If pic quality will not be any different compared to Cox Digital or DirecTV then the only thing that changes on the bill is the logo.

No one can force the people to look at the same dam logo every month in the land in which we live. We're showing them!

Thank good we broke up that logo monopoly before it was too late!

Compare the channel line-up and features list to Cox, then you'll realize Verizon offers a lot more than a new logo. And a lot of people(myself included) don't want to deal with a dish, so I'm not even going to touch DirecTV.

Compare the channel line-up and features list to Cox, then you'll realize Verizon offers a lot more than a new logo. And a lot of people(myself included) don't want to deal with a dish, so I'm not even going to touch DirecTV.

I'm surprised you went to the effort of comparing Cox with Verizon if you think "dealing with a dish" is such hard work. :p

Seems to be the common train of thought in the Ocean State though. State has the least amount of satelitte penetration as any in the country, which is probably why Coxsuckers have been able to build up the monopoly in the state for as long as they have.

I am interested in seeing what Verizon has to offer but this kind of thing should've happened YEARS ago. It may be too little, too late given the pariochial views of most Rhode Island cable consumers, who have been content with Cox for decade(s) now.

Can anyone confirm that the work is done and Channels 10.1 and 6.1 (OTA) are back to full power?

Thanks Mark for keeping us posted, but my TV that used to pull in the channels is still reporting "Low Signal Strength" so I don't get them on it. (I do still get them on the other one - same antenna line, but I used to receive them on both.)

We are back to full power with the repaired antenna.

Mark

I'm surprised you went to the effort of comparing Cox with Verizon if you think "dealing with a dish" is such hard work. :p

Seems to be the common train of thought in the Ocean State though. State has the least amount of satelitte penetration as any in the country, which is probably why Coxsuckers have been able to build up the monopoly in the state for as long as they have.

I am interested in seeing what Verizon has to offer but this kind of thing should've happened YEARS ago. It may be too little, too late given the pariochial views of most Rhode Island cable consumers, who have been content with Cox for decade(s) now.

The top feature from FiOS that I wish I had right now is the distributed DVR service. With that system, you have one central DVR and you can access those shows over your coax network at each of the digital receiver boxes in your other rooms.

If I was building a house right now, I would make sure each room had RG6 coaxial terminals and CAT6 Ethernet cable.

I really don't see the need to pay big bucks for optical wiring and switching equipment, especially when the next generation of WiFi will make most home networking just about as fast as wired ethernet today.


Thanks!

We are back to full power with the repaired antenna.

MarkHas anything changed in the setup? I get WJAR-DT with an amazing 6 dBmV and an avg 30 SNR in Groton. I say amazing because it was barely a -10 dBmV signal and avg 24 SNR before the damage. WLNE-DT does not do as well although the signal level is higher than before. They are 5 dBmV with an avg of 20 SNR. Im using a Quad of Quads from Sitco antenna tuned for UHF 48 to 52. 192 elements. Thanks again for the info, John

Since the antenna was "repaired" for WJAR & WLNE, my signal for WLNE is bouncing all over the place. Won't settle down and falls below reception point constantly. Nothing else in my setup has changed. I am on the Newport Middletown line and get great reception on all other OTA stations. Did the transmission pattern change with the new antenna?

Has anything changed in the setup? I get WJAR-DT with an amazing 6 dBmV and an avg 30 SNR in Groton. I say amazing because it was barely a -10 dBmV signal and avg 24 SNR before the damage. WLNE-DT does not do as well although the signal level is higher than before. They are 5 dBmV with an avg of 20 SNR. Im using a Quad of Quads from Sitco antenna tuned for UHF 48 to 52. 192 elements. Thanks again for the info, John


The antenna manufacture did redesign the power divider which divides the power to the antennas three modules and we also retuned the antenna back to manufacture specifications. That could be the reason for your better reception.

Mark

Since the antenna was "repaired" for WJAR & WLNE, my signal for WLNE is bouncing all over the place. Won't settle down and falls below reception point constantly. Nothing else in my setup has changed. I am on the Newport Middletown line and get great reception on all other OTA stations. Did the transmission pattern change with the new antenna?
I have the same problem with Hartford CT OTA HD and I contribute it to leaves on the trees. Not saying thats what it is for you but that is something that has changed and since im in Groton CT and I see a better signal on both WLNE DT and WJAR, I would like to beleive they got it right. I have never seen the signal this good before.

I just talked to a FIOS salesman and i can't believe the deal their offering, $30 a month for phone and internet. I would have be skeptical if I hadn't read about it here that verizon was going the door to door route. The cheap deal and multi room DVR sealed it for me.

I just talked to a FIOS salesman and i can't believe the deal their offering, $30 a month for phone and internet. I would have be skeptical if I hadn't read about it here that verizon was going the door to door route. The cheap deal and multi room DVR sealed it for me.

Well, the real question is how long will that rate last and what will it be after the deal is over? I'm sure it won't be $30 a month for life :). It's pretty common practice for a new service to attract customers with a low rate for a few months then jack the price up. Most people won't leave after the price goes up because it's too much effort and as long as it's still close to the price of the other options and the service isn't horrible, there's really no good reason to switch.

The deal is for the first 2 years. There is a termination fee but it's only $69, which seems pretty low compared to my cell phone contract.

6.1 seems to be having some problems -- audio is spotty and sometimes drops out completely (at least it did yesterday morning, I had it on while doing some work). Other times, like last night, it has small drop-outs that make it sound like you're underwater listening to people :) This is OTA by the way.

The picture now seems appreciably less sharper than 5.1. I've noticed some differences between the two before but they seem to be a little more glaring now -- not night-and-day difference, but you can tell they're not the same.

I'm surprised you went to the effort of comparing Cox with Verizon if you think "dealing with a dish" is such hard work. :p

Seems to be the common train of thought in the Ocean State though. State has the least amount of satelitte penetration as any in the country, which is probably why Coxsuckers have been able to build up the monopoly in the state for as long as they have.

I am interested in seeing what Verizon has to offer but this kind of thing should've happened YEARS ago. It may be too little, too late given the pariochial views of most Rhode Island cable consumers, who have been content with Cox for decade(s) now.

Hey Hey now watch it there may RIers resemble that remark :p .........I used to work for Cox and can say that there HAVE been others that tried to get into this market heck they started to train us on the competition BEFORE they even broke ground on their buildings. They like others ran out of money before they could get implemented . Personally I am excited to see what FIOS will bring to the table as Cox has had it "good" for way, way to long having a stranglehold on the state..There are somethings that I would loose by going to FIOS (INHD I have favorite shows on there), but I would probably be willing to loose if I could save even a little money and get better picture...I do agree with you though that MANY actually TOO many people in RI are "afraid" of change and ten to live in the past. Heck ask someone directions and you'll get directions via landmarks that USED to be there ;) .......It will be hard for Verizon to penetrate the state, but once they do you may see people start to move if only to give them a chance since it is something different then Cox (I am actually kind of sick of seeing thier commercials EVERY commercial break) LOL!!!!

The top feature from FiOS that I wish I had right now is the distributed DVR service. With that system, you have one central DVR and you can access those shows over your coax network at each of the digital receiver boxes in your other rooms. FiOS CHANNEL LINEUP BIGGER THAN CABLE.
http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm#Top
Wow, can't wait to get FiOS, so much bigger channel selection than my Cable. The deal advertised on TV was $99 for Verizon Phone, FiOS TV, and FiOS Internet (faster than Cable's Internet). [lcd-bob]

FiOS CHANNEL LINEUP BIGGER THAN CABLE.
http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm#Top
Wow, can't wait to get FiOS, so much bigger channel selection than my Cable. The deal advertised on TV was $99 for Verizon Phone, FiOS TV, and FiOS Internet (faster than Cable's Internet). [lcd-bob]

Add BBC World and New England News Channel (NECN) to the news lineup. I have been trying to get Cox to add NECN for years.

Hey Hey now watch it there may RIers resemble that remark :p .........I used to work for Cox and can say that there HAVE been others that tried to get into this market heck they started to train us on the competition BEFORE they even broke ground on their buildings. They like others ran out of money before they could get implemented . Personally I am excited to see what FIOS will bring to the table as Cox has had it "good" for way, way to long having a stranglehold on the state..There are somethings that I would loose by going to FIOS (INHD I have favorite shows on there), but I would probably be willing to loose if I could save even a little money and get better picture...I do agree with you though that MANY actually TOO many people in RI are "afraid" of change and ten to live in the past. Heck ask someone directions and you'll get directions via landmarks that USED to be there ;) .......It will be hard for Verizon to penetrate the state, but once they do you may see people start to move if only to give them a chance since it is something different then Cox (I am actually kind of sick of seeing thier commercials EVERY commercial break) LOL!!!!

LOL sorry Ph8te, meant no offense :)

Add BBC World and New England News Channel (NECN) to the news lineup. I have been trying to get Cox to add NECN for years.

Yeah I have no idea why Cox never had any interest in NECN, the station has been around for well over a decade now. At least it would be immeasurably better than "The Rhode Island Re-run...oh sorry NEWS Channel" :p but then again, Cox probably makes some advertising dollars (what little there probably are) out of the latter and would gain little by putting NECN on other than placating consumers ;)

I just noticed this message on Channel 1: "In order to upgrade On Demand, this channel will not be available from 11PM to 6AM. We appologize in advance, but are confident you will like the changes."

Wonder if this could mean HD on Demand? That would be a great way to start the week!

Edit: Well I checked before I went to work this morning and now it says the upgrade will take place Tonight and Tomorrow(6/4 and 6/5) instead. Guess that means we'll have to wait until Wednsday to see the result.

I just noticed this message on Channel 1: "In order to upgrade On Demand, this channel will not be available from 11PM to 6AM. We appologize in advance, but are confident you will like the changes."

Wonder if this could mean HD on Demand? That would be a great way to start the week!

They HAD to do SOMETHING. OnDemand programming is pretty good on Cox, but the interface/menu system was so awfully slow. It often discourages people from even using it.

HD offerings would be very sweet OnDemand.

Hmmmmmm, well now you DO have CBS and Fox.....There is no channel lineup as of yet for RI that has been released. The closest one is probably from MA which can be viewed on the FIOS website....The above post almost looks like a Spam post....For those of you in the other service areas you are not far behind as Verizon is currently going through the 1st phases for service areas 2,3, and 8..Here is a link for those of you that want to keep current on these areas:
(snipped)
It will be interesting to see what Verizon comes out with for RI to compete with Cox, I have been disappointed with the lately (little things here and there) so hopefully we will see some improvement due to the actual competition...


Sorry if I looked like a spam post. I guess I was a bit giddy when I realized there would actually be competition for Cox around here.

I didn't end up signing up for the FIOS just yet, as it occurred to me the biggest reason for a switch on my end was the possibility of more HD Channels, and if they haven't released a line up yet, it was better to wait.

I'm also not thrilled about a 2 year commitment/contract. I was told the cancellation fee was around $150, not $69. But I think it depends on what services are signed up for.

Is the list everyone looking at now currently MA? I followed the link posted for a lineup, but I could not select RI.

6.1 is an absolute mess this AM with increasing, near-constant break up OTA.

Never had this problem until the antenna issues and today it's unwatchable...wonder if something else is going on?

WCVB 5.1 is coming in with no problems at all at the same time, even in all the rain. :confused:

You don't even need "extended" basic to recieve these channels with a QAM tunner. Just plain basic gets them for you.

How would you go about getting these free HD channels from Cox? My parents have digital cable with Cox but no HD boxes, just the digital box. How would you go about getting the HD signal for the locals through the QAM tuner? Currently I have split the cable in connections with the outputs going both to the digital box and directly into the back of the TV antenna in. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

6.1 is an absolute mess this AM with increasing, near-constant break up OTA.

Never had this problem until the antenna issues and today it's unwatchable...wonder if something else is going on?

WCVB 5.1 is coming in with no problems at all at the same time, even in all the rain. :confused:

I am having the exact same issue. I am on the Newport/Middletown line and since the "repair" my signal is questionable at best. Even when the antenna was in disrepair, I was getting better signal strength. Whats up with that?

I posted this remark earlier, and it was suggested that the leaves on the trees might be causing the problem. Others in CT said they are receiving a stronger signal then ever. I wonder if the pattern has changed so that we are now on the fringe down here in Newport. Any ideas?

WLNE DT is on channel 49. There is an analog channel 49 in CT that might be comming in strong if there is coastal ducting. To check aim the antenna west and look at channel 49 with and analog TV.
John

Quick question about COX volume changes. I have a 6412 with an optical connection to my receiver. Whenever a local COX commercial comes on when I'm watching a non-basic channel, including HD, (any channel above 13) the volume spikes - so loud I need to manually lower it.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Quick question about COX volume changes. I have a 6412 with an optical connection to my receiver. Whenever a local COX commercial comes on when I'm watching a non-basic channel, including HD, (any channel above 13) the volume spikes - so loud I need to manually lower it.

Does anyone else have this problem?
pretty sure it has nothing to do with the 6412. WHen I watch HD shows on NBC like the office I have to pump the volume to 17 on my panasonic plasma, and when the commercial comes on I have to put it to 12. Thats with no cable box, just hooked up and getting HD via QAM

I just noticed this message on Channel 1: "In order to upgrade On Demand, this channel will not be available from 11PM to 6AM. We appologize in advance, but are confident you will like the changes."

Wonder if this could mean HD on Demand? That would be a great way to start the week!

Edit: Well I checked before I went to work this morning and now it says the upgrade will take place Tonight and Tomorrow(6/4 and 6/5) instead. Guess that means we'll have to wait until Wednsday to see the result.

I wonder if this upgrade has anything to do with the Cox/ABC/ESPN On-Demand deal that was reached in May. ABC/ESPN agreed to offer various shows such as "Lost", "Grey's Anatomy", "College football" etc. on demand to Cox. The agreement included a condition that folks could not fast forward through commercials (Yuk. ).

