Gotcha.

I can’t help you with the HDMI dilemma. I do have both of these boxes, the pio and the 8300, but due to my displays capabilities—I’m component.

Firespinner/Matthew,
There were some posts many pages ago where people were saying that the TWC techs were showing up with 3 or more cards since so many are bad...some wouldn't work (outright) and some had hiccups. If that's the case then it sure sounds like it's worth trying another card Matther.

TM

i don't doubt what you say but personnaly i dont' think i've ever seen more then one working card at the office... one tech having 3 would be a minor miracle. i'm gonna try swapping this one out later this week... i've got my channel info back but i had to refresh the card again today to see any of the standard or premium channels.

Matt

drew138,

I agree with you that it will most likely work. However, I have tried twice to get an appointment to install the CableCard. The representative insists that it will not work. She says someone else tried this about a week ago and it didn't work. She also said that some Sony CableCard TV's also don't work. This applies to all of NYC TWC. She said she would discuss it with management and call me back. No call yet! Think I will get a call???

I am about to give up and get an 8300HD. The big question is are these available yet on Staten Island. No one has confirmed this yet.

Cynthia


I wasn't aware that they asked what type of device you were installing the cablecard into. I would just tell them you have a Samsung TV with Cablecard to get them to roll a truck to you apartment. In other words, lie. This is assuming you have the Sony and can test it when it is delivered.

Let us know what happens.

drew138,

The representative asked what model of TV set I was installing. I was afraid that if I lied, then when they got here (not till at least June 14th she said) that if it really didn't work I would have wasted a lot of time and the time in which to return the DVR and receive a refund would be drawing short. Since the built-in Gemstar TV guide has completely failed to load, even if the CableCard did work, the DVR would be useless!

I have decided to return the DVR to Sony and have ordered an 8300HD. It will arrive Thursday afternoon and I bet it will be an 8000HD. I still don't know if 8300HDs are available on Staten Island. I will really miss the 60 hour capacity of the Sony.

Maybe sometime in the future this Sony DVR or some other new DVR will become a good deal, hopefully at a much lower price.

Cynthia

Anyone know if the SA 8300HD is available at the Queens Center Mall location (or the Atlantic Ave. spot)? I went to Queens Mall last week, and got stuck with a Pioneer box.

It sucks that you can't call these places to see what they have in stock? Anyone picked up a 8300HD in Queens recently?

Take the subway into Manhattan and go to the 23rd St. location. I picked one up there a week ago. I specifically asked for it and the guy totally got why I wanted it... and when I asked if I had them in stock he said "ooooh, yeah." I got the impression that a lot of people specifically asked for this model and that they had quite a few of them in at that location.

I love my 8300HD - really works well, great PQ, although colors seem a bit different than OTA (a bit more towards yellow).

Take the subway into Manhattan and go to the 23rd St. location. I picked one up there a week ago. I specifically asked for it and the guy totally got why I wanted it... and when I asked if I had them in stock he said "ooooh, yeah." I got the impression that a lot of people specifically asked for this model and that they had quite a few of them in at that location.

I love my 8300HD - really works well, great PQ, although colors seem a bit different than OTA (a bit more towards yellow).

Hmmm...had I known that, I would have brought my cable box into work with me (I work in Manhattan). I guess I'll do that tomorrow. Knowing my luck, they'll be all out...but it's worth a shot. I haven't been too happy with the Pioneer. It seems to perform considerably worse than my very old SA box, before I made the HD plunge. It's frozen on me a few times, things look grainy and washed out, even though my TV settings are the same...this is a non-HDTV, by the way, as I'm still waiting on my HDTV delivery.

Thanks for the heads up, though.

Hmmm...had I known that, I would have brought my cable box into work with me (I work in Manhattan). I guess I'll do that tomorrow. Knowing my luck, they'll be all out...but it's worth a shot. I haven't been too happy with the Pioneer. It seems to perform considerably worse than my very old SA box, before I made the HD plunge. It's frozen on me a few times, things look grainy and washed out, even though my TV settings are the same...this is a non-HDTV, by the way, as I'm still waiting on my HDTV delivery.


Just be aware that when I called them originally, they told me I would need to show proof of HDTV ownership to get this box. I brought my manual with me just in case but the guy did not ask for it. I don't know if they generally do or not, but supposedly it is their policy, so you may get unlucky if you try again.

If you've already ordered your HDTV, though (you say you're waiting on delivery), then I'm guessing you have a receipt or order form and you should be able to use that if you need it. Bring it with you just in case.

I have a feeling they will still have the 8300HD at 23rd St., as it's their main NYC location. (And in their new space, they've got it set up as something of an HDTV showcase.)

Just be aware that when I called them originally, they told me I would need to show proof of HDTV ownership to get this box. I brought my manual with me just in case but the guy did not ask for it. I don't know if they generally do or not, but supposedly it is their policy, so you may get unlucky if you try again.

If you've already ordered your HDTV, though (you say you're waiting on delivery), then I'm guessing you have a receipt or order form and you should be able to use that if you need it. Bring it with you just in case.

I have a feeling they will still have the 8300HD at 23rd St., as it's their main NYC location. (And in their new space, they've got it set up as something of an HDTV showcase.)

You called them? When I asked Time Warner for the number, they wouldn't give it to me for any of their locations...what's the number for the 23rd street location? How bout the Queens Mall one?

I can print out an order form for my HDTV...or have them pull it up on their systems.

Hmmm...had I known that, I would have brought my cable box into work with me (I work in Manhattan). I guess I'll do that tomorrow. Knowing my luck, they'll be all out...but it's worth a shot. I haven't been too happy with the Pioneer. It seems to perform considerably worse than my very old SA box, before I made the HD plunge. It's frozen on me a few times, things look grainy and washed out, even though my TV settings are the same...this is a non-HDTV, by the way, as I'm still waiting on my HDTV delivery.

Thanks for the heads up, though.

i'll say this again.. if you live in queens or brooklyn DO NOT swap your box at the manhatten office.. you will just be making a service call a week later

the only service center in queens now is the Queens Center mall one.. pretty nice actually. i'm not sure if brooklyn has their own but i dont' think it does.

i tell everyone who'se house i go to to go to the service office in their bourough and ask for an 8300.. i wish i could drop all the 8000's off of a bridge

Matt

i'll say this again.. if you live in queens or brooklyn DO NOT swap your box at the manhatten office.. you will just be making a service call a week later
Actually, the last two boxes I've gotten (8000HD and 8300HD) have been from the 23rd Street center (Manhattan)... and I live in Brooklyn (Heights). I did have to call the service number to get the box active, but the person on the phone has been able to get the box working immediately.

-Terry

you can take the chance if you want but i wouldn't recommend it. i get a calls all the time from people who swapped their boxes in manhatten and they coudlnt' get the boxes to work right. its not something that can be fixed through the computer. you may have gotten lucky and actually recieved a queens box but that is not what usually happens over there.

Matt

8300HDs are available on Staten Island. Today I stopped in the TWC store on Richmond Ave. The clerk said that 8000HDs have been pulled (I am not sure exactly what that means) and that only 8300HDs are being installed. In addition she has a number of 8300HDs in the store for swapping. I am optimistic that I will have an 8300HD tomorrow afternoon when the service guy arrives.

Cynthia

pretty sure you dont' want to try those staten island boxes anywhere but SI... 8000's have not been pulled.. i installed one today.

Matt

Well the Cable Guy arrived about 10 minutes before my time slot with an 8300HD in hand! He installed it quickly and efficiently and it works great. I recorded a couple of movies and one simultaneously with CSI (a rerun).

MatthewR,

I wasn't suggesting that cable users from other boroughs come here to get a box. Several of us from Staten Island have been waiting for the 8300HD to be deployed here. Well, now they are.

Cynthia

that's good news - maybe I'll try & snag one this weekend. Just to confirm, all the video outputs (at least s-vid & component) are working at the same time, correct?

I might keep my 3250 and put it on the tv in my computer den (instead of swapping it).

Goatweed,

As far as I know the component, s-video and composite outputs are all active at the same time. If you use HDMI, however, that changes things.

Cynthia

Channel 720-HD PPV has magically appeared. When is that Tyson fight? (Not for me, but another HD offering is always welcome!)

Yesterday I noticed something weird on my 8300HD. I was watching TV (Seinfeld on 705 I think) and I noticed that the picture had a fairly noticeable veritcal stuttering. When I opened the IPG, it was very noticeable. I immediately thought it was my Samsung DLP and got pretty nervous. I decided to try a watching a DVD (through the HDMI input) and didn't notice any stuttering so that made me feel better. I thought it could still be the DVI input on the TV, which is how my 8300 is connected (through an HDMI/DVI cable). So I turned off the 8300 for a few minutes, unplugged the HDMI cable from the back, replugged and turned it back on and everything appeared ok.

However, I started watching Shawshank Remdeption on Sho HD, which I recorded from a week or so ago and when the credits come on in the beginning (white text on a black screen), I see some shimmering.

Wondering if having an issue with the cable box would have affected recorded programs or if this truly is a problem with my display?

Back to the real topic :) When are we getting more HD? When are we getting WPIX Mets games and will we get MSG and FSN?

...and CMAX, STARZ, TMC...HD

In Demand HD PPV???
I don’t need no stinkin’ pay per view.

Channel 720-HD PPV has magically appeared. When is that Tyson fight? (Not for me, but another HD offering is always welcome!)

..and what are they offering thus far? (too curious to wait until I get home in 5 hours or so to find out.... ;-) )

Scott

..and what are they offering thus far?

Scott\

It’s just another way of squeezing more money out of our wallets.

\

It’s just another way of squeezing more money out of our wallets.

...or (if you look at the glass 1/2 full) another way to get HD Movies into our homes, which is not a bad thing until HD/Blu-Ray DVD players & software come along. If it's a good movie that's not yet available on cable it might be worth a few bucks out of my pocket.

Yes, I want Cinemax-HD, TMC-HD, Universal-HD, Starz!-HD, etc. too, but I'll take a PPV-HD movie channel if they put good stuff on there.

ANY new HD content on TWC-NYC is a GOOD thing and not something to complain about.

Scott

...or (if you look at the glass 1/2 full) another way to get HD Movies into our homes, which is not a bad thing until HD/Blu-Ray DVD players & software come along. If it's a good movie that's not yet available on cable it might be worth a few bucks out of my pocket.

Yes, I want Cinemax-HD, TMC-HD, Universal-HD, Starz!-HD, etc. too, but I'll take a PPV-HD movie channel if they put good stuff on there.

ANY new HD content on TWC-NYC is a GOOD thing and not something to complain about.

Scott

I’d rather see new available bandwidth get filled with “free” channels first, such as PIX, UPN. I’d then like to see the other premium channels in HD. Channels like CMAX, etc., that most of us are already paying for in the various packages – before I have to shell out more money for PPV.

I understand the broad stroke logic that any new HD programming is a good thing. Been there, said that.

I just feel that the priorities are in the wrong direction-- right direction for TW stock holders but not the best for TW consumers.

I’d rather see new available bandwidth get filled with “free” channels first, such as PIX, UPN. I’d then like to see the other premium channels in HD. Channels like CMAX, etc., that most of us are already paying for in the various packages – before I have to shell out more money for PPV.

...which is why, in protest, I cancelled all of my premiums that TWC doesn't offer HD versions of. :-) I made sure to tell the CSR why I was cancelling them (when I went HD I cancelled TMC & Starz!, saving me $10+/mo, which nearly pays for the HDXtra package), but I don't have much hope that my reason for cancelling was reported to his superior or anything.

How can anyone watch SD pan-and-scanned movies once you've got HD????

...which is why, in protest, I cancelled all of my premiums that TWC doesn't offer HD versions of. :-) I made sure to tell the CSR why I was cancelling them (when I went HD I cancelled TMC & Starz!, saving me $10+/mo, which nearly pays for the HDXtra package), but I don't have much hope that my reason for cancelling was reported to his superior or anything.

How can anyone watch SD pan-and-scanned movies once you've got HD????

i'd like to tell you that made a difference but it didn't... the customer service promptly got off the phone and told the person next to them they just talked to a crazy person. there's too little real competition around for time warner to care anymore. They are mostley interested in their VoIP rollout, and the online services.

Matt

HD-PPV is on chan. 720 and the Tyson fight is on the program guide for 9:00pm Sat.

i'll say this again.. if you live in queens or brooklyn DO NOT swap your box at the manhatten office.. you will just be making a service call a week later


For what? The only call I had to make was to activate my box once I got it home. It took literally 45 seconds. And most of that was me testing channels to make sure they worked after the CSR sent the signal.

HD-PPV is on chan. 720 and the Tyson fight is on the program guide for 9:00pm Sat.

Anybody watch the fight last night? I'm just curious as to how the quality (dropouts, pixelization, sound, general picture, etc.) was.

IF I want a non-DVR HDTV box, what are my options? The lady at Time Warner at the Queens Mall made it sound like the Pioneer box I currently have is my only option. I asked if I could have the 8300HD DVR box and not subscribe to DVR and she said no. So, what's the deal? I know TWC has an SA 8000HD but from what I read, I'm better off the the Pioneer.

I really want to get rid of this box. HD looks phenomenal, but SD looks awful (for the most part)...from what I've read, the 8300 will help things a bit.

IF I want a non-DVR HDTV box, what are my options? The lady at Time Warner at the Queens Mall made it sound like the Pioneer box I currently have is my only option. I asked if I could have the 8300HD DVR box and not subscribe to DVR and she said no. So, what's the deal? I know TWC has an SA 8000HD but from what I read, I'm better off the the Pioneer.

I really want to get rid of this box. HD looks phenomenal, but SD looks awful (for the most part)...from what I've read, the 8300 will help things a bit.

SD PQ is a variable that probably is determined at least as much by the user's display (and how it's connected and configured) as it is by the STB. The SA 8000HD, incidentally, like the 8300HD, IS a DVR. The only currently-available TWCNYC non-DVR HD box other than the Pioneer that I'm aware of is the SA3250HD (someone please correct me if I'm misremembering the model #).

there's also an SA2100HD and SA3100HD but you dont' want either one of those.

Matt

So I can't use a DVR box without subscribing to the DVR service?

nope.. they won't even bring the box over. its not really a service as much as it is a function of the box. there's no way to turn it off

Ugh, that sucks! The quality on this Pioneer box really blows. I saw it immediately when I started using it on my old non-HDTV.

Goatweed,

As far as I know the component, s-video and composite outputs are all active at the same time. If you use HDMI, however, that changes things.

Cynthia

just as it should be - thanks for the confirmation!

now I need to make time to get to the express cable center - heh.

IF I want a non-DVR HDTV box, what are my options? The lady at Time Warner at the Queens Mall made it sound like the Pioneer box I currently have is my only option.

See, this is why you go to Manhattan :)

Manhattan is where their HQ is (literally across the street from the customer service location), so they probably keep the most stock there.

