Confirmed: My Guide is currently showing Yes HD on channel 708. However it is a grey screen, and the programming is still listed as "HD Specials". Will they have it up by game time??? A race against the clock!

re: YES HD

Maybe they're making a mad dash to make it available by 8:00 tonight for the season opener.

-barry

I was speaking with a supervisor about YES-HD this morning. I explained that with TWC-Albany carrying the channel, there was no way for TWC-NYC to claim that they didn't have a carriage contract for it, and that 708 was just waiting to be used. I finally got to someone high enough that she was able to listen to the logic and promised me a callback after her superior got in at noon. I never heard back. Of course, if YES-HD is on 708, that's great news.

Now we just need to get MSG by 2:10 pm tomorrow...
-JMP

I'm seeing YES-HD on 708 as well. Gray screen.

Here's to the 90 minute wait to see if they flip the switch.

Sorry, double post.

It looks like we have a game!!

I'm still getting HD Specials as ch. 708 and saying subscription service, so I'm not feeling confident about YES-HD here on Staten Island.

be confident I'm seeing a slate with pregame show followed by hd telecast of the game!

It already started!!!

Just spoke to a CSR from TWC in Staten Island and advised her that customers in Manhattan report seeing YES HD on channel 708. She put me on hold to speak to a supervisor, came back and insisted they can't be TWC subscribers because if 708 was YES HD tonight they would know about it. Good grief!!!!

lots of break-ups

It's pretty glithchy so far!

Yes-HD is up on channel 708 with pre-game. Its on! Its kinda a mess with video dropouts, but its there at least.

drop-outs galore...

It's unwatchable for now - 80% breakups and glitches. Did they not give it enough bandwidth?

I knew it was too good to be true. They put the Game on ESPN2 HD, which no one has, then subject us to a choppy picture so far in northern Queens.

Anyone have any idea on the MSG - TWC stalemate. Although i hated being a Cablevision customer, it sad to know they are getting MSGHD and Fox Sports HD.

The first day that INHD and so on went live, they were pretty much unwatchable as well. I bet by tomorrow it ought to be a lot better. Hopefully, they get it cleared up tonight, though.

I am angry as can be right now. Last sumemr and early winter I was longing for Mets inHD. Now we have Yankees in HD but no Mets games available. Worse than that, it seems that none of our elected officials care. They grant the cable companies the monopolies that they have - now they should intervene and punish them. I heard a rumor that some Assembly representative had a bill to repeal tax breaks given to TWC and Cablevision. That is a step in the right direction.

Why is Spitzer less involved now than he was in the past? The NY Times article goes so far as to suggest that there may be no Mets games available this year. Are others writingthis?

It's back to gray for me here on 708.

Originally posted by pgershon
I am angry as can be right now. Last sumemr and early winter I was longing for Mets inHD. Now we have Yankees in HD but no Mets games available. Worse than that, it seems that none of our elected officials care. They grant the cable companies the monopolies that they have - now they should intervene and punish them. I heard a rumor that some Assembly representative had a bill to repeal tax breaks given to TWC and Cablevision. That is a step in the right direction.

Why is Spitzer less involved now than he was in the past? The NY Times article goes so far as to suggest that there may be no Mets games available this year. Are others writingthis?

They have been too busy playing political football over the West side stadium.

Originally posted by pgershon
I am angry as can be right now. Last sumemr and early winter I was longing for Mets inHD. Now we have Yankees in HD but no Mets games available. Worse than that, it seems that none of our elected officials care. They grant the cable companies the monopolies that they have - now they should intervene and punish them. I heard a rumor that some Assembly representative had a bill to repeal tax breaks given to TWC and Cablevision. That is a step in the right direction.

Why is Spitzer less involved now than he was in the past? The NY Times article goes so far as to suggest that there may be no Mets games available this year. Are others writingthis?

Call your local politicians and let them know how you feel. They will act if they get calls. They won't act if no one tells them how important the issue is to you. Specifically, call your local member of the State Assembly and have them talk to Adam in Assemblyman Bing's district office. He's working on gathering support for the legislation you mentioned.

What I've found in my research is the following:

The FCC requires that cable carriers carry the analog broadcast channels for a local area, but nothing more. Anything else the cable carrier choses to carry or not carry is their own business as far as the government is concerned. In theory, TWC-NYC is obligated only to carry WCBS, WNBC, WNYW, WABC, WWOR, WPIX, WNET, and a few others (41, 55, etc, whose call letters escape me). Everything else they carry is purely out of business interest.

While bundling of services is illegal in most businesses (ie: Microsoft forcing people to take IE), the FCC specifically allows cable companies to set up tiers. In turn, the producers of the channels force the cable carriers to carry less desirable channels (Have you ever watched most of the channels in the 100+ range?) in order to get the channels they want. Even if no one ever watches Discovery Health or Discovery Military or Discovery Times, TWC has to carry them to offer Discovery and Discovery HD.

While the government isn't allowed to intervene directly in a cable company's decision over which channels to carry, the government does do business with the corporate parent companies. It's well publicized that Cablevision gets $11 million per year in tax breaks for MSG. I can't imagine that the Time Warner Center was built without some major tax breaks to put the corporate hq in such a valuable piece of real estate. Even if the incentives are city taxes, they're controlled by the State legislature.

The idea of the legislation that's being discussed is that if TWC and Cablevision are going to jerk consumers around, they don't deserve preferential treatment from the State. Plain and simple. This legislation, were it ever to get through, would cost both companies a hell of a lot more than their respective worst case scenarios for settling the whole FSNY-MSG ridiculousness. Since the companies care about money and nothing else, this should bring about a settlement a bit faster than our complaints.

At least that's the idea.
-JMP

TWC Customer service is a joke. After being on hold for 28 minutes, they said to re-boot and they would send out the signal. Then she says, that they don;t carry YES HD and it is reserved for HD Specials. Then after a brief pause, she says that I am the ONLY person that has called to report the channel not working. They are so unbelievably clueless its not funny, and as the previous post said, it is criminal that they have a monopoly on us.

Is is only our TWC that stinks. It seems that other TWC around the country have better picture, more channels and better price structures.

I am almost scared to change over to their digital phone service given the problems that come up with this company and how they point the blame at every other source other than their own.

It's gone. Gray. SD YES for me. *sigh*

WOO HOO! YES-HD on 708 in Staten Island right now!

Originally posted by QMAN71
WOO HOO! YES-HD on 708 in Staten Island right now!

Confirmed!!!! Unbelievabe.

I'm in Manhattan. 708 is gray.

I'm in Manhattan. 708 is gray.

I'm in Manhattan. 708 is gray.

I guess they had to turn it off in Manhattan to turn it on in SI.

No picture in Queens either. Pre-game was choppy, finally froze up and has not come back.

DirectTV is really starting to look good...

Originally posted by QMAN71
WOO HOO! YES-HD on 708 in Staten Island right now!

Do you still have 708 in SI? Is it choppy or clear?

Still grey in Manhattan.

I tried rebooting the box just in case that made a difference. Nothing.

Originally posted by bigd86
Do you still have 708 in SI? Is it choppy or clear?

Still grey in Manhattan.
Still on 708 in SI. No dropouts whatsoever.

&*%^(#+!, I HATE TWC-NYC!!!

I will stop complaining about TW if they deliver YES-HD. Could be my number-one choice for channels.

I moved to the Bronx from Manhattan last June and got an HD set. Then I got the 8300HD box (with SARA) from Cablevision. Needless to say, it's been an absolute nightmare. It's so bad that they don't even advertise the service.

When I was in NYC I never had any issues with TWC. As YES-HD goes live, I read here that some are not too happy with TWC. Could some of you give me an overview of TWC's HD offerings? Do you like the service? How is the 8300 with Passport? Do you have too much pixelation or audio dropouts?

I forgot to mention, the reason i'm asking is because i'm moving back this August. Any help would be appreciated.

Hey Bob,

Bad showing tonight my friend...very bad. I was rooting so hard for you guys this afternoon when the programming guide gave the YES hint. But the unwatchable pre-game followed by the grey screen was a huge PSYCH. PLEASE tell us you're working to make permanent, good use of 708...

TM

Originally posted by anthonymoody
Hey Bob,

Bad showing tonight my friend...very bad. I was rooting so hard for you guys this afternoon when the programming guide gave the YES hint. But the unwatchable pre-game followed by the grey screen was a huge PSYCH. PLEASE tell us you're working to make permanent, good use of 708...

TM

Looks like this was a TWCNYC transmission problem of YES HD in Manhattan and Queens and it will be permanent once they correct it. How else can you explain the flawless broadcast we received on 708 from TWCNYC in Staten Island tonight? My guess is they will have the kinks worked out in time for the next game on Tuesday at 1PM

I must have turned to Channel 708 about 20 times only to see a grey screen. Do I have to have the HDXtra package to even see YES-HD or should I be able to see it without it?

Originally posted by AndyHDTV
I must have turned to Channel 708 about 20 times only to see a grey screen. Do I have to have the HDXtra package to even see YES-HD or should I be able to see it without it?

That is a good question. I do subscribe to the HDXtra package and prior to showng YES HD channel 708 did have a message that it is a subscription service. That might mean you do have to subscribe to HDXtra. I would be interested to know if anyone who received the YES HD broadcast on 708 does not sunscribe to HDXtra.

I also subscribe to HDXtra and had a flawless broadcast in Staten Island, however I called 2 friends who do not have HDXtra to let them know about 708 and at least one of them had YES-HD at the start of the game when I called him so I don't think that was an issue.

My reception in Manhattan last night on 708 was a little of the pre-game show, then breaking up, then all grey for the rest of the night. During the middle of the game (that I watched on channel 80) I phoned TW and was told (a) that 708 YES last night was part of the regular HDTV package (not part of the extra cost package that includes ESPN HDTV) and (b) that they were aware of the all grey problem and were trying to fix it. Obviously it was not fixed at all last night. It's still all grey this morning.

Im another SI customer who watched the entire game last night in HD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so excited. The picture was perfect and there wasn't a single glitch the entire game. I guess there making up for no 8300HDs in SI. Id rather have YES-HD!

By the way I dont have the HDXtra subscription!

so what plays on YES?
Is it only the Yankees?
I'm a Met and Knick fan and do not care for the Yankees.

I just recently bought the Olevia 30" HDTV LCD. I exchanged my SA for a Pioneer BD-V3150HD. Hooked up the DVI-D dual link from the Pioneer to the Olevia. The screen tells me that my tv does not support HDCP and that I should use component video instead. The Olevia does support DVI-HDCP. I read in another forum that this may be a software driver issue on TWC side. Can someone confirms this? Would switching with the SA HD STB be any help? It would be really nice to use the DVI on the STB because the Olevia only has one progressive component video input which I want to save for my progressive DVD player.

In addition, since I switched STBs, I no longer get the online menu. Talked to TWC and they told me the usual routine. Disconnected STB power supply and wait for Passport to load. Did not help. They've arranged for a tech to stop by on Saturday but I was hoping that posting would yield some insight.

un-f'ing-believable!! ESPN is blackng out the Mets game. Why would they black it out when we don't get MSG? I am so pissed off right now.

That's because of contracts they signed before the recent cablevision and TWC's disputes.

Channel 442 (brewers at pittsburgh) is a grey screen for me in manhattan. I called twc and they assured me that they are working on this. Anyone else?

Edit:

Just found this gmae on ESPN channel 28 so that explains why 442 is grey. Must be becaus the Mets game is blacked out. The game is only on 28, not 725.

The weirdest thing about 725 is that I set my 8300 up to record it, it started, and then just stopped after 10 minutes with a frozen picture of the crowd in Cincinnati. Now, I can rewind back to the start of the recording (the pre game) at 2:00PM, but as the time goes on, all I get is the same ten minutes to the start of the game and the frozen picture of the crowd, but, and this is the weird part, the time line on the bottom keeps on moving-I have the same 10 minute segment, but now the line starts a 2:14 and ends at 2:24- current time! Pretty bizarre!

Originally posted by dkan24
un-f'ing-believable!! ESPN is blackng out the Mets game. Why would they black it out when we don't get MSG? I am so pissed off right now.

