vegggas said,


"Complete threads about the Sony units are available in the HD recorders section"


Just where is that section? I can't find it.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=42

I know it's not supposed to be open to the general public, but I want (very badly) to go to the CES here in Las Vegas beginning on Jan 6.
Any suggestions????

You can go to CESweb.org and see if you can still register. If not I might have an extra badge.

Originally posted by Word Maestro
I know it's not supposed to be open to the general public, but I want (very badly) to go to the CES here in Las Vegas beginning on Jan 6.
Any suggestions????

Go to the CES website and register. Use a phony company name, but use your real home address. At this late time, you'll have to pick up your badge at the registration booths on the first day of the show. Make sure you bring your confirmation e-mail with you and a photo ID. It's pretty easy to get in. I go every year, but then again, I'm the president of my own "company". ;)

I was part of the Cox Cable/TiVo "Beta Test" a few years ago before Cox foolishly decided not to integrate TiVo's software into the DVR they would eventually choose. Having just started my HT install, I picked up the 8000HD box a few days ago.

It's a damned shame that Cox is providing such a beautiful picture to such a piece of clunky, freaking junk. But, it's the only way to record in HD...for now. The damned thing wasn't smart enough to figure out that it was recording two copies of the Survivor finale the other night.

TiVo, Inc. had better make a nice announcement about HD TiVo at CES or I'll tell them that they are "fools" to their faces. I would gladly pay $5 more per month to rent a HD TiVo-enabled box from Cox and they could sure use the revenue. I just hope the (eventual) HD-TiVo doesn't cost $900. (and when is TiVo going to offer "on demand" content like they demoed two or three years ago?)

I'm thoroughly enjoying the content provided by Cox. INHD and PBS HD rock! I don't know why the electronics stores in town don't show the INHD channels as demos. Boohbah actually looks fantastic, too, and I'm looking forward to watching The Desert Speaks episodes that I've recorded.

Originally posted by bruin95
Go to the CES website and register. Use a phony company name, but use your real home address. At this late time, you'll have to pick up your badge at the registration booths on the first day of the show. Make sure you bring your confirmation e-mail with you and a photo ID. It's pretty easy to get in. I go every year, but then again, I'm the president of my own "company". ;)

They have, in the past, also required a business card to match your "company". I'd usually print something up at home and take it in. The folks passing out the badges don't pay too much attention to it. Anyone else from here going to the show or the AVS party?

I will be attending CES. This is about the 15th or 16th show I've attended, and I look forward to it every year. There's always something great to see.

I picked up an 8300HD unit today! Supposedly everything is enabled, including SATA, HDMI, and Firewire but I can't confirm this yet. There is, however, NO SUPPORT if they are turned on as they are not officially recognized and supported. Until further notice, W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G.! There are minimal quantities right now of the SD and HD units, with more coming in after the first of the year. Recording is EXACTLY the same as with the 8000, so there is no change in the way recordings are done.

There have been reports in other areas that the 8300 has a better component output than the 8000. Most of those areas have problems with memory management and multiple hardware platforms. If anyone wants to participate in a clarity comparison test, here is what I have done lately. As a standard point of reference without test screens, I use NBC's "The Tonight Show" backdrop as a clarity test. With the current 8000, I can clearly see the "ONE WILSHIRE"and "UNIVERSAL"signs behind Jay's desk. Since this is the same for my OTA receiver, I can use it as a comparison across various cable and OTA STB's. Some TV's can't resolve those signs on the buildings, so an increase in resolution can't really be seen. Clarity around the E in One and the W in Wilshire helps to define the (non-technical) clarity and resolution. Tonight, I'm recording the same thing on both units to pause and do A/B comparisons for several programs. Photos may be available later, depending on the outcome.

For more information about the 8300 as it will be used here in Vegas, you can check out this thread "SA8300HD tips & tricks - SARA (Cox Cable) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4682052#post4682052) . Phoenix is in the same grouping as Vegas and shares many of the same software and services.

I was also told that DiscoveryHD will be included with the Digital with HD package along with the INHD's, ESPN and the locals for no extra charge starting mid February. This is also the time, when we could see new channels added, but there are no specifics yet.

vegggas

Got my 8300hd today and YES..Passthrough works fine!

Will get back to everyone as I test new features

So can just return my SA 8000HD and pick up the 8300 at the Cox office? Are the 8300 available for distribution yet? I understand from of the threads that the 8300 does not suffer as badly from audio drop outs as the 8000.

Any word of the 8300 MultiRoom?

Is the picture quality any better on the 8300HD over the 8000HD? It would be my only reason to exchange. My D* HD receiver blows the 8000HD away as far as picture quality goes.

8300 local notes.
These are available to the general public (both the SD and HD versions). There were not enough during earlier testing, so I got one through normal channels when they were available. It appears that the 8000HD's are all in use and these are the replacements.

No MultiRoom Support until later in the spring or summer. First field trials have started, in specific markets on specific systems. Look for it a few months after TWC or Comcast start rolling it out. There ARE screens for it in the diagnostic pages, but this is the wrong piece of hardware.

Passthrough mode is still the same as the 3250 and 8000 (temp) versions. I still don't like it at all and prefer changing resolutions manually when I want. This is a more useful feature for sets that can accept 720P and 1080i, and want to easily switch between the two natively (I'm 1080i only). When viewing 480i, content, I still use the fixed widescreen resolutions that keeps the signal in a 4x3 window, that my set can stretch, zoom or process as needed.

Audio dropouts, IMHO are the same as before. I've never had too many problems, but I switch to "other" for non-Dolby Digital signals so that the pro-logic circuitry takes over and sounds better than the fixed 2.0 DD audio. Still have intermittant problems with ABC and sometimes ESPN with DD.

Picture Quality looks to be about the same, maybe a bit better. It's hard to tell right now, but I'm recording reference material on both units to do A/B comparisons. I'm making some configuration changes to my system, and I want wait to do direct comparisons. I also need to test the HDMI on some digital systems once my HDMI to DVI cable comes in.
First impression over component video is that it does appear to have better color saturation, and less "fog effect". I'm not sure if the resolution is higher, or better, but that is TBD. People in Houston, with TWC and HDnet have been able to do resolution tests and have seen a major difference. They have always complained about the 8000 PQ, but it has been attributed to the sharing of video memory with other supported products. Here in Vegas, PQ has been much better overall on the HD STB's, comparable to OTA recievers and other sources. If you were not getting an HD signal of the locals off the STB that looks like an OTA STB signal, then you may have some settings wrong in your 8000.

vegggas

As the audio dropout problem is still the same with the 8300 boxes and passthorugh is not enabled it appears that there is no advantage for me to switch out my 8000 box for a 8300. In my opinion the HD picture on the 8000 is fine and about the same or better than my previous SA 3100HD.

My only complaints are the audio drop out problem and lack of native passthrough. I cannot watch movies that I have recorded off HBO, Cinemax or Starz in DD without the drop outs. If I switch the audio digital setting to "other" the dropouts do not occur, but I lose Dolby Digital sound. The only other thing I would like is native passthrough so all the processing is done by the Faroudja chip in my Samsung DLP set.

Is HDMI/DVI enabled on the 8300 available in Vegas?

Passthrough IS available! I just don't use it because I don't like the way 480i is handled. For 720p and 1080i, passthrough is fine.

AFAIK, HDMI is active. I am waiting on my HDMI to DVI cable to arrive for testing. When going through the audio settings, thereis Other, Dolby Digital, and HDMI (HDMI audio is automatically selected, based on the device it is attached to).
I only get minimal audio dropouts on Dolby Digital movies, and typically none at all. This is with both types of boxes. My biggest problems are with ESPN and ABC. I also get dropouts on CBS if Dolby is selected and they broadcast Prologic. I would need more time to do dual recordings to find something with audio dropouts that can be verified on either one or both units to determine if there is any difference.
As I have mentioned before, my dropouts are minimal on most sources. I keep my dynamic range on both the STB and receiver set to normal and all analog audio set to fixed (analog audio is converted to digital PCM stream when Dolby is not available) and have had good results. Another factor appears to be digital signal levels staying better than -3db on the channel you are recording and a S/N ratio above 27 to eliminate retransmission attempts.

vegggas

vegggas:

So if I take my 8000 box to the Cox office will they switch it out for the 8300? I would like to have passthrough as well as HDMI/DVI.

They should switch it out, but depending on who you get or where you go, it could vary. I actually never switch out STB's. I always get a new STB and compare it with all my other STB's. Then after a month, I may take one of them back, or keep it for another TV. This gives me time to actually evaluate and compare the different STB's at my leisure. The rental price is worth the knowledge and satisfaction in being able to do accurate comparisons.

vegggas

Just picked up an 8300 from the Rancho office. I had my 8000HD with me even though I was planning to ask about keeping both so that I could compare (as Vegggas suggested). When I asked about the 8300 the CSR at first said they did not have any in stock, but may be getting some soon-even later in the day. I then asked her if I needed to bring back my 8000 if I was planning on keeping that one also (for a month while I tried out the 8300). She said she would have to check with a supervisor and went in the back. When she returned, she said she found an 8300 and that I could get that and also keep the 8000HD and I would be charged prorated rental for a month or whatever part of a month I kept it.

When she added it to my account she said she noticed that I did not have Discovery HD and she said she would just add it for me at no charge for a year. She said it was a "current promotion." She also seemed to know that Discovery HD was going to be free (as part of the HD tier) in February anyway as Vegggas previously posted. So if you don't have Discovery HD now and you are swapping out your box, you might as well ask about this promotion. Of course you may get a different answer depending on the CSR...

I did take the 8300 home and had to call in to activate. First CSR couldn't get it activated and wanted to send out a tech. Since this exact same thing happened to me with the 8000 box I told them no thanks, hung up and got another CSR who knew what they were doing and it activated right up. Did not have a chance to do any critical viewing, but through compenent it certainly looked as good or maybe even a little better than the 8000. I am going to have to find an HDMI cable to see if that will make a difference also. If anyone knows where I can get one locally at a reasonable price <$50, please post or PM me. It seems that all the stores only carry Monster and I do not want to pay $120 for a 6 foot cable.

The only other thing I noticed after activation is that it seems that this box defaults to 1080i fixed only. Evidently all of the other resolutions are disabled by default. So I guess I will have to go in to setup to enable the 480i and 720p also, since my display will handle those also. There was no insturctions as to how to do this that came with the box, so I guess it would be the same as the 8000HD and other boxes.

I will post more observations after I have had a chance to do some A/B comparisons with the 8000HD.....

Again, thanks to Vegggas for keeping updated with all the news.......


Keith

Does anyone know if KLAS (channel 8) has the equipment to send out DD 5.1?

I just picked up a Sony KP-51WS520 about a month ago that has the HDMI input. If I were to exchange the 8000HD for the 8300HD, and use the HDMI cable....Would the TV follow the native resolution of the broadcast like a pass-thru situation? Or would the TV stay locked at 1080i? I realize that I would first have to enable the other resolutions in the STB menu.

And of course, I would love to find out if the picture quality is indeed better with HDMI vs. Component.

Hey there, I'm looking at moving in sometime in the next year (yes, I know, "go away, it's hot/full" :) but have a Cox question.

I'm looking at their page and the information on VOD relates only to ordering pay per view movies. Is this all you have in the VOD system? I'm currently getting cable from Comcast's Bay Area and although we've had VOD for less than 10 days we have a ton of free programming from major networks and some speciality VOD-only networks.

I know this isn't necessarily HD related but VOD is the first place I tend to go now when I lookat the HD lineup and see nothing's on.

I'm looking at their page and the information on VOD relates only to ordering pay per view movies. Is this all you have in the VOD system?

With Cox's VOD service (called EOD, Entertainment On Demand), you'll have access to PPV, of course. If you subscribe to the premium services of HBO, Cinemax or Starz, you'll receive a pretty decent selection of EOD selections for each respective service included at no extra charge.

As far as totally free content....it's pretty lame IMO. Just a few "Behind The Scenes" featurettes from Cox's PPV line-up. They did feature extensive free political archives, such as the debates before the election. Hopefully, they'll implement more free basic cable or network EOD programming to entice more people to convert to digital cable.

I did have a question about EOD... but never got around to calling COX and asking them... I have HBO, Showtime, & Starz and saw EOD available on some of the premium channels...

If you already subscribe to the premium channel is there an extra charge for the EOD channel?

Thx,

Steve

If you already subscribe to the premium channel is there an extra charge for the EOD channel?

No....it is included.

This morning I woke up to chs 3,5,8,13 not working on my DigiCable box, but just fine everywhere else. It seems the digital simulcast is down.

No problem in my area. Maybe they were fixed before I turned on the TV? Are they still down for you?

EOD question: Be sure you choose the appropriate subscription package when using EOD. All the selections are grouped together, and the top, first choice is "Movies on demand, which is PPV movies. The selections below it are from HBO, MAX, and STARZ on demand. These selections are included free with your subscription to those services.

Dave - Regarding the HDMI passthrough. Passthrough will work over component and HDMI. With the HDMI, the TV set sets the parameters for what it will accept, but you still have to enable all resolutions on you STB.
I am still in the middle of exhaustive testing of the 8300 vs the 8000 as well as comparing and testing the HDMI out vs component on various displays. Initial results do not show much, if any, difference between them all. Look for final results with supporting data, by the end of the weekend.

vegggas

Yea they're still down, looks like its time to call Cox up... my cablemodem still works so I was doubtful it was signal strength issues... guess not.

I just unplugged the box and plugged it back in and now I get the channels, but it takes 2-3 seconds to acquire picture and sound.

Originally posted by Demodave
As far as totally free content....it's pretty lame IMO. Just a few "Behind The Scenes" featurettes from Cox's PPV line-up. They did feature extensive free political archives, such as the debates before the election. Hopefully, they'll implement more free basic cable or network EOD programming to entice more people to convert to digital cable. Argh! How unfortunate. Our VOD only just launched and we get tons of free content from Discovery, National Geographic, A&E, etc with minimal commercials.

It appears that the LA Lakers/Miami Heat game is not in HD on 13.1. Lame! It has been so long since I watched a sports event in SD that I had forgotten how bad it is.

It is sad to go from ESPH and the Detroil/Indiana game in HD to this big Christmas game and have it be crap visually even thought the game appears to be a great contest.

Heck even the weekly games on the NBA ticket and mots of the NFL ticket are HD these days.

Oh well, what can we expect from ABC.

Perry

That's strange. I watched the second half of the Pacers/Pistons game and none of it was HD. Just the ESPN sidebar presentation. Anyone else?

And yes, it was very disappointing for ABC to run such a marquee matchup in SD this afternoon.

I have DirectV so ESPN and ESPH are on different channels and the ESPH feed is always in hi def and excellent quality at that. I have noticed that the cameras mounted up in the stands (for basketball) don't have great signals but all the courtside stuff does.

Long way to say I got the Pistons/Pacers game in hidef.