I still don't really understand what the problem might be with Manhattan boxes used in Queens but I have had no problems at all. And it's not like the guy didn't know - when he pulled my account up he said "oh, you live in Queens?" and then he promptly went off and got me a box. I really don't think there's any real difference there. It's all TWCNYC.

It sounds like the Queens location just has fewer models in stock. I'm sure if you go to Manhattan and ask for a 3250 or an 8300 that you will be able to get one.

Do what I did and just call the main customer service number first. The two times I called asking about a box, they did something to my account. I don't know what - maybe nothing that they can't do if you just go to the store - but they made a point of doing it both times (saying something like "before you go, let me just add this to your account"). I specifically asked for an 8300 when I called and I specifically asked for an 8300 when I went in and by God I got an 8300. I'm sure if you want a 3250 you can do the same thing. The 3250 is supposedly the "preferred" box now if you want HD with no DVR.

You can probably also just call them and ask them to come out with a new box and take away your old one. I don't know if they charge you for this, though.

Do any of the non-dvr HD boxes offered by TWCNYC offer a HDMI output? I'm doing an installation of an lcd on a non-studded wall in my bedroom and being able to run 2 HDMI cables vs. 2 sets of component/audio cables would be a big plus. I know the 8300HD has an HD out (I have one), but I'm having difficulties getting any output info on the Pioneer HD box currently being offered. From what I can tell from the SA website the 3250 only has dvi output.

Do any of the non-dvr HD boxes offered by TWCNYC offer a HDMI output?

No. The Pioneer box has component and dvi outputs.

No. The Pioneer box has component and dvi outputs.

Thanks.

See, this is why you go to Manhattan :)

Manhattan is where their HQ is (literally across the street from the customer service location), so they probably keep the most stock there.

I still don't really understand what the problem might be with Manhattan boxes used in Queens but I have had no problems at all. And it's not like the guy didn't know - when he pulled my account up he said "oh, you live in Queens?" and then he promptly went off and got me a box. I really don't think there's any real difference there. It's all TWCNYC.

It sounds like the Queens location just has fewer models in stock. I'm sure if you go to Manhattan and ask for a 3250 or an 8300 that you will be able to get one.

Do what I did and just call the main customer service number first. The two times I called asking about a box, they did something to my account. I don't know what - maybe nothing that they can't do if you just go to the store - but they made a point of doing it both times (saying something like "before you go, let me just add this to your account"). I specifically asked for an 8300 when I called and I specifically asked for an 8300 when I went in and by God I got an 8300. I'm sure if you want a 3250 you can do the same thing. The 3250 is supposedly the "preferred" box now if you want HD with no DVR.

You can probably also just call them and ask them to come out with a new box and take away your old one. I don't know if they charge you for this, though.

the problem is that its NOT all TWCNYC... the boxes map the channels differently. you got lucky that the guy noticed you live in queens. many of the CS reps say that its the same box and then it won't work after a week in queens. its good that you got a working box but not everyone that goes to manhatten is so lucky. i pull a couple of boxes a week that people say they got from manhatten because customer service said it was all the same. a dead give away is a green sticker on the bottom of the box. But dont' take my word for it.. i just work for the company.

on my off days i usually go to the mall to pick up boxes that i'm swapping for myself and i always pretty much get the one i ask for. they can run out of boxes in manhatten just as well as in queens.

if you call customer service and tell them you want a new box they will tell you "sure.. will bring you that box" and then the tech that comes to the door has exactly what was boxed for him in the warehouse.. exactly the same thing that everyone else gets. these days chances are it will be an 8000 DVR... especially the HD dvrs.. i've seen 1 8300 box on my truck in the past week. they do not make special deliveries of certain types of boxes just because you ask for it. If the tech see's the notes on the call on his machine and happens to have that box in his truck i'm sure he will try to help you out, but if not then you get what you get. the only way to be fairly sure you are goin got get a newer box is to go to the service center.


Matt

Do any of the non-dvr HD boxes offered by TWCNYC offer a HDMI output? I'm doing an installation of an lcd on a non-studded wall in my bedroom and being able to run 2 HDMI cables vs. 2 sets of component/audio cables would be a big plus. I know the 8300HD has an HD out (I have one), but I'm having difficulties getting any output info on the Pioneer HD box currently being offered. From what I can tell from the SA website the 3250 only has dvi output.

none of the queens boxes have HDMI except for the 8300 DVR.. not sure about manhatten. you might not want HDMI though because if you plug the HDMI port into most tv's it switches your digital out ports to stereo sound.

Matt

just as it should be - thanks for the confirmation!

now I need to make time to get to the express cable center - heh.
Good news...
I just came back from the Richmond Ave. service center on SI and swapped my 8000HD for an 8300HD so they are readily available now.

none of the queens boxes have HDMI except for the 8300 DVR.. not sure about manhatten. you might not want HDMI though because if you plug the HDMI port into most tv's it switches your digital out ports to stereo sound.

Matt

It wouldn't matter since I'm just going to be using the television's stereo speakers for this install anyway. I've got my surround system in my living room. The hdmi would have been nice because it's just one cable and since my install is on a non-stud wall, we've had to carve a fairly narrow channel in for the cables. Two runs of component video plus audio is pretty thick for what space I have available. I guess I'll stick one run of component plus one hdmi in, then seal it up. If I ever get around to adding a dvd player in there, I'll just make sure it has hdmi out. Thanks.

the problem is that its NOT all TWCNYC... the boxes map the channels differently.

Well yeah, but this is just software. As I understand it, the box loads this info when you first connect it to the cable. It's not like Queens and Manhattan boxes have different ROM chips. I mean HBO is gonna get decrypted the same whether you live in Queens or Manhattan; maybe the channel assignment is different, but that's literally two bits that have gotta be set in software.

So what you're saying is at the Manhattan service center they've got a stack of boxes for Manhattan residents and another stack of boxes for Queens residents? That doesn't seem right. The guy there did absolutely nothing to my box; he just picked one off the same stack they were picking them off for everybody else. He never even plugged mine in.

I have always gotten my boxes from Manhattan; this is not the first one. When I moved from Manhattan to Queens, I also took my old Manhattan box and just plugged it in in Queens and it worked fine. (TWC specifically told me I could do this.) I realize you work for the company but I don't really know in what capacity; what I do know is my own experience in setting up Manhattan boxes in Queens, and the complete lack of issues I've had in doing so.

Maybe there are different areas of Queens that are still on a different technical system? I don't know, but it sure seems like the area I'm in uses the same hardware as Manhattan.

I definitely have done my share of TWCNYC bashing in the past so I think it's fair that I give credit where credit is due when things actually go right.

Had my reinstall appt. today - I moved apartments yesterday, took my 8300HD, 3250HD and cable modem with me and had a tech come to install them today. My new apartment had absolutely no wire running through it (I think they recently redid the moldings and pulled it all out). There was a wire running in the hallway of my building but that's it. I was concerned that the tech would show up, run wire all over the apartment and that things would look terrible. I basically need two connections in the bedroom and another two in the living room.

Anyway, tech shows up right on time (10am in the 8am-12pm time block) and was very friendly and knowledgable. I explained where I thought I wanted the wires to run to minimize clutter but he came up with a better idea that involved drilling more holes but looked much cleaner. He got right to work, took out this monster drill and just started going. In about 45 minutes everything was done, cable was neatly tacked wherever it was visible, which is basically a small portion of my bedroom wall and no part of my living room. Splitters were neatly placed and he left me slack on all of the cables so that I could rearrange everything.

Overall a very pleasant experience and a very clean looking installation.

See, this is why you go to Manhattan :)

Manhattan is where their HQ is (literally across the street from the customer service location), so they probably keep the most stock there.

I still don't really understand what the problem might be with Manhattan boxes used in Queens but I have had no problems at all. And it's not like the guy didn't know - when he pulled my account up he said "oh, you live in Queens?" and then he promptly went off and got me a box. I really don't think there's any real difference there. It's all TWCNYC.

It sounds like the Queens location just has fewer models in stock. I'm sure if you go to Manhattan and ask for a 3250 or an 8300 that you will be able to get one.

Do what I did and just call the main customer service number first. The two times I called asking about a box, they did something to my account. I don't know what - maybe nothing that they can't do if you just go to the store - but they made a point of doing it both times (saying something like "before you go, let me just add this to your account"). I specifically asked for an 8300 when I called and I specifically asked for an 8300 when I went in and by God I got an 8300. I'm sure if you want a 3250 you can do the same thing. The 3250 is supposedly the "preferred" box now if you want HD with no DVR.

You can probably also just call them and ask them to come out with a new box and take away your old one. I don't know if they charge you for this, though.

I believe they do charge you for onsite box replacement...which is why I've been taking the trips and trying to swap out my box.

So let me get this straight; there's no such thing as a non-DVR SA 8300, correct? It's not just a Queens/Manhattan thing, is it? Also, if I want a non-DVR unit with HDMI, I'm out of luck as well?

The HDMI would be nice 'cause it would free up a component connection. Right now I'm swapping component in and out, since I don't want to buy a switcher or an adapter (I've got an HDMI cable).

The Pioneer box I've got now just looks terrible with SD channels. It looked terrible before I got my HDTV so I know it's not all due to the all SD being crappy on an HDTV thing. If I don't have the HDMI option without DVR, should I get the SA 3250 (and an HDMI to DVI adapter)? Could I expect better things out of this box?

EricS,
Glad to hear of your good experience.

All,
Glad for channel 720. I hope more stuff appears in the guide. Maybe we'll actually get an on demand channel there?
TM

A few questions:

1) Are the Pioneer (not sure the model) and the SA 3250 my only viable options if I want a non-DVR box?

2) I currently have a Pioneer box. If I'm looking to improve SD quality, would it be wise to swap for the SA 3250?

3) Any marked degradation in signal quality if I use a DVI to HDMI adapter to connect either of these boxes to the HDMI on my TV set? ..or am I better off sticking to component?

Oh, and lastly; any plans in TWC's near future to add new HD channels?

always plans to add HD channels... but its a slow process. plus time warner loves to add new services instead of improvign on old ones... next up is IPtv. and cell phone service.

Matt

I have TW right over the GW in NJ. I had SA8300HD and Pioneer 3510 installed a bit over a month ago. The 8300 is working great and I love the HD. My question concerns the 3510. It was originally hooked up to a non-HD tv and I'm getting an HD tv next week. Should I try to switch the Pioneer to SA3250 or just hold on to it? Does anyone know if I can go to TW on 23rd and exchange my box there? I'm really concerned over all the bad press that I read about the 3510. Thanks.

always plans to add HD channels... but its a slow process. plus time warner loves to add new services instead of improvign on old ones... next up is IPtv. and cell phone service.

Matt

What is IPtv?

I have TW right over the GW in NJ. I had SA8300HD and Pioneer 3510 installed a bit over a month ago. The 8300 is working great and I love the HD. My question concerns the 3510. It was originally hooked up to a non-HD tv and I'm getting an HD tv next week. Should I try to switch the Pioneer to SA3250 or just hold on to it? Does anyone know if I can go to TW on 23rd and exchange my box there? I'm really concerned over all the bad press that I read about the 3510. Thanks.
If I had both and got HDNet I'd record test patterns (HDNet's http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175424#post5175424), then try to catch the patterns live on the 3510HD. A few here have claimed the Pioneer provides better HD than the 8300HD and more recently some say the 3510's SD is worse. If the 3510's delivered max HD resolution is significantly better, and could be appreciated on your new HD, seems best to keep it for HDTV. -- John

What is IPtv?

streamed internet tv. kind of a DVR without the DVR.. say you come home at 830 and notice there was a show that started at 8 that you wanted to watch but you didn't rememebr to record it. as long as the show is still playing you can have it start over from the beginning.

matt

streamed internet tv. kind of a DVR without the DVR.. say you come home at 830 and notice there was a show that started at 8 that you wanted to watch but you didn't rememebr to record it. as long as the show is still playing you can have it start over from the beginning.

matt

..and they think people might pay for this?

TWC and other systems, as a recent programming thread points out, will shortly introduce switched-broadcast (SB) channel delivery. Instead of constantly piping all channels to all subscribers (currently), SB lets you select specific channels from the head end or local hubs. This frees up cable bandwidth, making delivery of many more channels possible. -- John

Hmm. That sort of becomes a prisoners dilemma no? I want all the channels......so all you other folks turn off the channels you don't want :) that way I can have all the HD channels in the world!!! :D:D

TM

On the SA site they are advertising their MR DVR. Sounds great. Does anyone know when (if) TWCNYC will introduce MR DVR?

Help! I need some advice from the Informed out there on using the TVGOS on a Sharp Aquos with Cablecard from TWC. My channels all list on the wrong numbers, and no program listings will populate four days after installation. If you've managed to make it work, let me know how.
Cheers!

I just picked up an SA8300HD last week, and finally connected it to my brand new hdtv this weekend using component video - apparently I'm a victim of the HDMI-> DVI problem that I believe I've read about here before. I'm wondering if anybody has experienced the following, which I believe I've traced to the cable box:

1) momentary, periodic flashing of the entire screen, either on "live" or on playback mode; and

2) occaisonal big blocks of nothing upon changing to a new channel - it goes away if I switch away and back to the channel.

Is this a known issue, or something that I can get TWC to resolve for me? Any suggestions?

And does anybody have any idea if/when DVI will be supported through HDMI conversion?

I just picked up an SA8300HD last week, and finally connected it to my brand new hdtv this weekend using component video - apparently I'm a victim of the HDMI-> DVI problem that I believe I've read about here before. I'm wondering if anybody has experienced the following, which I believe I've traced to the cable box:

1) momentary, periodic flashing of the entire screen, either on "live" or on playback mode; and

2) occaisonal big blocks of nothing upon changing to a new channel - it goes away if I switch away and back to the channel.

Is this a known issue, or something that I can get TWC to resolve for me? Any suggestions?

And does anybody have any idea if/when DVI will be supported through HDMI conversion?

Yea, I get both of those from time to time-although I only get the "big block of nothing" when I am watching a program I am also recording, then I decide to stop the recording and erase it while I am still watching the show. No big deal-I just have to switch to a different channel then back to the original.
Every once in a while the picture will just black out for a fraction of a second (I know it is not my set because the black level (on an LCD you can tell this easily) stays the same, so it must be the signal). Sometimes maybe once a day, sometimes not for weeks-oh well, compared to the 8000, the 8300 is still light years ahead. If only we can get the software upgrade (now appearing around the country to Passport TWC 8300 users) which will enable us to run HDMI while forcing full 5.1 Dolby-can't wait!!

If I had both and got HDNet I'd record test patterns then try to catch the patterns live on the 3510HD. A few here have claimed the Pioneer provides better HD than the 8300HD and more recently some say the 3510's SD is worse. If the 3510's delivered max HD resolution is significantly better, and could be appreciated on your new HD, seems best to keep it for HDTV. -- John

Thanks. I will try to do that. I guess I'm concerned that the 3150 wont output over DVI. The 8300 over DVI and/or HDMI looks much better than components for HD but worse for SD. I'm using S video for SD. I guess I will have to wait and play around with all connections and seeing if replacement is really necessary.