That's the nature of local broadcast rights. MSG/FSNY has the exclusive right to broadcast certain Mets games in the Mets home market as defined by Major Leage Baseball. ESPN's national coverage of games other than their exclusive Sunday night package is subject to blackout in the home markets of all teams involved. The idea is it's supposed to give us consumers incentive to get MSG. Unfortunately, it doesn't take into account that some of us don't have a choice in the matter...
-JMP

Has it been confirmed by TW that Manhattan is getting YES-HD as a full-time channel, and not just as special feature for certain games? If so, are there any estimates on when it will work? Next game is tomorrow...

YES-HD (Ch. 708) is now grayed out in SI again.:( Im hoping it comes back for tomorrow's game.

Originally posted by gregeas
Has it been confirmed by TW that Manhattan is getting YES-HD as a full-time channel, and not just as special feature for certain games? If so, are there any estimates on when it will work? Next game is tomorrow...

There really is no reason for anyone to carry YES HD as a full time channel at this point. Except for the Yankee home games there is no other HD programming on it

Originally posted by nocturno65
I moved to the Bronx from Manhattan last June and got an HD set. Then I got the 8300HD box (with SARA) from Cablevision. Needless to say, it's been an absolute nightmare. It's so bad that they don't even advertise the service.

When I was in NYC I never had any issues with TWC. As YES-HD goes live, I read here that some are not too happy with TWC. Could some of you give me an overview of TWC's HD offerings? Do you like the service? How is the 8300 with Passport? Do you have too much pixelation or audio dropouts?

I just moved to Manhattan from Connecticut where I had an 8300HD from Cablevision. The SARA DVR software is completely retarded. Worst DVR software I have ever used. The Passport software used by TWC in Manhattan is much better (aside from the HDMI audio problem). The non HD channels are also much better from TWC. For the HD channels I would have to give the lead to Cablevision. They started way behind (TWC Manhattan got HD long before Cablevision in CT). Now however, though they don't have all the HD channels TWC has, they have many HD channels that TWC does not (e.g. MSG FSNY and all the premiums not just HBO and Showtime). Also they don't put any of their HD channels in a special extra cost tier. Premium channels require the standard premium fee and that is it.

The biggest plus with TWC is not having to use that awful SARA software.

Plus living in the greatest city on earth :)

So the countdown is on for TWCNYC yankees test #2. We're pulling for you Bob W...

TM

708 is on! "Coming up next: NY Yankees Pre-Game Show followed by NYY HD Telecast"

Looks like we're in business.

Channel 708 works for me too. I'm in the Village in Manhattan.

-barry

Originally posted by margoba
Channel 708 works for me too. I'm in the Village in Manhattan.

-barry

Ditto!!! Go Sox!!! (Don't shoot)

Let's hope with 708 they've thrown all the right switches for other than Staten Island this time. Mind boggling they hadn't tested the setup earlier for the first game.

Come Thursday and Friday at 4 pm, hope WCBS-DT and TWC are also in business throwing switches to deliver the Masters golf tournament. Despite CBS's pledge of delivering the Masters in 1080i weekdays to HD affiliates, which have the option of replacing regular 4-7 pm programing, I wouldn't be too surprised to discover the NYC flagship station continues with regular afternoon fare. -- John

Yep back on SI! Looks like it only works during gametime. Now if they can only fix the guide so I can record games in peace.

Yep back on SI! Looks like it only works during gametime. Now if they can only fix the guide so I can record games in peace.

Originally posted by shadyridr
Yep back on SI! Looks like it only works during gametime. Now if they can only fix the guide so I can record games in peace.

I believe if you tune into the channel and press the record button, you should be able to set up a manual recording.

Originally posted by shadyridr
Yep back on SI! Looks like it only works during gametime. Now if they can only fix the guide so I can record games in peace.

Do a manual recording

Up and running in Queens too! Finally! Feels like one long, bad April Fools joke is over.

How about the Nets? Will we get them in HD? This, of course, is assuming they make the playoffs.

LIFE is good, as 708 is on in Queens via TWC in glorious HD.

GO YANKEES !!!!!!

Careful with the recording on 708. I tried to record it on Sunday in the off chance that it would actually work (it didn't) since I'd be watching the game on a slight delay. But, all my saved programs that weren't listed as save until manually erased disappeared on Sunday and I suspect that they were cleared out as soon as I attempted to record 708, which lists the program as a 24-hour HD special (a nice clear picture of a gray screen). Given the issues with the SA boxes in the past, I can't be sure that this is what caused the deletions, but I think it is. BTW, I have the 8300 HD.

TWC if you're reading these posts -- we really could use the games listed in the guide so we can record them, especially when we're not around to do a manual recording. (A more realistic time block for the games in the guide -- say 4 hours, would be nice too, so that there's a decent chance the whole game can be recorded).

Audio is good. Replays and overheads are not bad too.

Go Yankees! And let's have lots of fan shots of beautiful NY people.....

Is there any way to end recordings early or start them late? For example, if I only want the monolog from a late night talk show or something like that...

Unfortunately, 708 cannot be recorded with the JVC 40K D-VHS VCR.

Oh well.

Seems like inHD (721) and inHD2 (722) can no longer be recorded by D-VHS either........

Watching the Yankee game on 708-and my box just spontaneously rebooted!!!
First time my 8300 has done that!

I just called my wife and had her record, she got that 24 hr recording BS. But if I get home by 6 and stop it will I be OK, or has is already erased everything I've saved.

Threads merged.

It's been good so far, but there have been a lot of video and audio breakups on YES-HD the last inning or so. Anyone else experiencing this?

If it was choosing the 24 hour recording on 708 that caused my deletions, it happened right after I hit the record button. I didn't keep it recording long since all I was getting was a blank screen.

I tuned in the Yankee game late and was not able to watch it full time. But when I came in during the sixth inning it was in HDTV but it was breaking up at times. Later on in the afternoon it seemed as if it was still wide screen but not sharp enough for HDTV, probably not HDTV. I guess they will get it right eventually but it was exciting to watch it in HDTV.

I don't know too much about the cable TV business, but it certainly wouldn't surprize me if it took a week or two to get everything tweaked properly.

-barry

I guess YES-HD doesn't Broadcast Nets games, channel 708 is grey.

Tuned in late, too, near the end of the YES baseball game today. The blimp shots caught my eye since they appear to be 1080i HD, unlike what looks like toy TV camera SD shots from most blimps. Can't say today's blimp stadium images quite matched that from a HDCAM (lacked a tad of resolution), which could have been the microwave air-to-ground feed, but reasonably close IMO. If YES can get HD from a blimp, wonder why the larger networks can't routinely. -- John

Hi, my roommate recently got a new hdtv and sony surround sound system, problem is all his stereo takes in is a fiber connection, and the box we have (the pioneer one) only has a digital coax out.

Is anyone using fiber? He has one of those newer stereos with the dvd bundled in, I looked around online and all of them (different brands) seem to have only a fiber in.

Is there a HD cable box with a fiber out? Is anyone else experiencing this?

Thanks alot, and while I'm not a New Yorker, I hope you all get your Yankees/Mets games. I know I'd be royally pissed!

Originally posted by shiffy
Careful with the recording on 708. I tried to record it on Sunday in the off chance that it would actually work (it didn't) since I'd be watching the game on a slight delay. But, all my saved programs that weren't listed as save until manually erased disappeared on Sunday and I suspect that they were cleared out as soon as I attempted to record 708, which lists the program as a 24-hour HD special (a nice clear picture of a gray screen). Given the issues with the SA boxes in the past, I can't be sure that this is what caused the deletions, but I think it is. BTW, I have the 8300 HD.

TWC if you're reading these posts -- we really could use the games listed in the guide so we can record them, especially when we're not around to do a manual recording. (A more realistic time block for the games in the guide -- say 4 hours, would be nice too, so that there's a decent chance the whole game can be recorded). Yup lets get the program guide up there with the info...

Anyone know about tomorrow's game? It's on ESPN but will that be blacked out, the TWC guide also lists the game on YES. But if so will in be on the HD channel? I can only record it on 2 channels, which 2 since I'll be at work?

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!

My last complaint to DOITT got TWC to call me and set up an appointment. They are finally bringing me an 8300HD. I still dont know when they are going to be widely available on Staten Island though. They are going to come Thursday to install it (they actually could have came tommorow morning, but I of course had to have conflicting plans).

Also, an unrelated (8300) question, but does anyone know if/when TWC is going to pick up UPN and WPIX in HD? I cant beleive we dont have WPIX in HD considering it is a Time Warner/Warner Bros Channel. As for UPN, a CSR told me that they used to broadcast UPN in HD but they pulled it for some reason. Anyone know why?

Originally posted by Goanna
As for UPN, a CSR told me that they used to broadcast UPN in HD but they pulled it for some reason. Anyone know why?


Well, it was so painful to watch Enterprise flush itself down the reconfigured-deflector-dish-to-stop-yet-another-temporal-anomaly toilet, combined with the latest round of attempts at hitting the "urban" market with pandering, insulting programming, TWC spared us all from watching the UPN disaster too clearly.

So they cancelled UPN HD and replaced it with the Food Network on Demand, which is of course fantastic for that massive audience of people who aren't yet sick of Emeril shouting BAM!

Ahh, okay. I was interested in UPN because they syndicate some good SciFi shows, and figured they would air them in HD (or upscaled at least). So other then UPN my only chance of seeing Stargate (SG-1/Atlantis) and Andromeda (about to end its finale season anyway) in HD is if they eventually pick up the Universal HD channel. I hear next season Universal HD will be airing the eps in HD. I am not going to hold my breath though knowing TWC.

Or, I could go and buy a set top OTA receiver to use with my HD monitor. Sucks that I wont be able to use my DVR doing that though. Oh well, cant have everything.

Originally posted by Goanna
Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!

My last complaint to DOITT got TWC to call me and set up an appointment. They are finally bringing me an 8300HD. I still dont know when they are going to be widely available on Staten Island though. They are going to come Thursday to install it (they actually could have came tommorow morning, but I of course had to have conflicting plans).

Also, an unrelated (8300) question, but does anyone know if/when TWC is going to pick up UPN and WPIX in HD? I cant beleive we dont have WPIX in HD considering it is a Time Warner/Warner Bros Channel. As for UPN, a CSR told me that they used to broadcast UPN in HD but they pulled it for some reason. Anyone know why?
Goanna definitely let us know how the install goes. TWC is notorious for bringing the wrong STB when doing installs, but if they do bring you an 8300HD then there's hope for them being available at the customer service center.

Originally posted by QMAN71
Goanna definitely let us know how the install goes. TWC is notorious for bringing the wrong STB when doing installs, but if they do bring you an 8300HD then there's hope for them being available at the customer service center.

Yeah, already had that happen once. When my first 8000HD crashed, a tech came to replace it and he brought a regular 8000, not an HD. So I still had to go to the service center the next day anyway.

I am really hoping though that since this install is from a DOITT complaint, they will not mess things up *Keeps Fingers Crossed*.

Originally posted by Goanna
Also, an unrelated (8300) question, but does anyone know if/when TWC is going to pick up UPN and WPIX in HD? I cant beleive we dont have WPIX in HD considering it is a Time Warner/Warner Bros Channel. As for UPN, a CSR told me that they used to broadcast UPN in HD but they pulled it for some reason. Anyone know why?

The answer I've always been given about WPIX is that it is an affiliate of the WB network, not an O&O. It's actually owned by the Tribune Company, which as another oversized media company is therefore a mortal enemy of TW.

In conversation with Ed Urbanowski the other day about the MSG/FSN situation, I asked why TW didn't use its corporate clout to say something to Cablevision like "in that case, you don't get to carry HBO, CNN, or TNT, etc. on your cable systems." He said that those divisions of TW are independent. I take that to mean that TW the corporate parent doesn't see the MSG/FSN issue as anything even remotely worth fighting for. How many people do you suppose would drop Cablevision if they couldn't offer any TW owned network?
-JMP

The solution is simple, if you are a Yankee's fan live somewhere with TWC. If you are a Mets fan, live in a Cablevision area.