Perry

Originally posted by pkincy
I have DirectV so ESPN and ESPH are on different channels and the ESPH feed is always in hi def and excellent quality at that.
Long way to say I got the Pistons/Pacers game in hidef.

Perry

No. You are absolutely wrong. ESPN-HD isn't "always in hi-def". The Pistons game was not in HD.

Haven't read all of the thread, but have browsed quite a bit. Considering getting a ATI HDTV card this weekend, anyone with good results in Vegas with it? I'm over on Boulder and Flamingo, not sure what to expect - but hey, Frys will take it back if it completely sucks.

- Steve

I am switching to DishNet and need ant. for local HD channels. Located near Buffalo/Cheyenne NW. Will the sat dish "clip on" type ant. work for HD or will I need to install say a Terk 55? Suggestions appretiated.

DishNet receiver model #6000HD or the newer one.
Using component NOT DVI
50" Pio Plasma.

Originally posted by sheriffwoody
I am switching to DishNet and need ant. for local HD channels. Located near Buffalo/Cheyenne NW. Will the sat dish "clip on" type ant. work for HD or will I need to install say a Terk 55? Suggestions appretiated.

DishNet receiver model #6000HD or the newer one.
Using component NOT DVI
50" Pio Plasma.

Theoretically, you could use a coat hanger to receive HD signals. You do not need any "fancy" antenna to receive digital signals. I live in The Lakes area and used a clip-on antenna on my dish until Cox started providing HD network feeds and I went over to that. The antenna worked fine, most of the time. Try some inexpensive rabbit ears and see if that works. There is no need to spend alot of money on an antenna to receive digital signals. I would not buy a Terk 55, it's a total waste of money.

Aren't HD signals (OTA) received by roof top or rabbit ears set-top antennas, line-of-sight signals? I know that SD (analog) signals are surely line-of-sight. But I'm not certain about an HD digital signal.

Originally posted by sheriffwoody
I am switching to DishNet and need ant. for local HD channels. Located near Buffalo/Cheyenne NW. Will the sat dish "clip on" type ant. work for HD or will I need to install say a Terk 55? Suggestions appretiated.

DishNet receiver model #6000HD or the newer one.
Using component NOT DVI
50" Pio Plasma.

Hi I live almost right next door to you!! Cheyenne and Durango. I tried the dish mount and got all but PBS and ABC oh and UPN didn't come in either, I then went to Ratshack bought one of the traditional outdoor ants and placed it on the roof just set it there, got everything fine in daylight but lost PBS and UPN at nightfall. Then I put it on a mast at about 20 feet and woooshhh great for all channels all the time!!!

Originally posted by sheriffwoody
I am switching to DishNet and need ant. for local HD channels. Located near Buffalo/Cheyenne NW. Will the sat dish "clip on" type ant. work for HD or will I need to install say a Terk 55? Suggestions appretiated.

DishNet receiver model #6000HD or the newer one.
Using component NOT DVI
50" Pio Plasma.

Try the antenna selector at www.antennaweb.org

Mr. Perry Kincy has no idea what he's talking about.

It sounds like he's been sold a "bill of goods" by some oversealous salesman eager to make a sale.

Originally posted by Elstevo
Haven't read all of the thread, but have browsed quite a bit. Considering getting a ATI HDTV card this weekend, anyone with good results in Vegas with it? I'm over on Boulder and Flamingo, not sure what to expect - but hey, Frys will take it back if it completely sucks.

- Steve

Tell me how the ATI HD Wonder card works out for you... I am by Flamingo and Ft. Apache.

I have a Happauge TV tuner card in my Gateway 901X, which I have been considering replacing with the ATI HD card. I cannot add the card as all of the slots in the computer are full. I do have the ATI 9800 Pro for a video card and that is one of the supported cards, so I will be interested in hearing how the setup works out for you.

Thanks again,

Steve

Ok, so I bit the bullet and went with Cox for HD. I am currently receiving all movie channels in HD, and I must say that I am impressed with some of their content, like LOTR.

Funny thing, as soon as I get it set up, I tune to Discovery HD and we start watching some show about ocean life. I lean over and ask my wife what she thought on the quality, and her reply was "It's too clear, it's hurting my eyes!".

After 30 minutes of rolling on the floor, I was able to get up. That was the best laugh I've had in years...

Side Note - Anyone notice on channel 13's broadcast of the Rose bowl that the picture seemed to jump 2-3 pixels vertically sporadically? I use 1080i, and maybe it's because of the 720p content, but it was annoying the crap out of me. It was also happening on the Utah game.

If you didn't get pummelled for that reaction you are a blessed man, indeed; having a wife that humorous........any more like that still back in the nest?;) Where DOES one find such a woman?

Originally posted by trevor_2k
Side Note - Anyone notice on channel 13's broadcast of the Rose bowl that the picture seemed to jump 2-3 pixels vertically sporadically? I use 1080i, and maybe it's because of the 720p content, but it was annoying the crap out of me. It was also happening on the Utah game.


If you were watching channel 13, you weren't getting any HD at all.
I assume you meant 732. Please be more accurate and precise.

Yes, Maestro. The HD broadcast of channel 13 is on 732. For those without cox, I left it stated at channel 13 since the problem could have been seen by those with OTA setups.

My buddy is sick of OTA-HD through his crappy little antenna and want to do a roof mounted antenna. Does anyone have a recommendation for an installer? Thanks!

Originally posted by Tallen234
My buddy is sick of OTA-HD through his crappy little antenna and want to do a roof mounted antenna. Does anyone have a recommendation for an installer? Thanks!

I'm looking for one as well! Please let me know if you hear of anyone.

Try this guy for your installation needs............

Bruce -- 702-339-6857

He has helped me with D* AND E* installations... he is very experienced and fair.

Steve

Thanks Steve, I just called him. Seems very knowledgable.

He did ask about whether the CCRs will allow an antenna. I need to check.

Does anyone know if the Summerlin West CCRs allow for antennas?

THanks

Originally posted by Tallen234
Thanks Steve, I just called him. Seems very knowledgable.

He did ask about whether the CCRs will allow an antenna. I need to check.

Does anyone know if the Summerlin West CCRs allow for antennas?

THanks

I would doubt it (although I don't know for sure). I mean, these are the same HOAs that don't allow artificial turf, regardless of the quality...

Gog to www.fcc.gov Download the "OTARD" rules. Show these to your CCR Nazis. It is against Federal law for them to prevent you from installing an off air antenna 12' high or less, or a dish 1 meter in diameter or less for the purpose of receiving TV signals. This applies as long as it is mounted on your home or the part of a condo you own. The FCC will fight on your behalf if they challenge you.

Originally posted by hdtvxpert
Gog to www.fcc.gov Download the "OTARD" rules. Show these to your CCR Nazis. It is against Federal law for them to prevent you from installing an off air antenna 12' high or less, or a dish 1 meter in diameter or less for the purpose of receiving TV signals. This applies as long as it is mounted on your home or the part of a condo you own. The FCC will fight on your behalf if they challenge you.

Very cool. And very appropriately named (CCR Nazis).

Even though they cannot deny you my HOA wanted me to submit a plan to the Architectural committee anyways.

I am using an "in-attic" antenna with excellent results and I am at Flamingo and Ft. Apache.

Steve

What "in attic" ant. are you using?

Sorry I do not remember the model number...

I believe it is a Winegard antenna....it looks like a "wing."

It does have a pre-amp included with it.

Attic is a "real pain" to access or I would go up and look at the number. If I can find the info in my previous emails (i got the recommend from antenna web, back when the recommended specific antenna's [about 6 years ago]).

Now days I hear good things about the SharpShooter antenna, but I believe it is for digital signals only.
Steve

Originally posted by Word Maestro
If you were watching channel 13, you weren't getting any HD at all.
I assume you meant 732. Please be more accurate and precise.
Easy dude, don't be so pious. My HD is OTA so its Ch 13, oh wait 13-1. I am sure there is some other digital designation for the Ch number but we all know what he meant.

Yes, 102.3 is also an acceptable designation for ABC (HiDef).

Is 102.3 the QAM designation? And also it seems that 13s hi def stuff suffers more audio drops for me than other stations.

Yea that is the QAM designation.

As an update, more programming from our local ABC affiliate, KTNV-DT. a Journal Broadcast Corporation station, which broadcasts HDTV signals on channels 12, 13, 732, 102.3, as well as others, continues to suffer from the vertical movement that I described earlier.

I've mostly noticed it during football games, the whole picture will "jump" a few pixels vertically. I last saw it during Sunday's football games. Has anyone else noticed this?

Trevor - I haven't noticed that problem since ABC first went on the air and over cable, so I can't comment on your current situation. At the time I was using the 3100HD box, and a Samsung OTA STB and the station was going through a lot of growing pains. With the 8000HD and 8300HD DVR's, I tend to analyze the recordings of Lost and other programs fairly hard and have not noticed that problem.
You seem to notice it on live broadcasts only though. I wonder if could be a West Coast network feed issue? What kind of STB's are you using, and is this on your Mits set?

On another unrelated note... Checked out the FREEZONE on VOD that was just added on Cox. They have the StarWars EP3 trailer and Nintendo DS premier event If anyone is interested in those types of things. No HD available, but some are interested in this stuff anyway...


vegggas

I am very much looking forward to HD EOD. Especially for the HBO series to catch up on a few episodes.

Vegggas, now that you have had the 8300 for a while, do you see any benefit for someone with the 8000HD to switch (I do not have DVI, nor 720p).

Also, does anyone know if Cox will carry ESPN2 HD? They just started broadcasting....

Originally posted by Tallen234


Also, does anyone know if Cox will carry ESPN2 HD? They just started broadcasting....

Very good question. I dont know, but it seems like they should...since they carry espn hd and all the other espn channels. Hopefully it'll show up sometime soon.
jb

Sorry if this is off topic,
After using the 8300HD for over a month now and talking to the SA reps at CES there is a known software glich, after pressing fast fwd 3 times (fastest speed) the picture will freeze for various length of time and then resume. Also the picture quality is very choppy during this scan mode, I don't remember it being this bad with the 8000HD, I mentioned this to SA at their booth and they seemed to agree it needs to be improved along with a much faster FFWD. I wish Tivo would expand from the satillite market and produce something that would work seamlessly with the cable Tv operators. Tivo's new box blows Cox DVR away. Much more fluid operation and and nicer looking GUI! SA's DVR is looking pretty dated. I guess I'll just have to wait and see if they take any of my suggestions.

.......Lonnie..........

Lonnie,
I don't know if you heard about TiVo's announcements at CES but they were showing an HD TiVo made for Cable Cards. It has two Cable Card slots and a fairly large hard drive. They claim it will be out by early next year, so if you are willing to pay for it you just have to wait.

-Gergg

KLAS is now in Stretch-O-Vision! Don't the folks who make these decisions realize that HD Set owners can choose that mode if they wish to? While we're hoping KTNV would get rid of it, KLAS sneaks it in! I am verrry disappointed!

londawg..........

Yes, the DVR's built by Dish and the Cable folks like SA, do not have nearly the software sophistication of a Tivo or ReplayTV device. As Tivo had long ago gone into a marriage with D* I (who have owned Replay units for 5 years) had always hoped that Replay would work out a deal with SA or Dish.

However, it seems the Cable companies and Satellite companies are moving farther away from Replay and Tivo. DirecTV is bringing out their own PVR this summer that will not use Tivo software. I suppose this is all in an effort to control costs, so they do not have to pay a royalty for the more sophisticated and superior software that Tivo and Replay use..... of course once you have used the more sophisticated software, it is a real pain to go backwards to what is basicly a VCR with a hard drive!

Steve

Indeed Steve, I opted for a SA (stand alone) Tivo over a SA (scientific atlanta) 8000 PVR. The tivo is light years beyond the SA8000 with the exception of the dual-tuner issue. Luckily the stuff I record is on at like 2AM so I dont have to worry about conflicts.

Yes I am a bit psycho... as I have three Replay units and two DirecTivo 2's.

There are things I like about both (two tuners on the Tivo we love... the guide on Tivo is better, but I like being able to stream from one Replay to the other and I can set up a record over the internet on my Replay as I travel for a living), using a Dish or SA DVR is like reverting to the stone age.

Sorry wrong thread for this type of whinning...........

Steve

Answers to questions...
ESPN2HD - No official word from Cox Corporate on carriage. As of now, I think only two providers have made announcements, but neither have started broadcasting. Winter channel changes are coming up soon and I hope to have more information.

8300HD vs 8000HD DVR's - I like the 8300 better. It fits better in my rack, and has a bit clearer picture (not higher resolution, just cleaner). I saw virtually no difference between HDMI and Component out, and I still don't use the passthrough feature. A note about HDMI/DVI conversion. If you use a DVI input, you are really limited to about 4 meter length to maintain 1920x1080 resolution, and that HAS to be done with a dual link cable. As you go past 4 meters, copper cable can't pass the the higher resolutions adequately. At 6 Meters, the resolution drops a bit, and by 10 meters, you are less than 720p resolutions. For longer runs, component is still best. I will get some better facts together and post a separate thread with specific lengths and resolution limitations later.
I also confirmed the 8300 FF issue londawg mentioned and talked to SA about it. It can happen anytime you press the FF buttons at an irregular pace on the second and third forward speeds.

HD EOD is on the horizon - or so I'm told. Don't hold your breath...

KLAS stretch-o-vision? I never saw anything other than 4x3 SD material. Recheck your display, or press the zoom/stretch button on your SA STB remote until it goes back to normal.

Tivo functionality. There are more enhancements coming from SA and the IPG server software. The keyword search function is already enabled in the SA software in the EOD interface here in Vegas, but the IPG doesn't support it yet. Season pass manager and scheduling priority may also come along soon. SA is aware of the software limitations between MSO's, and is trying to incorporate as many features in their software updates as possible, however it will take the upgrading of various dependent software from other vendors to incorporate into a usable feature.

HiHoSteve, I hear ya. I use those features with my Replays too, but have rarely used them since getting the 8000, and never since getting the 8300.
I have to switch to them to see if they are still recording once in a while or check the messages. I use them as backups, but rarely use them anymore.

vegggas

I hooked up a Replay for a friend of mine this past weekend. This was the first time I have used the unit at all and I've had the SA 8000 for a few months now.
The Replay was a pain to set up with the digital SA 3100 box. I had to set it up using the cable mouse to the IR. It would take between 5 and 10 seconds for the Replay to send the signal to the box to change channels. Picture quality seemed to degrade a bit too by adding another component into the chain. The lack of a second tuner was also a bummer. I did like Replays software more than SA's, slicker and easier to use.
Voom had their HDPVR's at CES saying they'd be available in March. I may think more about them then.

Pat

Last night's David Letterman was in Stretch-O-Vision. It wasn't my settings. I'm using a Dish Network 811 OTA tuner going into a SD big screen.

Originally posted by gworkman
Last night's David Letterman was in Stretch-O-Vision. It wasn't my settings. I'm using a Dish Network 811 OTA tuner going into a SD big screen.
Actually, I just watched last night's CSI: NY off the DVR. The show was 4x3 until the last 7 minutes. The screen then flashed and went to stretch-o-vision for about 15 seconds, then to full HD. This was right before the news, so maybe they had a problem last night. Seems ok now, so it may have been just a glitch.