Yea, I get both of those from time to time-although I only get the "big block of nothing" when I am watching a program I am also recording, then I decide to stop the recording and erase it while I am still watching the show. No big deal-I just have to switch to a different channel then back to the original.
Every once in a while the picture will just black out for a fraction of a second (I know it is not my set because the black level (on an LCD you can tell this easily) stays the same, so it must be the signal). Sometimes maybe once a day, sometimes not for weeks-oh well, compared to the 8000, the 8300 is still light years ahead. If only we can get the software upgrade (now appearing around the country to Passport TWC 8300 users) which will enable us to run HDMI while forcing full 5.1 Dolby-can't wait!!

Well, for me, "time to time" means once a minute - is there anything that can be causing this or that I can tell TWC to do? When I signed up for the HD channels the CSR "boosted" the signal to make sure the channels came on. Could my signal be *too* strong?

The box has also crashed 2-3 times on me. Is that also SOP for this box. With my old, SD boxes, the things would reset themselves and turn off periodically, about once every week or two. Is this the HD equivalent?

I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised by the ease of use. I thought it would be much more difficult to switch away from my SD-TiVo.

Is there a manual available online somwhere - besides the 10-page Getting Started Guide on the Pioneer website? Among other things, I'm trying to figure out the deal with the output resolution and screen stretching formats. Is there a way to get the box to pass through whatever resolution a channel is broadcasting, instead of converting everything to 1080i?

Well, for me, "time to time" means once a minute - is there anything that can be causing this or that I can tell TWC to do? When I signed up for the HD channels the CSR "boosted" the signal to make sure the channels came on. Could my signal be *too* strong?

The box has also crashed 2-3 times on me. Is that also SOP for this box. With my old, SD boxes, the things would reset themselves and turn off periodically, about once every week or two. Is this the HD equivalent?

I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised by the ease of use. I thought it would be much more difficult to switch away from my SD-TiVo.

Is there a manual available online somwhere - besides the 10-page Getting Started Guide on the Pioneer website? Among other things, I'm trying to figure out the deal with the output resolution and screen stretching formats. Is there a way to get the box to pass through whatever resolution a channel is broadcasting, instead of converting everything to 1080i?

Maybe your "flashing" is different than mine-please elaborate: is it a picture blackout or a bright flash? When you rewind, does it always flash at the same spot?
My box has been pretty stable-maybe 1 or 2 crashes in the several months I have had it.
You can go into settings-more settings-Output formats-and set it for whatever settings your display will show, and then your display will do the conversion.

. good news is WPIX-HD will be on channel 711 hopefully before summer ;-)

Summer starts tomorrow.

Maybe your "flashing" is different than mine-please elaborate: is it a picture blackout or a bright flash? When you rewind, does it always flash at the same spot?
My box has been pretty stable-maybe 1 or 2 crashes in the several months I have had it.
You can go into settings-more settings-Output formats-and set it for whatever settings your display will show, and then your display will do the conversion.

I checked. They appear to occur randomly - they are white flashes, and they do not occur in the same spot on playback.

Earlier tonight the box stopped displaying any picture until I turned off the power and rebooted.

Does this sound like a bad box? Or a signal issue?

On 23rd street when I returned my original box (the first one I picked up locked up with an "error 76" that wouldn't go away) they told me that they don't get many returns, and were surprised.

Thanks for the setting info.

I checked. They appear to occur randomly - they are white flashes, and they do not occur in the same spot on playback.

While I can't claim to be an expert, it sounds like a box problem-it can't hurt to exchange it for another to make sure-but I believe that if they do not appear at the same spot when repeated on playback then they are not in the signal but in the box (or, hopefully not, in your display). Do you have this problem with any other inputs? (like DVD).

While I can't claim to be an expert, it sounds like a box problem-it can't hurt to exchange it for another to make sure-but I believe that if they do not appear at the same spot when repeated on playback then they are not in the signal but in the box (or, hopefully not, in your display). Do you have this problem with any other inputs? (like DVD).

I don't see it with either of the other inputs (i.e. DVD into DVI and laptop into VGA). I suppose I should test DVD into component and see if it's a component issue.

I'll try to call TWC tonight and see what they say. I guess I better get to work on the backlog I've already accumulated since Friday.

Cant wait to pick up my 8300HD in Staten Island on Saturday! My 8000HD finally went on the fritz after 3 months (starting to freeze, recordings becoming unplayable).

Can anyone get channels 26, 27, and 29 ESPN2 for Wimbledon coverage this morning ? These channels have been distorted everyday this week.

Everything else is fine.

I keep on emailing twcnyc almost everyday to add more hd channels, especially since all the other cable channels offer so many more than what we get, well i guess they finally got sick of me and they sent me this email.------

Thank you for your recent message to Time Warner Cable regarding programming
on our cable lineup.

At this time the channels you have mentioned are not part of our cable lineup.

We want you to know we share your view of these channels as quality services and
can assure you that suggestions such as yours are not going unnoticed.

If you are requesting a new channel please send a letter with your location and
channel request to:

Robert Watson
VP Programming, New Business Development
Time Warner Cable
120 E. 23rd Street 9th Floor
New York, NY 10010

Please refer to our website @ www.twcnyc.com for any future plans, services and
news updates.

If you have any further questions please contact us at support@twcnyc.com or
call our 24 hour Customer Support XPRESSLINE at 212-674-9100 or 718-358-0900.

Sincerely,

Time Warner Cable
Customer Support

Maybe if we all send letters about new hd channels- cinemax, stars, espn 2,wb, upn etc.
we may get what we ultimately want-- more hd channels.

I sent my letter this morning.

Vinny.

Hi Vinny,
Welcome to the forum. If you read back about 161 pages (;)) you'll see that we've been doing that for a long time. Never hurts to add to the pile though!
TM

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.
I'm a TWC NYC customer with a Pioneer 3510 HD box and a Sony STR-DE895 6.1 Dolby Digital Receiver. My Receiver has only ONE coaxial connection and that is for the DVD. Since Toshiba & Sony partnerned to bring to the market the fiber optic ("Toslink" - Tosh/Sony concoction to splinter and confuse the general public) - anyway I have 4 optical inputs (TV/Sat, CD/SACD, MD/Tape IN, and MD/Tape Out).

Since the Pioneer box, besides not having a cable out RF like all previous and all other boxes in the market making a VCR and DVD player connection downright dastardly, it ONLY has a Digital Audio Out (which is the Coaxial).

My Workaround, and it works cause I get Hi-def picture and Dolby 6.1 Surround Sound from regular cable (use the Neo-Cinema-6 choice in the AFD button on the Sony Receiver):

Connect the audio and component cables OUT from the Pioneer into the Sony Receiver (Use Component Cables to TV/Sat in and Monitor OUT component cables to your CVI connection on your TV set). DO NOT CONNECT Audio cables to the TV from the Receiver or from the Cable Box to the TV for that Specific connection (Ie: CVI/AV1, ...) if you do, you'll have a one second delay and it will drive you batty on top of mess with your sense of words and sounds coinciding while viewing - trust me I did that first before I discconnected the audio cables going to the TV from the receiver.

While some will say "then I don't get sound from my TV when I watch cable or any device connected to the receiver". I say F**K that. Most TV's have either poor or slightly better than poor sound. The total sound output from the speaker system is amazing and for shows that are in HD (Channels 701-715) or Dolby5.1 (like X-Files) it can't be described.

I can even put up with the Pioneer Box being slow to go through the tv guide or show info or swapping HD to SD channels with the little zigzags, but having the audio makes all the difference.

I still have one problem, I can't record any cable. Nada, Zip! I can't understand it other than to say I'm baffled. None of the meager instructions provided by TWC or Pioneer explain how to connect with a HD set, Dolby AV receiver, Pioneer 3150 and Stereo VCR. I need to have audio in/out for the dvd/vcr combo unit cycle through the reciever and the cables from the STB go to the receiver and the Coaxial (RF) goes to the DVD/VCR, but WITH NO CABLE OUT, I can't connect an out cable from the DVD/VCR to the TV.

If anybody has a suggestion, I'll gladly hear it or better yet even try it before I go to 23rd st and swap out the Pioneer 3510 for the SA3250, which I hear is better but spotty at best for getting your hands on it and frankly, I'm not into cable hell like I was doing for over a month back in May.

I'm a TWC NYC customer with a Pioneer 3510 HD box and a Sony STR-DE895 6.1 Dolby Digital Receiver. My Receiver has only ONE coaxial connection and that is for the DVD. Since Toshiba & Sony partnerned to bring to the market the fiber optic ("Toslink" - Tosh/Sony concoction to splinter and confuse the general public) - anyway I have 4 optical inputs (TV/Sat, CD/SACD, MD/Tape IN, and MD/Tape Out).

While this may not help the problem that you are actually asking about, reading your post made me realize that while you are using the "neo cinema" mode, you are not actually getting the full surround experience -- by using the analog out from your cable box, you're getting the downmixed 2 channel sound converted to analog by the cable box through your left and right outputs, and then your reciever is reprocessing that sound to get a "psuedo" surrond experience (which, admittedly, can often be quite good).

If you want to get the full bandwidth 5.1 discrete audio through your system, you can easily buy a coaxial->toslink format converter so you can go from the digital out of the cable box directly to the digital in on your reciever. One immediate difference you'll likely notice is the subwoofer's very much increased presence in programs that make use of it....

There will be other subtle differences/improvements in some of the stuff that you'll hear in the surround channels over the system you've got going right now. And there is the additional benefit of having your reciever doing the Dolby Digital decoding over what the cable box does. My assumption has always been that the cable boxes are not built to "audiophile" standards by any means, and that my >$2000 home theatre reciever will do a better job (and in listening comparisons, that does indeed seem to be the case).

Good luck!

Scott

The box has also crashed 2-3 times on me. Is that also SOP for this box. With my old, SD boxes, the things would reset themselves and turn off periodically, about once every week or two. Is this the HD equivalent?


My 8300HD has never crashed on me. It does hitch up every once in a while (watching baseball on ESPN last night was pretty bad; momentary glitching every few minutes) but I don't know if this is the box or the digital signal from the cable itself. My box is outputting via component, so I know it's not my TV... it's some sort of digital hiccup.


Is there a manual available online somwhere - besides the 10-page Getting Started Guide on the Pioneer website? Among other things, I'm trying to figure out the deal with the output resolution and screen stretching formats. Is there a way to get the box to pass through whatever resolution a channel is broadcasting, instead of converting everything to 1080i?

Hit the settings button, hit A for "more settings", and then set all your "output formats" to on (make sure the little dot is next to each one). The box will then pass whatever the native format is and it'll be up to your TV to figure out how to display it. Time Warner seems to upconvert most 480i to 480p before it even gets to the box, so most SD content will still show as 480p.

There is a full manual available on SA's web site. I don't remember how to get to it, though. I do remember I had to register to access some members-only area of the site to get it.

FWIW, I have problems with 480p even though it's one of my TV's native modes (the other being 1080i) - I get a lot of jumping horizontal lines across the entire picture, even the pillarbox area. Again, though, I don't know if this is the box, the original signal, or my TV. Right now I have turned off 480p and watch all SD content in 720p - even though my TV then upconverts this to 1080i, it's still actually sharper than 480p but it has a more compressed "digital" look to it. I think these artifacts are actually present in the 480p signal but it seems like some sharpening is done during the upconversion. I'm not sure which signal I'd prefer were it not for my weird line noise issue in 480p, but as it is I have to stick with 720p. (I've also tried outputting everything as 1080i but 480p content just looks too weird that way.)

Anybody else view straight 480p through this box on TWC and see the same type of issue I have with it?

Time Warner seems to upconvert most 480i to 480p before it even gets to the box, so most SD content will still show as 480p.

Incorrect. The 8300HD running the Passport OS will output 480i if that is the only format specified by the user. If other formats are selected, it converts the incoming 480i signal to 480p. No format conversions occur before the signal enters the DVR.


There is a full manual available on SA's web site. I don't remember how to get to it, though. I do remember I had to register to access some members-only area of the site to get it.

The only manual available from SA is for the 8300HD using the SARA OS, not Passport.

This is not a manual but it’s definitely some useful basic tips and information.
It was posted on “Time Warner Cable - SA 8000HD & 8300HD w/ Passport software” thread by RandyWalters.

Compilation of various Passport Tips and Tricks
Slow Motion - Quickly double-tap the PLAY key. To resume playback hit the PLAY key once.
Slow Motion - Hit PAUSE first, then hold down the Right Arrow key and it goes into Slo-Mo.
Frame by frame advance - hit PAUSE first, then repeatedly tap the Right Arrow key
Swap from one tuner to the other - Press the Pip's SWAP button only (don't press Pip)
Recording Options - after selecting a show to record, press SELECT again and a menu
pops up where you can change settings for that particular recording (like save until
manually erased, record entire series, start early/late etc)
Commercial Advance (sorta) - When you're FF'ing through a block of commercials,
hit PLAY as soon as you see the show resume, and the unit jumps back to the right where the show resumes. Takes practice and quick eyes to get it just right
Jump Ahead to 15 minute marks - When in FF mode you can jump ahead to the next 15 minute interval by pressing the Right Arrow key.
Jump Backwards to 15 minute marks - Hit the Rewind key then press the Left Arrow key to go backwards. Handy when joining a show in progress and you want to skip back to the beginning.
Create Manual Recording - Press REC and a menu will pop up giving you an option to Create a Manual Recording. Press SELECT and you'll be able to navigate around and create your manual recording just like you did with your VCR.
When in the Guide, see a particular channel listing by entering the direct channel
number using the number keys (like 7, or 200, or 1182 etc).
Another way to quickly skip through channels in the guide is to press the FAV button. It will jump directly to the next channel on your List of Favorite Channels and is actually more useful than when watching live TV. You need to first set up your list of Favorite Channels for this to work if you haven't already done so.
When in the Guide, hit the A key to skip ahead 100 channels at a time.
When in the Guide, to quickly scan hours or days ahead, press and HOLD the Right Arrow key and it starts advancing through the hours really fast and you can see the days advancing too. When you get close to the day you want start watching the hours again and take your finger off the button which will dump you close to the time you're looking for on that day.
If you go more than a few days ahead you'll probably see "No Data" for a few moments while the new data loads. If you go too far ahead it will not load new data (i can go forward about 5-6 days typically, but sometimes only 3 or 4 days).
When in the Guide, to quickly skip several days ahead, press a number key then quickly press the Right Arrow key. Use number 2 to scan two days ahead, use 4 for four days, etc.
Same No Data rules apply as above.
To search by Theme, bring up the Guide normally then hit the B key to bring up the list of Themes.
While searching by Theme, you can either scroll down by hitting the Down Arrow key or hit the B key to skp to the next group of Themes (like Sports, Lifestyles, News, Family, etc) then use the Down or Up Arrow keys to scroll through the subheadings in that group.
When you've highlighted a Theme you want (say, Sports) Right Arrow over into the Programs section the pressing the B key again skips down one page at a time. Zero in on the show you want using the Down or Up Arrow key.
To search by Title, bring up the Guide normally then hit the C key to bring up the A-Z column.
Then to search for a particular title, you can either scroll down through the A-Z alphabet to the letter you want, or hit the C key to advance to the next page of letters. Once you settle
on a letter, Right Arrow into the list of Programs then either scroll down with the Down Arrow key or hit the C key to skip down to the next title group. When you land on the show you're looking
for, hit the Record key and a menu will pop up giving you the option of recording that particular showing or Recording the entire series. You can then go into your Series Manager and fine tune the settings.
To make the Bar Graph or a Menu disappear no matter what you're doing, just hit the EXIT key.
You can change the way the DVR changes channels. If you press the * key this switches to a mode where you will have to press the SELECT key to complete a direct channel change or to skip to a specific channel in the Guide. So now you have to press 4 then quickly press
SELECT to complete the channel change. This is to prevent you from accidentally hitting a number key then losing your existing show's buffer when the channel suddenly changes.
I hate when that happens! This mode eliminates that problem :-) To restore normal operation, press the INFO button to bring up the progress bar, then quickly hit the * key. Or reboot the DVR - that also resets this back to the default.
To get to the multi-page Diagnostics screen, simultaneously press and hold the front panel's SELECT and EXIT buttons till DIAGNO appears then release the buttons, then press EXIT and
the the box tunes itself to the multi-page Diagnostics channel. To exit press Ch + or Ch -

__________________
Randy

You can change the way the DVR changes channels. If you press the * key this switches to a mode where you will have to press the SELECT key to complete a direct channel change or to skip to a specific channel in the Guide. So now you have to press 4 then quickly press SELECT to complete the channel change. This is to prevent you from accidentally hitting a number key then losing your existing show's buffer when the channel suddenly changes.