Originally posted by ADGrant
The solution is simple, if you are a Yankee's fan live somewhere with TWC. If you are a Mets fan, live in a Cablevision area.

Fine, as long as the companies involved in redefining the rules every couple of years are willing to foot the cost of relocation. As of next year, TWC will have the Mets, and I'd bet that Cablevision won't...
-JMP

Originally posted by patrickpiteo
Yup lets get the program guide up there with the info...

You should be able to make a manual recording without erasing everything. If hitting "REC" while watching 708 appears not to work, then try setting up the manual recording while watching another channel. The MR function allows you to select the channel you want. Right? It's worth a shot, and at least you have no risk of erasing the whole drive.

Well... I am cancelling my TWC service today... waiting for the RCN tech to show up.

I am just getting a bad vibe from TWC this time around with the Mets. The first time they shut down FSNY and MSG... they worked hard to try to get it back.

Now its more like... "we are not going to have it... here are the alternatives". They are even promoting on their website that TWC is still "the home of the NY Mets" with a WHOPPING 60 games being broadcast.

Give me a break.


I am gonna try out RCN for two months and see. I get free cable for the first two months with RCN (i gotta pay for the internet part)... so we will see. I will be sacrificing some (single tuner with RCN, less HD content)... but at least I get the METS.

Does anyone know if the TWC service center in Queens is giving out only the 8300 HD and not the 8000 HD? I'm moving to Queens and need a new box.

Originally posted by bofnyc
Does anyone know if the TWC service center in Queens is giving out only the 8300 HD and not the 8000 HD? I'm moving to Queens and need a new box. When you go there ask for the 8300. They had them when I went there. They are on the Queens Center...d

Originally posted by DjPiLL
Well... I am cancelling my TWC service today... waiting for the RCN tech to show up.

I am just getting a bad vibe from TWC this time around with the Mets. The first time they shut down FSNY and MSG... they worked hard to try to get it back.

Now its more like... "we are not going to have it... here are the alternatives". They are even promoting on their website that TWC is still "the home of the NY Mets" with a WHOPPING 60 games being broadcast.

Give me a break.


I am gonna try out RCN for two months and see. I get free cable for the first two months with RCN (i gotta pay for the internet part)... so we will see. I will be sacrificing some (single tuner with RCN, less HD content)... but at least I get the METS. Good Luck with RCN. I hated them when I had them Their STB then was a piece of junk. just the worst program guide around...

Originally posted by DjPiLL
Well... I am cancelling my TWC service today... waiting for the RCN tech to show up.

[snip]

I will be sacrificing some (single tuner with RCN, less HD content)... but at least I get the METS.

You're braver than I. I wouldn't go back to a single tuner box for anything. I'd sooner listen to the Mets on radio! Good luck though. Hope it works out for you.

-barry

Thanks Bob W for coming through for us on the Yanks (sorry Mets fans...)! Dropouts and breakups got bad in the 5th -7th innings but improved pretty dramatically into the end of the game. Also, I loved those HD blimp shots. VERY cool!

Bob W, once this is all settled in, recordable, etc., please turn your sights to adding more HD channels. See? We're never satisfied :):) :D

TM

PS - did anyone else find the center channel volume too low in the mix? my speaker levels are very carefully calibrated and all other sources/channels are fine...

106PM and still no 708.

Was yesterday a BIG tease ?

Originally posted by Paul Chiu
106PM and still no 708.

Was yesterday a BIG tease ?

This is ridiculous. Just ridiculous.

Very good job, this New York Yankees game is available in HD (via ESPN and NESN) to the entire country other than people in New York City. Nice.

Edit:

WHAT IS GONG ON HERE??? I tuned into 725 just to see and low and behold there is the game in glorious HD. But only for a brief moment, then the picture froze and didn't resume.

Originally posted by zEli173
Very good job, this New York Yankees game is available in HD (via ESPN and NESN) to the entire country other than people in New York City. Nice.

Huh. I don't get it. It *is* on ESPNHD here in Manhattan. It's like someone threw the wrong switch or something.

Edit: It's gone now.

It came on 708 at 1:28pm. Upper West Side here.

It's on in Forest Hills now. 139PM

FYI, a call to CSR led to little information. According to them, any YES broadcast will be simulcast in HD on 708 (doubtful). They also said that the guide will be updated to reflect the HD schedule..."eventually".

Just ordered Dish Network. I encourage all Mets fans in Manhattan to do what they can. Emailed Bob Watson too. I agree with the comments here - it just feels like TWC will be happy to let the whole season go and show the Mets next year and overcharge Cablevision for the project in retaliation. We the fans will lose. Planning on contacting David Howard (Mets counsel) as well. I wonder if the Mets have considered any litigation here. It is their product which is being devalued.

Just ordered Dish Network. I encourage all Mets fans in Manhattan to do what they can. Emailed Bob Watson too. I agree with the comments here - it just feels like TWC will be happy to let the whole season go and show the Mets next year and overcharge Cablevision for the project in retaliation. We the fans will lose. Planning on contacting David Howard (Mets counsel) as well. I wonder if the Mets have considered any litigation here. It is their product which is being devalued.

Originally posted by pgershon
Just ordered Dish Network. I encourage all Mets fans in Manhattan to do what they can.

That's easy for you to say. I live in a building with TW exclusivity. My windows face north. My building won't let me put a dish on the roof. Without cable, I get no OTA reception of any channels. If I want to watch anything, I need to go with TW.
-JMP

Originally posted by margoba
You're braver than I. I wouldn't go back to a single tuner box for anything. I'd sooner listen to the Mets on radio! Good luck though. Hope it works out for you.

-barry



Guess what I got when the RCN tech showed up (I live in Queens). A Motorola 6412 DUAL TUNER Hi-Def DVR.

I couldn't believe it. I thought they didn't offer them. The tech said this was the first one he installed. But he was a outsourced contractor so he probably hasn't seen many of these.

But I can indeed record one live show while watching another.


Jury is still out. Cable modem is faster. Less HD channels though (but the only HD channels I really watch are local ones).

Hmm, TWC is finally using a box thats not a Scientific Atlanta? How do the Motos compare to an 8300HD? My Aunt has one from cablevision in NJ, but not an HD model. Inteface looks the same, I think they run Passport still, right?

Originally posted by Goanna
Hmm, TWC is finally using a box thats not a Scientific Atlanta? How do the Motos compare to an 8300HD? My Aunt has one from cablevision in NJ, but not an HD model. Inteface looks the same, I think they run Passport still, right?


Time Warner DVRs are only Scientific Atlanta. Either 8000 or 8300.

RCN uses Motorola DVRs.... the one I got was 6412. I'll tell you right off the bat the interface isn't as nice as TWC's interface. The recording and saved show guide is difficult to navigate on the RCN model.

I will know more about PQ later on when I watch CSI-NY and L&O... both in HD. John Mason here said that he found the RCN HD-DVR cable box output more lines of resolution than the TWC-DVR. So I am expecting to see a slightly better picture. But I think he had a 6208 DVR which is a single tuner box. Not sure if my 6412 will be the same or not.

Originally posted by DjPiLL
Time Warner DVRs are only Scientific Atlanta. Either 8000 or 8300.

RCN uses Motorola DVRs.... the one I got was 6412. I'll tell you right off the bat the interface isn't as nice as TWC's interface. The recording and saved show guide is difficult to navigate on the RCN model.

I will know more about PQ later on when I watch CSI-NY and L&O... both in HD. John Mason here said that he found the RCN HD-DVR cable box output more lines of resolution than the TWC-DVR. So I am expecting to see a slightly better picture. But I think he had a 6208 DVR which is a single tuner box. Not sure if my 6412 will be the same or not.

I used to have a 6200 HD DVR from RCN and the interfact was miserable. Of course if you are lucky enough to be a Comcast customer w/ the 6412 you will ultimately have Tivo software running on it. That should be pretty nice.

Originally posted by EricScott
I used to have a 6200 HD DVR from RCN and the interfact was miserable. Of course if you are lucky enough to be a Comcast customer w/ the 6412 you will ultimately have Tivo software running on it. That should be pretty nice. RCN has to have the worst interface and program guide out there.. like the stone age...:o

Tonight my 8300 shut itself off, rebooted, and then failed to tape the next scheduled recording even though the software thought it had taped it. (The red record light never came on so I was sure that it had not taped.) I deleted the setup for the remaining shows waiting to be recorded tonight and then reset them just in case. Has anyone else had their box spontaneously shut off and reboot?

Originally posted by LisaM
Tonight my 8300 shut itself off, rebooted, and then failed to tape the next scheduled recording even though the software thought it had taped it. (The red record light never came on so I was sure that it had not taped.) I deleted the setup for the remaining shows waiting to be recorded tonight and then reset them just in case. Has anyone else had their box spontaneously shut off and reboot?

Happened to me about 2 times a day with my last 8000HD. I really hope it wont happen on my 8300 (if) when it comes tommorow :eek:.

Originally posted by LisaM
Tonight my 8300 shut itself off, rebooted, and then failed to tape the next scheduled recording even though the software thought it had taped it....Has anyone else had their box spontaneously shut off and reboot?
Happens rarely with my current 8300HD or a former 8000HD. Heat might be a cause. Keep my 8300HD atop a stack of components that don't generate heat. Plus, I'm using small blocks to lift the 8300HD up slightly for better air flow.

Originally posted by DjPiLL
John Mason here said that he found the RCN HD-DVR cable box output more lines of resolution than the TWC-DVR. So I am expecting to see a slightly better picture. But I think he had a 6208 DVR which is a single tuner box. Not sure if my 6412 will be the same or not.
Glad to read the two-tuner models are finally available from RCN. RCN went through a minor channel shuffle recently, indicating a larger change coming shortly. Hope it's new HD sources.

If you get HDNet from them, perhaps you can check whether the 6412 exceeds the 6208's ~1335 lines maximum horizontal resolution measured with this technique (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4664241#post4664241). Only subscribing to Cinemax and Starz on RCN for the HD now, and watch the OTA HD networks via RCN for the slight extra crispness (TWC's 8300HD/delivery system is ~1290 lines max) and perhaps somewhat deeper blacks. -- John

I didn't subscribe to the HDTier... so I dont get RCN's HDNet. I watched L&O last night... picture is pretty decent. SO far I am pleased. I am saving about $50 buks a month. Yeah I did cut out some unnecessary stuff.... but I got the METS (even though I wish i hadn't based on the last two games).

My 8300HD has been getting worse and worse over time. More and more spontaneous reboots, and a progressively worse job HDCP handshaking with my projector. It got so bad recently that I switched to component and have my pre/pro convert to HDMI. PQ seems almost as good and now I can change channels at will and not have it have HDCP hiccups.

If it keeps dying I'm going to replace it.

TM

on a side note, I was impressed with the YESHD broadcast of the Sox-Yanks game yesterday!!

Hey guys/gals, I had a question, maybe one of you knows. I have a Dish Network 34" Widescreen CRT. Thats my main HD set and the one my 8300HD will be connected to.

Before I head out to bestbuy to buy a DVI to HDMI adaptor, is my set HDCP compliant? If it is not, I guess I will not be able to use the digital out even if I get the adaptor, is that correct?

Originally posted by anthonymoody
My 8300HD has been getting worse and worse over time. More and more spontaneous reboots, and a progressively worse job HDCP handshaking with my projector. It got so bad recently that I switched to component and have my pre/pro convert to HDMI. PQ seems almost as good and now I can change channels at will and not have it have HDCP hiccups.

If it keeps dying I'm going to replace it.

TM

My 8300 is misbehaving as well, similar to yours. Changing channels used to be very quick and efffortless, now it seems like it is back to the speed of the 8000. Also, when switching between 480, 720p and 1080i sources I get a blank screen, then some static, then a picture. At first this happenned once or twice a week, now it seems pretty consistent. And for the first time the other day - I got the HDCP message on the screen. A simple power-cycle of the 8300 took care of that.

Would love to hear from someone like twcinsider about any known issues that are being addressed by any upcoming patches.

Well, My 8300HD is finally installed. I might be the first person on Staten Island to get one, lol.

