 and also after doing the digital guide it shows me channels 1-999 but anything over 99 gives me the Not support error. Does anybody out there have the ATI 650 Tuner and use Windows Media center and can pickup HD channels? It Would make me feel better knowing this thing could pick up HD signals through the normal cable. It PICKS up HDTV antenna signal through the ATSC fine and it never says on the Tuner box that it can do it. It only brags about getting HD through the ATSC.

Another side note does anybody know why not or if you can plug the cable directly into the coxial on the tuner that says Antenna /ATSC?

QAM is not supported by Media Center (XP and Vista). The only way it will work is to use OTA. However there is one particular tuner out there that will work for Vista MCE via clear QAM by tricking Vista that it is a Cable Card.

...

Saturday morning: Cox Cable problem...no guide data. did a hard reboot, but still no guide data. anyone else?

I have the same problem with the guide this morning. There are a few channels with data but not many.

It's working once again for me now.

I've been having guide problems for over a month now.

You guys with the guide data problems - It sounds like your Forward Data Carrier (FDC) is not getting to your STB in a reliable manner. The frequency may be different in various areas, but it should be at about 74Mhz (+/-1Mhz?) and hitting the box around 0 dBmV (+/- 8dBmV). You can check this yourself by looking at the first page of your STB diagnostic pages (instructions are in the tips and tricks thread in my sig). Lower frequencies are attenuated more by a bad fitting or worn barrel connector when the center conductor is not making a good contact on a barrel or splitter or any connecting point in the line. The inverse or Return Data Carrier (RDC) at about 20MHz will show an unusually higer number as the STB signal is autoranging trying to get back to the node at a preset level. If it's higher than about 48 to 50 dB, that would also indicate a problem.

vegggas

My dad called Cox and tried to order the baseball package. After about a half hour with those people they finally told him that you needed a cable box and not the cable cards he has. Is that true or did they just not know how to do it.

The latter. Cox isn't using SDV on this side of the country yet, so there should be no problem with CableCards working with any non-VOD channel.

Did this get resolved?
I don't know how the sports packages are sold, used or configured, but here is a possible explanation if they won't do it for cable cards. Purely hypothetical though, so no arguments ok?
I think the various sports channels are shared on many of the same virtual channels, but scheduled as needed on the same real channels. Think that if there are five sports packages with 10 channels each (50 total), but in reality, there may only be about 30 actual channels in use at any one time.
The games are scheduled and put into place as space permits, and that same channel would be used for an alternate sports package a few hours later. STB's with a return path can constantly poll and get instant channel update assigments as needed to correctly map a virtual channel, but a one way device would stay on the same frequency, even though the sports package may have moved to soccer, hockey or other sports game being scheduled for that slot.
Well, it's a hypothesis anyway.

So by that hypothesis, a cable card would be possible.... but complicated, not user friendly, and a support nightmare on Cox end... so they would rather just not offer it

Yep

There was some movement and realignment of the test HD channels again. It's getting closer to launch time. Things are looking good, at least when the channels are actually sending HD content. Some of the new channels seem to have about 25% HD and 75% zoomed upconverted SD similar to what Discovery HD has been doing. I wonder how long it will take for HD content to catch up with the launch of HD channels? What good is another TBSHD if it only has HD during a basball game and nothing in the off season?

vegggas

So by that hypothesis, a cable card would be possible.... but complicated, not user friendly, and a support nightmare on Cox end... so they would rather just not offer it

Yep
A one way host device can't verify a channel map for a cable card in real time and is usually updated in 24 to 48 hour intervals as the host spec makes a request. That's why a cable card device will usually get new channel lineups a day or so after the 2-way STB's have got their new information.
Think of a typical business lan/wan with thousands of PC's. They send out a broadcast to all the PC's to automatically have it request and download a patch, but if the PC can't or is unable to respond, the user is notified, and eventually the PC is manually made to make the request. The cable card host device has an interval to ask for updates that is not fast enough for real time changes, or even daily changes.

vegggas

Did this get resolved?
I don't know how the sports packages are sold, used or configured, but here is a possible explanation if they won't do it for cable cards. Purely hypothetical though, so no arguments ok?
I think the various sports channels are shared on many of the same virtual channels, but scheduled as needed on the same real channels. Think that if there are five sports packages with 10 channels each (50 total), but in reality, there may only be about 30 actual channels in use at any one time.
The games are scheduled and put into place as space permits, and that same channel would be used for an alternate sports package a few hours later. STB's with a return path can constantly poll and get instant channel update assigments as needed to correctly map a virtual channel, but a one way device would stay on the same frequency, even though the sports package may have moved to soccer, hockey or other sports game being scheduled for that slot.
Well, it's a hypothesis anyway.
Down here, Cox uses a separate channel for each package. EI and CI share, but that's how iNDEMAND provides them. I believe MLS and NBA LP share as well. I seem to remember reading that iNDEMAND just provides a mux that fits in a QAM channel and all the providers just massage it a bit to fit in with their system and toss it on the designated QAM channel, but don't ask me to cite my source for that ;).

He hasn't called them back yet. All I know is that he is upset with Cox about it and all the other quirks with the cable cards. The cable industry should be ashamed that they even put out these cable cards. Directv has been using cards for years and they don't have any of these problems. In fact they don't even require a return path. But as far as I'm concerned the FCC never should of accepted the cable cards as they don't meet the requirments that they set for them.

He hasn't called them back yet. All I know is that he is upset with Cox about it and all the other quirks with the cable cards. The cable industry should be ashamed that they even put out these cable cards. Directv has been using cards for years and they don't have any of these problems. In fact they don't even require a return path. But as far as I'm concerned the FCC never should of accepted the cable cards as they don't meet the requirments that they set for them.

I have a cablecard pc and I too have been less than satisified with the reliablility. About once a month, COX just decides to quit talking to them and I have to call customer service to re-activate the cards.

He hasn't called them back yet. All I know is that he is upset with Cox about it and all the other quirks with the cable cards. The cable industry should be ashamed that they even put out these cable cards. Directv has been using cards for years and they don't have any of these problems. In fact they don't even require a return path. But as far as I'm concerned the FCC never should of accepted the cable cards as they don't meet the requirments that they set for them.
DirecTV's cards don't do a tenth of what CableCards do, so it's not a fair comparison to make. DirecTV's cards have less functionality than a hotel room keycard: they only provide authentication (this box is linked to account xxxxxxxx), and nothing else, while hotel room keycards at least handle authorization (granting access to certain functionality). CableCards handle authentication, authorization, and the decryption of the signal. Cable companies can no longer provide boxes with that functionality built in, and I don't see D* or E* allowing third-party hardware to access their new channels.

CableCards do not utilize a return path and neither provide nor prevent their use. The return path, if present, is handled by the host hardware.

There are countless CableCards that work without issue, though they're mainly deployed in the new boxes being provided by Cox and other MSOs, such as the SA8240/8300HDC and 4240/4250HDC. Third-party devices don't always play nice with CableCards, especially SA's, but the only places the blame belongs for those are the manufacturers of the CableCards or the host devices, or CableLabs for certifying stuff that doesn't work.

Old CableCard technology will be replaced by the current Tru2Way (Tru2Way.com). So in about a year that old CableCard will be old news.

Anyway, is anybody getting TBS-HD through QAM? Anybody getting VOD bleed through QAM? If yes, what channels are you guys getting them at?

...

I just got a letter with a COX letterhead stating that "...an analysis of the signal quality in your home ...has detected signal levels that no longer correspond with our high standards." A technician from Quality Communications wnats to come out to check the service levels to bring them within spec. The letter goes on to say that the home certification will be performed at no cost. Is this legit? Or are they fishing for something?

I just got a letter with a COX letterhead stating that "...an analysis of the signal quality in your home ...has detected signal levels that no longer correspond with our high standards." A technician from Quality Communications wnats to come out to check the service levels to bring them within spec. The letter goes on to say that the home certification will be performed at no cost. Is this legit? Or are they fishing for something?

Either way use that to your advantage and have them replace every tap, splitters and old wiring in your house than can be replaced. You got nothing to lose but a bit of time.

...

I just got a letter with a COX letterhead stating that "...an analysis of the signal quality in your home ...has detected signal levels that no longer correspond with our high standards." A technician from Quality Communications wnats to come out to check the service levels to bring them within spec. The letter goes on to say that the home certification will be performed at no cost. Is this legit? Or are they fishing for something?

Quality Communications is a valid Las Vegas company with a valid website www.qcwire.com .
There is a thread on another website http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20133584-NV-Letter-from-COX-regarding-signal-quality with posts from a verified Cox Las Vegas rep who says it's real. Read that thread and decide for yourself.
It is always best to be wary of anyone coming into your home though.

vegggas

Quality Communications is a valid Las Vegas company with a valid website www.qcwire.com .

It is always best to be wary of anyone coming into your home though.

vegggas


You should also call Cox to verify. With all the home invasions in the Valley, better to be as cautious as possible. Most people open their doors to anyone wearing an emblem on their shirt/jacket without even thinking twice about it. Most are too trusting.

I recieved one of those letters a couple of months ago and didn't call right away. A couple of weeks later I received a call from Cox as well saying my signal was degraded. I scheduled a service call then. They came out and put a new splitter in, replaced some ends in the house and at the street.

DirecTV's cards don't do a tenth of what CableCards do, so it's not a fair comparison to make. DirecTV's cards have less functionality than a hotel room keycard: they only provide authentication (this box is linked to account xxxxxxxx), and nothing else, while hotel room keycards at least handle authorization (granting access to certain functionality). CableCards handle authentication, authorization, and the decryption of the signal. Cable companies can no longer provide boxes with that functionality built in, and I don't see D* or E* allowing third-party hardware to access their new channels.

CableCards do not utilize a return path and neither provide nor prevent their use. The return path, if present, is handled by the host hardware.

There are countless CableCards that work without issue, though they're mainly deployed in the new boxes being provided by Cox and other MSOs, such as the SA8240/8300HDC and 4240/4250HDC. Third-party devices don't always play nice with CableCards, especially SA's, but the only places the blame belongs for those are the manufacturers of the CableCards or the host devices, or CableLabs for certifying stuff that doesn't work.

Since Cablelabs created the cards they could of made it just like the Directv boxes. The D* boxes used to be made from several companies and they all work. Instead they through together something that was half baked so they could go change it all later. This is TV not rocket science.