To restore normal operation, press the INFO button to bring up the progress bar, then quickly hit the * key. Or reboot the DVR - that also resets this back to the default.

Is that right? I noticed at one point a while back that I needed to press select to change channels. I thought for sure this was related to a software upgrade I had recently received. I rebooted my box at one point and it was back to normal - no select needed. I guess I must have hit * at some point and activated this feature.

Is that right?


I’ve tried most of these tips but not the one you mentioned. This was originally posted by RandyWalters on the “Time Warner Cable - SA 8000HD & 8300HD w/ Passport software” thread. I would imagine, depending on the software upgrades, some parts of the country might have slightly different commands.

Is that right? I noticed at one point a while back that I needed to press select to change channels. I thought for sure this was related to a software upgrade I had recently received. I rebooted my box at one point and it was back to normal - no select needed. I guess I must have hit * at some point and activated this feature.
Yes, this is correct. I had gotten into this mode a few times without realizing how, and now I've tested it, and this is exactly the way it works.

Sorta handy, actually. There's been a few times where I mistakenly changed channels by sitting on the remote or something while I was watching a buffered program....

Hate it when that happens! Definately gonna try the * feature tonight!

I noticed two functions that i don't believe are active any longer. It's the 15 min. skip function, and the frame advance. I know you could do this on the 8000 a while back, then there was an "upgrade" and they took away those two excellent features. For shame!

15 Minute skip works fine for me on my 8300HD, and it worked fine on my 8000hd before I upgraded.

-barry

Hate it when that happens! Definately gonna try the * feature tonight!

I noticed two functions that i don't believe are active any longer. It's the 15 min. skip function, and the frame advance. I know you could do this on the 8000 a while back, then there was an "upgrade" and they took away those two excellent features. For shame!

Both continue to work just fine for me on my 8000HD, even as of this morning.....

Scott

"The biggest bandwidth hog is HD," Leddy said. Time Warner Cable carries about 15 HD networks per system, he estimated. "We could carry as many as 50 HD networks once we have switched-broadcast video. Most of those networks would be on the switch."
An excerpt from this 5/31 article (http://www.bigbandnet.com/news/inTheNews/2005/news_053105a.php). Here's a more tech-oriented pdf article (http://www.c-cor.com/Access_and_Transport/files/SBS-CORP-0605.pdf) on SB. - John

Im guessing these 8300's cannot be connected to a home network, and that there's no way to get any of the recorded programming off of the units and onto a PC or portable media player, correct?

Incorrect. The 8300HD running the Passport OS will output 480i if that is the only format specified by the user. If other formats are selected, it converts the incoming 480i signal to 480p. No format conversions occur before the signal enters the DVR.

Semantics. The point is the box will output 480p even on SD content. I don't really care where the conversion is done and I doubt the person I was responding to does either. I was telling him not to worry about the fact that he sees the 480p light on even though the content was obviously shot at 480i.

Regardless, it doesn't seem like your statement is completely accurate, as I do get 480i on some channels with all output formats selected. (And it would be pretty easy for me to prove this next time it happens by simply snapping a picture of the box with the 480i light on and the screen showing all formats selected.)

I think there are maybe 2 or 3 channels that don't get converted to 480p and who watches those anyway :)

For many people (including myself), my display won't even accept 480i over DVI or HDMI so the fact that the STB does the 480i to 480p conversion is a good thing.

I have an SA8300HD and a Pace 550 HD. The SA8300HD converts (virtually) all the SD channels to 480p. On the Pace box, all SD channels are displayed 480i when I have all output formats selected.

Im guessing these 8300's cannot be connected to a home network, and that there's no way to get any of the recorded programming off of the units and onto a PC or portable media player, correct?

Correct.

Unless you've got a video capture card for your PC and want to convert each program in realtime through the component (or S-Video) outputs.

Scott

And even then the S-Video out on the 8300 letterboxes all 16:9 content with those annoying gray bars. Component could work though.

I think there are maybe 2 or 3 channels that don't get converted to 480p and who watches those anyway :)

For many people (including myself), my display won't even accept 480i over DVI or HDMI so the fact that the STB does the 480i to 480p conversion is a good thing.

The only channels TWC-NYC still broadcasts in analog format to those of us with digital cable would be:
21 - WLIW
25 - WNYC
50 - Food Network
31 - ? Spanish channel I think
51? - TV Guide channel
94 - ?? specials channel, I think -- horrible reception and barely watchable
34, 56, 57, 69 - the local access channels

In terms of 480p vs. 480i, all of the digital channels are converted to progressive scan not by the box, but by the digital encoding process -- I believe that the MPEG video TWC sends us is progressive by nature and the box will interlace the video as necessary.

So the analog channels are the only ones that are coming to our box interlaced, but -- think of the way the DVR works -- it converts all signals to MPEG video so we can pause, rewind, etc., so it is taking the interlaced video, converting it to MPEG (in the process, de-interlacing it), and then sending to our screens.

Scott

"The biggest bandwidth hog is HD," Leddy said.

This guy is wrong. The biggest bandwidth hog is ANALOG. By converting the channels on the Standard Service tier to digital only, there would be enough room for over 100 HD channels WITHOUT switched-broadcast video.

And the best part is, since Standard Service requires a cable box already, it wouldn't upset too many customers beyond the initial hassle of having to swap the box.

Cablevision already did it. My aunt in Brooklyn had to go switch her analog boxes for digital because they discontinued analog service. No big deal, and the bandwidth it opens up is quite sufficient.

there's a couple of area's in queens that are digital only... i wish they'd get rid of the analog channels just so they could move the premium channels to a lower frequency and make our job easier.

Matt

This guy is wrong. The biggest bandwidth hog is ANALOG. By converting the channels on the Standard Service tier to digital only, there would be enough room for over 100 HD channels WITHOUT switched-broadcast video.
I've long advocated eliminating analog, too. But since so many subscribers nationwide depend upon it, the cost of conversion (all digital converters) seems to be the holdup. A suggested work around a few years back, low cost (~$50) digital-to-analog, match-box-size converters (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3355113#post3355113) for analog-only customers doesn't seem to have materialized.

And the best part is, since Standard Service requires a cable box already, it wouldn't upset too many customers beyond the initial hassle of having to swap the box.Many subscribers use set cable inputs with no cable box.

Cablevision already did it. My aunt in Brooklyn had to go switch her analog boxes for digital because they discontinued analog service. No big deal, and the bandwidth it opens up is quite sufficient.
Not so sure about that. Could be they dropped some analog channels as NYC TWC did a while back, using the new bandwidth for added HD channels, etc. Cablevision being entirely digital with no analog would be NEWS and I'd appreciate any links spelling that out. -- John

I've long advocated eliminating analog, too. But since so many subscribers nationwide depend upon it, the cost of conversion (all digital converters) seems to be the holdup. A suggested work around a few years back, low cost (~$50) digital-to-analog, match-box-size converters (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3355113#post3355113) for analog-only customers doesn't seem to have materialized.

Many subscribers use set cable inputs with no cable box.


Not so sure about that. Could be they dropped some analog channels as NYC TWC did a while back, using the new bandwidth for added HD channels, etc. Cablevision being entirely digital with no analog would be NEWS and I'd appreciate any links spelling that out. -- John

Let me preface this by saying i'm in the bronx. CV systems in Bronx/Brooklyn are now doing digital simulcast with all channels being broadcast digitaly. There are about 70-80 or so that are still analog but you would still reqire a box as most are scambled. Supposedly they have shut of analogs in brookln and will be doing it soon in the bronx. I don't know if that true or not. They did droped some analogs adn they are only avaible if you get a digital box now, but as far as analog beign turnded off I don't know how true that is and might jsut be a ploy by cv to get people to trade in there analalog boxes quicker. I am all for it. THe only reason someone woudl want to hold on there there analog boxes when they charge you the same for digital is becasue they have a "magic box" anyway :)

The question is, I think, can a bronx Cablevision subscriber get the local channels without using a box at all. This is, I think, the main holdup to switching to complete digital.

Actually, I think I remember that the NYC cable contract requires that the cable companies provide this functionality.

-barry

Boy do I have a stupid question for you? I'm in SI and I dont subscribe to TWC (got DirecTV) but do have Roadrunner. Yesterday I was messing around with the cables and I found out that I can get TWC off the wall cable programming with my Panny's built in QAM tuner. The scan picked up all the unscrambled analog channels and "recognized" a bunch of digital channels but all the digitals channels show "Signal not a abailable" or something like that except one which is BBC America for some reason. Anyway, my question is should I be able to get digital this way or do I need a box, subscribe or what? Thanks

Boy do I have a stupid question for you? I'm in SI and I dont subscribe to TWC (got DirecTV) but do have Roadrunner. Yesterday I was messing around with the cables and I found out that I can get TWC off the wall cable programming with my Panny's built in QAM tuner. The scan picked up all the unscrambled analog channels and "recognized" a bunch of digital channels but all the digitals channels show "Signal not a abailable" or something like that except one which is BBC America for some reason. Anyway, my question is should I be able to get digital this way or do I need a box, subscribe or what? Thanks
SI Cable encrypts all its HD channels (even locals).
Their box is required.

With a QAM tuner you may get some random SD channels (Spanish NY1 news, AD channels, random VOD channels, etc)

Plus the normal analog channels.

Boy do I have a stupid question for you? I'm in SI and I dont subscribe to TWC (got DirecTV) but do have Roadrunner. Yesterday I was messing around with the cables and I found out that I can get TWC off the wall cable programming with my Panny's built in QAM tuner. The scan picked up all the unscrambled analog channels and "recognized" a bunch of digital channels but all the digitals channels show "Signal not a abailable" or something like that except one which is BBC America for some reason. Anyway, my question is should I be able to get digital this way or do I need a box, subscribe or what? Thanks

i'm pretty sure you always get the basic channels when you subscribe to cable internet service. not that it's included, but rather that they just come through. my buddy gets them too and he doesn't subscribe to cable tv...just cable internet.

Thanks for the replies. I guess there's no use for the QAM tuner for now.

hey everyone - When the TWCNYC installer connected an SA8300HD box to my JVC LT-32X585 tv using an HDMI to HDMI cable, the video came in fine but the audio came in as either popping sounds or static/snow on all channels?! The only way we could get the audio working was to use RCA audio cables and the HDMI cable together... I thought that HDMI was supposed to take care of both video and audio. Has anyone else encountered this problem? Thanks for your help!! -Ronna

About the iptv...

I have not signed up with twc yet but I will shortly.

Does it make sense to wait for iptv? Will it use a different box? Or is it just an added value to an existing service?

doesn't make any sense to wait... its not even being tested yet

Matt

OK. good.
Thanks.

About the iptv...

I have not signed up with twc yet but I will shortly.

Does it make sense to wait for iptv? Will it use a different box? Or is it just an added value to an existing service?
Not sure if this refers to my post above (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5814105&&#post5814105) providing sublinks about TWC and "switched broadcasting (SB)." So-called SB appears to be an upcoming service that would be delivered entirely within any cable system, not involving the Internet. Other than a growing number of articles quoting TWC officials, haven't seen anything official from TWC. Since we can already access VOD with our converters/remotes, seems like SB service could use the same equipment. The articles mention that TWC is testing SB service in some areas and plans a rollout in 2006. -- John

Not sure if this refers to my post above (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5814105&&#post5814105) providing sublinks about TWC and "switched broadcasting (SB)." So-called SB appears to be an upcoming service that would be delivered entirely within any cable system, not involving the Internet. Other than a growing number of articles quoting TWC officials, haven't seen anything official from TWC. Since we can already access VOD with our converters/remotes, seems like SB service could use the same equipment. The articles mention that TWC is testing SB service in some areas and plans a rollout in 2006. -- John

will be channels like premium ethnics, things of that nature. you may see something like the bangladesh channel as sb but never fox news or espn. there are issues with sb such longer time to tune the channel.

will be channels like premium ethnics, things of that nature. you may see something like the bangladesh channel as sb but never fox news or espn. there are issues with sb such longer time to tune the channel.

Would this vary from neighborhood to neighborhood? The writeups seem to indicate that swtiched broadcast will deal with units of 150 subscribers. I would imagine that when you get into dealing with some of the most specialized ethnic channels, there are localized areas where specific channels are much more popular.

Also, how would using head ends for such small numbers of subscribers be handled in large buildings? My building has 300 apartments, probably with an average of about 1.5 cable boxes per apartment, for an equivalent of 450 subscribers. Would TW set up 3 head ends for this building alone?
-JMP

will be channels like premium ethnics, things of that nature. you may see something like the bangladesh channel as sb but never fox news or espn. there are issues with sb such longer time to tune the channel.
Thank you again for the insider info. Really looking forward to the, ah, Bangladesh SB channel...especially if it's 1080i HDTV. ;) Your brief writeup tends to dampen the enthusiasm within switched-broadcast articles. Perhaps you're aware of other techniques underway to overcome NYC TWC's apparent bandwidth limitations restricting new HDTV? Elsewhere I'd read that potential SB cable companies were measuring their most widely watched channels, planning to keep them instantly accessible, as they are now, by piping them constantly to all subscribers. Find my pause remote-control feature works nearly instantly using VOD, so I'd happily endure several seconds SB switching time for a full HD menu. -- John

Hi, is there any update on the Clear QAM situation? My previous searches here say that "local" channels remain unencrypted Clear QAM in southern Manhattan. I currently only subscribe to the basic layer of service but am willing to upgrade if i am able to use my computer display as an HD monitor.