Box is very fast, and HD looks better. SD in 480i looks pretty good too. Here is my first problem though.

The box wont automatically switch to 480i. So, if I select my output formats as 1080i and 480i, it still outputs 1080i all the time like the 8000HD used to do. If I select 480p, it does automatically switch. However, 480p looks considerably worse then 480i.

Anyone figure out a way to fix this? Also, how do you get the box into "auto" mode. I see on the front of the box it says "1080i" "720p" "480p" "480i" and "auto". I have not been able to get "auto" to light up, no matter what settings I play around with.

Originally posted by Goanna
The box wont automatically switch to 480i. So, if I select my output formats as 1080i and 480i, it still outputs 1080i all the time like the 8000HD used to do. If I select 480p, it does automatically switch. However, 480p looks considerably worse then 480i.

Set mine up for 1080i/480p initially since my CRT RPTV won't sync at all with 480i HD-jack component inputs. Really dislike the zoom/stretch 8300HD feature (press # key), so for a while fed S-video to my RPTV and let it stretch 480i to 16:9. More recently, to take advantage of YPbPr's greater color bandwidth (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=1605115#post1605115) over S-video, I'm watching 480i mostly in 8300HD-upconverted 1080i (only 8300HD setting) since the gray side bars minimize 4:3 burn-in possibilities, and I'm viewing much more 16:9 'true' HD these days. -- John

Originally posted by anthonymoody
PS - did anyone else find the center channel volume too low in the mix? my speaker levels are very carefully calibrated and all other sources/channels are fine... I wasn't watching that game, but I find that to be a common problem with sports in 5.1. They seem to want to crank up the crowd noise, which makes it hard to hear the announcers in the center channel. For me, it gets pretty annoying when I find myself in a cycle where I turn it up to hear what's being said, but that just makes the crowd louder so I can't hear the announcers so I turn up the volume . . .

If you switch to channel 21 or 50 and have 480i selected as an output, it is output as 480i via component and HDMI. There are a few others, but off the top of my head can not think what they are.

I believe it's only the analog channels that output in 480i, but all digital channels default to 480p. What I do not know is if they are being broadcast as 480p (de-interlaced by TWC before transmission) or if the box is doing it. Why the box can not output a digital 480i channel, I do not know.

I think the box is outputting the channels as 480p. The transmission should be in 480i.

My Sony picks up digital cable signals and I don't recall ever seeing any channel that it was able to receive as being displayed in 480p when bypassing the 8300.

pdroth,
Agreed. Keep an eye on your HDCP handshake. At first, power cycling worked for me, as would switching say to DVD and back to cable. That got worse and worse. Then I started rebooting. It worked for a while, and then finally I was getting the HDCP message nearly 100% of the time - hence my switch to component despite the fact that my display is HDCP compliant.

If yours gets worse over time then it would seem to be the beginning of a trend :( twcinsider?

TM

PS - sickman - yeah that's what I was hearing...annoying. I could barely hear Paul O'Neill :(

I wouldn't mind going back to component except that I have the DVD and Xbox running on those inputs. Short-term I guess I'll have to put up with this until a fix is put out.

Longer term... HD-DVD w/HDMI !

pdroth, I had the same problem, STB, DVD, and xbox, and only 2 component inputs. If you dont mind spending 79 bucks, you can get a pretty nice component switch box by Pelican. GameStop carries them (usually in the back, you have to ask for them). I bought one because I had to use component on my 8000HD (as did everyone else), and I got tired of having to unplug my DVD player to plug in my xbox, or vice versa. Only bad thing is it doesnt have a remote. But it switches optical audio and ethernet too, and its powered, so no major signal loss, so it is still pretty nice.

Your other option, wait for a solution from TWC, lol. Knowing their track record, that could take ohh, maybe 6 months to 2 years, lol.

EDIT: (Unrelated Topic) You know, another thing I think of with these HD DVR's. Why do they make the pause screens color fluctuate and have the image bounce around the screen to avoid burn in, but at the same time they leave the sidebars on that do not have any color fluctuation, and will cause burn in? It just doesnt make sense to me, I was hoping they would have fixed it in the 8300HD, but apparently now :(.

Can anyone help me getting a proxy server running? I installed Proximitron but can't get it to connect to a server. I'm running Opera if that matters but I'll run IE if I have to.

I had service set up today and installer brought out the 8300HD DVR. Unfortunately, it wouldn't work, kept on getting error messages. Tech told me that the box was defective and said a foreman would come later to deliver a replacement (the tech didn't have another one with him). Well, after four hours of waiting and no foreman, I took the bad 8300HD DVR to the store and personally swapped it out for another 8300HD DVR. Brought it home and booted up but still nothing, the boot sequence aborted and a message said my digital service had been cancelled, please contact customer service (meanwhile, all this time, my internet service is running fine).

Eventually, the foreman shows up with a replacement but he only had the 8000HD. He fiddled around with the 8300HD DVR, checked the connections and everything but still couldn't get the box to work. He swapped in the 8000HD DVR and voila, we have picture! My question: can anyone explain why an 8000HD DVR box works but an 8300HD DVR doesn't? I find it hard to believe that I got two defective 8300HD DVR boxes. The tech suggested something was misconfigured on Time Warner's end but he couldn't say for sure. Anyone have any opinions?

Why the box [8300HD] can not output a digital 480i channel, I do not know.
Interesting point about what's going with the few 'analog-switched' local channels such as 21, 25, etc. They're delivered as if they were direct-cable analog feeds (switched) when you tune them with a digital converter.

As mentioned earlier, my CRT RPTV won't sync at all with a 480i input to its HD component jack. When I set up my 8300HD initially including a 480i output option, YPbPr-viewed channels had totally scrambled sync. Changing the 480i to 480p eliminated the sync loss, locking images in, although I've now switched to 1080i out only since the 8300HD does a fairly good job at upconversion. I'm using a Zektor 4-in-1-out YPbPb switcher; believe they now offer a HDMI model, too. -- John

Originally posted by peterlee

Eventually, the foreman shows up with a replacement but he only had the 8000HD... My question: can anyone explain why an 8000HD DVR box works but an 8300HD DVR doesn't?...Anyone have any opinions?
Don't know what the glitch is, but unless you're unconcerned about HD image quality I'd keep trying for a 8300HD. Within TWC NYC's system, the 8000HD delivers only ~890 lines maximum horizontal resolution (fuzzy images) while the 8300HD provides ~1290 lines (and RCN's DCT6208 has ~1335 lines maximum). That's unless TWC has provided a 8000HD fix in recent months (doubtful). If you get HDNet you can check resolution output yourself with this technique (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4664241#post4664241). -- John

Originally posted by John Mason
Interesting point about what's going with the few 'analog-switched' local channels such as 21, 25, etc.

John,

I noticed this when testing my video processor's (Lumagen VisionPro HDP) abilitlity to accept a 480i signal via DVI. Someone earlier posted about channel 21, so I set the 8300 to output all formats and when I switched to channel 21, sure enough 480i lit up on the front panel. Channel 50 (Food Network) also showed 480i as did several other known analog channels in the 20's and 30's. I also tried the component connection and the same is true, 480i is output for those analog channels. Switching to a digital channel the output goes to 480p.

Ideally I would like to feed 480i so my processor can do the deinterlacing work. My obeservations of 480i via HDMI-DVI, Component, and S-video into the processor showed little if any improvement over 480p via HDMI-DVI so I have not played with it any more. I find that I watch so little SDTV that I really haven't pursued what exactly is going on with the 8300 and these channels, but would like to know why this is and the 8300 does not output 480i for digital channels.

Hi All,

I'm having a curious issue with my Panasonic PWD7UY. I just installed TWC's SA 8000 to my plasma display via component. For some strange reason, I can't change the aspect ratio. When I hit the apect button on the remote, it simply stays on Full, although all I see is a letterboxed 4:3 image. I'm can't figure out why I can't stretch the image to full screen.

When my DVD is connected(via compnent), I have no problem with cycling through aspect ratios.

Any ideas??

Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by skyjuice
Hi All,

I'm having a curious issue with my Panasonic PWD7UY. I just installed TWC's SA 8000 to my plasma display via component. For some strange reason, I can't change the aspect ratio. When I hit the apect button on the remote, it simply stays on Full, although all I see is a letterboxed 4:3 image. I'm can't figure out why I can't stretch the image to full screen.

When my DVD is connected(via compnent), I have no problem with cycling through aspect ratios.

Any ideas??

Thanks in advance.

With the 8000HD you cant change aspect ratio on HD channels, only SD. Are you trying to change in on an HD channel?
------------------------------------------------
An 8300HD question. Do the composite inputs on the front of the box work? If so, how the hell do you use them? I cant find any menu options to change the video input.

Originally posted by Goanna
With the 8000HD you cant change aspect ratio on HD channels, only SD. Are you trying to change in on an HD channel?
------------------------------------------------
An 8300HD question. Do the composite inputs on the front of the box work? If so, how the hell do you use them? I cant find any menu options to change the video input.

Even with SD channels, I can't change the aspect ratio.

Originally posted by pciav
I find that I watch so little SDTV that I really haven't pursued what exactly is going on with the 8300 and these channels, but would like to know why this is and the 8300 does not output 480i for digital channels.
I've been calling those channels labeled 'analog' in 8300HD diagnostic mode as switched analog. This current post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5450013#post5450013) in the hardware forum points out the analog-to-digital conversion process, and its faults, going on in newer converters these days. Perhaps that's what actually taking place. -- John

Originally posted by mabrym
Can anyone help me getting a proxy server running? I installed Proximitron but can't get it to connect to a server. I'm running Opera if that matters but I'll run IE if I have to.

By the way this is not OT, I just want to watch the Mets game tonight.

Originally posted by Goanna
Well, My 8300HD is finally installed. I might be the first person on Staten Island to get one, lol.

Box is very fast, and HD looks better. SD in 480i looks pretty good too. Here is my first problem though.

The box wont automatically switch to 480i. So, if I select my output formats as 1080i and 480i, it still outputs 1080i all the time like the 8000HD used to do. If I select 480p, it does automatically switch. However, 480p looks considerably worse then 480i.

Anyone figure out a way to fix this? Also, how do you get the box into "auto" mode. I see on the front of the box it says "1080i" "720p" "480p" "480i" and "auto". I have not been able to get "auto" to light up, no matter what settings I play around with.

long time lurker, first time poster - I've been wacthing this thread for at least the last 2 months, hoping a fellow SI neighbor would get the new box. I've been calling the Express center once a week asking for it, and each time I got a "no" response.

My current setup is a 36" Sony XBR400 (4:3), with a SA 3100HD (maybe 3150, I forget at the moment). My wife & I watch more SD programming than HD (HD is mainly CSI, DiscoveryHD and the movie channels), so I have the SD feed going via s-video and the HD feed via component to 1 of the 2 component inputs on my set. When I want to watch HD, I just select that video input on my TV. Is this possible with the 8300HD? Based on everything I've read it seems that it is, but noone has really detailed it (in so far as I've read). The issue with the 8000 was I couldnt switch between SD & HD via the STB settings (tho even if I could that would have been a pain to deal with), and all of the video settings weren't enabled at the same time. I'm aware that the 8300HD's video outputs are all enabled, but does the box record SD and HD? And if so, I assume I'll be able to view a SD recorded program and HD recorded program in the same manner? (changing inputs via my remote?) I'm not subbed to the HD package either, at least not until they put HD programming on that I'll watch (no offense, but ESPN HD isn't worth the $$, the rest of the channels I don't see me watching often enough)

I looked into getting a Tivo but the fact that there are no HD sets available for non-satellite customers pretty much hinders me - I mean I don't need to be able to record in HD, but being able to watch HD is a must.

Sidenote - I just called the Cable Express office on Richmond Avenue, and again I received a "no, sorry - we don't have those in" (regarding the 8300HD). Bah!

Sorry for being such a lurker, too :)

Did I read correctly that TWC picked up YES HD? Can anyone confirm?

Originally posted by skyjuice
Even with SD channels, I can't change the aspect ratio.