Since Cablelabs created the cards they could of made it just like the Directv boxes. The D* boxes used to be made from several companies and they all work. Instead they through together something that was half baked so they could go change it all later. This is TV not rocket science.
Simply not possible. FCC regs don't allow the authorization and decryption functions built in to a D* box to be built in to a cable box. And besides, D* hasn't had any new third-party hardware in 4 years, so you can't even claim their system is superior in that respect, since they have no system at all.

Since Cablelabs created the cards they could of made it just like the Directv boxes. The D* boxes used to be made from several companies and they all work. Instead they through together something that was half baked so they could go change it all later. This is TV not rocket science.

Simply not possible. FCC regs don't allow the authorization and decryption functions built in to a D* box to be built in to a cable box. And besides, D* hasn't had any new third-party hardware in 4 years, so you can't even claim their system is superior in that respect, since they have no system at all.
Not to mention that during those multi vendor periods with sat, there were almost as many illegal users emulating the service as real users. It was considered to be a financial failure and required the exchange of many different types of security every few years and a constant battle with sending ECM's in an attempt to slow down the hackers and emulators using the cards. The digital cable system securty is still secure and will be for the forseeable future. Each year they invite teams to try to crack the security methods, and so far, they have only been able to crack a few frames before the rolling codes change the encryption process and they have to start over.

vegggas

Simply not possible. FCC regs don't allow the authorization and decryption functions built in to a D* box to be built in to a cable box. And besides, D* hasn't had any new third-party hardware in 4 years, so you can't even claim their system is superior in that respect, since they have no system at all.

I can claim that it is superior. With the D* system I had access to all the channels and packages they offer without having any problems. And just because they stopped 4 years ago doesn't mean the system didn't work.

Not to mention that during those multi vendor periods with sat, there were almost as many illegal users emulating the service as real users. It was considered to be a financial failure and required the exchange of many different types of security every few years and a constant battle with sending ECM's in an attempt to slow down the hackers and emulators using the cards. The digital cable system securty is still secure and will be for the forseeable future. Each year they invite teams to try to crack the security methods, and so far, they have only been able to crack a few frames before the rolling codes change the encryption process and they have to start over.

vegggas

Yeah but you didn't have employees at the companies making the cards giving out the secrets like the sat card companies did in those days. But your right the digital cable system security is so secure that legitimate users can't even access everything.

Yeah but you didn't have employees at the companies making the cards giving out the secrets like the sat card companies did in those days. But your right the digital cable system security is so secure that legitimate users can't even access everything.

I use several cable card STB's and don't have any problems. It's the host devices that are having the problems. The host devices must be able to tune and process the commands going to the cable card, and they actually fail to do that basic process most of the time, causing the problems.

vegggas

I use several cable card STB's and don't have any problems. It's the host devices that are having the problems. The host devices must be able to tune and process the commands going to the cable card, and they actually fail to do that basic process most of the time, causing the problems.

vegggas

So it's basically use SA's equipment or suffer the consequences. And if you are about to blame TiVo my parents Sony TV does the same thing.

So it's basically use SA's equipment or suffer the consequences. And if you are about to blame TiVo my parents Sony TV does the same thing.

The commands MUST come down the cable line and the host device MUST tune that frequency and pass along the information. Since the host device is not a two way device, it can't report if the the cable card was able to get the commands or not.

vegggas

So it's basically use SA's equipment or suffer the consequences. And if you are about to blame TiVo my parents Sony TV does the same thing.

Amen to that. I have to reboot my TiVo HD once a week, and once a month call in to Cox to get it reauthorized because it loses its ability to decode encrypted channels. I'm getting sick of it.

Anybody have any information when Channel 8 will start to broadcast in DD5.1?

Anybody have any information when Channel 8 will start to broadcast in DD5.1?

That, my friend, seems to be the $64,000 question. I seem to recall they had equipment issues and are in the process of resolving those issues. Can anyone else on this forum confirm or correct this?

Anybody still getting 3.1 and 5.1 OTA? Seems like those two channels just got really weak the last couple of weeks.

...

Anybody have any information when Channel 8 will start to broadcast in DD5.1?

This is a post from early 2003.

No I talked to the guy over at KLAS and this is what he had to say.

Dear Mr. Cupp, I'm sorry but we will not be airing the Grammy's in Dolby
Digital. We were not on the original rollout list for 5.1 capable receivers
from CBS and are not able to get the other necessary equipment in time for
the broadcast.

I do not have a timeline for 5.1 but I would not expect it before next year.

Jerry

Then I replied back saying that he had earlier said they were ready and here is his reply.

Sorry for the confusion. When CBS said they would be broadcasting in 5.1, I
had made an incorrect assumption that they would be sending us discrete 5.1.
Instead, they will be using a different encoding system for the audio that
distributes the audio to the stations in Dolby E. This system enables two
digital audio channels to carry 8 digital audio channels. The problem is
that there's additional (rather expensive) decoding equipment that needs to
purchase to extract the 8 channels from the two.

Jerry


So it doesn't sound good that we will be getting 5.1 from CBS for a while. At least we aren't missing much. (I read somewhere that the Grammy's is the only thing on the schedule in 5.1 anyways)

I'm kind of surprised that with all the millions they've poured into their HD news operation they haven't found the $10,000 for a Dolby E decoder.

Can anyone really give any sort of insight into when the guide will be updated in terms of appearance and functionality? I know the last update let us FFWD 4x and start in progress recordings from the beggining, but asthetically speaking, and from a SPEED point of view, it is still stuck in the early 2000's compared to media center/tivo/d*/dish

Hmmm, I went to watch TV tonight and my CableCard received an update. Hopefully this will fix the issue of having to reboot the TiVo every week and call Cox every month.

Here's a challenge: We know we are going to get additional HD channels from Cox on June 1. How many additional HD channels will we get from June 2-December 31? Go on record and make your predictions here!

I'll say 6.

Here's a challenge: We know we are going to get additional HD channels from Cox on June 1. How many additional HD channels will we get from June 2-December 31? Go on record and make your predictions here!

I'll say 6.


AND ...how many will D* add when D11 goes online?

Looking at making an HTPC using the unencrypted QAM channels. Can anyone with experience here tell me how often Cox bounces and changes them around? How often would I have to be reprogramming my channel guide to associate with new numbers?

Looking at making an HTPC using the unencrypted QAM channels. Can anyone with experience here tell me how often Cox bounces and changes them around? How often would I have to be reprogramming my channel guide to associate with new numbers?

I'm pretty sure the only unencrypted HD channels are the locals, so if a tuner with a cable card slot isn't in your future you might as well go OTA and save on the cable subscription.

Additionally, Cox is supposed to go SDV "soon" so you'll also need a "Tuning Adapter" box to use the cable card.

(Tuning Adapter info)
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/18/hands-on-with-the-motorola-tuning-adapter-mtr700/
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/19/hands-on-with-the-cisco-tuning-adapter-sta1520/

I'm pretty sure the only unencrypted HD channels are the locals, so if a tuner with a cable card slot isn't in your future you might as well go OTA and save on the cable subscription.
Only the locals are fine, that's where most of our HDTV comes from. We would just like to save ~$30 a month by using a PC as a DVR rather than the tuner. We also use the SD cable channels (Comedy Central, etc) and the boost to the internet bill for losing cable TV makes at least having a basic local package worth having anyway.

And finally, where we live I'm not entirely sure OTA is doable.

I haven't researched SDV at all. Does this mean I can't use my PC as a DVR and avoid the whole service/rental fees inherent in the current box, TiVo, etc? Again, we're just trying to go economical here, and cutting out a huge number of HD stations we rarely watch isn't a problem.

And finally, where we live I'm not entirely sure OTA is doable.

tvfool.com and antennaweb.org should help you make that determination

I use OTA to pick up the vegas locals and I love the HD picture, it's hard to believe I'm not paying anything for it, and that my rooftop antenna picks it up

Well I meant it in the landlord/HOA sense but from looking at your link I should be able to get away with an indoor antenna.

I guess this should do along with basic cable for CNN, COM, HIST, etc. At least until the fabled HTPC box from D* leaves vaporware status and I can leave cable completely.

Looking at making an HTPC using the unencrypted QAM channels. Can anyone with experience here tell me how often Cox bounces and changes them around? How often would I have to be reprogramming my channel guide to associate with new numbers?

Only the locals are fine, that's where most of our HDTV comes from. We would just like to save ~$30 a month by using a PC as a DVR rather than the tuner. We also use the SD cable channels (Comedy Central, etc) and the boost to the internet bill for losing cable TV makes at least having a basic local package worth having anyway.

And finally, where we live I'm not entirely sure OTA is doable.

I haven't researched SDV at all. Does this mean I can't use my PC as a DVR and avoid the whole service/rental fees inherent in the current box, TiVo, etc? Again, we're just trying to go economical here, and cutting out a huge number of HD stations we rarely watch isn't a problem.

All the HDTV towers are located high atop Black Mountain in Henderson. Reception is not a problem at all for the most part of metro.

Cox have been stable with their QAM channels. They haven't changed for the last 1.5 years at least.

You can use QAM on your HTPC if you plan on using third party Media Center software. If you plan on using Windows MCE, that's not really supported by Microsoft. However, some tuner mfg have created a workaround for this so it isn't much of a problem now.

...

Cox have been stable with their QAM channels. They haven't changed for the last 1.5 years at least.

Thanks for this. I am indeed looking at VMC but I'm basically weighing OTA-HD + Cox SD (wasn't sure I could mix and match sources like this, but I'm told it's possible) versus buying one of the workaround devices like you've mentioned and going to Cox for both HD and SD.

All the HDTV towers are located high atop Black Mountain in Henderson.

There is another bank of towers on arden (?) mountain W-SW of black mountain that also broadcasts chanenls 8, 13, and others like Vegas TV (analog only, not to be confused with MyLVTV).

That one may take a little more fine tuning. It can be seen prominently from St. Rose Parkway near the Henderson Airport.

There is another bank of towers on arden (?) mountain W-SW of black mountain that also broadcasts chanenls 8, 13, and others like Vegas TV (analog only, not to be confused with MyLVTV).

That one may take a little more fine tuning. It can be seen prominently from St. Rose Parkway near the Henderson Airport.