I'm new to the city and Thank you in advance!

I'm moving to NJ later this summer, Central NJ to be more specific. Looks like my cable provider will be Comcast. Does anyone have any experience/info on what to expect from them? Looks like they have a similar hi-def line up. I can't imagine they could possibly be worse than TWC!

After 15 years, I'm thrilled to think that never again will I send a dime to TWC...

I'm moving to NJ later this summer, Central NJ to be more specific. Looks like my cable provider will be Comcast. Does anyone have any experience/info on what to expect from them? Looks like they have a similar hi-def line up. I can't imagine they could possibly be worse than TWC!

After 15 years, I'm thrilled to think that never again will I send a dime to TWC...


I got bad news for you. I have a place in ft. lauderdale where they have comcast. Comcast makes TW look great. The user interface stinks. For example, when you bring up the onscreen guide, it fills the whole screen so you cant see the program, also the onscreen guide will only show you a half hour at a time. Also they have fewer channels than TW in HD. Whenever I come to NY from Florida, i gain a greater appreciation for TWC. Good luck with your move.

Comcast uses the Motorola 6412 DVR. I've read mixed reviews of it. Anyone here have any experience with it?

How’s the 8300 holding up for you folks?

For the past few months, almost every time I press the picture in picture, or the tuner swap button, the unit crashes and re boots. These features are very useful for me, now I’m afraid to use them. What’s up with this? Anyone else experiencing this problem? I would’ve already exchanged it but I have a few recordings that I want to keep. No DVHS for me, allergic to tape. :rolleyes:
Any news on an external hard drive?

Comcast uses the Motorola 6412 DVR. I've read mixed reviews of it. Anyone here have any experience with it?

My mother has a motorola DVR box (I don't know the number) with Cox Cable in Virginia. It has the Passport application driving it, so it feels right at home to me. It works almost identically to my NYC Scientific Atlanta box - only the remote is different.

-barry

How’s the 8300 holding up for you folks?

For the past few months, almost every time I press the picture in picture, or the tuner swap button, the unit crashes and re boots. These features are very useful for me, now I’m afraid to use them. What’s up with this? Anyone else experiencing this problem? I would’ve already exchanged it but I have a few recordings that I want to keep. No DVHS for me, allergic to tape. :rolleyes:
Any news on an external hard drive?

I have had the 8300HD since it was first available, and I'm having no problems with it (knock wood). I do occasionally use the swap button, but I never use PIP.

My understanding is that even if they start supporting an external hard drive, it won't make the process of exchanging units any easier. The data on the hard drive will be encrypted with the hardware key in your existing box. Plus, the SARA folks who have used external hard drives say that it just kind of merges the new space into your total space usage - you have no control as to what shows go on what drive, and I think one show might even be stored partially on one drive and partially on the other.

-barry

Does anyone know how to put an SA8300HD into pass-through mode? I believe this will resolve an overscan problem I have, but TWC reps were completely unknowledageble.

My mother has a motorola DVR box (I don't know the number) with Cox Cable in Virginia. It has the Passport application driving it, so it feels right at home to me. It works almost identically to my NYC Scientific Atlanta box - only the remote is different.

-barry

small world margoba. my mom lives in a Cox service area in Va. Hampton Roads area? actually we're both D* subs but i have basic & RoadRunner with TWC.

jim

Small world indeed. I know there are lots of people in the New York area, but I'm always amazed to find other people 'connected' to Norfolk/Hampton Roads.

-barry

Does anyone know how to put an SA8300HD into pass-through mode? I believe this will resolve an overscan problem I have, but TWC reps were completely unknowledageble.

"Passthrough mode" is a SARA, not a Pioneer-Passport, feature, and TWCNYC's reps can't be faulted for not knowing what you're talking about.

Would this vary from neighborhood to neighborhood? The writeups seem to indicate that swtiched broadcast will deal with units of 150 subscribers. I would imagine that when you get into dealing with some of the most specialized ethnic channels, there are localized areas where specific channels are much more popular.

Also, how would using head ends for such small numbers of subscribers be handled in large buildings? My building has 300 apartments, probably with an average of about 1.5 cable boxes per apartment, for an equivalent of 450 subscribers. Would TW set up 3 head ends for this building alone?
-JMP


Capacity is added at the hub site which is like a neighborhood headend if you will. A node typically passes 500 homes with an average of 60-70% penetration = ~350 homes. So say we dedicate 4 channel slots (40 streams)for VOD to 10 nodes , that can drop to 2 nodes with VOD/SB. That would be same # of channel slots but it serves less homes which equals more bandwith. You're right about ethnic channels. Something like Arabic channel may be in "broadcast mode" in Brooklyn system and SB in Bergen. Korean channel may be in "broadcast mode" in Bergen and Queens but SB in Mt Vernon. Most of the ethnic channels are premium so we can tell exactly where they are watching (or not watching). Channels that are on widely subscribed to tiers (Standard, DTV) it's a little harder. I saw a figure in a test market quoting something like 80% of viewers are watching 20% of the channels.

Well TWC showed up this morning to bring a non-dvr hd box for the bedroom. When I made the appointment several weeks ago, I had requested a SA3250HD if one was available. This morning I got a call from the TW warehouse saying that the 3250 was not available. Long story short, I settled for and the tech showed up with a Pioneer 3510. :( Is the 3250 not being issued anymore or should I head to 23rd street and try to swap it? BTW, kudos to TW for flawless confirmation of the appointment and showing up on time. Even though they didn't have the 3250 as requested, it was nice they called ahead of time to inform me and find out how I wanted to proceed.

How’s the 8300 holding up for you folks?

For the past few months, almost every time I press the picture in picture, or the tuner swap button, the unit crashes and re boots. These features are very useful for me, now I’m afraid to use them. What’s up with this? Anyone else experiencing this problem? I would’ve already exchanged it but I have a few recordings that I want to keep. No DVHS for me, allergic to tape. :rolleyes:


Actually, I had the same problem as you with my previous box. Basically, one of the tuners died. Any time I wanted to rewind, pause, or use PIP/Swap, it would crash. It also crashed at various other (generally inopportune) times.

I fixed the problem by getting rid of the old box and getting a new one.

Well TWC showed up this morning to bring a non-dvr hd box for the bedroom. When I made the appointment several weeks ago, I had requested a SA3250HD if one was available. This morning I got a call from the TW warehouse saying that the 3250 was not available. Long story short, I settled for and the tech showed up with a Pioneer 3510. :( Is the 3250 not being issued anymore or should I head to 23rd street and try to swap it? BTW, kudos to TW for flawless confirmation of the appointment and showing up on time. Even though they didn't have the 3250 as requested, it was nice they called ahead of time to inform me and find out how I wanted to proceed.

the SA3250HD is still the top box and i've heard nothing about it not being offered anymore. However i haven't seen one on my truck in at least a month. I would go down to 23rd st and try to get an SA box. Call first though, may save you a trip if they say they dont have any. if for any reason they ask you why you would want to switch tell them you need the RF out port that the SA has and the Pio doesn't. I'd say the tech is probably the one that called you to tell you that the box wasn't there. The installers actually get their work on paper with the comments on them, so he probably went down and asked for the box at the warehouse. Very nice of him to do. deffinitly not "policy". anyways, i'm glad you had a good experience. Its a bit strange that we are all rolling with the Pio boxes, concidering that we got a notice at least 6 months back that said that Pioneer was no longer manufacturing boxes. i guess we are clearing out the excess.

Matt

Its a bit strange that we are all rolling with the Pio boxes, concidering that we got a notice at least 6 months back that said that Pioneer was no longer manufacturing boxes. i guess we are clearing out the excess.

Matt

Yeah, the Pio box I received looks like it's been around the block a few times. :D I'm going to stop by 23rd street on the way to work this morning and see if I can make the swap. Thanks!

I'm going to stop by 23rd street on the way to work this morning and see if I can make the swap.

Well so much for that idea. I stopped at 23rd street this morning and was told "We haven't issued that box (the SA3250HD) from this office for the last six months". Given what I've read on this board, I find that hard to believe. The agent did however, offer to "upgrade me to a SA8300HD" for an additional charge. :rolleyes: Is there a direct line to 23rd street that I can call to make further inquiries? The general TW customer service line (212-358-0900) tells me that the SA32350 should be available.

Thought the SA3250HD was the unit TWC here was making available to meet the FCC requirement for a box with Firewire output. I'd let them expend energy by calling and requesting a new box, the 3250. Check immediately that the installer brought, or will pick up, a 3250 the same day. Yes, there are tales here that similar specific-converter requests haven't worked at times. If it doesn't, then leave an online message at TWC's contact-us site pointing out you can't get a required Firewire box. With no luck, contact the NYS Cable commission, the FCC, or the other government-complaint agency posted here several times that seems to bring results. -- John

the 3250HD is not going to be the firewire version unless you request the firewire version. just asking for a 3250HD will get you the non firewire version.

any news from TWC regarding new HD channels? i guess i'm really hurting cause there's nothing on during the summer! it would be great if they could at least give us HBO-HD on demand...does such a channel even exist?

So is 23rd St. currently issuing the Pioneer 3510HD? Was actually thinking of swapping my 3250 for a 3510 for a few reasons:

1) I want the black sidebars as opposed to the gray on the 3250 - this way I won't need to change picture modes on my LCD TV when going from a 16:9 to a 4:3 channel - the 8300 with my Sammy DLP automatically takes care of this for me.

2) IIRC, the 3510 allows passthrough of resolutions over DVI, which is how I ultimately plan to connect the box to my LCD TV. The 3250 forces you to choose a single output format.

3) I don't care about random shut downs and reboots overnight since it's in the bedroom and not hooked up to a Tivo or anything.

Any comments on relative PQ of the two boxes over component? The 3250 looks really nice over component but when I used to have the pioneer I never hooked it up that way so I don't know how it looks.

any news from TWC regarding new HD channels? i guess i'm really hurting cause there's nothing on during the summer! it would be great if they could at least give us HBO-HD on demand...does such a channel even exist?


Sorry broadway no channel exists but even if it did, why would TWC or any cable at this point (bandwith constraints) launch an SVOD-HD channel? An HD SVOD stream would take the same space as 5 SD streams. An SVOD on a per stream basis does not generate any more incremental revenue for the cable operator. If anything a HD VOD channel would at least generate money for every stream. Be thankful for the HD channels that are carried now. Any new HD channel launched will probably be a linear channel with broad appeal, hopefully WPIX soon.

THERE ARE NO SA 3250 BOXES at 23rd ST!

I went two weeks ago to swap my Pioneer 3510 (PQ SUCKS ON IT! - IMHO) and when I waited one hour to see the rep, he comforted me with a BRAND NEW SA 8300HD Box while telling me that TWC has not been giving out the 3250 for over 6 months and he opened all the 7 cabinets behind him to show me all the Pioneer and SA 8000 Boxes.

Since installing the Unit, I connect with Component Cables to HDTV Monitor and I DO NOT use the (RF) - Cable Out of the box but I do use a r/w/y RCA cable for a line in on my VCR directly out of the cable box second output. The PQ has been AWESOME! N O Loosiness or picture breakup (except ch 65 - completely screwed up I think on the TWC end - anybody else notice this?) and I would say that the loading of movies on demand is instantaneous rather than a long wait for DL. Also, DVR doesn't allow for "timer" setting of a program - either record it or go to it.

The TV picture swap between HD (1080i) and standard Digital (480p) is not as harsh on this box as it was on the Pioneer. The 70(x) channels of Network (CBS/NBC/ABC) fill the picture with no side bars for a 4:3 TV using the Letterbox size.

In a word, worth the extra $8.95/month - I looked at my Cingular bill with Rollover and dropped my service plan minutes by $10/month so it was a wash and a happier time with the whole Digital TV and HD cable box.

One final Note for Audio nuts (like myself): The 8300 comes with an OPTICAL DIGITAL (TOSLINK) OUTPUT so you can connect the dolby 5.1 signal from the cable box to your A/V Receiver and I do notice the diference!

With this new "PQ sucks" comment about Pioneer 3510s, that means some here claim its HD quality is visibly better than the 8200HD's, but its SD quality is worse. Can't recall 3250 PQ comments.

But again don't see how anyone can make decisions based on whether a STB 'rocks' or 'sucks' or similar ambiguities. Viewing the last 4 minutes of HDNet's Tuesday 8--8:10 am test patterns (or recording them), though, provides a quantitative measurement of HD image quality. The resolution wedges (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175424#post5175424), no more difficult to read than a thermometer, provide a reasonable PQ comparison since maximum resolution figures match video quality quite well. My former SA8000HD, for example, with only 890-line max horizontal rez, was grossly worse in PQ than my current SA8300HD (1290 lines). And my RCN Cable DCT6208 HD DVR, with 1335 lines, has slightly better PQ. An ISF tech here measured 1280 lines with a 1366X768 fixed-pixel display and a 8300HD. Someone in the programming forum mentioned seeing a maximum of 1250 lines with his DBS STB before and after DirecTV's reformatting from 1920X1080 to 1280X1080. The puzzler is that Gary Merson, reviewing a 1080p RPTV a few years back, wrote he measured 1780 lines from HDNet via DirecTV. -- John

twcinsider,
Thanks as always for your participation. Something to consider though about VOD. Cablevision *charges you extra* to receive, say, HBO on demand - even if you subscribe to HBO!!! I'm not (remotely) suggesting that TWC should do the same for SD video. But, for HD, TWC *could* charge us for an HD VOD channel...
TM

Wasn't there some sort of deadline for active firewire on ALL boxes? I thought it was July 2005. Anyone know?

Can anyone check channel 711? Cablevision just turned on WB-HD on channel 711. I would think TWC is not far behind. Smallville in HD *drools*

Can anyone check channel 711? Cablevision just turned on WB-HD on channel 711. I would think TWC is not far behind. Smallville in HD *drools*

Not here-not yet (as of 11:11AM)

twcinsider,
Thanks as always for your participation. Something to consider though about VOD. Cablevision *charges you extra* to receive, say, HBO on demand - even if you subscribe to HBO!!! I'm not (remotely) suggesting that TWC should do the same for SD video. But, for HD, TWC *could* charge us for an HD VOD channel...
TM
...as does Time Warner. They charge a fixed fee for all of the "premium" VOD channels -- i.e. you pay one fee and get the VOD channel for all of the premiums that you subscribe to.

I cancelled mine once I got my HD-DVR -- I wasn't going to waste $3.95 when with the DVR I can effectively "roll my own" VOD.

Anyone experiencing trouble on 702, 704, 705, and 707? They've been grayed out for me at various times over the past few days...could it be my box?

