Woke up rudely by the strong southeast sun this morning.
94 and still only 820AM.

I flick on the 3250HD and nothing, thought black out.

Then I saw the LCD counting "r.XXX" with numbers going from 999 and
down. TWC was downloading a new software OS onto the old 3250HD.

What was downloaded is the APTIV Digital Passport 4.2 Build 068.
APTIV is the former Pioneer.

Early findings!

Equipment
1. 3250HD box
2. HP L2335 23" LCD with 1920x1200 resolution.
True 1080i display with bars on top and bottom.
3. component video cables

PROS
1. YPbPr results at 70% brightness and 30% contrast was much better
from my recollection versus the same results from the last build;
namely Build 029.
Watching tonight's Yankees-Jays game, the color, sharpness, and
contrast are all superior with this new 068 build.
And we are talking component inputs here! Imagine how is would be
for DVI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. D-VHS works for 703, 309, and 725
3. Nice black borders for HD channels of SD material, NICE !!!!

CONS
1. Still slow channel changing
2. D-VHS does not work without digital blocking/ artifacts on 701,
721, 722, 723, and 724.
3. HDCP is finally active, so my non-HDCP HP L2335's DVI inputs
does not work.

Paul

espn2hd

need it now

come on

...Then I saw the LCD counting "r.XXX" with numbers going from 999 and
down. TWC was downloading a new software OS onto the old 3250HD...
Paul

Paul, thank you for that very interesting post.

I'm reporting that in Manhattan both of my 8300HD's were auto-reset and cold booted around 3 AM this morning...BUT THERE WAS NO UPDATE :confused:

The boxes went to Channel 2 and the saved programs list was a little out of date-order. Other than that...Nothing.

If anyone else experienced the same thing you might want to check on your saved programs list.

It's hard to tell what happened. Maybe we're getting close to an update for the 8300HD.

What was downloaded is the APTIV Digital Passport 4.2 Build 068.
APTIV is the former Pioneer.

Early findings!

PROS
1. YPbPr results at 70% brightness and 30% contrast was much better
from my recollection versus the same results from the last build;
namely Build 029.
Watching tonight's Yankees-Jays game, the color, sharpness, and
contrast are all superior with this new 068 build.
And we are talking component inputs here! Imagine how is would be
for DVI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interesting. Supposedly it's possible to modify the output-chip firmware, influencing PQ. And TWC could always modify its output rate shaping and other parameters that affect PQ, too. Perhaps next Tuesday's 6 am ET test pattern from HDNet, if it's still in that time slot, will show improved resolution. My ~1.5-yr SA8300HD DVR recording of the HDNet patterns has always shown only 1290 lines (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175424#post5175424) (YPbPr to a 9"-gun RPTV).

Guess I'll check for a possible firmware update, whether my recorded pattern has changed, or whether next Tuesday's HDNet pattern has improved. BTW, discovered a few days back that a DVRed HDNet resolution wedge, in freeze mode, is only providing 1/60-sec TV fields (540 lines), not full 1080i frames. On my setup, that ruins vertical resolution (the horizontal lines), but the horizontal resolution (vertical lines) isn't affected compared to full motion-video mode. My 1080i CRT display doesn't convert TV fields into frames like fixed-pixel displays. -- John

EDIT: DVRed a fresh HDNet test pattern 8/8 and found nothing's changed from what I recorded 1 yr+ back. Still only ~1290 lines/PW resolution.

Hello all - new poster here

Got myself a Syntax Olevia 37in LCD and a SA8300HD cable box. I was going through the HD channels (701+) and noticed some of the channels were not showing full screen. One of the channels I remember was 705 local Fox station and they were showing the local news. Also the ESPN HD channel had The Contender on and that was also not full screen.

Is that normal?

I have also connected the TV and Cable box via the Component cables...the 8300HD box has an HDMI connection - would I get better results using that connection?

Thanks

I have also connected the TV and Cable box via the Component cables...the 8300HD box has an HDMI connection - would I get better results using that connection?
Your results may vary depending on the TV itself. I find (with my Sony LCD) that the HD channels look virtually the same between HDMI & Component connection, but the SD channels (i.e. any channel not in the 700s) look significantly better over HDMI.

Scott

On my Sammie, I see the HDMI connection giving me a much more "open" picture (the image is "lighter" overall, a good thing, component is kinda dark and muddy) than component.

Passport 4.2, build 068 seems odd; from what I read, 2.5.066 seemed to be the latest rev, so maybe it's 2.5.068?

Yes, some of the HD channels do show 4:3 SD content. TNT HD will distort (horizontally stretch) everything so you "think" it's HD, but it's not.

Hello all - new poster here

Got myself a Syntax Olevia 37in LCD and a SA8300HD cable box. I was going through the HD channels (701+) and noticed some of the channels were not showing full screen. One of the channels I remember was 705 local Fox station and they were showing the local news. Also the ESPN HD channel had The Contender on and that was also not full screen.

Is that normal?


Yes, that is very normal.
Not all programming on most of these channels are actually HD.
On the Local Network channels (702, 704, 705, 707, 711), basically only the national prime time shows are in HD (and not all of them even...), as well as most sporting events. (The program guide will indicate in its description if the show is broadcasted in "HDTV")
FOX also likes to broadcast material (like Saturday baseball) in widescreen-SD....

Most of the movies and shows on HBO and SHO (701 and 703) are HD (again, see description)

706 and 709 (Discovery and UniversalHD) are pretty much HD 24/7.

721, 722, 723 and 724 are the true 24/7 HD channels.

725 ESPNHD is "mostly" HD, but again, you need to check the guide for that.

When it isn't HD or "widescreen-SD" (like during most commercials and local programming), you'll see the picture like you normally would on a normal tv, with sidebars (the type of sidebar depends on the channel).

That pretty much sums up 90+% over the 700s.....


EDIT: I forgot to mention 710 TNTHD... which is annoying... since everything they show is in widescreen..... some HD... some just stetched... You can usually tell the difference (and I think the guide will be clear on wether or not its HD...)

On my Sammie, I see the HDMI connection giving me a much more "open" picture (the image is "lighter" overall, a good thing, component is kinda dark and muddy) than component.

Passport 4.2, build 068 seems odd; from what I read, 2.5.066 seemed to be the latest rev, so maybe it's 2.5.068?

Yes, some of the HD channels do show 4:3 SD content. TNT HD will distort (horizontally stretch) everything so you "think" it's HD, but it's not.

With all this talk in here today of component vs HDMI, i decided to schlep out in the brutal heat, to Best Buy, in order to check out HDMI for the first time. I purchased a Monster Ultra 1000 HDMI cable. NOT cheap, at 160 bucks! Hooked it up, with great expectations, and (sigh)....virtually NO difference at all in pic quality OR sound quality, compared with the component hookup. HD and SD look exactly the same with both hook-ups. I've got the HDMI hooked up on 'input 3' of my Pioneer plasma remote, the component on 'input 1', so i could switch back and forth for a quick and easy A/B comparison. I called both Pioneer, and TWC tech people to see if i'm not using the proper settings, but there wasn't much they could suggest. I'd love to report otherwise, but the difference in quality between the two hookups, at least to ME, is so minimal, that i plan on returning the HDMI cable later this week for a refund. I'm especially disappointed with the PQ on the SD side, which is SO mediocre. Well, it CONTINUES to be so mediocre, regardless of hookup. :(

Can you return the cable for store credit or refund? Monster cable is SOOO overpriced.

I was using a $6 HDMI cable from Monoprice, great cable and saved me lots of $$$! :D

I'm reporting that in Manhattan both of my 8300HD's were auto-reset and cold booted around 3 AM this morning...BUT THERE WAS NO UPDATE :confused:


My TWC NYC 8300 box also cold booted, yesterday morning at 3:00AM (as reported in the DIAG screen). I noticed that my output settings and aspect ratio settings were not the ones that I had been using for the last several months. That was the only change I noticed.

Can you return the cable for store credit or refund? Monster cable is SOOO overpriced.

Yea, really. BB has a "no questions asked" return policy.

Can you return the cable for store credit or refund? Monster cable is SOOO overpriced.

I can get a full refund, at Best Buy. I have 30 days to do that. Without that assurance, i never would've made that overpriced purchase.

I was using a $6 HDMI cable from Monoprice, great cable and saved me lots of $$$! :DI can't understand why anyone would spend $160 on an HDMI cable when they're available for $6.

Component cables are also a pretty big scam. All you have to do is take 3 RCA cables and make sure that they're plugged into corresponding ports on both the input and output device. I gladly took the ones provided by TWC, but would never actually pay for Component cables myself.

I can't understand why anyone would spend $160 on an HDMI cable when they're available for $6.

Component cables are also a pretty big scam. All you have to do is take 3 RCA cables and make sure that they're plugged into corresponding ports on both the input and output device. I gladly took the ones provided by TWC, but would never actually pay for Component cables myself.

I haven't ever been able to tell the difference between expensive/cheap HDMI cables (other than the ends snapping off of the cheap ones), but I can definitely tell the difference between component cables.

The cables that come with the 8300 from TWC had very visible signal interference, to the point of having rolling lines in the image. Once I swapped them out for a pair of solidly shielded cables the picture was much improved.

My experience has taught me that while you don't necessarily have to shell out for the most expensive cables, it's good to get at least a step above the bottom-of-the-barrel stuff.

My TWC NYC 8300 box also cold booted, yesterday morning at 3:00AM (as reported in the DIAG screen). I noticed that my output settings and aspect ratio settings were not the ones that I had been using for the last several months. That was the only change I noticed.


I also noticed that one of my scheduled recordings did not record. I checked my scheduled recordings list and there was no future recordings. Anyone else experiencing this?

With all this talk in here today of component vs HDMI, i decided to schlep out in the brutal heat, to Best Buy, in order to check out HDMI for the first time. I purchased a Monster Ultra 1000 HDMI cable. NOT cheap, at 160 bucks! Hooked it up, with great expectations, and (sigh)....virtually NO difference at all in pic quality OR sound quality, compared with the component hookup. HD and SD look exactly the same with both hook-ups. I've got the HDMI hooked up on 'input 3' of my Pioneer plasma remote, the component on 'input 1', so i could switch back and forth for a quick and easy A/B comparison. I called both Pioneer, and TWC tech people to see if i'm not using the proper settings, but there wasn't much they could suggest. I'd love to report otherwise, but the difference in quality between the two hookups, at least to ME, is so minimal, that i plan on returning the HDMI cable later this week for a refund. I'm especially disappointed with the PQ on the SD side, which is SO mediocre. Well, it CONTINUES to be so mediocre, regardless of hookup. :(
Even in my case, where the difference is visible on SD picture (but not at all for HD picture), the pic quality difference is so minor/subtle, it would hardly be worth $160. I bought the cheapest HDMI cable that I could find....

Scott

I also noticed that one of my scheduled recordings did not record. I checked my scheduled recordings list and there was no future recordings. Anyone else experiencing this?
Nope. Everything is fine on my end, and no reboot occurred for me at 3AM yesterday (or the day before).

[Southern Manhattan head end]

Even in my case, where the difference is visible on SD picture (but not at all for HD picture), the pic quality difference is so minor/subtle, it would hardly be worth $160. I bought the cheapest HDMI cable that I could find....

Scott

Now that i've been more or less enlightened on the realities of HDMI cables, i've been looking online, and my goodness(!) there's TONS of cheaper cables than the Monster cable i bought at Best Buy. Of course, QUALITY might be an issue??....some of you guys seem to feel that all HDMI cables are created equal....but at any rate, back to Best Buy i will go, and i'll be getting an HDMI cable from one of the online outlets instead, and for a fraction of the cost. Using the cable for 24 hours now, I can see -subtle/slight- differences on the SD side, but it's still far from an overwhelming, slam-dunk, improvement in PQ. :confused:

Tuesday night I noticed that my digital audio was out. I switched to my RCA analog setting. I was recording something and didn’t have a moment to investigate further.

Last night while watching the Yankees on YES, I realized that I was still unable to get any audio via the optical input, and, as stated by others here, the audio on YES, (along with the picture) is great. The non DD audio was bugging me.

I unplugged the STB and rebooted. The reboot screen came on and it was new-- and believe me, I’m very familiar with the previous one, :rolleyes: so I know. I guess I got the “download” that has been discussed here latley.

I went into the diagnostic screen to see if I could report some information here but I never go in there so I’m not too familiar with all of that mumbo jumbo. :confused:

The only thing that seemed of interest was:
SATA—authorized
Channel Application- HGRA by NAVIC
Passport echo- 2.5.006

You tell me what all of this means.

The program guide screen appears a little different but I hesitate to start speculating on any other changes to my system. Oh, by the way, the reboot returned my digital audio signal. :cool:

Ah, that looks like one of the earliest releases that had support for the SATA port. What seems notable to me is that there have been several release "after" your xx.006. Judging only by folks posting here, it seems .068 is actually the latest rev of the 2.5 series. And that it seems to have issues that 1.8.112 doesn't (except for the lack of SATA support, this rev does seem to be the best out there).

There's another "factor" with the high-priced HDMI cables (I've handled both it and much more economical cables). That big, fat, heavy cable seems to have no feedback when plugged into a connector. No feedback the connector is fully connected. Plus, if you look wrong at the cable, it's amazing how easy it is to dislodge the connector. A much less expensive one (I'm in the don't pay the top price, don't pay the bottom price, pick something in the middle) being overall lighter does have the very smallest of clicks (felt more than heard) when the connector engages. The slightest touch to the cable 2 feet from the unit will easily dislodge the connection; think cat brushing by the cable.

FWIW, for a brand new connector standard, I find it really badly designed. There should be a really obvious click, felt AND heard to be assured everything is engaged. Even if the cabling is of the thick and heavy variety, no way should be cable to so easy to dislodge.

Ah, that looks like one of the earliest releases that had support for the SATA port. What seems notable to me is that there have been several release "after" your xx.006. Judging only by folks posting here, it seems .068 is actually the latest rev of the 2.5 series. And that it seems to have issues that 1.8.112 doesn't (except for the lack of SATA support, this rev does seem to be the best out there).

There's another "factor" with the high-priced HDMI cables (I've handled both it and much more economical cables). That big, fat, heavy cable seems to have no feedback when plugged into a connector. No feedback the connector is fully connected. Plus, if you look wrong at the cable, it's amazing how easy it is to dislodge the connector. A much less expensive one (I'm in the don't pay the top price, don't pay the bottom price, pick something in the middle) being overall lighter does have the very smallest of clicks (felt more than heard) when the connector engages. The slightest touch to the cable 2 feet from the unit will easily dislodge the connection; think cat brushing by the cable.

FWIW, for a brand new connector standard, I find it really badly designed. There should be a really obvious click, felt AND heard to be assured everything is engaged. Even if the cabling is of the thick and heavy variety, no way should be cable to so easy to dislodge.

Thank *goodness* i don't have a cat! :cool: But i know what you're saying about buying in the mid-price level...and that's most likely what i'm going to do. I"m leaning towards -this- one, for about 70 bucks.

http://www.bettercables.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3

...The only thing that seemed of interest was:
SATA—authorized
Channel Application- HGRA by NAVIC
Passport echo- 2.5.006...


Which box do you have ??

Which box do you have ??
SA 8300

I went into the diagnostic screen to see if I could report some information here but I never go in there so I’m not too familiar with all of that mumbo jumbo. :confused:

The only thing that seemed of interest was:
SATA—authorized
Channel Application- HGRA by NAVIC
Passport echo- 2.5.006

You tell me what all of this means.
So what does this mean?

As I said, I don’t venture into the Diagnostic screen because it’s all Klingon :eek: to me.
So someone clue me in.

Does this mean that I can hook up an external drive to increase storage?
Or are we not there yet.

So what does this mean?

As I said, I don’t venture into the Diagnostic screen because it’s all Klingon :eek: to me.
So someone clue me in.