Let's see what happens....

http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2007/05/07/daily10.html?from_rss=1

I wonder if this upgrade has anything to do with the Cox/ABC/ESPN On-Demand deal that was reached in May. ABC/ESPN agreed to offer various shows such as "Lost", "Grey's Anatomy", "College football" etc. on demand to Cox. The agreement included a condition that folks could not fast forward through commercials (Yuk. ).

Let's see what happens....

http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2007/05/07/daily10.html?from_rss=1

If they're confident that that would make us happy, they're even more out-of-touch with their customers than I thought. While I wouldn't be surprised if that is part of the upgrade, I hope it's not all there is.

I am having the exact same issue. I am on the Newport/Middletown line and since the "repair" my signal is questionable at best. Even when the antenna was in disrepair, I was getting better signal strength. Whats up with that?

I posted this remark earlier, and it was suggested that the leaves on the trees might be causing the problem. Others in CT said they are receiving a stronger signal then ever. I wonder if the pattern has changed so that we are now on the fringe down here in Newport. Any ideas?

Totally agreed, and that's the important part -- this was not a problem with 6.1 reception until the "repairs" were completed.

Before that I never had any issue getting 6.1 here.

How would you go about getting these free HD channels from Cox? My parents have digital cable with Cox but no HD boxes, just the digital box. How would you go about getting the HD signal for the locals through the QAM tuner? Currently I have split the cable in connections with the outputs going both to the digital box and directly into the back of the TV antenna in. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
It sounds to me like the antenna input on the TV is for OTA reception. That is not the same as a QAM tuner for recieving cable channels,

Yes here in Portsmouth the repairs didn't help things much from the temporary fix. Channel 6.1 OTA is sometimes unwatchable with audio dropouts and then video freezing etc. This morning it was okay. Other than wild audio level swings on 10.1 and what seems to be still lower power reception (still can't get it on one set) it seems back not to have the dropouts anyway.

If they're confident that that would make us happy, they're even more out-of-touch with their customers than I thought. While I wouldn't be surprised if that is part of the upgrade, I hope it's not all there is.

Well, last night at around 12:15am, my HD DVR 6416 box took a mandatory firmware download that lasted about 15 mins. The firmware was updated from version 12 dated January 2006 to version 16 dated April 2007.

Once the box came back up, the Passport Echo software was nowhere to be found, which was alarming, but I figured that later in the night they would push new DVR/on-screen guide software down, and they did.

This morning, a newer Passport Echo package was available and it seems to be a bug fix and does a better job at telling users which content is HDTV, such as in the DVR programs list. It's pretty snappy when flying through the menus. All of my recorded shows and preferences were preserved.

So I tried the new OnDemand software, which was also pushed down with the new Motorola box firmware. It looks like the "nice" on-demand in the Cox commercials. Much better. Very responsive. Better on screen display when playing back content. FF and RW still work on shows that allow it. I'm sure there will be ABC/Disney/ESPN content one day that will disallow fast forwards, but oh well.

OnDemand is finally usable! I'm pleased with all the updates.

Well, last night at around 12:15am, my HD DVR 6416 box took a mandatory firmware download that lasted about 15 mins. The firmware was updated from version 12 dated January 2006 to version 16 dated April 2007.

Once the box came back up, the Passport Echo software was nowhere to be found, which was alarming, but I figured that later in the night they would push new DVR/on-screen guide software down, and they did.

This morning, a newer Passport Echo package was available and it seems to be a bug fix and does a better job at telling users which content is HDTV, such as in the DVR programs list. It's pretty snappy when flying through the menus. All of my recorded shows and preferences were preserved.

So I tried the new OnDemand software, which was also pushed down with the new Motorola box firmware. It looks like the "nice" on-demand in the Cox commercials. Much better. Very responsive. Better on screen display when playing back content. FF and RW still work on shows that allow it. I'm sure there will be ABC/Disney/ESPN content one day that will disallow fast forwards, but oh well.

OnDemand is finally usable! I'm pleased with all the updates.

Got the update as well the only thing i was really looking for (besides faster response) was Ondemand HD, but alas still not there :(...The new menu system doesn't impress me much though, but thats JMHO

http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/DCT6412_Passport.html#Passport_Echo_2.7_New_Feature_Summary

http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/DCT6412_Passport.html#Passport_Echo_2.7_New_Feature_Summary


Thanks for that link. Very good info. The Wiki site for the Motorola 6200 series is also a great resource.

At the bottom of the link you provided was a breakdown of the frequency allocation for Cox in San Diego. It shows no available bandwidth. Every thing's accounted for.

They also have the digital simulcast for all the analog channels down there, just like in most Cox service areas in Rhode Island. I bet they can't wait to get everyone a cheap digital cable box (they'll be much smaller and cheaper than the current boxes today, cuz they won't need any analog tuner). Once that's done, they can drop the 70 Channels of analog TV.

They can then replace those 70 channels with 420 SD digital channels (MPEG-2) or approx 150 HD channels (MPEG-2).

If they ever convert to AVC (MPEG-4 H.264), they can squeeze even more channels at higher quality into that bandwidth.

Totally agreed, and that's the important part -- this was not a problem with 6.1 reception until the "repairs" were completed.

Before that I never had any issue getting 6.1 here.I have to say im starting to agree with WLNE DT and WJAR DT being worse although the signal strength is better, the signal is less reliable. I am having lots of breakup on WLNE and some on WJAR where before the damage I had less signal but I didnt lose the stations near as much. I still wonder if its ducting or fog fade or if there is something else that has changed since the repair. I no longer see the signal in Higganum, CT and I had before. It was not a usable signal but I could see it on the analyzer.

Well I am making the jump to FIOS TV. Install date is June 21st. I'll report on how the install goes.

Anyone else having issue's with their Comcast cable? I have been getting very choppy signals for a few days in most of the channels over 200

My HD seems to be fine, with the exception of NESN HD which isn't even watchable

This week when Cox performed its On Demand update it totally fried my box attached to my plasma. When I woke up in the morning, the box was in a continuous reboot loop. I called tech support and they told me some boxes will take longer to update and call back later in the day. I thought this was weird since the same model box I have on my other non-hdtv was fine.

When I got home from work, lo and behold the box was still in the continuous reboot. I called cox again and after being on the phone for a hour got someone who sent a restart signal to the box. That did not work either and they said a tech had to come out.

I was going to return one of my boxes anyway so I hooked up the box from my other tv. I returned the other box to the cox store in warwick the next day and asked them to add my hdtv service and HBO to the remaining box.

When I got home, that service was not on the box!. So I had to call customer support again. When they attempted to add the service, that update fried that box!!! It wouldn't work.

I was livid and the guy on the phone said I needed a tech, which coudln't come for 3 days!

Before all this happened I had a perfectly working system now nothing! So I got in the car and went back to the Cox store and swaped out the box. I did a self install and it was fine.

This is absolutely ridiculous. This is why people, including myself, will switch to Verizon. It is going to be up and running in my area in a few weeks.

End Rant

Hi all - I just got hit with the Cox update for my box recently and I was wondering if anyone has been having an issue changing the Digital Audio Out option from Dolby AC3 to Pulse Code Modulated? I personally have more options on my AV receiver when in PCM mode, but everytime I try to change it - the setting change just won't stick....it always defaults back to Dolby AC3.....strange....(BTW - I can change other settings and those changes stick)

Thanks!

-Rob

Hey guys I have a question...

Now that you can easily check the storage space on the Moto dvr from Cox, I realize that I don't have that many hours of TV recorded. I have approximately 20hrs. I know that HD shows take up a considerable amount more space but I don't have that many recorded. I do however record shows like the Simpons on the HD fox channel. Does recording non HD shows on an HD channel also take up more space than on the regular digital/analog channels? That raises another question. How can I tell if my lower channels are analog or the digital simulcast? Thanks

PS... Being able to group shows is the BEST. It is one of the only things that I missed from the Tivo days

Hey guys I have a question...

Now that you can easily check the storage space on the Moto dvr from Cox, I realize that I don't have that many hours of TV recorded. I have approximately 20hrs. I know that HD shows take up a considerable amount more space but I don't have that many recorded. I do however record shows like the Simpons on the HD fox channel. Does recording non HD shows on an HD channel also take up more space than on the regular digital/analog channels? That raises another question. How can I tell if my lower channels are analog or the digital simulcast? Thanks

PS... Being able to group shows is the BEST. It is one of the only things that I missed from the Tivo days

Yes, recording non-HD shows on HD channels (700s) will use 6-8 times as much space on your DVR.

Hey guys I have a question...

Now that you can easily check the storage space on the Moto dvr from Cox, I realize that I don't have that many hours of TV recorded. I have approximately 20hrs. I know that HD shows take up a considerable amount more space but I don't have that many recorded. I do however record shows like the Simpons on the HD fox channel. Does recording non HD shows on an HD channel also take up more space than on the regular digital/analog channels? That raises another question. How can I tell if my lower channels are analog or the digital simulcast? Thanks

PS... Being able to group shows is the BEST. It is one of the only things that I missed from the Tivo days

BTW, all channels coming into your digital cable boxes should be the digital versions of those channels. This actually makes them take up even less space when they're recorded compared to taking in an analog channel and compressing it into MPEG-2 for the DVR box.

Well I am making the jump to FIOS TV. Install date is June 21st. I'll report on how the install goes.


I have an install date of July 3rd with 3 Cable cards and no STB. Cannot wait to get rid of Cox

Please Post what your installs for video were like and your expierence. I have wanted to see the actual channel line ups online but there does not seem to be one on verizon's site. I have fios 20/5 internet and phone, and have cox's dvr. I am inclined not to go with the fios tv at this point for one reason. In order to use their tv you have to use their router, which is a piece of junk to put it kindly. I simply replaced it with a 4 year old wired D-link and it worked better for my uses. All you have to do is clone the mac address of their router and they don't know the difference. The router they give is tough to open ports and setup basic port forwarding rules. I looked online and called tech support and have spoty solutions at best. I could take their router and just make it a bridge but I am not sure if that would work for video service. Food for thought...Love the forum though.

Why would the router have anything to do with the FiOS video service?

All signalling for video is over the coax in your home down to the ONT on your house which interfaces with the fiber. It doesn't pass through the router.

Maybe I'm wrong?

My understanding is that you need the router to recieve guide info and video-on-demand.

On another note, does anyone know how the two public hearings scheduled for June 7th and 11th for Service Areas 2, 3, and 8 went?

My Verizon TV and internet install is next Wed the 20th!

I cannot wait to march down to the cox store and give them their crap back and say good bye once and for all!!

Just felt the need to jump in here - my FIOS TV install is this coming Monday the 18th in the morning. I have FIOS Internet and love it.

I can't wait to hand in my Cox crap either....I can't stand them....

I sure hope FIOS TV has been worth the wait!

I'm confused everyone is signing up, but Verizon hasn't announced a channel lineup and they haven't announced pricing...or have they? If you have this info please send along.

Nope - they haven't. I just called and they were all ready to book time for someone to be at my house....I was pretty impressed. We'll see how it goes monday though....

Using NO "On Demand", NO "Guide", hence, will not be using thier router. 3 cablecards only.

I would be suprised if they do the install then. Let us know. I am curious. I reading on line and talking to Verizon it was manditory in all situations. I would ask before they start stringing the fiber.

My Fios was installed on Feb 1 and at that time he gave me the option to either use the router or not. At that time he told me to keep it just in case I want to use the VOD or guide info when I have my video installed, but will give feedback when it is finally installed(video)

When I signed up for my TV install on the 21st I was also offered, and changed to the $99.99 package (TV, internet and fone), and with the package deal it is $94.99. I also added 2 DVRs and HBO so the total quoted was $154 including all taxes. The CR said the only listings are for Mass., and that I would receive the Boston channels until Providence channels have been negotiated. But somewhere I remember reading where Verizon had contracts signed with the major Providence channels. I know the Journal business section reported that the NE Cable Network will be in the RI lineup.

Well, last night at around 12:15am, my HD DVR 6416 box took a mandatory firmware download that lasted about 15 mins. The firmware was updated from version 12 dated January 2006 to version 16 dated April 2007.

Once the box came back up, the Passport Echo software was nowhere to be found, which was alarming, but I figured that later in the night they would push new DVR/on-screen guide software down, and they did.

This morning, a newer Passport Echo package was available and it seems to be a bug fix and does a better job at telling users which content is HDTV, such as in the DVR programs list. It's pretty snappy when flying through the menus. All of my recorded shows and preferences were preserved.

So I tried the new OnDemand software, which was also pushed down with the new Motorola box firmware. It looks like the "nice" on-demand in the Cox commercials. Much better. Very responsive. Better on screen display when playing back content. FF and RW still work on shows that allow it. I'm sure there will be ABC/Disney/ESPN content one day that will disallow fast forwards, but oh well.

OnDemand is finally usable! I'm pleased with all the updates.


Anyone else using the HDMI port and getting "black screen flash" every so often after the new firmware push? I'm connected to a sony set.

Anyone else using the HDMI port and getting "black screen flash" every so often after the new firmware push? I'm connected to a sony set.


I have a Sony connected by HDMI as well, but as of yet have not noticed a "black screen flash". I will keep an eye out for this type of behavoir.

The primary issues I have experienced since the upgrade have been.

1) The FF command bringing me to the end of a recorded show prematurely i.e. I have 10 minutes of a show left and next thing I know I have skipped to the end. Not good when watching Sports time delayed.

2) The remote commands feel more sluggish i.e. they work but seem to respond slower then they did before the upgrade.

I have a Sony connected by HDMI as well, but as of yet have not noticed a "black screen flash". I will keep an eye out for this type of behavoir.

The primary issues I have experienced since the upgrade have been.

1) The FF command bringing me to the end of a recorded show prematurely i.e. I have 10 minutes of a show left and next thing I know I have skipped to the end. Not good when watching Sports time delayed.