I have a Pioneer BA-6300 with basic cable. Is there any way that I can find out the signal strength I am getting using this box and my TV. Thanks.

Okay, the All-Star game has now started, I've got friends over, and 705 (Fox) is a complete mess and unwatchable, when it's not greyed out. Is anyone else experiencing this? Sorry for the repost. Is this potentially a signal-strength issue? I've never had this problem in the past, but I just moved to a new apt. in lower manhattan. Help!

On the WB11 web site it say's that WB-HD is available on Cablevision and soon on RCN. As usual TWC is not mentioned.

http://wb11.trb.com/wpix-oncablevisionhdpr,0,5155410.story?coll=wpix-home-1

Randy,

Do a reboot! If that doesn't fix it....get another box...if that don't do it....call TWC and get someone out there ASAP. You may want to get a rep out first..especially if you have shows you haven't watched yet!

"Hastening the long-delayed switch to digital television, broadcasters on Tuesday agreed to stop transmitting analog signals in 2009, potentially rendering millions of rabbit-eared sets obsolete." (LA Times)

...as does Time Warner. They charge a fixed fee for all of the "premium" VOD channels -- i.e. you pay one fee and get the VOD channel for all of the premiums that you subscribe to.

I cancelled mine once I got my HD-DVR -- I wasn't going to waste $3.95 when with the DVR I can effectively "roll my own" VOD.


Are you sure? I guess I need to check my bill more carefully. It was my understanding that the VOD channels were included with the corresponding premium channel so that if, for instance, you paid for HBO, you got HBO-OD as part of the deal.

Also, if the scenario you describe it correct (1 small fee for the VODs for ALL the premiums you subscribe to) that's still waaaay less than Cablevision. They charge $6.95/mo for EACH premium vod channel on top of the premium channel subscription price...

TM

Are you sure? I guess I need to check my bill more carefully. It was my understanding that the VOD channels were included with the corresponding premium channel so that if, for instance, you paid for HBO, you got HBO-OD as part of the deal.

Also, if the scenario you describe it correct (1 small fee for the VODs for ALL the premiums you subscribe to) that's still waaaay less than Cablevision. They charge $6.95/mo for EACH premium vod channel on top of the premium channel subscription price...

TM

The scenario I describe is absolutely the way it is here on TWC in NYC. $7.95 (wow -- it's gone up a couple of bucks since I had it!) for the VODs for all premiums that you subscribe to.

See this URL for proof (under "premiums on demand"):
http://www.timewarnercable.com/Media/50/Content%20Management/Products%20And%20Services/documents/rate_nm.pdf

Note that it is included in the price of some packages ("D-Best" , "EntertaiNET", and "DTV Premium Pak") and others which is why lots of people have no idea what it costs, but if you are subscribing a la carte like I am, you can see the cost broken down for each service on your bill.

Hi Scott,

That's the issue then - I subscribe to one of the larger bundles and so don't see any such line item on my bill. I've always found the bundles to be cost effective for my viewing habits and preferences, particularly when factoring in other TW services.

TM

MAN did A-Rod's HR off Schilling last night look extra glorious in HD! :D

TM

MAN did A-Rod's HR off Schilling last night look extra glorious in HD! :D

TM

No one could’ve written a better script for that spectacular finish. A Rod’s previous 24 homers were batting practice for this one. He’s finally a Yankee.
And yes, the HD was great.

However, anyone else watching the game have an audio synch problem?

My audio was about 2 seconds behind the picture. This annoyance only was bothersome when I heard the crack of the bat or the ball hitting the glove. Otherwise it wasn’t so bad; in fact, it was the first time that Michael Kaye was listenable. He’s always a couple of seconds behind in his announcing. He finally sounded sharp and accurate. He was great on the radio where you didn’t see the play but on TV his timing is pathetic:
“Back to the wall, back, back, it’s long, it’s going, it’s, it’s….” It’s been over dude. The play is over and you’re still talking like it’s still happening.

No one could’ve written a better script for that spectacular finish. A Rod’s previous 24 homers were batting practice for this one. He’s finally a Yankee.
And yes, the HD was great.

However, anyone else watching the game have an audio synch problem?

My audio was about 2 seconds behind the picture. This annoyance only was bothersome when I heard the crack of the bat or the ball hitting the glove. Otherwise it wasn’t so bad; in fact, it was the first time that Michael Kaye was listenable. He’s always a couple of seconds behind in his announcing. He finally sounded sharp and accurate. He was great on the radio where you didn’t see the play but on TV his timing is pathetic:
“Back to the wall, back, back, it’s long, it’s going, it’s, it’s….” It’s been over dude. The play is over and you’re still talking like it’s still happening.

I experienced the same thing. It was a little annoying but they seemed to have fixed it around the sixth or seventh inning.

I noticed the audio synch problem as well... speaking of which, does anyone use an HDMI to HDMI connection between their TV and the SA8300? I have to use RCA audio cables as the 8300 can't output audio via HDMI... have y'all heard anything on when this may be corrected?! thanks! -R

I noticed the audio synch problem as well... speaking of which, does anyone use an HDMI to HDMI connection between their TV and the SA8300? I have to use RCA audio cables as the 8300 can't output audio via HDMI... have y'all heard anything on when this may be corrected?! thanks! -R

I use HDMI TO HDMI And i get audio in stereo.NoSurround Sound :(

MAN did A-Rod's HR off Schilling last night look extra glorious in HD! :D

TM

What channel?
They are way in Boston. I thought they only showed Yankee HD for home games.

Channel 708, YES HD shows all Yankees home games, plus some away Red Sox games.

Taken from another thread:

2005 YES Network Yankees HD Schedule

April 3 BOSTON 8:05
April 5 BOSTON 1:05
April 6 BOSTON 1:05
April 8 BALTIMORE 7:05
April 9 BALTIMORE 1:05
April 10 BALTIMORE 1:05
April 11 at Boston 3:05
April 13 at Boston 7:05
April 14 at Boston 7:05
April 18 TAMPA BAY 7:05
April 19 TAMPA BAY 7:05
April 23 TEXAS 1:05
April 24 TEXAS 1:05
April 26 ANAHEIM 7:05
April 27 ANAHEIM 7:05
April 28 ANAHEIM 7:05
April 30 TORONTO 1:05

May 1 TORONTO 1:05
May 7 OAKLAND 1:05
May 8 OAKLAND 1:05
May 9 SEATTLE 7:05
May 10 SEATTLE 7:05
May 11 SEATTLE 1:05
May 22 at New York (NL) 1:10
May 24 DETROIT 7:05
May 25 DETROIT 7:05
May 27 BOSTON 7:05

June 14 PITTSBURGH 7:05
June 15 PITTSBURGH 7:05
June 16 PITTSBURGH 7:05
June 19 CHICAGO (NL) 1:05
June 20 TAMPA BAY 7:05
June 21 TAMPA BAY 7:05
June 22 TAMPA BAY 1:05
June 23 TAMPA BAY 7:05
June 24 NEW YORK (NL) 7:05
June 25 NEW YORK (NL) 4:05

July 4 BALTIMORE 1:05
July 5 BALTIMORE 1:05
July 7 CLEVELAND 7:05
July 9 CLEVELAND 4:05
July 10 CLEVELAND 1:05
July 14 at Boston 7:05
July 26 MINNESOTA 7:05
July 27 MINNESOTA 7:05
July 28 MINNESOTA 1:05
July 31 ANAHEIM 1:05

Aug. 8 CHICAGO (AL) 7:05
Aug. 9 CHICAGO (AL) 7:05
Aug. 10 CHICAGO (AL) 1:05
Aug. 11 TEXAS 7:05
Aug. 13 TEXAS 1:05
Aug. 14 TEXAS 1:05
Aug. 22 TORONTO 7:05
Aug. 23 TORONTO 7:05
Aug. 24 TORONTO 7:05
Aug. 25 TORONTO 1:05
Aug. 27 KANSAS CITY 1:05
Aug. 28 KANSAS CITY 1:05

Sept. 6 TAMPA BAY 7:05
Sept. 7 TAMPA BAY 7:05
Sept. 8 TAMPA BAY 7:05
Sept. 11 BOSTON 1:05
Sept. 19 BALTIMORE 7:05
Sept. 20 BALTIMORE 7:05
Sept. 21 BALTIMORE 7:05
Sept. 22 BALTIMORE 7:05
Sept. 24 TORONTO 1:05
Sept. 25 TORONTO 1:05

Oct. 2 at Boston 2:05

All times at ET & subject to change.

Thanks a lot jeffrey
I see it was only yesterday's game the next three games are not in HD :(

Thanks a lot jeffrey
I see it was only yesterday's game the next three games are not in HD :(
Sunday nites game will be on ESPN, so that should be in HD.

Sunday nites game will be on ESPN, so that should be in HD.
I think they will blackout ESPN here in New York. But I hope I am wrong...

I think they will blackout ESPN here in New York. But I hope I am wrong...
Sundays game will only be on ESPN (no YES) so there should be no blackout (otherwise, no yankees!)

Thanks :) That's what i wanted to hear :)

I'm about to add a second HD set to my collection, replacing a small SD CRT set. Does anyone know whether TWCNYC still requires a service call to verify ownership of a HD set as a condition for issuing a HD STB or DVR? I would much rather exchange my 8000SD for an 8300HD at 23rd Street than wait at home for hours only to have a tech bring me an 8000HD.

They required a service call when I did this same thing, for my second TV. But, that was about a year ago, so maybe they've eased up by now.

-barry

I'm about to add a second HD set to my collection, replacing a small SD CRT set. Does anyone know whether TWCNYC still requires a service call to verify ownership of a HD set as a condition for issuing a HD STB or DVR? I would much rather exchange my 8000SD for an 8300HD at 23rd Street than wait at home for hours only to have a tech bring me an 8000HD.

you can bring a copy of your HD televsion receipt or the user manual to 23rd street as proof of ownership. they didn't ask to see mine...but i had the receipt just in case. my guess is they are less likely to request it now as the box has been out for a while and inventories are more stable.

Self installed my second Pio HD3510 STB thru DVI-D (Monster 400 ) to my Sharp 32D7U. The first box gave a greenish monochrome pic at first then over a few hours the colors kicked in. Next morning no video or audio , but message on box displayed a message to call operator. Support said my service hadn't been upgraded to digital. Support said the first 24 hours of digital hd with the full premium package, including all the HDxtra, was gratis. As soon as he did the upgrade my picture went back to that greenish monochrome with reds slowly appearing as before. I left the box on overnight but the colors never came back so I swapped boxes . (The boxes are stacked up behind the pricier pvr ones and appear to be trade in's. The Pio 3510's have been around for around 2 years I think. This box passed the audio thru but no video via the DVI-D. NYC TWC now tells me they don't support DVI with the non PVR stb's . I mentioned that a friend had returned three of the same boxes(3510's) for various other reasons but got video thru his DVI-D monster cable every time. (The TWC rep at the Manhattan 23rd St. even mentioned to my friend that a $99 DVI cable had to be purchased since they would only provide composite and component cables. There was never any mention of non functioning DVI outputs from Time Warner Cable and almost a year has passed since my friend upgraded to Digital HDTV cable.)
I'll return this set top box for one with a functioning DVI-D output knowing that if all else fails I still have the cable card slot . Time Warner charges $30 a truck roll. No self installs on cards. The savings from not being charged $8 per month is lost because of another set of pricey Monster cables.

I'm about to add a second HD set to my collection, replacing a small SD CRT set. Does anyone know whether TWCNYC still requires a service call to verify ownership of a HD set as a condition for issuing a HD STB or DVR? I would much rather exchange my 8000SD for an 8300HD at 23rd Street than wait at home for hours only to have a tech bring me an 8000HD.

Two weeks ago, they insisted on a service call for me.

adrman,
I believe you, but when I went and swapped my 8000HD for an 8300HD (months after they'd been available) I specifically asked about exactly what Manatus is talking about. The CSR at 23rd St. specifically told me I could come in anytime and grab a second 8300HD for my account.

TM

Two weeks ago, they insisted on a service call for me.

YES they do Why I do not know :confused: I also tryed to get one and they said service call. The cost is 30 or 60$

adrman,
I believe you, but when I went and swapped my 8000HD for an 8300HD (months after they'd been available) I specifically asked about exactly what Manatus is talking about. The CSR at 23rd St. specifically told me I could come in anytime and grab a second 8300HD for my account.

TM

I should have just tried walking into 23rd street to see what happened before I made an appointment. The silver lining at least was I got some new cable runs out of the deal. I was going to redo them myself, but I figured "hey, as long as the guy is here". Now if I could just get that SA3250 instead of the Pioneer.

YES they do Why I do not know :confused: I also tryed to get one and they said service call. The cost is 30 or 60$

No, they do not. As said above, walk in to 23rd st. with a receipt or a user's manual for an HD set. I've done it myself.

I am on my second Pioneer 3510 from 23rd Street and I can not get the DVI output to work into the HDMI input on my Toshiba MT700 front projector (720p). The projector works with HDMI from a DVD player and I have tried 2 different cables, so I believe it is the box. Did I get 2 bad boxes or is there an inherent problem with this conbination that others have had?

I would try an SA8300 but I am not keen on loosing Dolby Digital - is it still the case that the SA8300 will default to 2 channel with HDMI if the display does not have a Dobly Digital converter?

No, they do not. As said above, walk in to 23rd st. with a receipt or a user's manual for an HD set. I've done it myself.
I've done it as well.

Note that "twcinsider" or someone reported that CSRs get a percentage of what they sell, so of course they try to force you to get a service appointment.

A pretty shady practice if you ask me.

Self installed my second Pio HD3510 STB thru DVI-D (Monster 400 ) to my Sharp 32D7U. The first box gave a greenish monochrome pic at first then over a few hours the colors kicked in. Next morning no video or audio , but message on box displayed a message to call operator. Support said my service hadn't been upgraded to digital. Support said the first 24 hours of digital hd with the full premium package, including all the HDxtra, was gratis. As soon as he did the upgrade my picture went back to that greenish monochrome with reds slowly appearing as before. I left the box on overnight but the colors never came back so I swapped boxes . (The boxes are stacked up behind the pricier pvr ones and appear to be trade in's. The Pio 3510's have been around for around 2 years I think. This box passed the audio thru but no video via the DVI-D. NYC TWC now tells me they don't support DVI with the non PVR stb's . I mentioned that a friend had returned three of the same boxes(3510's) for various other reasons but got video thru his DVI-D monster cable every time. (The TWC rep at the Manhattan 23rd St. even mentioned to my friend that a $99 DVI cable had to be purchased since they would only provide composite and component cables. There was never any mention of non functioning DVI outputs from Time Warner Cable and almost a year has passed since my friend upgraded to Digital HDTV cable.)
I'll return this set top box for one with a functioning DVI-D output knowing that if all else fails I still have the cable card slot . Time Warner charges $30 a truck roll. No self installs on cards. The savings from not being charged $8 per month is lost because of another set of pricey Monster cables.

