I think they hate each other right now....

I read in the Programming Forum that channel 730, ABC News Now, is history as of this Sunday. Personally I thought it was a waste of bandwidth. I wonder if we will get something worthy in its place?


Larry

With Jim Dolan in charge it won't.

Originally posted by rkunces
With Jim Dolan in charge it won't.

TWC will have their revenge in '06. TWC might not have enough bandwidth for them anyway. I don't know that, I'm just offering that as a possibility.

Originally posted by PaulInParkSlope
Anyone know if there's a chance TWCNYC could pick up FSNY and MSG HD so that I can watch my New Mets in HD? I'm thinking there is no chance of this happening since those stations are owned by Cablevision, but you never know. Looking for good news!

Paul,

I read somewhere that the mets are going to create a station similar to YES for mets games. NYC is big market and the teams are greedily (can't blame them) taking advantage of the situation. Not sure if the station will get off the ground before the season or not, but this will impact how the mets broadcast. TWC and YES went round and round for a long timie, so I assume that TWC will cause issues for a new mets channel as well.

I'm sure a search on the subject could yield more factual information.

Drew

Time Warner is a partner in the new Mets network, along with Comcast, so carriage is pretty much guaranteed on those two. Cablevision will be a problem, though. The MSG and FSNY contracts run out after this season, so I'll bet Cablevision will give the new Mets network just as much grief in 2006 as they did to YES a couple of years ago.

But that doesn't help for this season. The MESs network is scheduled to be in place for the 2006 season, and I haven't heard word one about whether or not there will be MESs-HD.

In the mean time, Mets games are carried in HD on MSG-HD, FSNY-HD, and WPIX-HD, none of which TWC carries. A couple of years ago TWC announced that nationally they would be carrying all FSN-HD channels, but it turned out that FSNY was not included because it's not Fox owned and operated.

Many Mets games have had HD crews for at least 3 seasons now. Not one of those games has been carried in HD on TWC, and it's looking like we're gearing up for a 4th.

I'm half tempted to call Bob Watson every single time there's an ad during baseball season asking me to call my cable operator to ask for MSG-HD for FSNY-HD. In fact, I might also do it every time there's a shot of the sign on the outfield wall at Shea advertizing the HD broadcasts.

They'd better have the MESs network broadcasting HD from day one...
-JMP

Originally posted by jmp_nyc
I'm half tempted to call Bob Watson every single time there's an ad during baseball season asking me to call my cable operator to ask for MSG-HD for FSNY-HD. In fact, I might also do it every time there's a shot of the sign on the outfield wall at Shea advertizing the HD broadcasts.
Unfortunately those ads are for Cablevision

Originally posted by patrickpiteo
Could these problems be from a signal strength issue? Well I got these channels to work.. Yes it is a signal strength issue.. I disconnected my tap that goes into my cable modem and it all worked.. I then reconnected the cable back into the modem (RR) and it still worked. I guess it needs to sync to a strong signal first... WEIRD STUFF...

Originally posted by vruiz
Time Warner is a partner in the new Mets network, along with Comcast, so carriage is pretty much guaranteed on those two. Cablevision will be a problem, though. The MSG and FSNY contracts run out after this season, so I'll bet Cablevision will give the new Mets network just as much grief in 2006 as they did to YES a couple of years ago.

Thanks for the more informed update. You can count on Cablevision throwing a fit at the new MESs network.

Drew

ebabrah,

I had a similar problem on my AQUOS with the SA8000HD. I had to manually configure the component input on the AQUOS - then recycle the SA8000HD. The Sharp then recognized the signal.

There are definately some issues with the SA8000HD - mine seems to stutter video and sound - rebooting helps for a while. I actually connected the 8000 to a switched outlet to make the reboots easier.

The good news is once the sync is established, the Sharp seems to "remember" the connection on the input.

Originally posted by jedwards
ebabrah,

I had a similar problem on my AQUOS with the SA8000HD. I had to manually configure the component input on the AQUOS - then recycle the SA8000HD. The Sharp then recognized the signal.

There are definitely some issues with the SA8000HD - mine seems to stutter video and sound - rebooting helps for a while. I actually connected the 8000 to a switched outlet to make the reboots easier.

The good news is once the sync is established, the Sharp seems to "remember" the connection on the input. I agree, but the remembering seems to be in the STB side not the TV or TV input side... Whatever they should have this stuff documented when you call and ask for help or when they send these guys out to install them that know nothing. It alwyas seems that the customer is more informed and aware then the guys (techs) coming out to do the work. They only waste your time, their time, and money...

That's why we are all grateful for forums like these...

Originally posted by jedwards
That's why we are all grateful for forums like these... Totally agree... this is the first place to check if you want any REAL GOOD information...:) You would just think that these companies would actually know about what they sell , service and their problems. I mean we do pay for a service..

Does anyone have a clue what channel 708 will be used for? It's been up for nearly a month and I have not see one program on there. I would think TWC could give us another HD channel that has programming instead of wasting 708 for one that has nothing but a message.

Originally posted by beatles6
I would think TWC could give us another HD channel that has programming instead of wasting 708 for one that has nothing but a message.

Channels that aren't broadcasting don't use any bandwidth......which is what they claim to be the issue as to why we don't have more HD channels....

Any updates on the SA 8300?

Originally posted by beatles6
Does anyone have a clue what channel 708 will be used for?

We should conduct a poll…
How many times a week, (or a day, if you’re really pathetic, like me), do you turn on 708 optimistically hoping to find programming?


20 times per week for me:D


Larry

Originally posted by joe newbie
Any updates on the SA 8300?

When I picked up my 8000HD last week (thurs) the person knew about the 8300HD, said she had received a memo to expect them but had no idea when...thats all I have.

At least that's some news. Would absolutely love to get it by Sunday for the game...

WOO HOO --- 8300HD is here!

My 8000HD stopped working last week (at least the hard drive did -- I could still watch live tv), so I scheduled a service appointment. The tech just left and I now have a spanking new 8300HD. Just thought you all would like to know that they are now available in NYC.

And -- unless anyone else here lives on 86th Street and got one before 5pm today -- I'm the first kid on my block to have one (which is perhaps the first time I've ever been able to say that)!

I just got another 8000 last Saturday. Damn it.

Who wants to volunteer to stop by the 23d street service center to check for the 8300? I don't want to risk scheduling an appointment only to have them bring the old 8000HD box.

Originally posted by rhsauer
WOO HOO --- 8300HD is here!

My 8000HD stopped working last week (at least the hard drive did -- I could still watch live tv), so I scheduled a service appointment. The tech just left and I now have a spanking new 8300HD. Just thought you all would like to know that they are now available in NYC.

And -- unless anyone else here lives on 86th Street and got one before 5pm today -- I'm the first kid on my block to have one (which is perhaps the first time I've ever been able to say that)!

Wow! Congrats. Please review it for us when you have a chance.

Originally posted by jergans
Who wants to volunteer to stop by the 23d street service center to check for the 8300? I don't want to risk scheduling an appointment only to have them bring the old 8000HD box.

I'll try to stop by tomorrow.

Originally posted by rhsauer
WOO HOO --- 8300HD is here!

My 8000HD stopped working last week (at least the hard drive did -- I could still watch live tv), so I scheduled a service appointment. The tech just left and I now have a spanking new 8300HD. Just thought you all would like to know that they are now available in NYC.

And -- unless anyone else here lives on 86th Street and got one before 5pm today -- I'm the first kid on my block to have one (which is perhaps the first time I've ever been able to say that)!

Wow. Congrats. Two quick questions:

1) Does HDMI work
2) If you go to the guide does the word next to "C" say "Search" or "Title"

Enjoy.

I just called the general TWCNYC number. The person I spoke with had not heard of the 8300 (no surprise there). But, much to my surprise, she checked with someone who gave her the scoop: They are aware of the 8000HD's problems. They've tried numerous software pushes but still have not fixed the pixelization problems and audio dropouts (she actually used those words). So, they are currently testing the 8300 and it's possible that some customers may have them already.

She said that to their knowledge, they are not at the service centers as they still have some testing to do. She said to call back every week or so to check on status.

I'm always quick to bash TWCNYC when their phone reps don't know anything about existing HD service/boxes. I'll say "good job" to this rep who took the time to track down the information I was looking for about a product that's not even out yet.

Haven't fixed my problem yet, but have an appt for Saturday...so maybe I'll get a new 8300. That would be sweet. I assume the techs come prepared with spare boxes?

I just lost 704-grey screen. All other HD stations seem to be fine.
Anybody else?

I seem to lose 705 every now and then...

704 is back-nevermind!

Originally posted by EricScott
Wow. Congrats. Two quick questions:

1) Does HDMI work
2) If you go to the guide does the word next to "C" say "Search" or "Title"

Enjoy.

1. The manual suggests HDMI works, but I haven't tried it -- it won't work on my monitor anyway (Pio 503cmx). I'm just relieved that it still outputs HD over component! I haven't had a chance to check whether it simultaneously outputs 480i or whether the offload to vcr function is enabled. I'm not sure I really care at this point -- if it offloaded to an HD DVR I might feel differently, but I'm not going to hold my breath for that one.

2. It says "Search" and then gives you the option to search via titles or keywords, with an onscreen keyboard -- which is a nice improvement.

Also, when you choose to "Record entire series" it gives you all the options upfront (like no. of shows to keep, record first one only, etc.), rather than making you dig through menus to get to these options. The menus seem bouncier and there's virtually no pause when you switch from an HD channel to an SD channel.

Finally (and only anecdotally at this point), HD seems slightly sharper than with the 8000HD, and, unexpectedly, SD seems much better. I hardly ever watch anything (other than the occasional cable news show) in SD anymore, but maybe I will now. It seemed -- not painful.

Did I mention that I was the first kid on the block to have one? ;-)

I just called TWCNY-and they told me-yes, they have the 8300HD, all I have to do is bring my 8000HD in to a center, and they will swap it out for me! However, they cannot give me a confirmation number now (system is down), but I do not need one. Yea, right! They also cannot give me the direct phone number of the office (I go to 215th street in Manhattan-most convenient) to confirm they are ACTUALLY there so-since I've been burned before, I will call back tomorrow, get a confirmation number-and find out the direct phone number (does anybody have it?) to the 215th street office to make sure they really have them-and then try my luck!

Is it faster? channel changing? menus?

The quote below is from the email I received on 01/21/05 and reported here several pages back.

First, I want to take this opportunity to apologize for the difficulties you experienced. With regard to the equipment issue you raised, we have made every effort to keep up with the evolving nature of the HDTV arena. I am pleased to inform you that Time Warner Cable of New York and New Jersey is in the process of adding the SA8300 HD DVR converter. Barring any unforeseen obstacles, we estimate this equipment will be available to our customers within the next two months. I will personally contact you once this equipment is available and make the necessary arrangements to have the converter installed at your convenience.

I guess they forgot to contact me... :( Looks like a follow up with the DOITT is in order for the lack of response. ;)

Wow. Big news on the 8300. I was planning on keeping my NFC Championship game on HD for a while and the Super Bowl as well. I'd love to swap this out before sunday and get the new 8300 but don't want to lose my current saved shows.......

Anyone know where I can d/l the NFC Championshp game in HD?

Drew

OK, I did a little research, but I'm also a little lazy so I'll ask some questions.

First, the research, found a guide on the 8300HD....
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/4003986.pdf

Now the questions,

1) Anyone know where I can get a good deal on an HDMI to DVI cable?
[edit: bluejeanscable.com has cables ~30.00]
1a) Did the "old" Pio HD box use DVI-I or DVI-D?
2) Does the Sata hard drive connection on the 8300HD actually work; and if so has anyone figured a way to extract the content in a useable mannar on a PC? [i know the answer to this one, but i had to ask]
3) Can anyone confirm is this is a lot smaller than the 8000HD in terms of width and length/
4) lastly....... are the available at the 23rd st location..... ? I sure we'll have an answer by noon Tuesday.

Thanks

Drew

Originally posted by rhsauer

2. It says "Search" and then gives you the option to search via titles or keywords, with an onscreen keyboard -- which is a nice improvement.

Also, when you choose to "Record entire series" it gives you all the options upfront (like no. of shows to keep, record first one only, etc.), rather than making you dig through menus to get to these options. The menus seem bouncier and there's virtually no pause when you switch from an HD channel to an SD channel.

Finally (and only anecdotally at this point), HD seems slightly sharper than with the 8000HD, and, unexpectedly, SD seems much better. I hardly ever watch anything (other than the occasional cable news show) in SD anymore, but maybe I will now. It seemed -- not painful.

Did I mention that I was the first kid on the block to have one? ;-)

Excellent. The search feature will be a vast improvement. Now I don't have to know when a show is on to program it.

If HDMI works and the PQ is improved I will be a very happy camper - that is of course if I can get my hands on one?

Originally posted by bigd86
I go to 215th street in Manhattan-most convenient

did you make it to the 219th street location? I live only a few blocks from there and will head over before work in the morning to see if they have them.

Originally posted by drew138
OK, I did a little research, but I'm also a little lazy so I'll ask some questions.

First, the research, found a guide on the 8300HD....
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/4003986.pdf

Now the questions,

1) Anyone know where I can get a good deal on an HDMI to DVI cable?
[edit: bluejeanscable.com has cables ~30.00]
1a) Did the "old" Pio HD box use DVI-I or DVI-D?
2) Does the Sata hard drive connection on the 8300HD actually work; and if so has anyone figured a way to extract the content in a useable mannar on a PC? [i know the answer to this one, but i had to ask]
3) Can anyone confirm is this is a lot smaller than the 8000HD in terms of width and length/
4) lastly....... are the available at the 23rd st location..... ? I sure we'll have an answer by noon Tuesday.