Max,
The Replay is MUCH better when just using the internal tuner or as a standalone device. This is the reason everyone wants a cablecard enabled Tivo or Replay DVR.

vegggas

Could someone please tell me how to get the local HDTV signal for FOX
television in Las Vegas? If it is even available. Thank you.

I lock-in KVVU-HD on channel 09 on my Dish ATSC tuner.
We need to get you hooked up for all the HD football, especially the superbowl in HD on Fox!

I use an outdoor antenna UHF/VHF with Yagi elements pointed at Black Mountain near Henderson.

Vegggas- I am using the 3250HD with my Mits. I was thinking that it was something with the live network feed as well. I haven't had much time to watch programming recently, but I'll try and find the next live HD broadcast on ABC to check it again.

Originally posted by pgboo
Could someone please tell me how to get the local HDTV signal for FOX
television in Las Vegas? If it is even available. Thank you.


Subscribe to Cox Cable.

End of problem.

Originally posted by Word Maestro
Subscribe to Cox Cable.

End of problem.

Or proper alignment of your OTA antenna. I'm using an indoor antenna and I have to aim it one way to get NBC, FOX, ABC and a couple others. Move it 45 degrees, and I get CBS. Still no PBS. Once I get an outdoor antenna I should be able to get them all.

Also, the OTA Fox is the way to go if your display can do 720p natively. My TV upscales to 1080i (as does the SA 8000, correct me if I'm wrong, veggas) and cuts off the whole border of the program. My PJ does 720p, and everything is correct. I didn't really notice it until I watched 24 last week and I could only see about a quarter of the Fox logo on my TV, but the full logo and then some on the PJ.

Pat

Originally posted by maxthesilent
Also, the OTA Fox is the way to go if your display can do 720p natively. My TV upscales to 1080i (as does the SA 8000, correct me if I'm wrong, veggas) and cuts off the whole border of the program.


You can set the SA 8000 to do 720p. You just have to do manually. You can set it up to output anything your TV can display. I just leave mine set to 1080i because my TV cannot output 720p.

Originally posted by Word Maestro
Subscribe to Cox Cable.

End of problem.

Why buy the overpriced monopolist poor-customer-service cow when you can get the milk for free?

Do any sports books show the Super Bowl in HD in Las Vegas?

Poor fella, you should really get it set up at your house :( There's still time :)

I'm all set up with HD at home, but my yearly tradition is to go to LV for the Super Bowl. I'm looking for a place on the Strip that I can catch the game in HD. Seems so easy, as the game is free over-the-air. But I have yet to catch the game at a sports book in LV in HD during Super Bowl weekend....

They sure had a heck of a nice setup at MGM Grand in a theater when I was there for divisional playoffs during CES in 2001. Surely they have some type of HD projection there by now.

I remember a story from last year that the NFL shut down a casino that was charging people to come & watch the SB on some huge screens. Apparently there is a rule or law that says you can't charge people to watch an NFL game if it is shown on screens larger than x" Does anyone remebr that story? Pretty funny I thought since they had sold a lot of tickets and were told a few days before that they were SOL.

ralph you are right. Big squabble over that and it may be an issue again this year from what i hear.

You can probably find an HD broadcast on the strip pretty easily but you may have to shell out a few bucks.

Originally posted by jb1219
ralph you are right. Big squabble over that and it may be an issue again this year from what i hear.

You can probably find an HD broadcast on the strip pretty easily but you may have to shell out a few bucks.

That was the whole point of the story last year. Casinos CANNOT charge the public to view the Super Bowl, whether in HD or not. I have no idea which sports books will show the Super Bowl in HD but, rest assured, it will be free.

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knows whether our local Vegas Cox Cable has activated DVI or Firwire on our SA3250 HD boxes?

Before I buy cables to try out DVI or Firewire on my Mits, I wanted to see what you guys have to say. (I dont dare talk to a CSR at Cox :)

In addition, does anyone know what the latest firmware we should have? I just recently looked at the diagonistic screen and all of the dates mentioned were early 2004.

Thanks in advance.

The screen size limitation is 55" for replaying copyrighted broadcasts w/o permission from the owner. I believe it was started because Palms wanted to have the game on their Imax theater screen and charge $45 back in 2004. And the NFL wont give anyone permission to display it on a larger screen because they're a bunch of babies who want most everyone to sit in Jacksonville and hang out outside the stadium while the game goes on (since there is such a finite amount of tickets for the SB).

And Shreve, check out vegggas's 3250HD thread..

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=346428

Door,

I did check out his tread, maybe not all 500 pages though :)

Anyway, most of the posts are not specific to our town. So I figured one of my fellow locals could give me the scoop.

Cheers

Off to GVR

Originally posted by Shreve
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone knows whether our local Vegas Cox Cable has activated DVI or Firwire on our SA3250 HD boxes?
Before I buy cables to try out DVI or Firewire on my Mits, I wanted to see what you guys have to say. (I dont dare talk to a CSR at Cox :)
In addition, does anyone know what the latest firmware we should have? I just recently looked at the diagonistic screen and all of the dates mentioned were early 2004.
Thanks in advance.
AFAIK,
DVI and Firewire were activated early last year on the 3250HD STB's. DVI usually works on Mits TV's, but keep the length at a max of 4 meters for best compatibility. Typical TV's will stop transmitting the handshake return when off, so you will have to figure out your own on/off sequence for your setup to get the handshake to re-init and work correctly.
Firewire should work for 5C compatible D-VHS archiving purposes (those programs not flagged as copy never), but not very ideal for trying to view HD content live. If your Mits is CRT based, component will provide you the best overall picture.

vegggas

I haven't seen any sportsbooks setup for HD yet, but then again, I haven't seen them all. There is a limit on the size of display (55") and viewership rights for public and non-public audiences as already mentioned. Chances are slim that any casino will publicly announce an HD telecast to get viewers, unless they get written (and paid) permission from the NFL.

vegggas

Starting THIS weekend, has their been any improvement in dropouts or tiling on programs recorded (or live) since Friday on your DVR's?

There was a network upgrade done Friday Morning that was supposed to help quantify the digital streams from the source to all the nodes. This was done to improve and confirm digital stability. Any problems at this point should be either network feed glitches or considered local issues.

Let me hear if you are getting any sound dropouts on Dolby Digital or video tiling on programs recorded since Friday.

thanks vegggas

Fox isnt on the Cox HD lineup, huh? I went to go surf around for Fox HD on the QAM channels and couldnt find it...

here is what I found...
102.03 ABC
102.05 NBC
103.01 CBS
103.02 PBS

Originally posted by vegggas
Starting THIS weekend, has their been any improvement in dropouts or tiling on programs recorded (or live) since Friday on your DVR's?

There was a network upgrade done Friday Morning that was supposed to help quantify the digital streams from the source to all the nodes. This was done to improve and confirm digital stability. Any problems at this point should be either network feed glitches or considered local issues.

Let me hear if you are getting any sound dropouts on Dolby Digital or video tiling on programs recorded since Friday.

thanks vegggas

I watched a SD program recorded on Friday night this morning (Sunday). It had video tiling about every five minutes. This is strange because this is the FIRST time I've seen this on a SD recorded program. Usually, this only happens with HD recorded programs. I have never seen this tiling on an SD recording until this morning.

Originally posted by doormat
Fox isnt on the Cox HD lineup, huh? I went to go surf around for Fox HD on the QAM channels and couldnt find it...

here is what I found...
102.03 ABC
102.05 NBC
103.01 CBS
103.02 PBS

Fox HD is on the lineup at 723Mhz on QAM 106.3. You need to rescan your system to find it. It is about 50Mhz above NBC, so all your wiring and equipment should be rated at least at 860MHZ to not drop off the higher frequencies.

vegggas

Yea, I just rescanned this morning before the game... I'll go double check 106.3.....

"The program is scrambled and can not be watched"

I thought Cox doesnt scramble the local stations?

Fox is there, and it looks good. I wonder what equipment you are using to tune the channel? If it's PC based, I wonder if there is a flag on the signal that prohibits non-compliant tuners from displaying? If you still don't have anything, try again later tonight. Cox is not scrambling the content from local providers, but they are passing any broadcast flags the stations or networks carry and you know how finicky the NFL is about copyright...

vegggas

Its my TV, a Mitsubishi WS 55513. Quite odd I cant see it... I'll check again later, and I'll see if the CBS game up next is scrambled as well...

Yea, CBS (103.1) came in just fine, Fox (106.3) still shows up as scrambled... When I get more time I'll look into it more.

Vegggas,

Thanks for the info.

I'm thinking of buying a D-VHS (If I can find one for cheap), so I appreciate you letting me know that firwire should work on our box.

In addition, I wont bother with the DVI based on your recommendation.

Did anybody notice that both episodes of "Law and Order" on Saturday on NBC (Cox 733), and tonights movie "Bridget Jones' Diary" were NOT in Widescreen?

I called Cox about it on Sat. night and got the usual BS.

Originally posted by Word Maestro
Did anybody notice that both episodes of "Law and Order" on Saturday on NBC (Cox 733), and tonights movie "Bridget Jones' Diary" were NOT in Widescreen?

I called Cox about it on Sat. night and got the usual BS.

NBC did not broadcast those programs in HD. That's why it wasn't widescreen. Cox has nothing to do with it.

Fox's Digital channel popped up on the screen today on ch 125 just like NBC's Digital channel on 123. It looks to be the 5.2 channel that Fox is broadcasting OTA. This is a different carrier than the ch 5 and ch 735 versions.
The State of the State address to air tonight at 6:00.
vegggas

Originally posted by vegggas
Starting THIS weekend, has their been any improvement in dropouts or tiling on programs recorded (or live) since Friday on your DVR's?

There was a network upgrade done Friday Morning that was supposed to help quantify the digital streams from the source to all the nodes. This was done to improve and confirm digital stability. Any problems at this point should be either network feed glitches or considered local issues.

Let me hear if you are getting any sound dropouts on Dolby Digital or video tiling on programs recorded since Friday.

thanks vegggas

My wife tells me the American Dreams from last night was unwatchable there was so much tiling and so many dropouts.

I was watching that Numb3rs show after the playoff game last night and it was pretty bad at times also.

I haven't had too many problems until recently. I'm going to reboot tonight and see if it helps.

I just picked up an 8300HD DVR box this past Thursday and have noticed nothing but great playback for me. No tiling issues that I've found. This includes Saturday night's PBS-HD "Austin City Limits", Sunday's ABC-HD figure skating, 3 different HD CSI's as well as various SD programming. I haven't noticed any audio issues, either.

FWIW:

A Tweeter store has opened in Las Vegas, I just got a flyer in the mail today. Its at the corner of Charleston and Ft Apache/Rampart, in the Boca Park plaza.

Veggas,
I too have noticed the tiling and audio dropout issues here in Vegas and was not sure if it was a local thing or not.. I have watched a couple of shows taped since Friday night, (CSI, 24, and a couple of movies) and still see the tiling and dropouts.. Is this something that the 8300 will fix? (since I am still using the 8000HD) I noticed the Cox was offering the new box, but other than HDMI/DVI output, was not sure what else the box does that would make the switch worthwile.. Please let me know what you think..

davelite@davelite.com

I am seriously considering swithcing from Direct tv to Cox, mainly because I do not want to pay a ton of dough for the Tivo HD receiver. I am currently using a samsung ts-360 for my hd, with an ota antenna, which gives me pretty nice pictures. A couple of questions:
With Cox's hd package, do you have to subscribe to hbo to get hbo hd channel?
Can I have multiple dvr's? I want to put the hd dvr on my main system, with a regular dvr on my other two tvs.
Can someone give me a estimate of their monthly charge, so I can kind of gauge what mine might be? The website is confusing as to what exactly you need to subscribe to. My calculations say about $107 a month for what I have described.
Any other thougths from those who have switched are appreciated. Thanks.

To answer the prior poster: I have had both boxes (8000 and 8300) and the tiling and dropout problems on record material only is about the same (which is usually fairly infrequent for me, and not too bad). I never have these problems on live material. My signal levels now run about +5-+8db depending on the channel - they run a little lower in the summertime, but never below zero. Anyway these problems are minimal and sometimes even non existent. In over six months, I have had only one program recorded (a movie) where the problem was really bad.

That said, and to answer Vegggas's question, I have noticed a DIFFERENCE in recorded shows since last Friday, but it is probably too early to draw any real conclusions. On a couple of shows (Tonight Show HD from Monday night), and one other movie (Starz) I saw now problems whatsoever. On a few other programs (EWF/Chicago concert, Sportscenter, and another movie-I think on HBOHD) I have noticed that now instead of the rare "tiling" problem, I will now get a pause in the recording at times, and I will miss what seems to be a few frames and then the recording will start back up again. One time when it started back up the audio was out of sync (this was on Sportscenter). Stopping and restarting put the audio back in sync though. This pausing problem NEVER happened prior to Friday on any recordings, so it does seem to be related to whatever "upgrades" or changes they did Friday night. It's hard to say whether this pausing problem (which sometimes does have a slight tiling problem when resuming play), will be any worse than the infrequent tiling problems of the past. Overall, for what I am paying for rental of these boxes based on what I would have to shell out for a DirecTV Tivo DVR ($1000), I am very happy with the overall quality of the 8300. At least Cox realizes that there are problems in recording their HD streams to DVR and they are trying to do something about it. Hopefully they will not give up...

Keith

Originally posted by LVKeith


That said, and to answer Vegggas's question, I have noticed a DIFFERENCE in recorded shows since last Friday, but it is probably too early to draw any real conclusions. On a couple of shows (Tonight Show HD from Monday night), and one other movie (Starz) I saw now problems whatsoever. On a few other programs (EWF/Chicago concert, Sportscenter, and another movie-I think on HBOHD) I have noticed that now instead of the rare "tiling" problem, I will now get a pause in the recording at times, and I will miss what seems to be a few frames and then the recording will start back up again. One time when it started back up the audio was out of sync (this was on Sportscenter). Stopping and restarting put the audio back in sync though. Keith



I do not have the 8300HD yet, but have experienced the recording "stoppage" problem several times with recordings. This behavior has happened over the last several months. The pauses last about 2-4 seconds on average and when the recorded program resumes, the audio is out of sync for just a few seconds before everything goes back to normal. This behavior can happen several times during a hour long recorded program or not at all. I just assumed it was a problem with the signal strength of the channel at the time of the recording. I have learned to live as it seems to be an intermittent problem, at least for me.

Keith,
I still use both HD DVR boxes, and never had a tiling problem. I did have the occasional Dolby Digital dropout, where my receiver would take a second to drop back to prologic before reacquiring the DD stream. After the upgrade, I have yet to see an audio dropout of any kind. The pausing in the video you mention, has happened to me a few times, before and after the upgrade. It appears to not be in the stream, but that the DVR was doing something weird. I can go back and rewind and the problem is gone.
One thing you and I both have in common is a good signal. I typically have around -1db to +3db for all my channels. Tiling now is a sign of a break in the stream, to much attenuation, or local RF noise issues. Most, if not all tiling issues, will be localized in the neighborhood or home.