Went back to the 23rd St. TWC to find a Pioneer 3510 with a functioning DVI output. By luck of the draw I got the same rep from the previous two times and she took pity on my plight (I was still in a cheerful mood, really.) She dug up an SA 3250 ( a better fit since it is a lot smaller with the same amount of outputs). Video came through the DVI without any color lag.
After 24 hours I had to reboot my Sharp 32D7U when a ....".Please wait."....Blue Screen of Death locked everything up. But for that so far so good. Remembering that TWC doesn't support DVI unless I upgrade to the STB with PVR I'm keeping my finger's crossed. Last night a friend told me of his favorable experience with his cable card install on his 32 inch Hitachi LCD. It took the tech 20 minutes to get it up and running.

She dug up an SA 3250 ( a better fit since it is a lot smaller with the same amount of outputs).

You were able to get a a SA3250 from 23rd street? Those people are unbelievable, literally. :mad:

When are these idiots going to get it right? I could watch the British Open in HD in the morning but had to watch analog in the afternoon on CBS. Last night ESPN was carrying the Yankee game in HD but had to watch it in analog on YES.

There ought to be a law!!!

I'd sure love to get Universal HD channel via cable... (They are replaying first season of Battlestar Galactica in HD.)

Is there any indication of new HD channels getting added to the lineup?

(So frustrating.)

-Terry

I'd sure love to get Universal HD channel via cable... (They are replaying first season of Battlestar Galactica in HD.)

Is there any indication of new HD channels getting added to the lineup?

(So frustrating.)

-Terry


Why do you guys keep complaining about no new HD channels. Didnt TWCNYC just give us a brand new channel, LOGO.

It's fabulous. :rolleyes:

Why do you guys keep complaining about no new HD channels. Didnt TWCNYC just give us a brand new channel, LOGO.

It's fabulous. :rolleyes:

As one of the probably many gay and lesbian AVS members who visit and post in this thread, I think (and hope) that it can thrive without the wiseguy rantings of this homophobic creep.

As one of the probably many gay and lesbian AVS members who visit and post in this thread, I think (and hope) that it can thrive without the wiseguy rantings of this homophobic creep.


Actually, I was complaining about the contents of the channel, and not its focus. The channel content stinks. I happen to think that Queer as Folk is a really great well done show on Showtime. On the other hand, The L word, stinks, as does Will and Grace for the last few seasons (it was funny for the first 2 or 3 seasons). The only interesting character on Six Feet Under was the gay brother, the rest of the show just didnt do it for me. The few times that I have flipped to LOGO it has bored me to tears. I put it in the same catagory as the religious channels and the home shopping channels. All of which I would be very happy to get rid of if we could get more HD channels.

I was being humorous, not homophobic. There is a difference. I do expect an apology for your rudeness. :rolleyes:

You were able to get a a SA3250 from 23rd street? Those people are unbelievable, literally. :mad:
Monday's is probably one of the busier day's on 23rd with a lot of restocking and quite a few customers with equipment returns. With my luck after a 45 minute wait I got the same rep from the previous two times. She said I was lucky to get the SA3250 which hardly ever came in and that she didn't want to see me ever again.

Last couple of weeks, my 8300 has been seizing up during ordinary viewing and after a couple of minutes rebooting itself. Also, it tends to do this most of the time when I try to access prerecorded shows.

Anyone else have or had this?

Is there any cure other than getting a new box?

Can I just walk into 23rd street and swap or do I need to call ahead?

Thanks.

Last couple of weeks, my 8300 has been seizing up during ordinary viewing and after a couple of minutes rebooting itself. Also, it tends to do this most of the time when I try to access prerecorded shows.

Anyone else have or had this?

Is there any cure other than getting a new box?

Can I just walk into 23rd street and swap or do I need to call ahead?

Thanks.

Just walk in and get a new box. Bring the old one to swap. :cool:

What's the deal w/ TNT HD? Maybe it's just the movies that happen to be on but the last few times I've flipped to the channel, the widescreen image looks stretched. If I force my TV into 4:3 mode the picture looks squished from left to right. So basically you cannot get it to look right.

Don't remember this happening in the past - certainly didn't during the NBA Playoffs.

What's the deal w/ TNT HD? Maybe it's just the movies that happen to be on but the last few times I've flipped to the channel, the widescreen image looks stretched. If I force my TV into 4:3 mode the picture looks squished from left to right. So basically you cannot get it to look right.

Don't remember this happening in the past - certainly didn't during the NBA Playoffs.

Apparently, it is relatively common knowledge that TNT-HD shows its true HD content in HD and upreses and applies some really bad stretch method to its non-HD programming so that everything "appears" to be HD on their channel.

For more specifics, here's a very thorough thread on the topic on a different forum:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=559505

(films listed in this topic are all in HD....others are shown in strech-o-vision)

Scott,

Thanks. Yeah I knew that they show everything in widescreen - all the commercials are obviously stretched. But a few of the movies I was referring to are only a couple of years old and I was surprised they wouldn't have the widescreen versions. I guess that must be the answer though.

I have the sa8300 in nyc with my panny 50phd7uy plasma. The native rez on the panny is 720p. My question is which setting should I have selected on my cable box. Do I need to have 720p and 1080i both selected since some of my hd channels broadcast in each or will I get just as good pq if I just select 1080i. The channels change much quicker when I just have 1080i selected.

One other question. Whenever I turn on the tv and it is on an hd 1080i channel like hbo most times I have to change the channel to a 720p hd channel like fox in order for it to switch to the correct aspect. If its a show that is supposed to have black bars on the sides(non hd program viewed on the hd channel) it stretches it to fill in, I have to switch to a different format channel and switch back to get the black bars on the sides and the correct aspect. I hope this makes sense.

Any help on both issues would be appreciated.

Just picked up an SA8300 and hooked it up easily to the S-Video/Digital Audio in on my Marantz SR7500. I then go to my Sammy HLP with S-Video. WIll I be better off using the HDMI ports on the SA8300/Sammy for video directly and bypassing the receiver?

Just picked up an SA8300 and hooked it up easily to the S-Video/Digital Audio in on my Marantz SR7500. I then go to my Sammy HLP with S-Video. WIll I be better off using the HDMI ports on the SA8300/Sammy for video directly and bypassing the receiver?

YES!! PQ will be significantly better. You can't even get HD over S-Video.

Opppsss... I meant component, not S-video.

How does that impact the info???

Not as dramatic an improvement but still worth it IMO. When you say Sammy - assuming it's a DLP, LCD or plasma which should all benefit from HDMI.

Samsung HLP4674. We "talked" a few months ago in another conference before I made the purchase (and, like a bunch of others, was awaiting the advent of the HD2+ chip without the Starship Enterprise attrached!).

Definitely use HDMI and don't look back.

Just ordered one on line for $20.00 (2m). I guess that is relatively cheap, but when you realize what the cable actually is, it is really a ripoff!
I can't believe that there are places that charge 2 and 3 times that amount!

Anyway, thanks for the input. I'll keep you posted as to my impression of the results.

(e)

jumbolaya, set your STB to 720p, that is the native resolution for your tv. If you have your STB set to 1080i, it still has to downconvert it to 720.

jumbolaya, set your STB to 720p, that is the native resolution for your tv. If you have your STB set to 1080i, it still has to downconvert it to 720

Doesn't the STB downconvert from 1080i to 720p? If so, is not the Samsung at least as capable of doing that?
(e)

As I understand it, the way you have it set up, for a 720p broadcast, the box would upconvert to 1080i, and then your TV would downconvert to 720p. This makes for one extra conversion than necessary. If you set your box to output at 720p, you will always have the minimum number of converstions possible.

-barry

As I understand it, the way you have it set up, for a 720p broadcast,

Yes, but I believe that there is only one station broadcasting in 720p (as of a number of months ago). Most ly were broadcasting in 1080i. The more important question for me is: which piece of hardware is better at the conversion? Similarly, if you are going to downconvert to 480i for SD, which unit should handle that?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

but your native resolution on your tv is 720, doesnt matter if the station is broadcasting at 1080, your tv is just going to have to downconvert it to 720 again. Should you probably just set your STB to 720

I agree w/ emauss. Yes your display is going to show everything at 720p but the scaler and deinterlacer on the display is likely to be better than the one on the STB. The only 720p channels are 705, 707 and 725; all of the other HD channels are 1080i. So you are probably better off letting the STB pass the 1080i signal as is and let the display scale it down to 720p rather than having the STB do the scaling before it even gets to the display - either way there is one conversion it's just a question of which device does it. For 720p channels there are obviously no conversions at all.

For SD, note that the HD DVRs convert all 480i channels (other than a few truly analog channels) to 480p over HDMI before getting to your display - that conversion is unavoidable. Also, on the Sammy DLPs the HDMI input doesn't even accept 480i.

So I would recommend selecting 480p, 720p and 1080i as your supported output formats.

Yes, but I believe that there is only one station broadcasting in 720p (as of a number of months ago). Most ly were broadcasting in 1080i. The more important question for me is: which piece of hardware is better at the conversion? Similarly, if you are going to downconvert to 480i for SD, which unit should handle that?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

FOX, ABC and ESPN all broadcast in 720p.

All others that we get from TWCNYC are 1080i.

Thanks, all. That is kinda what I thought. I was led to believe that the scaler in my Sammy is quite good, and therefore thought it should be doing all the work in this area. Apparently you (who have responded) agree.

That's what I like about this site. This exchange alone is worth the cost of admission!

Andy,

Time Warner Cable of NYC currently offers ABC HD, NBC HD, CBS HD, Fox HD, Thirteen HD (PBS), Discovery HD and TNT HD free with our DTV service.

We also provide YES HD programming to customers with an HD cable box and HDTV. YES Network is airing 70 Yankees games this season in HD, but YES HD is not a fulltime channel. We carry the Yankee games in HD on channel 708, along with other HD programs that we occasionally obtain.

We hope to make the HD programming from MSG and FSN-NY available soon.

HBO HD and Showtime HD are included when you purchase HBO and Showtime.

Additionally, our HD Xtra package includes; ESPN HD, HD Net, HD Movies, InHD and InHD2.

On our HD Pay Per View channel you can find programs and sporting events that are available periodically.

Future HD additions will be announced as the details are finalized.

With regard to our digital simulcast, Time Warner Cable NYC digital customers receive all but about 2 dozen channels in digital form. We expect the remaining channels to be completed soon.

Thank you for your interest in Time Warner's HD program offerings.

Bob Watson

VP of Programming and New Business Development

Time Warner Cable of New York & New Jersey

120 East 23rd Street

New York, NY 10010

email: bob.watson@twcable.com

phone: 212-598-7363

fax: 212-364-9810

Hmmm. I wonder if the statement about FSN and MSG is just a general one, or is something being actually negotiated?

I can't imagine that Bob W would casually toss those specific ones out (as opposed to any of the other HD channels TWCNYC doesn't carry) if there weren't something in the works at some level. He's usually a pretty cautious guy about these predictions these days and is probably erring on the side of under promise and over deliver. My $.02

That said, there are other HD channels I'd prefer over these but the more the merrier.

TM

Re Bob Watson's e-mail response about programming, I dredged up twcinsider's recent post about switched broadcasting, and others elsewhere about dropping more analog channels, earlier today:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5948228&&#post5948228
--John

But switched broadcasting won't even begin to be implemented until 2006. I don't think that qualifes as "soon" in the current topic. But it might.

Well it looks like the Explorer 8300 DVR box is a dud, for me at least . I have had 2 of them get wierd "Your service is disconnected" messages. And once it happens there seems no way to get rid of it. My 1st box worked for 3 days and 2nd for a week. TW thought it was my line, so they replaced all of them from the pole to my set. Did not help the 8300. They even hooked up 3rd one, same problem. It seems it is not only me, the service guys say it seems to be happening a lot. A communication problem with boxes from the main office.
The good news is they gave me a regular Voyager HD box and the picture is even better than before. Must be the new cables. I might try another 8300 in a few months, maybe then they will fix the problems with it.
Does anyone know anything about this Voyager box(cant seem to find a model # on it)?
Does TW have a box with digital optical audio out instead of coax?
If I have to go with non DVR box, might as well the best.

I found the model # for this box...3510HD. Is this box any good? Or should I get something else?

I found the model # for this box...3510HD. Is this box any good? Or should I get something else?
If you get HDNet it would be interesting to see its maximum horizontal resolution (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175424#post5175424), using the linked technique. Here are some readings (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4664241#post4664241) measured from other SA/TWC converters. My former 3100HD measured the same as my current 8300HD, 1290 lines. A few here say the Pioneer 3510 has the best HD images; others complain about its SD output. (Someone at a Calif. TWC location reported measuring 1600 lines by using a CableCard instead of a cable converter.) I'd noticed a faint white image 'fogging' with both the SA2000HD and SA3100HD converters; the fogging lessened contrast and therefore the finest resolutions. Assume you've gone through lots of 8300HD cold boots (unpluggings), the standard glitch fix. -- John

Hmmm. I wonder if the statement about FSN and MSG is just a general one, or is something being actually negotiated?

i have to believe that TWC negotiated the terms for carrying MSG-HD and FSNY-HD when they got the non HD versions of those channels back on the air a couple months ago. with the NHL back in action i really hope MSG-HD is in the lineup by Oct. 5.

I've been nagging Bob Watson and TWC costumer service with email's for months now asking about MSG-HD & FSN-HD, and I finally got somewhat of a response because I originally emailed "Mr. Kevin Leddy Senior Vice President Strategy and Development". If I'm unable to see MSG-HD & FSN-HD in time for the hockey season and then for the basketball season, I will be highly upset.

i have to believe that TWC negotiated the terms for carrying MSG-HD and FSNY-HD when they got the non HD versions of those channels back on the air a couple months ago. with the NHL back in action i really hope MSG-HD is in the lineup by Oct. 5.

If TWC puts MSG-HD on the air after October 1, it's nothing but a slap in the face to Mets fans, who were not only forced to endure an outage of Mets games, but have been asking for TWC to carry the games' HD broadcasts for several years. If the terms have been negotiated, there's no excuse for not using 708 for Mets games in HD when the Mets are at home, just as is done for the Yankees. (On those handful of occasions when the two teams are at home at the same time, they could deal with it on a case by case basis. It's really not that often.)
-JMP

Shouldn't Mets home and away games be in HD? Obviously they could not all be carried on 708, but I'm sure I've heard the announcers, on away games, talk about the Mets in HD on MSG and FSN.

I would have thought they would have negotiated HD terms when the channels were put back on the air, but if so where are they? Bandwidth issues?

Shouldn't Mets home and away games be in HD? Obviously they could not all be carried on 708, but I'm sure I've heard the announcers, on away games, talk about the Mets in HD on MSG and FSN.

I seem to recall hearing that they only broadcast home games in HD. I'll look more carefully next time I watch a game, but I think they give the blurb at the beginning of the game saying that "you can watch this game in HD only on cable" for home games, while for road games the mention of HD is in the listing of the upcoming game broadcasts when talking about the next homestand. At least that's how I remember it. We can check for sure next week when the Mets are on the road again.