Thanks

Drew

Drew --

(1) I'm a big Bluejeanscable fan: they're honest, responsive and competent, and their stuff is first-rate. A caution, though: a lot of incompatibilities can crop up in the world of HDMI <--> DVI cables and adapters.
(2) Not all, and probably not many, 8300HDs have SATA ports.
(3) It's smaller, but not "a lot smaller" than the 8000HD.
(4) Probably not. But I've got a lot of archiving stuff off my 8000HD before I'm going to surrender it.

I just called the 358-0900 hotline and the rep did not have any info on the 8300. I kindly asked her if there was maybe some type of bulletin today about it and she said there was not to her knowledge.

I'll be anxiously awaiting any word from anyone about availability in NYC.

Check out this tour of the latest passport echo features:

http://www.pioneerdigital.com/passportecho/passportechotour.asp

Looks like you can search by title or by keyword. You can then save your keyword search and record all matching shows (kind of a dumbed down tivo wishlist feature). Pretty sweet.

I can confirm that the analog outputs on the 8300HD will send the active signal to a VCR, so you can record to a VCR if you want -- without switching anything to SD mode.

Also, accessing the PIP function seems to cause a reboot ;(

Originally posted by frankle1
did you make it to the 219th street location? I live only a few blocks from there and will head over before work in the morning to see if they have them.

Yes, I meant 219th st-maybe 215th is the subway stop? TWC surely didn't bother to correct me when I described the location (maybe they don't really know?:D) Anyway, I just spoke with them last night, and until I get confirmation that they really have the units there (although I now have a confirmation number "Doesn't guarantee you will get a unit " I will not head up there. Maybe, since you only live a few blocks from there, you can check and see if they actually have the 8300HD in stock and report back?

Good to hear the 8300HD is available in NYC. If anyone picks one up at the TWC office in Richmond Hill, NY, please post. I am currently using a CC and 8000HD, but would love to see how HDMI works on my Mits DLP.

Regards....JL

Originally posted by EricScott
Check out this tour of the latest passport echo features:

http://www.pioneerdigital.com/passportecho/passportechotour.asp

Looks like you can search by title or by keyword. You can then save your keyword search and record all matching shows (kind of a dumbed down tivo wishlist feature). Pretty sweet.

That search feature would be great for settung up recordings of sporting events of your favorite team that could be on any of the 15 different channels w/o having to search them all out mannually. Now if we could only get a hockey season together..................

Drew

Originally posted by bigd86
Yes, I meant 219th st-maybe 215th is the subway stop? TWC surely didn't bother to correct me when I described the location (maybe they don't really know?:D) Anyway, I just spoke with them last night, and until I get confirmation that they really have the units there (although I now have a confirmation number "Doesn't guarantee you will get a unit " I will not head up there. Maybe, since you only live a few blocks from there, you can check and see if they actually have the 8300HD in stock and report back?

Yes 215 is the subway stop.

I called and the rep stated emphatically that the "new HD DRV" was not available. When I told her that I personally knew of someone who had one in NYC she demanded that persons name, phone number and/or address so she could check it out! Of course I could not provide these so she assumed her job was finished and refused to check any further into whether they were available at the 219th St location.

I guess it is better to just walk over. I will check is out on the way to work and report back.

Originally posted by drew138

Now the questions,

1) Anyone know where I can get a good deal on an HDMI to DVI cable?
[edit: bluejeanscable.com has cables ~30.00]

Thanks

Drew

If you already own a DVI cable, Best Buy (and others) sell DVI to HDMI (and vice versa) plugs. You just plug the converter into the cable box, plug the cable into that, and you're set. I think they're around $20.

Originally posted by bigd86
Maybe, since you only live a few blocks from there, you can check and see if they actually have the 8300HD in stock and report back?

I checked - no 8300 at 219th center.

Originally posted by frankle1
I checked - no 8300 at 219th center.

It figures. Nobody EVER seems to know what's going on at TWC. I can't tell you how many times they have promised a piece of equipment and failed to come through. I would try to get them to send someone over with the new box, but I could guarantee that they wouldn't have it! (This happened to me twice with the Pio HD box, but at least I got 2 free months out of it). I'll give them a call later and see if I can get any more (mis)information.

OK-the 8300HD story today. I called TWCNY and I said to them, I was told by you (which I was, though only after I told them I knew they had them!!!) that you are rolling out the 8300HD, and since I am unhappy with the buggy 8000HD, you gave me a confirmation number to make an exchange. However, I did not want to go the center, waste my time, and then find out they didn't have any in stock. However, someone I knew (so I don't really know frankle1, but I believe his info is accurate!) went to 219th st, and they didn't have any in stock! How can I guarantee I won't be wasting my time? Well, they told me flat out that, while they do have 8300HDs, there is no way of guaranteeing when any of them would be at any particular location-I would just have to keep on going back until I luck out. There is ABSOLUTELY no way they can EVER guarantee a particular piece of equipment! They cannot not even guarantee that a service person will have a particular piece of equipment-they can only note it on the service order. A service call will also cost you $25-BUT if the service tech arrives and doesn't have your equipment, you can turn him away, and pay nothing. So, for the $25 shot-and since I work at home anyway, I made an appointment for Fri AM. Lets see what happens! Anyone taking bets?

I've been holding my breath waiting for the 8300HD b/c of the reported problems and soft picture with the 8000HD. Since I've never actually seen an 8000HD, how can I be sure the box I get is an 8300HD before I take it home from the service center? Does it say 8300 anywhere on it?

Uh yeah...

Another way to test is to plug it in and see if it spontaneously catches fire. If it does, you can be sure they gave you the 8000...

Originally posted by pciav

I guess they forgot to contact me... :( Looks like a follow up with the DOITT is in order for the lack of response. ;) [/B]

That’s a bummer. You filed a complaint, they responded but they didn’t give you the 8300. How long after you filed the DOITT did you get a reply? I filed one last week. No response, yet. Everyone with unresolved problems should file one.

I have a tech call scheduled for this Saturday. Am I expecting them to bring the 8300? Ha! I’ll be lucky if they have any HD box in their truck. I’m still on hold with CS. I want to reconfirm and get it in the work order that I want my 4th !!@#$% HD DVR box to be a 8300.

By the way, anyone know if the Flushing office is officially closed yet.

Larry

Originally posted by vlapietra
I've been holding my breath waiting for the 8300HD b/c of the reported problems and soft picture with the 8000HD. Since I've never actually seen an 8000HD, how can I be sure the box I get is an 8300HD before I take it home from the service center? Does it say 8300 anywhere on it?

It should have a sticker on the bottom indicating the model number.

Based on the discussion here this morning, I personally went to the 23rd St. TWC Svc. Ctr. and was able to swap out my 8000 to 8300 -- no problems at all. There appeared to be several 8300 boxes available there.

I took it home & connected it to my Sharp 45GDSU via HDMI. Great picture & great sound. Am finally able to get the entire Dolby digital sound into Aquos for it to play it on its speakers as Dolby Virtual Surround -- could not do this with 8000 as Aquos does not have a digital sound input port other than HDMI.

Have not checked search etc.. Will do so tonite & post my experience.

One other thing. All channels (even the std. 4:3 types) are filling up my screen -- I checked aspect ratio, and its set correctly. Will need to investigate this further tonite.

Finally, the 8300 has all output formats enabled (480i thru 1080i; does not have 1080p). Such a config. with 8000 caused a noticable switching in picture when one went from a 1080i HD channel to a 480i SD channel. With what little I have seen so far, 8300 switches far more smoothly.

I cannot believe this much awaited switch to 8300 has happened before the Superbowl. Hopefully 8300 will crash much less.

Cheers all.

Thanks for the post, bontrader. I'm on my way now and will update, too.

Just got back from 23rd st. with a brand new 8300HD. To my surprise they had lots of them - I'd say at least 20 piled up behind the counter. In the 30 or so minutes I was there, at least 4 of them left the store, however. The woman who helped me even joked that "you know about these boxes too". She was amazed at how many people were requesting them given they just came out.

Can't wait to get it home and test it. Sounds like HDMI is working.

Originally posted by bondtrader

Finally, the 8300 has all output formats enabled (480i thru 1080i; does not have 1080p). Such a config. with 8000 caused a noticable switching in picture when one went from a 1080i HD channel to a 480i SD channel. With what little I have seen so far, 8300 switches far more smoothly.

I cannot believe this much awaited switch to 8300 has happened before the Superbowl. Hopefully 8300 will crash much less.

Cheers all.

bondtrader,

The box is able to pass 480i over HDMI? Unfortunately for me, I'm pretty sure my Samsung HLP will not accept 480i over HDMI - we'll see.

I was thinking I would use S-Video or component for SD and HDMI for HD. Will have to fiddle with it later.

Just called the Staten Island customer service and the girl I spoke with said they didn't have the 8300 in yet (as far as she knew) but was suprised to hear they are are available in other boroughs.
If anyone on SI makes a trip to the Richmond Avenue center please report back if they have any 8300's otherwise I might just take a ride down there tomorrow.

Originally posted by QMAN71
If anyone on SI makes a trip... please report back if they have any 8300's otherwise I might just take a ride down there tomorrow.

Ditto for the Brooklyn office!

Excellent news guys. Thanks for tracking the boxes down. My reno should be done in about 2 weeks and my HT up and running shortly thereafter. Timing should be perfect to swap out my 8000 for the 8300 :)

TM

PS - bondtrader, thanks for confirming 23rd street and the functioning HDMI...

Originally posted by LL3HD
That’s a bummer. You filed a complaint, they responded but they didn’t give you the 8300. How long after you filed the DOITT did you get a reply? I filed one last week. No response, yet. Everyone with unresolved problems should file one.
Larry

Larry, to be honest with you I filed the complaint after it was posted here and didn't pay any attention to it after I got a confirmation from the DOITT within a couple of days of filing until I received and actual response from TWC on 01/21/05. I just received a message back from TWC stating the following:

"I received your messages and I have calls into our technical operations and marketing departments to verify if the 8300 is ready for deployment in your area. I anticipate an answer this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning."

Typical that the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.

Eric:

Well, I'll have to check this 480i issue.

Aquos has the ability to let through 480i unmolested, I think (by disbaling the Auto feature in Video Setup), and upconverting all else to 1080i. I'll set this up tonite, and report in the morning if the HDMI can pass through the 480i -- or does it switch it to 480p, which then gets upconverted.

Originally posted by bondtrader
Eric:

Well, I'll have to check this 480i issue.

Aquos has the ability to let through 480i unmolested, I think (by disbaling the Auto feature in Video Setup), and upconverting all else to 1080i. I'll set this up tonite, and report in the morning if the HDMI can pass through the 480i -- or does it switch it to 480p, which then gets upconverted.

I will do the same. But I know that my Samsung won't accept 480i over HDMI or DVI. What would be ideal is if the box lets you output component and HDMI at the same time. Then I can use component for SD (480i) and HDMI for HD.

Other issue, which I know people with HDMI enabled 8300's have been complaining about for a while (granted they were SARA users) is that if you use the HDMI out for video, but want to run the audio through an AV receiver using optical or coaxial digital outs, sometimes there are issues. I know with SARA there is some sort of menu option to turn the digital audio off on HDMI, which enables the other digital audio outs. Hopefully an option like this exists on Passport.

Eric:

Per the 8300 installation booklet, the hdmi connection is set to auto-verify if the connected TV can accept multichannel sound -- if not, it defaults to 2 Ch. audio output, and crucially, the same setting applies then to optical and coax. outputs.

They offer a few steps to change this, if needed -- the steps read straightforward, but it may be that there is still a problem with this, esp. for TVs capable of accepting 2Ch. stereo sound only.

On the 480i issue, I have it hooked up both ways (component & hdmi) and I suppose, worst case, will just toggle TV input to component if there is a problem with 480i input via hdmi.

Now that the 8300's are here (or almost here), where can I pick up a good HDMI cable?

Originally posted by EricScott
Just got back from 23rd st. with a brand new 8300HD. To my surprise they had lots of them - I'd say at least 20 piled up behind the counter. In the 30 or so minutes I was there, at least 4 of them left the store, however. The woman who helped me even joked that "you know about these boxes too". She was amazed at how many people were requesting them given they just came out.

Can't wait to get it home and test it. Sounds like HDMI is working.


GREAT! I can't get away now to head down there, so I will have to wait for Friday and see what the tech brings. Working HDMI is sweet-it will free up an analog slot for me so I hook up the old LD player and give it a whorl:)

By the way, for the HDMI hookup-do you have to go into the menus and enable manually the Dolby Digital to work with an external processor while HDMI is connected? I've read about having to do something like this on a different forum-or it may be only with the SARA software, and not Passport.

(I see this question was addressed while I was typing!!!)

If I ever get my hands on one I should be able to confirm the 480i issue and let you know what format it is putting out. In my Lumagen Processor they just added the ability to accept 480i over DVI and change the incoming signal to either DVI/HDMI 4:4:4 or HDMI 4:2:2. If it syncs and I can confirm 480i, that would be ideal and what I am hoping for.

Originally posted by bondtrader
Eric:

Per the 8300 installation booklet, the hdmi connection is set to auto-verify if the connected TV can accept multichannel sound -- if not, it defaults to 2 Ch. audio output, and crucially, the same setting applies then to optical and coax. outputs.

They offer a few steps to change this, if needed -- the steps read straightforward, but it may be that there is still a problem with this, esp. for TVs capable of accepting 2Ch. stereo sound only.

Does the included manual apply to Passport or just SARA. The manual I received looks like the standard SA manual, which typically only applies to SARA boxes. My TV doesn't have a digital audio out, so I'm guessing this means it only works with 2 Ch. What I'm afraid of, is that Passport doesn't have an option comparable to what the instruction book describes.

Worst case I can always use an HDMI to DVI cable and then no audio is being passed and the digital audio outs should work. Of course this opens a whole other can of worms - can the 8300 do the proper conversions over the cable?


On the 480i issue, I have it hooked up both ways (component & hdmi) and I suppose, worst case, will just toggle TV input to component if there is a problem with 480i input via hdmi.