Fastnee,
Cox doesn't really have an "HD package" for sale. If you have a digital plan, and rent an HD STB, you will get the local HD channels, INHD1 & 2, ESPN, and DiscoveryHD Theater included. HBOHD is part of ther HBO subscription pack with the whole 12 HBO movie channels (including HBO on-demand) and can not be purchased seperately. The same goes for each premium service - The premium/movie channels will not allow any provider to sell them al-la-cart.

Dave,
I like the 8300 better. They both do the same basic thing, but there are some subtle improvments on the 8300. It will not improve any tiling or signal issues, but does have a slightly better picture in terms of color and crispness. I have not been able to determine a resolution increase, but the signal looks sharper, almost like edge enhancment is being used. I feel the component is equal to the HDMI output for CRT based systems, and may be only marginally noticiable on Digital sets. I feel that if you want to switch, you will probably like the new box. The only problems are finally clearing off your old box's recordings and dealing with Cox to swap STB's. Best solution is to get the new one and keep the old one for a few weeks to compare and finish off your old recordings.

vegggas

Originally posted by vegggas
Keith,

Cox doesn't really have an "HD package" for sale. If you have a digital plan, and rent an HD STB, you will get the local HD channels, INHD1 & 2, ESPN, and DiscoveryHD Theater included.

Since when has DiscoveryHD been included with the HD digital service? I thought it cost $5 a month extra. If I tune to the channel it says I'm not authorized, yet I get every other HD channel.

Originally posted by bruin95
Since when has DiscoveryHD been included with the HD digital service? I thought it cost $5 a month extra. If I tune to the channel it says I'm not authorized, yet I get every other HD channel.
Actually I went back and reread my original post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4831338#post4831338) about DiscoveryHD being added to the basic digital lineup in Mid February. I just recently thought it was the start of February that it was to be added, but made a small mistake in the timeframe. So it will be free within a few weeks. Most new subscribers over the holidays are getting it already from the "free HD for a year" promo with local retailers. All this information was from the flyers in with the past cable bills.

vegggas

I called Cox to get a regular DVR box for the kids (we fight to much over what gets recorded) and was told only one DVR per household until further notice. Seems like there is a shortage of hardware locally.
Oh well..beat the kids, give Cox more money....what a dilemma

PT

Discovery HD is free now, but you will probably have to call in and ask for it. I got it for free when I picked up my 8300 box in late December - the CSR just added it for me - I didn't even ask for it. Since then I have called and the CSR I got on the phone confirmed that it is "free for a year" now, and will be "free for everyone in the near future".

Actually I had posted this a few pages back, but it was in the middle of the post and may have been missed.

Keith

Ok, I could be going crazy, but here is what happened last night.

My SO and I were watching Desparate Housewives that we recorded. I was recording Alias and West Wing (both were on at 9:00). She became very tired halfway through Desp. Housewives and decided to go to bed. I paused the D. Housewives and went to watch Alias on Channel 732 and rewound to the beginning of the show. When it hit 10pm, I got the typical stop, as Alias in "real time" was over. So, when I went to my list of recorded shows, Alias was not on my list!!! Both D. Housewives and West Wing were still there, but no Alias. This was very very weird.

Anyone experiencing anything like this?

Good News. It looks like the recent Beta testing was good. Cox pushed out the newer software versions for the 8000 and 8300 for a larger test to finalize a public release soon. With the new release for the 8000, it dramatically improves the look and feel of the unit and has the same build and information as the 8300 (without the hardware changes of course). If anyone is only mildly considering changing out the 8000 for an 8300, but dosen't want to go through the hassle, wait for the upgrade. The 8000 software will be effectively the same as the 8300.
Improvements on ALL DVR's will be DVI functionality, native mode passthrough capability, HiDef flag recognized in the IPG, improved HDCP handling (EPN and Broadcast Flag control parameters added too), smoother user GUI control and smoother/improved playback etc.
No ETA on exact release dates, but it should be within weeks, if not sooner, based on the second round of testing. I still estimate mid Feb as a general release date for a lot of their changes and programming, etc.

vegggas

Originally posted by Tallen234
Ok, I could be going crazy, but here is what happened last night.

My SO and I were watching Desparate Housewives that we recorded. I was recording Alias and West Wing (both were on at 9:00). She became very tired halfway through Desp. Housewives and decided to go to bed. I paused the D. Housewives and went to watch Alias on Channel 732 and rewound to the beginning of the show. When it hit 10pm, I got the typical stop, as Alias in "real time" was over. So, when I went to my list of recorded shows, Alias was not on my list!!! Both D. Housewives and West Wing were still there, but no Alias. This was very very weird.

Anyone experiencing anything like this?

WOW! I thought I had erased Alias! My girlfriend was home watching the end of Lost when the notice popped up saying Alias was going to start soon. She watched WW and jumped back and forth between that and Alias, which showed recording. When I went to watch it Thursday night, Alias was mysteriously gone. I thought she or I had mistakenly erased it, but maybe not. I wonder if the fact that Lost has been running long, sometimes to 9:03, throws the box off by not letting it record 3 shows at once. I blame the Rambaldi device!

As for my 8000 box, I've had a real bad time in the past couple weeks with it not syncing when I stop FF. It takes 5-10 seconds to recover, but by then I've rewound and forced it to fix. Maybe the firmware update will fix this.

Pat

Maybe I am not crazy after all!
;)


Originally posted by maxthesilent
WOW! I thought I had erased Alias! My girlfriend was home watching the end of Lost when the notice popped up saying Alias was going to start soon. She watched WW and jumped back and forth between that and Alias, which showed recording. When I went to watch it Thursday night, Alias was mysteriously gone. I thought she or I had mistakenly erased it, but maybe not. I wonder if the fact that Lost has been running long, sometimes to 9:03, throws the box off by not letting it record 3 shows at once. I blame the Rambaldi device!

As for my 8000 box, I've had a real bad time in the past couple weeks with it not syncing when I stop FF. It takes 5-10 seconds to recover, but by then I've rewound and forced it to fix. Maybe the firmware update will fix this.

Pat

It wasn't until after I set up an install with DishNet did I find this forum. Unfortunate for me. I had Cox HD with a 3250 box and was happy. But stupid me wanted more. I had Dish installed but realized at the last second that it was going to be nearly impossible to get ALL of the HD locals OTA. I picked up my 8300 from Cox and I am thrilled! I am locked into a contract with dish but I guess I will pay the $30 per month basic just because I have too. Sucks to be me!
Anyway, THANK YOU VEGGAS! I am taking a guess that you work for Cox and I think the customer service he brings is great!
I called Cox and the CSR told me Discovery HD is only free if I buy a HDTV from RCWilley>>> Does that sound right, or should I call again?
What neat features should I experiment with on the 8300? I am running a Pio 50" Plasma with Component for now. What does the native mode pass-through capability benefit? and how does it work? How many GIG storage is the 8300 and can I add more? Why is the menu so slow when dealing with the On Demand channel? So many questions.....

-Dave

Last night, a friend of mine bought a JVC surround system that includes a 5-Disc DVD player, AM/FM, and DD and DTS processor along with the speakers. I picked up a generic Radio Shack branded 4-foot optical cable to patch the 8000HD DVR to the DBS optical input.

It works....but the Dolby Digital continually loses sync, no matter the channel. It won't stay locked for more than a few seconds. If I swith the Audio setting on the 8000HD from Dolby Digital to Other, it locks perfectly with no dropouts. But then it runs in PCM mode with no 5.1 surround.

What do you think the problem may be? Should I upgrade to a Monster Cable optical cable? Or is the RF signal level possibly too low to lock in the DD, but fine for the PCM (Other) track? He experiences great video on all HD channels with no real tiling problem.

Any ideas?

PS
I noticed that Ch 129 is now running a digital simulcast of Ch 13's programming. ABC News Now seems to be gone. This is obviously a change made by KTNV, because the very faint KTNV-DT bug is still in the bottom left corner.

Had a tech come due to my tiling and skipping problems that started about two weeks ago. My signal was good so he ended up replacing my box. Haven't had a problem since. Only bummer was he didn't have any 8300 boxes so I had to get another 8000 and I still lost all my recorded shows.

LVKeith- I too called in to receive DiscHD for free, and they transferred me to the retention dept since the first CSR had no idea. The lady in the retention dept said that it is free as of 2/17/05.

Anyone able to get it added free yet?

It must have been a fluke that I got it added for free in December. Like I said, I didn't even ask for it the CSR just added it for me when I exchanged my 8000 for an 8300, and at that time she said it would be free for everyone "soon" anyway. Since then I have received a bill and verified that I am receiving it free (she added it with the special code noting free for one year). I guess some CSR's were doing this for existing customers and Cox put an end to it - Who knows??? I guess 2/17 is not too far away to wait - just hope they don't go up on prices for other services.......


Keith

Originally posted by Demodave

I noticed that Ch 129 is now running a digital simulcast of Ch 13's programming. ABC News Now seems to be gone. This is obviously a change made by KTNV, because the very faint KTNV-DT bug is still in the bottom left corner.

ABC News Now is shut down. I see it as a good thing. Now the non-hd stuff can be seen without stretch-o-vision.:)

Originally posted by LVKeith
just hope they don't go up on prices for other services.......


Keith

Keith,

FYI, Cox Las Vegas has a "Price Freeze" till sometime in 2006.

Lonnie

I jumped into the HD world at the first of the year. I got a new SA 3250 STB. With Cox, I now receive DiscoveryHD free for a year and HD HBO & Cinemax free until March. When the HBO & Cinemax expire, I want to renew them for a monthly fee of course. Can I only purchase particular HD channels and at what cost?

This morning I was able to swap my 8000HD for a brand new 8300HD STB.

Not many hours have past since I installed it, but my initial impressions are very positive. Analog, Digital and HD pictures all look sharper, with more vivid color, and less background crap (of which there really really wasn't much with the 8000HD). I haven't made any recordings yet. But at this point I am well satisfied.

I sent the following pm to Vegggas yesterday.

"As you may have already learned I got hold of an 8300HD, and am well satisfied by the picture (Analog, digital and HD). But when going to "settings" and then to "Picture format:, the choices are;

1. Upconvert I
2. Passthrough
3. Fixed
4. Upconvert 2

Since the unit comes with no definitive operating instructions, I wonder what will be obtained by activating any/all of the choices?

Thank You in advance.

Word Maestro"

Mr. Vegggas advised that I search the threads for an answer. I don't have time ro search 94 pages of posts. If anyone else can answer it would be most appreciated. Thanks!!

Word...............

The following was obtained after a 20 second search........

Output Mode Explanations:
FIXED- Displays all content at whatever resolution you selected, based on what you selected in the wizard. You force the output to a single output and the box scales to that input. Easily changed in the settings menu of the box. Although all the options WERE available during my beta testing, ONLY this mode is currently available at the time of this writing. I'm told they will enable the other modes in a future update. UPDATE AUG 31 - Passthrough and Auto DVI are in wide Beta release in SanDiego and select beta testers nationally
PASS THROUGH- Passes the input signal through to the output with no change, unless you disable certain resolutions. For example 480i in to 480i out, 480P in to 480P out, 1080i in to 1080i out, 720P in to 720P out. If you disable 720P, 720P in will go to 1080i out.
AUTO DVI- If you are using the DVI port, you will see this option instead of the Pass Through option. Resolution is automatically formatted to the scan rate supported by the TV. DVI not available until Sept/Oct. UPDATE AUG 31 - Passthrough and Auto DVI are in wide Beta release in SanDiego and select beta testers nationally
UpConvert 1 - All 480i and 480P signals get upconverted to 480P. All 720P and 1080i signals get upconverted to 1080i.
UpConvert 2 - All 480i and 480P signals get upconverted to 480P. All 720P and 1080i signals get converted to 720P.

Originally posted by Word Maestro
Mr. Vegggas advised that I search the threads for an answer. I don't have time ro search 94 pages of posts. If anyone else can answer it would be most appreciated. Thanks!!
I said to look at the FIRST post of ANY hardware link in my sig. Everything you ever needed is there, and more, all in ONE dedicated place.

vegggas

Originally posted by Demodave
Last night, a friend of mine bought a JVC surround system that includes a 5-Disc DVD player, AM/FM, and DD and DTS processor along with the speakers. I picked up a generic Radio Shack branded 4-foot optical cable to patch the 8000HD DVR to the DBS optical input.

It works....but the Dolby Digital continually loses sync, no matter the channel. It won't stay locked for more than a few seconds. If I swith the Audio setting on the 8000HD from Dolby Digital to Other, it locks perfectly with no dropouts. But then it runs in PCM mode with no 5.1 surround.

What do you think the problem may be? Should I upgrade to a Monster Cable optical cable? Or is the RF signal level possibly too low to lock in the DD, but fine for the PCM (Other) track? He experiences great video on all HD channels with no real tiling problem.

Any ideas?

PS
I noticed that Ch 129 is now running a digital simulcast of Ch 13's programming. ABC News Now seems to be gone. This is obviously a change made by KTNV, because the very faint KTNV-DT bug is still in the bottom left corner.

Had the same problems as you are. Its not your optical cable as long as its locked in plce good and has no kinks or breaks. COX spent one solid week with a big truck outside my house and couldnt fix the problem, tried several boxes from them etc.. they did all kinds of line checks. So I was no real help to you but I did drop them and went OTA.

Originally posted by speco2003
Had the same problems as you are. Its not your optical cable as long as its locked in plce good and has no kinks or breaks. COX spent one solid week with a big truck outside my house and couldnt fix the problem, tried several boxes from them etc.. they did all kinds of line checks. So I was no real help to you but I did drop them and went OTA.

Pardon this very un-tech sounding guess, but could it be a difference in transfer rates between audio and video? I know that's a very basic statement, but I've had a similar problem with a DVD player in the past. The audio would not sync with the video for about 5 minutes if I left it alone, or I could mess with FF or REV and get it to click in. When I asked the manufacturer about it, they said that the audio transmission rate could not keep up with the video transmission rate, and it was a bug they were working on. They said the transfer rates were not equal between the component video transfer rate and the coaxial digital rate. Could it be a bug in the box?

I agree could be a bug in the box, in my case they must have gave me 4 boxes with bugs. It was really frustrating. Anyway I do get great internet service from them.

[quote]...in my case they must have gave me 4 boxes with bugs.[\quote]

What do they do with all the boxes they get back that people return due to one "bug" or another? Do they send them back to SA or "recylcle" them to redistribute to another customer? If one goes down to the Cox office to exchange boxes, will they get new one in an unopened box or a unit that may have been returned by another customer for some reason?

Only one of my returns I did at the Rancho office and it came in a new sealed box. The others came from the service guys truck so I dont know about those.

Maybe you can request at 8300 to see if that helps?