Does this mean that I can hook up an external drive to increase storage?
Or are we not there yet.

Since it indicates "SATA—authorized" on your diag screen you can most likely use an external drive--however, the 2.5.006 release seems like an earlier build than the one they first received in Staten Island, so no one around here could have first-hand experience with it.

So what does this mean?

Does this mean that I can hook up an external drive to increase storage?
Or are we not there yet.
I would hesitantly say that the answer is "yes". Note that I would expect to see some bugs in the system -- from what I can recall from peoples' posts, you'll lose your live "trick play" buffer -- i.e. you will not be able to pause, FF, or REW what you are watching.

BUT you can work around this if you always press record as soon as you tune to a channel....

Scott

Thank *goodness* i don't have a cat! :cool: But i know what you're saying about buying in the mid-price level...and that's most likely what i'm going to do. I"m leaning towards -this- one, for about 70 bucks.

http://www.bettercables.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3

Forgive me if I'm stepping in the middle of the discussion, I haven't read all the past posts, but on the subject of cables have you looked at monoprice?

I just got a 6ft hdmi cable from them and its super thick and seems to be nice quality (haven't seen the one you posted about to compare), but mine only cost $6. The picture quality is perfect too.

They have 3ft cable for $5.80:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=2526&seq=1&format=2&style=

They have good customer service and it can be returned. Just thought I'd mention it...

I would hesitantly say that the answer is "yes". Note that I would expect to see some bugs in the system -- from what I can recall from peoples' posts, you'll lose your live "trick play" buffer -- i.e. you will not be able to pause, FF, or REW what you are watching.

BUT you can work around this if you always press record as soon as you tune to a channel....

Scott
Interesting.
As much as I want to increase my storage I think I’ll sit this out a bit longer or at least until others here express success.

I understand your point about hitting the record button but that would drive me crazy. As it is now, I jump back and forth between the two tuners utilizing the buffers and the 15 minute rewind feature. And juggle those two tuners with previous recordings and also throw in the basic OTA tuner in my display into the mix via the set’s pip..

I think if I add another step to my viewing, my house of cards will tumble. It would probably be easier to just add another 8300.

As much as I want to increase my storage I think I’ll sit this out a bit longer or at least until others here express success.
I, for one, will be willing to take the plunge once (if?) they ever get around to updating our boxes in Manhattan. With the outer boroughs getting updated, I would hope that they get to us soon.....

I think if I add another step to my viewing, my house of cards will tumble. It would probably be easier to just add another 8300.
Maybe not -- if you have 2 8300s in the same room, they'll both be controlled on the same remote frequency -- you'd have no way to address just one box or the other (or you'd have to come up with a system of covering the remote sensor of one of them)....what a pain!

Always remembering to press "record" would certainly be a pain, but it is REALLY a pain always running out of space on the box (which I do almost daily!), so I'm willing to give it a try once we can. :-)

Scott

I, for one, will be willing to take the plunge once (if?) they ever get around to updating our boxes in Manhattan. With the outer boroughs getting updated, I would hope that they get to us soon...Scott
I’m surprised Queens got something before Manhattan.

Remember, this wasn’t a 3 in the morning download as others experienced. I did a hard reboot because of my digital audio problem which generated (?) the “download”. You could try doing that, say nightly before retiring, to see if you can expedite the process(?).
I’m just guessing here but maybe that could expedite the update. :cool:

I’m surprised Queens got something before Manhattan.
Well, Staten Island has had an updated version of the OS for months now. Seems like they're trying to limit their liability with installing new software versions of the system outside of their most populous borough. Which is smart considering the drubbing that they took over a past upgrade....


Remember, this wasn’t a 3 in the morning download as others experienced. I did a hard reboot because of my digital audio problem which generated (?) the “download”. You could try doing that, say nightly before retiring, to see if you can expedite the process(?).
I’m just guessing here but maybe that could expedite the update. :cool:
I think you might be slightly mistaken. The box will not update its OS when you reboot -- it will update immediately when sent a signal from the head-end. If you saw a new OS when you rebooted, it must've "done its thing" and installed a new OS sometime recently before your reboot (prob. last night while you were sleeping), and you just hadn't noticed yet.....That's probably what caused your original "no digital audio out" issue....

Scott

I think you might be slightly mistaken.
No surprise there. :D


I think you might be slightly mistaken. The box will not update its OS when you reboot -- it will update immediately when sent a signal from the head-end. If you saw a new OS when you rebooted, it must've "done its thing" and installed a new OS sometime recently before your reboot (prob. last night while you were sleeping), and you just hadn't noticed yet.....That's probably what caused your original "no digital audio out" issue....
:cool:

Hey, is TWNYC out due to power problems? It's 730pm here on the UWS, and no cable!

I am on the UWS and mine just came back on. It has been freezing on and off all day. Must be related to the heat. My modem was fine until 15 minutes ago, then it slowed down, now it seems okay.

Hey, is TWNYC out due to power problems? It's 730pm here on the UWS, and no cable!

Yep.
I am missing a lot of channels in Queens. I think all the TWC CSRs are busy, cause I cannot get thru.

Hey, is TWNYC out due to power problems? It's 730pm here on the UWS, and no cable!

I've had two outages in Tribeca the past 20 minutes. First hit both Cable and RR. Second hit cable only. OK for now.

No TWC service in Astoria. Went out at 7:20 and has yet to come back on (7:55). Something is definitely up. I don't think anyone can get through to their csr. Maybe they have the phone off the hook??? Wouldnt surprise me. Their website is down too.

7:58 here in Astoria, signal came back but no data in the guide.

same here. wish my power came back this quick 2 weeks ago....

Just powered up here in the village. NY1 was frozen at 7:21 pm and the box had been powered off prior. I did a soft boot and it took forever to come up. I tried to tune to channel 996 to see if anything had changed, but it comes up as "unavailable." :confused:

noticed that all ESB HD stations are a no show this evening... probably a brown out to save electricity...

I got my TWC signal back, but there is no service on 701, 702, 704, 703, 704, 705, 707, 709, 711, 713, 714, or 715. Anyone else have this problem?

BTW, can someone explain how I use the newly activated SATA port? I am in Queens and believe I have the new SW on my 8300HD.

TIA...JL

Forgive me if I'm stepping in the middle of the discussion, I haven't read all the past posts, but on the subject of cables have you looked at monoprice?

I just got a 6ft hdmi cable from them and its super thick and seems to be nice quality (haven't seen the one you posted about to compare), but mine only cost $6. The picture quality is perfect too.

They have 3ft cable for $5.80:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=2526&seq=1&format=2&style=

They have good customer service and it can be returned. Just thought I'd mention it...

Oh well (sigh)...too late for the monoprice option, but thanks for the feedback. I couldn't wait for more opinions, and so i ordered a 70 buck HDMI cable from BetterCables.com, earlier this afternoon. :(

noticed that all ESB HD stations are a no show this evening... probably a brown out to save electricity...No problems on Staten Island, including ESB HD stations received through the cable box.

Anyone still experiencing problems?

Hey guys,

I have been reading this thread for a few days now because I just picked up a 3250HD box for my new Mitsubishi wd-57731. Im not sure if this is normal but I am not able to access the setup menus for the box at all. The initial setup (actived by holding 'select' on the box) does not work as well as the actual setup wizard (that is activated by pressing 'guide' and 'info' on the box). On top of that, in the settings menu when the box is on, I am not able to find the 'output format' option anywhere...i am talking about the preference that allows you to choose between fixed, pass-through1/2, etc. For some reason, I am not able to access any of these and its really annoying. i live in queens and Im not sure if this is because of the passport software of maybe my box is messed up? has this happened to anyone else?

EDIT: also, a lot of the hd channels arent workings as well as channel 996. it seems like a lot of people are having problems with their service recently...could this be the cause for the setup menu problems?

Both myself and a friend one block (UWS) away around 8PM or so noticed several HD channels off the air (screen showing a middle gray). 702, 704, 705, 707, 711 I think... essentially the locals. At the time, their SD channels were operating. I think everything was back functioning by 10.

Hello all

I posted a couple days ago for the first time...am a newbie for both HD and LCD. After having plugged in my Syntx LCD and the 8300HD box via component cables, all my non-HD channels are not showing up in full screen. Is there some kind of setting I need to setup. We tried zooming - but I dont really want that - I would like things to be naturally full screen.

Thanks

Hello all

I posted a couple days ago for the first time...am a newbie for both HD and LCD. After having plugged in my Syntx LCD and the 8300HD box via component cables, all my non-HD channels are not showing up in full screen. Is there some kind of setting I need to setup. We tried zooming - but I dont really want that - I would like things to be naturally full screen.

Thanks

There is no "natural" full screen for the SD channels.

For widescreen programs, your only option is to zoom in (using either your TV's zoom or the cable box's zoom (hit the '#' button)).

For standard 4:3 programs, it should show up with bars on the side. If you don't like that, either stretch using the tv's or cable box's adjustment (same method as zoom).


You may want to go into you cable box's "more" settings menu, and activate a SD output mode, so you can use you TV's gradual stretch "just" feature if it has one (if it doesn't work when you are outputing everyting in an HD format)

The initial setup (actived by holding 'select' on the box) does not work as well as the actual setup wizard (that is activated by pressing 'guide' and 'info' on the box).
This does not work with the Passport operating system that Time Warner uses for our cable boxes -- neither the "initial setup" nor the "setup wizard" described in the literature have any affect on our setup. They only work with SARA, a different operating system than Time Warner provides.

Just plug it in, turn it on let it do its thing, and in the "Settings....Advanced Settings" menu, you can select the output formats that your television supports.

EDIT: also, a lot of the hd channels arent workings as well as channel 996. it seems like a lot of people are having problems with their service recently...could this be the cause for the setup menu problems?
No, I think the problems yesterday were related to Con Edison power problems related to the heat.

Hey guys,

I have been reading this thread for a few days now because I just picked up a 3250HD box for my new Mitsubishi wd-57731. Im not sure if this is normal but I am not able to access the setup menus for the box at all. The initial setup (actived by holding 'select' on the box) does not work as well as the actual setup wizard (that is activated by pressing 'guide' and 'info' on the box). On top of that, in the settings menu when the box is on, I am not able to find the 'output format' option anywhere...i am talking about the preference that allows you to choose between fixed, pass-through1/2, etc. For some reason, I am not able to access any of these and its really annoying. i live in queens and Im not sure if this is because of the passport software of maybe my box is messed up? has this happened to anyone else?

EDIT: also, a lot of the hd channels arent workings as well as channel 996. it seems like a lot of people are having problems with their service recently...could this be the cause for the setup menu problems?

You don't say, but it sounds like you're trying to use some sort of manual that TWCNYC gave you that mentions a setup "wizard." Most such manuals do NOT apply to boxes running the Passport operating system, like all of TWCNYC's boxes. There is no Passport "wizard," and "pass-through" is not an option under Passport. While I don't know your specific box, if you have the same remote that TWC uses for other boxes, you should have buttons on the remote for "Settings" and after you press that, "More Settings" (or something like that).

Channel 996 is the one-page "diagnostics" screen for the 8300HD DVR (and probably some other boxes) in southern Manhattan (and perhaps elsewhere). Your box may use a different channel for that function. If you can't access channels that you should be able to view, call TWC customer service and ask them to refresh your box remotely from their end.

Hi,

I am going purchasing Samsung T415 today. I heard that it has only 64 QAM. Is TWC in Ny area sending any digital signals in this range? If not I will settle for cheap over the air used satellite tuner.

Please help me choose.

Thanks
Ruda

Did TWC fix the problems in nyc yet? I'm still having problems. I just got my cable installed yesterday. I have no channels at all. The time shows up on the cable box.

Did TWC fix the problems in nyc yet? I'm still having problems. I just got my cable installed yesterday. I have no channels at all. The time shows up on the cable box.
Was OK for me in Southern Manhattan as of 10AM today, the last time I had my TV on.

If you are still having problems, do a cold boot by unplugging, waiting a minute or 2, then plugging the box back in. Assuming your connection is OK, and the head end is working, you'll be back up in no time.

There is no "natural" full screen for the SD channels.
This is correct. You cannot make an essentially square picture fit "naturally" onto an essentially rectangular HDTV screen. You can zoom, thereby only getting the center of the picture, or stretch it, but that makes everyone look very short and fat on your screen, which (at least to me) is quite disconcerting [though most people with widescreen TVs have no problem with doing this].

Follow the previous posters' instructions to press the "#" key on the remote to cycle through the zoom/stretch modes, and you can choose the way that you prefer to see your SD picture.

AAARGHHHHH!

I just discovered today (8/4/06) that Time Warner hooked me up to Showtime and The Movie Channel (the regular channels, not the HD feed for Showtime) without my consent EIGHT MONTHS AGO. I've only had HBO and Cinemax as my premium channels since forever so it's not like I suddenly like their competitors. But when I called TWC today to solve this they told me that on 11/22/05 I asked for them... UTTER FREAKING UNTRUE!!! I would never waste $5-10 a month watching the premium channel too chicken **** to let Takashi Miike's 'Masters of Horror' story appear uncensored. Worse, TWC told me since I didn't notify them three months after I activated Showtime and TMC that I couldn't get any credit back. So, for the past eight months, I've been paying for two premium channels (plus their sub-channels) that I haven't seen once because I never bother flipping through them because I knew I hadn't ordered them. It's all my fault for not looking closely at the freaking cable bill. I went back a few months and there it is in writing as part of my services on the bills: Showtime and TMC. I only look at the amount of the bill when it's time to write the check and, since I know what I ordered, I didn't bother to watch the rest of the bill carefully. :mad:

Sorry that this isn't HD related, but I'm poe'd out of my mind at TWC right now and this seemed like a good place to vent TWC horror stories. I swear of Verizon, Comcast, Dish (building won't allow dishes outside my apartment) or even RCN were viable options I'd dump this sorry bitch of a cable system faster than a Fox News anchor absolves Bush of all his wrongdoings...

BLEEPING MOTHER F****** A***HOLES!!!! :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by laperacfo
"Did TWC fix the problems in nyc yet? I'm still having problems. I just got my cable installed yesterday. I have no channels at all. The time shows up on the cable box."

See this sometimes and fix it by pressing the SYSTEM ON/OFF button on my 8300HD remote. Also, at times the remote keys don't seem to work at all and pressing the "TV" button atop the remote cures this problem. -- John

I am going purchasing Samsung T415 today. I heard that it has only 64 QAM. Is TWC in Ny area sending any digital signals in this range? If not I will settle for cheap over the air used satellite tuner. Please help me choose.

Last I checked, most cable channels were delivered by 256 QAM, only a limited number with 64 QAM. 64 QAM only for a cable QAM-capable STB is surprising; I'd want to confirm that with an online owner's manual or asking within another AVS forum such as HDTV tuning. -- John

I'm @ work & I was watching Bloomberg Ch, when the ticker @ the bottom of the show stated that TWC has retored the NFL NETWORK in some areas as per order of the FCC!

I subscribe to everything. I just went down to the service center to change my 8300hd because the hard drive was fried. When I got back, the box works fine, but some of the HD channels (706 and 709) say, "To Subscribe to this service, please call customer service". I called and they told me that there are some outages. However, this does not seem like an outage issue at all since my other premiums appear in HD just fine. In the past, an outage was just that, an outage. Is it me or is the customer service rep completely wrong and all they really need to do is turn the channel back on for me?

I subscribe to everything. I just went down to the service center to change my 8300hd because the hard drive was fried. When I got back, the box works fine, but some of the HD channels (706 and 709) say, "To Subscribe to this service, please call customer service". I called and they told me that there are some outages. However, this does not seem like an outage issue at all since my other premiums appear in HD just fine. In the past, an outage was just that, an outage. Is it me or is the customer service rep completely wrong and all they really need to do is turn the channel back on for me?I know when I call CS on the Staten Island system, there is a menu option to have them reauthorize my boxes. As soon as I select that option, I get all my channels back.