Wow that's good to know. On my 3250HD if you were using DVI you couldn't use component at the same time. Sounds like the 8300 lets you do this.

I think I feel a cold coming on :) Must leave work.

awesome news!
Those of u who have the 8300, can u confirm if there is a way to add an external HD to it?

Originally posted by timewaster
awesome news!
Those of u who have the 8300, can u confirm if there is a way to add an external HD to it?

There definitely is a SATA port. No idea if it works. Anyone know what the built in recording capacity is?

BTW, no firewire outs on the 8300 I received.

Originally posted by EricScott

Worst case I can always use an HDMI to DVI cable and then no audio is being passed and the digital audio outs should work. Of course this opens a whole other can of worms - can the 8300 do the proper conversions over the cable?


But will it pass 5.1 digital audio when no audio is being passed to the TV? The earlier post was unclear. I guess that's the question. Can anyone answer?

Originally posted by jergans
But will it pass 5.1 digital audio? I guess that's the question. Can anyone answer?

Using an HDMI / DVI cable, the answer is no. But I'm hoping that by forcing the 8300 to disable the audio over HDMI, that it will enable 5.1 digital audio over the other digital outputs.

This is of course if using an HDMI/HDMI into my Samsung DLP doesn't enable the other digital outs properly.

Originally posted by EricScott
Using an HDMI / DVI cable, the answer is no. But I'm hoping that by forcing the 8300 to disable the audio over HDMI, that it will enable 5.1 digital audio over the other digital outputs.

This is of course if using an HDMI/HDMI into my Samsung DLP doesn't enable the other digital outs properly.

I'll be using an HDMI/DVI cable, because my Sammy only has a DVI input. Well, actually, I WON'T be using the cable, because I'm not going to give up the 5.1 surround.

What's the point of handling audio like that? Can anyone confirm this to be the case in practice? And who's going to be the first to find a workaround?

Happy to report that I just got back from 23rd Street with an 8300. As reported here earlier, there seem to be enough of them, but you never know.

I haven't tried out the box yet, but it defintiely is smaller. Not by a lot, but definitely noticeable.

I think I already know the answer but by any chance does the new 8300 include the HDMI cable??

Originally posted by jergans
I'll be using an HDMI/DVI cable, because my Sammy only has a DVI input. Well, actually, I WON'T be using the cable, because I'm not going to give up the 5.1 surround.

What's the point of handling audio like that? Can anyone confirm this to be the case in practice? And who's going to be the first to find a workaround?

jergans,

I don't think anyone has actually confirmed that there is in fact a problem. In my earlier post I was just pointing out that SARA users who have had the 8300 for a while have reported issues with HDMI taking over the digital audio options. But at least SARA has an option that is supposed to let you deactive digital audio over HDMI and send it to the other outputs. I am not sure (and no one has said yet) whether there is a comparable option for Passport. If there isn't then there will likely be problems if you are using an HDMI - HDMI connection.

However, if you are using HDMI-DVI, the box should automatically know not to send any audio over the HDMI-DVI cable (it can't since DVI doesn't transmit audio) and should therefore default to sending digital audio to the coax and optical outs. Whether this is in fact the way the box behaves remains to be seen.

But I'm guessing that if there is an issue with HDMI-HDMI, people will have better luck with HDMI-DVI (putting aside any potential video conversion issues the box has - which I know nothing about).

Sorry for the confusion, this is all speculation and there may not be any problems.

Originally posted by pdroth
I think I already know the answer but by any chance does the new 8300 include the HDMI cable??

That's a big NO. In fact, mine didn't even include a remote. I guess that's because I forgot to bring back the original. Can anyone confirm that the remote for the SA 8300 HD is the same as the 8000HD. My 8000HD remote works fine, just want to confirm there is no difference.

Originally posted by joe newbie
That's a big NO. In fact, mine didn't even include a remote. I guess that's because I forgot to bring back the original. Can anyone confirm that the remote for the SA 8300 HD is the same as the 8000HD. My 8000HD remote works fine, just want to confirm there is no difference.

That's funny. I had the opposite problem. I brought back my remote but they forgot to give me a new one. Fortunately I use a universal remote so i have an extra lying around somewhere for one of my other boxes.

But I don't have the remote either.

Originally posted by joe newbie
Happy to report that I just got back from 23rd Street with an 8300. As reported here earlier, there seem to be enough of them, but you never know.

I haven't tried out the box yet, but it definitely is smaller. Not by a lot, but definitely noticeable. Did you call before you went? They just exchanged with no ?'s either..

Just stopped by on way home from work and neither of the woman there new what I was talking about. They said they only know about it when it gets delivered. I was double parked so I did not continue to ask questions since I already got the message from their quite so helpful attitude.

Anyone else been there yet??

Corduroy

Can they get anything right with any of there boxes? Digital audio out via Coax or Optical should be active regardless of HDMI. Who the hell has an HDMI device that will take 5.1 Audio at this time? I can think of none, except maybe the big Denon Receiver. This is just getting more and more ridiculous.

I have had just about all I can take from TWC. I didn't get a response back from the Public Affairs Director handling my DOITT complaint either, but that doesn't really surprise me.

Thanks for all the info so far, and please update on the audio issue. Even though I shouldn't be at this point, I am still dumbfounded by the idiocy that surrounds TWC, SA, & Pio Passport.

Can someone with the 8300HD confirm the ability to plug an HDTV in via HDMI/Component and also an SDTV via s-video/composite? With the 8000HD, we've had to switch the STB into SD mode via the Channel+/Volume- trick. Does this still apply?

Thanks!
sir_captain

So I've been playing around with the 8300HD for the past hour or so and here are some of the things I've noticed:

The Bad (such a pessimist):

- As I suspected, if you connect to an HDMI input on your display and your display can't decode 5.1 audio (as pciav said above, not many can), then all of the digital audio outs are converted to 2 Ch. And the worst part is, unlike in the SARA software (and the manual they give you with the 8300), there is no option (at least not one that I could find) that will let you alter this. So if you want to go HDMI - HDMI, you are stuck w/ 2 Ch. audio - obviously pretty bad. I'm hoping that if you connect to a DVI input on your display using a hybrid cable that the HDMI audio will be deactivated and the other digital outs will work. But who knows. Will have a hybrid cable by the end of hte week to test.

- Gray Sidebars - Big pet peeve of mine. I hate those damn things. Still no option to switch to black.

- On my Samsung, 480i does not pass through HDMI. Note this could very possibly be specific to my display (Samsung HDMI does not accept 480i from any source); other displays may accept 480i. Kind of annoying b/c you can't do a true pass through but 480p looks pretty damn good so not too bad. Note that if I have 480i selected as an output format and switch to component on a 480i channel, for some reason it still converts the 480i to 480p - not sure why. So there's no point in using component for SD and HDMI for HD, especially since if you have 480i selected as an output format and tune to an SD channel on HDMI, the box displays no picture - would drive the GF nuts. So I'm just going with HDMI and 480p, 720p and 1080i as my selected output formats.

- Settings menus, AFAI can tell are the same as the 8000HD (i.e. LIMITED)


The Good:

- HDMI does work and it looks really good. Need to calibrate my display - previously HDMI was being used with my s97 DVD player and the settings were all out of whack for this box.

- All of the outputs work at the same time. I currently have HDMI, Component and S-Video connected at the same time and they all work.

- Search feature seems pretty cool. It's a little slower than my tivo used to be at re-populating the list after you select a letter but a dramatic improvement compared to the Title search. I programmed almost all of my recurring recordings in about 15 minutes. The keyword feature is pretty neat too. Obviously if the guide data went out further these features would be even more useful.

- Overall the box just seems more responsive and quicker. Channel changes and the IPG are smoother.

- Neat little feature - the box's LED display shows the currently output format. If I'm on Ch 725, shows 720p. If I'm on Ch 706, shows 1080i. If I'm on an SD channel, shows 480p in my case.

- Aesthetics - the box looks a lot cooler than the 8000HD. A much sturdier feel; silver/aluminum finish; LED is green (an 8300HD I had previously seen was a lighter silver but had a red LED).

Overall pretty pleased. The HDMI audio problem could be a biggie though. The other issue for me may not be an issue for most people. If your display can accept 480i over HDMI, then you can just go with HDMI and get true pass through which would be ideal.

Still a major improvement over the 8000HD in terms of PQ (although this is after some very quick viewing). Haven't recorded anything yet so can't comment on dropouts, etc.

Given that I'm only getting 2 ch. audio there are no dropouts during live TV.

To those who have the 8300: one of my biggest problems with the 8000 is audio dropouts over the coax digital audio out. Is the 8300 any better?

Bummer on the audio problem with HDMI. This could be a real problem if there is no Passport way to fix this (as apparently there is in SARA). I have both DVI and HDMI, so as soon as somebody finds out if an HDMI to DVI cable fixes this, PLEASE let us know!!!

Originally posted by patrickpiteo
Did you call before you went? They just exchanged with no ?'s either..

I just stopped in, told them I wanted to swap out for the newer box (I specified the 8300) and I was good to go.

what are the hours at the 23rd st store?

So I fiddled around in the 8300 diagnostic screens:

- Hard Drive listed at 150.6 gb (Maxtor 4R16OLO)
- Passport Echo v. 1.8.095 (12/14/04)
- OS: PowerTV 6.8.9.4sp

PQ seems really good. Was watching Discovery HD before and it looked better than it's ever looked before.

That's all for now.

Originally posted by Nukenbar
what are the hours at the 23rd st store? Is there a telephone number to call? Does anybody have the exact address?

Eric, (or someone else with the new box) is the physical footprint of the 8300HD smaller than the 8000HD. It looks to be that way, but I'd love a positive confirmation.

Thanks

Drew

Yes. It's narrower front to back and left to right but slightly taller than the 8000HD. Really sharp looking box.

Recording my first show and this cool little red "Record" sign pops up on the LED display.

Eric,

Glad things are working out. The audio issue puzzles me to no end, so here I have to do it... &*%(#$@!-*&^% [fill in your favorite naughty words followed by] damn TWC! :D

Has anyone hooked up the 8300 yet using only component cables - as opposed to DVI or HDMI? I held off getting the 8000 because of all of the bad reports but I am eager to trade in my Pio box for the 8300 so long as the PQ is good and it is relatively easy to use.

Another question: if I can't get down to 23 Street to pick up a box, can I call TWC and request a service call to swap out the box for the 8300?

Originally posted by pciav
Eric,

Glad things are working out. The audio issue puzzles me to no end, so here I have to do it... &*%(#$@!-*&^% [fill in your favorite naughty words followed by] damn TWC! :D

I agree. How do you not have an option to turn off the HDMI digital audio given how few TVs have a digital audio pass through. Hopefully the hybrid cable will work. But if all you have is an HDMI input you may be SOL. Worst case you can use component. It's still better than the 8000HD.

What I haven't checked is whether digital audio works fine if you unhook the HDMI cable and just go with component. Too lazy to unhook it right now but will try tomorrow.

Originally posted by LisaM
Has anyone hooked up the 8300 yet using only component cables - as opposed to DVI or HDMI? I held off getting the 8000 because of all of the bad reports but I am eager to trade in my Pio box for the 8300 so long as the PQ is good and it is relatively easy to use.

Another question: if I can't get down to 23 Street to pick up a box, can I call TWC and request a service call to swap out the box for the 8300?

Currently, I am using component and I am impressed by the improved PQ and faster response.

I suppose you can call TWC and specify the 8300HD on the work order, but, as you know, that's a roll of the dice. However, at this point it is in TWC's best interest to roll these out asap because it will drive down all the complaints and service calls.

I called TWC tonight and the CSR said that he had only seen 2 8300HD boxes thus far. He could not guarantee that the 23 St. location had any on hand and, of course, did not have their phone number. He also doubted that a service tech would have an 8300HD on hand.

A question for those who are using the 8300 box: Using my current Pioneer box, I can view both HD and SD programs via component cables without changing inputs. It is a simple setup for the family. Will I still be able to do this with the 8300? Changing inputs when switching from HD to SD is a real issue here.

Thanks in advance...

Edited to add: According to their website, the 23 St. center is located at 46A East 23 Street (between Park and Madison). The phone number is 212 358 0900.

i just got my 8300 last nigt. when i called tw they didn't think the box was out yet so i took a chance and went to 23rd street - the had quite a few of them - the guy there said they got them two days ago.

i have a strange issue that i also had w/ the 8000 - when i record charmed on tnt high def - and afer it started recording -if i go to the list menu and select it to watch it from the beginning the box freezes and then re-boots. this is the only channel/show where this happens. does anyone have any ideas?

joe newbie the remotes are the same

sir-captain - svideo and coax video are both active all the time - in fact if i'm watching a high def show the co - ax down converts it so its still active (nice if you want to hook up a second tv)

Just temporarily unhooked HDMI and sure enough 5.1 digital audio passes fine through the optical out (didn't have coax hooked up but i'm sure it works). Interestingly though, even if I selct all output formats, if you tune to an SD channel, it still is output at 480p over component. Can't get it to output 480i. I bet this box has the same stupid limitation of not passing 480i in HD Mode as the 8000HD had. If you hook HDMI back up then the digital audio outs pass 2 channel only.

Component does look really good though. Better than the 8000HD. Everything on the box operation wise is smoother and faster. Recorded a show last night and started watching 20 mins in or so - no problems. No dropouts at all - video or audio.

Originally posted by EricScott
If you hook HDMI back up then the digital audio outs pass 2 channel only.


According to the 8300 manual there is a way to fix this in the settings so that 5.1 will be output through the digital audio connections even if you have HDMI connected. Is this not working?