Within the last three years I have "swapped" boxes at the Valley View office three times. Each time I received a brand new unit in a factory sealed box. The first time I swapped was because I wanted a DVR, the second time was because of "bug" development, and the third time was because I went "HD".

No problems swapping in any case.

read this in USA Today paper:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2005-02-10-fcc-multi-usat_x.htm

"The FCC also unanimously decided that cable companies don't have to carry a broadcaster's main analog and digital channel at the same time. That affirmed a tentative ruling and was less controversial.."

So, I wonder what Cox will eventually do about their plans to "digitize" the local analogs?

Also:

"Cable companies are not required to carry the multiple digital TV channels that many local stations are broadcasting..."

I haven't read or heard of any of our local stations digitally broadcasting any extra content...have any of you with OTA digital tuners picking any "extra" programming locally that isn't already on Cox cable?

Originally posted by gvc
read this in USA Today paper:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2005-02-10-fcc-multi-usat_x.htm

"The FCC also unanimously decided that cable companies don't have to carry a broadcaster's main analog and digital channel at the same time. That affirmed a tentative ruling and was less controversial.."

So, I wonder what Cox will eventually do about their plans to "digitize" the local analogs?

Also:

"Cable companies are not required to carry the multiple digital TV channels that many local stations are broadcasting..."

I haven't read or heard of any of our local stations digitally broadcasting any extra content...have any of you with OTA digital tuners picking any "extra" programming locally that isn't already on Cox cable?

Cox Las Vegas already "digtizes" the local analog channels for 3, 5, 8, and 13. People with digital service and digital STB's get the simulcast digital signal instead of the analog. This has nothing to do with carrying a local stations digital SD version of the signal they send out OTA, but those are also carried on 123, 129, etc.
The multiple channels that local broadcasters have can be things like weather radar, ABC news, etc. Cox was carrying most local multiple feeds, except for PBS. The WB has been demanding carriage of the entire OTA spectrum too, even though they lease it to USDTV here. The biggest problem is that stations will not seperate their multiple streams and send just the main feeds. Instead, they send all the streams and they have to be "cherry picked" out.

vegggas

On that subject, sort of, does anyone have any clue when we will get UPN, WB and TNT in HD on Cox?

This "on demand" service is the best thing to come to cable! I may never go back to DTV. I hope they do HD soon.

Plus the SD from ON Demand looks better than the digital feeds from the premium channels.

All we need now is HD "on demand!"


Originally posted by foghorn2
This "on demand" service is the best thing to come to cable! I may never go back to DTV. I hope they do HD soon.

Plus the SD from ON Demand looks better than the digital feeds from the premium channels.

I have also noticed some audio synching problems on my 8000HD. In my case, I'm pretty sure it has to do with the video processing in my high-definition TV (Samsung HLP6163W). Basically, the TV takes longer to process the video than the receiver takes to process the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio (the video contains tons of more information which needs to be processed). So, I hear the audio a fraction of a second before I see the corresponding video (driving me nuts, BTW). This happens with DVDs, as well, but I think it's worse with the 8000HD.

The solution for me is going to be replacing my existing receiver for one which has a global digital delay feature built in. This way, I can delay the audio to match up with the video. The Yamaha HTR5750 that I'm eyeing has this feature and can delay the audio by up to 160ms. I'm hoping that's enough.

I don't think buying higher-quality cables will have any effect. I'm pretty sure, when it comes to digital, it either works or it doesn't work...there is no inbetween.


Originally posted by Demodave
Last night, a friend of mine bought a JVC surround system that includes a 5-Disc DVD player, AM/FM, and DD and DTS processor along with the speakers. I picked up a generic Radio Shack branded 4-foot optical cable to patch the 8000HD DVR to the DBS optical input.

It works....but the Dolby Digital continually loses sync, no matter the channel. It won't stay locked for more than a few seconds. If I swith the Audio setting on the 8000HD from Dolby Digital to Other, it locks perfectly with no dropouts. But then it runs in PCM mode with no 5.1 surround.

What do you think the problem may be? Should I upgrade to a Monster Cable optical cable? Or is the RF signal level possibly too low to lock in the DD, but fine for the PCM (Other) track? He experiences great video on all HD channels with no real tiling problem.

Any ideas?

PS
I noticed that Ch 129 is now running a digital simulcast of Ch 13's programming. ABC News Now seems to be gone. This is obviously a change made by KTNV, because the very faint KTNV-DT bug is still in the bottom left corner.

Originally posted by gergg
On that subject, sort of, does anyone have any clue when we will get UPN, WB and TNT in HD on Cox?
No idea when TNTHD will be available, but WB is a Sinclair owned station wanting a corporate deal for $0.50 per basic subscriber to re-broadcast their signal. They just made a deal with Comcast for the "Big Game" for Fox owned stations, but apparently didn't get what they wanted in terms of money. There may be a stalemate until they enforce must carry rules once the analog signal is gone unless they come back with another deal.
UPN - They are still not broadcasting HD AFAIK, and have sold their bandwidth to USDTV, so it doesn't look like they will go HD anytime soon.

I had an email over the weekend from someone who told me that Cox now has over 25000 HD subscribers here in Vegas. Last I heard back in August or September, it was around 12000. With that much HD growth, I can only see good things in the HD future...

vegggas

UPN doesn't have a digital signal. How can they sell their bandwidth?

KVWB OTA HD is unwatchable. The sync on audio video is off by at least 1 to 2 seconds. Their digital signal on SD programming is synced closer, but is not right either.

Emailed Channel 4 San Diego about showing the Padres in HD in '05....they replied back that Cox Las Vegas is not interested in picking up those games this season. So I requested the Cox LV to pick up the games this season...hopefully others will request it as well.

OH NO!! ...yes we need to get the padres back in HD!

Why would Cox NOT be interested in HD baseball? It doesn't make sense. I guess that's why they don't have TNT-HD, or ESPN2-HD, or Universal HD, or HDNET. I could go on and on. I guess Cox thinks no one is "interested" in these services.

Originally posted by bruin95
Why would Cox NOT be interested in HD baseball? It doesn't make sense. I guess that's why they don't have TNT-HD, or ESPN2-HD, or Universal HD, or HDNET. I could go on and on. I guess Cox thinks no one is "interested" in these services.

As vegggas has stated before, I don't think that it is lack of interest that Cox has towards these channels more than it being a matter of planning and logistics for them. I believe we'll eventually see a great majority of HD offerings (especially sport-oriented channels as that is the engine that is driving HD in the first place) as Cox is able to put it on their scheduled channel additions.

I've done my part as an HD citizen and e-mailed Cox Las Vegas concerning Padres baseball in HD. I hope there was a misunderstanding in communication with the San Diego channel 4 folks. I'd hate to not see Padre games this summer as they have become my second favorite team! Now for my first favorite team (Cubs) to allow their HD broadcasts to be sent via satellite. As of now, it is only a local Chicagoland offering. :-(

On another note related to the 8300 DVR...is there any way to watch a show that is being recorded from the beginning without having to resort to excessive rewinding? Also, any ideas on how to avoid being "kicked back" to the beginning of a show once you are watching an actively recorded show that has just ended in real time?

Thanks!

Originally posted by JoustGod


On another note related to the 8300 DVR...is there any way to watch a show that is being recorded from the beginning without having to resort to excessive rewinding? Also, any ideas on how to avoid being "kicked back" to the beginning of a show once you are watching an actively recorded show that has just ended in real time?

Thanks!

this is something i've been wondering also! i think i've tried everything. i resort to "excessive rewinding" more often than not.. seems like a relatively easy fix to the software

Just an FYI. Cox Las Vegas responded to my query about the hi-def Padre games:

"There has been no formal announcement if the games will be carried but
your request has been forwarded to our Marketing Department."

Seems ridiculous that Cox would not carry the games. It would be different if they were buying the programming from Fox Sports, but this is a Cox produced product. Furthermore, because of the ridiculous MLB territories, if Cox does not produce, there is no way to get Padres games in Vegas. It's bad enough they won't sign up the Giants, A's or DBacks...come on Cox...throw us a bone!

Okay, so I want to swap out my SA8000HD DVR with a SA8300HD (I'd like to make use of an all-digital HDMI connection to my HDTV).

I call up Cox to find out if their Rancho location has any 8300s in stock and the tech support gal I speak with says she has no way of knowing. So, thinking real hard, she tells me she will transfer me to sales (which, I guess is in the same building) and, perhaps, they can point me in the right direction. I get put to some sales dude and he tells me that he is in a separate area, they don't have a phone in the area I'm trying to call, and I'll just have to come down in person.

Does anyone know if this is BS?

Originally posted by vegggas

UPN - They are still not broadcasting HD AFAIK, and have sold their bandwidth to USDTV, so it doesn't look like they will go HD anytime soon.


Is (UPN) KTUD even able to apply with the FCC for a digital signal yet? They're just a Class A that doesn't even support stereo on their analog broadcats.

elmos-
QAM has been discussed. I believe that it was around page 86. Up at the top of this page is a "Search this thread" link. Pop in QAM and you'll be good to go.

If they do not show the Padre games this year, I am moving! Actually, I may be moving anyway, but I can't beleive they wouldn't show the stellar HD content. From what I understand, there is very little cost associated from the Cox-LV side as it is a Cox-San Diego product.

I just sent my email to Cox hoping that they would reconsider. I urge everyone on the Board to do so as well. I think I watched probably 60-70 percent of the games shown last year. From a marketing standpoint, it was probably the most watched single item of programming in this household.

Here is the link to Cox Customer service:

https://www.cox.com/support/lasvegas/emailchat/emailus.asp

Here is the response I got from Cox regarding the Padre games:


Dear Valued Cox Customer:

Thank you for contacting Cox Communications. Cox is committed to
providing the best Customer service possible.

Please contact our Marketing department directly at 702-384-8084 to
resolve this matter.

If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Support by
email 24 hours a day seven days a week. You may also contact us by
phone
at 702.383.4000.

Originally posted by Tallen234
You may also contact us by
phone
at 702.383.4000.

Sure...you can contact them by phone. Especially if you're a masochist.

but; 1. You'll be put on hold for at least 30 minutes

2. When you finally get somebody they will NOT be able to answer your question or fulfill your request. You'll be lucky if they even know what the hell you're talking about.

3. They will never admit they don't know anything. But will instead fabricate an answer which will turn out to be a tissue of lies or inaccuracies

4. Most of the "Customer Service" reps hate their jobs and that attitude comes through the telephone. They don't want to help you. They just want to get rid of you.

5. Chances are you won't reach an agent anywhere near Las Vegas. The last three times I needed assistance and dialed that number, I was connected to Memphis, Tenn, Orlando, Fla and El Paso, Texas. And if you ask to be connected to the Las Vegas area, they say they can't do it.

The Cox Cable, Customer Service program simply stinks. If you want to accomplish anything at all, you must go to the Rancho office in person, pound the table, and refuse to leave until you're satisfied. And THAT might take one or two milleniums.

Have you tried the other number?

Please contact our Marketing department directly at 702-384-8084 to
resolve this matter.








Originally posted by Word Maestro
Sure...you can contact them by phone. Especially if you're a masochist.

but; 1. You'll be put on hold for at least 30 minutes

2. When you finally get somebody they will NOT be able to answer your question or fulfill your request. You'll be lucky if they even know what the hell you're talking about.

3. They will never admit they don't know anything. But will instead fabricate an answer which will turn out to be a tissue of lies or inaccuracies

4. Most of the "Customer Service" reps hate their jobs and that attitude comes through the telephone. They don't want to help you. They just want to get rid of you.

5. Chances are you won't reach an agent anywhere near Las Vegas. The last three times I needed assistance and dialed that number, I was connected to Memphis, Tenn, Orlando, Fla and El Paso, Texas. And if you ask to be connected to the Las Vegas area, they say they can't do it.

The Cox Cable, Customer Service program simply stinks. If you want to accomplish anything at all, you must go to the Rancho office in person, pound the table, and refuse to leave until you're satisfied. And THAT might take one or two milleniums.

Cox said that free DiscHD would begin 2/17. I've got nothing, just was wondering if anyone else was hooked up yet...

Originally posted by trevor_2k
Cox said that free DiscHD would begin 2/17. I've got nothing, just was wondering if anyone else was hooked up yet...

You have to call customer service to get it. Why? I don't know. I called and had it turned on by a "very rude" CSR.

I have a question, which I believe should have a relatively simple answer. But the "Cox Company"doesn't know the answer, nor how to find it.

I have an 8300HD box and a Mitsubishi Widescreen TV. I want to connect one to the other via the HDMI ports. I know that if I do that I will be able to preserve the "all digital" aspects of the picture as well as receive digital audio. All through that one cable. The necessary ports exist both on the HD box and on the TV. So far, so good.

However, I also wish to send the analogue AUDIO feed directly to my stereo system. My stereo preamplifier does not have a digital audio input, as it is rather long in the tooth, but still superb sounding (McIntosh equipment)

The question is, will the ordinary analogue audio output ports on the 8300HD(which I have been using thus far with my component video connection) remain "live" while I feed the TV with the HDMI cable?

Well, you might say...just try it an find out.
In my case that's easier said than done. I am disabled and can't crawl around on the floor with cables in hand, nor can I easily reach behind the equipment and connect everything from a "backwards" position. I have to know if it will work before making any attempts.

Thanks for anybodies help.

W.M.

Is anyone having trouble with Chs. 730 and 731 today? I have the SA8000 box and what's been happening all day is that the video and audio will go out, on those two channels, about five minutes after tuning to them. The only way to get the picture back is to change channels and then back. Then it stays on for about another five minutes before blanking out again. These are the only two channels I have had this problem with today. There may be others, but I don't know for sure. The power light on the box stays on when this happens. I have reset the box several times, but it does not fix the problem. I'd like to know if anyone else is experiencing this before I call Cox. If it's just me I'll probably just swap out my box for a new one.

In response to WM.

It should work fine running the analog and HDMI concurrently. The only problem I forsee is that there *may* be a sync issue watching HDMI transferred content with analog audio output. The fix in that scenario would be to use the audio outputs from the back of the Mits TV rather than the 8300. Just my $0.02.

Bruin- I didn't watch 730-1 much today, but didn't notice anything. And thanks, I called a CSR in sales and was able to get DiscHD added.

bruin95,

You are not alone.

I have the 8300HD box, and I have encountered the exact same thing.
I'll give Cox a few days before raising the roof on them. This is absolutely ridiculous.

Ditto on the dropouts on 730 and 731, in fact, 730 has been doing it since at least Friday that I know of. I called Cox tonight and they know there is a problem and are working it. I'm still going to send them an email and try to get a credit on my bill since I pay too damn much money to them each month to have to deal with this kind of stuff. BTW, I have the 3250.

No problems with those channels here. I also called and got the DiscHD added with no problems whatsoever. I did not take long for them to answer the phone and the CSR was very friendly and courteous.

Originally posted by foghorn2
No problems with those channels here. I also called and got the DiscHD added with no problems whatsoever. I did not take long for them to answer the phone and the CSR was very friendly and courteous.