2) The remote commands feel more sluggish i.e. they work but seem to respond slower then they did before the upgrade.

Thanks for the reply. I noticed a bit of a slow down too. I sometimes find myself hitting the button twice and then it finally responds to both commands at the same time. Maybe I just need to be more patient.

The primary issues I have experienced since the upgrade have been.

1) The FF command bringing me to the end of a recorded show prematurely i.e. I have 10 minutes of a show left and next thing I know I have skipped to the end. Not good when watching Sports time delayed.

2) The remote commands feel more sluggish i.e. they work but seem to respond slower then they did before the upgrade.

I can second those. The remote commands are much more sluggish. I have a 6416 box connected via HDMI to my Sammy DLP.

The firmware update did correct a audio synch problem I was seeing over HDMI. I used to have to reseat the HDMI connection on the back of the box to get the audio back in synch at least once a day. It's been fine since the update.

Just felt the need to jump in here - my FIOS TV install is this coming Monday the 18th in the morning. I have FIOS Internet and love it.

I can't wait to hand in my Cox crap either....I can't stand them....

I sure hope FIOS TV has been worth the wait!


Hey how did you get installation on the first day of service?? :) I'm scheduled for the morning of the 21st. Please let us know how the installation goes, and what local channels you get. When I go to the Verizon site it still shows the Boston market eventhough it now indicates that FIOS is available in RI.

Edit: Just checked the Verizon site and they now show the RI channel listings! I've edited this to include the link:

http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail/NR/rdonlyres/364A9FFE-E507-439D-81BC-518E522D72BB/0/RI_RhodeIslandArea.pdf

Well, even Verizon's local channel lineup blows away Cox. An extra PBS, and all of our locals in HD. Plus the inclusion of the WGN Superstation. I'm switching to Fios Internet on the 30th, it's too bad TV won't be available for me until later this year though.

I hope everything goes well for all of you. Has anyone asked about self-installs of new boxes after the initial install? Will there be a verizon store nearby where we can drop-off and pick-up? That's one feature that I do like about Cox.

Hey how did you get installation on the first day of service?? :) I'm scheduled for the morning of the 21st. Please let us know how the installation goes, and what local channels you get. When I go to the Verizon site it still shows the Boston market eventhough it now indicates that FIOS is available in RI.

Edit: Just checked the Verizon site and they now show the RI channel listings! I've edited this to include the link:

http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail/NR/rdonlyres/364A9FFE-E507-439D-81BC-518E522D72BB/0/RI_RhodeIslandArea.pdf


Cool - thanks for the link! I really don't know how I got it so fast....I just called up and asked nicely for the soonest possible date so I can dump Cox, the person on the phone was like - how about Monday morning? Hell yea! :-)

I will post here Monday afternoon to report on how it went.....

http://www.beloblog.com/ProJo_Blogs/newsblog/archives/2007/06/verizon_launche.html

WARWICK -- Verizon Communications launched its cable television service in the West Bay area this morning, becoming the first new provider of cable TV in Rhode Island in about 20 years.

The company held a launch event at a new Verizon dispatch facility in Warwick that included a ribbon "cutting" ceremony: a convoy of 10 Verizon service trucks rolled off the lot to begin the first installations. The lead truck broke through a red ribbon that officials had stretched between two poles.

The company has permission from the state to offer its FiOS TV service to Service Area 6, which includes 79,600 households in Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, North Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick and West Greenwich.

Its expanded tier will cost customers $42.99 per month plus $4.99 for a cable box and remote control.

Took exactly 4 hours. They gave me a time frame between 8 - 12pm. Nice lady showed up at 9:30am and wrapped up at 1:30pm.

Just so you know - you WILL need a router for the install. The ONT connects to the router via COAX. The ONT uses the router to get Guide, VOD and widget data (widget data shows cool local info on the fly like weather and traffic)

My existing COAX cable in my home was used and worked with no issues. New boxes have the Microsoft OS and it looks sweet. For those of you who have Cox and a DVR box with the latest update, the menu on my new box (from a response time perspective) makes the Cox DVR box look like a Commodor 64. Menu is quick and intuitive - no issues.

Video quality is great. I am set at 1080i - 16:9 output on both DVR boxes. (42" Plasma TV and a 100" front projection dedicated theater with a Sanyo Z3 LCD projector)

Audio - only offers 3 choices here: Stereo, Mono, Surround. I chose Surround as I am using digital coax audio out to my A/V receiver. All is well here and it sounds great with no issues.

Overall - I have 2 DVR boxes in my house and everything is working fine. This is a HUGE improvement over Cox (including price). I highly recommend the switch!

-Rob

Do you know jealous this makes me - but less than 72 hours before I get my install. A question - what make of remote did they furnish? And when you mention the Microsoft OS, is the guide the new interactive active program guide (IPG)?

And thanks Rob for your quick response to your install.

The IPG is made by Microsoft and is what is currently in most markets. The IMG(Interactive Media Guide) is the new one, and is made by Verizon. My guess for why they didn't start with the new guide in RI is that we're on the same super-headend as MA, which has had service for quite a while now.

Now for a couple questions:

1. How is the picture quality compared to Cox?

2. Do you get The CW in HD?

The remote control is a generic remote built for Verizon that has backlit buttons. It is VERY nice compared to the Cox remote. It is black and has a rubber like feel to it.

Personally - I would say picture quality with HD recorded shows is a match with Cox (I couldn't tell the difference on my plasma). The standard def channels definately look better than Cox though. The only channels I didn't sign up for are the "premium" channels like HBO.

Also - not sure what you mean when you ask about the CW in HD....what does CW stand for?

[QUOTE=phant0m_jester]The remote control is a generic remote built for Verizon that has backlit buttons. It is VERY nice compared to the Cox remote. It is black and has a rubber like feel to it.

I am thinking that the remote is a Phillips version since it is backlit. I believe that remote will be used with the new IMG when it is available.

The remote control is a generic remote built for Verizon that has backlit buttons. It is VERY nice compared to the Cox remote. It is black and has a rubber like feel to it.

Personally - I would say picture quality with HD recorded shows is a match with Cox (I couldn't tell the difference on my plasma). The standard def channels definately look better than Cox though. The only channels I didn't sign up for are the "premium" channels like HBO.

Also - not sure what you mean when you ask about the CW in HD....what does CW stand for?

WLWC-28 is our local CW affiliate. Do they carry the HD version like they do for NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX? The reason I ask is that a few days ago, it was on the channel lineup listed on the website. Now it isn't.

Considering is has Phillips batteries in it - I would say yes....

WLWC-28 is our local CW affiliate. Do they carry the HD version like they do for NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX? The reason I ask is that a few days ago, it was on the channel lineup listed on the website. Now it isn't.


I can tell you that I have NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX in HD. CW WLWC is in HD on channel 809 so it looks like Verizon has it. I just checked the guide and it's here.

So Jealous!!!! Does anyone know if and or when Verizon plans to offer service in the Newport/Middltown area? Or what "Service Area" Middletown is?

I can tell you that I have NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX in HD. CW WLWC is in HD on channel 809 so it looks like Verizon has it. I just checked the guide and it's here.

Rob, have you cancelled Cox, and if so, how did it go. Will they come and pick up their boxes?

My install is finishing up right now. I assume cox is going make me drop off the boxes at the their mall store.


I just ran a speed test and I'm getting 17 kb/s on the downloads. :)

Rob, have you cancelled Cox, and if so, how did it go. Will they come and pick up their boxes?


I am calling those clowns today - I would imagine that I will need to drop it off at Warwick Mall. I don't mind as I live in Warwick...

I must say that everything has been working quite well.

Only 2 things bother me:

1.) Digital audio out options are limited. I want to output PCM, but with this OS you can only get Dolby Digital on those programs that broadcast it. Everything else pretty much comes out in Stereo that my receiver turns into ProLogic II which isn't so bad but with a PCM stream I could apply my DTS NEO processing....kind of sad about that...

2.) While video quality is great (standard def is MUCH better than Cox) - I don't like how it won't stretch 4:3 content. When you are set in 720p or 1080i - you have to go with a 16:9 setting and that means anything NOT filmed in widescreen comes across with black bars on the side. I have 2 widescreens and I hate the black bars on the sides. The Cox DVR would let you set output at "1080i - Stretch 4:3 Content". If you are watching a standard-def show filmed in letter box (e.g. - 1.85:1) on a standard-def channel, you end up with black bars on the top, bottom, AND sides - it looks pretty bad as you are only using like 60% of your screen for video and the rest for black bars.

Theses are the only 2 things I have eating away at me. The nice thing is that they are software limitations (not bugs) and *might* be addressed at some point. Overall though - still WAY better than Cox.

LOADS of break-up on 6.1 in Narragansett OTA at Noon 6/19. Virtually unwatchable again. :(

Has anyone asked Verizon about drop-off/pick-up locations for self-installs of replacement/new boxes? Are there any yet, or will there be? This is a big issue for me, as I don't think $75 for a job I could do free is fair. It's one of the things I do like about Cox. I've never had any trouble going to pick up a new box if something happens to one.

Can Verizons signal be split to other tv's without using a converter box as you would standard cable?

Also wonder if the picture quality will degrade any as more people get service?

I'm not too happy with Cox's picture quality either! HD and digital channels are ok but the sd channels are crap and the menu is like molasses after the update!

I can tell you that I have NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX in HD.

phant0m_jester

Can you tell me how the PQ is for WEDN (Verizon Ch. 14) compared to other local analog stations?

Thanks,
Marc

My install did not go smoothly and ended up taking 12 hours over 2 days. Both of my boxes stopped working at different times and it ended up taking 3 techs to fix the problem

I can't really say that I'm a big fan of the verizon DVR. I think it's overly complicated and at times unclear. I'm still not sure why it will not let me add certain shows to my season pass list, but i'm sure just missing something.

Overall the FIOS picture quality and internet speed is superior to what cox was giving me, so I'm still happy I made the move.

My install did not go smoothly and ended up taking 12 hours over 2 days. Both of my boxes stopped working at different times and it ended up taking 3 techs to fix the problem

I can't really say that I'm a big fan of the verizon DVR. I think it's overly complicated and at times unclear. I'm still not sure why it will not let me add certain shows to my season pass list, but i'm sure just missing something.

Overall the FIOS picture quality and internet speed is superior to what cox was giving me, so I'm still happy I made the move.

Anyone surprised that a DVR software package developed by Microsoft is overly complicated and unclear?

I don't really get all the hate for Passport Echo software on the Cox DVR boxes.

Anyone surprised that a DVR software package developed by Microsoft is overly complicated and unclear?

I don't really get all the hate for Passport Echo software on the Cox DVR boxes.


The good news is that from most reports, the new IMG seems to be a vast improvement - now how long before it is released in this area?

LOADS of break-up on 6.1 in Narragansett OTA at Noon 6/19. Virtually unwatchable again. :(
Lots of thing happen to signals when the conditions are right. In Groton I lost WJAR DT UHF 51 and WLNE DT UHF 49 on a fixed directional antennal with about 30 dB gain but I was able to pull in WMGM DT UHF 36, WWOR DT UHF 38, WNYW DT UHF 44, WCBS DT UHF 56 and WWDP DT UHF 52, Norwell Mass. The first 4 channels I listed came in from the direction of New York and are on the back of the antenna. WJAR DT UHF 51 and WLNE DT UHF 49 are back to normal today.

Hi

Got my install yesterday. It did not go that smoothly.

The tech arrived at 2pm. I live in a condo and apparently the installation in a condo is different that in a house. The tech had no idea how to hook everything up as the FIOS cables were set up differently. We had to wait to hours for his supervisor to arrive.

The supervisor arrived and then they were unable to find the coax cables installed by Cox that service my unit. So they had to drill holes in both of my rooms with tv's to run the coax. They did not leave until 9pm

When the internet was hooked up, I was unable to connect wirelessly to the verizon router. My laptop that I connect wirelesly to the internet gets "limited connectivity." So I hooked up my own Belkin router to their router and connect wirelessly through that. A little screwy.

I think the picture quality is great on the FIOS TV. I am no keen on the guide. On my plasma, when I page up or down, I am missing a few channels at the top of the screen. I have to scroll up to see those channels. This was not the case on Cox or Directv. Unless I am missing a setting, it is a bit annoying.

On the whole I am glad I switched because of the lower price and picture quality and I can screw cox out of cash!

Lots of thing happen to signals when the conditions are right.

Oh, I agree with you, but in the 12 months I've been watching this has only been an issue with 6.1 since the antenna repair work of last month. Never had the problem before in almost a year of viewing, and it's almost constant break up now day in, day out in southern RI for the last week. Can't even get through the 6pm news without break up at some point -- and bad -- every few minutes too.

Methinks there's something wrong with the signal, and it's probably not my set up judging from the other comments from people in Newport, Narragansett, etc.

When WCVB 5.1 comes in much healthier -- even down here! -- you know there's got to be an issue somewhere...

A very smooth installation - it took the longest to verify all signals on my two DVRs and the wait for the download of data. One technician was not familiar with the DVR so called in another one. I asked when the new IMG would be available, and was told the new IMG is now active. Since I have little (or no) knowledge on what the previous guide was like I can't confirm it, but did find it very fast, and easy to navigate, and reminds me to some extend of the one I had with TiVo. For what it's worth, the Build # is 02.98, and Platform ID QIP6416-6432 P2. Not sure if this identifies the version of the guide. Since I already had the the ONT installed, it took a bit over 2 hours from beginning to completion. I like the remote, but my main complaint is not being able to delete channels I don't watch when scanning channels. Maybe I am missing something, but couldn't find any way to delete unwanted channels, except on the guide. Also to only have a minimum of 30 seconds for skip back and skip forward is much too long for my taste. I did find that the actual widget button works which makes me think I have the new IMG.