With the 8000 (or 8300) you must use the 8000 functionality to stretch/zoom/letterbox, not your TV's. Press the # key on your 8000 remote and it will rotate through the various stretch modes.

-barry

Goatweed,

I'm not that familiar with the 3100HD and its limitations but what I can tell you is that you don't need to change inputs on your TV to view SD vs. HD on the 8300. Both component and HDMI output 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i so assuming your TV can accept these resolutions over component or ideally HDMI you can use a single input on the TV for all of your viewing and recording. The 8300HD records both SD and HD channels in their orginal format. Note that on the 8300HD very few channels (only the few truly analog ones) are output and recorded in 480i - most SD is converted to 480p and HD is either 720p or 1080i depending on the channel. So I think you will find that the 8300 is far superior to the 3100 in terms of ease of use, PQ and of course the DVR capabilities.

Originally posted by EricScott
Goatweed,

I'm not that familiar with the 3100HD and its limitations but what I can tell you is that you don't need to change inputs on your TV to view SD vs. HD on the 8300. Both component and HDMI output 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i so assuming your TV can accept these resolutions over component or ideally HDMI you can use a single input on the TV for all of your viewing and recording. The 8300HD records both SD and HD channels in their orginal format. Note that on the 8300HD very few channels (only the few truly analog ones) are output and recorded in 480i - most SD is converted to 480p and HD is either 720p or 1080i depending on the channel. So I think you will find that the 8300 is far superior to the 3100 in terms of ease of use, PQ and of course the DVR capabilities.

well I can view SD programming thru the component cables, but my Sony TV is setup in such a way that, for example, the component input (Video 5 or 6) is set for HD only - so if I run SD through it I get the dreaded grey bars all around (not just left & right, since my TV is 4:3). PQ takes a severe hit, as does the overall size of the display, so it's better to just switch to Video 1 (the s-video feed) for non-HD, and Video 6 for he HD feed ( Video 5 is for my X-Box/PS2/Gamecube feed). I have no HDMI connection, the TV is roughly 4 years old - I have Component (2), S-video (3), and composite/coax (yuck).

Originally posted by John Mason
I've now switched to 1080i out only since the 8300HD does a fairly good job at upconversion.


John,
Can you quanitfy this performance in any way (or at least qualify this)? I'm wondering if setting a single resolution over HDMI into my scaler would resolve my HDCP handshake issues (which seem to be worst when changing channels (which often includes change of resolution, etc).

Also, for all - I was able to get a commitment from someone at TWC NYC that they were bringing the HDCP handshake issue to the attention of their engineers. I don't want to say how b/c I don't want the person innundated. However I'll keep you posted with what - if anything - I learn from here.

TM

Originally posted by kristcnj
Did I read correctly that TWC picked up YES HD? Can anyone confirm?

Yep. It's on Ch. 708 during gametime only. Looks great, too.

so they only turn it on when the yankees are playing?
I've been checking and been getting a blank screen on 708

Originally posted by anthonymoody
John,
Can you quanitfy this performance in any way (or at least qualify this)? I'm wondering if setting a single resolution over HDMI into my scaler would resolve my HDCP handshake issues (which seem to be worst when changing channels (which often includes change of resolution, etc).

Can only quantify all-8300HD-upconverted 1080i performance as far as maximum B&W horizontal rez output (1290 here) and virtually the same (1280) from a measurement listed by an ISFer earlier. Only using YPbPb here. A link (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=1605115#post1605115) on YPbPr color bandwidth versus S-video, which I used to use heavily for SD, provides typical comparison numbers. The 'richer' 1080i-8300HD-upconverted color does seem to have more color resolution than S-video, and my CRT RPTV does look better with 1080i resolution than with 480p. With my former SA3100HD, used for a while with my former 8000HD, 1080i upconverts from 480i appeared too fuzzy and washed out (reduced contrast). Hope someone, one of these days, will give us a HDNet resolution-wedge comparison between HDMI/DVI and YPbPr with hard numbers. -- John

That's some DAMN good news on YES. Make my entire cable bill worth it if they carry for the whole season...

Originally posted by timewaster
so they only turn it on when the yankees are playing?
I've been checking and been getting a blank screen on 708
The NY Times lists a game at 7pm this evening carried by YES. Not positive it'll be 1080i on 708.

Caught the 2nd game and found the fidelity fantastic, including true-1080i stadium blimp shots. Perhaps it's better than CBS's live 1080i, such as the Masters ending at 7pm for today, since, at least for NYC-originated YES delivery, there's presumably a shorter transmission path and less bouncing of signals up/down from satellites. -- John

Originally posted by Goatweed
well I can view SD programming thru the component cables, but my Sony TV is setup in such a way that, for example, the component input (Video 5 or 6) is set for HD only - so if I run SD through it I get the dreaded grey bars all around (not just left & right, since my TV is 4:3). PQ takes a severe hit, as does the overall size of the display, so it's better to just switch to Video 1 (the s-video feed) for non-HD, and Video 6 for he HD feed ( Video 5 is for my X-Box/PS2/Gamecube feed). I have no HDMI connection, the TV is roughly 4 years old - I have Component (2), S-video (3), and composite/coax (yuck).

Well the 8300 should work with your current setup then. It outputs S-Video (SD and HD, which is letterboxed w/ the annoying gray bars) at the same time as the other outputs (the 8000HD won't do this). Honestly, I'm not sure how 4:3 SD comes out over S-Video (whether it has bars or not), but I know that 16:9 HD is letterboxed.

Originally posted by EricScott
Honestly, I'm not sure how 4:3 SD comes out over S-Video (whether it has bars or not), but I know that 16:9 HD is letterboxed.

The aspect ratio settings on the 8300 would affect the “bars” appearance too.

Originally posted by margoba
With the 8000 (or 8300) you must use the 8000 functionality to stretch/zoom/letterbox, not your TV's. Press the # key on your 8000 remote and it will rotate through the various stretch modes.

-barry

Barry,

I've tried to do this, but it stays in the 4:3 mode. Do I need to set the box to output a different signal? I'm not sure how to do this....just got the box yesterday.

-Sky

You do need to set the box to the proper aspect ratio for your TV. Go to the setup menu, then press "A" for more options, then scroll to aspect ratio, and set it to properly describe whether your TV is 4:3 or 16:9. For my TV, I've selected "Widescreen (16:9), Sidebar 4:3 picture".

-barry

I have mine set the other way around - 4:3, Widescreen 16:9 and I have totally eliminated the gray bars.

The only time I'll see them is if the broadcaster sends it across as part of a 16:9 feed, i.e. CBS on Letterman.

On the 8300, the aspect ratio settings have no impact on the S-Video output for HD content. Can't comment on SD but I'd imagine the same thing holds. A month or so ago, I purchased a Sony DVD recorder which I hoped to use to back up 16:9 HD shows. The Sony only had an S-Video input and no matter how I set the aspect ratio/tv type setting on the 8300, I couldn't get it eliminate the gray bars. I only tried out HD content however.

Originally posted by EricScott
Well the 8300 should work with your current setup then. It outputs S-Video (SD and HD, which is letterboxed w/ the annoying gray bars) at the same time as the other outputs (the 8000HD won't do this). Honestly, I'm not sure how 4:3 SD comes out over S-Video (whether it has bars or not), but I know that 16:9 HD is letterboxed.

HD is currently letterboxed for me, and I expect it would be on the 8300 as well so thats not an issue - I really need to get a WS set one of these days, that's my next "venture".

This was posted by rkunces on the YES HD thread…

YESNetowkr.com

Time Warner Cable and YES Reach New Long-Term Carriage Renewal


YES Network’s High Definition Feed Now Available
To Time Warner Cable Customers

Stamford, CT and New York, NY, April 7, 2005 -- Time Warner Cable and YES Network (Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network, L.L.C.) Thursday announced the signing of a new long-term renewal. Time Warner Cable customers will continue to receive all New York Yankees and New Jersey Nets games available on the YES Network for the duration of the multi-year deal. The companies also agreed to add YES-HD, YES’ high definition feed, to Time Warner Cable’s high definition package.

The companies reached their agreement through one-on-one negotiations in time to deliver YES-HD for this year’s major league baseball season. All live home games of the Yankees and Nets will be carried in high definition on YES-HD, as well as Yankees match-ups with the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets. New York City area customers will find YES-HD on channel 708. Customers will receive YES-HD for no additional charge.

“We are pleased to provide our customers with guaranteed access to immensely popular sports programming,” said Barry Rosenblum, Time Warner Cable executive vice president. “The YES Network’s commitment to the New York sports fan is evident in the quality of their programming and in their new high def offering.”

“Time Warner Cable has again proven to be a fair and reasonable business partner,” said Ray Hopkins, YES Chief Operating Officer. “We are thrilled to provide Time Warner Cable customers with our state of the art high definition feed and to lock up our relationship for many years to come.”

In addition to the multi-year deal and high definition programming agreement, the companies settled various outstanding issues. No other terms of the agreement were made available.

I was wondering if TWC was going to make some kind of official announcement about YES-HD. Hopefully they've worked out all the kinks.

Originally posted by QMAN71
Hopefully they've worked out all the kinks.

Yes, like, getting the information in the programming guide for one.

Thanks John (Mason). I'll check it out and see how it looks - and if it solves the HDCP handshake problem.

TM

Originally posted by LL3HD
Yes, like, getting the information in the programming guide for one.
And maybe actually putting the game ON. Is anybody getting YES-HD right now?

No YES-HD here. Whereas before the announcement I had all 3 games in HD in Staten Island. Now it gives me that dialog about being a Subscriber service. No gray picture anymore, no HD broadcast. WTF?

Game's on 708 now (7: 26 pm) in S.Manhattan. -- John

Originally posted by John Mason
Game's on 708 now (7: 26 pm) in S.Manhattan. -- John
Still not on, Staten Island.

This is why its BS that they dont broadcast on that channel the whole day even if the other programming is not in HD. It would avoid glitches.

I would guess that they want to use that bandwith/channel for other things when it's not needed by YES.

I also guess that the reason for the glitches is that it's still a "work in progress". They haven't really started advertising it yet, and the guide doesn't even show it properly. This is obviously a decision they made very recently. I say give 'em a couple of weeks before griping too much. :-)

-barry

hey guys! With the unfortunate demise of Voom, i was forced to go with the monopoly knows as TWC. Anyway their HD lineup is very decent now, especially with yes hd, my question is what are the chances of TWC adding cinemax hd and starz hd, thats the only two channels i will really miss from VOOM.

Noticing TWC's/Comcast's joint bid for Adelphia, about $18 billion, in the paper recently I couldn't help but wonder if they can afford that why can't TWC devise a means of delivering just about every HDTV program source, including the 21 unique HDTV channels VOOM will now be marketing ( NY Times today (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/09/business/media/09cable.html)). Most of TWC's 860+ MHz bandwidth is still being hogged by analog channels that require 6 MHz each versus 8-10 SD channels, or 2+ Hd channels, per 6-MHz slot with MPEG-2 compression. MPEG-4--perfectly 'legal' via cable/DBS--could double that carriage. Don't think a full technology update (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3355113#post3355113) would cost anything like ~$9 billion.

Getting Cinemax and Starz! HD via RCN in addition to TWC, but don't see too many HD movies listed. There seems to be a change pending soon with RCN so I'll stick with them just a little while longer. -- John

Watching the Yankee game on 708 - looks great - sounds great: 5.1 feed, VERY agressive ambient crowd noise coming from the front L/R commentary front the center.

INHD2 showing Red Sox game, soundwise, MUCH less ambient crowd noise: picturewise, VERY differnt from YESHD, although I'm not quite sure which pic I like better.

Anyone else care to comment?

Masters broadcast on 702 is great. Almost every camera is HD and even the commercials (only 4 minutes worth every hour) are in widescreen. Pretty good 5.1 audio as well.

Very impressed so far.