Also, has anyone been able to get the 8300 from any other locations besides the 23rd street?
Thanks

I'd scheduled a 8000HD recording of INHD2's 7 am new test-pattern show this Saturday (2/5). But if TWC actually exchanges my fuzzy-image 8000HD this Friday with a 8300HD, as slated, plan to reschedule capturing INHD2's patterns--plus HDNet's 10-minutes of patterns next Tuesday at 8 am.

Judging image improvements, I've found, is difficult without HD resolution wedges. Hope the 8300HDs, with NYC TWC's video-firmware drivers, at least matches the 1290-line horizontal resolution of my SA3100HD, or better yet the 1335-line rez of my RCN Cable converter. It would be nice to hear what those with 1080p displays, or any display capable of 1335+ lines can see. A measurement technique for resolution wedges is outlined within this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4664241#post4664241). -- John

Called TWC again this AM to check on whether the 8300s were at the 219th street location. The CSR put me on hold to "speak to a supervisor". She reported that "they did have the 8300 in the store but they pulled them". I told her that as recently as yesterday I know people were getting them and she said they are no giving them out anymore due to a "techincal problem" with the box - she did not know what the problem was.

I am so fed up by a different answer every time I call!! TWC customer service SUCKS!

I was customer number '005' this morning - arrived at 8:01 am. Swapped my 8000HD for the 8300HD at the 23rd St. location. Looks like they had about 15 or so in stock. The boxes were dated "2/1", so I assume that they arrived yesterday.

Have not yet hooked up the HDMI/DVI connection, but am planning on doing it tonight. But, I had to check out PQ on Component, and its definitely noticeably better than the 8000. At last, real HD is back on my TV. Interface is much quicker, smoother, search interface much more intuitive and easy to use (search by keyword or title). Significant upgrade overall.

Props to the CSR I sat with. She knew exactly what I was talking about (all I had to say was that I heard there was a new HD DVR model released), she made the switch, and I was gone in less than 5 minutes.

Originally posted by frankle1
According to the 8300 manual there is a way to fix this in the settings so that 5.1 will be output through the digital audio connections even if you have HDMI connected. Is this not working?

Also, has anyone been able to get the 8300 from any other locations besides the 23rd street?
Thanks

Unfortunately the SA manuals are for boxes with SARA software. Our boxes have Passport. There is no comparable option (at least not one that I could locate) that lets you do what the manual says you can do. That's the problem.

If this is true, and the 'technical issue' is the audio problem, then there won't be a fix soon IMO. This has been a known issue about the Passport boxes.

There was a thread about the audio issue in Passport (wherein you can't "force" 5.1 sound over the optical/coax digital outputs when using HDMI) in the HD recorder forum here. One guy even tried going HDMI->DVI->HDMI and still no dice. It looks like the issue is whether or not an HDMI cable is plugged into the 8300, *not* whether the device on the other end can "do" anything with the audio stream :(

TM

Originally posted by anthonymoody
If this is true, and the 'technical issue' is the audio problem, then there won't be a fix soon IMO. This has been a known issue about the Passport boxes.

There was a thread about the audio issue in Passport (wherein you can't "force" 5.1 sound over the optical/coax digital outputs when using HDMI) in the HD recorder forum here. One guy even tried going HDMI->DVI->HDMI and still no dice. It looks like the issue is whether or not an HDMI cable is plugged into the 8300, *not* whether the device on the other end can "do" anything with the audio stream :(

TM

So going HDMI to DVI won't work? If you get a hybrid cable, it won't carry audio at all. Still plan to try it out.

Can you post a link to that thread?

Just picked up my 8300HD from the 23rd street location. Walked in at 9:15 AM, was number 47 and they were already on 41. Waited 8 minutes, told the CSR that "I'd like to trade my 8000HD for a 8300HD" and she smiled and said "no problem." From what I could tell there were at least 45 of them stacked against the wall. Some had 1/31, others had 2/1 written on the outside of the box. I think that reflects the delivery date to the TWCNYC location. I also saw non HD models of the 8300 stacked against the wall. Anyone know the story behind that?

FYI, for those who will be swapping, you DO NOT need your remote control for the swap. Leave it at home. You do want to bring your power cord. Eventhough she handed it right back to me, she mentioned that some of the new 8300HD's have 'em in the box and some don't.

Anyways, for those who have complained about the 8000HD, our day has arrived. Pick up your 8300HD and lets start griping about something else ;)

I'm wondering if the Queens location (Woodside) has gotten them yet. If anyone knows please share!

Eric:

Re. the passthru of 480i issue, you were correct in that the box passes thru only 480p, even for 480i input. In fact, the setting that allows 480i passthru in Aquos seems to vanish in HDMI mode, and reappears in component -- it still doesn't help either way.

One other issue. I am unable to use my cable remote to do volume control in HDMI mode -- have to use the terrible Aquos remote instead. The cable remote becomes functional once I switch to Component. Does cable remote not work with digital audio? Or am I doing something wrong?

only manhattan has got them now, the other bouroughs we have to wait a little longer. My question is if i live in queens can i go to manhattan to exchange my box or they wont let me do that.

While I am definitely happy that TWC NYC chooses to use Passport over the feature-lacking SARA software, I just don't understand why some of options that you can configure in SARA don't appear in Passport. Two of my issues would be solved:

1) The HDMI Audio issue
2) The gray sidebars

In this case I don't fault Scientific Atlanta, b/c these options work in their software, I fault Pioneer. The Passport software they use on the Motorola 6400 DVRs is different than the one on the SA boxes, so why can't they customize the software to include these options.

Still beats the hell out of the 8000HD though.

Originally posted by neo0285
only manhattan has got them now, the other bouroughs we have to wait a little longer. My question is if i live in queens can i go to Manhattan to exchange my box or they wont let me do that. NO THEY WILL NOT LET YOU DO THAT.. I tried.. They said they only work in Manhattan right now... Which makes no sense to me. I have to figure that they keep or do not want slated equipment for each borough scattered about.:confused:

Originally posted by pdroth
I'm wondering if the Queens location (Woodside) has gotten them yet. If anyone knows please share! I asked and they said NO.. Dam..

Originally posted by pdroth
I'm wondering if the Queens location (Woodside) has gotten them yet. If anyone knows please share! I also think that starting February 4 there will only be the Queens Center Mall location...

Question: wouldn't it be ideal for a 480i signal to be converted to a 480p as is the case with a progressive scan dvd? Is there some loss of pq?

Originally posted by DJ Frustration
Just picked up my 8300HD from the 23rd street location. Walked in at 9:15 AM, was number 47 and they were already on 41. Waited 8 minutes, told the CSR that "I'd like to trade my 8000HD for a 8300HD" and she smiled and said "no problem." From what I could tell there were at least 45 of them stacked against the wall. Some had 1/31, others had 2/1 written on the outside of the box. I think that reflects the delivery date to the TWCNYC location. I also saw non HD models of the 8300 stacked against the wall. Anyone know the story behind that?

FYI, for those who will be swapping, you DO NOT need your remote control for the swap. Leave it at home. You do want to bring your power cord. Eventhough she handed it right back to me, she mentioned that some of the new 8300HD's have 'em in the box and some don't.

Anyways, for those who have complained about the 8000HD, our day has arrived. Pick up your 8300HD and lets start griping about something else ;)

Basically the exact same experience. I was number 050. Based on what I was told when I picked up my 8000HD back in December, I left the remote, power and component cables at home. Even though there is an extra power cable and set of component cables in the box, the rep didn't remove them.

I was number 076. They'd just received another shipment of boxes. Hopefully this means they won't run out, if you're unable to get there early.

Originally posted by kristcnj
Question: wouldn't it be ideal for a 480i signal to be converted to a 480p as is the case with a progressive scan dvd? Is there some loss of pq?

If the deinterlacer/scaler in the 8300 is better than the one in your display then yes you would want to pass 480p instead of 480i. But most of the time the display does a better job so you are better off passing the native signal from the STB (no processing to the display) - 480i for SD channels.

Also, in my case, the native resolution of my display is 720p, so if the box converts 480i to 480p and sends that to the display, the display still has to upscale it to 720p. I could have the box scale 480i directly to 720p and pass that to the display (so the display does nothing), but again, I think my display has a better scaler than the 8300. Plus I have more picture size options if I pass 480p than I do if I pass 720p.

Not ideal, but the results appear to be quite good.

Just got mine (I was #70).

Happy:
Lag time for switching between HD and SD is greatly improved. It's now accpetable IMO.
Search by Keyword
PQ better
Options for Series Manager appear when you initiate a recording
Seven second rewind is a little more fluid

Sad:
480i pass through
pip window still far to much towards the center of the screen

TBD:
less freezing???

Thanks for the clarification. My display has both 1080i and 720p but there is a short delay when the TV does the conversion so I may just allow the box to do it if it still generates acceptable PQ. I'm fairly psyched about the new box (which is available in NJ) and I hate to complain now that I have what I want, but this audio problem is a fairly large issue. I'm assuming it's the same with a coax digital as well.

It's stupid that this wasn't anticipated by the programmers as NOBODY has a receiver with HDMI in yet, and that would be the only way to get 5.1 under the current circumstances...

Yeah - very big issue. If the HDMI to DVI hybrid cable fixes the problem that will help lots of people but not all.

If you buy a TV with a cablecard and digital tuner, it usually has digital audio outs, so you can run HDMI into the TV and still output 5.1 to your receiver. But as you said, not many people have those either.

Checked with the Richmond Avenue Store in Staten Island and they do not have the 8300. CSR said they have no idea when they will be available. Have to keep checking.

I was first online at the 23rd street location this morning. Went through the whole thing, then she said "Oh, you live in Brooklyn. We don't have any of the new boxes for Brooklyn." They had plenty of the 8000HD's for Brooklyn and Queens, but none of the 8300's. How are they different? Of course she gave me no way to find out when they will be available for Brooklyn and Queens either. Wasted morning.

Originally posted by jasonDono
I was first online at the 23rd street location this morning. Went through the whole thing, then she said "Oh, you live in Brooklyn. We don't have any of the new boxes for Brooklyn." They had plenty of the 8000HD's for Brooklyn and Queens, but none of the 8300's. How are they different? Of course she gave me no way to find out when they will be available for Brooklyn and Queens either. Wasted morning. Hey what time where you there.. I did the same thing... I live in Queens and got the same DUMB if you ask me answers... How can one borough be different then another..just stupid... so give us a date when.. Somebody must know..:(

I was No. 90 at 23rd Street, with a waiting time of about 3 minutes (shortly after 11:00 am), the first time that it's ever been under about an hour.

My 8300HD is connected via component and audio optical. My Sammy's HLN507W's native resolution is 720p, and I've configured the DVR to output only 480p and 720p (the TV can't accept 480i through the HD component inputs).

The PQ on the HD channels is glorious, at least as good if not better than it was before I switched to the 8000HD. The stuttering channel changes are entirely gone. The box is smaller than the 8000HD in all dimensions except height and looks less like a child's toy. There's no change in the "Settings" menus that I've yet seen.

One strangeness: my building's lobby-cam, formerly on Ch. 77, is now on Ch. 999.

Originally posted by Manatus
I was No. 90 at 23rd Street, with a waiting time of about 3 minutes (shortly after 11:00 am), the first time that it's ever been under about an hour.

My 8300HD is connected via component and audio optical. My Sammy's HLN507W's native resolution is 720p, and I've configured the DVR to output only 480p and 720p (the TV can't accept 480i through the HD component inputs).

The PQ on the HD channels is glorious, at least as good if not better than it was before I switched to the 8000HD. The stuttering channel changes are entirely gone. The box is smaller than the 8000HD in all dimensions except height and looks less like a child's toy. There's no change in the "Settings" menus that I've yet seen.

One strangeness: my building's lobby-cam, formerly on Ch. 77, is now on Ch. 999.

This is what I was waiting to hear, since I can't hook mine up till tonight. It would be great if the HDMI/DD5.1 thing worked as it should, but even connecting through component, this looks like a big step up from the 8000HD. Any other impressions?

I tried to switch from the component output to the HDMI (using a HDMI --> DVI adapter). This message then appears: "Your HDTV does not support HDCP. Please use the YPrPb component connection to watch television." The TV in fact is HDCP-compliant, and the same adapter and cable work fine with my HDMI-equipped DVD player.

Originally posted by Manatus
I tried to switch from the component output to the HDMI (using a HDMI --> DVI adapter). This message then appears: "Your HDTV does not support HDCP. Please use the YPrPb component connection to watch television." The TV in fact is HDCP-compliant, and the same adapter and cable work fine with my HDMI-equipped DVD player. Thats not good.. My VOOM STB works fine this way.

Originally posted by Manatus
I tried to switch from the component output to the HDMI (using a HDMI --> DVI adapter). This message then appears: "Your HDTV does not support HDCP. Please use the YPrPb component connection to watch television." The TV in fact is HDCP-compliant, and the same adapter and cable work fine with my HDMI-equipped DVD player.

Not good. Wonder if you try turning the STB off, hooking up HDMI/DVI and then turning it on.

I was having issues when I tried going from component to HDMI yesterday while the box was on an SD channel - never got the HDCP message though. Found that if I powered the box down and back on, everything worked fine on HDMI.

Looks like I may be using component.

Originally posted by Manatus
I tried to switch from the component output to the HDMI (using a HDMI --> DVI adapter). This message then appears: "Your HDTV does not support HDCP. Please use the YPrPb component connection to watch television." The TV in fact is HDCP-compliant, and the same adapter and cable work fine with my HDMI-equipped DVD player.
That stinks. I'd like to use the DVI on my HLN437.
Does anyone know if us non-8000HD users can bring our non-DVR boxes to the 23rd st. location and swap them for an 8300HD? I currently have a SA3250.

Originally posted by vlapietra
That stinks. I'd like to use the DVI on my HLN437.
Does anyone know if us non-8000HD users can bring our non-DVR boxes to the 23rd st. location and swap them for an 8300HD? I currently have a SA3250.

Yes that's exactly what I did. It may have to be an HD box though. I gave them a 3250HD and there wasn't a problem.