I have not found a tremendous difference in PQ on either of my TVs, a 32 inch Samsung and a 55 inch Mits, but then again, I never had a problem with PQ with Cox. The SD seems a bit better on the Samung but that is also a much newer TV (2 months). I am impressed with the channel lineup with FIOS and the price is also less than Cox.

I returned the 2 DVRs to the Cox office otherwise it would have been $17.50 for each of them if a technician had picked them up. There were ALLOT of returned boxes on the shelves and counters which makes me think that there has been an impact already. The individual who waited on me was not the most cheerful CR I have seen, and when she told me to have a good day, her heart was obviously not in it!! One of the technicians (installer) said they (Verizon, not him) had 250 installs scheduled for today alone, and have brought in over 300 technicians to install FIOS. He has been called in from New Bedford and said Verizon was holding off on major advertising at this time since they have been overwhelmed so far just by word of mouth. The other technician was called in from Boston and was more knowledgeable about the DVRs, but it is obvious that they are not solely FIOS TV installers and were driving regular Verizon trucks, not the fancy ones that were shown on TV.

Sorry to ramble on, but wanted to let you know it was a very satisfying
experience, and just the channel lineup, and difference in price is worth the change. The number of channels in the Movie Pack blows away anything that Cox offers (44 including 3 in HD for $12.99). and I FINALLY have the New England News Channel :D

Methinks there's something wrong with the signal, and it's probably not my set up judging from the other comments from people in Newport, Narragansett, etc.

When WCVB 5.1 comes in much healthier -- even down here! -- you know there's got to be an issue somewhere...

I absolutely agree 100%! I am on the Newport/Middletown line and at one of the highest elevations on the island, and things are definitely worse since the "repair". I too am pulling Boston stations with less problem than those in Providence.

I absolutely agree 100%! I am on the Newport/Middletown line and at one of the highest elevations on the island, and things are definitely worse since the "repair". I too am pulling Boston stations with less problem than those in Providence.

Perhaps the fine folks from WJAR could address whether or not the antenna is at full power and/or they're still doing work on it (as WLNE digital is on the same tower I believe).

Definitely looks like something is wrong here! (And I do see break up on the WJAR portion, but nowhere near as bad, or constant, as the WLNE break up on 6.1).

Of all the times for this to happen, June is probably the best before the Fall TV season and sports heat up...I think we'd be hearing more complaints if it happened in the winter time.

Yes I am again having problems with 6.1 and 10.1 although 6.1 is far worse. Yesterday afternoon it didn't come in at all and this morning it was completely unwatchable due to the dropouts - particularly with audio. I get it OTA and live at one of the highest points in Portsmouth.

Yes I am again having problems with 6.1 and 10.1 although 6.1 is far worse. Yesterday afternoon it didn't come in at all and this morning it was completely unwatchable due to the dropouts - particularly with audio. I get it OTA and live at one of the highest points in Portsmouth.

Yep same here. 10.1 has occasional sound hiccups, but 6.1 has become almost completely unstable from day to day. It's pretty much unwatchable. :confused:

With the exception of Channel 25, I watch all the Boston stations since picture quality and signal strength are better. In Jamestown, I can't normally get 25 and Channel 64 pixellates frequently. I can't wait for 64 to become HD on Directv.

I'm in Woonsocket and used to pick up 6.1 and 10.1 pretty good, but since the repairs they simply dont come in very good now, 6.1 is near impossible to watch and 10.1...forget it!
Thank god I have a multidirectional antenna and can pick up all the Boston feeds they have saved my HD life :) but still they need to fix the problem.

All - I called Cox to cancel my service and the lady on the other end asked me why....so I told her I switched over to Verizon FIOS and went on about everything I hate about Cox....at some point in the conversation I mentioned that I liked how Verizon was Fiber to the home and felt more "future proof".

She then told me that all of the Cox cable hard lines on the telephone poles are fiber based, and then coax to the home...

For some reason - I just don't believe this....what are your thoughts on this comment?

That's a true statement about my street in Jamestown

Cox is fiber to the node- then goes over heavy coax..aka not the ones in your house..then in your home its more then likely rg-6.

Verizon - fiber all the way to the box on the outside of the house then rg-6 in the home.

I can't say much about verizon fios right now, well nothing positive. I was like everyone on this forum, loving the fios. Well i got it installed, the 5/2 download package. I have had 3 techs out already. I get lots of dropped connections, packet loss, inconsistent speeds. They have replaced the router 2 times, the box on the outside 2 times already. When you ask them what was the issue, they tell me they are not exactly sure, but its ok now. I had to fight with billing as I did not get the online promos from the website when i ordered. I also got charged 75.00 for the service visit for the 1st one which took me talking to a manager to get waived. When it was finally fixed was it fast...yes...but I have wasted more time with verizon then i wish. I know many people have had a flawless time, I just wish I was one of them.

Cox is fiber to the node- then goes over heavy coax..aka not the ones in your house..then in your home its more then likely rg-6.

Verizon - fiber all the way to the box on the outside of the house then rg-6 in the home.

I can't say much about verizon fios right now, well nothing positive. I was like everyone on this forum, loving the fios. Well i got it installed, the 5/2 download package. I have had 3 techs out already. I get lots of dropped connections, packet loss, inconsistent speeds. They have replaced the router 2 times, the box on the outside 2 times already. When you ask them what was the issue, they tell me they are not exactly sure, but its ok now. I had to fight with billing as I did not get the online promos from the website when i ordered. I also got charged 75.00 for the service visit for the 1st one which took me talking to a manager to get waived. When it was finally fixed was it fast...yes...but I have wasted more time with verizon then i wish. I know many people have had a flawless time, I just wish I was one of them.

Sorry to hear that bud - everything was butter smooth with mine....both internet and cable....

I know many people have had a flawless time, I just wish I was one of them.

Yes it is very fraustrating to read of perfect installs such as the one I had. When I was with Cox, I had a total of SEVEN DVRs replaced, while most customers never had a problem. But I hope I'm not over stating it when I say once you have solved the problems, you will find FIOS internet and TV a very satisfying experience. But, that is easy to say now, right ;)

Yes it is very fraustrating to read of perfect installs such as the one I had. When I was with Cox, I had a total of SEVEN DVRs replaced, while most customers never had a problem. But I hope I'm not over stating it when I say once you have solved the problems, you will find FIOS internet and TV a very satisfying experience. But, that is easy to say now, right ;)

Don't feel bad. I'm on Cox DVR box number 8, all within the last year. They just aren't built to last, but I'm guessing its a Motorola QC issue.

Anyway, I'm hoping for Verizon gets PUC approval here in Middletown, RI soon. I'm starting to get fed up with Cox. I have only HD televisions now, and the over-compression on the standard channels is really apparent with a higher quality TV. The 6416 shows some awful pixelation on recorded SD content. I'm encouraged by folks stating the standard definition channels are of better quality with the FIOS-TV service.

-Ted

Don't feel bad. I'm on Cox DVR box number 8, all within the last year. They just aren't built to last, but I'm guessing its a Motorola QC issue.

Anyway, I'm hoping for Verizon gets PUC approval here in Middletown, RI soon. I'm starting to get fed up with Cox. I have only HD televisions now, and the over-compression on the standard channels is really apparent with a higher quality TV. The 6416 shows some awful pixelation on recorded SD content. I'm encouraged by folks stating the standard definition channels are of better quality with the FIOS-TV service.

-Ted

Ted, do you know if your SD channels are on the digital simulcast like up in the Service Area 6 portion of the state?

I know that the Motorola boxes have very poor analog to digital converters so if you're receiving those low channels in analog, the DVR will show them with lots of pixelation.

For me, now that West Warwick is on full digital for ALL channels, even the sub-100 channels look much better than they used to with the 6416 box that I have.

Don't feel bad. I'm on Cox DVR box number 8, all within the last year. They just aren't built to last, but I'm guessing its a Motorola QC issue.

Anyway, I'm hoping for Verizon gets PUC approval here in Middletown, RI soon. I'm starting to get fed up with Cox. I have only HD televisions now, and the over-compression on the standard channels is really apparent with a higher quality TV. The 6416 shows some awful pixelation on recorded SD content. I'm encouraged by folks stating the standard definition channels are of better quality with the FIOS-TV service.

-Ted


If you have any kind of decent HD TV - SD channels with Cox are almost unwatchable. I have noticed a HUGE improvment going over to FIOS on the SD channels.....

Does anyone know how to find out whether or not you are in a digital simulcast area? Or does anyone know if Narragansett/NK is currently?

How To Check if Analog-Digital Simulcasting (ADS) is Enabled

Analog-Digital Simulcasting (ADS) is used by the DVR in local cable markets where ADS is available. The DCT3412, and the tiny non-DVR DCT700, having only digital tuners, always employ ADS. The DCT6208. along with the DCT64XX (all phases), and non DVR DCT models 5100, 6200 1100/1200, 22XX, and 25XX have analogue and digital tuners. In an ADS market, those models will default to their digital tuners, as ADS overrides their analogue tuners completely. Refer to the article on ADS for more information on how the technology is used in cable systems.

Method 1:
Dolby Digital logo with "double-D" symbol
Dolby Digital logo with "double-D" symbol

1. Tune to a single-digit channel (ex: Ch. 9). These "basic cable" channels would normally be received as analog without ADS.
2. Press the INFO button. If the Dolby Digital double-D symbol is displayed, the channel is digital, and you have ADS.

Note: The Dolby Digital symbol may not show up on the second tuner. Use the tuner swap button to switch to Tuner 1 to check for the double-D symbol on a "basic cable" channel.

Method 2:

1. Tune to a single-digit channel (ex: Ch. 9). These "basic cable" channels would normally be received as analog without ADS.
2. Press CABLE then POWER to shut off the box.
3. Immediately press OK/SELECT to enter the Diagnostic Main Menu.
4. Press DOWN ARROW to "d06 CURRENT CHANNEL STATUS" and press OK/SELECT.
* If the "Type" is "ANALOG", you do not have ADS.
* If the "Type" is "DIGITAL", you may have ADS (this tuner may be tuned to a digital channel that wouldn't use ADS, check the other tuner in the next step to see if it is tuned to an analog channel).
5. Press DOWN ARROW to scroll to the second page showing details for Tuner 2.
* If the "Type" is "ANALOG", you do not have ADS.
* If the "Type" is "DIGITAL", and the "Type" of Tuner 1 was also "DIGITAL", you have ADS.
6. Press OK/SELECT then POWER to exit the Diagnostic Menu. The box will now be off.

How To Check if Analog-Digital Simulcasting (ADS) is Enabled

Analog-Digital Simulcasting (ADS) is used by the DVR in local cable markets where ADS is available. The DCT3412, and the tiny non-DVR DCT700, having only digital tuners, always employ ADS. The DCT6208. along with the DCT64XX (all phases), and non DVR DCT models 5100, 6200 1100/1200, 22XX, and 25XX have analogue and digital tuners.....

Thanks a lot, I have been wondering about this for a long time. I really do think that the SD channels look terrible on my HD tv.


EDIT: Looks like I do in fact have ADS. I was hoping that I didn't so PQ had a chance of getting better...

It seems that Cox has changed the QAM mapping in North Kingstown.I still cannot find Fox. I found WJAR at 111.1 and ABC at 111.2

It seems that Cox has changed the QAM mapping in North Kingstown.I still cannot find Fox. I found WJAR at 111.1 and ABC at 111.2
yeah, I haven't been able to get my qam channels since two nights ago :mad:
If you find pbs fox and cbs let me know

abc is 111.6 for me

I have found all of the channels. They are different numbers on my TV than on my Tivo S3. Here is what I have:

ABC 111.2 or 111.6
NBC 111.1 on both
CBS 104.1 or 104.19
FOX 105.2 or 105.3
PBs (unchanged) 106.1 or 106.3

Thanks, I dont get why they did this.

Thanks, I dont get why they did this.

They're probably trying to condense their new HD lineup into the least number of 6MHz channels possible.

Generally, two HD channels can fit into one 6MHz channel. I bet bandwidth is pretty tight right now.

Ive tried reprogramming my panasonic plasma a couple times and still cant get cbs, fox, or pbs to work. It doesnt work with any of those numbers posted, and doesnt show up under the autoprogram :(

Ive tried reprogramming my panasonic plasma a couple times and still cant get cbs, fox, or pbs to work. It doesnt work with any of those numbers posted, and doesnt show up under the autoprogram :(

I know at least with my set (Samsung) i have to do an auto scan, so that it reads the new channels (since i will skip it if I leave it on a "blank" channel for sometime and then would need to be re scanned to get the new ones. I have to manually go and select the channels though as the TV picks up a lot of channels with"signal" but no actual channel.

Ive autoprogramed three times now and they show up under the list, but they do not work as channels. Still only abc and nbc. I just dont get it

Just installed a DCT 6416/2300 from Cox. Everything is working as expected. Regardless of Video settings, the program guide always seems to be in 4:3 mode. Does anyone know if there is a way to expand the guide to the full 16:9?

Just installed a DCT 6416/2300 from Cox. Everything is working as expected. Regardless of Video settings, the program guide always seems to be in 4:3 mode. Does anyone know if there is a way to expand the guide to the full 16:9?

It depends on your video settings for 4:3 content. I personally hate artificially stretched images, so I leave the black boxes on the sides when I watch 4:3 stuff.

If you go to your box settings by pressing menu, then press A to get to the details, go to Audio/Video and you'll see about 4 4:3 options. Try each until the box stretches the guide if that's what you want.

Ive autoprogramed three times now and they show up under the list, but they do not work as channels. Still only abc and nbc. I just dont get it

I have the SAME PROBLEM!!!!! ARGHHH

up until a few days ago I got NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS, and CBS in HD through my Panasonic Plasmas QAM tuner. Now I only get NBC and ABC

I called them, the guy didnt know much about it but said there were no changes.