You called to ADD a service, you didn't call to report a problem or ask a question. So you didn't have to wait for what they very loosely call, "Technical Support". It's a whole different set of operators. You're ;ucky. If you ever really need Tech Support, I guarantee that you won't be so lucky.

Originally posted by bruin95
Is anyone having trouble with Chs. 730 and 731 today? I have the SA8000 box and what's been happening all day is that the video and audio will go out, on those two channels, about five minutes after tuning to them. The only way to get the picture back is to change channels and then back. Then it stays on for about another five minutes before blanking out again. These are the only two channels I have had this problem with today. There may be others, but I don't know for sure. The power light on the box stays on when this happens. I have reset the box several times, but it does not fix the problem. I'd like to know if anyone else is experiencing this before I call Cox. If it's just me I'll probably just swap out my box for a new one.

I have been having the exact same problem on channels 730-731 since Tuesday with my SA 8000 HD. Last night all the HD channels went blank I had to switch to SD channels and back to HD before I got them back. As I am leaving tomorrow for a two week camping trip I have not bothered to call Cox, hoping that the problem will be resolved by the time I get back.

The problem may be fixed now, for the last 15 minutes I've been watching 730 and 731 and the "hiccups" don't appear to be happening. If it starts again, I'll have a tech come over and find out what is going on. This morning the CSR hadn't heard of any problems, so maybe it was fixed in the early hours.

Dear DVR Subscriber,

It has just been brought to our attention that the providers of the program information in your interactive program guide have labeled tonight's and tomorrow's episodes of "American Idol" as re-runs when, in fact, they are first run episodes. So, if you've set up your DVR to record first-run only episodes of American Idol, it will not be recorded tonight or tomorrow night.

To ensure that these episodes are recorded, you will need to manually schedule each of them again by time or by program name for tonight and tomorrow night.

If you have any friends or neighbors who are not members of the Explorer eClub, you might want to let them know about this.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Sincerely,

Scientific-Atlanta

For all you guys having such problems with cox. Is it possible for you to get OTA HD? I say this because the problems I had 6 months ago seem to still be going on with you guys. I think that cable companies just seem to be dropping the ball on the customer service and tech side.I am sure we may be able to find as many happy folks as the sad we have here, but we never hear from them. I wonder how many poor saps go to a bestbuy or CC to get that cool tv and just have cox issues afterwords?There are alot of less knowledgeable people out there than us wanting hidef with no clue how to get it.just a rant off to work now.

Yes, Cox has "issues!"

However, I have had HD with both Dish and Direct. None of them are "without" issues.

To answer your question, yes I get OTA HD on several channels.. can't remember them all right now... but I believe it is 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 21

or something like that

Hmm, it seems like Sinclair has tuned their encoders so that the lip sync on WB-HD 21 is at least tolerable. I seems like every 5 minutes they purposely drop out the audio for a split second and resync it. Hopefully, the days of kung fu lips are over.

What is the staus of the new Sara Firmware release.

Latest problem with CBS HD (Ch730),

This happened the last two nights. Once on Wed, twice yesterday.

During both of the CSI shows and on "Without a Trace", the picture froze for about 10 secs (no audio either). Then disappeared to be replaced by a blue screen for about 5 secs. Picture then returned (still no audio). It then disappeared for another 5 secs and then both V and A returned normally.

Strange!!. Anybody else suffer from this malady?

Tonight during Numb3rs on CBS (730), the picture dropped and was replaced with the standard humming and colored bars with New York HD TX on screen. Also, during the entire show the audio would vary in volume.

And yes, I did have dropouts last night during primetime.

Word,

I just read your lastest post. I noticed on CSI last Thursday on my Tivo, There was a freeze, and then green screen during the opening credits. I was not sure if my Tivo took a dump or it was the transmission. I get it OTA, can you enlighten me?

I called cox "las vegas" to ask about 8300hd availability. the csr told me it was "hit or miss" whether or not I could get one due to previous backlogs for the unit. The office is about an half hour drive so I really dont want to waste my time , gas going down there unless I know for sure if they have any. everytime you call the 383-4000 number you end up getting a csr in another part of the country that cant tell you for sure what the local situation is. Is there a local phone number that one can use to assure getting connected to a las vegas office customer service rep?

No "local" office 'phone # that I know of; and I've called them THOUSANDS of times.........I HATE their 'phone menu!!!!!!!! (only "billing" office reachable 'til 9pm, for new or service changes) When calling "technical support" you usually get Georgia......(even during the daytime!!)......but they're pretty good (technically).......

It would surprise me if there was a customer service rep here in Las Vegas that would answer the phone. I bet they only have them in certain parts of the country. That's part of the benefit of them changeing over all the lvcm.com to cox.net so they could get the whole company the same. Now I don't know this to be a fact, but that's how it looks to me.

......there ARE a few tech support reps here, VERY few relatively; so most calls get routed to national, regional call centers (usually GA.) I have spoken to others; maybe in Canada....(???)

hdtvxpert

Had the same thing on my hdtivo, both CSI & without a trace, i also get it OTA.

Originally posted by hdtvxpert
Word,

I just read your lastest post. I noticed on CSI last Thursday on my Tivo, There was a freeze, and then green screen during the opening credits. I was not sure if my Tivo took a dump or it was the transmission. I get it OTA, can you enlighten me?

No, I really can't enlighten you. But since others (even using OTA) encountered the same problem, it's obvious the fault lies with CBS and not with Cox.

Normally PBS (10-1) has been one of the very best HD stations in the valley. However, I was noticing a few days ago video breakups on PBS. The signal strength is still showing 93%..

Has anyone else seen these breakups on 10-1??

Is there a way to lengthen the amount of time that a program is saved on the HDD on the 8300 box? What I mean is that if I initially save a show for 2 weeks but want to lengthen the saved time indefinitly, can I do that????

HiHoStevo, the PBS breakups are probably the tapes breaking down from being shown a zillion times. (i.e. the Cringely HDTV Primer is in really bad shape). When new programming comes on (an episode of Nova or something) it should be fine.

Originally posted by sheriffwoody
Is there a way to lengthen the amount of time that a program is saved on the HDD on the 8300 box? What I mean is that if I initially save a show for 2 weeks but want to lengthen the saved time indefinitly, can I do that????

Just use the "save until I delete" option.

Steve Schorr was quoted in this mornings LVRJ (regarding adding new espnu channel )...."there's no room on the system right now for it....we have limited bandwidth, so there's no place to put it." What he really meant to say is .." our relationship with ESPN has sucked since the last round of negotiations so we aren't about to give them any more bandwidth than we absolutely have to " ! OK..thats my rant for the day/week.. you all have a great weekend..all be it another rainy one in the desert southwest. :cool:

FYI..

If you have a standard definition digital cable box from Cox, you may have noticed that the audio levels on KVBC, KLAS, KVVU, and KTNV have all been significantly lower than the audio on channels surrounding them. It's no coincidence that these are the same exact channels that Cox is converting from analog (well, KVBC provides a fiber-optic signal to Cox, so that one is digital from the start) to digital to send to those subscribers with digital cable boxes.

KVBC has been in contact with Cox regarding this issue (as well as some video and closed captioning issues that Cox is having) since last week, but the problem continues. :(

We'll keep trying to get our audio sent to you at a normal level.. keep watching, but you may want to turn the volume down before switching to any analog stations.

Does anyone know if they made a decision on Channel 4 padre games in high-def? I had to leave a message for a "marketing" person, so I never got to speak to someone (and they didn't call me back).




Originally posted by gvc
Steve Schorr was quoted in this mornings LVRJ (regarding adding new espnu channel )...."there's no room on the system right now for it....we have limited bandwidth, so there's no place to put it." What he really meant to say is .." our relationship with ESPN has sucked since the last round of negotiations so we aren't about to give them any more bandwidth than we absolutely have to " ! OK..thats my rant for the day/week.. you all have a great weekend..all be it another rainy one in the desert southwest. :cool:

I emailed Channel 13 about a week ago regarding the bug that was always in the bottom left-hand corner on 13-2 (Cox 129) SD digital channel. Lo and behold....it's now gone!! I tend to watch that vs. the high-def channel when showing SD programming because of the awful stretch-o-vision. Now...if they would only get rid of that.

Originally posted by Tallen234
Does anyone know if they made a decision on Channel 4 padre games in high-def? I had to leave a message for a "marketing" person, so I never got to speak to someone (and they didn't call me back).

Didn't call you back???????

You'll be lucky if the "good folks at Cox", even know how to USE a telephone.

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by sheriffwoody
Is there a way to lengthen the amount of time that a program is saved on the HDD on the 8300 box? What I mean is that if I initially save a show for 2 weeks but want to lengthen the saved time indefinitly, can I do that????
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Quote: Just use the "save until I delete" option.


Sheriffwoody says: " And where might that option be if I have already chosen a 14 day deletion period. What I am asking is: If you have already recorded a show with say a 14 day deletion date- IS THERE A WAY TO CHANGE IT TO GET MORE TIME TO VIEW IT???" Thanks.

Originally posted by sheriffwoody
What I am asking is: If you have already recorded a show with say a 14 day deletion date- IS THERE A WAY TO CHANGE IT TO GET MORE TIME TO VIEW IT???" Thanks. [/B]

You can change the save time, but only if that show is NOT selected for playing. Just select another show for play, then go back to the list and hit select on the show that you want to change the save time for. You should see an option then for changing the save time....

Keith

I know Cox is transmitting digital versions of the local stations, but I didn't know they were also transmitting digital versions of several of the popular basic cable stations such as fox news, cnbc, msnbc,espn, etc. My QAM cable built in tuner on my tv has picked these up on 116. I was just wondering if they were being simulcast also for those with digital boxes?

Originally posted by Tallen234
Does anyone know if they made a decision on Channel 4 padre games in high-def? I had to leave a message for a "marketing" person, so I never got to speak to someone (and they didn't call me back).

I just talked with LV Cox Marketing and was told "Cox will NOT carry the Padres games this season." She said they have bandwitdth problems. I told her to take some of the junk off the schedule and carry something worthwhile. She said that the list so far was only TWO people who called for the Padres.

SO GET ON THE PHONE TO 384-8084 AND TELL THEM YOU WANT THE PADRES IN HD THIS SEASON!

Did not mean to shout but we need action NOW. Call them even if you are not a Padres fan or hate baseball...there are those of us who enjoy the game and love to watch it in HD. Come on guys...call them and build the demand.

Thanks

So did they add anything from when the Padres were on last year? I thought cable was suppost to have the most bandwitdh. How sad.

Las Vegas just plain sucks for baseball fans. It won't matter if you got every LV member to call, Cox is not going to come through. It really comes down to the poor structure of MLB territories. To have 6 teams claim Vegas as home territory, yet none are within 200 miles is lame. Then to have Cox refuse to broadcast Padres games or bring us Fox Sports Bay Area or FSN Arizona complicates the issue. If you want to watch baseball, and you don't mind SD broadcasts, DirecTV is the only place to get it.

It may turn out to be a very expensive proposition. But for the length of the baseball season, I can stand it.
I may just install Direct TV for the MLB baseball package, Fox Sports Bay Area and Fox Sports Arizona , cancel my Cox Cable baseball package, and retain Cox Cable for the HD local channels.

I know that this will lead to several duplications of other services. But for April through Sept, it won't "break" me.

Come October, I will suspend the Direct TV service until the following Spring training dates.

Or to put it simply, I'm desperate for baseball.

PS - You may wonder why I can't simply put up an OTA antenna to receive local HD. I live in an aoartment complex that prevents "line-of-sight" to any of the local station transmitters. But I do have a south facing patio which will allow me to have Direct TV.

Word Maestro have you tried an antenna. I can receive most of them with an indoor antenna. The only ones I have a problem with are the ones that are blocked by a mountain. I would also recommend getting a HD box with Directv since there may be a chance that they will broadcast some games in HD. I know they do with football and basketball.

Here's the scoop for anybody that's interested.

I just spoke to Direct Tv. They said that the "basic" satellite package (NO HBO, Cinemax, etc), and access to all the Fox Sports Networks can be had for $53 and change each month. The MLB baseball package (if purchased this month) is $149.00 (same as Cox). You can pay for that however in 4 installments of about $39 each.

In October (at the conclusion of the baseball season) I can suspend service until April 2006. There would be a 12.95 per month fee to maintain the account, while the service is suspended.

I don't want any of their HD service ( because I actiually prefer that on Cox (local networks + the HBO, Cinemax, Starz, etc). So I can drop the MLB package on Cox (tell them to shove their lack of interest in baseball for this city, up their "you know whats", and get the additional Fox Network Stations which Cox claims "It doesn't have the bandwidth for"

So to have both services for the months of April to Oct, it will cost me an additional; $300 (approximately) TOTAL. (I don't include the cost of the MLB package as additional, because getting it on Direct TV, negates the need for it on Cox. So that's a wash). Well worth it to me. $300 ain't gonna break me, but will give me lots of pleasure. I absolutely LOVE baseball.

Been gone a while... Semi rant mode on...
Sadly, most of the available bandwidth in LV is in use right now.
They ARE converting to go to all digital, and are starting to duplicate everything out in digital format, but until the process is complete and everyone is converted, it will use up a lot of bandwidth. On top of that, the recent higher speed internet connections are taking their chunk of bandwidth too, along with many other services. There is also dedicated bandwidth in use for "cable in the classroom" and the entire Clark County schools system internet and interconnected network backbone, which is the largest in the country, has virtually exploded over the past two years. The local Cox bandwidth has been over used and it will take a bit of time to re-adjust to having some space. Would we rather see them chop up the signals like D* had done to make the HD unwatchable?
As another way to recoup the bandwidth, they are eliminating the analog cable boxes. There is no longer a need for them, since there are no more premium paid services on analog, and the return path they use is a full analog channel of usage. This has already started, but has to remain on the system until later this year because of commercial business customers who still have some of these controllable tuners. There are plans to move more analog channels to Digital only, but due to contracts and other legal mumbo jumbo, they must remain on the analog tier until the contracts are over and allowed to be sent in a format where it is required to get a digital package. They tried to move the game show network last year, but the senior citizens raised hell and demanded that it be kept on the analog service package. That was two HD channels lost...:mad:
For HD baseball, INHD is stepping up to the plate :D once again to carry most of the HD games. Unfortunately, MLB will probably black out most of those because LV seems to be a home territory for just about everything worth watching.:mad: Things will be getting better, but they will be in small steps. At least they still give us the March Madness for free.

vegggas

Nevada Jack, who did you speak to? I get a company directory when I try that number. If you remember the name please post it or PM me and I will call. THanks!



Originally posted by NevadaJack
I just talked with LV Cox Marketing and was told "Cox will NOT carry the Padres games this season." She said they have bandwitdth problems. I told her to take some of the junk off the schedule and carry something worthwhile. She said that the list so far was only TWO people who called for the Padres.