We just had about a 2 day outage in our building in the Financial District. Now things generally seem to be working again, but ever since the start of the outage something strange has been happening: I'm no longer able to get Dolby Digital audio from the cable box.

The digital connection itself seems to be fine, because when I go into More Settings and change the audio digital output setting to "Two Channel Only", everything seems fine. But when I switch this to "Dolby Digital", I get no audio at all. Odder still, my Receiver switches to DTS mode (not Dolby Digital) at this point. There's no way to force the receiver into Dolby Digital mode--it is supposed to automatically detect the audio stream.

I know a previous poster had a similar problem recently, but his problem seemed to be resolved after a reboot. I've rebooted my box and had no such luck. Has anyone seen a similar problem? Any advice?

I called back and actually (finally) spoke with someone who knows something. She said that when the cable line is served from a box (which happens when you switch a box), all that needs to be done is to send a signal back to the box. It's just amazing how clueless some can be! Everything's working fine now.

I'm @ work & I was watching Bloomberg Ch, when the ticker @ the bottom of the show stated that TWC has retored the NFL NETWORK in some areas as per order of the FCC!

You'd think it's good news, but it only applies to the systems that they recently purchased (from Adelphia?) which already had the NFL Network. Also, you should know that the TWC is appealing the decision so that they can remove it! Now that's customer service!

I subscribe to everything. I just went down to the service center to change my 8300hd because the hard drive was fried. When I got back, the box works fine, but some of the HD channels (706 and 709) say, "To Subscribe to this service, please call customer service". I called and they told me that there are some outages. However, this does not seem like an outage issue at all since my other premiums appear in HD just fine. In the past, an outage was just that, an outage. Is it me or is the customer service rep completely wrong and all they really need to do is turn the channel back on for me?

Every time I have installed a new box (back to the SD only days) initially I "got" stuff that I was not paying for. The "best" was when I first went digital; absolutely everything (including ALL the PPV movies) was wide open for about 10 days. When I swapped the 8300HD for my previous 8000SD, I got all the HDXtra channels open (had not subscribed at the time) BUT DiscHD and UnHD had "subscription service" notices. 3-4 days later I "lost" HDXtra and got DiscHD and UnHD like I should have had from the beginning.

First off, I have been HT equipped for quite a while now; noticed years ago that some of the premium channels sent out DD 5.1 audio. I considered this a nice bonus as it was not a "service" that was marketed (or that carried additional charges).

I have always used a direct connection from whatever STB directly to my AVR via co-ax of optical (same signals, different transport method). STB always set to "Dolby Digital."

Enter the 8300HD and a HD set 2 1/2 months ago. At some point, I started to see a pattern. I switch to a program that is supposed to have DD 5.1, but I see my AVR saying "Pro Logic." Go into the 8300HD's settings, switch audio TO something else, then switch back. Bingo, it is now decoding DD 5.1.

It seemed that this happened whenever I looked at a diag page from the 8300. But lately, I'm not so sure... I'm getting the impression that it might "drop out" for some unknown reason. Oh, Passport 1.8.112.

Just curious, is anyone seeing this? If you do, please give version number.

Riverside_Guy,

If you have a recording about to start while another channel is also being recorded, you will get a message that it must change the channel for the new recording. After this, your 5.1 will be gone until you do the double switch that you mentioned. Fortunately, newer versions (2.5.051 and 2.5.066) do not have this problem.

Cynthia

Ah, very interesting, I'll be on the lookout for that.

Of course, I'm also hoping that by the time we Manhattanites get SATA support, the software would be north of .070! One common complaint about the whole 2.5.x series is what folks call the "trick play" (FF, RW for the buffer) functions that don't work. All sorts of speculation about why, but it seems to have something to do with the buffer and the external drive. I'd be actually happier to wait until that issue is fully addressed before they push a new rev at me... unfortunately, as customers, we can't "go back to a previous release."

Bravo. I couldn't agree more. Please TWCNYC, don't push out the new 2.5.x software until you get the bugs out.

-barry

Ah, very interesting, I'll be on the lookout for that.

Of course, I'm also hoping that by the time we Manhattanites get SATA support, the software would be north of .070! One common complaint about the whole 2.5.x series is what folks call the "trick play" (FF, RW for the buffer) functions that don't work. All sorts of speculation about why, but it seems to have something to do with the buffer and the external drive. I'd be actually happier to wait until that issue is fully addressed before they push a new rev at me... unfortunately, as customers, we can't "go back to a previous release."

So i had a Dell 2407WFP connected via DVI to my SA3250HD. DUe to the recent upgrade (from Passport 3.3 build 017 to 4.2 build 068), DVI is no longer working. My monitor displays "out of range signal, can not display video mode". The diagnostics mode of my box says HDCP failed HDMI disabled. However, the 2407wfp supports HDCP for 480i/p, 720p. Does anyone have any potential solutions? I have contacted tech support and they have scheduled a "specialized technician" but i doubt they will be of any help.

I just got my HDTV (Samsung LN-S4052D) and I'm not all that thrilled with the PQ. I am having the cable guy come in to look at it to see if anything can be done. I know the tv is capable of more than what I'm getting.

Anyways, I was just wondering what TWC customers thought of their reception, particularly in the SD channels. I'm tempted to get a CRT to watch normal programming...

Of course, I'm also hoping that by the time we Manhattanites get SATA support, the software would be north of .070! One common complaint about the whole 2.5.x series is what folks call the "trick play" (FF, RW for the buffer) functions that don't work. All sorts of speculation about why, but it seems to have something to do with the buffer and the external drive. I'd be actually happier to wait until that issue is fully addressed before they push a new rev at me... unfortunately, as customers, we can't "go back to a previous release."

Reports indicate that there are no problems with the "Trick Play" buffer in normal operations. The trick play live buffer only goes haywire when you hook up an extrernal drive. So, if you don't try to do anything outside their normal specs, the new releases should maintain your normal trick play functionality.

If you have a recording about to start while another channel is also being recorded, you will get a message that it must change the channel for the new recording. After this, your 5.1 will be gone until you do the double switch that you mentioned. Fortunately, newer versions (2.5.051 and 2.5.066) do not have this problem.
More specifically, whenever the box makes (or tries to make) a "DING" sound (such as when you go into the DIAG mode, or when you get a popup message saying that a program is scheduled to record, Press "A" to Record, "B" to cancel -- or something like that), it quickly switches from DD to PCM to make the DING sound. Unfortunately in the current release, it forgets to switch back to Dolby Digital, no matter which setting you've chosen in the menu, and that's why your receiver says it's now in DPL mode.

So, you have to go to the advanced settings, set the sound to 2 Channel, and then back to PCM to get it working.

Some receivers don't react quickly enough to the quick change from DD to PCM for you the hear the "DING" sound, so you might not even realize it's happened.

Scott

Can someone please tell me why my HDMI capability has suddenly been lost. I have TWCNY and a Scientific Atl 8300HD box. It was working fine for the first 7 months...but now I've gone through 2 boxes and I still can't use anything other than component!!!! TWCNY are idiots...they say..."we officially do and don't support it". WHAT KIND OF ANSWER IS THAT!?

SHOULD I BOTHER GETTING A 3RD BOX? OR AM I WASTING MY TIME???

hdmi works fine with me. just got a new box yesterday

Can someone please tell me why my HDMI capability has suddenly been lost. I have TWCNY and a Scientific Atl 8300HD box. It was working fine for the first 7 months...but now I've gone through 2 boxes and I still can't use anything other than component!!!! TWCNY are idiots...they say..."we officially do and don't support it". WHAT KIND OF ANSWER IS THAT!?

SHOULD I BOTHER GETTING A 3RD BOX? OR AM I WASTING MY TIME???

Ironically, i'm awaiting delivery of an HDMI cable from an online "store" today. And AFAIK, TWC =should= support it; after all, there IS an opening on the back of the 8300 box for HDMI. :confused:

So i had a Dell 2407WFP connected via DVI to my SA3250HD. DUe to the recent upgrade (from Passport 3.3 build 017 to 4.2 build 068), DVI is no longer working. My monitor displays "out of range signal, can not display video mode". The diagnostics mode of my box says HDCP failed HDMI disabled. However, the 2407wfp supports HDCP for 480i/p, 720p. Does anyone have any potential solutions? I have contacted tech support and they have scheduled a "specialized technician" but i doubt they will be of any help.
I know this sounds basic, but have you tried a "cold boot" (unplug the box, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, press the power button when the correct time reappears)?

Reports indicate that there are no problems with the "Trick Play" buffer in normal operations. The trick play live buffer only goes haywire when you hook up an extrernal drive. So, if you don't try to do anything outside their normal specs, the new releases should maintain your normal trick play functionality.

Exactly Scott... but do you seriously think I can resist adding an external drive once I get the ability <g>? Isn't this the era (Gen T?) where succumbing to temptation is completely cool and admirable?

More specifically, whenever the box makes (or tries to make) a "DING" sound (such as when you go into the DIAG mode, or when you get a popup message saying that a program is scheduled to record, Press "A" to Record, "B" to cancel -- or something like that), it quickly switches from DD to PCM to make the DING sound. Unfortunately in the current release, it forgets to switch back to Dolby Digital, no matter which setting you've chosen in the menu, and that's why your receiver says it's now in DPL mode.

Yes I did get a warning thingee about 2 recordings and as Cynthia said, I heard the volume jack up when it switched out of DD 5.1 mode. Interesting to know the why... thanks Scott.

Can someone please tell me why my HDMI capability has suddenly been lost. I have TWCNY and a Scientific Atl 8300HD box. It was working fine for the first 7 months...but now I've gone through 2 boxes and I still can't use anything other than component!!!! TWCNY are idiots...they say..."we officially do and don't support it". WHAT KIND OF ANSWER IS THAT!?

SHOULD I BOTHER GETTING A 3RD BOX? OR AM I WASTING MY TIME???

This happened to me once... I had taken the box to another location to test some stuff I had recorded; when I got back and turned everything on, the TV kept saying it couldn't detect a signal. Did some powering down and up of both units and it eventually did find the signal.

When having an issue, I think it best to state what software rev you may be on... it's pretty clear there are specific issues with specific software revs...

Note: this is a real, serious posting. It's not a joke. My 8300HD works fine except for playback of previously recorded shows. Even playback is fine, unless I have watched Fox News (channel 46) since the last reboot. If I have watched Fox News since the last reboot, and then try to play a previously recorded show, the screen goes blank, and the box freezes. Reboots (warm or cold) don't seem to affect this behavior.

This same bizarre behavior is happening on both of my 8300HD boxes. I'm pretty sure it's only been happening for a few days. I first noticed it on Friday, August 4th.

Any ideas?

-barry

Does anyone know if the 8300 HD DVR will output HDMI and compnent video simultaneously? I want to upgrade from the 8000 but the PIP feature on my new Panasonic plasma will not work with HDMI. I would only change the box if I can use the HDMI and component connections together.

The 3250HD does not and I don't think the DVR HD boxes does either.

This is how TWC can charge you $9 more a month for another HDTV....

Paul




Does anyone know if the 8300 HD DVR will outout HDMI and compnent video simultaneously? I want to upgrade from thr 8000 but the PIP feature on my new Panasonic plasma will not work with HDMI. I would only change the box if I can use the HDMI and component connections together.

Note: this is a real, serious posting. It's not a joke. My 8300HD works fine except for playback of previously recorded shows. Even playback is fine, unless I have watched Fox News (channel 46) since the last reboot. If I have watched Fox News since the last reboot, and then try to play a previously recorded show, the screen goes blank, and the box freezes. Reboots (warm or cold) don't seem to affect this behavior.

This same bizarre behavior is happening on both of my 8300HD boxes. I'm pretty sure it's only been happening for a few days. I first noticed it on Friday, August 4th.

Any ideas?

-barry

If you're in Queens your 8300HD software was updated to 2.5.006 a few days ago according to posts I read here.

Mike

I know this sounds basic, but have you tried a "cold boot" (unplug the box, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, press the power button when the correct time reappears)?


It was one of the first things i tried. Unfortunately, always reacts the same way :confused:

Since the recent software update, on the SD channels, instead of the black bars I get grey bars instead. Anyone else? Any way to get my black bars back?

I beg to differ on this point -- I have been watching PBS-HD for about 14 months now, and while there was always a little bit of seeming bandwidth-starvation, in the last month or so it has gotten really really bad.

I checked in on the Garrison Keillor's Great Performances and due to the nature of the programming (very few close-ups and no fast motion whatsoever) it was not noticeable. But watch something where there is some fast motion (not sure what exactly that might be on PBS), where they do talking-head interviews, or a musical performance where they zoom in on a singer and you'll notice what I am talking about.

I hadn't watched anything on PBS-HD for a while, and now that Soundstage is back, and the "Legends Of Jazz With Ramesy Lewis" (the smearing on this very-recently-produced show is about the worst I've seen -- if anyone doesn't believe me, check it out -- it's on twice daily, nearly every day, and the facial smearing during the interviews is discomforting) is having some interesting performers on, I've been checking in more regularly, and it is really really bad.

Scott

Cablevision has a channel like that. I'm glad others are experiencing it too as I thought it was my tv that was causing the smearing. The weird flowing hair when people move is quite eerie.

I look at things like DISC-HD; video mostly, all well and evenly lit. I do not see any motion blur or smearing there. It's certainly possible that sets with slower pixel response time may show it; it's hard for me to really judge that as the 2 LCD HD sets I watched for good amounts of time both have a 8ms specification.

Riverside Guy, is 8ms considered one of the fastest? Sharp has a 6ms on their aquous sets. That is probably industry leading. I was afraid that the 2ms made a difference in choppiness in some of the pictures I get but I think it is more of a signal issue. I think I came into this HD thing with too high of an expectation, especially the SD channels.

Since the recent software update, on the SD channels, instead of the black bars I get grey bars instead. Anyone else? Any way to get my black bars back?

I noticed this too. Can't figure out a way to return the black bars.

I noticed this too. Can't figure out a way to return the black bars.
Tell the box to stretch 4x3 content, and have the television aspect set to 4x3. If you have the box add the side-bars you will lose horizontal resolution as well.

Also, make sure you have 480i/p enabled as an output resolution. I've had reports of the box defaulting to HD only resolutions after the firmware upgrade.

Does anyone know if the 8300 HD DVR will output HDMI and compnent video simultaneously? I want to upgrade from the 8000 but the PIP feature on my new Panasonic plasma will not work with HDMI. I would only change the box if I can use the HDMI and component connections together.
The answer is definitely "Yes". I have this setup working for me right now.

Of course, the answer is qualified by the fact that one never knows what will happen in future code releases.

Cablevision has a channel like that. I'm glad others are experiencing it too as I thought it was my tv that was causing the smearing. The weird flowing hair when people move is quite eerie.
Please call PBS and add your voice to the complaints. I have. I would hope that if enough people call and complain, maybe they'll do something about it???

Wasn't it Scott that originally turned me onto the that "trick" of 4:3 stretch on the cable box, then 4:3 on the TV?

FYI, you will notice this "trick" will not work on CBS HD when they show 4:3 content. Not only that, but sometimes you will see black, but half way through a commercial storm, it will switch to light gray. Explanation was they send a full 16:9 image that has gray added in the studio.

As for PBS, I've seen freaking almost stationary things (like talking heads) show schmear. BUT, I caught a snippet of some Austin City thing whilst surfing that seemed to be much better... at least for the 45 seconds I watched. MAYBE they be listening????

Wasn't it Scott that originally turned me onto the that "trick" of 4:3 stretch on the cable box, then 4:3 on the TV?
I believe it was a Scott-- but Eric Scott, I think,
but that’s not why I’m posting…

I know there is the lengthy thread for the SATA external drive in the forum but I’m most interested in our specific TW neighborhood. Now that the new software is trickling in, has anyone here set up an external drive yet?