I am waiting day to day for fios tv to hurry up and get here.

if it fixes itself, someone let me know.

I have the SAME PROBLEM!!!!! ARGHHH

up until a few days ago I got NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS, and CBS in HD through my Panasonic Plasmas QAM tuner. Now I only get NBC and ABC

I called them, the guy didnt know much about it but said there were no changes.

I am waiting day to day for fios tv to hurry up and get here.

if it fixes itself, someone let me know.


After auto-tuning for digital channels, the Providence stations are, as mentioned before:

CBS (WPRI) 104.19
FOX (WNAC) 105.3
PBS (WGBH) 106.3
NBC (WJAR) 111.1
ABC (WLNE) 111.6

They should show up, if you program from scratch, since they are the "new" digital channels that your TV tuner receives... if some old settings are still kicking in, try to "unhide" or show the channels that you are not getting, the controls for that should be in the "Digital" area of your TV tuner.

See if this helps :)

After auto-tuning for digital channels, the Providence stations are, as mentioned before:

CBS (WPRI) 104.19
FOX (WNAC) 105.3
PBS (WGBH) 106.3
NBC (WJAR) 111.1
ABC (WLNE) 111.6

They should show up, if you program from scratch, since they are the "new" digital channels that your TV tuner receives... if some old settings are still kicking in, try to "unhide" or show the channels that you are not getting, the controls for that should be in the "Digital" area of your TV tuner.

See if this helps :)

no it didnt. Im not sure why its not working. The channels show up but they dont work when I turn to them. odd.

no it didnt. Im not sure why its not working. The channels show up but they dont work when I turn to them. odd.
yeah, same here. Anyone else with a panasonic plasma having the same problem?

Just installed a DCT 6416/2300 from Cox. Everything is working as expected. Regardless of Video settings, the program guide always seems to be in 4:3 mode. Does anyone know if there is a way to expand the guide to the full 16:9?

I can stretch the guide and picture OK when watching non-HD programming, I just find it odd that when watching a true 16:9 HD source, the guide is still 4:3.

I can stretch the guide and picture OK when watching non-HD programming, I just find it odd that when watching a true 16:9 HD source, the guide is still 4:3.

That's because when you're watching any HD channel, your TV is showing you exactly the correct shape of the TV image AND the correct shape of the guide, which is 4:3.

Aaaah! Makes sense. Thanks for the reply..

anyone with a panasonic plasma figure out the qam issue yet? i want fox and cbs in hd back :(

Anyone know where Verizon's headend is for their RI FIOS system?

Anyone know how the roll out of FIOS is going for Cranston? I know the TV wont happe until next year, but I am interested in the internet as well.....

Anyone know where Verizon's headend is for their RI FIOS system?

I'm pretty sure it's in Providence, as they have a Fiber Solutions Center there.

Is any one having problems with WLNE 6-1 over OTA. I am watching the bush race and my signal will be 88-95 and then just drop off.

I am having the same problem using a Dish Network 622 or the tuner on my Samsung TV.

Just wondering before I start playing with my Antenna again.

Thanks,
Ken

Is any one having problems with WLNE 6-1 over OTA. I am watching the bush race and my signal will be 88-95 and then just drop off.

I don't think it's your antenna, several posters and I have reported similar issues a few posts back over the last month or two.

Yes I continually have drop outs using 6.1 OTA and have since they "fixed" the antenna. Luckily for me I can pull in channel 5.1 as well, but I wish they would address the issue.

Anyone know how the roll out of FIOS is going for Cranston? I know the TV wont happe until next year, but I am interested in the internet as well.....

My neighborhood (between Pontiac and Resevoir) is wired and I've been receiving solicitations for internet/phone bundle for $69 for at least two months now. This is the same as I'm paying for Cox with no complaints so no intent to switch. Do you have a confirmed date for TV? This may be the key to whether I change service. All depends on timing/pricing/PQ.

Does anyone who has FiOS have their TV 2.0 offering? I was reading about it here (http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2007-07/hands-on-with-verizon-fios-tv-20/) and noticed it is available in RI. Just curious if anyone has any comments. I currently have Cox with a Series 3 Tivo. I'm interested in FiOS tv when it comes to Johnston, but I do have a 3 year contract with Tivo.

Does anyone who has FiOS have their TV 2.0 offering? I was reading about it here (http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2007-07/hands-on-with-verizon-fios-tv-20/) and noticed it is available in RI. Just curious if anyone has any comments. I currently have Cox with a Series 3 Tivo. I'm interested in FiOS tv when it comes to Johnston, but I do have a 3 year contract with Tivo.

What is a "TV 2.0 offering"?

Yes I have the new 2.0 which is the Verizon FIOS TV program guide. Before FIOS I had Cox and DirecTV. I find the new 2.0 versiopn program guide a vast improvement over either Cox or D*. Great interface, much faster to navigate and a great search engine. Since RI is the latest state to get FIOS TV it is one of the few states to offer the new guide which is about to do a major rollout to all FIOS TV customers in the rest of the country. The guide is just one of the reasons I love FIOS TV. The PQ of SD and HD channels and the channel lineup sell themselves, not to mention the savings in cost.

My neighborhood (between Pontiac and Resevoir) is wired and I've been receiving solicitations for internet/phone bundle for $69 for at least two months now. This is the same as I'm paying for Cox with no complaints so no intent to switch. Do you have a confirmed date for TV? This may be the key to whether I change service. All depends on timing/pricing/PQ.

There is no confirmed date as of yet (it is still going through RIPUC for approval) it is looking like sometime late this ear early 08 for TV for Cranston, Providence (service areas 2,3,8) The RIPUC site hasnt been updated in almost a month or more so I am not sure where it stands no, but usually you can follow the progress from here:

http://www.ripuc.org/utilityinfo/cabletv/Docket_2007c.htm

I don't think it's your antenna, several posters and I have reported similar issues a few posts back over the last month or two.

Are they working on this problem?

Are they working on this problem?

The WJAR contact has been mum for quite a while now. :( I wonder if whatever repairs they did...required more repairs!

Both 10.1 and 6.1 were off at 11 last night here, so I watched the Boston news instead.

Last night I had some trouble receiving them but the trouble was not with the stations transmitters. Signals were coming in from New your and New Jersey causing interference. This is pretty common in the summer and can occur other times of the year also.
The pictures show spectrum analyzer cuts of channels 49 and 51 from last August and today. The levels are similar with differences due to propagation variabilities.
John

NBC and ABC HD haven't been coming in well for me on Cox cable for the last couple of weeks. The channels are there but they are extremely choppy, they stop every couple of seconds or so. The channels are the same on the old (6.1 and 10.1) and the new (111.1 and 111.2) channel numbers. CBS, Fox, and PBS HD are all coming in fine.

I am using a QAM tuner on my Sony KDF-E42A10 and I live in Middletown, RI.

Thanks,

Jason

Hi -

Checking in on the RI - NESN HD situation with D*.

I realize we are still waiting for the new "birds" to be launched.
Anyone know if my present 3 LNB dish will receive the HD NESN when available or do I need to upgrade now to 5 LNB with a MPEG-4 Tuner?

If I need a new tuner/dvr which model should I request from D* ???

I thank you and appreciate your input.

roy

Hi -

Checking in on the RI - NESN HD situation with D*.

I realize we are still waiting for the new "birds" to be launched.
Anyone know if my present 3 LNB dish will receive the HD NESN when available or do I need to upgrade now to 5 LNB with a MPEG-4 Tuner?

If I need a new tuner/dvr which model should I request from D* ???

I thank you and appreciate your input.

roy
You'll probably need a new dish and an MPEG-4 tuner. As for a receiver, if you want a DVR your choice is the HR20, if you don't want DVR functionality, you'll probably get an H20. I think there's a new non-DVR box they're coming out with. Here's some info about it here (http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/07/17/directvs-h21-200-hd-receiver-gets-previewed/)

You'll probably need a new dish and an MPEG-4 tuner. As for a receiver, if you want a DVR your choice is the HR20, if you don't want DVR functionality, you'll probably get an H20. I think there's a new non-DVR box they're coming out with. Here's some info about it here (http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/07/17/directvs-h21-200-hd-receiver-gets-previewed/)

Thanks, TEP!

Yes I have the new 2.0 which is the Verizon FIOS TV program guide. Before FIOS I had Cox and DirecTV. I find the new 2.0 versiopn program guide a vast improvement over either Cox or D*. Great interface, much faster to navigate and a great search engine. Since RI is the latest state to get FIOS TV it is one of the few states to offer the new guide which is about to do a major rollout to all FIOS TV customers in the rest of the country. The guide is just one of the reasons I love FIOS TV. The PQ of SD and HD channels and the channel lineup sell themselves, not to mention the savings in cost.

You sure sound like a paid shill, IMHO.

You sure sound like a paid shill, IMHO.
Actually, from what I have read (I havent had a chance to experience it) people are having the same experiences with FIOS in RI....I didn't see anything in that post that I haven seen posted by others with FIOS coming from Cox.

Explain to me what is better in terms of picture quality for those who have Fios TV? Is it the level of clairity? Color? Less pixelization? Less compression? I would be curious also what type of tv u are using.

You sure sound like a paid shill, IMHO.

Do I resent that remark? Yes - am I paid to express my opinions? No :mad:

Explain to me what is better in terms of picture quality for those who have Fios TV? Is it the level of clairity? Color? Less pixelization? Less compression? I would be curious also what type of tv u are using.

Yes, clarity of the picture - I have not seen any pixelization, and after having HD with both Cox and DirecTV I can say to these old eyes that the lack of compression is evident. I am using 2 HD TVs, a 32 inch Sumsung and a 55 inch Mits. The color is definitely brigher and had do to some adjustments with the Mits

NBC and ABC HD haven't been coming in well for me on Cox cable for the last couple of weeks. The channels are there but they are extremely choppy, they stop every couple of seconds or so. The channels are the same on the old (6.1 and 10.1) and the new (111.1 and 111.2) channel numbers. CBS, Fox, and PBS HD are all coming in fine.

This seems to indicate WJAR is still having transmission problems with 6.1 and 10.1, as has been mentioned over the last few pages. I wonder what the deal is, hopefully WJAR Engineer can give us an update.

Hi -

Checking in on the RI - NESN HD situation with D*.

I realize we are still waiting for the new "birds" to be launched.
Anyone know if my present 3 LNB dish will receive the HD NESN when available or do I need to upgrade now to 5 LNB with a MPEG-4 Tuner?

If I need a new tuner/dvr which model should I request from D* ???

I thank you and appreciate your input.

roy

Roy, one of the new "birds" has indeed been launched successfully. Plan is for the new channels to begin rolling out this fall.

NESN is confirmed to be one of the new add-ons, but you are definitely going to need the new MPEG4, 5 LNB dish and receiver to get it (as you would with any of the new HD channels launching I believe).

You will want a 5 LNB dish upgrade from D* (probably cost you about $100), and a new receiver and/or DVR.

I don't use their DVR but the H20-100 model works very well for just HD and OTA reception (note there's another model of theirs, the H20-600, which is problematic and gave me nothing but trouble and needed to be replaced twice...once I received the -100 model instead, I've had no problems since).

The other poster mentioned about a new receiver, the H21-200, but you should note there's *NO* OTA capability in it, so I'd avoid it if you use an antenna (obviously).

Explain to me what is better in terms of picture quality for those who have Fios TV? Is it the level of clairity? Color? Less pixelization? Less compression? I would be curious also what type of tv u are using.

The answer to this question is of great interest to me as well. I've long suspected that Cox PQ is a bit subpar and f I can improve upon it without an increase in price I would.

Yes, clarity of the picture - I have not seen any pixelization, and after having HD with both Cox and DirecTV I can say to these old eyes that the lack of compression is evident. I am using 2 HD TVs, a 32 inch Sumsung and a 55 inch Mits. The color is definitely brigher and had do to some adjustments with the Mits

Do you mean to say that you get no motion macroblocking on any of your HD stations? That alone would sell me on changing over. I have occasionally seen excellent PQ from Cox so I know it's possible, but it seems rare. Not sure if it's how they allocate bandwidth to certain channels at certain times of the day or what. Sure does look good at 2a.m.. Is the Mits CRT/DLPrp/LCDrp?

Do you mean to say that you get no motion macroblocking on any of your HD stations? That alone would sell me on changing over. I have occasionally seen excellent PQ from Cox so I know it's possible, but it seems rare. Not sure if it's how they allocate bandwidth to certain channels at certain times of
the day or what. Sure does look good at 2a.m.. Is the Mits CRT/DLPrp/LCDrp?

The Mits is CRT, Model WS55805 and is over 7 years old, so considering the age I find the performance that much more surprising. I watch allot of sports, especially all the Red Sox games in addition to channels such as Discovey HD Theater and HD Net and have found no problems with motion macroblocking, but bear in mind that I am no expert on this subject.

I have a friend who is a engineer and whose knowlege is way above my head. He got FIOS TV installed last week after having Dish for many years. He by coincidence has the same Mits model I have. To quote him, he finds the PQ of the SD and HD to be "surperb" He watches allot of movies and has not mentioned any problems with the picture. He did point out one things which I had not thought of and that is with FIOS the technician actually had to reduce the amount of signal going to the box whereas with cable the signal has to be amplified as it goes along the street. Verizon had to put attenuators on both his and my coax going to each box. In fact a major portion of the install consisted of taking signal readings of the coax and getting them to the approved limits

The poorest excuse for bandwidth waste in my opinion is A&E HD. When they put that pice of ---- on their system all my other HD and some of my digital channels went to ---- as well.

macroblocking!

Keep A&E in SD.

Give us HDNET since INHD1 & 2 went to MOJO and to the dogs.

You'll probably need a new dish and an MPEG-4 tuner. As for a receiver, if you want a DVR your choice is the HR20, if you don't want DVR functionality, you'll probably get an H20. I think there's a new non-DVR box they're coming out with.