Yes that's right, but I beleive that is also part of Black Mountain but I could be wrong.

...

Thanks for this. I am indeed looking at VMC but I'm basically weighing OTA-HD + Cox SD (wasn't sure I could mix and match sources like this, but I'm told it's possible) versus buying one of the workaround devices like you've mentioned and going to Cox for both HD and SD.

I have been using OTA with my PCs (MCE 2005 and VMCE) since the first walkaround didn't come later and was a bit buggy and rather expensive tuner ($170+). Though recently AverMedia released a few QAM tuner series that is suppose to be fully compatible with Windows MCE. Though I have not tried them yet the reviews are good and the prices are very reasonable ($50-$90) depending on which model you're getting. That's not bad considering you'll pay that much just for antenna alone

One thing about OTA though is that it will not be compressed as much as what you will get with Cox. But to be honest the difference in PQ is very minute. Most won't be able to see the difference.

...

Yes that's right, but I beleive that is also part of Black Mountain but I could be wrong.

...

oh yeah I think you're right

I always thought black mountain was just that area by horizon ridge and gibson back there...

...but fairly recently I remember looking at the bank of antennas farther back on google earth and there was a landmark called black mountain way back that way

One thing about OTA though is that it will not be compressed as much as what you will get with Cox. But to be honest the difference in PQ is very minute. Most won't be able to see the difference.

...

Actually, that's not true. It has already been proven earlier in this thread that Cox does not recompress the OTA channels. The bitrate of the locals on Cox is identical to the OTA feed. Check earlier in the thread for the graph and measurements.

Actually, that's not true. It has already been proven earlier in this thread that Cox does not recompress the OTA channels. The bitrate of the locals on Cox is identical to the OTA feed. Check earlier in the thread for the graph and measurements.

I have not seen any graphs and measurements (but then again I haven't read every posts on this thread). If there was any tests and measurements and those were done more than 1-2 years ago then those tests would be now invalid. With more and more feeds available for VOD (free and pay) and the gaining popularity of VOIP, and more additions of HD feeds on the first of June, it's just a matter of time before they cut some corners if they haven't done so already.

Now I am not saying that this is the current case and hoping that its not. Current QAM quality at the moment is great and still better than the satellites, and on par with OTA. Let's hope they keep it that way.

...

Cox is (over)compressing a number of national channels but hasn't touched locals in any market yet. FCC rules make it tough to mess with locals while leaving some nationals like HD Theatre and ESPN untouched. At some point, Cox might decide to recompress locals, but encoders aren't cheap and most stations don't take too kindly to cable companies screwing up their quality (they'd rather do it themselves by adding another useless subchannel), so don't hold your breath waiting for it. They have an easier time of it on the national channels since they can buy one or 2 sets of equipment and put them in national distribution centers and use fiber to feed them to the rest of the country. Verizon has been doing this since the beginning with FiOS, though they aren't doing any recompression so it's even cheaper.

June 1 channel lineup/dvr recording question:

If I want to set up a recording in advance , lets say for a program on Fox on June 1........if I set it up for channel 705 (its new channel number for that date, but espn2 right now) , will the recording be ok or are all dvr advance recordings going to be automatically cancelled ?

June 1 channel lineup/dvr recording question:

If I want to set up a recording in advance , lets say for a program on Fox on June 1........if I set it up for channel 705 (its new channel number for that date, but espn2 right now) , will the recording be ok or are all dvr advance recordings going to be automatically cancelled ?
NO! Don't Do It**! It will NOT record and will create a potential recording conflict issue causing you to miss the real recording.
As a matter of fact, you and everyone else, should go through their scheduled recordings [Press the LIST button then press button "A" for "SCHEDULED RECORDINGS"] and delete all of your season passes or new or upcoming recording of ANY HD shows. You should clear out any and all series recordings of any channels in the 700's or they will create problems after the change. If you want to record anything between now and next Saturday, use the IPG and record a single program. The channel lineup change will happen Saturday night/Sunday morning as requested by the local stations.
Again, it is in your and your DVR's best intrest to delete any series recordings and replace them with a single recording from the IPG through Saturday, and then re-create any series recordings if you want after the lineup change on Sunday. Any "orphaned" series recordings will no longer record starting on Sunday and might cause hidden conflicts with a new program based on previous settings.

**Having said all of that, if you want to record the Sunday morning NASCAR race on Fox, and won't be available to set it up on Sunday morning, you might have two optons. First, you could record the SD version as a backup. Second, you might be able to get away with setting a manual recording for channel 705 for that time period, which should ignore the IPG data. This is not a guarantee for recording, but it might work. Since they are making a major change in the structure of the lineup and doing a lot of changes in the DVR recording process, anything can happen.

vegggas

Can I say how much I hate the boxes? Having to make recordings through the IPG is lame. vegggas says I should cancel all my series recordings but what about shows that aren't airing right now and won't be for a few months because they're off-season? Because the IPG only has two weeks, and Sarah Connor Chronicles isn't returning for a few months, it's not like if I cancel my pass I'll be able to make a new one.

Can't I just change the series recording to something like "any episode on any channel" and then delete any repeats (if any) and eventually it will record new episodes off the new channel?

Can I say how much I hate the boxes? Having to make recordings through the IPG is lame.
How do you make any recordings without the IPG? Manually like a VCR?
In the IPG, you highlight the show and either press record or the center select button and choose record.You then have options for just one episode or all episodes with various options. The start and stop time can also be padded or modified there. Choosing the program in the IPG will also allow for schedule changes and overruns as new timetables are given by the studios for timeslot advertising for shows like Lost that either start late or run late.

vegggas says I should cancel all my series recordings but what about shows that aren't airing right now and won't be for a few months because they're off-season? Because the IPG only has two weeks, and Sarah Connor Chronicles isn't returning for a few months, it's not like if I cancel my pass I'll be able to make a new one.
Can't I just change the series recording to something like "any episode on any channel" and then delete any repeats (if any) and eventually it will record new episodes off the new channel?
DELETE ALL OF YOUR SCHEDULED FUTURE HD RECORDINGS AIRING AFTER SATURDAY MAY 31!!! If the programs are not airing right now, and nothing is returning until fall anyway, delete them now and set them up when they become available again. Leaving them in the scheduled recordings list will cause random conflicts and they will cause FAILURES of other recordings because of the potential conflicts by a placeholder each week.
Even if the channel numbers were not changing, it is a good idea to delete old scheduled recordings and reset them once they return and networks figure out what day and time they will be on, or as in the case of Scrubs, what network will carry it. You may have three different shows on seperate days in last years schedule, but they might all be on at the same time in the fall, causing a three way conflict and nothing will record, then you blame the box for not recording something you set up a year ago, etc. For the first few weeks of a season, I will set all my recordings as individual one time recordings to see if the shows will fail or continue on a different schedules, etc. I usually start on Sunday evening and check the local networks for Sunday primetime, then hit the "B" button to jump ahead 24 hours and check Monday's primetime, and repeat through Friday.
I have been using these DVR's since they became available and still use my original STBs of of every generation (8000HD, 8300HD, 8240HDC) still without any problems such as dropped or missed recordings, but I keep my schedules up to date, etc. I used to use my original 1990's Replay Showstopper unit as a backup, but have not used that old Panny unit, the newer Replay 5040 units or even my original D*Tivo units (no HD, so I sold em off) in several years once I started using the HD recorders.
Sorry for the long post, but I hope someone gets some useful information from it.
vegggas

The local Fox studio is having serious problems this morning. They are trying to do their live news shows and can't seem to stay on the air very long or have their equipment respond correctly. It's actually a bit funny to watch the on-air personalities talk about the random weirdness going on, like the logo flashing on and off and graphics for other shows popping up, etc. Their on air signal keeps going to a green screen, and even switched to the Fox News channel for a short time while they rebooted their systems, but still came up with problems.
I guess it's time for them to upgrade to an HD studio eh? The other three networks in Las Vegas already have ;)
If there is anyone trying to record any of the Fox5 local channel today (HD or SD), expect the recordings to be cut off as they cut transmission to work out the bugs.
vegggas

My TV turns on to Fox 5 as an alarm to wake me up, I remember waking up to MJ talking about technical difficulties then it was all fox news channel audio with a green screen for video!

That's all...

I missed all the fun!

I hope they finally upgrade to HD that would be great, comparing to the other channels makes Fox look really crappy.

In the Cox thread in the programming section, Vegggas said:
Just to give everyone some status updates:
Cox wants to get rid of SARA during 2008 and move to OCAP/tru2-way software in most markets by the end of the year. They want three guide options covering SD, HD, and DVR platforms that work across both Motorola and SA (Cisco) based headends.
Standard SD guides will be from the Gemstar/passport based interface.
Enhabced HD guides will be in 16x9 HD format and based on the NDS software and will only be in a widescreen format for HD STB's and HD DVR's.
The Tivo software will be another upgrade option for DVR users who want that interface instead of the other options.
Cox is rolling out a national footprint of about 50-60 national HD channels that are originating from two or more regions. Any new national channels are part of this rollout and part of their new structure. It is in their plan to offer the same channels across the nation to all their subscribers that have had their local area upgraded to handle the new streams. As the local areas are upgraded and can handle in increase in HD traffic, they can pick a few channels to add. Again, this is a continous work in progress and each area will be unique as to how many and which channels to display as they are working out the details.


Any idea when Las Vegas will start to see these changes in the guide? Have you seen the new software in action (either Gemstar or NDS)?

Does anybody out there use a ATI 650 TV Tuner with their media center?

In the Cox thread in the programming section, Vegggas said:


Any idea when Las Vegas will start to see these changes in the guide? Have you seen the new software in action (either Gemstar or NDS)?




From: http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=153666&site=cdn



NDS Navigates Its Way Into Cox

MAY 13, 2008

"Cox Communications Inc. is to deploy a new navigation software suite from NDS Group plc (Nasdaq: NNDS - message board) that's designed to run on high-end set-tops with on-board high-definition television and digital video recording (DVR) capabilities.

The deal, announced early Tuesday morning, gives NDS its first long-term set-top software deal with a major U.S.-based cable operator. Cox will deploy the software starting next year.

Its user interface for Cox is designed for upcoming set-tops based on tru2way (formerly known as the OpenCable Platform) as well as earlier-generation, already-deployed HD-DVR set-tops that use "OnRamp," a lighter version of the middleware that's forward-compatible with the full tru2way environment ..."