After I posted about the HDCP error message when using a HDMI --> DVI adapter, I realized that I forgot to mention that the DVI cable runs through a DVI switcher. I've since reconnected the TV directly to the HDMI adapter and am getting a fine picture. So, the 8300HD doesn't like my DVI switcher.

Here's a new one, though: With the 8300HD connected through the HDMI port and the optical audio out, my receiver is identifying the incoming signal as Dolby Digital, and sound is coming from all 5 speakers (while tuned to Discovery HD). Could this be an exception to the audio bug?

Originally posted by Manatus
After I posted about the HDCP error message when using a HDMI --> DVI adapter, I realized that I forgot to mention that the DVI cable runs through a DVI switcher. I've since reconnected the TV directly to the HDMI adapter and am getting a fine picture. So, the 8300HD doesn't like my DVI switcher.

Here's a new one, though: With the 8300HD connected through the HDMI port and the optical audio out, my receiver is identifying the incoming signal as Dolby Digital, and sound is coming from all 5 speakers (while tuned to Discovery HD). Could this be an exception to the audio bug?

That's great news. I was hoping that by using the DVI, that the audio through HDMI would be cut-off and the optical would work. Sounds like you just validated that.

To be clear with my HDMI-HDMI connection, I noticed that my receiver would receive the DD5.1 flag as soon as you changed the channel but then it would quickly change over to DPLII:Movie - sound comes from 5 speakers either way but it isn't true DD. And I tried Discovery HD as well as ABC HD and ESPN HD during primetime - so they were def. broadcasting DD5.1.

I got mine, thanks guys! I decided to run there before they ran out...I've been waiting for the 8300 because I have a windows media box that needs an active S-video out but I want to be able to watch/record HD too. Besides, everyone i know in NJ has them with cablevision so why shouldn't we?

They also asked "how did you know we had these?" ;)

Originally posted by HDTVNYC
Besides, everyone i know in NJ has them with cablevision so why shouldn't we?

They also asked "how did you know we had these?" ;) Yea but "NO 8300 FOR YOU QUEENS":mad:

Just got mine. Wait time of 30 mins at 12:30 PM today. Swapped out 8000HD for 8300HD no problems asked.

First impressions:

1.) The box is MUCH faster. Switching channels, and menus.

2.) HD Picture quality through component appears better. My girlfreind said it immediately, and I agree.

3.) SD picture quality through component is noticeably better.

4.) S-video works at the same time as component.

5.) Box is a good amount smaller in depth and width and a touch larger in height.

6.) LCD display is a lot nicer looking.

I was 214 today at 23rd Street.

I picked up the 8300HD and hooked it up to my Pio 5030 via component and coax digital audio.

A few random observations . . .

The PQ is better then the 8000HD for both HD and SD content . . . not mind bendingly better in SD . . . but better.

The scaler in the 8300HD seems to be better then previous. I now feel comfortable letting the 8300HD scale all to 720P or 1080i.

Channels change faster.

Have not seen or heard glitching yet.

Search feature is very nice. Made it very easy to program in my shows.

Software is very similar to previous version which is good . . . won't hear the wife complaining . . . :)

Box is slightly smaller and silver/gold in color.

I have a few questions if anybody knows . . .

What are the inputs for in the front?

Can I view content from my other 8000SD on this unit (I know this is in the feature set of the 8000 series)?

One last note . . .

TWC also had 8300SD units in stock as well.

to be clear. if you use an hdmi-dvi converter, 5.1 sound is re-enabled? the 1 person who mentioned they got sound coming from all of there 5 speakers said this was an 'issue.' not a good thing.

im going over to 23n park immediately after work. will post as soon as i hook up. am also going to run by bestbuy to pick up and hdmi-dvi adapter if they have one. otherwise i will be using component.

What's the deal with ouput on this box? Is the HDMI/DVI that much better than component?

The reason I'm asking is my receiver does component switching (Right now, DVD and Cable box). And I'm using my DVI port to connect my Windows Media Center PC.

Will I see dramatic improvement going to DVI (and maybe should invest in a DVI Switcher) or is it just a personal preference?

Wondering about closing times for the 23rd street location - can't get there before 7:30 or so - do they stop giving out/honoring numbers at a certain time, or are you OK if you are there before 8?

Originally posted by dankwonka
to be clear. if you use an hdmi-dvi converter, 5.1 sound is re-enabled? the 1 person who mentioned they got sound coming from all of there 5 speakers said this was an 'issue.' not a good thing.



Sounds like 5.1 works fine over optical/coax out if you use a HDMI - DVI adapter or cable.

See this thread which discusses this exact problem - not entirely clear what the outcome was until this post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5109368#post5109368

If you have a digital set, DVI/HDMI is supposedly noticeably better. I have heard with a CRT it doesn't make much difference. I want to use the HDMI anyway because I only have 2 component ins...

Another benefit that I've noticed recently. The hard drive doesn't make as much noise as before (even while recording two shows at once). Big benefit as hearing a crunching hard drive was a big annoyance of the 8000HD.

has anyone heard of the 8300 being available on Staten Island?

Originally posted by orbeyonde
has anyone heard of the 8300 being available on Staten Island? Not yet.. you have to live in Manhattan.. go figure that one out..

does anyone know if the component output on the 8300 is active while you are also using the HDMI/DVI out?

BOOYAH! i got the 8300HD from 23rd st. & park. its definately has a noticeably better PQ. im using component cables for now, eventually i will get an HDMI-DVI converter. so far so good. i have noticed a few audio drop outs in my 1hr of using he new box, but im hopeful they will be a lot less then the 8000.

interface is quicker, and the new search tool is a big stop up if not better then TIVO. you can choose a letter, then the letters wittle down till you are left with only the options avialable to spell. it makes it way quicker then having to actually select all the letters in the title/keywork.

few notes though. now you can zoom/stretch etc in 16x9 mode on an HD channel. before it would tell you that you had the correct ratio for the channel you were viewing and not let you change the ratio. not sure why you would want to change the ratio on a 16x9 channel when you are viewing it on a widescreen set, but there is that option.

heres my 1st caveat: on 4x3 SD channels there is the terrible grey bars when viewing in he sidebar ratio, but also, there are tiny black side bars between the grey bars and your image. i have tried every setting there is, they dont go away. whats worse is that it doesnt appear standard through the different channels. 1 chanel will have no black bars before the grey bars, 1 channel will have it on both sides, another channel will have it on one side and not the other, and yet another channel will havt it a lil bit on one side and alot on the other. go figure

if anyone knows anythign about this, post! i will be sure to post once i try out the hdmi-dvi.

I was able to turn in two SA8000HD's and pick up two SA8300HD's at the Kissena Blvd. location in Flushing today. FYI...that location is closing this Saturday [EDITED 02/04/05] at Noon and will re-open next week at its new location in the Queens Center Mall.

First impressions of the SA8300HD are that it is head and shoulders above the 8000 as everyone has been reporting to date. I have replaced the Pioneer 3510HD in my main system with one of the 8300's and have it hooked up with an HDMI to DVI Adapter and the PQ seems as good if not better than the 3510HD.

I am going HDMI to DVI in on my Lumagen VisionPro HDP Video Processor and so far I am not able to pass 480i only 480p for SD. As reported 480i, 480p, 720p or 1080i lights up on the front of the display depending on the signal. Also, I can confirm the signal being input and processed by the Lumagen using its display mode.

If anybody can confirm that the 8300 does indeed pass 480i via HDMI, please report. Lumagen has added the ability to receive a 480i signal from HDMI/DVI however, I have a feeling you have to be able to force the device to output it and the Lumagen will take it and process it then. The 8300 seems to be autosensing and that may be why I can't pass it. To be honest, I watch almost no SD programming anymore anyway, so it would be nice to have but not anything I am going to worry about. My test of Component Vs. DVI on the Lumagen are a mixed bag. For 480i, the component in wins hands down as the deinterlacing in the Lumagen is superior. 480p via DVI looks just OK (acceptable) as expected as the De-Interlacing in both the 3510 and 8300 is inferior. For HD 720p and 1080i it almost a toss up. I find myself leaning towards the DVI as it is just slightly cleaner, but most would be hard pressed to tell between the Component and DVI input.

I have no 5.1 audio issues. I am using the Coax Digital out and I am able to receive and process DD 5.1 without problem. I am hoping there is a resolution for the HDMI issue though for those using HDMI to HDMI. My second box is in the Bedroom on a Panasonic Plasma also hooked HDMI to DVI, for the time being, until I pick up an HDMI terminal board to try and see if there are any differences.

Phil,

Nice review. So far it seems like the consensus for those of us with passport is that you can't pass 480i over HDMI. I can't even pass 480i over Component - are you able to do this in your setup? Seems like people with SARA can pass 480i over HDMI though - can't really understand why there would be a difference.

Noticed that the box is autosensing as well over HDMI - glad to hear it works that way with the DVI hybrid cable thrown in there. In fact the box seems to remember my settings for 480p vs. 720p/1080i channels. For example, I have the aspect ratio set to 4:3 Stetch for SD channels (to eliminate the gray sidebars) but when I go to an HD channel, it shows up as 4:3 Sidebar (in the settings menu; of course the setting is irrelevant on these channels b/c they come in at 16:9). Also my Samsung seems to remember different picture size modes depending on the channel. This is really nice, since I keep the Sammy on Wide for 16:9 channels but put it in 4:3 mode on SD channels to shrink the stretched picture back to normal. On my 8000HD I had to toggle the picture sizes every time I switched from and SD to an HD channel. Now it seems to work automatically.

Originally posted by dankwonka

heres my 1st caveat: on 4x3 SD channels there is the terrible grey bars when viewing in he sidebar ratio, but also, there are tiny black side bars between the grey bars and your image. i have tried every setting there is, they dont go away. whats worse is that it doesnt appear standard through the different channels. 1 chanel will have no black bars before the grey bars, 1 channel will have it on both sides, another channel will have it on one side and not the other, and yet another channel will havt it a lil bit on one side and alot on the other. go figure

if anyone knows anythign about this, post! i will be sure to post once i try out the hdmi-dvi.

Gray sidebars are definitely annoying (big pet peeve of mine). I did notice the thin black bars as well. Here is what I do to eliminate the gray bars (note this only works on certain displays). I set the Aspect Ratio setting to "16:9 and 4:3 Stretch" - this stretches SD channels (which I hate) an eliminates the gray sidebars. I then set my Samsung display to 4:3 mode (will likely be called something else on other displays). This shrinks the picture back to normal with no distortion and the Samsung puts in black side bars. The menus and IPG look a little squished but not a big deal.

As I mentioned in my post above, it seems that the Aspect Ratio settings are depending on the type of channel you are connected to (at least over HDMI - not sure about component). So if you set hte AR to 4:3 Stretch while on an SD channel, it will probably be left at 4:3 Sidebar (the default) on HD channels.

Originally posted by EricScott
I can't even pass 480i over Component - are you able to do this in your setup?

I didn't try it yet, but will sometime tomorrow when I hook the component cables back up. This doesn't make sense since you can force 480i over component by turning everything off except 480i. Sounds like a software/pathway srewup or limitation of some kind, but it really doesn't make sense. I will check it though tomorrow if I get a chance.

It seems ironic that the day that the 8300 seems to (un) officially be available is the same day that my 8000 seems to have completely died. I've had to re-boot twice already tonight, and I'm fairly sure I'm not done yet. One question--has anyone NOT been able to get the 8300 from the 23rd Street location? I hate to go all the way down there tomorrow with my box and walk out with another crappy 8000.

I just got off the phone with TWC customer service to see if they would say anything about the new box without me prompting them. I called to tell them that my box keeps freezing up on me, and the woman asked me if I had everything connected properly. I asked her what that has to do with anything and she said that sometimes a loose connection can be what causes poor reception. :p :confused: I told her my reception was not the issue, the box was failing on me repeatedly. She asked me to reboot it and I said "I do that every night, it obviously is not fixing the problem. What do I need to do to get a new box?". She said I could go to the payment center and exchange the box. I didn't want to get into the 8300 with her because she was clearly completely clueless. She did say something interesting which I didn't know--she said you can only exchange your cable box once for a replacement. After that, they need to send a technician. Whatever.:mad:

Originally posted by pciav
I didn't try it yet, but will sometime tomorrow when I hook the component cables back up. This doesn't make sense since you can force 480i over component by turning everything off except 480i. Sounds like a software/pathway srewup or limitation of some kind, but it really doesn't make sense. I will check it though tomorrow if I get a chance.

Agreed - makes no sense. But the 8000HD had similiar behavior - you couldn't get it to pass 480i over component unless you turned off all other resolutions or switched the box to SD mode.

Originally posted by bofnyc
She did say something interesting which I didn't know--she said you can only exchange your cable box once for a replacement. After that, they need to send a technician. Whatever.:mad:

Not true at all. I think I've exchanged boxes maybe 5 or 6 times in the past year or so. AFAIK, the only time you absolutely need a technician to come out is if you are adding an additional box or if you have SD and want to upgrade to HD. As long as you are exchanging you can do it yourself but I'm pretty sure they will only swap HD for HD. You don't need to bring in a HD DVR to get an HD DVR just and HD box. But in your case you will be bringing in the 8000HD for the 8300HD - shouldn't be a problem.

Can't speak to how many they have left. But when I went yesterday they had a whole bunch.

Originally posted by EricScott
Agreed - makes no sense. But the 8000HD had similiar behavior - you couldn't get it to pass 480i over component unless you turned off all other resolutions or switched the box to SD mode.

Eric,

All my tests DVI Vs. Component and the 480i observations I made above were using the Pioneer 3510HD. I will check out the component capabilities of the 8300 tomorrow. Without 480i out of the component, for me, I will stay HDMI/DVI all the way. I will also check out the S-Video output into my processor just for comparison.