Thank you for your reply. You have saved me valuable time !

Roy, one of the new "birds" has indeed been launched successfully. Plan is for the new channels to begin rolling out this fall.

NESN is confirmed to be one of the new add-ons, but you are definitely going to need the new MPEG4, 5 LNB dish and receiver to get it (as you would with any of the new HD channels launching I believe).

You will want a 5 LNB dish upgrade from D* (probably cost you about $100), and a new receiver and/or DVR.

I don't use their DVR but the H20-100 model works very well for just HD and OTA reception (note there's another model of theirs, the H20-600, which is problematic and gave me nothing but trouble and needed to be replaced twice...once I received the -100 model instead, I've had no problems since).

Thank you. I appreicate the input and candor.

Do I resent that remark? Yes - am I paid to express my opinions? No :mad:

Accept my apologies, then. I over-reacted to a 100% positive review of a television provider, which I thought was impossible!

Accept my apologies, then. I over-reacted to a 100% positive review of a television provider, which I thought was impossible!

Apology accepted!!! Yes, I know it seems like I am being overly positive in my remarks about FIOS TV. And maybe the fact that I remember when WBZ-TV came on the air makes my judgement questionable but I really am impressed with the advances that FIOS TV has made. To be honest I never had a problem with PQ from Cox, and changed providers mainly for the channel lineup, especially the NE Cable News Channel which I had tried to have Cox add for years. It was after seeing the improvement in the PQ with Verizon when I was really sold. But many times the quality of the product is in the eye of the beholder. ;)

The Mits is CRT, Model WS55805 and is over 7 years old, so considering the age I find the performance that much more surprising. I watch allot of sports, especially all the Red Sox games in addition to channels such as Discovey HD Theater and HD Net and have found no problems with motion macroblocking, but bear in mind that I am no expert on this subject.

I have a friend who is a engineer and whose knowlege is way above my head. He got FIOS TV installed last week after having Dish for many years. He by coincidence has the same Mits model I have. To quote him, he finds the PQ of the SD and HD to be "surperb" He watches allot of movies and has not mentioned any problems with the picture. He did point out one things which I had not thought of and that is with FIOS the technician actually had to reduce the amount of signal going to the box whereas with cable the signal has to be amplified as it goes along the street. Verizon had to put attenuators on both his and my coax going to each box. In fact a major portion of the install consisted of taking signal readings of the coax and getting them to the approved limits

Thanks for the response. I asked what kind of Mits because in my experience CRT RPTV's tend not to display motion macroblocking too bad, unlike some of the modern fixed pixel units. Nice to hear the signal is too strong. You're right that in many cases, Cox customers with poor PQ get an amp at their end to try and fix the problem.

The poorest excuse for bandwidth waste in my opinion is A&E HD. When they put that pice of ---- on their system all my other HD and some of my digital channels went to ---- as well.

macroblocking!

Keep A&E in SD.

Give us HDNET since INHD1 & 2 went to MOJO and to the dogs.
I agree. There is absolutely no A&E HD content to justify doing that either. I cant really complain about getting more HD, but I wish they chose something else.

I agree. There is absolutely no A&E HD content to justify doing that either. I cant really complain about getting more HD, but I wish they chose something else.

Weren't we supposed to have History Channel HD by now on Cox? Most of their content is already 16:9, and everything they produce now is shot in HD, so that would be a very welcome addition, IMO.

From what I was told Cox will be adding TBS, History, & CNN in the next month or so. TBS is showing the early round of the MLB playoffs to coincide with their HD launch next month. Cox is also testing HD PPV in a few markets so there may be hope that we will see that as well by year's end.

Anyone know what has been up with the FOX HD on Cox the last couple of nights? It is like we have been getting the Central Time Zone Feed, with their schedule running a full hour behind. The guide showed proper listings, but the signal was an hour earlier show. Very Odd. Also seemed as if the signal strength was down too.

Anyone know whats goin on 12.1? Its gone. Not coming in at all.

Anyone know whats goin on 12.1? Its gone. Not coming in at all.

WPRI-HD channel is also gone on Verizon FIOS TV

Hi -

Checking in on the RI - NESN HD situation with D*.

I realize we are still waiting for the new "birds" to be launched.
Anyone know if my present 3 LNB dish will receive the HD NESN when available or do I need to upgrade now to 5 LNB with a MPEG-4 Tuner?

If I need a new tuner/dvr which model should I request from D* ???

I thank you and appreciate your input.

roy

NESN-HD is already up. The Providence DMA zips are not offered due to licensing issues. As mentioned here before, if you "move" to a Boston DMA zip code NESN HD will magically appear on 623. ( 5 LNB and MPEG 4 receiver of course)

From what I was told Cox will be adding TBS, History, & CNN in the next month or so. TBS is showing the early round of the MLB playoffs to coincide with their HD launch next month. Cox is also testing HD PPV in a few markets so there may be hope that we will see that as well by year's end.
thats great news. Im very anxious for tbs to go HD

Anyone know whats goin on 12.1? Its gone. Not coming in at all.

Here in Westport, via over the air for locals, 12-1 is fine. 6-1 is non existant. Everything else is OK. This time of year leaves on trees can be an issue, especially dependant on which generation OTA tuner you're using. Saying that, I've never lost 6.1 before. FWIW.

Wow...now 64.1 is gone. I know they must be related cause they are run by the same company (12.1 and 64.1)

Anyone else lose it?

Wow...now 64.1 is gone. I know they must be related cause they are run by the same company (12.1 and 64.1)

Anyone else lose it?
12.1 and 64.1 are both gone for me as well!!!!

Thank all for wrote in on the picture quality comment I made. I have cox now and the picuture quality on my amazing 1080p TV is terrible. HD looks good. SD Looks SO PIXELIZED AND HORRIBLE. I have a 800 x 600 tv as well and SD looks good with it. I do have an Amp with 5 tv's. I have the Amp then it goes to the 5 way splitter. I was just looking for some way to improve the SD quality becuase its so bad I am thinking of just getting regular cable on the other tv's becuase its no better.

Anyone know what has been up with the FOX HD on Cox the last couple of nights? It is like we have been getting the Central Time Zone Feed, with their schedule running a full hour behind. The guide showed proper listings, but the signal was an hour earlier show. Very Odd. Also seemed as if the signal strength was down too.

I never even noticed that and I watch fox 64 all the time......The schedule and the shows all seemed ok to me didnt notice anything that was "off"....

12.1 and 64.1 are both gone for me as well!!!!

I had to rescan my digital channels and 12-1 is showing up as 13-1, and 64-1 is 54-1. Both are lacking the call letters, but I am receiving guide info.

This is using a Dish newtwork 921...

NESN-HD is already up. The Providence DMA zips are not offered due to licensing issues. As mentioned here before, if you "move" to a Boston DMA zip code NESN HD will magically appear on 623. ( 5 LNB and MPEG 4 receiver of course)

It's supposed to go "national" this fall. Presumably at that point the rest of us outside the Boston DMA will be able to get it.

12.1 and 64.1 (OTA) are back. Would luv to know what happened. If you know...let me know!

Thx!

anyone else have FX frozen on the same guy for the past day?

anyone else have FX frozen on the same guy for the past day?

Everything has been OK here...maybe a reset of your box would fix the issue......

Everything has been OK here...maybe a reset of your box would fix the issue......
its fixed now. and it was just through the cable, no box

I emailed cox about the problem with my QAM channels, and this was their response :mad:

We have received your recent email regarding HD channels. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide that information. The HD channels provided through our HD equipment are received on the 700 channels.

I emailed cox about the problem with my QAM channels, and this was their response :mad:

We have received your recent email regarding HD channels. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide that information. The HD channels provided through our HD equipment are received on the 700 channels.

They don't KNOW what you are talking about when you mention QAM..... all they ever refer to is their HD lineup on the digital tier. I think they either purposely keep their customer reps in the dark about the existence of the QAM channels or they fake ignorance, so people think they need to subscribe to the more expensive digital line-up and rent one of their boxes or CableCards.

Roy, one of the new "birds" has indeed been launched successfully. Plan is for the new channels to begin rolling out this fall.

NESN is confirmed to be one of the new add-ons, but you are definitely going to need the new MPEG4, 5 LNB dish and receiver to get it (as you would with any of the new HD channels launching I believe).

You will want a 5 LNB dish upgrade from D* (probably cost you about $100), and a new receiver and/or DVR.

I don't use their DVR but the H20-100 model works very well for just HD and OTA reception (note there's another model of theirs, the H20-600, which is problematic and gave me nothing but trouble and needed to be replaced twice...once I received the -100 model instead, I've had no problems since).

The other poster mentioned about a new receiver, the H21-200, but you should note there's *NO* OTA capability in it, so I'd avoid it if you use an antenna (obviously).

FYI -

I had a D* installer at my residence to upgrade the dish to 5 LNB and they ( actually I ) installed the HR-20-100.

My opinion (for what its worth).....
The recording function is a real nice feature which I did not have with my Sony HD-300 SAT Tuner. The menus and guides are pretty straight forward, the box runs pretty hot temperature-wise.

However, when tuning in non-HD channels the picture quality is degraded from what the Sony Tuner provided. The channel changing is slower, and the Sony had some nice options this box doesn't have. I guess its serviceable until Sony provides a new tuner for mpeg-4 - which will prob never happen.

FYI -

I had a D* installer at my residence to upgrade the dish to 5 LNB and they ( actually I ) installed the HR-20-100.

My opinion (for what its worth).....
The recording function is a real nice feature which I did not have with my Sony HD-300 SAT Tuner. The menus and guides are pretty straight forward, the box runs pretty hot temperature-wise.

However, when tuning in non-HD channels the picture quality is degraded from what the Sony Tuner provided. The channel changing is slower, and the Sony had some nice options this box doesn't have. I guess its serviceable until Sony provides a new tuner for mpeg-4 - which will prob never happen.

I had my 5 LNB dish installed Sunday along with an HR20 and H20. The H20 works perfectly, but the HR20 has one dead OTA tuner. I am getting another (hopefully today). I think the two operate pretty similarly to the other D* receivers I have had. I have the HR10, which I moved to another room, and I actually prefer that interface, but the HR20 interface will probably become second nature once I start using it. The main reason I upgraded now was to "avoid the rush" in the fall when the new satellite is activated and D* starts making a big push to get people upgraded. Plus, I wanted to make sure all the bugs in my system were worked out before the football, hockey and new programming seasons started. Based on my needing to replace the HR20 already it appears that was a smart decision.

As to Sony producing an MPEG-4 tuner, this will never (not probably never) happen as D* has gone to producing all its own equipment through other companies with the D* logo not other company's logos, and Sony is not one of the companies making their equipment any longer. And, all products even from different manufacturers will have the same look, design, and interface. They will all work the same.

SMK

The software was upgraded for the H20-100's in RI night before last -- curiously resulting in a slower guide though some interactive functions.

If you have any of Directv's HD boxes, make sure you can see Channel 499 (B-Band Test Channel), which will ensure your B-band is connected properly. If it says "Searching for Satellite Signal" you are good to go (for the new HD channels). If not you can order them for free on the company website.

The software was upgraded for the H20's in RI (and other East Coast locales) night before last -- curiously resulting in a slower guide though the addition of some interactive functions.

If you have any of Directv's HD boxes, make sure you can see Channel 499 (B-Band Test Channel), which will ensure your B-band is connected properly. If it says "Searching for Satellite Signal" you are good to go (for the new HD channels). If not you can order them for free on the company website.

I e-mail Charter about once a month asking for HD. Usually I get the same response about how they have no immediate plans to offer HD in Westport. Well today there may be hope, I recieved the following e-mail:

Thank you for contacting Charter Communication. My name is Sheila.

Charter is currently making plans in providing HD service to all digital customers. Hopefully, plans will push through the soonest possible time.


I am really getting sick of watching SD on my 46" LCD..................(and I can't get a dish as it's not my house)

I e-mail Charter about once a month asking for HD. Usually I get the same response about how they have no immediate plans to offer HD in Westport. Well today there may be hope, I recieved the following e-mail:

Thank you for contacting Charter Communication. My name is Sheila.

Charter is currently making plans in providing HD service to all digital customers. Hopefully, plans will push through the soonest possible time.


I am really getting sick of watching SD on my 46" LCD..................(and I can't get a dish as it's not my house)

"Shiela" isn't saying anything Charter hasn't said for years now. Check this same thread for similar "non-announcements" Having lived in Westport since 1985, (when I could call a neighbor using four digits on the phone!) everything comes slower to us than everyone else. From the beginning, Charter cable was the Worst Analog Cable company among the surrounding providers, the phone company was the Worst in class provider of Caller ID (no caller name, no call waiting ID), which continues to this day. It goes along with the territory. I LOVE living in Westport, it is just frustrating that we are always the last town to receive state of the art technology. That is why I have DirecTV and VoicePulse VOIP via Charter (Thank God Charter even offers High Speed Internet!). That way, I get High Definition TV and Caller ID with Name and Call waiting with Caller ID. And it's cheaper than Charter and Verizon sevices. But that isn't really the point. The point is - don't wait for Charter to provide state of the art services, such as a complete compendium of available High Definition channels, because historically, that isn't going to happen. At best, years behind every other provider, they will offer something that isn't really close.

P.S. Too bad you can't get D*TV, who will be adding a bunch of HDTV this fall. Just because you can't receive a Dish signal doesn't mean you can't receive a D*TV signal because their satellites are at different positions in the sky. A freind of mine currently has D*TV and can't get Dish, FWIW.