George.. could you update your channel listings to reflect all the new changes with Cox LV for June 1? thanks !!





DirecTV adds CSTV and Tennis in HD.

Las Vegas HD Channel Guide December 28, 2007

Broadcast Networks OTA Cox DirecTV Dish CMA (Pahrump)
------------------ ----- ----- --------- ------ -------------
ABC (KTNV) 13-1 732 13
CBS (KLAS) 8-1 730 8
Fox (KVVU) 5-1 735 5
NBC (KVBC) 3-1 733 3
PBS (KLVX) 10-1 731
CW (KVCW) 33-1 734
MyTV (KVMY) 21-1

Cable Networks
------------------
A&E 707 265 9419
Animal Planet 282 9489
Biography 266
Bravo 273
Cartoon Network 296
CMT 327
CNBC 355
CNN 202
Discovery 727 278 9487
Food Network HD 724 231-1 9462
Fox Business 359
FX 248
HGTV HD 723 229-1 9461
History 703 269 9491
MTV 331
National Geographic 702 276 9429 562
Nickelodeon 299
Science Channel 284 9490
Sci-Fi 244
Spike 325
TBS 726 247 9499
TLC 722 280 9488
TNT 709 245 9420 565
USA 242
VH1 335
Weather Channel 362

HD Only Networks
------------------
HD Theater 700 76 9421 555
HDNet 79 9422
HDNet Movies 78 9423
MGM 255
MHD 725 332 9492
Mojo 706
Smithsonian 267
Universal HD 708 74 9427 560
Voom - Animania 9474
Voom - Equator 9471
Voom - Family Room 9486
Voom - Film Fest 9480
Voom - Gallery 9472
Voom - GamePlay 9485
Voom - HDNews 9482
Voom - Kung Fu 9479
Voom - Monsters 9481
Voom - Rave 9470
Voom - Rush 9476
Voom - Treasure 9477
Voom - Ultra 9478
Voom - World Cinema 9475
Voom - WorldSport 9473

Premium Networks
------------------
HBO East 501 9456
HBO West 710 504 510
Cinemax East 512 9458
Cinemax West 711 514 530
The Movie Channel 544
Showtime East 537 9460
Showtime West 720 540 520
Sho Too 538
Starz East 520 9435
Starz West 721 521
Starz Comedy 519
Starz Edge 522
Starz Kids & Family 518

Sports (* games only)
------------------
Big Ten Network 220 9500
CSTV 610
ESPN 704 206 9424 550
ESPN2 705 209 9425
FSN West 652 367*
FSN Prime Ticket 653 361*
FSN Arizona [1,2] 649-1* 365*
FSN Bay Area [3] 654-1*
Fuel 612
Golf/Versus HD 604 9468
NBA TV 601 9508
NFL Network 729* 212 9464
NHL Network 215 403
Speed 607
Tennis 217

1 - MLB D'backs only. Other pro teams blacked out.
2 - NHL Coyotes in Pahrump and some other outlying zip codes, blacked out in Las Vegas valley.
3 - MLB Giants and A's. Other pro teams blacked out.

Sports Subscriptions
------------------
MLB Extra Innings HD soon yes no
NBA League Pass HD soon yes yes
NHL Center Ice HD soon yes yes
NFL Sunday Ticket HD no yes no

also, voom isn't on dish anymore

Hey everyone, need some help. I have a Dell XPS 420 with dual ATI Digital Cable Tuners. I use Vista Media Center and tonight when I looked at the guide the channels were all messed up. It shows about 30 HD channels, but there is no 704 (ESPNHD). When I tune to channel 704 it works fine and shows ESPNHD, but the guide says "NO DATA AVAILABLE"

The guide shows ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD on channels 730 and 731. It also shows HBOHD, MAXHD, SHOWHD, and STARZHD on channels 800, 810, 820, and 830.

I tried re-running the guide setup and it ran just fine, but it still shows the wrong channels. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

-Scott

Cox is changing the channels around I think tomorrow night, but the guide data (at least for TiVo) has already been changed.

Okay, looks like Microsoft set it up early, too. So it looks like we're getting some more channels tomorrow. Is that right?

-Scott

I think it sometime early Sunday morning like maybe 1-2AM. I'm not sure exactly. I know vegggas was talking about it a page or so back.

Hey everyone, I went and bought an antenna for OTA today and all channels come in fine except KVVU-FOX, which I guess can't be tuned in at all. Media Center's signal strength test returns the bare minimum single red bar, and I can't attempt to tune to it, either.

Is it just me or is this station hard to get?

Hey everyone, I went and bought an antenna for OTA today and all channels come in fine except KVVU-FOX, which I guess can't be tuned in at all. Media Center's signal strength test returns the bare minimum single red bar, and I can't attempt to tune to it, either.

Is it just me or is this station hard to get?

I think that depends on where you are. I am in the Summerlin area and can get Fox5 OK but cannot get NBC-Channel 3 digital (which I think is actually on Ch2) at all. My tuner won't even see it in a scan.

Keith

It also depends on the size and type of your antenna, and whether or not you are pointed correctly at the tower(s).

According to antennaweb.org, NBC 3 is about 20 miles from the middle of summerlin, and should be obtainable with a small multi-directional rooftop antenna.

In my area, the Cox Channel lineup happened at 1:00 AM.

698 has an ondemand video about the changes.

vegggas

I think that depends on where you are. I am in the Summerlin area and can get Fox5 OK but cannot get NBC-Channel 3 digital (which I think is actually on Ch2) at all. My tuner won't even see it in a scan.

Keith

Ch3 has always been weak (at least in my area). I use to get it once in a while if I move around my antenna but not anymore. Same thing with Ch5, somehow they got weaker. I've totally lost Ch5 on one of my sets with a weaker tuner and the signal strenght indicator shows they are down a notch or two on the good ones.

...

In my area, the Cox Channel lineup happened at 1:00 AM.

698 has an ondemand video about the changes.

vegggas

My area (Pecos near the 215) had the changes exactly at midnight. I guess Cox really meant it when they said changes were to occur June 1.

Okay, a bit of extra info:

I'm using a full indoor/outdoor antenna and stuck it up in the attic.

I live near the intersection of Cheyenne and Buffalo. I get most channels, NBC included, just fine. However, KVVU-DT is the only station that does not get any signal. All other stations get the maximum number of reception bars in a signal strength test.

KVVU analogue is just fine.

The signs seemed to point to KVVU-DT being offline, but I'm not sure, which is why I came here. Aren't all the sticks sitting on Black Mountain? Though they are on the other side of the valley, I have a clear line of sight to them from a bedroom window. Is KVVU-DT being broadcasted from a different point than analogue?

I was hoping this would be a suitable replacement to "clear QAM" since I've read here that will be going away when SDV is introduced, but now the last few posts have suggested that OTA is pretty flakey around the valley?

Getting increasingly confused...

For what it's worth..

I'm less than 4 miles from the towers at black mountain

KVVU-DT is coming in just fine for me with a really strong signal, and it's been pretty reliable

I'm pretty sure that the KVVU digital and analog broadcasts come from the same area

Howdy,
Since the lineup change today, does anyone know what the new digital channel lineup is (not cable card)? Specifically I'm looking for Disc-HD and SciFi-HD as I can't seem to find these two in the 90+ digital channels that I'm currently receiving.

Regards
MK

How do you make any recordings without the IPG? Manually like a VCR?
Ideally there'd be something similar to Search or category. Thinking of Tivo's wishlists where I could just set it to record anything that matched certain criteria instead of having to see that something is on and telling it to record it.

And because having to set up all my series recordings when they come back in the fall is a mess to those of us who do a lot of network prime time viewing.

I usually start on Sunday evening and check the local networks for Sunday primetime, then hit the "B" button to jump ahead 24 hours and check Monday's primetime, and repeat through Friday.
This is actually an okay workaround though, I guess.

I have been using these DVR's since they became available and still use my original STBs of of every generation (8000HD, 8300HD, 8240HDC) still without any problems such as dropped or missed recordings, but I keep my schedules up to date, etc. I used to use my original 1990's Replay Showstopper unit as a backup, but have not used that old Panny unit, the newer Replay 5040 units or even my original D*Tivo units (no HD, so I sold em off) in several years once I started using the HD recorders.

In my closet is the old Tivo 20-hour, one of the Replay series (the really good one with commercial skip), and the original DirecTivo. I've used a Comcast box by Motorola and these Sci-At's and can't stand them. Actually, the Comcast boxes got better since I moved out of their service area and they went from the original "tan" guide with all the built-in advertising to the "blue" guide. Better than these things from Cox, which I believe are the exact same DVR interface the Time Warner users in NYC moan about.

Howdy,
Since the lineup change today, does anyone know what the new digital channel lineup is (not cable card)? Specifically I'm looking for Disc-HD and SciFi-HD as I can't seem to find these two in the 90+ digital channels that I'm currently receiving.

Regards
MK

DiscHD is channel 725 and SciFiHD is on 745.

Any Las Vegas Cox customers with an 8240 try hooking up an eSATA hard Drive?

I hooked up an eSATA Thermaltake external housing with a 500 GB SATA Seagate drive to the 8240 and it doesn't seem to be working. Not much information on how to hook up second hard drive.

Any guides on this 8240 unit you recommend. I tried the recommended method in the manual and I think I did it right. Would really love to stretch out my recording time. The drive built-in is too wimpy for what i want to record.

For HD and S3 Tivo owners in Vegas ....

The Tivo (Tribune) program guide switched over to the new HD channel lineup on May 28. Today on my S3 Tivo, the HD channels were still coming in to the old channel numbers after the Cox switchover. A restart of the Tivo took care of that issue. The remaining issue I have is that for the premium HD programs I subscribe to (HBO HD, Max HD and Starz HD) the Tivo (Tribune) programming appears to be incorrect. Have other Tivo owners noticed incorrect programming on the premium (800 series) channels?

Any Las Vegas Cox customers with an 8240 try hooking up an eSATA hard Drive?

I hooked up an eSATA Thermaltake external housing with a 500 GB SATA Seagate drive to the 8240 and it doesn't seem to be working. Not much information on how to hook up second hard drive.