PS - That is why I held on to the the 3510HD. I am still using it with my basement Samsung 22" LCD.

Just got an 8300HD right before closing today - it's dated 2/2 on them, and the rep said people ha dbeen coming in droves for them, so it seems like there's probably plenty to go around. So far it works great for me - the 8000HD I got last week never managed to actually work.

EricScott,
I see from the other thread you figured it out, but I'll state it in this thread just so the info is here and clear. Apparently the 5.1 audio issue is solved by going HDMI->DVI. HOWEVER, it is NOT solved if you go HDMI->DVI->HDMI as someone with an HDMI (only) set tried.

TM

My observations are limited to component only at this point.

The HD is vastly improved as compared to the 8000HD. In comparing the two (I still have an 8000HD to exchange), it's a noticeable difference. I needed the DVR function of the 8000, but I really can't believe how poor the HD picture is on that box.

I see a lot of people complaining about the gray bars. I know how to get around this on the 8000 - try it on the 8300 (don't have mine yet) and see if it works:

Set the Aspect Ratio to Standard (4:3) and Letterbox (16:9) picture.

Do NOT set it as Widescreen (16:9) and Sidebar (4:3).

You will now only have gray bars if the broadcast includes them (such as Letterman on 702). If you switch to the SD broadcast it should be as black as night on the sides.

Originally posted by pciav
I was able to turn in two SA8000HD's and pick up two SA8300HD's at the Kissena Blvd. location in Flushing today. FYI...that location is closing this Friday at Noon and will re-open next week at its new location in the Queens Center Mall.

First impressions of the SA8300HD are that it is head and shoulders above the 8000 as everyone has been reporting to date. I have replaced the Pioneer 3510HD in my main system with one of the 8300's and have it hooked up with an HDMI to DVI Adapter and the PQ seems as good if not better than the 3510HD.

I am going HDMI to DVI in on my Lumagen VisionPro HDP Video Processor and so far I am not able to pass 480i only 480p for SD. As reported 480i, 480p, 720p or 1080i lights up on the front of the display depending on the signal. Also, I can confirm the signal being input and processed by the Lumagen using its display mode.

If anybody can confirm that the 8300 does indeed pass 480i via HDMI, please report. Lumagen has added the ability to receive a 480i signal from HDMI/DVI however, I have a feeling you have to be able to force the device to output it and the Lumagen will take it and process it then. The 8300 seems to be autosensing and that may be why I can't pass it. To be honest, I watch almost no SD programming anymore anyway, so it would be nice to have but not anything I am going to worry about. My test of Component Vs. DVI on the Lumagen are a mixed bag. For 480i, the component in wins hands down as the deinterlacing in the Lumagen is superior. 480p via DVI looks just OK (acceptable) as expected as the De-Interlacing in both the 3510 and 8300 is inferior. For HD 720p and 1080i it almost a toss up. I find myself leaning towards the DVI as it is just slightly cleaner, but most would be hard pressed to tell between the Component and DVI input.

I have no 5.1 audio issues. I am using the Coax Digital out and I am able to receive and process DD 5.1 without problem. I am hoping there is a resolution for the HDMI issue though for those using HDMI to HDMI. My second box is in the Bedroom on a Panasonic Plasma also hooked HDMI to DVI, for the time being, until I pick up an HDMI terminal board to try and see if there are any differences. WHat did they just get them... So now Queens has them also...

For those of you using the 8300HD via component, do you think that the PQ is as good or better than the PQ with the Pioneer 3510 box? I held off on getting the 8000HD because of all of the complaints and the soft PQ. If the 8300 is as good as the Pioneer, I will go to 23rd Street today.

Thanks....

Is anyone who got the 8300HD having the same issue i am having with standard images? that is the thin black bars between the ugly grey bars and the video? let me know. its very odd . . . and annoying.

Originally posted by patrickpiteo
WHat did they just get them... So now Queens has them also...

Typically Queens runs a day or so behind Manhattan they claim as they use a different head-end and need to load and test the software...at least that is what they explained to me.

Anybody have any luck in Brooklyn yet?

For those who are thinking of going to 23rd St. today to pick up an 8300, they have tons of them. I'd say they have at least 75 or so. They also have the 8300SD's which come in a similiar box but it looked like they had lots of the HD's.

Originally posted by dankwonka
Is anyone who got the 8300HD having the same issue i am having with standard images? that is the thin black bars between the ugly grey bars and the video? let me know. its very odd . . . and annoying.

I experienced the same problem. See my post towards the top of this page. Also it looks like pdroth has a good solution. Will try this later.

Still waiting on word from Woodside...

Originally posted by pciav
Typically Queens runs a day or so behind Manhattan they claim as they use a different head-end and need to load and test the software...at least that is what they explained to me. Anyone notice there are new channel banners on the guide now.. or am i seeing things...

Originally posted by jergans
My observations are limited to component only at this point.

The HD is vastly improved as compared to the 8000HD. In comparing the two (I still have an 8000HD to exchange), it's a noticeable difference. I needed the DVR function of the 8000, but I really can't believe how poor the HD picture is on that box.
Glad to hear this. Swapping my 8000HD for a 8300HD tomorrow and turning in my SA3100HD, too. For anyone interested in quantifying 8000HD (etc.)/8300HD differences, INHD's running a test pattern show Saturday at 7 am. HDNet's patterns are Tuesdays at 8 am. Recording, freeze-framing, and measuring resolvable detail with HDNet's resolution wedges is outlined within this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4664241#post4664241). Haven't seen INHD's patterns yet. -- John

Can you get an 8300 by having them come to your house to replace a bad box? I know I read here a few pages ago that they could not guarantee the technician would have them on the truck but at some point that's got to change, at least I assume they want to replace all 8000s eventually to reduce service calls. It's just difficult for me to get there with my box.

Originally posted by LisaM
For those of you using the 8300HD via component, do you think that the PQ is as good or better than the PQ with the Pioneer 3510 box? I held off on getting the 8000HD because of all of the complaints and the soft PQ. If the 8300 is as good as the Pioneer, I will go to 23rd Street today.

Thanks....

It's been a while since I had the Pioneer box, but I do think the PQ on the 8300 is as good as it is on the 3510.

If you want to be safe, you can wait until John Mason runs his tests on the 8300.

Re. the 5.1 passthru via HDMI problem, my reading of the SARA manual (which accompanies these Passport boxes!) is that the box senses if the TV can process 5.1 or not -- if it can, it passes thru the 5.1, else it switches to 2 ch. on all output ports.

Just want to verify that this reading is correct -- or is it that the box outputs 2 ch., no matter what?

Please advise.

Originally posted by bondtrader
Re. the 5.1 passthru via HDMI problem, my reading of the SARA manual (which accompanies these Passport boxes!) is that the box senses if the TV can process 5.1 or not -- if it can, it passes thru the 5.1, else it switches to 2 ch. on all output ports.

Just want to verify that this reading is correct -- or is it that the box outputs 2 ch., no matter what?

Please advise.

I think that is correct - this is one area where the manual is probably accurate, since it's a hardware issue not a software issue. It seems that if you plug in an HDMI-HDMI cable, the box talks to the TV and finds out if it can accept 5.1 or not. If it can't (and most displays can't) the 8300 automatically outputs 2 Ch on ALL outputs and on Passport there is no way to override this through the settings menus (so the part in the manual about an option to fix the problem does not apply to us). By using an HDMI-DVI cable, the box never actually talks to the TV (at least the audio doesn't), no audio gets to the TV and the box just outputs 5.1 through the normal digital outputs.

Just to be clear though (and excuse me if my tone is harsh), the manual that comes with these boxes DOES NOT APPLY TO PASSPORT. It tells you to hit the Guide and Info buttons to enter the setup menus - if you try it, it will do nothing. The manaul ships with the SA boxes and they assume you will have SARA software. AFAIK there is no Passport manual floating around.

So don't pay much attention to the manual.

Thanks Eric.

So i haven't checked this forum in a week and all of a sudden everyone's got the 8300! i got so excited until i kept reading and saw that you can't exchange a brooklyn box in manhattan.....i restared my box 7 times last night!!!!!!

I'm going to try and head over to the brooklyn office today and see if they have the 8300's in stock yet.....fingers crossed.....i'll report back tomorrow morning....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by dankwonka
Is anyone who got the 8300HD having the same issue i am having with standard images? that is the thin black bars between the ugly grey bars and the video? let me know. its very odd . . . and annoying.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by EricScott
I experienced the same problem. See my post towards the top of this page. Also it looks like pdroth has a good solution. Will try this later.

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


I'm still having issues with this after i have tried all the work arounds. its frustrating. also, i had terrible audio and video drop outs last night while watching something on HDNET. maybe i got a bad box?

I had dropouts on HDNet last night using my 3510 so perhaps it was HDNet and not the 8300.

Originally posted by LisaM
I had dropouts on HDNet last night using my 3510 so perhaps it was HDNet and not the 8300.

I had many dropouts on HDNETM during the Music Man last night on my "legacy":D 8000HD. I was hoping that when I finally get the new box, these would be eliminated. Oh well! The HD chain still has its kinks.

Originally posted by John Mason
For anyone interested in quantifying 8000HD (etc.)/8300HD differences, INHD2's starting a test pattern show Saturdays at 7 am.

John --

For next Sat., 2/5, at 7:00 am, the Guide says that INHD2 will be showing "Dondi" (whatever that is) and that INHD will be airing "INHD Tune Up." Is the latter what you're referring to?

Edit: And for next Tues, the Guide says that a single program, "Intro to HDNet," will run from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm on 724. No mention of the (former?) test pattern show.

Thanks, Manatus. I'll correct it. Programmed my 8000HD Monday but mixed up the channels for the writeup. -- John

Anyone had any success in picking up an 8300HD yet in Brooklyn.

I spoke with a TWC customer affairs person yesterday (not a customer service rep, but someone who contacted me after I complained to the DOIT). She claimed that the 8300HD was not yet available except for beta testing. When I told her that I was quite certain from this forum that people were in fact picking them up at least at the 23rd street office in Manhattan, she claimed the info was not right. Obviously, her info is not up to date (unless the distribution at 23rd street is TWC's way of doing testing) - this forum is a far better source of reliable information than anything that anyone from TWC usually provides.

I traded in my 3510 Pioneer for the 8300HD. To me, at least, the picture quality actually looks better. Not to mention navigating menus seem to be a lot faster. On demand also seems to be working faster. Very happy with the upgrade.

Originally posted by jergans
It's been a while since I had the Pioneer box, but I do think the PQ on the 8300 is as good as it is on the 3510.

I have been pretty happy with my 8000SD, except for crap on-demand services. Is there any reason to exchange SD box for 8300SD for my other TV.

I currently have the 8000HD connected to my HDTV via component video cables and to a Bose 321 via optical audio cable. Before I run out to swap the 8000 for a 8300 and purchase a HDMI/DVI cable, can I continue to use the optical cable for the audio? I am getting DD 2/5.1 now and don't want to lose it. I am happy with the audio, but would love to get the video via HDMI/DVI.

One more thing: Has it been confirmed that the 8300's Optical Audio output is disabled if a HDMI/HDMI cable is used?

TIA....JL

Originally posted by dankwonka
on 4x3 SD channels there is the terrible grey bars when viewing in he sidebar ratio, but also, there are tiny black side bars between the grey bars and your image... whats worse is that it doesnt appear standard through the different channels. 1 chanel will have no black bars before the grey bars, 1 channel will have it on both sides, another channel will have it on one side and not the other, and yet another channel will havt it a lil bit on one side and alot on the other. go figure

I am running component cables and have exactly the same experience. Annoying and a little disconcerting if your display is susceptible to burn in.

I have been anxiously waiting for the availability of the 8300HD and this thread is definitely the most reliable source. I currently have the SA3250 connected to my ReplayTV. The big decision is this: do I swap out the SA3250 for the 8300HD this weekend at the 23rd street TWC location, or should I keep the SA3250 and wait for an appointment to add the 8300HD to my setup?

Is it practical or feasible to record shows using a ReplayTV or TIVO with 8300HD over the S-Video output? Technically, with two tuners in the 8300HD, one channel over S-Video can be recorded on the ReplayTV(using the IR blaster), while another HD channel can be recorded on the 8300HD? I would very much like to keep the 250GB capacity of my ReplayTV to record SD shows.

JL,

I don't think the optical audio out is *disabled*, it just outputs 2 channel audio if you use HDMI->HDMI and the end device can't handle 5.1 sound.

TM

Originally posted by anthonymoody
JL,

I don't think the optical audio out is *disabled*, it just outputs 2 channel audio if you use HDMI->HDMI and the end device can't handle 5.1 sound.

TM

Exactly. I'm using optical now (video via HDMI-HDMI) and it outputs 2 Ch audio, which my receiver processes as Dolby Pro Logic II. Should be getting my HDMI-DVI cable later and hopefully then I'll be in business.

Last night I actually watched the SOTU over component (unhooked HDMI) and DD5.1 came in fine over optical. Dubya looked pretty good over component too :)

Somebody previously postulated that if your TV can interpret DD 5.1 via HDMI-HDMI connection, then the digital audio out on the 8300 will also output 5.1. I have a Sony kv-30hs420 which can interpret DD 5.1 and simulates 5.1 over its two speakers. Under this scenario, I should also get 5.1 out to my receiver from the DVR. When I get home tonight, I eagerly anticipate the 8300 being there and I will test this theory. I may have a mess in my pants if it works...

Originally posted by kristcnj
Somebody previously postulated that if your TV can interpret DD 5.1 via HDMI-HDMI connection, then the digital audio out on the 8300 will also output 5.1. I have a Sony kv-30hs420 which can interpret DD 5.1 and simulates 5.1 over its two speakers. Under this scenario, I should also get 5.1 out to my receiver from the DVR. When I get home tonight, I eagerly anticipate the 8300 being there and I will test this theory. I may have a mess in my pants if it works...