My frustration with this company just never ends! I moved today from Manhattan to Queens and had a technician come to install a new box. When I called to make the appointment I specifically asked for the 8300 box. They said ok and they even put it on the work order (I saw it). But the technician only had the 8000 when he came. He said they just bring what they give him. He said it's a "great box" and was surprised that I had problems with it in the past. Whatever. Anyway, I called Time Warner and they basically said the same thing--they only have what is in the warehouse, and the 8000 is a great box. I asked if I could swap it out at a service center for the 8300 and they said there is no guarantee that I will get one. I asked if the plan was to eventually replace the 8000 with the 8300 and she said definitely no, and stuck by her theory that the 8000 was a great piece of equipment. Sigh...

Can anyone verify that they've successfully swapped an 8000 for an 8300 at the Queens service center?

I picked up a 8300HD about 3 three weeks ago at the Queens store.

I stopped by the SI Express center today, no 8300HD's...dammit.

Originally posted by kwokpot
INHD2 showing Red Sox game, soundwise, MUCH less ambient crowd noise: picturewise, VERY differnt from YESHD, although I'm not quite sure which pic I like better.

A while back someone posted that INHD basketball games were typically 720p converted to 1080i by INHD. I noticed the reduced resolution of a few basketball games compared to HDNet's all-1080i sports. Haven't seen INHD baseball yet.

YES seems exceptionally crisp 1080i and I speculated elsewhere it might be related, when local, to not getting images bounced to/from satellites, which sometimes diminishes signal quality. -- John

Originally posted by bofnyc
Anyway, I called Time Warner and they basically said the same thing--they only have what is in the warehouse, and the 8000 is a great box. I asked if I could swap it out at a service center for the 8300 and they said there is no guarantee that I will get one.
Suggest recording HDNet's 10-minute test pattern this Tuesday at 8 am, then use this technique (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4664241#post4664241) to measure your 8000HD's maximum horizontal output resolution. If it's ~890 lines, which I measured with my former 8000HD, that's 31% less than the 1290 lines I measured from my 8300HD-- about the same as an ISF tech reported here. 890 lines is 33% less than the 1335 lines RCN's DCT6208 converters deliver to my set. 890 lines is an unacceptably soft 1080i image, caused, apparently, by inadequate firmware output-chip drivers and the reduced memory in the 8000HD (unless SA and TWC have fixed this in recent months). 890 lines is also ~48% less horizontal resolution than the limiting resolution [~1700 lines] of the 1080i format! -- John

We're adding box to our household, so I figured I'll get a the 8300HD and move my current box to the other room. However the rep stated there is an additional $9 service charge per month on top of the monthly charge for the box. Anyone paying $20 a month? I think this rep doesn't know what they are taking about.

Thanks

Originally posted by DND
We're adding box to our household, so I figured I'll get a the 8300HD and move my current box to the other room. However the rep stated there is an additional $9 service charge per month on top of the monthly charge for the box. Anyone paying $20 a month? I think this rep doesn't know what they are taking about.

Thanks

There is an $8.95 surcharge for any DVR (SD or HD) on top of the basic charge for a converter. The surcharge is reduced a bit when a HD DVR is rented as part of the "Hdextra Combo Pack" (which includes the premium HD channels and costs $15.00).

*smacks head*

I figured the 8.95 was for the box itself, not an addition. I'll pass on it, don't think it's worth it. Anway, thanks for clearing things up Manatus.

The new Battlestar Gallactica is being rebroadcast in HD on Universal HD. I know I'll piss a lot of you off, but I'd gladly trade YESHD for Universal HD.

-barry

Originally posted by margoba
The new Battlestar Gallactica is being rebroadcast in HD on Universal HD. I know I'll piss a lot of you off, but I'd gladly trade YESHD for Universal HD.

Why should we have to do that? Instead let's trade a dozen or so channels that are currently carried as analog signals for digital counterparts. With the left over bandwidth, we could have YES-HD, Universal HD, ESPN2-HD, MSG-HD, FSNY-HD, WPIX-HD, and whatever others we want.

The problem is that the cable carriers don't want to stand up to the content providers about giving up their analog spectrum...
-JMP

I suspect that it's not so much not wanting to stand up to content providers as a combination of: laws (in the case of broadcast channels), old contracts with content providers, or not wanting to stand up to customers who like analog channels.

-barry

As I posted earlier, I moved to Queens this weekend and was unfortunately given an 8000 HD DVR box. So far, it has performed ok--the quality of the Masters broadcast today was as good as anything I've ever seen. However, I have had problems with drop outs every couple of minutes or so, sometimes as often as every 30 seconds. Nothing too serious--just slight pixelation or loss of audio or freezing of the screen which lasts 1-2 seconds.

My girlfriend, who had cable in this apartment in the past, said she used to have lots of problems with pixelation and freezing.

Would this problem that I'm currently experiencing be caused by the box or something else? Any ideas?

The 8000HD had tons of audio and video dropouts/pixellation issues. The 8300HD is much better in this department. You get an occasional stutter but that's about it; also if the audio drops out, it kind of go quiet briefly as opposed to the clipping sounds I used to get on the 8000HD. I would definitely trade in if I were you.

Don't actually ask for a swap. Since TW is apparently hard up for 8300's, a better strategy might be to just call them and complain about your droupouts. Let them send somebody out to check it out. Maybe they'll give you an 8300 after all, and if they don't, at least they'll fix the droupout problem.

-barry

Kwokpot and Eric Scott,

My take on the yankees is that they have to greatly refine the 5.1 mix. The crowd almost completely drowns out the commentary on my (otherwise well calibrated) set up. PQ is quite nice though. They've also gotten better re: dropouts.

On the Masters, while I enjoyed the golf (who knew it could actually be exciting?) I actually found the PQ rather lacking. I've seen better - including golf on CBS. They also need to do a better job on white balance. I know Sunday was a crisp, clear day at Augusta but it should have been better.

I did appreciate the # of HD/widescreen commercials though - saw many on TNT too during What Women Want. Some seemed native HD, some seemed (variably) stretched SD but still looked decent with upconversion.

TM

Don't actually ask for a swap. Since TW is apparently hard up for 8300's, a better strategy might be to just call them and complain about your droupouts. Let them send somebody out to check it out. Maybe they'll give you an 8300 after all, and if they don't, at least they'll fix the droupout problem.

I've heard of many situations where CS has set up tech appointments promising that the tech will bring an 8300 or 8300HD and the tech has shown up with an 8000 protesting that he has no record of the 8300 request and that he has none on his truck. Instead, GO to the Queens Mall location with 8000HD box in hand and request an 8300HD. They do receive shipments of the 8300's regularly, both there and at 23rd Street, and chances are that they will have one for you. In my continuous reading of this thread, this seems to be the most successful method. In the event that there is no 8300HD to be had, you haven't lost anything except your time going to the center (you likely won't even have to wait; just ask the CS reps at the counter if they have 8300HD's today; they'll tell you, as well as when they may expect more).

Jay Gould

The feedback I got from the technician was "we just get what they (the warehouse) give us". The feedback I got from the CSR on the phone was "they just give the technician what they have available in the warehouse". I don't know who is making the decisions as to inventory of each box. It did specifically say on the work order that I requested the 8300.

What I found most interesting was when I asked the CSR if the 8300 would eventually replace the 8000, which seems perfectly logical to me since it is a better box and there are clearly issues with the 8000. She said absolutely not! I wanted to ask why, because it makes no sense to me for them to distribute both, especially when one is so clearly superior to the other.

The reason is probably pretty simple. They have a whole boatload fo 8000's that they don't want to just throw away. And, there are plenty of subscribers that will be perfectly happy with an 8000. Don't forget that the folks you "meet" on this board are the most knowledgeable, most finicky, most complaining subscribers on the planet.

It's just a guess, but I think that over 90% of the 8000 users are probably quite happy.

-barry

FWIW last time I went into the 23rd St location they had 'plenty' of 8300HD's according to the CSR.

TM

Originally posted by margoba

It's just a guess, but I think that over 90% of the 8000 users are probably quite happy.

-barry


I'd guess that they're probably not quite happy, but quite complacent. Considering almost every one of us had massive hardware problems with the 8000, from audio drops to random lockups and full-on crashes, I'd assume the same would be true for the 90%. They're just lazy, and chalk it up to crappy equipment.

I guess I must be lucky. When I had two 8000HDs ( SD at first), I had no problems with random lockups (well, I had one in about a year of use) or full-on crashes. I did have some audio drops and pixelation for about two or three weeks when TW was apparently tweaking (?!) their system because everybody had these problems then. But that's it. For me the boxes worked perfectly. I upgraded to the 8300HD because of improved image quality and much better utilization of other ports.

I am happier with the 8300HD, but I was downright happy with the 8000.

-barry

After watching an IMAX feature on INHD I was initially happy with my 8000HD, too, But, as mentioned earlier here, I concluded later it was a 'mind trick'--self deception because I wanted my long-awaited 8000HD DVR to deliver good HD images. Seeing the poor maximum output resolution with HDNet's test pattern (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5459113#post5459113) brought home how poor the 8000HD's 1080i images are on this cable system (890 lines max). Image blurring can be hard to spot unless you have something for instant A-B comparison, or a resolution wedge or burst pattern. -- John

Question for those with the 8000HD. Sometimes if I have to go out I'll record a game and when I come home the game will still be going on so I goto List and Play the game and it goes right to the live action. This doesn't happen all the time. Its very frustrating and Ive already "ruined" 2 games. Is there any way around this? Is this a bug or am I doing something wrong?

Re: John Mason's post "After watching an IMAX feature on INHD I was initially happy with my 8000HD..........."


I don't think anybody is arguing with your statement that the 8300HD has better PQ than the 8000HD, I just don't think many "ordinary users" care about it. The folks on this board care about it, but they are a small (tiny?) percentage of TWNYC's customer base, and an even smaller part of the prospective customer base.

Of the dozen or so friends I've discussed this with, only one of them even cares about the difference between SD and HD, much less good HD vs. mediocre HD. I have two friends that have HD ready TV sets with cable, but neither one of them actually watches HD programming, because it's too complicated. Either of them would be thrilled with a working 8000 box. I think we get used to the rarefied atmosphere here in this group and forget that there are lots of folks out there who just want to watch TV.

-barry

Originally posted by margoba
Re: John Mason's post "After watching an IMAX feature on INHD I was initially happy with my 8000HD..........."


I don't think anybody is arguing with your statement that the 8300HD has better PQ than the 8000HD, I just don't think many "ordinary users" care about it. The folks on this board care about it, but they are a small (tiny?) percentage of TWNYC's customer base, and an even smaller part of the prospective customer base.

Of the dozen or so friends I've discussed this with, only one of them even cares about the difference between SD and HD, much less good HD vs. mediocre HD. I have two friends that have HD ready TV sets with cable, but neither one of them actually watches HD programming, because it's too complicated. Either of them would be thrilled with a working 8000 box. I think we get used to the rarefied atmosphere here in this group and forget that there are lots of folks out there who just want to watch TV.

-barry


This is the issue with HDTV taking so long to gain mass adoption. The sets are expensive, complicated, the tuner options are mind-boggeling, god forbid the average consumer buys a cablecard ready TV set and tries to figure that out. To top it all off, the cable operators are issuing boxes that don't offer the true capability of the HD quality. So people see a nice image of an IMAX film and say wow, but watch that same program on a box outputing full resolution, and there really is a perceivable difference.

The 8300 is a great box for PQ and feature set and even it's still buggy, with handshake issues over HDMI, my box randomly flips between stretch modes on non-hd channels, every time I turn it on I have to switch channels in order to clear the screen of the IPG image, etc... The 8000HD was a disaster on many levels and I cannot imagine that any end-user of that product would use it long before complaining. TWC was already forced to respond to major issues with th SD8000 after the NY Post/Times ran an article over the buggy features after a software upgrade. They have been much slower to respond to fixing issues with the HD boxes simply because there isn't enough noise.

I don't really have a point, other than that I'm glad my 8000HD is gone and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I commend TWC for rolling out the 8300HD but it has some issues too that I hope to see fixed soon.