"Shiela" isn't saying anything Charter hasn't said for years now. Check this same thread for similar "non-announcements" Having lived in Westport since 1985, (when I could call a neighbor using four digits on the phone!) everything comes slower to us than everyone else. From the beginning, Charter cable was the Worst Analog Cable company among the surrounding providers, the phone company was the Worst in class provider of Caller ID (no caller name, no call waiting ID), which continues to this day. It goes along with the territory. I LOVE living in Westport, it is just frustrating that we are always the last town to receive state of the art technology. That is why I have DirecTV and VoicePulse VOIP via Charter (Thank God Charter even offers High Speed Internet!). That way, I get High Definition TV and Caller ID with Name and Call waiting with Caller ID. And it's cheaper than Charter and Verizon sevices. But that isn't really the point. The point is - don't wait for Charter to provide state of the art services, such as a complete compendium of available High Definition channels, because historically, that isn't going to happen. At best, years behind every other provider, they will offer something that isn't really close.

P.S. Too bad you can't get D*TV, who will be adding a bunch of HDTV this fall. Just because you can't receive a Dish signal doesn't mean you can't receive a D*TV signal because their satellites are at different positions in the sky. A freind of mine currently has D*TV and can't get Dish, FWIW.

Yeah- I have to look into getting VOIP, we have verizon right now and it's $$$. And I just noticed that our caller ID is location and phone# only (Unless the # is programmed into our phone). When we order the phone, we were going to piggyback off my wifes brother for internet, but the signal wasn't strong enough to reach us

The problem is I can't put a dish on the house as it's not mine and they won't allow me to put a satalite on the roof.

Does DirectTV or Dish Network offer any of the local stations in HD?

BTW, Any FiOS plans of the Eastern side of the state?
.....It seems to stop at North Kingston
their is nothing in Aquidneck Island....surprising to say the least.
I live in Tiverton..... Any new on it spreading out some more?

BTW, Any FiOS plans of the Eastern side of the state?
.....It seems to stop at North Kingston
their is nothing in Aquidneck Island....surprising to say the least.
I live in Tiverton..... Any new on it spreading out some more?

Verizon already has a lot of their fiber in Newport, but it's dark due to regulatory restrictions. I would imagine it's lots of places in RI, even if they're not offering any services today.

Verizon already has a lot of their fiber in Newport, but it's dark due to regulatory restrictions. I would imagine it's lots of places in RI, even if they're not offering any services today.

Any news on say Tiverton?
These restrictions are insane.....The Cable companies kiss political *** to get monopolies.

Any news on say Tiverton?
These restrictions are insane.....The Cable companies kiss political *** to get monopolies.


I'll trade you my Charter service for your Comcast :D

I'll trade you my Charter service for your Comcast :D

No Comcast here.....Cox....They are alright but not as good as Comcast

No Comcast here.....Cox....They are alright but not as good as Comcast


I would still take it over Charter, at least you have HD :cool:

Some of my friends say you can get Comcast in Tiverton.....IS that true?

No Go on Comcast in Tiverton. Maybe unless you live right near mass and comcast feeds your street. Chances are slim to none.

No Go on Comcast in Tiverton. Maybe unless you live right near mass and comcast feeds your street. Chances are slim to none.

It is either Cox or sat for now.....IDK whioch is better?

Any news on FiOS being expanded?

anyone with a panasonic plasma figure out how to get cbs/fox through qam on cox yet? I think I've tried everything

For a few days now, NBC (111.1) and ABC (111.6) have been unwatchable as QAM channels on Cox, with constant audio and video drop-outs. Glad I still have my attic OTA but really, Cox, get your act together!

For a few days now, NBC (111.1) and ABC (111.6) have been unwatchable as QAM channels on Cox, with constant audio and video drop-outs. Glad I still have my attic OTA but really, Cox, get your act together!

Maybe not be Cox -- it could be the transmission coming out of Channel 10. I still see issues on the OTA feed.

Does DirectTV or Dish Network offer any of the local stations in HD?

They both do. D*TV offers 6, 10. 12, 28, 36, 53, and 64. Not sure what Dish offers, but probably not much different. If you put up your own off-air antenna, expect to get many more channels. I've reported on this thread before that the off air channels available with my HD ready (no HD tuner) TV are easy to get OTA and number over 15 living in Westport. Those 15 include channels 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 25, 28, 36, 38, 44, 56, 64, 68, 69, and others (like shopping channels and spanish channels). In addition, those channels contain lots of side channels, like 44.1, 44.2, 44.3, and 44.4. Most digital stations have extra side channels. I use the HD OTA tuner built into the D*TV H10 receiver to get all of these channels. Try it yourself. Some people I know don't even subscribe to cable or dish because they are satisfied with what they get OTA. Lots of live events (but not all), such as NFL football, PGA golf, NASCAR, Tennis, MLB baseball, and soccer are broadcast OTA, FWIW.

I am new to OTA QAM. I understand what channels 12.1 and 44.4 are, but is there any way to know what something like 84.4 or 85.1 is?

Does anyone have any idea if and when Directv is going to show CBS and FOX in high def?

I have not heard anything about receiving them when we get all the need HD channels. I assume that is not the issue though. I would guess that it is the same problem that Cox had before. That they can't come to an agreement with LIN , but I do not know for sure.

LIN is apparently hell to deal with..... It took Cox like 2 years to get them....IDK if Comcast has them yet/

BTW, I spoke with verizon today....apparently I was told they are just waiting for board approval to switch on FiOS for service area 7 (tiverton,newport,middletown,portsmouth)

Opps should have given an update here as well as dslreports (forgot people look here too :) here is the link for the Report and Order 1 step Closer for having FIOSTV in 2,3,8

http://www.ripuc.org/utilityinfo/cabletv/2007c1_Cert_Order.pdf

it is a long document something like 54 pages so be prepared to read....Basically though there are 2 more steps left the Construction Certificate and the Certificate of Authority and that usually takes (looking at the last time they did it) 3-4 months...

I havent seen any other info posted on any other areas of RI......

Here is my situation.... I am moving into a brand new house. I have the option of getting Verizon Triple Play (DSL,DirecTV and phone) for around $99 which looks good.....But the problem is....a 1 or 2 year commitment to DirectTV...which I was originally told that I wouldn't have.

I spoke to the FiOS center 1-888-250-4309 place.....The guy I spoke to said FiOS will be here by the end of the year(I had no clue). I hear FiOS is by far the best for both TV and Internet....Are the adding an new channels soon?

I don't want to be in a 1 year commitment, to have FiOS roll out in a 3 months from now.

I could go with Cox Cable....but they are more expensive.
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Here is my situation.... I am moving into a brand new house. I have the option of getting Verizon Triple Play (DSL,DirecTV and phone) for around $99 which looks good.....But the problem is....a 1 or 2 year commitment to DirectTV...which I was originally told that I wouldn't have.

I spoke to the FiOS center 1-888-250-4309 place.....The guy I spoke to said FiOS will be here by the end of the year(I had no clue). I hear FiOS is by far the best for both TV and Internet....Are the adding an new channels soon?

I don't want to be in a 1 year commitment, to have FiOS roll out in a 3 months from now.

I could go with Cox Cable....but they are more expensive.
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Personally I would wait for the FIOS TV. I think that they are going to be a better deal overall down the road and have the same triple play package. You might want to get Cox in the mean time just for now to hold you over until it comes around..... I cant wait until I can get the service....

I live in Tiverton too. I wouldn't mind getting FiOS but I have to say .. I do love my DirecTV. I hated Cox cable and I haven't had any problems with Satellite. FiOS is really intriguing, but the lure of approximately 100 HD channels on D* is too much to ignore for me right now. I'm thinking I will try D* HDTV service (I'm about to buy my first HDTV set) for a couple of years and if I hear good things about FiOS, then I'll switch.

Does anyone have a comprehensive list of channel numbers and what they are for Cox cable direct in to a TV, no cable box. I did a scan today and found a number of digital channels, but the old 6.1, 10.1 etc weren't found, they seemed to have moved out to much higher numbers. Anybody know what the current mappings are?

~gs2gf

I have found all of the channels. They are different numbers on my TV than on my Tivo S3. Here is what I have:

ABC 111.2 or 111.6
NBC 111.1 on both
CBS 104.1 or 104.19
FOX 105.2 or 105.3
PBs (unchanged) 106.1 or 106.3

This is what I have

I live in Tiverton too. I wouldn't mind getting FiOS but I have to say .. I do love my DirecTV. I hated Cox cable and I haven't had any problems with Satellite. FiOS is really intriguing, but the lure of approximately 100 HD channels on D* is too much to ignore for me right now. I'm thinking I will try D* HDTV service (I'm about to buy my first HDTV set) for a couple of years and if I hear good things about FiOS, then I'll switch.

D* came to my new house today and basically said you have too many trees in the way......

I am kinda in the middle of nowhere.....I mean I couldn't even get Verizon DSL at my house.
**** you copper wires."

Anyways, I am chopping a few trees, but It would be a pain to tell them to come back.

Should I just go with Cox o unti lwe see more of FiOS r try to get D*?

D* came to my new house today and basically said you have too many trees in the way......

I am kinda in the middle of nowhere.....I mean I couldn't even get Verizon DSL at my house.
**** you copper wires."

Anyways, I am chopping a few trees, but It would be a pain to tell them to come back.

Should I just go with Cox o unti lwe see more of FiOS r try to get D*?

I wouldn't chop any trees down for D* unless you don't like those trees anyways. The installers aren't always right BTW, we had to get D* for some Asia stations for my mother and the first installer there said we needed a tower on our roof to clear the trees, then the next installer came and said no we don't need any tower. He didn't install a tower and we're fine. We had another service before it was sold to D* and that original service switched satelite or the satelite changed orbit, either way we had to move the dish. So if you might need to cut more trees in the future if they change the signal path though that's unlikely. Another thing is it seems most post I see mentioning D* and Cox said Cox is better. And with D* you can lose the signal in snow or sometimes even heavy rain.

Right now I'm debating between keeping Cox and asking for better rates, or go with a low Verizon FIO offer... Are there more happy (or unhappy) FIO folks out there wanting to share your experience?

I wouldn't chop any trees down for D* unless you don't like those trees anyways. The installers aren't always right BTW, we had to get D* for some Asia stations for my mother and the first installer there said we needed a tower on our roof to clear the trees, then the next installer came and said no we don't need any tower. He didn't install a tower and we're fine. We had another service before it was sold to D* and that original service switched satelite or the satelite changed orbit, either way we had to move the dish. So if you might need to cut more trees in the future if they change the signal path though that's unlikely. Another thing is it seems most post I see mentioning D* and Cox said Cox is better. And with D* you can lose the signal in snow or sometimes even heavy rain.

Right now I'm debating between keeping Cox and asking for better rates, or go with a low Verizon FIO offer... Are there more happy (or unhappy) FIO folks out there wanting to share your experience?

FiOS has more channels....All uncompressed and is much cheaper.

I wouldn't chop trees down specifically for DirecTV either. But if you are chopping them down, it doesn't cost you anything to have them come back out. DirecTV has THE best HD lineup coming out in September. I have had it for over 3 years and can honestly say that the number of times I have lost signal is FAR BELOW the number of times I lost my cable channels (which I had for the 3 years prior ).

If you live out in the sticks, it's probably going to be a bit before you can get FiOS. Unless you are in South County. They have covered that area pretty well as far as I know.

Starz & Cinemax HD were added to the Cox lineup this morning.

Starz & Cinemax HD were added to the Cox lineup this morning.

Yea !! Now, when hubby returns from his submarine underway, he'll have his beloved "Skinemax" in HD !!! :D

Back on topic .... has anyone here gotten FIOS TV installed in an MDU ? I'm seriously considering it, but I admit I'm a bit nervous. Hubby and I live in a new construction complex in West Greenwich that was pre-wired for FIOS. The programming choices and pricing are *far* superior to Cox (right now we're maxed out on programming with 2 HD-DVRs) but I also realize that installs into MDUs are fraught with different issues than single family homes.

Thanks !

Starz & Cinemax HD were added to the Cox lineup this morning.


Just checking to see if I landed on an other plante...

but anybody find that these pay channels are worth it?
:rolleyes:

I wouldn't chop trees down specifically for DirecTV either. But if you are chopping them down, it doesn't cost you anything to have them come back out. DirecTV has THE best HD lineup coming out in September. I have had it for over 3 years and can honestly say that the number of times I have lost signal is FAR BELOW the number of times I lost my cable channels (which I had for the 3 years prior ).

If you live out in the sticks, it's probably going to be a bit before you can get FiOS. Unless you are in South County. They have covered that area pretty well as far as I know.

Well the Verizon guy said they were doing town wide FiOS..... Which I find believable since Verizon wants the copper wires down everywhere from what I heard

Anyways, I went with Cox today, I wheeled and dealed to get a package with the 15mb internet, the Digital Choice with HBO and the phone for $99 a month......as long as I agreed to a 6 month commitment....Which is fine because Cox

Well the Verizon guy said they were doing town wide FiOS..... Which I find believable since Verizon wants the copper wires down everywhere from what I heard

Anyways, I went with Cox today, I wheeled and dealed to get a package with the 15mb internet, the Digital Choice with HBO and the phone for $99 a month......as long as I agreed to a 6 month commitment....Which is fine because Cox

Nice. How long do you get the $99 rate?

Nice. How long do you get the $99 rate?

A year

Starz & Cinemax HD were added to the Cox lineup this morning.

As well as OnDemand HD, I havent checked to se if there is InDemand HD though....its a start I guess......

Just checking to see if I landed on an other plante...

but anybody find that these pay channels are worth it?
:rolleyes:

For movies yes (the difference is VERY noticeable)...HBO HD is definately worth it since you get their series and movies (sometimes in OAR) in HD.....I watched Cars on StarzHD last night and it looked great as far as cable goes....

Yea !! Now, when hubby returns from his submarine underway, he'll have his beloved "Skinemax" in HD !!! :D

Back on topic .... has anyone here gotten FIOS TV installed in an MDU ? I'm seriously considering it, but I admit I'm a bit nervous. Hubby and I live in a new construction complex in West Greenwich that was pre-wired for FIOS. The programming choices and pricing are *far* superior to Cox (right now we're maxed out on programming with 2 HD-DVRs) but I also realize that installs into MDUs are fraught with different issues than single family homes.