I would have thought they would have negotiated HD terms when the channels were put back on the air, but if so where are they? Bandwidth issues?

Several of us had been told that TWC would make HD part of the negotiations for a new agreement back when the channels were taken off the air last summer. The new agreement has come, and TWC hasn't changed their tune of "there's no agreement in place." In the past, when an agreement has been signed for a frequently requested channel, they have changed their response to requests from "no agreement" to "we're working on it" or "the agreement is in place, but there's no bandwidth."


What amazes me more than the FSN/MSG-HD situation is WPIX-HD. Time Warner apparently refuses to use corporate relationships for any kind of leverage. WPIX is an affiliate of the WB network, which is at least part owned by TW. Somehow, the WB affiliate agreement doesn't specify that WB affiliates are required to make their HD feeds available to TWC affiliates. It's bad enough that TW is an overgrown media machine. The least they could do is use it to the advantage of their customers.
-JMP

Wouldn’t it make more sense for Time Warner to wait until next year to broker a deal for MSG? The Mets Network will be up and running and MSG will be devalued.

And, regarding the WB, I just don’t understand-- Cablevision recently added it to their HD arsenal and we still have Kaity and Jim in SD? :rolleyes:

I wouldn't mind getting HBO/Showtime in HD (even though neither are in their original aspect ratios) but I don't feel like paying for all those other channels that I'll never watch. They should just have one big HD package. My cable bill is over $100 a month without extra channels. :(

Has anything ever been shown on HDPPV since it's been added? What a joke. TWC stills lists it as an accomplishment on their Weather Channel Scrawl. People who don't know any better might actually think it's a bonus to have it.

Who can we complain to about it? Any ideas? If you call CS I'm sure they'll just give you the old "I don't know anything" line.

They’ve had a couple of dumb boxing matches. I agree, it's a joke, lose it or use it.

They’ve had a couple of dumb boxing matches. I agree, it's a joke, lose it or use it.

How about them at least throwing us a bone and making a movie or 2 available in HD? Other cable systems are offering HD movies for PPV. They could probably charge $7 or $8 (just a tad less than going out to a movie in the theater, but still just cheap enough to get us HD enthusiasts to fork over the cash to get some "worthy" content on our HD sets...), and I'd bet a bunch of us would pay it for a decent, recent film that they've got in their SD PPV (pre-DVD, pre-premium channel release) queue right now.

I would pay for a HD PPV movie.

I would pay for a HD PPV movie.
So would I. Especially if it was guaranteed to fill the screen (16:9).

I would pay for an HD Movie (if it was a good movie that I wanted to see).

I'd rather see the Mets in HD though.

ok, so I called and scheduled a tech appt for Friday, theyre gonna hook up my DVR - I requested the SA 8300HD, but if he doesnt come with it I'm just gonna take it & swap it myself. I would have dont the change myself, but I also needed an additional box (non DVR) added to my house, and apparently that requires a service call (which is asinine, considering they put the line on for me when we moved here, so all the guy has to do is connect the box) - so I figured Id have him bring the DVR too since I gotta pay for the visit.

Wish me luck!

dear All,

I made a mistake and did not specifically request the hd dvr box with my install. now i am stuck with a non-hd unit? does the twc charge for the upgrade to the hd-dvr? can i do it myself?

thank you.

good luck GW. hopefully it goes well.

not sure if there are any hockey fans here, but i read today that comcast may be awarded the NHL contract. any chance that they would use the INHD/INHD2 channels to air the games?

dear All,

I made a mistake and did not specifically request the hd dvr box with my install. now i am stuck with a non-hd unit? does the twc charge for the upgrade to the hd-dvr? can i do it myself?

thank you.

Unfortunately, it seems to be hit or miss. A few on this board have taken their SD box into 23rd St (or whatever borough you're in) and exchanged it for an HD box. Others (myself included) have had TW demand a technician install the HD box.

If you try the in-store swap method, take a manual for your HD TV to help convince them that you really have one.

-barry

A few on this board have taken their SD box into 23rd St (or whatever borough you're in) and exchanged it for an HD box.

Count me among this lucky group. I called their customer support number, told them I'd bought an HDTV and wanted to exchange my box, and they told me "No problem, just bring your box in to 23rd St. and swap it out." They made a note on my account that I was coming in for the swap on such-and-such a day, and voila! No problem....no TV manuals, no haggling or arguing.....hand them the old box, they hand me a new one, thanks and goodbye!

Scott

Count me among this lucky group. I called their customer support number, told them I'd bought an HDTV and wanted to exchange my box, and they told me "No problem, just bring your box in to 23rd St. and swap it out." They made a note on my account that I was coming in for the swap on such-and-such a day, and voila! No problem....no TV manuals, no haggling or arguing.....hand them the old box, they hand me a new one, thanks and goodbye!

Scott
same exact thing for me - called first, noted account, swapped.

No, they do not. As said above, walk in to 23rd st. with a receipt or a user's manual for an HD set. I've done it myself.

Are you talking about swabing a box or getting a second box?If you want a second box it will be aservice call. If its swab just walk in

I have been using a 3150 box and saving money to get an HD for the bedroom. Well just picked up a 32D5U and it has a cable card slot. Should I stick w/ the current box or should I call for a cable card. Anyone using it from TW. I know there is no VOD but I have a 8300 in another room that I can use for that. So how is the PQ w/ the card? HD? Any problem w/ TV GUIDE? Do I have to make a service call for them to come or can I just go to 23rd street and pick one up. I really don't want to pay for some incompetent tech to come take my box away and just stick the card in. When they came to install the 8300 a few months ago they said it wasn't compatible w/ HDMI. When I plugged HDMI in, the tech was surprised it worked. So frustrated w/ TW.

You definitely need a tech to come out to install a CC. It's a fairly lengthy and potentially complicated process from what I hear - much more so than it should be.

Supposedly people have reported PQ that is as good or better than using a STB. Not sure about the TVGOS though - lots of people have reported problems downloading the proper guide data.

You definitely need a tech to come out to install a CC. It's a fairly lengthy and potentially complicated process from what I hear - much more so than it should be.

Supposedly people have reported PQ that is as good or better than using a STB.

I have a new HDTV set (a 1080p model) coming next week and have an appointment with TWCNYC to have it outfitted with both a CC and a 8300HD DVR. I'll scrap the CC if it turns out that it doesn't deliver better PQ.

I have a new HDTV set (a 1080p model) coming next week and have an appointment with TWCNYC to have it outfitted with both a CC and a 8300HD DVR. I'll scrap the CC if it turns out that it doesn't deliver better PQ.

Can you please post an update when he installs it. Can anyone that has the CC w/ TW report on TVGOS. How is ti? Does it work? Does anyone know if they plan to offer cards w/ an interactive guide in the near future.

I have a new HDTV set (a 1080p model) coming next week and have an appointment with TWCNYC to have it outfitted with both a CC and a 8300HD DVR. I'll scrap the CC if it turns out that it doesn't deliver better PQ.
hey i actually made an appt to do the same, but had to cancel caues i couldnt get off of work. Did you have to talk to 5 people before they agreed to do it??> I had to argue with everybody, they kept teling me i cant have both, theres no reason for it, so i said what the hell is the diffence your making money off of both why do you care if i want to waste my money, finally they gave in. But they were going to charge me $35 for installation, plus they can only come during the day during the week, so i dont have any time to take off work now to get it installed. Let us know how diff. the quality is.

Did you have to talk to 5 people before they agreed to do

No. The CSR told me "you don't need a cable card if you have a DVR." I replied that I understand that but want to have both. That ended the discussion. Whether the technician actually shows up with both is another matter. My original appointment, which I had to change, was for 6-9 PM today.

I had originally scheduled to have a CC installed along with the DVR but changed my mind only because of the M-F appt window and the $35 charge.

Initially when I requested both, I too heard the same "You don't need a CC if you have a DVR". My response was that I wished to have both so I can record 2 live shows and watch a 3rd at the same time. End of discussion.

I wished to have both so I can record 2 live shows and watch a 3rd at the same time..

:cool:

I never considered the characteristics of a cable card and why people want both a CC and the 8300 DVR. Thanks for elaborating. This sounds like a smart idea.

Aside from the 35 bucks for the installation fee, are there additional monthly charges for the cable card?

No. The CSR told me "you don't need a cable card if you have a DVR." I replied that I understand that but want to have both. That ended the discussion. Whether the technician actually shows up with both is another matter. My original appointment, which I had to change, was for 6-9 PM today.

Looking fwd to the update on the install and whether you got the CC and the HD DVR.

What 1080p set did you pick up? I love AVSForum. Where else can you be happy for and live vicariously through people you really don't know! Congrat's on the purchase and enjoy!

Drew

are there additional monthly charges for the cable card?

I think I was quoted 1.95/month for the CC. Maybe someone who actually has one can verify that figure.

thanks for your continued support of time warner cable. we are doing what we can to add HD and meet other customer needs that eat up bandwidth. still, we are close to having deals for UPN, ESPN 2, Universal, Starz, Cinemax and TMC, We already have a deal with In Demand so i don't know why it's not on in NYC, if that's true.

i think it realisitic to anticipate that these deals will be done in the next few months and be added to the system in early '06.

Dressler, Fred


We seem to be geting some real responses now!

Question: just picked up a Pioneer 3510HD and thought it would have firewire but doesn't. Only USB. What's the point of the USB?? Are there any models with firewire??

thanks for your continued support of time warner cable. we are doing what we can to add HD and meet other customer needs that eat up bandwidth. still, we are close to having deals for UPN, ESPN 2, Universal, Starz, Cinemax and TMC, We already have a deal with In Demand so i don't know why it's not on in NYC, if that's true.

i think it realisitic to anticipate that these deals will be done in the next few months and be added to the system in early '06.

Dressler, Fred


We seem to be geting some real responses now!

i'm not happy that MSG or FSNY weren't on that list.

i'm not happy that MSG or FSNY weren't on that list.

Bob Watson told me MSG or FSNY are in negotiations, he's in charge of the NYC and NJ division, Fred Dressler is an executive from corporate. He probably didn't mention MSG and FSNY because they only apply to NY metro area.

Email them, they just might respond. It's better than talking to CSR.
http://www.timewarnercable.com/corporate/aboutus/management.html

thanks for your continued support of time warner cable. we are doing what we can to add HD and meet other customer needs that eat up bandwidth. still, we are close to having deals for UPN, ESPN 2, Universal, Starz, Cinemax and TMC, We already have a deal with In Demand so i don't know why it's not on in NYC, if that's true.

i think it realisitic to anticipate that these deals will be done in the next few months and be added to the system in early '06.

Dressler, Fred


We seem to be geting some real responses now!

AndyHDTV, thanks for the information. Would it be possible to give us the address to email the powers at be? The link you provided is just a listing of the executives.
I always get the same canned response from my local CSRs.
Thanks again.

Question: just picked up a Pioneer 3510HD and thought it would have firewire but doesn't. Only USB. What's the point of the USB?? Are there any models with firewire??

USB is usually slow speed 1.0, not 2.0, for possible future expansion services with Keyboard/Mouse.

OT question, if i buy my own cable modem will my monthly bill go down? I'm currently on the DBest package. I see circuit city has a Motorola SB5120 for $35. I currently have a several year old Toshiba PCX2200. Any chance a newer box would provide better speeds?

"Take advantage of DOCSIS 2.0 technology for up to three times greater upstream capabilities than DOCSIS 1.1." I'm not even sure what DOCSIS is...or what my Toshiba box has.

Motorola SB5120 (http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=124990&WT.mc_n=57&WT.mc_t=U&cm_ven=AFFILIATE%20MARKETING&cm_cat=BEFREE&cm_pla=DATAFEED->PRODUCTS&cm_ite=1%20PRODUCT&cm_keycode=57)

good luck GW. hopefully it goes well.

it went as well as could be expected, the 8300HD seems to work as advertised - I havent had time to record anything, but that seems easy enough (they didnt leave a book, but I found the online PDF version).

for the staten island members - have you been experiencing severe On Demand programming issues? for the past three days it's been absolutely hell trying to watch anything on HBO OD - I keep getting a blank screen, then a message to call the office for support - which I call, and I get told it's a "staten island wide problem" and that "theyre working on getting it fixed shortly". Theyve sent refresh signals but nothing has seemed to work thus far.

OT question, if i buy my own cable modem will my monthly bill go down? I'm currently on the DBest package. I see circuit city has a Motorola SB5120 for $35. I currently have a several year old Toshiba PCX2200. Any chance a newer box would provide better speeds?

"Take advantage of DOCSIS 2.0 technology for up to three times greater upstream capabilities than DOCSIS 1.1." I'm not even sure what DOCSIS is...or what my Toshiba box has.

Motorola SB5120 (http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=124990&WT.mc_n=57&WT.mc_t=U&cm_ven=AFFILIATE%20MARKETING&cm_cat=BEFREE&cm_pla=DATAFEED->PRODUCTS&cm_ite=1%20PRODUCT&cm_keycode=57)

I dont know if youll get faster speeds, I have a PCX1100 and using speed tests & tweak tools found on broadbandreports.com, I'm almost always near the speed cap (currently 5 megabit from TWC). As for saving $$, I see it as more of a problem should tech issues arise - example, I'm sure if youre signal cuts out they'll be quick to blame the modem since it's not theirs, regardless if the modem is fine or not - nor will they service it for the same reason, which will leave you to trubleshoot it. I prefer to use their equipment, this way if theres a problem the onus is on them to fix it from all angles.

it went as well as could be expected, the 8300HD seems to work as advertised - I havent had time to record anything, but that seems easy enough (they didnt leave a book, but I found the online PDF version).


If the pdf you found is a Scientific Atlanta item, then it is probably for the SARA version of the product, and you (TWCNYC) have the Passport version. Most of what it says should be ignored.

-barry

Just Type the "first name", then a "." then their "last name" and finally "@twcable.com"

EX : Bob.Watson@TWCable.com

Thanks.

for the staten island members - have you been experiencing severe On Demand programming issues? for the past three days it's been absolutely hell trying to watch anything on HBO OD - I keep getting a blank screen, then a message to call the office for support - which I call, and I get told it's a "staten island wide problem" and that "theyre working on getting it fixed shortly". Theyve sent refresh signals but nothing has seemed to work thus far.


I have been having the same problems with on demand here in staten island. I havent been able to watch anything for the last few days. Good to know, that it isnt just me.

thanks for your continued support of time warner cable. we are doing what we can to add HD and meet other customer needs that eat up bandwidth. still, we are close to having deals for UPN, ESPN 2, Universal, Starz, Cinemax and TMC, We already have a deal with In Demand so i don't know why it's not on in NYC, if that's true.

i think it realisitic to anticipate that these deals will be done in the next few months and be added to the system in early '06.

Dressler, Fred


We seem to be geting some real responses now!
maybe im just always the skeptic, but i would think an exective at time warner would use a little better punctuation. Not sure he would say "other customer needs that eat up bandwidth" either.