Should definitely work. If your TV has a built in HD tuner then it will likely work. If your TV also has digital audio outs then it should definitely work. It's the all or nothing aspect of the digital audio that is causing all of the problems.

I was at the Brooklyn, 5th avenue location today and they haven't even heard of the 8300. So I drove to Queens, Kissena BLVD, and exchanged it. They have plenty of them. Be careful though. The first box he gave me was a 8000. Thank God I checked before leaving.

Originally posted by jasonDono
I was at the Brooklyn, 5th avenue location today and they haven't even heard of the 8300. So I drove to Queens, Kissena BLVD, and exchanged it. They have plenty of them. Be careful though. The first box he gave me was a 8000. Thank God I checked before leaving. THANKS.. I wil be heading there tonight... Do you know if they had the 8300SD also.:D

Originally posted by jasonDono
I was at the Brooklyn, 5th avenue location today and they haven't even heard of the 8300. So I drove to Queens, Kissena BLVD, and exchanged it. They have plenty of them. Be careful though. The first box he gave me was a 8000. Thank God I checked before leaving.

So.... if you're from Brooklyn, it's ok to go get one from Queens? But we can't go to Manhattan? Snobs! :p

Originally posted by PaulInParkSlope
So.... if your from Brooklyn, it's ok to go get one from Queens? But we can't go to Manhattan? Snobs! :p

Yes, that's correct. Do it now. I just plugged mine in, and I think it is a dramatic increase in picture quality, even just over component cables.

Seriously, Thank god someone else did the leg work and went out the queens office, because i was prepared to storm the manhattan office and demand my 8300!!!

I've missed like 3 episodes of american idol lately b/c of the pixelation issues, and I ain't gonna take it anymore!!!

I'll be seeing all of you brooklynites in line tonight at the kissena blvd. office....they better not run out or i might lose my sh*t.

What time is Kissena open until? I have to get the 8300!

Or, better yet, any idea about Woodside? That's only a 2 min ride.

Here's the info on the Kissena Blvd. center from TWC's website:

Flushing CableXpress Payment Center
41-61 Kissena Blvd., (Between Sanford and Barclay)
Ph: 718-358-0900

Hours of Operation
Mon - Fri 8am - 7pm
Sat 9am - 5pm

Directions
By Train - # 7 train to Main Street.
By Car - Take the Grand Central Parkway and exit at Northern Blvd. Follow to Main St. and make a right. Bear left to Kissena Blvd.

Originally posted by pdroth
What time is Kissena open until? I have to get the 8300!

Or, better yet, any idea about Woodside? That's only a 2 min ride. They are not in Wooside yet. I talked to somebody who is there.

I went to 23rd st at lunch today and asked if they had 8300HD Brooklyn Boxes, the CSR took a look and confirmed that they did. I didn't have my box so I wasn't able to make the swap, and I'm not guaranteeing you can, since CSR's are usually pea brained. Maybe someone should try again today, otherwise I will try tomorrow.

It took two hours of waiting...it was seriously a zoo in there. So far, PQ looks good and everything just feels more responsive. Oddly, it appears that some of the SD channels don't have the little black sidebars though the vast majority do. Anyone care to postulate why that might be?

I'll be moving from Manhattan to Queens this April--does anyone know if I'm able to just bring my HD DVR box with me to my new apartment or if I have to return the one I have and get a new one in Queens?

A reprensentative of mine went to the NJ office and the CSR said they didn't have them. This is after I called to confirm Tuesday. I'm about to flip my ****!

Can someone confirm that the 23rd street location still has 8300's left as of late today - I can't wait any longer for them to get uptown to 215th so I will go there in the AM

Originally posted by jasonDono
I was at the Brooklyn, 5th avenue location today and they haven't even heard of the 8300. So I drove to Queens, Kissena BLVD, and exchanged it. They have plenty of them. Be careful though. The first box he gave me was a 8000. Thank God I checked before leaving.

I can't believe this..I was at the Flushing office today, up on the second floor..and the wait was really long, so I asked the receptionist woman about the 8300. She made a call the person said they didn't have any but once the new branch at Queens Center opens they will have them.

Did you go to the second floor and speak to someone at those two windows?

same problem, they send me upstairs and the lady said they dont have any. But i went downstairs and waited in line anyway, and they have them downsatirs, about a 100 of them lined up against the wall, soim watching thr 8300hd right now :-)

Originally posted by EricScott
Exactly. I'm using optical now (video via HDMI-HDMI) and it outputs 2 Ch audio, which my receiver processes as Dolby Pro Logic II. Should be getting my HDMI-DVI cable later and hopefully then I'll be in business.

Last night I actually watched the SOTU over component (unhooked HDMI) and DD5.1 came in fine over optical. Dubya looked pretty good over component too :)

Thanks for your replies. My Mits only has an HDMI port, so I will need to order an HDMI/DVI cable and add an DVI/HDMI adaptor. This should give me video via HDMI and DD 5.1 audio via the Optical Audio cable. I found all the components at this site at a reasonable price: http://www.buyextras.com/hdmitodvicable.html

Regards.....JL

I was at the 23rd Street office at 3:45PM today and by 4:30 I walked out with an 8300HD--it appeared they had several left. My number was 340 and when I got there they were at 270 and the number said the wait was about an hour and 30 minutes. I'm glad I waited and didn't do something else to kill time. If you miss your slot, you have to get a new number--it happened to a guy who was pissed when he came back.

Well, I had to take my dead 8000HD (all of three months old before the hard disk died) in to the staten island richmond ave location.

I of course asked if the 8300 would be available. The nasty bastard behind the counter told me no, and also stated they wont be here for a few months. He insisted they are "only in testing now". So I then asked him "well, then how does my Aunt in NJ have one" and also mentioned manhatten and brooklyn customers having them. He didnt answer me.

I then asked about the 8000 HD's supposed software update, the one that fixes some of the bugs, and activates the DVI. He said the Update was already being sent out, and IT WILL NOT ACTIVATE DVI. I again asked him about whey TWC customers in other states have a working DVI, again, no answer form him. He seemed pissed off the whole time I was there. He even started to get loud with me, I guess he doesnt like the customers knowing more then him. I really hate the CSR's in there. The two guys that work the counter are a$$holes. The women are usually okay.

Anyway, all this said, I just submitted a new complaint to DoITT. I also got an email from TWC after my first DoITT complaint, it was almost an exact replica of the one posted on here. I have a feeling, alot of the replies from TWC emails are just copy and pasted from a manual somewhere.

If anything comes from my new DoITT complaint, I will be sure to post here. Also, if anyone happend to find out if and when the 8300's do in fact hit Staten Island, please, please post about it here!

I picked one up tonight at the Atlantic Ave. location in Jamaica. At first the woman said they didn't have any but after I insisted she went in the back to look and came out with one. After hooking it up I have to say the PQ is substantially better on my G70 than the 3250HD I was using. So far so good.

Originally posted by neo0285
same problem, they send me upstairs and the lady said they dont have any. But i went downstairs and waited in line anyway, and they have them downsatirs, about a 100 of them lined up against the wall, soim watching thr 8300hd right now :-)


I also picked mine up in Flushing, today, at 6pm, on the 1st floor.
How is it possible that the 2nd floor does not know that these boxes, which people are looking for, are on the 1st floor. I wonder how many TWC customers were turned away without an 8300HD, even though they had them.

Anyway, now that the 8300HD is up and running, I can order the HDXtra tier.

Originally posted by JN-NYC
I was at the 23rd Street office at 3:45PM today and by 4:30 I walked out with an 8300HD--it appeared they had several left. My number was 340 and when I got there they were at 270 and the number said the wait was about an hour and 30 minutes. I'm glad I waited and didn't do something else to kill time. If you miss your slot, you have to get a new number--it happened to a guy who was pissed when he came back.

JN-NYC --

You and others who have endured TWC's 23rd Street "service" facility should consider filing complaints with the NYC DoITT (one agency that regulates the company). TWCNYC shouldn't be allowed to get away with having only 2 walk-in offices in all of Manhattan and conditions in them (absurdly long waiting times, too few seats, etc.) that make the DMV look hospitable by comparison. Someday, someone's going to go postal there, and it probably won't be an employee.

Originally posted by vruiz
I picked one up tonight at the Atlantic Ave. location in Jamaica. At first the woman said they didn't have any but after I insisted she went in the back to look and came out with one. After hooking it up I have to say the PQ is substantially better on my G70 than the 3250HD I was using. So far so good.

Vic:
Thanks for the info. I was going to take a drive to Atlantic Ave. Friday morning without my 8000HD just to see if they had the 8300HD. Looks like I will be going, but with the 8000HD. ;)

Regards....JL

Originally posted by SRFast
Thanks for your replies. My Mits only has an HDMI port, so I will need to order an HDMI/DVI cable and add an DVI/HDMI adaptor. This should give me video via HDMI and DD 5.1 audio via the Optical Audio cable. I found all the components at this site at a reasonable price: http://www.buyextras.com/hdmitodvicable.html

Regards.....JL

It sounds like you're going HDMI>DVI>HDMI. If so, this will not pass 5.1 according to this link. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5110017#post5110017)

Originally posted by Manatus
JN-NYC --

You and others who have endured TWC's 23rd Street "service" facility should consider filing complaints with the NYC DoITT (one agency that regulates the company). TWCNYC shouldn't be allowed to get away with having only 2 walk-in offices in all of Manhattan and conditions in them (absurdly long waiting times, too few seats, etc.) that make the DMV look hospitable by comparison. Someday, someone's going to go postal there, and it probably won't be an employee.

Manatus, you and I drastically differ in our interpretations of the original post. I thought that JN-NYC was writing to say what a good experience he had at 23rd St, and you are suggest he should complain to the DoITT.

Frankly, I'm as impatient as the next guy, but a 45 minute is not terrible. And, I've never had to stand when I was there. No question, it could be better, but I've seen lots worse lines in NYC.

-barry

Got my HDMI-DVI cable today from Ram. Hooked it up and the PQ is fantastic. No difference from HDMI-HDMI and DD5.1 works fine now. I'm a happy camper. Also the autosensing seems to still work so the box remembers separate aspect ratio settins for 480p channels vs. HD channels. Not exactly sure why or how this works but now my stretch/shrink method to eliminate the gray sidebars is seamless - I don't do anything, just change the channels and it all works.

PQ is so good. Also much more stable. Was recording two shows and watching a 3rd already recorded show - no stuttering, pixellation, dropouts or anything. All 3 were HD too.

Eric,

Just played around with the component out and I could not get 480i via component unless it was the only resolution enabled. I compared HDMI/DVI Vs. Component, on the 8300, and my observations are similar to the 3510HD tests. Both are excellent and some may have a hard time telling the difference. To me, the DVI has just a tad less noise and overall the best image.

Originally posted by EricScott
Got my HDMI-DVI cable today from Ram. Hooked it up and the PQ is fantastic. No difference from HDMI-HDMI and DD5.1 works fine now. I'm a happy camper. Also the autosensing seems to still work so the box remembers separate aspect ratio settins for 480p channels vs. HD channels. Not exactly sure why or how this works but now my stretch/shrink method to eliminate the gray sidebars is seamless - I don't do anything, just change the channels and it all works.

PQ is so good. Also much more stable. Was recording two shows and watching a 3rd already recorded show - no stuttering, pixellation, dropouts or anything. All 3 were HD too.

I so wish I could drive to Manhatten and get one, lol.

I just got off the phone again with TWC, this time to see why my bill went up 80 bucks. Apparently, since I got digital phone installed at the very end of January, I still get billed for the whole month of January, as well as for all of Feb, so I had two 39.99 charges :rolleyes:

Not to mention the day after digital phone was installed, I lost service for a few hours. Vonage is looking better and better already, lol. Only thing TWC has over it is that the TWC VoIP Modem has a battery backup that last 4-8 hours, and it also uses a seperate frequency then regular internet traffic, so if roadrunner goes down, the phone service might not. All in all though, if they keep screwing with my Bill and/or I get any more bad service, then vonage it is!

Anyway, I strayed a little off topic there, lol. I asked again about the 8300HD on Staten Island, and of course, got the usual "I don't know when it will be available" answer :mad: .

Originally posted by Goanna
Vonage is looking better and better already, lol. Only thing TWC has over it is that the TWC VoIP Modem has a battery backup that last 4-8 hours, and it also uses a seperate frequency then regular internet traffic, so if roadrunner goes down, the phone service might not. All in all though, if they keep screwing with my Bill and/or I get any more bad service, then vonage it is!

Still straying OT, but Vonage is great. If the/your network does go down, you can just set up the service to forward to another line. My TWC Earthlink went out for about an hour a few weeks ago and all calls went to my cell phone just like they were supposed to.

Originally posted by margoba
Manatus, you and I drastically differ in our interpretations of the original post. I thought that JN-NYC was writing to say what a good experience he had at 23rd St, and you are suggest he should complain to the DoITT.

Frankly, I'm as impatient as the next guy, but a 45 minute is not terrible. And, I've never had to stand when I was there. No question, it could be better, but I've seen lots worse lines in NYC.

-barry
Barry is correct on this one, I was (relatively) happy with my experience. I had a seat the whole time and it went more quickly than I thought it would. The CSR was distracted and initially entered the wrong serial from the box I was returning but that was quickly corrected and the new box was turned over without question or hassle. All in all it was a painless experience. There should be a better way to schedule an appointment online before going down there (kind of like the Genius Bar at the Apple stores) and there should be at least another office in Manhattan but it's better than taking your chances with taking a day off from work and having a tech make a house call (with the further gamble that the tech will bring the box you've requested e.g., the 8300HD).

Jon

Originally posted by margoba
Manatus, you and I drastically differ in our interpretations of the original post. I thought that JN-NYC was writing to say what a good experience he had at 23rd St, and you are suggest he should complain to the DoITT.