Any guides on this 8240 unit you recommend. I tried the recommended method in the manual and I think I did it right. Would really love to stretch out my recording time. The drive built-in is too wimpy for what i want to record.
This thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559) would probably be the best starting point for you. The 8240 and 8300 are basically the same box, with the only difference being the lack of an analog tuner on the 8240.

DiscHD is channel 725 and SciFiHD is on 745.
Thanks, but those are the channels based on using a cable card or one of Cox's boxe$. I'm looking for the equivalent digital channels (i.e. 120.12).

Regards
MK

Thanks, but those are the channels based on using a cable card or one of Cox's boxe$. I'm looking for the equivalent digital channels (i.e. 120.12).

Regards
MK

How are you going to see those channels without a converter box or cable card? They are encrypted.

Las Vegas HD Channel Guide June 2, 2008

Notes:
Dish Network - The 15 channel Voom HD suite has been dropped by Dish Network.
Cox - Cox has renumbered their HD lineup.


Broadcast Networks OTA Cox DirecTV Dish Dish (4-digit legacy)
------------------ ----- ----- --------- ------ ---------------------
ABC (KTNV) 13-1 713 13
CBS (KLAS) 8-1 708 8
Fox (KVVU) 5-1 705 5
NBC (KVBC) 3-1 703 3
PBS (KLVX) 10-1 710
CW (KVCW) 33-1 706
MyTV (KVMY) 21-1

Cable Networks
------------------
A&E 732 265 118 / 9419
ABC Family 180 / 9434
Animal Planet 758 282 184 / 9489
Biography 266 119 / 9443
Bravo 273 129 / 9492
Cartoon Network 296 176 / 9463
CMT 327
CNBC 355 208 / 9439
CNN 202 200 / 9436
Discovery 725 278 182 / 9487
Disney 290 172 / 9433
Food Network 742 231 110 / 9462
Fox Business 359
FX 248
Hallmark Movies 187 / 9444
HGTV 755 229 112 / 9461
History 743 269 120 / 9491
MTV 331
National Geographic 702 276 186 / 9429
Nickelodeon 299
Science Channel 284 193 / 9490
Sci-Fi 745 244 122 / 9432
Spike 241
TBS 707 247 139 / 9499
TLC 733 280 183 / 9488
TNT 718 245 138 / 9420
Toon Disney 292 174 / 9449
Travel 766 215 / 9437
USA 734 242 105 / 9431
VH1 335
Weather Channel 362 214 / 9438

HD Only Networks
------------------
HD Theater 770 281 9421
HDNet 79 9422
HDNet Movies 78 9423
MGM 255 385
MHD 791 332 9469
Mojo 793
Smithsonian 267 374
Universal HD 792 259 9427

Premium Networks
------------------
HBO East 501 300 / 9456
HBO West 800 504
Cinemax East 512 310 / 9458
Cinemax West 810 514 311 / 9440
5-Star Max 314 / 9441
The Movie Channel 544
Showtime East 537 318 / 9460
Showtime West 820 540
Sho Too 538
Starz East 520 350 / 9435
Starz West 830 521
Starz Comedy 519
Starz Edge 522
Starz Kids & Family 518

Sports (* games only)
------------------
Big Ten Network 220 439
CBS College Sports 610
ESPN 730 206 140 / 9424
ESPN2 731 209 144 / 9425
ESPN News 207 142 / 9494
FSN West 652 417*
FSN Prime Ticket 653 411*
FSN Arizona [note 1,2] 649-1* 415*
CSN Bay Area [note 3] 654-1*
Fuel 612
Golf/Versus HD 604 9468
NBA TV 601 402
NFL Network [note 4] 212 154 / 9426
NHL Network 215 403
Speed 607
Tennis 217 400 / 9442
World Fishing Network 394

1 - MLB D'backs only. Other pro teams blacked out.
2 - NHL Coyotes in Pahrump and some other outlying zip codes, blacked out in Las Vegas valley.
3 - MLB Giants and A's. Other pro teams blacked out.
4 - In the past Cox has carried the regular season games on a part time channel

Sports Subscriptions
------------------
MLB Extra Innings HD ??? yes no
NASCAR Hot Pass HD no yes no
NBA League Pass HD ??? yes yes
NHL Center Ice HD ??? yes yes
NFL Sunday Ticket HD no yes no

thanks , George !

How are you going to see those channels without a converter box or cable card? They are encrypted.
Well,,, Yes, they are encrypting now! I was getting 93 digital channels for 2 weeks now, but as of checking a few minutes ago, they are all gone so I guess they threw the switch and went back to encrypting everything. Rats!

Regards,
MK

Well,,, Yes, they are encrypting now! I was getting 93 digital channels for 2 weeks now, but as of checking a few minutes ago, they are all gone so I guess they threw the switch and went back to encrypting everything. Rats!

Regards,
MK

Can you give us a list of all the channels that you were getting?

TIA

...

Here is what I found. Knowing what I now know, some of the channels in the 70's were encoded (signal received) but no picture so I was not able to tell what network was on those. Since they turned the encryption back on yesterday, I'm getting a signal but no picture on any of these listed below.

Regards,
MK

(skipped OTA duplicates on lower channels)
71.3 ??
72.1 ??
72.2 ??
72.3 ??
72.4 ??
72.5 ??
72.6 ??
72.7 ??
75.10 FOX Local SD
76.101 ??
85.1 ??
85.8 KCLV Las Vegas Comm Access
85.9 CCTV4 Clark County Comm Access
88.10 CBS Local SD
89.10 ??
94.1 ??
95 TV Guide
96 COX COX Learning & Info
97 CSpan2
98 Cspan
109.7 ??
110.11 BOOM Boomerang TV (Cartoons) Spanish
110.2 SHO-F Showtime Family
110.3 SHO?? ????
110.4 SHO-W Showtime Women
110.5 Radio
110.6 Radio
110.7 Radio
110.8 Radio
110.9 Radio
110.10 Radio
110.11 BOOM Boomerang TV (Cartoons)
110.13 NOGGIN Nickelodeon Sub
110.14 TheN Nickelodeon Kids
110.15 MTV3 MTV Sub Channel
111.1 TFC Philippine Channel
111.2 CTI Taiwan Broadcasting
111.3 CCTV China Broadcasting
111.4 NHK Japan Broadcasting
111.5 SPEED Motor Sports
111.6 AZN Old Channel for AZN-TV
111.7 BYU Brigham Young University
111.8 ESPN ESPN Deporties
111.9 ESPN ESPN Classic (old stuff)
111.10 NickToons Nickelodeon Cartoons
111.11 ESPNU ESPN College/University
113.1 FitTV Disc Fit
113.2 ???? A Movie channel
113.3 DiscKids Disc Kids
113.4 SC Disc Science Channel
113.5 Disc-Home Disc Home Channel
113.6 Disc- ID Disc Investigation
113.7 BBC BBC America
113.8 Disc-Mil Disc Military Channel
113.9 Disc Discovery Spanish
113.10 SiTV LA Spanish Independent
113.11 GOLTV Spanish Soccer
113.12 Vene Spanish Movies
114.1 FOXs FOX Sports Spanish
114.2 CNN Spanish
114.3 EWTN Religious Spanish
114.4 EWTN Religious
114.5 ??? Religious
114.6 G4 Tech/Gaming
114.7 FOX Fox Soccer Channel
114.8 FOX Fox Reality Channel
114.9 FUEL
114.10 ESPN ESPN News
114.11 SOAP Soap Network
115.1 Sports In Demand Adds
115.2 Sports in Demand
115.3 Sports in Demand
115.4 Sports in Demand
115.5 Sports in Demand
115.6 Sports in Demand
115.7 Sports in Demand
115.8 Sports in Demand
115.9 Sports in Demand
115.10 Sports in Demand
115.11 Sports in Demand
116.7 BCTV Boulder City Access CH
117.1 HBO HD
117.2 MAX HD CiniMax HD-w
117.3 Animal HD Animal Planet
118.1 Travel HD Travel Channel - E
118.2 NGC HD National Geographic
118.3 CNN HD
119.1 SHOW HD Showtime
119.2 LIFE HD Lifetime
119.3 STARZ HD Starz HD-w
120.1 USA HD USA - E
120.2 Disc SC HD Disc Science Channel

Hey Guys,
What is the best way to subscribe (upgrade) to the digital cable and rent a cable card? Cox's website appears to be useless with respect to trying to get a plane-jane subscription without prepackaged equipment (digital box, remote, etc); and there no where can I see where to select an option for cable card. Is it better to call and talk to a specific department/person? Or should I run down to the nearest business office (Henderson - Water Street) in person and talk to someone there?

Thanks
MK

Anyone know when Cox will stop broadcasting the old 700 channels with the noticies? They are really irritating in the guide to see 2 of the same network listed. Just get rid of the old ones and keep the new ones.

THANKS! Much appreciated.

...




Here is what I found. Knowing what I now know, some of the channels in the 70's were encoded (signal received) but no picture so I was not able to tell what network was on those. Since they turned the encryption back on yesterday, I'm getting a signal but no picture on any of these listed below.