SO GET ON THE PHONE TO 384-8084 AND TELL THEM YOU WANT THE PADRES IN HD THIS SEASON!

Did not mean to shout but we need action NOW. Call them even if you are not a Padres fan or hate baseball...there are those of us who enjoy the game and love to watch it in HD. Come on guys...call them and build the demand.

Thanks

WM, is there any difference between the Direct TV MLB package and the Cox MLB package? I guess with Direct TV, you are assured of getting the Fox Sports channels.



I wonder if the Padre games will be blacked out in Vegas on the MLB Extra Innings. If Channel 4 padres is not being carried out here, then there are no potential Padre channels that could cry foul (no pun intended) about a "local market". At least it makes logical sense to black out a Dodger game if the local fox affiliate claims coverage for the Dodgers, i.e. they don't want people watching the Big Inning broadcast as that woudl take away views from their advertising. But with the Pads, there are no local broadcasters....




Originally posted by Word Maestro
Here's the scoop for anybody that's interested.

I just spoke to Direct Tv. They said that the "basic" satellite package (NO HBO, Cinemax, etc), and access to all the Fox Sports Networks can be had for $53 and change each month. The MLB baseball package (if purchased this month) is $149.00 (same as Cox). You can pay for that however in 4 installments of about $39 each.

In October (at the conclusion of the baseball season) I can suspend service until April 2006. There would be a 12.95 per month fee to maintain the account, while the service is suspended.

I don't want any of their HD service ( because I actiually prefer that on Cox (local networks + the HBO, Cinemax, Starz, etc). So I can drop the MLB package on Cox (tell them to shove their lack of interest in baseball for this city, up their "you know whats", and get the additional Fox Network Stations which Cox claims "It doesn't have the bandwidth for"

So to have both services for the months of April to Oct, it will cost me an additional; $300 (approximately) TOTAL. (I don't include the cost of the MLB package as additional, because getting it on Direct TV, negates the need for it on Cox. So that's a wash). Well worth it to me. $300 ain't gonna break me, but will give me lots of pleasure. I absolutely LOVE baseball.

Vegggas, do you have any inside connections that may be receptive to complaints about losing Channel 4 Padres. Talk about a great "killer app" The Padre games were absolutely brillant last year. Plus, they attract a great demographic for adverstising purposes, i.e I am a 35 year old professional who watched almost 80% of the Channel 4 games last year. Talk abotu a dedicated customer base!




Originally posted by vegggas
Been gone a while... Semi rant mode on...
Sadly, most of the available bandwidth in LV is in use right now.
They ARE converting to go to all digital, and are starting to duplicate everything out in digital format, but until the process is complete and everyone is converted, it will use up a lot of bandwidth. On top of that, the recent higher speed internet connections are taking their chunk of bandwidth too, along with many other services. There is also dedicated bandwidth in use for "cable in the classroom" and the entire Clark County schools system internet and interconnected network backbone, which is the largest in the country, has virtually exploded over the past two years. The local Cox bandwidth has been over used and it will take a bit of time to re-adjust to having some space. Would we rather see them chop up the signals like D* had done to make the HD unwatchable?
As another way to recoup the bandwidth, they are eliminating the analog cable boxes. There is no longer a need for them, since there are no more premium paid services on analog, and the return path they use is a full analog channel of usage. This has already started, but has to remain on the system until later this year because of commercial business customers who still have some of these controllable tuners. There are plans to move more analog channels to Digital only, but due to contracts and other legal mumbo jumbo, they must remain on the analog tier until the contracts are over and allowed to be sent in a format where it is required to get a digital package. They tried to move the game show network last year, but the senior citizens raised hell and demanded that it be kept on the analog service package. That was two HD channels lost...:mad:
For HD baseball, INHD is stepping up to the plate :D once again to carry most of the HD games. Unfortunately, MLB will probably black out most of those because LV seems to be a home territory for just about everything worth watching.:mad: Things will be getting better, but they will be in small steps. At least they still give us the March Madness for free.

vegggas

Originally posted by Tallen234
WM, is there any difference between the Direct TV MLB package and the Cox MLB package? I guess with Direct TV, you are assured of getting the Fox Sports channels.


No, there is no difference in the MLB packages. However the Fox Sports Networks are NOT included in that $149 fee. They cost an additional approximately ($10.50 per month). But they are well worth it. Here's an example.

Lets assume the NY Mets are playing the Arizona Diamondbacks. If that game is carried on the MLB package (using the Fox Sports NY feed) it will be blacked out in Las Vegas because we are considered "home territory" for Arizona. But if you also get Fox Sports Arizona, (and they are carrying the game) you WILL be able to watch that game on the Fox Sports Arizona Station, even though ithe NY feed will be blacked out on the MLB Package station.

The same thing is true for Giants and Oakland games that are carried on Fox Sports Bay Area. MLB won't let us see them, but Fox Sports Networks will.

Of course all of this assumes that the games are ON the local Fox Network in their home cities. If they are being broadcast "OTA" we are all s**t out of luck.

Originally posted by Tallen234
Vegggas, do you have any inside connections that may be receptive to complaints about losing Channel 4 Padres. Talk about a great "killer app" The Padre games were absolutely brillant last year. Plus, they attract a great demographic for adverstising purposes, i.e I am a 35 year old professional who watched almost 80% of the Channel 4 games last year. Talk abotu a dedicated customer base!

Again, Sadly no... My "Good inside" connection is gone, but I do talk to the engineers on a constant basis for other projects I deal with. Everyone agrees the signal is awesome and is bit for bit exactly as it is in the production truck from Padres field, but there is still NO WORD if it can even be carried.

WM, is there any difference between the Direct TV MLB package and the Cox MLB package? I guess with Direct TV, you are assured of getting the Fox Sports channels.
Which Fox Sports channels are you referring to? Fox Sports West(49) Sports West2(50) Fox Soccer channel(320) Fox College Sports Atlantic(330), Central(331), Pacific(332) speed(329), Fuel(319), etc. (Not giving you a hard time - no foul, just pointing out the availability of every other Fox Sports Channel) We are not part of a Sports Net area and are limited to the Fox sports regions for broadcasting due to legal issues. Cox did try to get these channels, but was turned down for regional access.


I wonder if the Padre games will be blacked out in Vegas on the MLB Extra Innings. If Channel 4 padres is not being carried out here, then there are no potential Padre channels that could cry foul (no pun intended) about a "local market". At least it makes logical sense to black out a Dodger game if the local fox affiliate claims coverage for the Dodgers, i.e. they don't want people watching the Big Inning broadcast as that woudl take away views from their advertising. But with the Pads, there are no local broadcasters....

The INHD channels were blacked out while the Padres channels was open for the same game. Not sure what the MLB package rules are, but most West teams claim Las Vegas as a local market.

vegggas

Originally posted by vegggas
We are not part of a Sports Net area and are limited to the Fox sports regions for broadcasting due to legal issues. Cox did try to get these channels, but was turned down for regional access.

vegggas

Well then, Cox didn't try hard enough. As explained in my previous post, the Fox Sports Networks are available (for Las Vegas) on Direct TV for a nominal cost. This has nothing to do with the MLB Package, but is separate and distinct from it. It is possibnle to circumvent blackouts of some games if they are carried in the manner I have described in my previous post,. I KNOW this to BE ACCURATE and TRUE, because before I became disabled, I rented an apartment which allowed me access to Direct TV. And I got the packages I've described. Now that I'm in my new location and can once again employ a Satellite. I WILL.

I'm tired of Cox excuses.

I thought the padres games were on InHD2 when the game was on and switched back when the game was over. How does that add bandwidth to the system. The only way cable companies are going to get analog off the air is to offer everyone free digital boxes for all of there TV's. Nobody is going to want to pay for a box or two or three and the mirroring fee on them when they used to get it for free. The thing I personally think is a waste of bandwidth is VOD. Just make a DVR that automatically records the VOD content and if you watch them you get charged. This would free up some bandwidth (depending on how many people use VOD at one time).

I was essentially referring to the "baseball affiliated" Fox Sports Channels, I think FS Bay Area and FS Arizona carry the Giants and Diamondbacks, while the FSW and FSW 2 carrier the Dodgers and Angles. However, no "Fox" channel carries the Padres, they are local Cox Channel 4 or KUSI local 9. So, there is no concervable way the Padres could be carried on Cox...even if Cox would have purchased all of the Fox Sports Channels. Since there is no conceivable way the Padres can be broadcast here in Vegas, why are they considered a local team? Even the lame justification for local market blackouts wouldn't apply to the Padres.

LVthudner,

The Padres had their own dedicated channel that showed the Padre games.



Originally posted by vegggas

Which Fox Sports channels are you referring to? Fox Sports West(49) Sports West2(50) Fox Soccer channel(320) Fox College Sports Atlantic(330), Central(331), Pacific(332) speed(329), Fuel(319), etc. (Not giving you a hard time - no foul, just pointing out the availability of every other Fox Sports Channel) We are not part of a Sports Net area and are limited to the Fox sports regions for broadcasting due to legal issues. Cox did try to get these channels, but was turned down for regional access.

vegggas

Originally posted by vegggas
We are not part of a Sports Net area and are limited to the Fox sports regions for broadcasting due to legal issues. Cox did try to get these channels, but was turned down for regional access.

Vegggas

So how do you explain the fact that Direct TV HAS them and makes them available to the Las Vegas area???

I suspect (although it is speculation on my part) that the fault lies entirely with COX. They probably have to pay a fee to the Fox Sports Network to carry the games, and Cox refuses to do it. Viewers be damned!! Screw the baseball fans.

Rainbow Media (parent company to Fox Sports Bay Area) has the rights to broadcast the Giants and A's in Vegas. DirecTV pays the fee to broadcast those games here. As a matter of fact, you don't even have to pay for the MLB EI package to get the A's, Giants, Dodgers, Angels and Diamondbacks. Dish Network and Cox have both opted for cheaper deals. With Cox, the only games available on EI for west coast teams are games played by the Mariners (unless they are playing OAK, SF, ANA, LA, AZ or SD). Cox does give you FSW & FSW2. For an additional $5.00 on Dish, you can also get the Diamondbacks games on FS Arizona. The winner for west coast baseball in Vegas is, as Word mentions, DirecTV.

I've tried communications with Rainbow Media, Cox, MLB...hell..I even sent a letter to Mayor Goodman and Senator Reid. I've recieved responses from everybody and the bottom line is...it's Cox's decision. Last year, I finally got an affirmative message from Cox saying they will not bring FSBA to Vegas. With that, I signed up for DirecTV and get the games I want to see.

Here is an outdated, but relatively accurate, list of home market territories.
http://www.maplenet.net/~trowbridge/rsnteams.htm

You can also plug in your zip code to this application to see what is truly offered on satellite.

http://dish.fxep.com
http://directv.fxep.com

Originally posted by Tallen234
I was essentially referring to the "baseball affiliated" Fox Sports Channels, I think FS Bay Area and FS Arizona carry the Giants and Diamondbacks, while the FSW and FSW 2 carrier the Dodgers and Angles. However, no "Fox" channel carries the Padres, they are local Cox Channel 4 or KUSI local 9. So, there is no concervable way the Padres could be carried on Cox...even if Cox would have purchased all of the Fox Sports Channels. Since there is no conceivable way the Padres can be broadcast here in Vegas, why are they considered a local team? Even the lame justification for local market blackouts wouldn't apply to the Padres.



Cox used the "Channel 4" feed on digital ch 708 last year. It was on 24/7 and carried all it's programming, not just the Padre games. As for the Padres claiming LV as part of their local market, it totally up to them. It doesn't matter whether LV carries the games locally or not. MLB allows them to do so. LV television could broadcast the games, but choose not to. The baseball rules are so stupid in this regard. Basically, ANY team can claim ANY city, provided another MLB team isn't already psychically present there, as part of their local territory. Under this rule, the New York Mets could claim Vegas as part of their territory if they wanted to. Just stupid. The one way we could rid ourselves of all these teams claiming Vegas as part of their territory is to get our own MLB team here.

Vegggas says "Cox tried, but was denied regional access". What a load of BS that is!!!. I'm sure that story doesn't arise with Vegggas himself, but rather with some "executive" at Cox Cable, who has apparently pulled the wool over Vegggas' eyes. If Cox wanted it, they could have gotten it. But the penny pinchers in control, don't want to walk that extra mile to satisfy the baseball fans in this town.

And as much as I appreciate the information (regarding technicalities of set top boxes) that Vegggas has provided and is providing, I am also dismayed that he makes excuses for Cox Cables lack of respect for the baseball afficionado, when the real reasons are patently obvious. He quotes us the availability of Fox East, Central and Pacific (not paying too much attention to the fact that they are devoted to amateur and not professional sports) and doesn't seem to have ever heard of Fox Sports Chicago, NY, Cinn, Pitt, St Louis, Bay Area, Arizona and a host of other regional Fox sports networks, carrying professional sports and which ARE available for Las Vegans (Direct TV has em') if COX would only pay the price.

Stop making excuses for them Vegggas!!!. If you have connections and clout, use it to help satisfy the demands of the bill payers.

In the VERY near future Direct TV (later this year) is supposed to launch several more satellites which will be capable of carrying local network programming in HD. When that happens, users will abandon Cox Cable like passengers abandoning a sinking ship. And Cox will have deserved its fate.

On second thought, there IS a difference in the MLB packages as carried by Cox and Direct TV. The games themselves are identical. But Direct TV gives you some pre-and post game information, by joining the telecast at its very beginning and staying with the telecast for some post game analysis and discussion after the games final out. COX on the other hand can't seem to rid itself of the telecast fast enough. The telecast lasts maybe 30 secs after the final out, and then disappears.

Now whats the reason for that??

Originally posted by Tallen234
Nevada Jack, who did you speak to? I get a company directory when I try that number. If you remember the name please post it or PM me and I will call. THanks!

I hit the "O" and got some guy and told him I wanted Marketing...he switched me over. Don't know who I talked to...very nice lady and supportive but all she could do was take my name.

Originally posted by NevadaJack
I hit the "O" and got some guy and told him I wanted Marketing...he switched me over. Don't know who I talked to...very nice lady and supportive but all she could do was take my name.

We have to stop being satisfied with "very nice, supportive ladies" that take your name. We must obtain ACTION on the part of Cox Cable. Unfortunately, I can't see how we can accomplish that.
We can't withhold our monthly payments because they'll simply shut us off.

But if ENOUGH people did that, perhaps Cox would get the message?

I left another message with "Dawn" in the marketing department at Cox.

I just wish I knew an adverstising with some clout, so Cox would consider this issue. One or Two customers will not be enough to change their mind, but a $1,000,000 ad account customer would be!


I also sent an email to the Padres asking them to drop Vegas as a local market in order for us to receive games. I know this is a longshot, but it may be a way to get some games through MLB Extra Innings. I believe Vegas became a local market when the 51's were the San Diego AAA affiliate. Maybe, just maybe, on a wing and a prayer, San Diego will release Vegas as a local market......