Please keep us posted. :cool:
TIA

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but does the HD cable box that TWC provides have a firewire port that is enabled and allows viewing of the video and changing channels over firewire?

Thanks!

FYI, you will notice this "trick" will not work on CBS HD when they show 4:3 content. Not only that, but sometimes you will see black, but half way through a commercial storm, it will switch to light gray. Explanation was they send a full 16:9 image that has gray added in the studio.

When CBS broadcasts a show in HD, the commercials that originate from network have black bars. The local commercials have grey bars...
-JMP

The answer is definitely "Yes". I have this setup working for me right now.

Of course, the answer is qualified by the fact that one never knows what will happen in future code releases.

Is there a noticeable difference between the HDMI and component picture quality?

Is there a noticeable difference between the HDMI and component picture quality?

I have them BOTH, connected to different inputs on my Pioneer (plasma) media receiver on one end, and the HDMI connection on the 8300 cable box. I don't see =any= difference between them, and i switch back and forth all the time!

I have them BOTH, connected to different inputs on my Pioneer (plasma) media receiver on one end, and the HDMI connection on the 8300 cable box. I don't see =any= difference between them, and i switch back and forth all the time!

FWIW I tested STB to TV via component and HDMI. Visible difference, the component was darker and a tad muddier. My DVD player only has a component out, so I waited until there was a broadcast of a film I had on DVD... again, the PQ seemed to follow the same pattern, component output from the DVD was darker than that from the STB/HDMI connection. Fortunately, the DVD player did have some built in controls, so I went 2 notches towards the "lighter" setting and got the over gamma from both sources to be very similar.

Bottom line is some see differences, others don't. You're just going to have to test this for yourself!

FWIW I tested STB to TV via component and HDMI. Visible difference, the component was darker and a tad muddier. My DVD player only has a component out, so I waited until there was a broadcast of a film I had on DVD... again, the PQ seemed to follow the same pattern, component output from the DVD was darker than that from the STB/HDMI connection. Fortunately, the DVD player did have some built in controls, so I went 2 notches towards the "lighter" setting and got the over gamma from both sources to be very similar.

Bottom line is some see differences, others don't. You're just going to have to test this for yourself!

I think, as you're alluding to, you can adjust the settings on your HD set to compensate, for PQ. Additionally, it just might depend on the type of TV you have. For ex, on my Pioneer, their is no noticeable lighter/darker difference on the SD channels between HDMI and component..none at ALL.

Additionally, i recently bought a $70 HDMI cable online, from bettercables.com. I compared with the $160 MONSTER HDMI cable i bought from Best Buy. I saw NO difference in PQ at =all= between the two cables, so think twice before you spend/waste your money on an expensive cable.

Is there a noticeable difference between the HDMI and component picture quality?
If you look in the history of this thread, this question gets asked about weekly, and the answer for myself (and at least a few others) is that the difference is basically nonexistant for HD programming, but the HDMI is noticeably (but subtly) better for SD programming.

Scott

When I watch HD channels like CBS, WB, FOX on HD cable, some shows will show more red. It seems like my LCD TV's color settings are not set up properly, but it is. This only happens on some specific shows. When I switch to some other HD channel, it will be fine. When that show is over and another show is on, it's fine.

this was said in a article:
"Meanwhile, Santelle was more optimistic about ESPN2 high definition and ESPNU coming to Time Warner."
“I really think we’re close to making it happen, especially ESPN2 HD, and we’re getting pretty close with ESPNU,” Santelle said. “I’ll say anywhere from 30 to 60 days.”
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the quotes are at the bottom of the article, which also mentions the feud with the NFL.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/sports/15247989.htm

While I am all for more HD, including ESPN2, what about Starz, Cinemax, and TMC?? I visit my folks in Philly and they've got it all on Comcast as well as ESPN2 and NFL Network! How can Time Warner honestly be labeled as the #2 cable provider in the U.S. when they are just sooo mickey mouse and so far behind the leader! For cryin' out loud, don't they know how many Crap channels they offer?? (HSN, QVC, AM Store, Fit TV, The Word Network??...and all those "in-demand TV shows" that aren't worth watching at all!). They seriously need to get a clue!

While I am all for more HD, including ESPN2, what about Starz, Cinemax, and TMC?? I visit my folks in Philly and they've got it all on Comcast as well as ESPN2 and NFL Network! How can Time Warner honestly be labeled as the #2 cable provider in the U.S. when they are just sooo mickey mouse and so far behind the leader! For cryin' out loud, don't they know how many Crap channels they offer?? (HSN, QVC, AM Store, Fit TV, The Word Network??...and all those "in-demand TV shows" that aren't worth watching at all!). They seriously need to get a clue!

There's more--for 10 bucks extra you get 16 Mbps internet on Comcast in NJ. For 25 extra you get 8 Mbps on TWC. Try to write that check. :mad:

Mike

this was said in a article:
"Meanwhile, Santelle was more optimistic about ESPN2 high definition and ESPNU coming to Time Warner."
“I really think we’re close to making it happen, especially ESPN2 HD, and we’re getting pretty close with ESPNU,” Santelle said. “I’ll say anywhere from 30 to 60 days.”
-
-
-
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the quotes are at the bottom of the article, which also mentions the feud with the NFL.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/sports/15247989.htm

Man, this NFL/TWC feud is pretty depressing. I guess eventually they will work something out, but it's not looking good for this season. At least it's good to know that greed and avarice are alive and well in the corporate landscape. . . . I do wish I could get a dish in my apartment, but it's not worth the fight with the landlord, since as far as I know I have no legal right to mount such a device.

I just got time warner DTV Intro package, but I'm getting HBO and many extra channels, will these get flushed, or did the person that did this for me mess up and signed me up for extras?

I just got time warner DTV Intro package, but I'm getting HBO and many extra channels, will these get flushed, or did the person that did this for me mess up and signed me up for extras?

Not sure what you mean by "many extra channels" but when you buy HBO you get

"6 FREE additional channels: HBO 2, HBO Signature, HBO Zone, HBO Family, HBO Comedy, HBO Latino" according to TWC website.

Mike

Not sure what you mean by "many extra channels" but when you buy HBO you get

"6 FREE additional channels: HBO 2, HBO Signature, HBO Zone, HBO Family, HBO Comedy, HBO Latino" according to TWC website.

MikeSorry for being unclear, I'm pretty much getting most of everything TWC offers when I only should be getting a small fraction of that, just wondering if this is a normal occurance when getting new service and the new code wasn't sent out yet, or if the customer rep signed me up for it all. I guess I'll just call them.

It's quite normal. It'll probably disappear in a few days. Enjoy it while you've got it.

I do wish I could get a dish in my apartment, but it's not worth the fight with the landlord, since as far as I know I have no legal right to mount such a device.

As I understand it, there are two key factors in using a dish; it's direction and height in the sky. I understand the Dish satellite is around 230 degrees and about 30 degrees up. A line of sight to those specifications would seem to indicate possible success. However, there seems to be a big gotcha... they typically do NOT carry the local stations, and in NY, that means a lot. I gather they expect that if you can locate the dish, you can also locate a OTA antenna to get the local HD channels. Which could be extremely difficult depending on exactly where in the city you happen to be located.

Is there a site where I can look at the month's HD lineup for the HD Channels availbel on Time Warner?

Thanks Guys!

Is there a site where I can look at the month's HD lineup for the HD Channels availbel on Time Warner?

Thanks Guys!

nope
you'll jus have to go to each channels website and look at their Schedule.
no HD provider is that nice!

noobie help please...just got a pioneer plasma and will be calling TWC to get HD service installed in my apartment.
can someone tell me how many different cable boxes does TWC offer that output via HDMI? i know the SA8300 has, is there a non-HDD box too? is there one cable box in particular that i should be asking for?
many thanks

I just got time warner DTV Intro package, but I'm getting HBO and many extra channels, will these get flushed, or did the person that did this for me mess up and signed me up for extras?
Yes, if you read back about 2 pages (and about once a month historically), this question is answered.

*** When you get a new box, random channels may be enabled or disabled (blocked) that you should or shouldn't be getting. Within a week, everything will go back to normal when the box refreshes itself from the head-end. If there is a channel that is blocked that you want to see, a call to the service center to send a signal to your box will set everything to the way it's supposed to be, and you will lose any "bonus" channels you are getting. ***

Is there a site where I can look at the month's HD lineup for the HD Channels availbel on Time Warner?

Thanks Guys!
Yes -- you can go to tv.yahoo.com, enter your zipcode, select Time Warner Digital cable, and select the channels you want to see a guide of. Then you can look as much as 2 weeks into the future.

While I am all for more HD, including ESPN2, what about Starz, Cinemax, and TMC?? I visit my folks in Philly and they've got it all on Comcast as well as ESPN2 and NFL Network! How can Time Warner honestly be labeled as the #2 cable provider in the U.S. when they are just sooo mickey mouse and so far behind the leader! For cryin' out loud, don't they know how many Crap channels they offer?? (HSN, QVC, AM Store, Fit TV, The Word Network??...and all those "in-demand TV shows" that aren't worth watching at all!). They seriously need to get a clue!
This is true. This complaint has been raging on these boards forever. In fact, there is a thread with hundreds of postings specifically devoted to bitching about TWC's HD offerings:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=652328

Locally, TWC's excuse is that they are "out of bandwidth" and cannot add anymore HD channels.

Interesting article in the Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/14/technology/14verizon.html

Yes -- you can go to tv.yahoo.com, enter your zipcode, select Time Warner Digital cable, and select the channels you want to see a guide of. Then you can look as much as 2 weeks into the future.

Oh, that's interesting. Along similar lines, I use tvguide.com. They have a "Big Movie Guide" section (register to get your zip and cable system recognized in a cookie). Sort it by "network" and you can scroll down to the 700's. Gives you a listing of all the movies for each day for that 2 week period. Includes ratings, which can be useful (i.e. look at 3 and 4 star ones)..plus you can click on the title and get a bunch of more specific information. The big review is only from them, it would have been totally kick-ass if they linked to rottentomatoes!

Yes, if you read back about 2 pages (and about once a month historically), this question is answered.

*** When you get a new box, random channels may be enabled or disabled (blocked) that you should or shouldn't be getting. Within a week, everything will go back to normal when the box refreshes itself from the head-end. If there is a channel that is blocked that you want to see, a call to the service center to send a signal to your box will set everything to the way it's supposed to be, and you will lose any "bonus" channels you are getting. *** Yeah sorry for being redundant, Its pretty nice i can see all the HD channels except for two, nice preview of all their offerings, only channel I'm not getting that I should is Food Network :-D

noobie help please...just got a pioneer plasma and will be calling TWC to get HD service installed in my apartment.
can someone tell me how many different cable boxes does TWC offer that output via HDMI? i know the SA8300 has, is there a non-HDD box too? is there one cable box in particular that i should be asking for?
many thanksI know on Staten Island, they tried forcing me to get an SA 8300 and paying extra each month for DVR. Instead I'm just running a DVI->HDMI cable out of the SA 3250 and using stereo audio cables for the sound. I don't understand why they couldn't just disable the DVR functionality on the 8300.

I know on Staten Island, they tried forcing me to get an SA 8300 and paying extra each month for DVR. Instead I'm just running a DVI->HDMI cable out of the SA 3250 and using stereo audio cables for the sound. I don't understand why they couldn't just disable the DVR functionality on the 8300.
I'll tell you why -- the 8300HD is quite a bit more expensive than the SA3250. So TWC doesn't want to give out those babies to people who aren't paying the extra $15/mo for the DVR.

Come on -- you know you want one. :-) Seriously, even taking into account all of their flaws, they are pretty key additions to your HDTV setup.

Hi, I'm going to be moving to Queens at the end of August. I was just wondering, is YES HD part of the HD package? I noticed on the Time Warner website it isn't, but I was wondernig if it's not up to date or something. Kinda disappointed if it isn't.

Hi, I'm going to be moving to Queens at the end of August. I was just wondering, is YES HD part of the HD package? I noticed on the Time Warner website it isn't, but I was wondernig if it's not up to date or something. Kinda disappointed if it isn't.
Yes, YES-HD does come as part of the package, sorta. They don't advertise it, but it comes in on Ch. 708 (or is it 712?) the "HD Specials" channel ONLY when there is a game that is being broadcast in HD. Otherwise that channel is a grey screen.

There is something half-assed about what they're doing though, since people seem to report that they can't set future games to record on their DVRs and games sometimes get cut off early(!).

Yes, YES-HD does come as part of the package, sorta. They don't advertise it, but it comes in on Ch. 708 (or is it 712?) the "HD Specials" channel ONLY when there is a game that is being broadcast in HD. Otherwise that channel is a grey screen.

There is something half-assed about what they're doing thugh, since people seem to report that they can't set future games to record on their DVRs and games sometimes get cut off early(!).

Thanks for the info. I'm assuming from your post that not all Yankee games are broadcast in HD?

I dealt with this with Comcast when I lived in Boston (they recently adopted a station solely for NESN-HD, hopefully TWC does this!!)

Thanks for the info. I'm assuming from your post that not all Yankee games are broadcast in HD?
Correct. I believe that all home games are broadcast in HD (when they don't conflict with local broadcast networks' coverage, which is not always in HD -- Fox especially is in SD widescreen), and I also believe that the away games in Boston are the only ones broadcast in HD.

Correct. I believe that all home games are broadcast in HD (when they don't conflict with local broadcast networks' coverage, which is not always in HD -- Fox especially is in SD widescreen), and I also believe that the away games in Boston are the only ones broadcast in HD.

I'll elaborate on this.

Channels 708 and 712 are YES-HD and MSG-HD respectively. There are usually only activated by Time Warner when a game is going to be on. The channel is only available to be set to record while a game is on, and a few hours after the game (they recently altered the schedule so that the window for 1 game is now about 8 hours, and the DVR can only set this channel during that time.... I still don't get why... but whatever...)

All home game broadcasted by YES are in HD (channel 708 in NYC).
All Sunday night ESPN games (home and away) are in HD (channel 725).

No Game shown on channel 9 or FOX Saturday is available in HD (FOX is SD-Widescreen)

Following Road YES games are in HD and on channel 708 on TWC
YANKEES ROAD HIGH DEFINITION TELECASTS (34)
DATE OPPONENT TIME
May 1 Boston Red Sox 7:05 p.m.
May 2 Boston Red Sox 7:05 p.m.
May 22 Boston Red Sox 7:05 p.m.
May 23 Boston Red Sox 7:05 p.m.
May 24 Boston Red Sox 7:05 p.m.
June 2 Baltimore Orioles 7:05 p.m.
June 3 Baltimore Orioles 4:35 p.m.
June 4 Baltimore Orioles 1:35 p.m.
June 18 Washington Nationals 1:05 p.m.
June 21 Philadephia Phillies 7:05 p.m.
June 22 Philadelphia Phillies 7:05 p.m.
July 3 Cleveland Indians 7:05 p.m.
July 4 Cleveland Indians 6:05 p.m.
July 5 Cleveland Indians 7:05 p.m.
July 6 Cleveland Indians 7:05 p.m.
July 7 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 7:15 p.m.
July 8 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 7:15 p.m.
July 9 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 1:15 p.m.
July 20 Toronto Blue Jays 7:05 p.m.
July 22 Toronto Blue Jays 4:05 p.m.
July 23 Toronto Blue Jays 1:05 p.m.
August 4 Baltimore Orioles 7:05 p.m.
August 5 Baltimore Orioles 4:35 p.m.
August 6 Baltimore Orioles 1:35 p.m.
August 8 Chicago White Sox 8:05 p.m.
August 9 Chicago White Sox 8:05 p.m.
August 10 Chicago White Sox 8:05 p.m.
August 21 Boston Red Sox 1:05 p.m.
September 9 Baltimore Orioles 4:35 p.m.
September 10 Baltimore Orioles 1:35 p.m.
September 11 Baltimore Orioles 7:05 p.m.
September 18 Toronto Blue Jays 7:05 p.m.
September 19 Toronto Blue Jays 7:05 p.m.
September 20 Toronto Blue Jays 7:05 p.m.