Regards,
MK

(skipped OTA duplicates on lower channels)
71.3 ??
72.1 ??
72.2 ??
72.3 ??
72.4 ??
72.5 ??
72.6 ??
72.7 ??
75.10 FOX Local SD
76.101 ??
85.1 ??
85.8 KCLV Las Vegas Comm Access
85.9 CCTV4 Clark County Comm Access
88.10 CBS Local SD
89.10 ??
94.1 ??
95 TV Guide
96 COX COX Learning & Info
97 CSpan2
98 Cspan
109.7 ??
110.11 BOOM Boomerang TV (Cartoons) Spanish
110.2 SHO-F Showtime Family
110.3 SHO?? ????
110.4 SHO-W Showtime Women
110.5 Radio
110.6 Radio
110.7 Radio
110.8 Radio
110.9 Radio
110.10 Radio
110.11 BOOM Boomerang TV (Cartoons)
110.13 NOGGIN Nickelodeon Sub
110.14 TheN Nickelodeon Kids
110.15 MTV3 MTV Sub Channel
111.1 TFC Philippine Channel
111.2 CTI Taiwan Broadcasting
111.3 CCTV China Broadcasting
111.4 NHK Japan Broadcasting
111.5 SPEED Motor Sports
111.6 AZN Old Channel for AZN-TV
111.7 BYU Brigham Young University
111.8 ESPN ESPN Deporties
111.9 ESPN ESPN Classic (old stuff)
111.10 NickToons Nickelodeon Cartoons
111.11 ESPNU ESPN College/University
113.1 FitTV Disc Fit
113.2 ???? A Movie channel
113.3 DiscKids Disc Kids
113.4 SC Disc Science Channel
113.5 Disc-Home Disc Home Channel
113.6 Disc- ID Disc Investigation
113.7 BBC BBC America
113.8 Disc-Mil Disc Military Channel
113.9 Disc Discovery Spanish
113.10 SiTV LA Spanish Independent
113.11 GOLTV Spanish Soccer
113.12 Vene Spanish Movies
114.1 FOXs FOX Sports Spanish
114.2 CNN Spanish
114.3 EWTN Religious Spanish
114.4 EWTN Religious
114.5 ??? Religious
114.6 G4 Tech/Gaming
114.7 FOX Fox Soccer Channel
114.8 FOX Fox Reality Channel
114.9 FUEL
114.10 ESPN ESPN News
114.11 SOAP Soap Network
115.1 Sports In Demand Adds
115.2 Sports in Demand
115.3 Sports in Demand
115.4 Sports in Demand
115.5 Sports in Demand
115.6 Sports in Demand
115.7 Sports in Demand
115.8 Sports in Demand
115.9 Sports in Demand
115.10 Sports in Demand
115.11 Sports in Demand
116.7 BCTV Boulder City Access CH
117.1 HBO HD
117.2 MAX HD CiniMax HD-w
117.3 Animal HD Animal Planet
118.1 Travel HD Travel Channel - E
118.2 NGC HD National Geographic
118.3 CNN HD
119.1 SHOW HD Showtime
119.2 LIFE HD Lifetime
119.3 STARZ HD Starz HD-w
120.1 USA HD USA - E
120.2 Disc SC HD Disc Science Channel

Anyone know when Cox will stop broadcasting the old 700 channels with the noticies? They are really irritating in the guide to see 2 of the same network listed. Just get rid of the old ones and keep the new ones.

+1

I keep seeing Cox advertise that they offer "free" HD as compared to D*, but as far as I know, and tell me if I'm wrong, with Cox you must lease a HD box for $5.25/month and subscribe to digital gateway service for $5.50 / month (for a total of $10.75/month) in order to actually see all those "free" HD channels.

D* will not charge a lease fee for the primary box used, only for additional units in other rooms but will charge $9.99/month for HD service...so by my calculations, Cox is actually more expensive for HD service with less available HD channels.

What am I missing here...isn't this misleading advertising by Cox?

Thanks for the tip. Already checked that out prior to starting. Of course it was real helpful and I appreciate the valuable resource this forum provides.

One big problem with my first try at the setup was that I didn't get the message to format the drive. That was solved by jumpering the drive to SATA 1 / 1.5 Gbit/s operation. The SA 8240 HD DVR unit has now sensed my hard drive and has asked to format it. So it seems obvious to me that you have to use older SATA 1 operation - not SATA II operation.

I am using a Thermaltake Max 4 eSATA and USB external enclosure with a built-in fan. (see Newegg if you want to buy one of these units). This is an excellent box as it is aluminum and has a built in fan in the unit blowing directly on the drive. I like that and the noise is imperceptible to me when the TV is on. Big blue LED on the front may annoy some.

I have a 500 GB 7200 RPM SATA Seagate hooked up to this unit. These hard drives are on sale at Fry's for about $89 most of the time.

I will be reporting on this unit later as it appears that I still can't record anything right now. (I think it may still be formatting.) Anyone have any experience on how long it takes to format an additional SATA external drive on one of these SA 8240 HD units?

I will follow up this post with more information later... I have seen dedicated Western Digital drive made specifically for DVR expansion. Just wanted to see what I can accomplish with a DIY installation with off the shelf parts.

I keep seeing Cox advertise that they offer "free" HD as compared to D*, but as far as I know, and tell me if I'm wrong, with Cox you must lease a HD box for $5.25/month and subscribe to digital gateway service for $5.50 / month (for a total of $10.75/month) in order to actually see all those "free" HD channels.

D* will not charge a lease fee for the primary box used, only for additional units in other rooms but will charge $9.99/month for HD service...so by my calculations, Cox is actually more expensive for HD service with less available HD channels.

What am I missing here...isn't this misleading advertising by Cox?
I'm not sure, but I don't think you have to rent the box if you are using a cable card? This is what I'm still trying to verify. Hopefully someone on the forum will confirm this.
Regards
MK

I'm not sure, but I don't think you have to rent the box if you are using a cable card? This is what I'm still trying to verify. Hopefully someone on the forum will confirm this.
Regards
MK

Everything I have read says with a cable-card you do not need the box.... but they charge you a "connection fee" for the card which I believe is $4.99 a month so it winds up being close to the same price as renting a box..... another one of the major rip-offs...

I'll be getting a new Samsung LCD soon and was wondering if I can still plug the cable into the QAM tuner and get the local HD channels from Cox? Thanks.

I'll be getting a new Samsung LCD soon and was wondering if I can still plug the cable into the QAM tuner and get the local HD channels from Cox? Thanks.

QAM capable tuners will pick up all UNENCRYPTED digital broadcasts. At the present time, Cox does not encrypt any local channel, so you will be fine.

Now that everyone's had some time to view the new Cox channel lineup, whats the consensus view as to the quality of HD as compared to before the change? I know that I'm seeing more artifacts than I remember seeing before .

Well hot damn! While watching Eyewitness News this morning on Ch 708, I noticed that KLAS was broadcasting Dolby Digital 5.1. It looks like they upgraded their audio encoder for true surround sound....finally!

that's interesting, I wonder if the OTA broadcast is the same

That's great news. I've only been waiting for them to do this since 2002.

Now that everyone's had some time to view the new Cox channel lineup, whats the consensus view as to the quality of HD as compared to before the change? I know that I'm seeing more artifacts than I remember seeing before .

Same here... :(

Same here... :(
Shh, you might disturb vegggas's illusion that it's just as good. I respect vegggas's opinion on most matters and am grateful for his insider information, but his claim that the 3:1 HD channels look as good as those without additional compression simply doesn't bear out in reality. Cox is doing a better job than Comcast at maintaining some level of quality by matching up low-motion channels with high motion channels, but they still don't look as good as they did prior to the extra compression being applied.

Actually, they are not doing any 3 to 1 channels on new lineup yet. I just got into the diagnostics and scanned through all the current public HD channels and they are still at their 2-1 ratios in their same QAM locations as they were before (no change to old channels, just additions for new and changing the virtual channel table to reflect a different number in the lineup). Three of the 5 new HD channels are ALONE in their own QAM. Travel Channel, Science Channel, and Animal Planet are the only streams on each of their QAM carriers, so there is no sharing yet. USAHD and SciFi HD are sharing a 2-1 QAM channel. The bitrates are still low from the source material.

Please though, - Anybody with ANY VIDEO problems, specifically with the new channels, post here and descrbe what kinds of problems you are having. The massive upgrade to increase bandwidth is relatively finished on the cable to node to home side, but homeowners may have individual issues with their internal wiring or hardware trying to tune above 750Mhz. They are interested in getting feedback on those types of things. I think all of the new stuff will be on frequencies higher than 750 MHz and some homes may have internal wiring or equipment issues tunng that high due to attenuation of higher frequencies. The Cox supplied STB's have no problem with the higher frequencies, but other tuners might have problems.
vegggas

To those who are using free QAM direct, can you guys post which channels you are getting? Much appreciated. :)

...

vegggas, do you know if Cox has plans to ditch the analog channels any time soon? That would free up tons of space and allow them to increase the quality of HD channels they already carry and add a lot more.

eric are you talking about the analog channels that they push down the wire for non-digital subscribers?

I read somewhere on their site that they plan to keep those channels for 3 years after the Feb. '09 changeover. It makes sense, cable subscribers who only have TVs with NTSC tuner's wont even notice a difference...

...if you are talking about something else then nevermind :)

I would say at least 2012. If not later. MPEG-4, SDV and 1GHz can give Cox tremendous options as to not have to shut off analog channels.

Part of it will be the proliferation of Tru2Way boxes as well, if they get as cheap as $50, why not put them on all of your TVs. You'll even see TVs with Tru2Way built in, so that they're truly digital cable ready.

I think once the threshold is past 50% for T2W we'll see analog channels start to drop more and more. I don't know if we'll ever see the complete elimination of analog channels before 2015 (I can see the basic $10/mo 2-17 package staying analog for a while), but even removing 20 of the 70 analog channels is equivalent to 250 MPEG4 SD or 60+ MPEG4 HD channels.

The part of Tru2Way people aren't going to like is the monthly fees. People enjoy having all there TV's included with no monthly fees (they even advertise that on TV) and when it all goes digital that goes away.

Do you think there will be per tv monthly fees? It would be pretty crappy of cable companies to do that. Though it wouldn't surprise me if SA/Cisco and Motorola forced cable companies to pay for their system based on number of connections (T2W devices) instead of just a flat household fee.

Analog service should remain for quite a while, as others have said. Cox has already said they will keep analog until at least 2012. I would guess the main basic service would be re-evaluated at future dates to see which direction to go.
As for space, Cox has been spending the last several years upgrading their network to handle 1GHz or more of spectrum. currently, they are only using up to 750MHz with a few slots up to about 800MHz. With the transition to the nationwide services, there should be a lot of bandwidth available.
Per TV fees would only apply to services beyond analog service. As I see it, the data routers are liscensed for each digital device connected to the network. Your mac address is charged to connect to the digital network to get programming.
vegggas

So, based on the non-responses here, the new HD channels are perfect?
Usually people are clamoring here to complain about them, but it's absolutely quiet after two weeks.

vegggas

So, based on the non-responses here, the new HD channels are perfect?
Usually people are clamoring here to complain about them, but it's absolutely quiet after two weeks.

vegggas

As I posted previously, I am noticing more digital artifacting than before the change. Obviously I cant "prove" it, but my eyes aren't failing me yet. Its not enough for anything else but a slight annoyance at times. But, for the most part, everything is fine, but I continue to believe that D*'s HD picture is noticeably better. I have both services and if there's a show or game or event in HD that I want to watch on a channel carried by both, I generally choose to watch it on satellite.