That won't happen as long as Cox owns the exclusive broadcast rights. Your complaints to the Pads will go unheard. I fought this battle for three years with the Giants. I finally dropped Cox for a provider who will give me what I want. Maybe someone can talk to John Elway and have Desert Auto Group sponser the whole thing. We could even promise to buy cars from him....

Just got a response from the Padres:


Thanks for your email and for sharing this important concern with us.

MLB regulates the Home Television Territory. Cox is currently working
with the Cox station in Las Vegas to carry the games; however, Cox is
having a difficult time of it currently convincing Las Vegas that there
are enough fans to support the programming. We encourage all Las Vegas fans to write to the Cox station letting them know of their interest in
carrying the games.

Tim Katzman
Corporate Communications



At least it was quick and responsive.

Good move Tallen...I don't know how many read this group and are baseball fans. Hopefully the word will get around and generate some calls to Cox. I really enjoyed the coverage last year.

From the Padres rtesponse to Tallen254,

" Cox is currently working
with the Cox station in Las Vegas to carry the games"

Please make sense out of that for me. Cox is working with Cox?????
I sure hope so.

Why do you guys only seem to be interested in the Padres?

Aren't you also interested in the Giants, Athletics and Diamondbacks?
For those teams, Cox must carry the Fox Sports Networks.. Screw the HD. It's good baseball that I want to be able to see.

When I was a Brooklyn Dodger fan I could care less about the Yanks and Giants. Today I am a Padres Fan and could care less about the other West Coast teams.

BTW...this is a Local HDTV Info and Reception forum and our desires are to see HD programming, not SD programming, be it baseball or some other sport. I find it hard to "screw HD" when I have a 50" HD and 42" HD to watch....:-)

Originally posted by NevadaJack
When I was a Brooklyn Dodger fan I could care less about the Yanks and Giants. Today I am a Padres Fan and could care less about the other West Coast teams.

BTW...this is a Local HDTV Info and Reception forum and our desires are to see HD programming, not SD programming, be it baseball or some other sport. I find it hard to "screw HD" when I have a 50" HD and 42" HD to watch....:-)

I too"prefer" HD. I too have a 55" widescreen HDTV.

But at the cost of seeing only limited baseball (no Fox Sports) in SD, or being stubborn and holding out ONLY for Padre HD, I choose the former rather than the latter. I'm a NY Mets fan. Should I abandon my quest for Fox Sports Networks on Cox just because their transmissions are in SD, not HD.? And would you be satisfied if Padres games were available in LV, but only in SD, not HD? I think you should be. It's the GAMES that matter. Not the screen size, aspect ratio or whether its interlaced, progressiove, in SD or in HD. Do you like baseball, or do you like HD broadcasts in preference to it?

I think the difference is that you still have the ability to watch the other games if you get direct TV. With the Padres there is no other option, if Cox doesn't carry it, you can't get it on any other channel, even if you were willing to pay for it.

I, for one, love baseball in High Definition. I find baseball to be a very poetic game and in general is much better in person. The high definition goes a long way to making you feel that you are there in person. It really is quite captivating. Also, I want my cake and eat it too! Padres and High Def!



Originally posted by Word Maestro
Why do you guys only seem to be interested in the Padres?

Aren't you also interested in the Giants, Athletics and Diamondbacks?
For those teams, Cox must carry the Fox Sports Networks.. Screw the HD. It's good baseball that I want to be able to see.

I got another response from the Padres saying that they hope that "some adjustments can be made in the not-too-distant future so that the games will be carried in the Las Vegas area." Hopefully this is not just puffery.

Actually, even if it is puffery, I am happy that I was able to correspond with someone who knows what he is talking about and is not a mindless CSR!

Originally posted by Tallen234
I got another response from the Padres saying that they hope that "some adjustments can be made in the not-too-distant future so that the games will be carried in the Las Vegas area." Hopefully this is not just puffery.

Actually, even if it is puffery, I am happy that I was able to correspond with someone who knows what he is talking about and is not a mindless CSR!

That's encouraging...at least someone in SD and perhaps LV is talking and discussing the possibility.

Originally posted by Tallen234
I got another response from the Padres saying that they hope that "some adjustments can be made in the not-too-distant future so that the games will be carried in the Las Vegas area." Hopefully this is not just puffery.

Actually, even if it is puffery, I am happy that I was able to correspond with someone who knows what he is talking about and is not a mindless CSR!

He may not be a mindless CSR, and may truly care about the Padres/HD/LV problem. But I'm a pessimist. And I would suggest that you NOT let your hopes get too high. The "not too distant future" may be as "soon" as 2015. Are you prepared to wait?

The entire MLB Extra Innings package (it seems to me) departs 180 degress from sanity.

If a team claims a city as its "terrirory", doesn't that indicate to you, that the population in those cities should enjoy every access to those teams telecasts and not be restricted as to their availability? If Oakland, SF and the Diamonvacks claim LV as its home territory, every single effort should be expended to provide maximum exposure in LV to the games of those teams. Instead they adopt the absolute opposite course and black them out enrtirely. How can you win fans, by NOT allowing them to see your games?

I think the entire MLB package is run by lunatics.

Okay, I wasn't about to read through 100 pages in this thread.

Does everyone's HD reception of ABC generally suck through COX?? I watched Lost last week and it was awful.

Does anyone use an antenna for the local channels?? if so, which one, and does it work well?

When ABC broadcasts in HD on cable 732, the picture is usually pretty good. However, if it ain't HD, it is the worst picture imaginable because it appears to be what we call "stretch-o-vision". I'm pretty sure it won't get any better with an OTA antenna.

Has anyone noticed a degredation in signal quality the last week or so? Last night during both 24 and a PRV'rd Deadwood there were a bunch of stops and starts and dropouts. I am wondering if this is a PVR issue or a broadcast issue. If a PVR issue, perhaps I can exchange my 8000 for an 8300.

I can't find the HD PVR pricing schedule. Do you guys know off hand how much extra the HD PVR service is above the regular basic (no movie channels) HD Service? Thanks!

First things first...
Word... I think you tripled your post count in the last 24 hours...
I would totally believe anything Gworkman has to say about the MLB rules and viewing issues. He has been researching it for many seasons and has, in my opinion, been accurate in every post concerning the topic. If we were to ever say opposite things, I would probably concede to his point of view.
For the Fox Sports channels, I do know, and did point out that the Atlantic, Central, and Pacific channels were college based channels. I was making a point that almost all NON-Regional Fox sports channels are available. The ones that are not available are the ones dedicated to regions, in which Vegas is NOT a part of. Go to Foxsports.com for more info on what channels are available.
This is my surmised opinion, based on conversations I have had with individuals in the industry. - There are some broadcasting laws, regarding regions, that cable has to follow, and that DirecTV can easily get away with since they purchase all of them around the country. Cox Las Vegas can't carry other area broadcasting, due to local advertising in BOTH areas, unless there is an agreement made with the station owners and advertisers. Cox 4 San Diego is owned and operated by Cox Business Services, which also operates here in Vegas, so the agreements were easy to get. Agreements with Fox Sports channels and their advertisers in other regions will not be allowed by various individuals for various reasons. I'm not into sales, marketing, or politics, I'm just an engineer :D So this could all be BS, but I think it's true.

With all that, my post said that there is still no word if the Padres will be carried or not. Due to space limitations, it will probably not be carried, but there is always a chance. The removal of the analog cable box return signals could carry that channel, but the removal has been slowed down by various users and customers that need legacy equipment changed out (ahem, Hotels-cough, cough-sportsbooks-cough, cough).
Another thing to point out is that the Padres Games WERE blacked out on INHD, but we could see them on the Padres Channel with no problem. MLB had something to do with the blackout, but Cox did get them to us via a direct feed, that was never broadcast over anything other than direct fiber, bypassing the rules.

my head hurts
vegggas

Oh yeah,
Forgot to mention, after the third or fourth Beta test, the DVR software appears to be ready for a next week release. A release was done again last night to fix some more issues that broke during the other beta tests. Expect HUGE improvments on the 8000 and great improvements on the 8300. This software makes the 8000 more comparable to the 8300, and runs the same kernel (AFAIK), with only the hardware differences being a factor.

vegggas

Cool! So would there be any reason to upgrade to the 8300 after the release?

(sorry for the multiple posts today. I was bored at work...fortunately, I am the boss, so no worries)




Originally posted by vegggas
Oh yeah,
Forgot to mention, after the third or fourth Beta test, the DVR software appears to be ready for a next week release. A release was done again last night to fix some more issues that broke during the other beta tests. Expect HUGE improvments on the 8000 and great improvements on the 8300. This software makes the 8000 more comparable to the 8300, and runs the same kernel (AFAIK), with only the hardware differences being a factor.

vegggas

I remember last year that the Padre broadcasts began the season on channel 707 (INHD2......which is what that channel is for.....local sports HD broadcasts) however a glitch on Las Vegas' side or San Diego's side flipping the switch to start the broadcast of each game, became a problem and Cox Las Vegas gave Channel 4 San Diego its own channel (708). I think if they solve the problem of flipping the switch.....the games could be shown on INHD2, there would be no need to add channel 708 to the lineup.

Originally posted by vegggas
First things first...
Word... I think you tripled your post count in the last 24 hours...
I would totally believe anything Gworkman has to say about the MLB rules and viewing issues. He has been researching it for many seasons and has, in my opinion, been accurate in every post concerning the topic. If we were to ever say opposite things, I would probably concede to his point of view.
For the Fox Sports channels, I do know, and did point out that the Atlantic, Central, and Pacific channels were college based channels. I was making a point that almost all NON-Regional Fox sports channels are available. The ones that are not available are the ones dedicated to regions, in which Vegas is NOT a part of. Go to Foxsports.com for more info on what channels are available.


But the fact REMAINS that Direct TV carries the Fox Sports Regional networks and Cox DOESN'T.. I don't believe that the culprit is advertising because tje commercials on Direct TV are exactly the same as they would be on Cox. The fact therefore ALSO remains, that Direct TV is providing stations to viewers whjih they want and Cox is not doing so.

In addition there are no points of controversy between myself and Mr. Workman. I have not contravened anything he has said, nor has he contravemned anything I've said. It seems to me that you are still making lame excusees for Cox Cables unwillingness (notice I didn't say inability) to carry the Fox Regional Networks.

I doubt ANY local cable company in the country carries more than one regional sports network.

Originally posted by tazlv
I doubt ANY local cable company in the country carries more than one regional sports network.

Well, if they're not UNABLE to carry them because of lawful restrictions, it follows that they are UNWILLING to carry them. THAT does not sit well with me. Especially since so many people want them.

Originally posted by tazlv
I doubt ANY local cable company in the country carries more than one regional sports network.
This is what I surmise, but I can't speak for any other system. It would follow the basic broadcast agreements that no region would have any other region's broadcast. Since we are not a region with any teams, it makes sense that we don't have a region available to us. D* can have the regions, because it doesn't fall into the same local broadcast rights (and restrictions) as cable, nor does it pay any local access fees, taxes, or broadcasting subsidies. Instead, D* pays a national blanket fee for rights and services because it covers the entire U.S. Cable (each MSO is a local company) can't pay for broadcast rights in an area it doesn't have carriage in, so you would not get outside regions.

Originally posted by Word Maestro
Well, if they're not UNABLE to carry them because of lawful restrictions, it follows that they are UNWILLING to carry them. THAT does not sit well with me. Especially since so many people want them.
That doesn't make sense. Unable and unwilling are to different things. I am Unable to get Edy's Ice Cream in the West, but I am Unwilling to drive to the East coast to get any; Instead, I have to get Dryer's brand (look it up).

Also, I'm not trying to make excuses for Cox. I'm not their PR person. I have been in the affiliated industries (cable and sat RF communications) for a very long time on both coasts and have a good working knowledge how they work, and what to reasonably expect from a broadcaster or service. With that knowledge, and a lot of friends in the business, I try to offer explanations instead of doing any political bashing on any product or service, including Sat and cable (well, except maybe USDTV once or twice)


Originally posted by Tallen234
Cool! So would there be any reason to upgrade to the 8300 after the release? I would see the release first and then decide. If the 8000 has been ok for you and changing it out is a pain, then the release will be good news and there may be no need to change. The 8300 IS a newer, better unit, but they are currently running the same basic software with the new patch. The biggest benifits of the 8300 are dual outputs for SD and HD at the same time (downres to SD via video out), more memory (slightly better pq at 1080i - less fog affect) and faster processor (faster channel and resolution changes) . It also has HDMI instead of DVI out, which can be varible depending on the display type used, but typically equal in PQ versus component. I run both, but don't use or need any of the newer features of the 8300, but tend to watch that more often because of the lessened "fog affect" over the 8000.

vegggas

vegggas-

I, for one, would just like to say thank you for all the work that you are doing and have done for this Las Vegas HDTV community on the AVS Forum. I am actually getting sick of the people who just bitch and moan all day, and don't actually try to learn about what is going on. Thank you for your efforts in explaining so many of the intricacies of the telecommunications industry to those who feel they know it all, but don't know squat.

For those who will be angered by this post, before you start typing up your response, go back and read through all 100 pages of this thread and tell me who has contributed more useful information to this community than any other party?

Thanks.

Originally posted by trevor_2k
vegggas-

I, for one, would just like to say thank you for all the work that you are doing and have done for this Las Vegas HDTV community on the AVS Forum. I am actually getting sick of the people who just bitch and moan all day, and don't actually try to learn about what is going on. Thank you for your efforts in explaining so many of the intricacies of the telecommunications industry to those who feel they know it all, but don't know squat.

For those who will be angered by this post, before you start typing up your response, go back and read through all 100 pages of this thread and tell me who has contributed more useful information to this community than any other party?

Thanks.

I second that! When I want an answer or have a question, it is the Vegggas entires I look for. He is always accomodating and thoroughly explains the details. I have yet to get the 8300 (or any DVR for that matter) but based on the recent Vegggas threads, I will get down to MLK and pick one up.

Just wish he could get the Padres games on local HD...:-)

Jack

Originally posted by mjwhitay
Okay, I wasn't about to read through 100 pages in this thread.

Does everyone's HD reception of ABC generally suck through COX?? I watched Lost last week and it was awful.

Does anyone use an antenna for the local channels?? if so, which one, and does it work well?


I usually cannot watch ABC through the 8300 due to the poor pic quality as compared to the other HD channels, but I can watch ABC HD through the direct cable signal going into my built in HD tuner in the tv. The pic quality is better...not perfect...but definitely better and watchable. My tv wont accept 720p native resolution so I just figured something was getting screwed up with the box upconverting to 1080i.

WM,

It appears that you are frustrated with Cox, and maybe rightfully so. And so are others. But you really come off as bitter when you start attacking the intentions of someone like Vegggas, who has been nothing but helpful to this community (I've been lurking on these forums for a couple of years, now).

Sometimes in life, you have to accept what you get. Some things you can change, and some you can't. Those that you can't, you either settle (which many of us don't like to do), or you find another alternative (which it appears that you have). But relax. After all, it's only baseball (just kidding!)...