Following games are what they call "enahanced Definiton" (i guess the sound is better) and is shown on 708
YANKEES ROAD ENHANCED DEFINITION TELECASTS (22)
DATE OPPONENT TIME
May 3 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 7:15 p.m.
May 4 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 7:15 p.m.
May 5 Texas Rangers 8:05 p.m.
May 6 Texas Rangers 8:05 p.m.
May 7 Texas Rangers 2:05 p.m.
May 29 Detroit Tigers 1:05 p.m.
May 30 Detroit Tigers 7:05 p.m.
May 31 Detroit Tigers 7:05 p.m.
June 1 Detroit Tigers 7:05 p.m.
July 24 Texas Rangers 8:05 p.m.
July 26 Texas Rangers 8:05 p.m.
August 22 Seattle Mariners 10:05 p.m.
August 23 Seattle Mariners 10:05 p.m.
August 24 Seattle Mariners 10:05 p.m.
August 25 L.A. Angels of Anaheim 10:05 p.m.
August 26 L.A. Angels of Anaheim 4:05 p.m.
August 27 L.A. Angels of Anaheim 3:35 p.m.
September 4 Kansas City Royals 8:10 p.m.
September 5 Kansas City Royals 8:10 p.m.
September 6 Kansas City Royals 8:10 p.m.
September 23 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 7:15 p.m.
September 24 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 1:15 p.m.
September 25 Tampa Bay Devil Rays 7:15

I hope Friday afternoon's rainout makeup vs Boston will be added to the active schedule... I assume it will be done in HD by YES... hopefully Time Warner figures that out... currently the program guide doesn't indicate it.

O - and don't always go by the Program Guide. you'll be surprised sometimes that games will be on and the guide won't say they should be.

Following games are what they call "enahanced Definiton" (i guess the sound is better) and is shown on 708
I think that "enhanced definition" is either a widescreen SD broadcast or just them upconverting the SD picture to be sent over the HD channel so it will have a slightly sharper picture.

I'll tell you why -- the 8300HD is quite a bit more expensive than the SA3250. So TWC doesn't want to give out those babies to people who aren't paying the extra $15/mo for the DVR.

Come on -- you know you want one. :-) Seriously, even taking into account all of their flaws, they are pretty key additions to your HDTV setup.I want one, but my parents don't. All they understand is that they're paying TWC over $150/month for 3 cable boxes and a cable modem, and don't want to give TWC an extra $20/month for DVR on one box.

And there's no way TWC is losing money on any of the boxes they rent to us.

I think that "enhanced definition" is either a widescreen SD broadcast or just them upconverting the SD picture to be sent over the HD channel so it will have a slightly sharper picture.

There's no "i think".

I've been watching for 2 years.

I haven't noticed a significant picture difference - and it definitely isn't widescreen-SD

Newbie here and i apologize is this is not the best forum for this post but would appreicate any suggestions or referrals to other forums.

Im in NYC with a sammy hlp 467AN Dlp with a SA HD DVR. Hooked up via HDMI. The box died last week (3x in a year but thats another story). I replaced the 8300 with a new SA 8300. This box would not work via hdmi. So I installed it via component.


I now feel there is about an extra 1" zoom in the picture via the new box, particuarly on HD channels. E.g., the top of heads are cropped and the station logos look a bit high and to the center. It's driving me nuts. I have adjusted the aspect ratios via the advanced menu settings in the box to no avail.

It is hard to diagnose this issue. Is it the box or the TV. The TV was definatley "reset" because i had to disable power to swtich boxes. The only other thought is the box's output setting. I believe on the first box I only set the output 1080 but now its set to output all formats. I have experimented with changing the outputs but it does not seem to solve the problem.

I suspect its the TV becuasue i think via my dvd player through dvi seems a bit zoomed too. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Even if its just a sammy contact number.

In Queens, I rec'd the update about 2 wks ago and have noticed that ever since then, I receive the Black Screen HDCP error at least once a day, and my Harmony remote no longer powers on/off the DVR.

On the plus side, turning off the 8300 (manually of course) no longer causes the flickering power on/off that I used to get after the update prior.

Anyone else seeing this as well?

I want one, but my parents don't. All they understand is that they're paying TWC over $150/month for 3 cable boxes and a cable modem, and don't want to give TWC an extra $20/month for DVR on one box.

And there's no way TWC is losing money on any of the boxes they rent to us.

Pricing doesn't seem correct. The 8300HD DVR is an extra 9.95/month. There is a HDXtra tier (2 InHDs and 2 HDNet +ESPN HD) that is normally something like 9 bucks a month. BUT, there is a combo price of the DVR and HDXtra for 15 bucks.

Despite all the bitching we do about these boxes, it's actually way ahead technology-wise. 2 tuners, records HD AND DD 5.1, you can record 2 channels and watch a third recorded program, truly a dream. Plus the normal DVR things like pausing live TV, a 1 hour buffer, on and on. I "resisted" going DVR for a long time, but once I did I quickly realized what being liberated from "the schedule" really meant!

BTW, I DO understand the "parent" part... sometimes I find it impossible to convince my mother to heed my advice... even though there have been things that took me a long while to convince her of that she ends up being extremely thankful for.

...Im in NYC with a sammy hlp 467AN Dlp with a SA HD DVR. Hooked up via HDMI. The box died last week (3x in a year but thats another story). I replaced the 8300 with a new SA 8300. This box would not work via hdmi. So I installed it via component.


I now feel there is about an extra 1" zoom in the picture via the new box, particuarly on HD channels. E.g., the top of heads are cropped and the station logos look a bit high and to the center. It's driving me nuts. I have adjusted the aspect ratios via the advanced menu settings in the box to no avail.

It is hard to diagnose this issue. Is it the box or the TV. The TV was definatley "reset" because i had to disable power to swtich boxes. The only other thought is the box's output setting. I believe on the first box I only set the output 1080 but now its set to output all formats. I have experimented with changing the outputs but it does not seem to solve the problem.

I suspect its the TV becuasue i think via my dvd player through dvi seems a bit zoomed too. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Even if its just a sammy contact number.

Assuming you tried the hard reset (pull the plug) thing on the box and had TWC reset it from their office, I think the first thing you need to do is force TWC to deliver a box to you that has a working HDMI connection so that you can compare "apples with apples".

Mike

I now feel there is about an extra 1" zoom in the picture via the new box, particuarly on HD channels. E.g., the top of heads are cropped and the station logos look a bit high and to the center. It's driving me nuts. I have adjusted the aspect ratios via the advanced menu settings in the box to no avail.
I sort of recall this being an issue with a newer release of the operating system on the 8300HD. I think that I recall people recently complaining about EXACTLY this issue on this thread (which, by the way, is a slighly more appropriate forum to post to, since the people there are more knowledgeable about the 8300HD specifically):

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453804&page=1&pp=30

Note that you MUST find out from the diagnostics screen (and post) which version/release of the software your box is running to be able to get any useful information at all.

I sort of recall this being an issue with a newer release of the operating system on the 8300HD. I think that I recall people recently complaining about EXACTLY this issue on this thread (which, by the way, is a slighly more appropriate forum to post to, since the people there are more knowledgeable about the 8300HD specifically):

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453804&page=1&pp=30

Note that you MUST find out from the diagnostics screen (and post) which version/release of the software your box is running to be able to get any useful information at all.


Thanks scott for the reply. Tried to search the thread you posted but cant find anything and its hundreds of pages. Any idea on search terms? "Over scan"

Software is passport echo 1.8112. Maybe my prior box had updated software?

Finally, has anyone confirmed that tmc actually offers a hd dvr that does have a working hdmi output. I could probably just go down to 23rd and rehook up the hdmi cable. Then icould see if this problem is still an issue.

thanks

Thanks scott for the reply. Any idea how i check what software im running. Also i tried to search the thread you posted but cant find anything and its hundreds of pages. Any idea on search terms? Over scan

Finally, has anyone confirmed that tmc actually offers a hd dvr that does have a working hdmi output. I could probably just go down to 23rd and rehook up the hdmi cable. Then icould see if this problem is still an issue.

thanks
search on zoom

I forget the keypress to get into the diagnostic mode, but search the same forum for the keyword "diagnostic" for your answer how to get into that. In NYC, the diagnostic channel (once you get in) is 1999.

The SA 8300HD does have a working HDMI output -- mine works just fine. It might take a little "magic" the first time to recognize, but it should work for you. I think it required me to have the TV powered up first and then powering up (after unplugging) the cable box.

Scott

Finally, has anyone confirmed that tmc actually offers a hd dvr that does have a working hdmi output. I could probably just go down to 23rd and rehook up the hdmi cable. Then icould see if this problem is still an issue.

thanks

As Scott said, the 8300 has a working HDMI port. I've been using it since March 2005. It does get a little flaky from time to time...but once the handshake is established it makes for a great picture.

Ever since the software update my screen size is messed up. When watching SD, I sometimes have the gray bars, sometimes the black bars and sometimes the screen will automatically stretch... all while I am watching the same channel.

Anyone else with these issues know what to do?

Thanks

As Scott said, the 8300 has a working HDMI port. I've been using it since March 2005. It does get a little flaky from time to time...but once the handshake is established it makes for a great picture.
When i use the HDMI cable to view channels (as opposed to component cable) there is a pronounced delay/lag time on seeing the channel as i switch from station to station...during that time the screen is black, altho i =am= hearing the audio of the new station. This is definitely an annoyance, this delay when using HDMI. Does anyone else in here have that sorta problem?

search on zoom

I forget the keypress to get into the diagnostic mode, but search the same forum for the keyword "diagnostic" for your answer how to get into that. In NYC, the diagnostic channel (once you get in) is 1999.

The SA 8300HD does have a working HDMI output -- mine works just fine. It might take a little "magic" the first time to recognize, but it should work for you. I think it required me to have the TV powered up first and then powering up (after unplugging) the cable box.

Scott

It's hold SELECT + EXIT for 3 seconds until you see "diag" on the box, then press them again to go to the full blown diagnostics (one of the options will tell how disk space, used and remaining free disk space). BUT, if you just want to check the software rev, simply tune to 996 and you get a single screen that lists it. Be aware that going to either of these places may reset some defaults that you may have previously set up.

Be aware that going to either of these places may reset some defaults that you may have previously set up.
This is a nice warning. Specifically, it will mess up your audio settings if your audio is set to "Dolby Digital". The sound will be forced to PCM 2 channel output. To restore your DD, you'll have to go to the advanced settings menu, audio settings, set your audio to something else, and then back to Dolby Digital....

When i use the HDMI cable to view channels (as opposed to component cable) there is a pronounced delay/lag time on seeing the channel as i switch from station to station...during that time the screen is black, altho i =am= hearing the audio of the new station. This is definitely an annoyance, this delay when using HDMI. Does anyone else in here have that sorta problem?
This is probably due to something specific to your TV when switching resolutions. If this is really a problem for you, you can minimize its affect by only selecting 1080i (or 720p) as the only resolution that the box will output. This will force the box to convert everything to your chosen output format and will keep the TV from having to switch resolutions when you switch channels.

Let me tell you of my little nightmare with TWC.
I have a Samsung LNR328W, and TWC SA3800HD.
When I first recieved my 3800, I hooked it up to the Samsung using HDMI, and it worked first time and ran with no problems what so ever for nine months until one day the HDMI out from the 3800 seemed to just switch off.
I went in and got a replacement 3800 yesterday, took it home and still had no HDMI output, plus the new box would lock up when changing channels, take 20 minutes to get program guide info, output a really bad SD signal, or just give me a gray screen.
The first TWC rep I spoke to on the phone was next to usless, so I did a little digging and went into the 3800's diagnostic screen, to find that the HDMI output was blocked for HDCP reasons (the Samsung is assuredly HDCP compliant).
Another rep on the phone tried to tell me the TWC does not support HDMI, and was at a lose to explain why my first box was working and then stopped.
So when I went in the TWC office near the Flatiron today, I got yet another box and more glassy eyed responses to my questions about HDMI and HDCP.
All that I can figure is:

1. The HDMI input on the Samsung is dead, although unlikley.
2. There are some 3800s in TWC system that have HDMI enabled and some that dont, and it's just pot luck if you get one that is enabled.
3. At some point, unannounced, TWC dissabled the HDMI through firmware.

Any suggestions?

Cheers.

Any suggestions?
Try this thread, which is both more appropriate as well as more knowledgeable about specific 3800 issues:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453804&page=1&pp=30

Just thought I would remind everyone what we're missing. Check out Dish Networks beautiful HD lineup. I'm going on long Vacation, I need it, Hopefully sometime in September I'll come back to a surprise addition on TWC.

Available in HD Package:
TNT HD
Discovery HD Theater
HDNet
HDNet Movies
ESPN HD
ESPN 2 HD
Universal HD
HGTV HD
NGC-HD
Food Network HD

Available with subscription to specific movie package:
HBO HD
Showtime HD
Starz HD

Available to all subscribers:
HD PPV Movies

Available with subscription to specific sports package:
Channels will vary,
NFL Network HD (Full Time Ch)
NHL Center Ice HD
MLB Extra innings HD

Available in VOOM HD Package:
Rave HD
Equator HD
Gallery HD
Animania HD
Rush HD
Ultra HD
Guy TV HD
Majestic HD
Monsters HD
HD News
Film Fest HD
Kung Fu HD
WorldSport HD
World Cinema HD
Gameplay HD
Family Room HD
Treasure HD

Let me tell you of my little nightmare with TWC.
I have a Samsung LNR328W, and TWC SA3800HD.
When I first recieved my 3800, I hooked it up to the Samsung using HDMI, and it worked first time and ran with no problems what so ever for nine months until one day the HDMI out from the 3800 seemed to just switch off.
I went in and got a replacement 3800 yesterday, took it home and still had no HDMI output, plus the new box would lock up when changing channels, take 20 minutes to get program guide info, output a really bad SD signal, or just give me a gray screen.
The first TWC rep I spoke to on the phone was next to usless, so I did a little digging and went into the 3800's diagnostic screen, to find that the HDMI output was blocked for HDCP reasons (the Samsung is assuredly HDCP compliant).
Another rep on the phone tried to tell me the TWC does not support HDMI, and was at a lose to explain why my first box was working and then stopped.
So when I went in the TWC office near the Flatiron today, I got yet another box and more glassy eyed responses to my questions about HDMI and HDCP.
All that I can figure is:

1. The HDMI input on the Samsung is dead, although unlikley.
2. There are some 3800s in TWC system that have HDMI enabled and some that dont, and it's just pot luck if you get one that is enabled.
3. At some point, unannounced, TWC dissabled the HDMI through firmware.

Any suggestions?

Cheers.


dingo..did the new boxes hdmi work. I agree that twc reps are pretty much useless, as you can see from my overscan, zoom post just above

I just got a 8300 HD DVR box from TWC in nyc over the weekend and the HDMI works perfect. That is the only thing I have running to my plasma.

I *shudder* think, after finally finding a good TWC rep, that it is at the Samsung end, not the 8300.
Thankfully it is under manufacturers and PC Richerds warranty, so I'll get it replaced.

I *shudder* think, after finally finding a good TWC rep, that it is at the Samsung end, not the 8300.
Thankfully it is under manufacturers and PC Richerds warranty, so I'll get it replaced.
I think you might be just dreaming. A "good" TWC rep? Impossible! ;)

Yet another reason to be poe'd at TWC: Cinemax (regular and HD) will have all six Star Wars movies in HD and OAR in November: http://www.tvweek.com/page.cms?pageId=237. :mad:

Yes, still no MAX-HD or TMC-HD.