I am finding on some hd channels that the picture goes on and off on some programming and commercials. The picture will go on and off every few seconds. Is anyone else experiencing this? It only happens on hd channels.

As I posted previously, I am noticing more digital artifacting than before the change. Obviously I cant "prove" it, but my eyes aren't failing me yet. Its not enough for anything else but a slight annoyance at times. But, for the most part, everything is fine, but I continue to believe that D*'s HD picture is noticeably better. I have both services and if there's a show or game or event in HD that I want to watch on a channel carried by both, I generally choose to watch it on satellite.

Specific channel examples? Are these new or existing channels? The existing channels were not changed, only that the STB was told to look them up using a different virtual number table. New channels were added above 750Mhz, where you might find that your cabling or home infrastructure is attenuating the signal as the frequencies used go higher.

vegggas

I am finding on some hd channels that the picture goes on and off on some programming and commercials. The picture will go on and off every few seconds. Is anyone else experiencing this? It only happens on hd channels.

Bad HDMI connection? Trying to use an "Auto Passthrough" connection (fixed is your friend) with mixed results? No problems noted yet here. needs more explanation.

vegggas

On all three of my DVR's, when I try to access Thursday's guide, I get the message "No Data Available". Nothing that is scheduled to record on Thursday is on the scheduled recordings list. All of the other days are fine, including the days following Thursday. Is anyone else having this problem?

Hask

Do you think there will be per tv monthly fees? It would be pretty crappy of cable companies to do that. Though it wouldn't surprise me if SA/Cisco and Motorola forced cable companies to pay for their system based on number of connections (T2W devices) instead of just a flat household fee.

Absolutely there will be a fee. T2W is the next generation of cable cards and they charge you for the card and make you get the digital gateway on each card.

I downloaded a file at home and got speeds that approached 2 MB/sec. That translates to a download speed of about 16 mbits/sec! Anyone else noticing a speed bump on their Cox HSI?

On all three of my DVR's, when I try to access Thursday's guide, I get the message "No Data Available". Nothing that is scheduled to record on Thursday is on the scheduled recordings list. All of the other days are fine, including the days following Thursday. Is anyone else having this problem?

Hask

Same thing here. It's happened for the past two Thursdays (possibly three Thursdays...can't recall, but it seems like it might have been) on my DVR STB. However, my non-DVR STB seems fine with Thursdays. Any solutions out there?

Update: The no data for Thursday is now appearing on my non-DVR SA4240. I am now going to record a remake of the Boomtown Rats' song entitled, of course, "I Don't Like Thursdays" for Cox's IPG. ;-)

1. I lost ALL my recordings even after the new HD channels and rescheduling them. Some of them were non HD channels even.
Not fun.

2. My HSI had a day of constant timeouts that i would have to reset my ip address in the command prompt window to remedy... now it is ok, but not much faster.

3. anyone notice they took out the notices for the new HD channels finally? That was so annoying.

Bad HDMI connection? Trying to use an "Auto Passthrough" connection (fixed is your friend) with mixed results? No problems noted yet here. needs more explanation.

vegggas

no, i think i know what he means... the HD programming goes in and out.

This happens on FOX more than any other channel. As fox broadcasts ALOT Of its commercials for Fox programming in HD, they will have the picture switch from HD to SD as they go from a commercial for a show like Prison Break (which is filmed and sent to the HD Box in HD) and then BOOM they go to SD for the local news channel's preview.

this happens during sunday night alot when the animated shows are all in SD (albeit with nicer color and picture) and you can catch them go from SD feed to HD feed... sometimes a few seconds of the show itself (not just the news teaser) is in SD. the change is dramatic.

Actually the picture goes to black and back to normal every 2-3 seconds. I am not using a hdmi cable

it goes completely black? then i think you need to check the connection coming into the box. i mean physically check that the coaxle (sp?) cable is tight and screwed into your box.

i had a problem with program guides and black channels displaying no video at all, and turns out i had a loose connection.

Will check the cable though this only happens on HD channels

Will check the cable though this only happens on HD channels

yes, and my problem only happened on certain high numbered digital only channels (like BBC or Discovery Times which do not have analog counterparts)... do give it a try, and let us know.

--

I AM HAVING ALL SORTS OF PROBLEMS WITH MY DOWNLOAD SPEEDS... anyone else?

i am located at charleston and jones.

yes, and my problem only happened on certain high numbered digital only channels (like BBC or Discovery Times which do not have analog counterparts)... do give it a try, and let us know.

--

I AM HAVING ALL SORTS OF PROBLEMS WITH MY DOWNLOAD SPEEDS... anyone else?

i am located at charleston and jones.

No problems here with download speeds. Does your signal strength possibly enter into this? Reason I mention this is that I had internet issues until a Cox installer came out and ran a dedicated line just for my internet and that cleared things up immediately. Also, helping on the TV end of things, he replaced connectors where needed and that greatly improved signal strength in regards to TV reception. Also, do any of your cable lines leading to any part of your house have direct exposure to heat and sunlight? Excessive heat can also be a culprit to sufficient signal readings.

Hope this helps.

right. i had 12 techs to my house in 8 months. it got so bad that they issued me a $250 credit for my problems.

I recently have noticed that the problem is springing up again. it may be time for a new router... but i have the healthy connection on a splitter which for about 5 months has been fine. maybe the splitter needs to be changed as well.

i will check it out later. seems to me though that in the very hot weather i tend to have issues as i did all winter long (colder/hotter... coincidence?)

Hi i m new to HDTV. I just bought a LN46A550 Samsung from Frys. i currently have COx cable basic package. I am kind of new to Electronic and digital world. What is the best way to hook up HD channels. I just need couple HD channels like news, discovery, sport.....sorry for the noob question.

right. i had 12 techs to my house in 8 months. it got so bad that they issued me a $250 credit for my problems.

I recently have noticed that the problem is springing up again. it may be time for a new router... but i have the healthy connection on a splitter which for about 5 months has been fine. maybe the splitter needs to be changed as well.

i will check it out later. seems to me though that in the very hot weather i tend to have issues as i did all winter long (colder/hotter... coincidence?)

Sorry to hear about all the issues you've had. The reason I responded with heat issue is that I noticed your problems seemed to start roughly in conjunction with our nice little heat wave. That was the same set of circumstances with my problems. Hope it works out for ya!

i called cox today to check on my bill. when the billing person asked if there was anything else, i opened up to her on how frustrating it was to call tech support and be told the problem was on MY end.

She looked at my account, and apologized for the issues. She gave me a $50 service credit on the internet which was her budget limit for credits, and she put me over to the tech department to a supervisor.

The supervisor told me that my levels were great. I explained all the problems, and she mentioned that these seemed extreme, and said that she would take the time to look into them.

After about 10 minutes, she noticed that a level from my HDDVR was excessively high. This she told me, leads to an unbalance for all my connections, which means packet loss for all my services - tinny phone syndrome/lost internet connection/artifacting on digital channels.

I have a service call for monday after 5pm. Will update more then.

i called cox today to check on my bill. when the billing person asked if there was anything else, i opened up to her on how frustrating it was to call tech support and be told the problem was on MY end.

She looked at my account, and apologized for the issues. She gave me a $50 service credit on the internet which was her budget limit for credits, and she put me over to the tech department to a supervisor.

The supervisor told me that my levels were great. I explained all the problems, and she mentioned that these seemed extreme, and said that she would take the time to look into them.

After about 10 minutes, she noticed that a level from my HDDVR was excessively high. This she told me, leads to an unbalance for all my connections, which means packet loss for all my services - tinny phone syndrome/lost internet connection/artifacting on digital channels.

I have a service call for monday after 5pm. Will update more then.

Great to hear you seemed to find someone with a clue. Good luck!

i called cox today to check on my bill. when the billing person asked if there was anything else, i opened up to her on how frustrating it was to call tech support and be told the problem was on MY end.

She looked at my account, and apologized for the issues. She gave me a $50 service credit on the internet which was her budget limit for credits, and she put me over to the tech department to a supervisor.

The supervisor told me that my levels were great. I explained all the problems, and she mentioned that these seemed extreme, and said that she would take the time to look into them.

After about 10 minutes, she noticed that a level from my HDDVR was excessively high. This she told me, leads to an unbalance for all my connections, which means packet loss for all my services - tinny phone syndrome/lost internet connection/artifacting on digital channels.

I have a service call for monday after 5pm. Will update more then.



Wow.. finally great service .....a $50 credit PLUS an actualy call back from a techie with an answer ! thats unheard of... I guess all those customer service commercials from D* paroding cable service are working getting their attention !

Wow.. finally great service .....a $50 credit PLUS an actualy call back from a techie with an answer ! thats unheard of... I guess all those customer service commercials from D* paroding cable service are working getting their attention !

Yea, not being a publicly traded company means CSRs can actually be nice to you and aren't pushing all sorts of garbage down your throat to increase ARPU.

Anyone hear of internet speed increases?

On my Business SOHO bill today it said my speed is going from 10/1 to 12/1.5 eff July 15. Are changes coming for residential internet subs?

Nevermind: found the info at DSLR (http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Faster-Cox-Speeds-Reach-More-Markets-95157) - those are Phoenix speeds, but I would expect a bump here, 6/512 and 10/1 should faster. I would assume 10/1 is going to 12/1.5, I guess 6/512 will go to 8 or 9 down and 768k up.

Hi i m new to HDTV. I just bought a LN46A550 Samsung from Frys. i currently have COx cable basic package. I am kind of new to Electronic and digital world. What is the best way to hook up HD channels. I just need couple HD channels like news, discovery, sport.....sorry for the noob question.
Welcome to the club.... To get the local OTA HD channels, all you have to do is plug the cable into the back of your TV and tune to the local HD channel (Fox for example is 5.1, PBS is 10.1, etc) and you will receive HD for the local channels. If you want anything other than the local channels you will have to $ub$cribe to Cox's digital service and rent a cable box; OR, if your TV has a cable card slot, subscribe and get a cable card.

Regards
MK

First QAM PBS (10.1) had audio only for a couple of days. Now it's back but Fox-HD (5.1) is the one doing it now. Has anyone else noticed? I guess I'll have to wait a couple of days.

...

Dead Remote Control

I have a Mitsubishi HD, DLP, TV model #52525.