Drew

On a seperate, non-HD, related thread, I'm thinking about making the switch to VOIP. Does anyone have either Vonage or TWC's new DigitalPhone product? I would be very interested in how things are going with QoS (quality of service) and dropped calls, latency, etc..... Vonage has a 14.99 a month plan for 500 minutes. I pay Verizon 80 bucks a month and I bet I don't even used 100 minutes. The blackout scared me into keeping the landline, but I think with an APC batter back up on my Cable Modem and IP phone/switch that it should work in the event of a blackout??? Anyone have any experience here that can help, or know of a better forum to ask these questions.

Drew

I thought that TWC's system was down as well, during the blackout. So an APC would not help. Anyone know if this was the case?

I use Verizon's VoiceWing product and am very happy. The switch is basically open in that you have the full range of call-waiting, call-forwarding, conference-calling, caller ID (no names just numbers but they say names are coming), voice mail etc. that you could get with a landline package, you can keep your landline number and you get unlimited (well, they'll start to talk to you if you use more than 5000 minutes of call time (it's residential service not business). There's no directory, so no extra charge if you want unlisted service. I've been on board since November and have nothing to complain about. I have a cellphone too and a GREAT feature is that a) the cellphone is listed as a backup in case there's an Internet failure (i.e. the Verizon system can't find your MAC address online when someone calls you) AND b) you can set up a feature called Simultaneous Ring that automatically calls up to five numbers (such as...your cellphone!) when someone rings your phone.

You'll notice a difference in sound quality, but it's not huge and perfectly adequate for conversational telephone. Since we're using it on a data network it's very doubtful you'll try to use it to send data.

The cost is a consistent $42 or so per month including NYS/NYC taxes, about half what I was paying Verizon for regular landline.

It's a little more expensive than Vonage and about the same, I think, as TW when you buy TW's service as part of a package. I hope this is helpful...

Jay Gould

Originally posted by drew138
On a seperate, non-HD, related thread, I'm thinking about making the switch to VOIP. Does anyone have either Vonage or TWC's new DigitalPhone product? I would be very interested in how things are going with QoS (quality of service) and dropped calls, latency, etc..... Vonage has a 14.99 a month plan for 500 minutes. I pay Verizon 80 bucks a month and I bet I don't even used 100 minutes. The blackout scared me into keeping the landline, but I think with an APC batter back up on my Cable Modem and IP phone/switch that it should work in the event of a blackout??? Anyone have any experience here that can help, or know of a better forum to ask these questions.

Drew

Drew:
I've been using the Vonage 500 min/$14.99 plan on TWCNYC since July 2004 and have been very satisfied with it. The service has been very dependable and the only minor problem I've encountered is that the VoIP interface box "hangs" occasionally and needs to be rebooted (power off/on). I canceled two land lines and replaced them with Vonage and haven't looked back. There are no charge options (Caller ID, VM, Call Forwarding, etc.) that makes the 500 min. plan a real bargain. The web inferface allows you to configure account settings on the fly and you can even listen to VM over the Net. There is a "system outage - call forwarding" feature that allows your calls to be forwarded to another telephone # in the event of a system outage. I have it forwarded to my GSM wireless #.

Hope this helps....JL

Today's Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/12/sports/baseball/12tv.html) reports that the combined ratings for MSG and FSNY are down 54 percent, while the Mets games on WPIX are showing a ratings increase of 1% over last year's.

With Cablevision losing ad revenue over this whole mess, at what point does it stop being a business decision and move on to a desire to be the spoiler for all things NY?
-JMP

Originally posted by drew138
On a seperate, non-HD, related thread, I'm thinking about making the switch to VOIP. Does anyone have either Vonage or TWC's new DigitalPhone product? I would be very interested in how things are going with QoS (quality of service) and dropped calls, latency, etc..... Vonage has a 14.99 a month plan for 500 minutes. I pay Verizon 80 bucks a month and I bet I don't even used 100 minutes. The blackout scared me into keeping the landline, but I think with an APC batter back up on my Cable Modem and IP phone/switch that it should work in the event of a blackout??? Anyone have any experience here that can help, or know of a better forum to ask these questions.

Drew I am using the TWCNY Digital phone service. The quality is good. I have no dropped calls so far. Going on 3 months of service.

I have the AT&T callvantage voip...and i have no complaints....it's cheap 20 bucks a month w/ taxes and everything....$25 for long distance. It's got a nice website utility, and does everything everyone else has described....plus, i got a radioshak phone that flashes a little red light when i have a message, and i have it forward message notifications to my cell's email.....time warner's VoIP is a rip off!

Every VOIP provider has deals for $20-30 except TWC! Their's is $40 !!

Originally posted by Spanky 21
Every VOIP provider has deals for $20-30 except TWC! Their's is $40 !!

Is there any technical reason to use TWC's Digital Phone, versus Vonage or other cheaper VoIP provider? Seems like Digital Phone is more expensive, yet has fewer features.

Please Twc add CinemaxHd and starz HD and i wont have a major heart attack when i look at my bill! Please!!!! ;-)

Originally posted by neo0285
Please Twc add CinemaxHd and starz HD and i wont have a major heart attack when i look at my bill! Please!!!! ;-) Here , here I am for that...

NEO0285,

I would like to second that request. Let us have more to show for our HD buck!

Is there any technical reason to use TWC's Digital Phone, versus Vonage or other cheaper VoIP provider? Seems like Digital Phone is more expensive, yet has fewer features.

I think that you've stated every reason NOT to use TW's service (although it's a little less when part of a package). Why reward them for their high prices and less than stellar customer service?

Jay Gould

Originally posted by ljaygould


I think that you've stated every reason NOT to use TW's service (although it's a little less when part of a package). Why reward them for their high prices and less than stellar customer service?

Jay Gould

There is a school of thought that TWC can better control QoS (quality of service) of digitalphone by prioritizing their voip packets over data traffic. A 3rd party like Vonage would look at a minimum like data traffic, and there have been reports of broadband providers actially stifiling Vonage packets, although not likely to ba a problem with TWC. I'm not sure the infrastrucure is robust enough to priortize voice packets.

I ordered Vonage and the package is on the way. I'm getting their linksys router, but really would rather have their PAP2 digital box. I may go out any pick it up. I'll use Vonage for a month or two and if all goes well, bye bye Verizon. Either way, TWC wins, at best they pick up a digitalphone subscriber, at worst, I cut my relationship with Verizon.

I'll report back once I get it all set up.

Thanks to everyone for thier input.

Drew

PS: Cinimax and Starz HD..... lets get it already TWC!!!!

Originally posted by drew138
I ordered Vonage and the package is on the way.

FWIW,

I was watching a news show recently. It was one of those “scare TV segments” regarding Vonage. The report was about a family in Texas that is suing Vonage. They had an emergency and dialed 911 and couldn’t get through. Apparently, you do not automatically have access to the 911 emergency system. Don’t really know much about these phone services but thought this could be of interest.

VOIP does not by default register your local address since it's not tied to a switch location like your landline. You have to actually establish your VOIP phone with e911 services. Vonage allows you to do this on their website. One of the interesting features is that you can take the vonage switch with you and use it when you are on the road on any broadband location. Ironically, if you are e911 registered in NYC and you travel to Omaha with the Vonage box and dial 911 with you box you will be connected to NYC e911.

Many people that sign up with Vonage are not aware of this feature and its issue. Its less of an issues with DigitalPhone and other services that don't allow you to take the VOIP box with you on the road. TWC just makes the assumption that your home address is where the VOIP box is located. Although I would be that the VOIP box would work on any TWC Broadband connection in any location.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming....

Drew

Originally posted by neo0285
Please Twc add CinemaxHd and starz HD and i wont have a major heart attack when i look at my bill! Please!!!! ;-)

...and why not TMC-HD while we're at it?

Not having MAX-HD really gets me, because isn't it OWNED by Time Warner? How could they not carry the HD version of one of their own flagship premium channels????

Not having MAX-HD really gets me, because isn't it OWNED by Time Warner? How could they not carry the HD version of one of their own flagship premium channels????

TW has recently announced that it is looking to spin off its cable division; obviously there is not a great deal of connectivity between the cable and content areas of this huge conglomerate such that TW cable's bandwidth needs apparently trump TW content's revenue needs. Go figure...

Jay Gould

For those who's like to see Eliot Spitzer intervene as he did with YES/Cablevision, go to http://www.**************.com/cable21/ for an online petition trying to get Spitzer to intervene.
-JMP

Aargh!!! Be careful if trying to record the Yankees on 708. I just hit record and didn't pay close enough attention to the onscreen warning. Because there is nothing in the program guide, I created a 24 hour recording - which in turn erased everythine on my hard drive that wasn't set to "Save until Manually Erased". Anybody know how to get these programs back?

But channels 400-412 are F'd up on my digital boxes, its the NBA league pass channels.

TWC 's response? "Unplug the box, we can send a technician out, its fine on our end."

WTF, so f'n annoying, i so miss Directv :(

Question re MSG and FSN in HD. It's looking less likely that we will get the SD channels back on the air this year, but if we do, in order to get them in HD does a seperate deal have to be worked out between TWC and CB, or is it simply a matter of TWC allocating bandwidth for the channels?

Originally posted by pveman
Aargh!!! Be careful if trying to record the Yankees on 708. I just hit record and didn't pay close enough attention to the onscreen warning. Because there is nothing in the program guide, I created a 24 hour recording - which in turn erased everythine on my hard drive that wasn't set to "Save until Manually Erased". Anybody know how to get these programs back?

Wow, that sucks! But it does sound like an interesting way to clear your DVR of all of its programs. I would suggest posting you question over in the HD Recorders thread. There is a whole thread to discussing the 8000/8300HD with Passport software. Those folks might have a better idea on your problem, but I would suspect that they are gone :(

Drew

Originally posted by vlad21
Hi, my roommate recently got a new hdtv and sony surround sound system, problem is all his stereo takes in is a fiber connection, and the box we have (the pioneer one) only has a digital coax out.

Is anyone using fiber? He has one of those newer stereos with the dvd bundled in, I looked around online and all of them (different brands) seem to have only a fiber in.

Is there a HD cable box with a fiber out? Is anyone else experiencing this?

Thanks alot, and while I'm not a New Yorker, I hope you all get your Yankees/Mets games. I know I'd be royally pissed!

is no one else having this problem? I would think alot of people would have these mid range/low end systems with the dvd bundled in. Really appreciate any help.

Originally posted by vlad21
is no one else having this problem? I would think alot of people would have these mid range/low end systems with the dvd bundled in. Really appreciate any help.

Both of the HD DVRs (the SA 8000HD and 8300HD) used nation-wide by TWC have both optical and coax audio outputs. Since each TWC franchise has its own mix of non-DVR HD boxes, there's no way to know what boxes are available in your area (wherever that is).

I have a Pioneer non DVR HD box, and I also have Tivo which I am quite happy with (and which rates a high Wife Acceptance Factor rating) although the inability to time-shift HD broadcast is starting to irritate me. So I have the great idea that rather than dump my existing functional solution, I will add an 8300 to the mix, and get the HD Value Pack or whatever they call the INHD, etc bundle with the 8300 for $15/mo on top of my monthly extortion.

So I just got off the phone with an oh-so-helpful TWCNYC Rep who informs me that:
a) I am unable to walk into the cable express location and request the box, I would need to bring a box to swap.

b) The addition of a box requires a service call which will cost $35

and the kicker

c) There is no guarantee which converter they will bring.

I have read page after page of postings regarding 8000s being delivered, although the 8300 has been requested, and don't want to deal with that. What the heck, I can't just pick the box up and plug it in myself.

Unbelievable.

I guess there isn't much point to this posting, I am just irritated, and wanted to share my pain.

Oh, the best part is after I grumbled that I guess that wouldn't be happening, the rep informed me that digital phone service is available in my area, and would I like to sign up. Sheesh.

-c.

Originally posted by craigz
I have a Pioneer non DVR HD box, and I also have Tivo which I am quite happy with (and which rates a high Wife Acceptance Factor rating) although the inability to time-shift HD broadcast is starting to irritate me. So I have the great idea that rather than dump my existing functional solution, I will add an 8300 to the mix, and get the HD Value Pack or whatever they call the INHD, etc bundle with the 8300 for $15/mo on top of my monthly extortion.