SHO-HD besides a few great shows like Huff is simply B-movies 24/7 and in bad HD quality. Thankful that HBO-HD is still very good most of the time.

Finally, where is Playboy-HD?




Yet another reason to be poe'd at TWC: Cinemax (regular and HD) will have all six Star Wars movies in HD and OAR in November: http://www.tvweek.com/page.cms?pageId=237. :mad:

Yet another reason to be poe'd at TWC: Cinemax (regular and HD) will have all six Star Wars movies in HD and OAR in November: http://www.tvweek.com/page.cms?pageId=237. :mad:

I had dropped Cinemax as we don't get it's HD channel (I replaced it with the HDXtra tier). HOWEVER, it IS owned by HBO and everything that appears first on Cinemax does make it's way to HBO HD. So my expectation is these movies will make it to HBO HD. Typically this happens about 2 months later.

As such, I'm MUCH more interested in Starz HD. They tend to "keep" the stuff they show, I can't remember a single instance when a Starz movie was seen on HBO, CM or SHO.

Yes, still no MAX-HD or TMC-HD.

SHO-HD besides a few great shows like Huff is simply B-movies 24/7 and in bad HD quality. Thankful that HBO-HD is still very good most of the time.
I heartily disagree here. Showtime's presentation of films beats HBO's hands-down -- they always show their movies in OAR (so no cropping/zooming effects), and the picture quality of their transfers is uniformly spectacular (unlike HDNet Movies which is hit-and-miss with their transfers).

They might not have as many big name blockbusters each month as HBO ("Mr & Mrs Smith" is the big one right now -- a real cinema classic ;) ), but new films like "Crash", "A Love Song For Bobby Long" & "Limoney Snicket" in recent months, and great recent presentations of classics like "Tommy", "The Big Lebowski", "The Lady From Shanghai", "Pulp Fiction", and "Ghostbusters" in HD really do make Showtime worth it for me.....

Either way -- yes, I do wish TWC would get on the ball and give us Max and TMC in HD. It is still amazing to me that Time Warner OWNS Cinemax (and HBO) and we still don't have MAX in HD!

As such, I'm MUCH more interested in Starz HD. They tend to "keep" the stuff they show, I can't remember a single instance when a Starz movie was seen on HBO, CM or SHO.
This is true. Each of the premium channels has deals with certain studios that gives them exclusive access to the output of those studios for a certain number of years into the future. So, a film like "The Incredibles" that Starz has exclusive rights for will EVENTUALLY have rights to be shown on other premium channels, but I am not sure how many years down the line that will be (5?)....

The thing is that the rights that HBO has negotiated are shared with Cinemax (since they are both owned by Time Warner), and the rights that Showtime has negotiated are shared with The Movie Channel (since they are both owned by Viacom, I believe). Same with Starz! and Encore (not sure who owns them).

So what, if anything, can we do to get TWC NY to add more HD programming?

If you can get $10 billion somehow, we can buy a majority stake in Time Warner, then we can buy DishTV and get more HD channels....

Other than that, the answer for 2006 and possibly 2007 is NO NO NO NO!

Paul

So what, if anything, can we do to get TWC NY to add more HD programming?

So what, if anything, can we do to get TWC NY to add more HD programming?
Really, very little. The "official" answer from the local TWC-NYC is that they are "out of bandwidth and are unable to add any more HD channels until space frees up".

But we do have every HD channel that TWC corporate has agreements to provide coverage for at the current time (though they really should provide us with WWOR [ch. 9]-HD, locally).

There are some reports that TWC will be switching (to some extent) to switched broadcasting, which (to some extent) will free up a lot of bandwidth, since the way it works is that (essentially), you no longer get all channels sent to your box -- you only get the channel that you tuned, and the channel swich takes place at the local hub that your box is connected to. So, this would allow for a virtually unlimited selection of channels, as bandwidth would never be a limiting factor.

I am in Manhattan (Midtown East) using the 8300hd cable box on TWC and for the last 2 weeks I cannot get channels 136 (VH1 classic) 137 (Gac) and 138 (something else...can't remember). I also cannot receive the redundant channels in the 700-s. I CAN however pick up these channels in the bedroom using the old SA 3250 cable box.

I have rebooted numerous times to no avail and am stumped. I like watching the VH1 Classic videos when I run on the treadmill in the morning so I am also bummed.

Anyone else not able to receive these channels?

thanks in advance

MB

I am in Manhattan (Midtown East) using the 8300hd cable box on TWC and for the last 2 weeks I cannot get channels 136 (VH1 classic) 137 (Gac) and 138 (something else...can't remember). I also cannot receive the redundant channels in the 700-s. I CAN however pick up these channels in the bedroom using the old SA 3250 cable box.

I have rebooted numerous times to no avail and am stumped. I like watching the VH1 Classic videos when I run on the treadmill in the morning so I am also bummed.

Anyone else not able to receive these channels?

thanks in advance

MB
Works fine for me in lower manhattan.

Call the service dept. and have them send a remote signal to your box -- that will often fix it....

Scott

I am in Manhattan (Midtown East) using the 8300hd cable box on TWC and for the last 2 weeks I cannot get channels 136 (VH1 classic) 137 (Gac) and 138 (something else...can't remember). I also cannot receive the redundant channels in the 700-s. I CAN however pick up these channels in the bedroom using the old SA 3250 cable box.

I have rebooted numerous times to no avail and am stumped. I like watching the VH1 Classic videos when I run on the treadmill in the morning so I am also bummed.

Anyone else not able to receive these channels?

thanks in advance

MB

Is the 8300hd your first DVR ? How old is your apartment wiring. ? How many splices to the cable before it reaches the 8300hd ?

DVRs are very demanding with respect to signal.

If the DVR is not getting a strong enough signal, you will lose some channels.

I know, it happened to me.

Is the 8300hd your first DVR ? How old is your apartment wiring. ? How many splices to the cable before it reaches the 8300hd ?

DVRs are very demanding with respect to signal.

If the DVR is not getting a strong enough signal, you will lose some channels.

I know, it happened to me.


-I have had the unit for over a year and it has worked fine to date

-I live in a high rise built in the 60's...it is kept fairly current

-At least one splice for the cable modem and the other cable box in the bedroom

How does one go about getting a stronger signal?


thanks again

Well on a side note, TWC NYC it seems has just upgraded the NYC Internet speeds. I now have 502Kbs Upload & 6Mbs Download speed. My previous speeds were 384Kbs Up & 5Mbs Download.

Well on a side note, TWC NYC it seems has just upgraded the NYC Internet speeds. I now have 502Kbs Upload & 6Mbs Download speed. My previous speeds were 384Kbs Up & 5Mbs Download.

Are you in Manhattan? I'm on the Manhattan South headend and I see no increase. I called TWC and they know nothing--but that's normal.

-Mike

Does anyone know of TWC plans to introduce Multi-Room HD DVR?

Also, does anyone else have problems with FOXHD 705? Often there is nothing shown on this channel.

Are you in Manhattan? I'm on the Manhattan South headend and I see no increase. I called TWC and they know nothing--but that's normal.

-Mike

Same thing happened to me. While @ work, I called TWC and asked about NYC road runner users getting higher speeds. The CSR assured me that nobody in NYC had gotten speed increases. CSR assured me the only way to get faster speed, is to order the premium service. I knew the CSR was plain wrong, but I did not want to argue. Came home and rebooted my cable modem, then realized I had the faster speed.
It really would help if the CSR were kept up to speed, about the service offerings. They are the front lines to the public.

There are some reports that TWC will be switching (to some extent) to switched broadcasting, which (to some extent) will free up a lot of bandwidth, since the way it works is that (essentially), you no longer get all channels sent to your box -- you only get the channel that you tuned, and the channel swich takes place at the local hub that your box is connected to. So, this would allow for a virtually unlimited selection of channels, as bandwidth would never be a limiting factor.

While corps. like TWC lie... errr misstate all the time, it seems this is a biggie. Haven't seen anyone presenting any argument, much less evidence that this isn't true. So my "guess" is that we DO need the additional bandwidth. Of course, the question is when and will it have to be done on an area by area basis (doubtful in this case IMO).

Well on a side note, TWC NYC it seems has just upgraded the NYC Internet speeds. I now have 502Kbs Upload & 6Mbs Download speed. My previous speeds were 384Kbs Up & 5Mbs Download.

I live in Washington Heights (Upper Manhattan) and upgraded to 7mbps at around 830kb/s.

Does anyone know of TWC plans to introduce Multi-Room HD DVR?


I don't think there is such a device. The Multi-Room box that Scientific Atlanta was promoting a while ago is a SD device. It was specifically stated that it would not support HD.

Also, I have to believe that it has not been very well received. It was tested in a few parts of the country, but I don't recall it being actually released for general use.

-barry

I don't think there is such a device. The Multi-Room box that Scientific Atlanta was promoting a while ago is a SD device. It was specifically stated that it would not support HD.

Also, I have to believe that it has not been very well received. It was tested in a few parts of the country, but I don't recall it being actually released for general use.

-barry

There actually is (or was) an 8300HD Multi-Room box. I remember reading about complaints that came in from test areas that had to do with the box not being designed to operate with other "regular" 8300HD boxes, or not being able to flip programs to connected boxes in HD (or something like that) so it was dismissed as useless.

--Mike

It's abput 6.7mbs and 480kbs here in Forest Hills.

I also have a wireless router to the cable modem and the throughput on one of the notebooks is 6.3mbs/470kbs

Not bad at all. Now we hope they don't jack up the monthly charges 10%

-I have had the unit for over a year and it has worked fine to date

-I live in a high rise built in the 60's...it is kept fairly current

-At least one splice for the cable modem and the other cable box in the bedroom

How does one go about getting a stronger signal?


thanks again

Could be a bad box.

Easiest solution is to do a walk in exchange. If the problem continues you need a tech to come out to troubleshoot the wire. That entails scheduling an appointment.

Mine has been sweet since a new wire was run from outside my apartment to my cable box. Over 25 years, my line was broken/spliced in 3 places before it hit the STB. 8000 could not handle it. Symptoms were similar to yours.

Has to be one of two things. STB or wire.

Good luck.

Has anyone notice feed problems from TWC in Midtown Manhattan yesterday and today. I'm using the 8300HD and I keep getting occasional signal problems. PQ breaks down and the sound may drop for two seconds or even get stuck in a very fast loop. Its not a huge problem, but I'd like to know if anyone else is experiencing problems.

Has anyone notice feed problems from TWC in Midtown Manhattan yesterday and today. I'm using the 8300HD and I keep getting occasional signal problems. PQ breaks down and the sound may drop for two seconds or even get stuck in a very fast loop. Its not a huge problem, but I'd like to know if anyone else is experiencing problems.

I'm in Sutton and it's been flaky here as well. When I called TWC this morning there was a long list of outages, especially on the East Side. They have problems.


-Mike

I'm in Sutton and it's been flaky here as well. When I called TWC this morning there was a long list of outages, especially on the East Side. They have problems.


-Mike

Me too. I'm in the Village, and my signal has been slightly flakey for a few days now.

-barry

There actually is (or was) an 8300HD Multi-Room box. I remember reading about complaints that came in from test areas that had to do with the box not being designed to operate with other "regular" 8300HD boxes, or not being able to flip programs to connected boxes in HD (or something like that) so it was dismissed as useless.

--Mike

My recollection is that there was an 8300 Multi-Room box, but not an 8300HD Multi-Room box. And in fact, the complaints were that it didn't handle HD at all. At that point I lost interest.

-barry

My recollection is that there was an 8300 Multi-Room box, but not an 8300HD Multi-Room box. And in fact, the complaints were that it didn't handle HD at all. At that point I lost interest.

-barry

The complaints about the 8300HD Multi-Room box, as I recall, were mainly that only the box itself was HD-DVR (!?) Your recollection is correct that it could not handle multi-room HD--nor was it even designed for that purpose. I haven't read anything about that box since I saw those complaints come out last winter.

-Mike

does TWC NYC have 5c enabled on the non basic channels? And, does the SA8300HD DVR have firewire enabled if I go do a self install, pickup at their office. :confused:

The complaints about the 8300HD Multi-Room box, as I recall, were mainly that only the box itself was HD-DVR (!?) Your recollection is correct that it could not handle multi-room HD--nor was it even designed for that purpose. I haven't read anything about that box since I saw those complaints come out last winter.

-Mike

Yep, you're right there are two MR boxes an 8300 and an 8300HD. Both of them seem to be pretty useless if you like HDTV.

-barry

does TWC NYC have 5c enabled on the non basic channels? And, does the SA8300HD DVR have firewire enabled if I go do a self install, pickup at their office. :confused:

Yes and yes. Check the back of the box for 2 Firewire ports. Some of their older refurbished boxes (like my first 8300HD) don't have them.

I'd be interested to know what you're going to do with it and how it works out.

-Mike

Has anyone notice feed problems from TWC in Midtown Manhattan yesterday and today. I'm using the 8300HD and I keep getting occasional signal problems. PQ breaks down and the sound may drop for two seconds or even get stuck in a very fast loop. Its not a huge problem, but I'd like to know if anyone else is experiencing problems.
Yes, for midtown eastside have been getting these breakups frequently. Wasn't sure if it was the cable system or just my 8300HD since a cold reboot during the 1st PGA Championship match (8/17) seemed to eliminate some of the glitches. -- John

Yes, for midtown eastside have been getting these breakups frequently. Wasn't sure if it was the cable system or just my 8300HD since a cold reboot during the 1st PGA Championship match (8/17) seemed to eliminate some of the glitches. -- John

I have been seeing this stuff since I first got the "digital" service in my 'hood, some 4 years or so ago. Used to exhibit as a pixellation breakup, now it's audio drop out or entire picture freeze. I can go for hours without seeing it, then I can see it frequently (2-3-4 times in an hour). The worst I've ever seen it was every five minutes or so... and that was during some big storm (funny, they claim this is a problem for dish users only!).

6 months or so ago, I was having issues with RoadRunner (cable modem losing connection). They looked through my building, found some nasty stuff 4 floors below me and fixed it. Still had the problem. They sent the fiber optic crew who camped/worked for 2 days at the fiber node 1/2 block away from me. STILL had the problem. Turned out, a new cable modem finally DID fix the issue. Didn't seem to do much for these occasional TV service glitches. Given that I'm getting as good a signal as they've got (after the line works, the guy said I was having as good a signal as anyone ever had, so it must be the cable modem) it seems the glitches come from the central office and are probably not from the transmission system.

Has anyone notice feed problems from TWC in Midtown Manhattan yesterday and today. I'm using the 8300HD and I keep getting occasional signal problems. PQ breaks down and the sound may drop for two seconds or even get stuck in a very fast loop. Its not a huge problem, but I'd like to know if anyone else is experiencing problems.

hmmm, I've been having these problems since Thursday. I thought my 8300 was finally giving out since the Pioneer 3510 I have in the bedroom is rock solid. I was actually going to go to 23rd street tomorrow and exchange the unit.

Yes and yes. Check the back of the box for 2 Firewire ports. Some of their older refurbished boxes (like my first 8300HD) don't have them.

I'd be interested to know what you're going to do with it and how it works out.

-Mike
darn. i want to transfer shows from dvr to pc via firewire. i read about a lot of problems with the firewire, anyone successfuly got it working with XP?

darn. i want to transfer shows from dvr to pc via firewire. i read about a lot of problems with the firewire, anyone successfuly got it working with XP?

I had trouble (tiling) transfering to a JVC DVHS. I found it impossible with a Mits DVHS. I never tried with a pc, but I wouldn't hold out much hope for that if 5C-compliant devices won't operate correctly on the current software (1.8.112) in Manhattan.

-Mike

darn. i want to transfer shows from dvr to pc via firewire. i read about a lot of problems with the firewire, anyone successfuly got it working with XP?