Frankly, I'm as impatient as the next guy, but a 45 minute is not terrible. And, I've never had to stand when I was there. No question, it could be better, but I've seen lots worse lines in NYC.

-barry

I was there today too, a little earlier--around 2pm. I waited 2 hours, and there were lots of people standing. It was ridiculous.

Yup. Picked up my box yesterday morning and tonight I experienced my first two freezes. It happened just like with the 8000. I was watching basketball on TNT, went to watch a recorded show, and it froze up. My 8000 always froze when I was watching TNT basketball on Thursday night. Happened again a few hours later.

Although I'm happy with the improved PQ and responsiveness of the 8300, I'm sensing that the freezing issues will be exactly the same as with the 8000.

I'm having the same problem with TNT - but it only seems to be with that station - if the box is recording a show on that station and i turn the tv on and try to start watching it from the beginning it freezes - i wonder whats so odd about that channel?

Originally posted by kristcnj
Somebody previously postulated that if your TV can interpret DD 5.1 via HDMI-HDMI connection, then the digital audio out on the 8300 will also output 5.1. I have a Sony kv-30hs420 which can interpret DD 5.1 and simulates 5.1 over its two speakers. Under this scenario, I should also get 5.1 out to my receiver from the DVR. When I get home tonight, I eagerly anticipate the 8300 being there and I will test this theory. I may have a mess in my pants if it works...

Did youtry this? My samsung 4674 says exactly the same ting - it will interpret 5.1 and output it over the two speakers. Let us know if it works.

Got my 8300HD today (number 3 at 8am sharp at 23rd streeet). Looks great!

OT - you also get a neat free hat with vonage!

JL,

jergans beat me to the punch but just to make sure you see the info, it has been confirmed that you cannot go HDMI->DVI->HDMI to get around the 5.1 problem. If you go that route the other audio outputs will still drop to 2 channel.

TM

I went to 23rd Street first thing this morning. I was number 14, and there was roughly a 15 minute wait. They did have a good number of 8300's behind the desk, but many of them were SDs. I would say there were 25-30 HDs. Obviously, that doesn't mean they don't have more than that, but that is all I could see.

When I was exchanging my box I asked the guy if they had the 8300 to give me and he was nodding before I even finished my sentence. He said they just got them in and I got the impression that he had been asked that question a lot, so word must be out. All in all, a pleasant, easy experience. Let's just hope the *%&$ing box works!

As for conditions at the 23rd Street Center, it really all depends on when you go. I waited nearly 3 hours one Saturday and it was absolutely horrible. Imagine your worst DMV experience and multiply it by 10. The service was fine but the clear lack of resources was just offensive.

Yay!!!

I drove for an hour in traffic from brooklyn to the flushing office yesterday and after waiting just five minutes, i got the counter and almost got an 8300 SD!! Wait i cried, that's the SD, I want the HD!!! Close one.

So right now i'm hooked up via component (and the coax to my bedroom w/ no switching to sd!!!) and everything looks awesome. i got the black bars on the side w/ 4x3, channels are changing quicker, but when i went to watch the OC on ch. 705 the freaking thing got all pixely and froze up!!! only channel this happens to w/ me.

Called timewarner, and of course they're sending a rep.....so stupid.......why can't everything just work right!!!

I sat down to watch "Joey", this morning, the first thing I recorded on the HD8300. Had a minor freak out. The sound was screwed, the center channel was way too low. I was about to pull everything apart and try the digtal input instead of the optical, when NBC changed to 4:3 and the sound was fixed. The same thing happened with Will and Grace. NBC must be having problems.

yeah man....that happened to me too.....at least i wasn't the only one!

how weird was that though when all of a sudden it was in 4x3.....freaked me out....

When I turned on my 8300HD this morning, the "power on" channel (706) came up normally. For every other channel, though, I get no audio except for those channels that have SAP and I go into Settings and change the Play Secondary Audio setting from No to Yes. Shows that the DVR recorded last night while I was sleeping play normally, and my other DVR (a 8000SD) isn't having audio problems. Two cold reboots didn't help.

A call to TWC about this one didn't get much beyond "go to your set top box and press the up volume button." The CSR was polite but obviously had never heard of SAP. Service call now scheduled for Monday. I'll probably exchange the box before then.

Originally posted by neo0285
same problem, they send me upstairs and the lady said they dont have any. But i went downstairs and waited in line anyway, and they have them downsatirs, about a 100 of them lined up against the wall, soim watching thr 8300hd right now :-)

Lol, I wonder if you were the guy behind me. We both bitched about them sending us upstairs and I walked down with him and we got ours exchanged after about 30 minutes of waiting upstairs. Luckily it took all of 3 minutes of waiting downstairs. Kissena branch, around 6:00PM?

Haven't had time to play with the 8300HD, so I can't comment on quality. All I did was set it up to display all resolutions and switch it to 706 to check HD.

Re. audio via HDMI.

I connected my Sharp Aquos 45GDSU -- which supposedly can handle DD & has optical digital audio out -- to the 8300 via HDMI. Then, took the optical out into my Harmon Kardon receiver which supposedly can pick up the nature of input and offer numerous surround choices to pick from. Well, to my great frustration, in this config., it DID NOT offer me DD 5.1, only DPLII and other similar 2ch. to 5ch. converters.

This might suggest that even on sets that can handle DD, using HDMI-HDMI only leaves one with 2ch. sound on all audio outputs.

Caveat: My receiver was delivered yesterday and this was my first time hooking it up -- it is entirely possible I screwed up something, although I doubt it.

Later today, I'll verify my finding by connecting component video into the TV, and taking digital audio out of the 8300 into the receiver. If the finding is correct, then the receiver will offer me a DD 5.1 option for surround in this configuration.

I was educated as an Electrical Engineer, but all this mess is seriously turning me off anything connected with wires and connecters and digital this and analog that!

Just got off the phone with a TWC rep in Pal Park, NJ. Had to be the most ignorant person I've ever spoken with:

Question: Do you have the SA 8300 HD DVR?
Answer: Yes we have HD DVR
Question: OK but do you have the 8300, I've heard they are available
Put on hold....
Answer: We don't have them
Question: Do you even know what I'm talking about? I'm pretty sure you have them...
Answer: We don't have them...click

That stupid ignorant beotch hung up on me. I can't believe it!!!!!!!!

No 8300's in Staten Island as of this morning.

Originally posted by bondtrader
Re. audio via HDMI.

I connected my Sharp Aquos 45GDSU -- which supposedly can handle DD & has optical digital audio out -- to the 8300 via HDMI. Then, took the optical out into my Harmon Kardon receiver which supposedly can pick up the nature of input and offer numerous surround choices to pick from. Well, to my great frustration, in this config., it DID NOT offer me DD 5.1, only DPLII and other similar 2ch. to 5ch. converters.

bondtrader: Do you mean you connected the digital audio of the receiver to the digital audio out of the Sharp or the 8300? Perhaps try connecting the receiver directly to the TV or the 8300 whichever one you did not try. Maybe that will work.

Well, since theres still no 8300's around here for me yet (Staten Island) I will throw an unrealted question out here.

The past 3 weeks at least, has anyone noticed problems with NBC HD? I have noticed this on ER, Third Watch, Las Vegas and Crossing Jordan (Really, the only shows I watch on there). The show will start in full 16x9 widescreen. Then commercials will come, and when the show comes back, instead of 16x9, it is dropped to 4x3 and it has both side bars and top/bottom bars. It is very annoying, its like watching the show with a big picture frame around it. Sometimes it goes back to full widescreen after another commercial or two.

Anyone else notice this over the last few weeks? NBC seemed to be the only channel doing it.

Other people have also experience NBC's HD dropout this past week. Most likely NBC is having problems with their HD feed.

Yeah, I figured it had to be them. If it was happening on other channels also, I woulda blamed TWC, but it was only NBC as far as I noticed.

Also, I just got an email back from DoITT. He says 8300s will be on Staten Island Soon (He said "any day now" actually) and that TWC WILL contact me to setup an appointment for installation.

I also asked him about the Software update on the 8000HD (Just out of curiosity really, since it wont matter to me after I get an 8300HD) but he did say that the update will not activate the DVI!

I made a wasted trip to the Jamaica (Atlantic Ave.) TWC center today because they have no 8300HD's there. They have plenty of SD units, but no HDs. I didn't bother to make the trip to Kissena Ave. because they are closing early and didn't know if they had a parking lot. I only use the 8000HD as a back up and DVR, so I guess I will wait until I am sure all the Queens TWC centers have the 8300HD before I make another trip. It would have been nice to get the 8300HD today, but I'll be patient.

One question: Does the 8300HD have a DVI or HDMI port?

TIA and regards.....JL

One question: Does the 8300HD have a DVI or HDMI port?

TIA and regards.....JL [/B]

HDMI

Originally posted by pciav
Eric,

Just played around with the component out and I could not get 480i via component unless it was the only resolution enabled. I compared HDMI/DVI Vs. Component, on the 8300, and my observations are similar to the 3510HD tests. Both are excellent and some may have a hard time telling the difference. To me, the DVI has just a tad less noise and overall the best image.

Thanks for the update. Kind of makes me feel a little better about the limitations of my samsung.

I agree that HDMI/DVI just looks a little crisper than component but both look excellent. I am pleasantly surprised with they way 480i scaled to 480p over DVI looks - much better than it did on my 3250HD over a straight DVI/DVI connection.

Here's my 8300HD HDMI question:
My Mits has an HDMI, but no DVI port. How do I connect the 8300HD to my Mits to get video via HDMI without losing the DD 5.1 audio to the Bose 321 using an optical audio able?

TIA.....JL

My latest dialogue with TWC:

To TWCNYC - I have several friends who NOW have the 8300HD in Manhattan, and one who has it in Queens. Is the box now officially available, and can I arrange to pick up in Woodside? I know the Woodside location is closing soon (Friday?) and would love to swap this box while it is still convenient for me to do so.


From TWCNYC (2 days later) - Thank you for your recent message to Time Warner Cable.

Although the 8300 HD converter is currently in the testing phase, unfortunately it is not available to the general public at this time.We have forwarded your email request to our Telemarketing Department to beplaced on a waiting list for the 8300HD converter when available.

If you have anyfurther questions, please feel free to contact us at support@twcnyc.comor callour 24-hour Customer Support XPRESSLINE at 718-358-0900 or 212-674-9100.

Sincerely,
Customer Support
Time Warner Cable ofNYC

Any news on upcoming HD channels? Starz, TMC, etc?

Dude, just head over to the kissena blvd. location.....i was there for literally 15 mins. total, they had tons of units and i was able to find a parking spot relatively quickly......do it now before they move or they're all gone!

the improved PQ alone makes it worth the trip!!!

Originally posted by SRFast
Here's my 8300HD HDMI question:
My Mits has an HDMI, but no DVI port. How do I connect the 8300HD to my Mits to get video via HDMI without losing the DD 5.1 audio to the Bose 321 using an optical audio able?

TIA.....JL

Do you have the Mistsu DLP? Don't they have a built in tuner and digital audio out? If they do, are you not getting 5.1 audio through HDMI and through the other digital outs?

Putting that aside, you may find component looks just as good on the Mitsu DLP since the HDMI goes through a digital to analog conversion in the TV. Just a question of whether that conversion happens in the box or the TV.

Curious about the audio issue though. I thought that if the TV can handle DD5.1 then all of the digital outputs send 5.1. Maybe that's not even working.

I just got back from Kissena Blvd...I walked into the first floor and before I even got to the window the woman said, "8300 right?". They know we are coming, hehe.

Anyway, the boxes are upstairs now and the window people upstairs know what we are looking for. I was in and out of the place in 10 minutes.

Parking, the guy above lucked out..I just paid the 6 bucks to park in the lot downstairs.

It is so bizarre how, if you call on the phone, they act as if they have no clue that there are stacks of 8300HD sitting behind the desk at the 23rd street location and they are giving them out like candy!

I really cannot understand it.....I posted previously that I had called earlier in the week and they told me that, yes they had been giving out the 8300HD but there was a problem with the box so they stopped distributing them. The CSR was absolutely positive this was the case. Needless to say I picked one up today without a hitch.

Does anyone think it is worth upgradine an Explorer 8000SD to the 8300SD?

Although my 8000SD really hasnt ever given me a problem, I am thinking it might be worth upgrading, as I am guessing the 8300SD also has the archive to tape feature, so you can watch something while archiving something else to tape/dvd.

Also, according to SA, all 8300 boxes in the house will be able to recieve content from one another if you get an 8300 MR (or 8300HD MR) box (who knows when the hell TWC will make that available though, most likely not until there is a newer, better model out for us yearn for , lol). I am not going to hold my breath on gerring that functionality anytime soon, although it would be really cool if it did come our way.

Originally posted by frankle1
It is so bizarre how, if you call on the phone, they act as if they have no clue that there are stacks of 8300HD sitting behind the desk at the 23rd street location and they are giving them out like candy!

I think part of the problem is that no matter which number you dial, either the 718 or the 212, the rep you're connected to is most likely nowhere near NYC. For example the rep I last spoke to when I called the 718 number Wed. am was in Canada.

Apologies if this is off topic (assuming there's an 8300 thread somewhere but can't find it). But, the new 8300 box is showing early signs of weakness. It's still a major upgrade of the 8000HD, but:

I came home from work yesterday, turned on the tube to find the "your tv is not hdcp compatible, please use component" message. I picked up the box on wednesday from 23rd street, and have been watching via the HDMI>DVI port successfully in the past.

I changed the channel to another HD channel - I got an image and sound, but the picture was "flickering" (not like the standard dropouts generated by our beloved 8000HD), and the audio was choppy. I changed to an SD channel (480p), and it was as normal. Then, changing back to a 1080i channel, it was fine. It was as if somehow the box got hung up trying to switch to a 1080i feed originally, and just didn't make the connection.

Anyone else experience this?