Thanks !

Since FIOS is still new in RI I dont think there have been that many MDU (actually MDU installs are still "new") installs here. I think most of the communities they started in where largely Single Family homes. FIOS is looking like a winner though as far as selection goes. They have been looking better then Cox new England (which has been seemingly dragging their feet as always). It will be interesting to see what the end of the year brings when FIOS should be able to be offered in the service ares 2,3,8 which are Major markets in RI.

Hate to be that person that ask what something means, but I couldn't find an abbreviation thread.

what does MDU mean?:confused:

Multiple Dwelling Unit....:)

Multiple Dwelling Unit....:)

Thanks!

Hate to be that person that ask what something means, but I couldn't find an abbreviation thread.

what does MDU mean?:confused:

Sorry for the phraseology confusion there. :o It refers to apartment buildings and some condo complexes.

I checked out the On Demand HD ..... a joke, as is the whole of Cox's On Demand service. A whopping 4 movies - only 1 ("Dreamgirls") that I've heard of.

On the up side, however, there's some scuttlebutt that they're going to be adding some more HD channels in September ..... TLC, Discovery (as opposed to Discovery HD Theater) and Animal Planet. Good choices - Deadliest Catch in HD ! - but still waiting for the 2 that FiOS has that I yearn for .... HGTV and Food Network. AND FiOS has NECN, which Cox has said they will "NEVER carry".

Since FIOS is still new in RI I dont think there have been that many MDU (actually MDU installs are still "new") installs here. I think most of the communities they started in where largely Single Family homes. FIOS is looking like a winner though as far as selection goes. They have been looking better then Cox new England (which has been seemingly dragging their feet as always). It will be interesting to see what the end of the year brings when FIOS should be able to be offered in the service ares 2,3,8 which are Major markets in RI.

I know that Warwick has quite a few "high end" apartment communities, and I know from how many mailings I've gotten from Verizon here in W Greenwich, I'd bet they're marketing them REAL hard.

When FiOS rolls out in Providence, that is when you'll see all Hell break loose at Cox. The key is going to be August '08, when the college students return. If Verizon can get a good chunk of them ..... whoa nellie ! :D

Just got FIOS in last Saturday - absolutely love the selection and picture!!! Screw Cox

I know that Warwick has quite a few "high end" apartment communities, and I know from how many mailings I've gotten from Verizon here in W Greenwich, I'd bet they're marketing them REAL hard.

When FiOS rolls out in Providence, that is when you'll see all Hell break loose at Cox. The key is going to be August '08, when the college students return. If Verizon can get a good chunk of them ..... whoa nellie ! :D

Exactly, why I think we see TMC On Demand now and Starz, Cinemax, and Ondemand HD were added. I think Cox is trying to keep the customers they have and forward thinking to next year. Hopefully they pick up SciFi (BSG 1st run in HD :) )...Really you may have an HD channel, but until they start producing the shows in HD it doesn't matter really as there will be no real benefit.

I just read the cox newsletter... As a sportsfan, I am very happy to see that cox will be adding NFL network HD (channel 726) on September 5th.

Where's the OnDemand HD stuff? Is it buried inside channel 1 or something?

Has anyone here had a calibration done on there display? I have a Panny plasma from Fall River looking for someone.

Thanks

Well the Verizon guy said they were doing town wide FiOS..... Which I find believable since Verizon wants the copper wires down everywhere from what I heard

Anyways, I went with Cox today, I wheeled and dealed to get a package with the 15mb internet, the Digital Choice with HBO and the phone for $99 a month......as long as I agreed to a 6 month commitment....Which is fine because Cox



Nice job on the wheeling and dealing. I am getting my first HD screen delivered Tuesday. I can't wait to start getting some HD content in the house. It's going to suck for a few days though as I wait for my upgrade to HD service. It looks like Saturday is the first day that I can meet the installer. Oh well .... NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX ... here I come :-)

Where's the OnDemand HD stuff? Is it buried inside channel 1 or something?

Nevermind. I found the 8 HD movies in the Movies OnDemand section.

Has anyone here had a calibration done on there display? I have a Panny plasma from Fall River looking for someone.

Thanks

Try Gregg Loewwen @ Lion AV, he travels that way. I ended up using someone else for my set but would take him in a heartbeat.

to all you Rhode Islanders that get thier video over the air, WSBK 38 now has HD broadcasts of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Still waiting for Channel 12 to get thier act together.

to all you Rhode Islanders that get thier video over the air, WSBK 38 now has HD broadcasts of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Still waiting for Channel 12 to get thier act together.

Which HD OTA channel does WSBK use down here? Havn't used my antenna in a while since Fox/CBS went to Cox.

For a few days now, NBC (111.1) and ABC (111.6) have been unwatchable as QAM channels on Cox, with constant audio and video drop-outs. Glad I still have my attic OTA but really, Cox, get your act together!

Quoting myself here but was just curious if anyone else is also still having these problems for NBC-HD and ABC-HD coming in via QAM tuner?

I checked with the local stations and they said their signal to Cox is going out fine but the two channels (111.1 and 111.6) are still dropping out constantly.
The signal strength is just on the verge of losing the digital channel lock... and trying to get an answer from Cox is like talking to village idiots!!!

Does anyone have any idea how to get those two important local channels back and who might be an actual contact at Cox who knows what the hell is going on?

Quoting myself here but was just curious if anyone else is also still having these problems for NBC-HD and ABC-HD coming in via QAM tuner?

I checked with the local stations and they said their signal to Cox is going out fine but the two channels (111.1 and 111.6) are still dropping out constantly.
The signal strength is just on the verge of losing the digital channel lock... and trying to get an answer from Cox is like talking to village idiots!!!

Does anyone have any idea how to get those two important local channels back and who might be an actual contact at Cox who knows what the hell is going on?
I live in N. Kingstown and started observing the same drop out on the same two channels at the same time you first reported it. I had a Cox service rep. (actually a contractor) come to the house but he was totally useless. He replaced a splitter out of desparation and of course it did not fix it. He said just keep reporting it! It is frustrating. If you learn anything please pass it along.

to all you Rhode Islanders that get thier video over the air, WSBK 38 now has HD broadcasts of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Still waiting for Channel 12 to get thier act together.

Thanks for the heads up! I have been waiting for this for the past year. I have recorded the last 4 nights' Jeopardy College Tournament, and we will probably watch some later. I'm looking forward to finally seeing Jeopardy in HD!

SMK

Which HD OTA channel does WSBK use down here? Havn't used my antenna in a while since Fox/CBS went to Cox.
Channel 39, same as in Massachusetts!

NFL Network (HD) can be found at 66-1. 1080i. Just in time, hope it stays till the end of the season.

Exactly, why I think we see TMC On Demand now and Starz, Cinemax, and Ondemand HD were added. I think Cox is trying to keep the customers they have and forward thinking to next year. Hopefully they pick up SciFi (BSG 1st run in HD :) )...Really you may have an HD channel, but until they start producing the shows in HD it doesn't matter really as there will be no real benefit.

I slightly disagree with your statement. Even if the programming is not in HD, it still looks better on an HD channel than on a regular digital cable stations. This is because Cox over-compresses their SD channels. I routinely watch thinks like the local news on WJAR-HD because the quality is still better. There is always going to be older content that won't be available in HD. So, even if there is only 25% programming availability of HD programming on some of these new channels, I still want it...

-Ted

Haven't seen too many OTA posts in a while but I continue to have more break up on local channels than I did a year ago here in Wakefield -- 12.1 for example was off at 6am completely today (9/19) -- and the fact that 6 and 10 seem to have problems at the same time, when they do, signals to me there are still problems with their antenna.

Anybody else? I havent done anything with my antenna in the last 12 months and I doubt it's the problem when I can get Channel 5.1 WCVB out of Boston perfectly but not WPRI or WJAR at times! :confused::mad:

I live in N. Kingstown and started observing the same drop out on the same two channels at the same time you first reported it. I had a Cox service rep. (actually a contractor) come to the house but he was totally useless. He replaced a splitter out of desparation and of course it did not fix it. He said just keep reporting it! It is frustrating. If you learn anything please pass it along.

OK, here is what happened in the meantime (long, interesting, frustrating story):

1. The service rep I spoke to actually wanted to know details about what was going on and I explained everything as precisely as possible, he even called back several times to get more info about the setup and all the details I had listed here in previous posts.
2. Last Wednesday evening, he actually showed up in person at my door with TWO complete service crews and trucks (apparently, they had not much else to do and just gathered here... had it not been for the COX label on the trucks it looked like there was a major utility problem with flashing lights etc.... the neighbors even came out to ask what was going on LOL)
3. They checked the equipment outside from the pole with the main cable all the way through the incoming connection to the house and then proceeded to come in to check the signals right at my coax cable that goes into the TV.
4. The signal for channel 111.1 and 111.6 looked OK on their test equipment without dropouts, although it had a slightly weaker signal but (and this was the big argument), STILL WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS...!
5. The channels still dropped out on my Sony Bravia TV, while the other OTA channels, as previously reported, came in fine (PBS, CBS, FOX).
6. They then proceeded to connect a cable box between the coax cable and my TV to test the channels there, and of course, the channels (NBC and ABC) showed fine without the dropouts I got on my TV QAM tuner.
7. The most important piece of information I received was (and I'm not sure what to make of it, since it seems like a big loophole/cop-out) that although the FCC requires them to provide the OTA local channels unencrypted via QAM, they TEST THE SETUP via a cable box and TV hookup, NOT DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO THE TV TUNER!!!! The reason for this, as I was told, is that TV all have different tuners, electronics, error correction circuits etc. My argument that the problems arose for many people all over the state at exactly the same time, plus both TVs in my house showed exactly the same issues, somehow did not convince them, since "the signal is coming in fine and within the company specs..."
8. The last possible fix, after all other options failed, was to add a signal booster to the coax cable but the troubled channels looked exactly the same, choppy and unwatchable.
9. After several rescans, retunings, resets over the following days, nothing has changed and the reception via basic cable and unencrypted QAM is still unacceptable for channels 111.1 and 111.6.
10. Latest update: It appears that even the heretofore unavailable CW network is now "available" over QAM on channel 112.1... but guess what?
The signal is as choppy at the bad signal coming in for 111.1 (NBC) and 111.6 (ABC)!!!


What does this mean? Yes, the local channels are provided but with such a minimal signal strength that it barely meets the specs, especially on the more crowded frequencies... which means that many TVs will have trouble picking them up only with their regular built-in QAM tuner!!!
If everything works within their system (i.e., THEIR cable signal going through THEIR cable box), then it leaves us consumers in the dust who want to avoid paying for the box rental and keeping component clutter to a minimum.

Apparently, all of this started when they did what they call a "system sweep" right around three months ago, when the channel frequency assignments were changed and signal strengths were adjusted to work within COX system requirements.

I must say that all the service guys (and at the end I had 4 of them in my living room, from two different crews) were very nice and patient but they insisted that the signal was coming in OK, albeit slightly weaker for the problem channels NBC and ABC, but still within the acceptable range (I repeat: for their system).

I predict that it will only be a matter of time until the other, still watchable OTA QAM channels will also be relegated to new frequencies or channel assignments, the signal strength will be further reduced, and everybody will be forced to find other options: a) using a regular antenna for HD, b) adding digital cable service incl. box rental, remote rental and other miscellaneous charges, or c) change providers (Verizon FIOS) and deal with yet another set of problems or as of yet unknown difficulties.

I am not sure if it is possible to escalate this any further at Cox or even file a complaint with the FCC. It is just frustrating when the cable company can be "compliant" with federal regulations and still not deliver the service they are required to provide to their paying customers.

For now, I am switching back and forth between my attic antenna for the stations I should be getting through Cox but don't; I just thought we would finally have an easy workable service when LIN came to agreement with Cox and we finally got CBS and FOX.... now the channels that previously worked perfectly basically need to be pulled from a non-cable source and the whole sad story is right where it started, just with different channels available to watch in HD via Cox. Keeping the free, retransmitted, local station signals in such a borderline condition that you are basically forced to rent one of their boxes to receive them properly is an outrage and should not be tolerated!

If anyone else is having the same problems with their reception, please post them here and keep reporting the stuff to the local stations, to Cox and maybe even to the FCC.

Thanks for reading and I hope to hear from others, battling the same problems.

I see that FSNE, DISC and TLC have all been added to the HD line-up at 727, 745 and 746 respectively on Cox Cable.

Anything new on Verizon Fios in RI? I know that the DPUC has already approved which is one of the three steps. Any progress on getting Fios to sevice area 8?

I see that FSNE, DISC and TLC have all been added to the HD line-up at 727, 745 and 746 respectively on Cox Cable.

Well done, Cox. I have to give them credit, this is one of the first times they've ever added a channel close to when it became available (Discovery HD, TLC HD).

I'm also very psyched to see FSNHD given that the Celts will be on soon.

Anyone notice that thanks to Verizon and FiOS, Cox is improving their lineup almost monthly? Nice.

[QUOTE=If anyone else is having the same problems with their reception, please post them here and keep reporting the stuff to the local stations, to Cox and maybe even to the FCC. .[/QUOTE]

I am also in NK and having the same problems. I am also having a problem getting 6.1 and 10.1 OTA, so I am not sure it is just Cox.

The problem is worse on on the Tivo Series 3 for some reason. I get a better signal from the QAM tuner on the TV but the same signal going into the Tivo is almost unwatchable.

WooHoo more HD... Does anyone know the best way to request a channel (Food Network)?

NFL Network (HD) can be found at 66-1. 1080i. Just in time, hope it stays till the end of the season.

Nevermind, that didn't last too long.
nice, im picking up that and CW, and yet I STILL can't get cbs and fox over qam on my panasonic plasma