Don't bother doesn't work, at best you can record 30 secs and the 8300 would reboot.

hmmm, I've been having these problems since Thursday. I thought my 8300 was finally giving out since the Pioneer 3510 I have in the bedroom is rock solid. I was actually going to go to 23rd street tomorrow and exchange the unit.

I wouldn't bother exchanging the stb at this point. Too many of us are having the same problems. IT seems to be a feed issue. I left TWC 10 years ago because the feed quality was awful. I figured with the HD package over digital fiber I'd be fine. I guess not. Hopefully the central office will fix it soon.

Note: this is a real, serious posting. It's not a joke. My 8300HD works fine except for playback of previously recorded shows. Even playback is fine, unless I have watched Fox News (channel 46) since the last reboot. If I have watched Fox News since the last reboot, and then try to play a previously recorded show, the screen goes blank, and the box freezes. Reboots (warm or cold) don't seem to affect this behavior.

This same bizarre behavior is happening on both of my 8300HD boxes. I'm pretty sure it's only been happening for a few days. I first noticed it on Friday, August 4th.

Any ideas?

-barry

Believe it or not, I notice the same thing. I usually tape (I said tape.. I guess thats outdated now) Hardball with Chris Matthews (MSNBC) and Special Report with Brit Hume (Fox News). I have noticed frequent reboots when I try to tune to Fox News or Switch Between these shows. I just assumed the box was giving me time to decide if I was democrat or republican.

Does the 8300HD has a PIP just like its Scientific Atlantic SD counterpart?

Hey AdamMan, nice running into you again. Remember me, the guy from the Plasma threads that was ready to buy the JVC LT-40FH97 before he learned it didn't accept 1080p? I'm still shopping, still unable to make up my mind about which 1080p HDTV to get!

How's your FH97 TV holding up? And how's HD from TWC when it actually works (which seems to be never or rarely)? Is it worth the headaches with TWC for the little HD you get to see or not? As soon as I get my 1080p LCD (yep, still haven't decided) I'm switching from my SD Scientific Atlantic DVR to your HD model, but since you're in Manhattan and have a TV about the same size as the one I'll be getting I'd like a sneak preview. Any stations stand out? Any shows that must be checked out? Come on man, share your adventures with this fellow Manhattanite that's too dumb and indecisive to make up his mind!

I had trouble (tiling) transfering to a JVC DVHS. I found it impossible with a Mits DVHS. I never tried with a pc, but I wouldn't hold out much hope for that if 5C-compliant devices won't operate correctly on the current software (1.8.112) in Manhattan.

-Mike
Does SA or TWC know about this issue? I hope it gets fixed soon :confused:

Does SA or TWC know about this issue? I hope it gets fixed soon :confused:

Talking to TWC about DVI, HDMI and Firewire is like communicating with a stick.

There was a post on the 8000/8300 thread last week from someone who had trouble trying to archive to a JVC DVHS after his 8300HD was upgraded to TWC's latest software release, 2.5.066.

If anyone knows how to communicate issues with the right people at SA (or Aptiv) feel free to jump in.

-Mike

Me too. I'm in the Village, and my signal has been slightly flakey for a few days now.

-barry
I'm in lower Manhattan and been having issues for about a week now. Screen will pixel badly for a few seconds and then return to normal. Sound will also drop for a couple seconds.

I'm in lower Manhattan and been having issues for about a week now. Screen will pixel badly for a few seconds and then return to normal. Sound will also drop for a couple seconds.
I personally haven't been seeing anything out of the ordinary at all (guess I should consider myself lucky!)....also in lower Manhattan.

Does the 8300HD has a PIP just like its Scientific Atlantic SD counterpart?
Yes.

I'm in lower Manhattan and been having issues for about a week now. Screen will pixel badly for a few seconds and then return to normal. Sound will also drop for a couple seconds.

I've been having this issue ever since the TWC guy installed the 8300 box, months ago.

I've been having this issue ever since the TWC guy installed the 8300 box, months ago.
Right....noticed that I said "out of the ordinary". Very occasional skips are common (once an hour or so?), but more than that might indicate a problem.

Often if I'm seeing them more often, it means that it's time for a reboot.

Have you tried a soft boot?

Also, I notice that the problem occurs most often when both tuners are tuned to (or recording) hi-def channels, and if you fast-foward during a hi-def program that you're watching, it will often cause a skip or 2 on one of the tuners....

Tried both a cold and warm boot with my 8300HD when these too-frequent video/audio breakups started appearing here (midtown east) about last Thursday. Thought the cold boot helped a little, but noticed the breakups often over the weekend and some on CNN this morning.

Called TWC to hear the pre-recorded glitches messages Sunday and it mentioned problems on the upper eastside. I'm assuming the problem is wider than that (from posts here). Haven't reported it since they'll only schedule a visit. Have requested visits for similar problems several times in the past, then phoned to cancel when the glitches cleared up. -- John

Also having lots of problems with pixelation on my 8300 HD, particularly with HD signals. It seems to me that the processor in the 8300 can't keep up well with what it is being asked to do. I try to have the box pass the signal without scaling, to the extent possible, to keep processing requirements to a minimum, and it hels some. I wonder if my box is dying, or if it is just the nature of the beast.

Separately, somebody a while ago suggested dumping Cinemax, and picking up the HDNet tier instead. I think it is now official that there is nothing at all to watch on Cinemax, and this seems like a good idea. What are the relative costs involved in the trade?

After we went to Passport 4.2 Build 068, my HDCP compliant LCD panel sometimes need to be hard reset in order to display with the DVI input.

Sometimes just a power on off. Very strange handshake....

Separately, somebody a while ago suggested dumping Cinemax, and picking up the HDNet tier instead. I think it is now official that there is nothing at all to watch on Cinemax, and this seems like a good idea. What are the relative costs involved in the trade?
This is a GREAT choice. You'll be cancelling one of your premium channels [that has no hi-def equiv. on our system], but getting the entire HDExtra package (INHD1/2, HDNet/Movies, and ESPN-HD). I think you might wind up paying a touch more, but HDNet has some really neat Hi-Def programming in addition to the films on HDNet Movies.

If you've got the 8300HD DVR (which you're paying $8.95/month for), you can make use of a special hi-def package that includes the cost of your DVR and the HDExtra package for $15 (saving you $3 over the a la carte price), so on the balance of things, your bill will be virtually unchanged (the cost of Cinemax ranges from approx. $6-10, dependent on how many other premium channels you've got).

Tried both a cold and warm boot with my 8300HD when these too-frequent video/audio breakups started appearing here (midtown east) about last Thursday. Thought the cold boot helped a little, but noticed the breakups often over the weekend and some on CNN this morning.

Called TWC to hear the pre-recorded glitches messages Sunday and it mentioned problems on the upper eastside. I'm assuming the problem is wider than that (from posts here). Haven't reported it since they'll only schedule a visit. Have requested visits for similar problems several times in the past, then phoned to cancel when the glitches cleared up. -- John

I too have tried hard and cold reboots. The problems are frequent and occur on HD and SD channels. Pixilation and audio drop outs. Also started thursday for me, but I'm midtown. Hmm. I'd call, but is there any point?

This is a GREAT choice. You'll be cancelling one of your premium channels [that has no hi-def equiv. on our system], but getting the entire HDExtra package (INHD1/2, HDNet/Movies, and ESPN-HD). I think you might wind up paying a touch more, but HDNet has some really neat Hi-Def programming in addition to the films on HDNet Movies.

If you've got the 8300HD DVR (which you're paying $8.95/month for), you can make use of a special hi-def package that includes the cost of your DVR and the HDExtra package for $15 (saving you $3 over the a la carte price), so on the balance of things, your bill will be virtually unchanged (the cost of Cinemax ranges from approx. $6-10, dependent on how many other premium channels you've got).

Thanks for the ringing endorsement!! I'm convinced. I really don't think I've watched a single thing on Cinemax in a year or more, and there is sometimes stuff that seems interesting on HDNet, and in HD to boot!

Is there anyway to get the package without ESPN-HD? Or is it only sold en suite? (I'm more of a Food TV-HD guy myself, which I hear you can now get in more civilized locales).

Is there anyway to get the package without ESPN-HD? Or is it only sold en suite? (I'm more of a Food TV-HD guy myself, which I hear you can now get in more civilized locales).
Nope. I'm of the same mind as you -- not a sports fan and ESPN-HD isn't worth it for me, but it's all or none -- sort of the "HD Premium" package for the channels in the 721-725 range.

Hey all --

Found a "hidden" HD channel I've not seen discussed here -- THETUBE -- a music video channel.

I can only access it from the diagnostic screen by entering frequency 669.000 and Program number 004.

Any other hidden channels found?

Hey all --

Found a "hidden" HD channel I've not seen discussed here -- THETUBE -- a music video channel.

I can only access it from the diagnostic screen by entering frequency 669.000 and Program number 004.

Any other hidden channels found?
When I do this I get VH1 Classic.

Really? I still have it on -- it's def. not VH1. I am in Brooklyn, I should add.

Hey all --

Found a "hidden" HD channel I've not seen discussed here -- THETUBE -- a music video channel.

I can only access it from the diagnostic screen by entering frequency 669.000 and Program number 004.

Any other hidden channels found?


this makes sense... I believe TheTube is actually a subchannel for WPIX-HD.... and they've been slowly adding all of the local subchannels...

I'll check this out for myself in a little while

Really? I still have it on -- it's def. not VH1. I am in Brooklyn, I should add.
I'm in SI so that probably explains the difference.

this makes sense... I believe TheTube is actually a subchannel for WPIX-HD.... and they've been slowly adding all of the local subchannels...

I'll check this out for myself in a little while

I think you're right about it being a subchannel of WPIX-HD but I'm getting it as SD 4:3. It comes in as 103.04 on my Mits TV QAM tuner off the cable. WPIX-HD is 103.03.

I haven't tried to get it from the 8300HD diagnostic screen yet.

-Mike

I think you're right about it being a subchannel of WPIX-HD but I'm getting it as SD 4:3. It comes in as 103.04 on my Mits TV QAM tuner off the cable. WPIX-HD is 103.03.

I haven't tried to get it from the 8300HD diagnostic screen yet.

-Mike


I just checked my diag...

Its SD as expected.

I just checked up on all the HD frequencies with diagnostic mode, and here is what's currently going on...

Freq Program # Channel #
597 1 724 HDNet
597 2 723 HDNetMovies
597 3 725 ESPN-HD
597 4 ----
603 1 706 DiscoveryHD
603 2 710 TNT HD
603 3 712 MSG HD (?)
603 4 ----
633 1 741 SNY HD
633 2 ----
633 3 ----
633 4 ----
639 1 721 InHD
639 2 722 InHD2
639 3 708 YES HD (?)
639 4 ----
669 1 ----
669 2 705 WNYW HD
669 3 711 WPIX HD
669 4 WPIX-2 (TheTube) - SD
675 1 704 WNBC HD
675 2 707 WABC HD
675 3 731 NBC+ - SD
675 4 732 NBC4.4 - SD
675 15 729 WABCNow - SD
675 16 730 WABC+ - SD
681 1 702 WCBS HD
681 2 713 WNET HD
681 3 714 Kids13 - SD
681 4 715 13World - SD
693 1 703 SHO HD
693 2 701 HBO HD
693 3 HBO/Max OnDmnd Info - SD
693 4 709 UniversalHD

I can't wait for verzion Fiber network to be offered in my area!

I just checked up on all the HD frequencies with diagnostic mode, and here is what's currently going on...

Freq Program # Channel #
597 1 724 HDNet
597 2 723 HDNetMovies
597 3 725 ESPN-HD
597 4 ----
<snip>

Thanks for that effort. Know how tedious it is, having done the same for the lowest channel numbers (and some HD channels) several years back. The info shows how many channels TWC is cramming into each 256-QAM, 6-MHz-wide, ~39-Mbps frequency slot, likely with statistical multiplexing and rate shaping (http://broadcastengineering.com/aps/acquisition/broadcasting_dtv_digital_cable/index.html). Appears the channels/frequencies are sequential, as shown above, but it's possible that other channels, anywhere, might be assigned the same frequency. Bit rates, a PQ factor, vary widely between programs delivered to TWC, plus whether they're 1080i, 720p, 480i (ATSC originally). Rate shaping requantization (see link) apparently can diminish higher frequencies/resolutions and cause picture breakups under 'stressful' conditions (high motion/detail). Assignments might vary between the upper west side head end here and elsewhere within the system.
*****
Meanwhile...The frequent video/audio breakups discussed above seemed to have stopped here (midtown eastside) by Monday evening. Wonder what it was, failing amplifier, loose connector jiggled by street vibrations, etc.? -- John


_

I can't wait for verzion Fiber network to be offered in my area!

Alot of us agree. Recently, Verizon started advertising their Triple Play during Yankee game coverage on YES in Queens. They are not stating it as FIOS, but it is clear that is what it is.

I've seen Verizon cable comercials on Fox -dissing TWC, still not available for me though, oh please oh please be available soon

Separately, somebody a while ago suggested dumping Cinemax, and picking up the HDNet tier instead. I think it is now official that there is nothing at all to watch on Cinemax, and this seems like a good idea. What are the relative costs involved in the trade?

Probably me... I did that partly because anything shown first on CM will get shown on HBO 2 months or so later. Plus I have ZERO need to be there first, a good film is just as enjoyable 2 months later!

Once you have the first two premiums, each addition is 5 bucks. Once you have DVR service, HDXtra is 6 bucks extra. However, my bill was calculated in a "deal" from 3-4 years ago. The first bill after I did the switch was 30 bucks more, they screwed the whole thing up. They then converted it to a current deal and my monthly bill is about .75 cents less. So it all might depend on how your bill is calculated.

Right....noticed that I said "out of the ordinary". Very occasional skips are common (once an hour or so?), but more than that might indicate a problem.

Often if I'm seeing them more often, it means that it's time for a reboot.

Have you tried a soft boot?

Also, I notice that the problem occurs most often when both tuners are tuned to (or recording) hi-def channels, and if you fast-foward during a hi-def program that you're watching, it will often cause a skip or 2 on one of the tuners....

Thanks for the soft boot suggestion, Scott. But in my case, altho it =is= an annoyance when i get the freeze and the audio dropout, at least it's not paralyzing my system several times an hour, like it did when the issue was at it's WORST, several months ago. So i just shrug the shoulders, and wait till the momentary unpleasantness passes.

For those with 8300HD DVRs and the JVC HM-DH40000U D-VHS HDTV Recorder, can you record your HD Shows from the 8300HD to the JVC for ALL HD channels?

So far, I can only record 2 HD Channels off the 3250HD box onto D-VHS.

All the other HD channels have mosaic and audio drop outs.

Thanks for the soft boot suggestion, Scott. But in my case, altho it =is= an annoyance when i get the freeze and the audio dropout, at least it's not paralyzing my system several times an hour, like it did when the issue was at it's WORST, several months ago. So i just shrug the shoulders, and wait till the momentary unpleasantness passes.
Your system becoming paralyzed would indicate either a failing hard-drive or a weak signal connection....

Your system becoming paralyzed would indicate either a failing hard-drive or a weak signal connection....

It's not a serious problem on my end...i'm probably overstating by saying it "paralyzes" my system...just a momentary glitch is more like it, at the moment.

For those with 8300HD DVRs and the JVC HM-DH40000U D-VHS HDTV Recorder, can you record your HD Shows from the 8300HD to the JVC for ALL HD channels?

So far, I can only record 2 HD Channels off the 3250HD box onto D-VHS.

All the other HD channels have mosaic and audio drop outs.

I haven't tried every HD channel but my JVC D-VHS does ok on direct recording.

I get some sound dropouts and picture breakups on the archive copies when I transfer programs stored on the 8300HD to the JVC--where the source programs are completely clean.

-Mike

*****
Meanwhile...The frequent video/audio breakups discussed above seemed to have stopped here (midtown eastside) by Monday evening. Wonder what it was, failing amplifier, loose connector jiggled by street vibrations, etc.? -- John


_

My pixelation problems also dissapeared yesterday. Its good to know it wasn't a problem with my box.