The remote control turning the TV on/off and for controlling volume, contrast, brightness, format, etc has suddenly gone dead. Of course I put in fresh batteries, but that did not help. If I shift the device switch from the TV to my cable box, the remote control successfully changes the channel, but of course the other settings have nothing to do with the cable box and they remain dead.

Could this be a defect (not in the remote control) but in the remote sensor in the TV itself? If so, is it difficult and expensive to repair /replace.

Dead Remote Control

I have a Mitsubishi HD, DLP, TV model #52525.

The remote control turning the TV on/off and for controlling volume, contrast, brightness, format, etc has suddenly gone dead. Of course I put in fresh batteries, but that did not help. If I shift the device switch from the TV to my cable box, the remote control successfully changes the channel, but of course the other settings have nothing to do with the cable box and they remain dead.

Could this be a defect (not in the remote control) but in the remote sensor in the TV itself? If so, is it difficult and expensive to repair /replace.

http://www.replacementremotes.com/store/productdetailp.cfm?productid=11820 looks like a new one will set u back about $75...or the link also states that they will repair your original remote for $23 but who knows how long that will take.

http://www.replacementremotes.com/store/productdetailp.cfm?productid=11820 looks like a new one will set u back about $75...or the link also states that they will repair your original remote for $23 but who knows how long that will take.


I'm sorry. But it looks like you did not completely understand my previous post.

There is NOTHING WRONG with my remote control. The fault seems to lie with the remote SENSOR on the face of the TV. The crux of my question is about THAT device.

Thank You

I would check and see if your TV is still under warranty. If it is great if not look for a TV repair man and get a quote.

Hey word,
The remote sensor for Mitsubishi (and many other) projectors is usually behind the screen close to the light source so that when you point it at the TV, it goes through the screen, hits the mirror and bounces down and hits the sensor. It's usually a red or green three legged IR sensor on a small circuit board with a resistor typically with a single screw holding it in place and a two or three wire connector for removal. The sensor rarely fails, but it could become dislodged and pointed in the wrong direction or disconnected.
Try going directly to the front of the display and point the remote downward from the upper area of the screen to and hold the volume button to see if you get any response. Try other areas of the screen to see if it's an alignment issue. Either way, you could probably remove the front screen rather easily (usually screws behind a speaker grill and then lift up on the screen to pop it off the clips) and fix the problem if it's alignment related, or remove the tiny circuit board and take it to a repair shop if it doesn't work at all.
Or, peruse the display forums for similar issues.
good luck
vegggas

I heard the residential internet speeds are increasing this month. The premier 10Mb is supposed to go to 12/1.5 and so forth. don't know the exact date, but should be soon.

vegggas

Anyone enjoying the new HD channels? I shamefully admit to have watched a bit of WWE Raw on USA and ECW on Sci-Fi and they look decent, except for the strobes they use that wreak havoc on encoders. Some of the other series on USA (In Plain Sight) and postage stamped series on SCI-fi (Dr Who, Charlie Jade) look decent too.
I heard they are listening for feedack for the new channels from customers to see how their placement on higher frequencies are being recieved in homes. Depending on how many problems customers have, it will dictate the launch of all the other HD channels in the upper areas. I'm still seeing a lot of test channels and keep hearing of dozens of more launches, but the timetable is determined by how well the first set of launches are being percieved.

vegggas

Not real thrilled with how so many of the hd channels broadcast infomercials after midnight:(

I heard the residential internet speeds are increasing this month. The premier 10Mb is supposed to go to 12/1.5 and so forth. don't know the exact date, but should be soon.

vegggas

July 15th, at least for my Business account.

Anyone enjoying the new HD channels? I shamefully admit to have watched a bit of WWE Raw on USA and ECW on Sci-Fi and they look decent, except for the strobes they use that wreak havoc on encoders. Some of the other series on USA (In Plain Sight) and postage stamped series on SCI-fi (Dr Who, Charlie Jade) look decent too.
I heard they are listening for feedack for the new channels from customers to see how their placement on higher frequencies are being recieved in homes. Depending on how many problems customers have, it will dictate the launch of all the other HD channels in the upper areas. I'm still seeing a lot of test channels and keep hearing of dozens of more launches, but the timetable is determined by how well the first set of launches are being percieved.

vegggas

My biggest problem with the HD channels on Cox - I want more of them! They look great, when an HD source is broadcast. I am happy to have the new channels. One channel I would love to see is Fox Sports West HD. I come from So Cal and would love to see Angels and Lakers games in HD. If they could ever wrestle the NFL package from DirecTV, they would be darn near perfect for my needs...

Anyone enjoying the new HD channels? I shamefully admit to have watched a bit of WWE Raw on USA and ECW on Sci-Fi and they look decent, except for the strobes they use that wreak havoc on encoders. Some of the other series on USA (In Plain Sight) and postage stamped series on SCI-fi (Dr Who, Charlie Jade) look decent too.
I heard they are listening for feedack for the new channels from customers to see how their placement on higher frequencies are being recieved in homes. Depending on how many problems customers have, it will dictate the launch of all the other HD channels in the upper areas. I'm still seeing a lot of test channels and keep hearing of dozens of more launches, but the timetable is determined by how well the first set of launches are being percieved.

vegggas

I like them, although I'm not sure of the selections. Why Channels like CNNHD, BravoHD and VH1HD were not added first is what I want to know.

I heard the residential internet speeds are increasing this month. The premier 10Mb is supposed to go to 12/1.5 and so forth. don't know the exact date, but should be soon.

vegggas

THEY ARE ALSO INCREASING THE COST $3.00 PER MONTH, according to the fine print on the back of my last invoice.


"....however, the cost of doing business has increased. Effective with your next bill, the monthly fee for Cox Preferred High Speed Internet service will increase by $3.04...."

Anyone enjoying the new HD channels? I shamefully admit to have watched a bit of WWE Raw on USA and ECW on Sci-Fi and they look decent, except for the strobes they use that wreak havoc on encoders. Some of the other series on USA (In Plain Sight) and postage stamped series on SCI-fi (Dr Who, Charlie Jade) look decent too.
I heard they are listening for feedack for the new channels from customers to see how their placement on higher frequencies are being recieved in homes. Depending on how many problems customers have, it will dictate the launch of all the other HD channels in the upper areas. I'm still seeing a lot of test channels and keep hearing of dozens of more launches, but the timetable is determined by how well the first set of launches are being percieved.

vegggas

You mentioned before that you wanted feedback--I have been experiencing continued artifacting on HD channels, specifically Discovery, Food HD, USA and TLC. I don't notice it as much on ESPN or any of the locals. It does seem to be noticeably worse since the new channels were added. I was holding off on posting, thinking maybe it would go away after a month, yet it has not.

You mentioned before that you wanted feedback--I have been experiencing continued artifacting on HD channels, specifically Discovery, Food HD, USA and TLC. I don't notice it as much on ESPN or any of the locals. It does seem to be noticeably worse since the new channels were added. I was holding off on posting, thinking maybe it would go away after a month, yet it has not.

Your problem seems to be at your location, not with the transmission from Cox. Cox added the new channels at a higher frequency and from an alternate source and changed the virtual numbers for existing channels, so any channel you had before has not actually physically changed.
I would try a hard reboot first - Shut down the STB, then pull the power plug for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then, while holding down the power button, plug the power back in and continue holding the power button for about 30 more seconds. Allow time for it to fully power up and get it's IPG data for about 5 min and then test.
If that doesn't work, you may need to call in for service to get a better idea of what's wrong. You ay need a replacement STB or have a wiring issue in your home.

vegggas

I like them, although I'm not sure of the selections. Why Channels like CNNHD, BravoHD and VH1HD were not added first is what I want to know.

You will find all sorts of people who want differing channels for all sorts of reasons. I know CNNHD is available (I actually watch it from time to time), but maybe the local franchise people are FoxNews fans?:rolleyes:
If you want your voice heard, go to their website and make a request at http://www.cox.com/lasvegas/ChannelRequest.asp

vegggas

THEY ARE ALSO INCREASING THE COST $3.00 PER MONTH, according to the fine print on the back of my last invoice.


"....however, the cost of doing business has increased. Effective with your next bill, the monthly fee for Cox Preferred High Speed Internet service will increase by $3.04...."

I didn't see that fine print, I will have to find the statement and reread it.
Yep, 3 bucks for the top two tiers moving up to 12Mbps/1.5Mbps and 8Mbps/768kbps but the lowest service remains the same speed and price.

vegggas

Not real thrilled with how so many of the hd channels broadcast infomercials after midnight:(

That and the fact that only a small percentage of the content is actually HD and the rest is stretched or zoomed SD. We can only complain to the stations that do this, but I feel that those infomercials keep the costs down for the stations so that they don't pass the costs to providers, who then pass the costs down to end customers. I've never seen an infomercial on ESPN, but it's one of the most expensive channels out there and comes bundled with all of the ABC suite of channels. As for the zooming, my CRT based HDTV cuts off the top and bottom of those shows, and I could never even see the call in number if I wanted too. :D

vegggas

My biggest problem with the HD channels on Cox - I want more of them! They look great, when an HD source is broadcast. I am happy to have the new channels. One channel I would love to see is Fox Sports West HD. I come from So Cal and would love to see Angels and Lakers games in HD. If they could ever wrestle the NFL package from DirecTV, they would be darn near perfect for my needs...

We all want more! The latest changes they made seemed to have a big impact on the valley network and they are looking to work out any bugs before launching more channels. Since the new channels are on higher frequencies, there could be a lot of areas and homes where equipment is unable to correctly tune that high due to old legacy wiring, splitters, and home amps, etc.
As for additions, use the channel request link http://www.cox.com/lasvegas/ChannelRequest.asp and name your wanted channels, although I don't think we will ever see the NFL package due to the exclusivity clause and STUPID sports blackout rules.
Once I hear dates for the next round of channels, I will post back ASAP!
vegggas

My biggest problem with the HD channels on Cox - I want more of them! They look great, when an HD source is broadcast. I am happy to have the new channels. One channel I would love to see is Fox Sports West HD. I come from So Cal and would love to see Angels and Lakers games in HD. If they could ever wrestle the NFL package from DirecTV, they would be darn near perfect for my needs...

Do you have a clear view of the southern sky?

One phone call and you can watch all the games on FSN West, Prime Ticket, and CSN Bay Area in HD.