So I just got off the phone with an oh-so-helpful TWCNYC Rep who informs me that:
a) I am unable to walk into the cable express location and request the box, I would need to bring a box to swap.

b) The addition of a box requires a service call which will cost $35

and the kicker

c) There is no guarantee which converter they will bring.

I have read page after page of postings regarding 8000s being delivered, although the 8300 has been requested, and don't want to deal with that. What the heck, I can't just pick the box up and plug it in myself.

Unbelievable.

I guess there isn't much point to this posting, I am just irritated, and wanted to share my pain.

Oh, the best part is after I grumbled that I guess that wouldn't be happening, the rep informed me that digital phone service is available in my area, and would I like to sign up. Sheesh.

-c.

It may be a pain in the butt-but if they bring you an 8000, you will then have a box to bring in to them to exchange for an 8300. Seems pretty stupid to have to do it that way, but that's TWCNY!!

Craig,

That blows,
I’d call back, try another approach with another CSR. Tell them that you want to schedule a pick up at your TW place (23rd st.?) and pick up an HD DVR for your other HD TV.

Make sure you tell them that it’s for another HD TV. Since the hard drive is bigger on the HD DVR than the SD version, TW doesn’t want these boxes wasted with SD sets. This is why they want their rocket scientists to come to your home—to make sure.

Tell them that you can’t wait for their guy to install it. You want to get it now and also that you installed the other one with no problem.

Don’t get into the 8000 vs. 8300, deal with that issue at the place when you are picking it up. And at that time, make sure they absolutely give you the 8300 HD.

Good luck.

also, Craig, make sure to bring a copy of your cable bill and ID just in case.

CraigZ justifiably groused:

a) I am unable to walk into the cable express location and request the box, I would need to bring a box to swap. b) The addition of a box requires a service call which will cost $35 and the kicker c) There is no guarantee which converter they will bring.

To quote a beloved ex-President, "I feel your pain". The likelihood is GREAT that they will bring an 8000HD box to your home. What you need to do is document the fact that you WANT an 8300HD when you make the appointment, INSIST that they write it on the work order over their objection that they can't guarantee the 8300HD, and when they deliver the 8000HD (which you privately expect, having read other's experiences) you BRING the 8000HD to the 23rd St. office the next day and swap it for an 8300HD of which I understand they still have plenty.

The next step is to grouse, first in person and then again by phone (they're two different offices and the one won't know you tried the other first), to Customer Service that you requested the 8300HD specifically, you were delivered an 8000HD which you reluctantly accepted, you tested it and found that the horror stories about dropouts, lack of functionality of alternate outputs etc. were justified and you want a recission of the $35 charge. My bet is that if you fight (it may take a complaint to the City DoITT) you will not have to pay the $35. It's a good and justified fight.

You have to understand, though, why they put the requirement in place: the bar-code on the box you're returning proves your identity to the extent that it justifies their letting you walk out of their store with a $500-800 piece of equipment. A lot of people would rather part with $35 for a service visit than have a $1000 charge put on their credit card as security!! Anyway, I wish you luck.

Jay Gould
Previous TiVo User (and I miss it terribly...)
Previous 8000HD User
Current Proud & Happy 8300HD User

PS: I'd love to hear anyone else's opinion whether this approach will work...I think if you show enough "justifiable outrage" in your rants to CS when you return the 8000 or on a subsequent phone call they'll rescind the $35...heck, they cancelled an appointment on me once and gave me a whole MONTH for free!! (Yes, I know they're required to do that.)

Just read LL3D's reply and I don't think it'll work because of the liability issue in their giving a box to the customer without getting one back; also, they will be reluctant to have a customer do the splitting off and installing of a box without their splitters and cables, another reason they insist on visiting when you're adding service. Look at my approach though, even though it requires waiting for the d**n service call...

I guess Jay is right. If you already had an additional box wired in, that you were swapping out for the HD DVR, then, maybe my idea would work.
I like his idea, pay now-- they screw it up-- get credit later for the $35. Hey, get a month free, if they screwed up the service call- why not?

Taking a break from (my) whining…

Since I’m not shy about expressing my dissatisfactions with TW, it’s only fair for me to praise them when they are great.

Last night’s viewing….

DVR’ed CSI and WOT for future viewing.
Switched back and forth between the Yanks on YES HD and the Sixers / Heat game on TNT HD. Using the PIP button, with the buffers, watched all of the Yanks and most of the basketball game-- all in fantastic HD.

A blissful night of HD.

Even though the Yankees lost, it was great, Fenway in HD, can’t get much better. The last time I was this interested in baseball, in April, was when I was a kid, putting on cleats, dreaming of replacing Mantle at first base.

And now, basketball post season in HD!

YES HD, TNT HD, just think, I used to have Cablevision envy.
Sure, I still want Universal HD, Starz HD TMC HD, CMAX HD, and MSG HD—as CV offers—but I just thought I’d say thanks, for what we got.

:)

Just wanted to share that if you have a QAM tuner you can get YES HD on 93.3. Also - Discovery HD is on 87.1.

Using the 8300 there are quite a few hiccups that I don't get when tuned directly using the built-in QAM on the TV.

If anyone has any others, please share.

Anyone knows why the Yankees game last night was not on YES HD (708)? I tried several times but only got a blank screen. (Was it on another HD channel?)

In another forum, I read the opinion that they don't broadcast in HD from Baltimore. In fact, the author said that only games from Boston and Yankee stadium will be broadcast in HD.

Supposedly Yes will be broadcasting only 6 road games this year in HD. We just had 3 in boston, there's going to be 2 more in boston and 1 from shea.

Originally posted by margoba
In another forum, I read the opinion that they don't broadcast in HD from Baltimore. In fact, the author said that only games from Boston and Yankee stadium will be broadcast in HD.

Whether or not we get the games on YESHD in actual HD from Baltimore, I remember (if I am not mistaken) that one of the first games of the year on INHD was from Baltimore, in glorious HD, and I believe it had a Comcast ID.

i can get local analog channels from my apt's cable line w/o a box. can i get HD as well? someone told me that if the channels are unscrambled, then my tuner should pick it up...is that right?

Originally posted by sabt
i can get local analog channels from my apt's cable line w/o a box. can i get HD as well?
No, although TWC delivered HBO and CBS this way when HD began. I tuned them in with my RPTV's built-in HD 8VSB tuner. Now you need a converter or a QAM-type tuner--as opposed to over-the-air 8VSB tuners. -- John

John, i read that the Sanyo does have a QAM tuner. So i should be seeing HD if the signal is not scrambled???

Yes, sabt, that should work for unencrypted (a form of scrambling) channels. -- John

sorry to ask here when i'm sure it's been asked and answered before...but what is the storage capacity of the 8300HD in gb's and hours?

also, any word on TWC adding an HD HBO on demand? seems like a logical addition considering most of their original series are shot and broadcast in HD.

I tune in today's Mets game on WPIX. At the opening of the game, the announcers say that the game is being broadcast in HDTV, and that anyone who can't receive WPIX in HD should "call your cable company and ask, no demand that you get WPIX in HD."

I figured why not and called TW to ask for it again, figuring it's worth doing at least 2-3 times per Mets season.

So I get a rep on the phone who insists that I should be able to receive the HD signal just by tuning my cable box to channel 11. When I questioned why this doesn't work for any other channel, he insisted it should work. He even had me reboot when I told him it didn't work. I asked if he would personally guarantee that I can get WPIX-HD over TWC. He said that he'd spoken to his supervisor, and that both he and his supervisor were sure this would work. After I went through the motions of rebooting the box and explained to him that WPIX was still in SD, he wanted to schedule a service call to fix the problem, since I should be getting the channel in HD.

I wasn't going to get a service call for something I knew shouldn't really be working, so I asked to speak to a supervisor. Interestingly, he didn't put me through to the supervisor who'd sworn that I should be getting WPIX in HD, but a different one, who tried to convince me of the same thing. So I naturally asked why this doesn't work with WNBC, ESPN-2, and a host of other channels. She said it should, at which point I called her bluff and asked for an explaination of how to get my cable box to feed my tv the HD version of the Mets game.

She put me on hold while she went to speak to the tech folks.

After another 20 minutes of hold music coming out of my speakerphone while I watched the Mets game, she came back on the line and appologized for having given misinformation.

I've dealt with lots of extremely big companies, some bigger than TW (that is, all of TW, not just TWC). I've never seen a company that was as inept as TW at getting accurate everyday information to their front-line CSRs. I would imagine that this costs them millions of dollars a year, since CSRs spent hours troubleshooting system issues that the higher level tech people have already identified and been working on, let alone the number of needless service calls that must be scheduled.

Of course, as long as they make it so easy, I'm happy to waste their money...
-JMP

Originally posted by broadwayblue
sorry to ask here when i'm sure it's been asked and answered before...but what is the storage capacity of the 8300HD in gb's and hours?

also, any word on TWC adding an HD HBO on demand? seems like a logical addition considering most of their original series are shot and broadcast in HD.

according to the TWC North Carolina website they offer an HD on-demand ch. down there so maybe the foot-draggers here will offer it one day soon.

jim

What a story. I'm laughing right now, but it's actually really sad that TWC is so clueless.

I doubt that WB-HD will be added anytime soon. Maybe for the fall when new TV series come back.

Hopefully UPN-HD can get up and running in time for the fall as well.

Has anyone actually been happy with the performance of the 8000 HD DVR? I started out with one a few months ago and it was a nightmare. I swapped it for an 8300 which was great, but I recently moved to Queens and was given an 8000 by the tech who hooked me up. So far, in just over a week of use, it has performed well. No freeze ups or re-boots necessary and the box is really pretty responsive. I really miss the search feature on the 8300 but other than that I haven't been compelled to try and swap the 8000 for the 8300.

Admittedly, it's just a week and I sort of expect that problems will develop. But I'm curious to hear if others have been able to live with the 8000?

Well, I was certainly able to live with the 8000. It was usable and essentially performed its functions ok. But I am very pleased I switched to the 8300, due to the better picture, faster menus, better HD/SD switching, less hiccups, etc. But I could have lived with the 8000, albeit with more frustrations.

I was very happy with my two 8000HDs. I was constantly puzzled at how much trouble so many others were having. In about 9 months I had them, I only had one crash/reboot, and I didn't lose any recordings or schedules.

My guess was that many of the problems were heat related. It just so happened that both my units were sitting out on top of a table/stand, and they had a free flow of air around them. Maybe that helped. On the other hand, maybe I just got lucky and got two 'good uns'.

-barry

Since the mets games have not been shown on TWCNYC, and I have no alternative options in my building, I have been forced to watch your Yankee team. I realized while watching the game opening day that you are the only one who can solve this dispute and get the Mets games back on TWC. I know you are a man who is willing to do anything to see you team win, so I put a voodoo hex on the Yankees. I am sorry this has gone on so long, but I wanted to make sure you realized I was serious. Please call your pals over at cablevision and TWC and tell them to make a deal, I will will lift the hex and your Yankees will win the division.

Thanks in advance,

Met Fan.

Win the division?
I'll take just winning a single game right about now! :D

At this rate, I'll settle for a close game.

That was CLASSIC, jmp_nyc!!!!!
:D :D :D

Yeah, I've done the same thing to them once or twice.
That's en-ter-tain-ment!!!

TWC and Cablevision can both go to HELL!!! They deserve each other.

If you are affected by the Time Warner-Cablevision dispute, take the time to sign this petition urging NYS Attorney General Eliot Spitzer to get involved and negotiate a settlement.

(It looks like I'm not allowed to post links, so you'll just have to google "Time Warner Cablevision Online Petition")

I know most of you have reservations about the effectiveness of these petitions, but in this case, the AG's office has acknowledged it is aware of the petition. Let's keep the pressure on them.

If you want to take it one step further, write the AG himself and tell him your sick of these cable companies:

(Again, I'm not allowed to post links, but you can find his address on the NYS AG website)

If you're not affected by it, or you're not a baseball fan, sign it anyway as a way of sticking to Time Warner. They have the nerve to charge extra for ESPN HD even though we're missing more than 100 Mets games. Give them what they deserve.

Thanks for the help guys.