I *shudder* think, after finally finding a good TWC rep, that it is at the Samsung end, not the 8300.
Thankfully it is under manufacturers and PC Richerds warranty, so I'll get it replaced.
bad news my friend.... even if you get a new samsung, your HDMI problem will not go away. the reason I know is because I wall mount these babies all over NYC and the only TV's causing this problem are the you guessed it Samsung. I spoke to 1 of the samsung reps who came to one of the stores I contract out to and he told me that the problem might be with the plug and play system they have, so in the meantime your best bet is to stick to component cables.

Hey TonyNYC & Coneyparleg, my older bro works for verizon, he actually installs the fiber & is working in the Bayside area.

He keeps telling me how great Fiber is & will be once it's mainstream in NYC, as far as when most of NYC will be covered, he doesn't know as he says it's a lot of work involved.

Since he knows I'm big on HDTV & stuff related to it like HDTV programming he tells me Fiber will be able to offer so much bandwidth so that many HD programs will be able to fit on Verizons planned Tv infastructure.

I can't wait, along with lower bill.

I mean don't get me wrong I am quite pleased with TWC NYC, their tech support when I've been forced to call in & use it has helped me resolve my issues & their HDTV package I am cool with. Wish they offered more HD CH's but I am grateful for the ones I do get & I am impressed with their Internet service/package. although it costs a lot, I get fast speeds & have had almost zero system performance hits or interruptions.

With the recent Internet speed upgrade, I'm pretty satisfied, but bring on FIBER & Bring on Gears of War (XB360), yea baby!

Go Cowboys! Go Spurs!

Once you have the first two premiums, each addition is 5 bucks. Once you have DVR service, HDXtra is 6 bucks extra. However, my bill was calculated in a "deal" from 3-4 years ago. The first bill after I did the switch was 30 bucks more, they screwed the whole thing up. They then converted it to a current deal and my monthly bill is about .75 cents less. So it all might depend on how your bill is calculated.


Made the switch from Cinemax to the HD Tier tonight. Took about 30 minutes and had to speak to 2 different departments to get it done, first the "add service person" who then had to transfer me to the "downgrade department." Anyway, the end result is that my monthly charge has now decreased by $0.05/month. We can call that a wash financially, but I do think that the programming on the HD channels is much more interesting -- and in HD to boot. I should have done this a long time ago.

At least for me, those premium SD channels are a poor value. Watch out Starz! You are next.

Yes, it will be an amazing service once it is up and running. I have friends in Florida that state that basic digital channels look so clear with FIOS. Basically if you can deal with the Motorola box Verizon supplies you and the poor UI, the overall service and visual are well worth it and gives the user and renewed pleasure in viewing their HDTV since there pretty much is little to no need for compression.

I am not a tech guru, but I read an article that tried to simplify how much bandwidth can travel through the fiber line. I believe the article said a fiber line holds something like 15 bundled fibers and when FIOS goes live, it will only utilize 3 of those fibers leaving the other 12 for future bandwidth needs, etc.

Sounds like the lines are going to be in place with much room for expandability for a couple of decades, but I am no expert.

Cable is trying to counter supposedly by implementing DOCSIS 3.0 when it becomes available and going the route of Wideband. yet as of June, DOCSIS 3.0 was still not close to being done. So I guess Cable only has the option of the Switch method to throw out as many HD channels as it can to retain customers.

We shall see.

Thanks for sharing your info TMSKILZ

Congratulations Makanmata, good move. I've watched a lot of concert stuff on the HDXtra tier...

I can't say for 100%, but I believe most of the TWC reach in NYC is fiber already. As I understand it, it's fiber to a node... in my case, it's in a manhole about 1/2 block from my building. It's copper from there to my apartment. Again, it's the copper that has the bandwidth limitations.

So we hear that Verizon is in the process of laying the fiber... which means that in Manhattan it's going to be a few years before it gets completed (based on a real estate guy who posted they are starting to talk to bul.,ding owners in the East Village... which is where the first TWC roll-out of all digital/fiber was 2-3 years ago). BUT it seems to me the essential question is exactly how much of that fiber will make it INTO your apartment. Looking at, say, a half mile square area in the burbs means what, 100 houses ( wild ass guess)? Look at a typical apartment building, there could be 500 apartments in a half square block. Big difference.

Logic tells me it's going to take Verizon longer to get fiber to the building than it took TWC to get fiber to the "block." AND my guess is there's going to be a lot of "fiber to the building" only. So we have the same situation, it goes cooper before it gets in your front door, therefore we have the bandwidth issue.

Understand I am NOT in any way trying to be "anti-Verizon." Once FIOS is really available, we have a real competition w/TWC and generally speaking, that's going to be good for us.

Cable is trying to counter supposedly by implementing DOCSIS 3.0 when it becomes available and going the route of Wideband. yet as of June, DOCSIS 3.0 was still not close to being done. So I guess Cable only has the option of the Switch method to throw out as many HD channels as it can to retain customers.

A draft of the 3.0 spec was completed earlier this month. Implementation should happen around 2008 or thereafter, just in time to compete with FIOS.

I'm on my second SA 8300HD connected via HDMI. I keep having the same problem: even after a soft reboot, channels 704-707 and some other random channels (120) go gray. It's as if the HDMI doesn't even try to load the signal when I switch channels. The problem started about a month ago. I got a new box this weekend, it was fine for 3 days, and now it's recurring. On the first box, it would freeze out on the channel and automatically reboot. It's not that bad now, but what's the problem?

I'm trying to determine how widespread the reported internet speed increase is. This relates to the official TWC "out of bandwidth" response to any question related to expansion of any TWC service.
Last weekend there were at least a few reports, from North Manhattan and from Queens, of increased internet speed, to as much as 7 Mbps down and over 500 kbps up.

Is there anyone else from these, or other areas of the city that received the increased speed?

-Mike

I'm on my second SA 8300HD connected via HDMI. I keep having the same problem: even after a soft reboot, channels 704-707 and some other random channels (120) go gray. It's as if the HDMI doesn't even try to load the signal when I switch channels. The problem started about a month ago. I got a new box this weekend, it was fine for 3 days, and now it's recurring. On the first box, it would freeze out on the channel and automatically reboot. It's not that bad now, but what's the problem?
You need to get a tech out to your apartment to check signal strength. If you're not getting a strong enough signal, it could cause problems like the one you're describing.

Hey all --

Found a "hidden" HD channel I've not seen discussed here -- THETUBE -- a music video channel.

I can only access it from the diagnostic screen by entering frequency 669.000 and Program number 004.

Any other hidden channels found?
This didn't work for me in lower Manhattan....I just get a grey screen.

I have 2 questions:

1. How do you find your internet connection speed?
2. How do you get to the diagnostic screen?

I have 2 questions:

1. How do you find your internet connection speed?
2. How do you get to the diagnostic screen?

1. http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/

2. For SA8300HD press and hold EXIT and SELECT buttons on box together until "DIAG" appears on the LED. Release and then push both of the buttons together again momentarily and release.

-Mike

Is there anyone else from these, or other areas of the city that received the increased speed?

-Mike

Results from testmy.net:

5577 Kbps down
498 Kbps up

speakeasy jjust gave me 6644 down and 419 up.

<pet peeve>I HATE it when "upper west side" is used to denote anything north of 42nd street, it should be north of 96th street! Then again, anything south of 96th street is lower Manhattan <g></pet peeve>

Results from testmy.net:

5577 Kbps down
498 Kbps up

speakeasy jjust gave me 6644 down and 419 up.

<pet peeve>I HATE it when "upper west side" is used to denote anything north of 42nd street, it should be north of 96th street! Then again, anything south of 96th street is lower Manhattan <g></pet peeve>

Speakeasy has a local node in NYC and the numbers are fairly accurate--and indicate that you're doing better than the 5000 kbps down and 384 kbps up that TWC is saying has not changed.
In terms of TWC headends are you in Manhattan South or North?

-Mike

Results from testmy.net:

5577 Kbps down
498 Kbps up

speakeasy jjust gave me 6644 down and 419 up.

<pet peeve>I HATE it when "upper west side" is used to denote anything north of 42nd street, it should be north of 96th street! Then again, anything south of 96th street is lower Manhattan <g></pet peeve>

This is off-topic, but I think vast majority of NY'ers consider the UWS from 59th to 96th street, and from CPW to Riverside.

BTW, I got the faster Internet speed in Queens.

Results from testmy.net:

5577 Kbps down
498 Kbps up

speakeasy jjust gave me 6644 down and 419 up.

<pet peeve>I HATE it when "upper west side" is used to denote anything north of 42nd street, it should be north of 96th street! Then again, anything south of 96th street is lower Manhattan <g></pet peeve>

I got very similar numbers from Speakeasy: 6653 down and 476 up.

It is very late at night (1:30am) when I'm testing.

-barry

Mike, Manhattan North.

Speakeasy allows you to chose a server in various parts of the country... being in NY and testing from a NY server is the wrong way to do it (IMO).

Just re-ran it, u/l was similar from NY or Seattle, 468 and 474. D/l was 6679 from NY and 5822 from Seattle. This makes eminent sense to me. Real world is more like 6M, not 7M as I've seen mentioned.

The bottom line is that we got a service improvement without a seeming rate change. This is the second time this has happened with TWC.

BUT STILL, we are paying 45 bucks/month for this. I've got e-pals in Sweden who pay 30 bucks/mo for 24M down, 8M up. And while some will complain about who needs that kind of speed, think streaming HD content.

Mike, Manhattan North.

Speakeasy allows you to chose a server in various parts of the country... being in NY and testing from a NY server is the wrong way to do it (IMO).

Just re-ran it, u/l was similar from NY or Seattle, 468 and 474. D/l was 6679 from NY and 5822 from Seattle. This makes eminent sense to me. Real world is more like 6M, not 7M as I've seen mentioned.

The bottom line is that we got a service improvement without a seeming rate change. This is the second time this has happened with TWC.

BUT STILL, we are paying 45 bucks/month for this. I've got e-pals in Sweden who pay 30 bucks/mo for 24M down, 8M up. And while some will complain about who needs that kind of speed, think streaming HD content.

To me this is all about TWC bandwidth--and what we pay for it. TWC responds to all questions about additional HD progamming with the "Out Of Bandwidth" statement. Are they actually out of bandwidth--or are they saving what they do have for another 85 shopping channels? Based on what I've read internet doesn't take an enormous amount of bandwidth. Closer to home than Sweden, I paid 10 bucks extra for 16M internet when I was on Comcast in NJ last year, and I got all the HD channels that we are all complaining about not having on TWC, plus they were rolling digital phone service when I left. My bills were the same there as they are in NYC.

How can Comcast do all of that and still have bandwidth while TWC is "Out"?

Upper West Side Dude,

You have got to be Kidding me! 24M and an even more eye popping 8MB UP? That is outrageous indeed.

It's no wonder why NYC is the inside the top 3 most expensive place to live and work in the world.

It's makes sense now why so much smut, porn, garbage, spam and whatever originates from Europe.

Paul

BTW, I have been averaging 6.5MB on avg and a consistant 470KB up since they turn on the turbo switch.




Mike, Manhattan North.

Speakeasy allows you to chose a server in various parts of the country... being in NY and testing from a NY server is the wrong way to do it (IMO).

Just re-ran it, u/l was similar from NY or Seattle, 468 and 474. D/l was 6679 from NY and 5822 from Seattle. This makes eminent sense to me. Real world is more like 6M, not 7M as I've seen mentioned.

The bottom line is that we got a service improvement without a seeming rate change. This is the second time this has happened with TWC.

BUT STILL, we are paying 45 bucks/month for this. I've got e-pals in Sweden who pay 30 bucks/mo for 24M down, 8M up. And while some will complain about who needs that kind of speed, think streaming HD content.

I don't think TWC is necessarily out of bandwidth as to the point of more like "What are you going to do about it?" mentality. I highly doubt you as the customer are going to move from Area A to Area B for cable TV unless you are planning to move for more important reasons. So the result is pretty much a "just deal with it" approach. You will get new services as they see fit to give it to you or me. I am fortunate to have two providers in my building. TWC and RCN. I use TWC for access to MSG HD and YES HD (YES HD RCN now has but no MSG HD). I use RCN for access to Mach 20 internet service (20000/2000) because TWC's Roadrunner is poor in comparison price and quality wise in Queens.

I too am waiting for TWC to upgrade its HD programming, but then again, I will jump ship right to Verizon whenever they roll out their Triple Play services altogether and rid myself of both RCN and TWC and save over both cable providers.

TWC customers will see upgrades whenever they feel like giving them out to the public. To me I believe that will come when FIOS breaks ground in Queens and Manhattan and pretty much everywhere else. Who knows when that will be. 2006? 2007? or Beyond?

Tony,

How are you getting RCN in Queens? That 20MB down and 2MB up is very interesting to me. Is it through existing cable lines or phone?
Also, does RCN offer HD programming in Queens? Thanks!


Paul



I don't think TWC is necessarily out of bandwidth as to the point of more like "What are you going to do about it?" mentality. I highly doubt you as the customer are going to move from Area A to Area B for cable TV unless you are planning to move for more important reasons. So the result is pretty much a "just deal with it" approach. You will get new services as they see fit to give it to you or me. I am fortunate to have two providers in my building. TWC and RCN. I use TWC for access to MSG HD and YES HD (YES HD RCN now has but no MSG HD). I use RCN for access to Mach 20 internet service (20000/2000) because TWC's Roadrunner is poor in comparison price and quality wise in Queens.

I too am waiting for TWC to upgrade its HD programming, but then again, I will jump ship right to Verizon whenever they roll out their Triple Play services altogether and rid myself of both RCN and TWC and save over both cable providers.

TWC customers will see upgrades whenever they feel like giving them out to the public. To me I believe that will come when FIOS breaks ground in Queens and Manhattan and pretty much everywhere else. Who knows when that will be. 2006? 2007? or Beyond?

Sorry for jumping in late here, but when did TWC up their speed? I haven't noticed any difference, but will check speakeasy when I get home tonight.

I don't think TWC is necessarily out of bandwidth as to the point of more like "What are you going to do about it?" mentality. I highly doubt you as the customer are going to move from Area A to Area B for cable TV unless you are planning to move for more important reasons. So the result is pretty much a "just deal with it" approach. You will get new services as they see fit to give it to you or me. I am fortunate to have two providers in my building. TWC and RCN. I use TWC for access to MSG HD and YES HD (YES HD RCN now has but no MSG HD). I use RCN for access to Mach 20 internet service (20000/2000) because TWC's Roadrunner is poor in comparison price and quality wise in Queens.

I too am waiting for TWC to upgrade its HD programming, but then again, I will jump ship right to Verizon whenever they roll out their Triple Play services altogether and rid myself of both RCN and TWC and save over both cable providers.

TWC customers will see upgrades whenever they feel like giving them out to the public. To me I believe that will come when FIOS breaks ground in Queens and Manhattan and pretty much everywhere else. Who knows when that will be. 2006? 2007? or Beyond?

I suppose I might have the same attitude...if I were sitting at a 20M internet connection and I had two cable services in my building in Manhattan, but I only have TWC so I have to let TWC know how I feel about the situation--otherwise I would fully expect to see them eventually add programming that costs them the least (or that even pays them instead of them paying). If there are no squeeky wheels there will be no grease.

-Mike

I suppose I might have the same attitude...if I were sitting at a 20M internet connection and I had two cable services in my building in Manhattan, but I only have TWC so I have to let TWC know how I feel about the situation--otherwise I would fully expect to see them eventually add programming that costs them the least (or that even pays them instead of them paying). If there are no squeeky wheels there will be no grease.

-Mike

Regardless if I am sitting on a 20M connect or not, I have come to accept how TWC rolls in NYC. Over on the Broadband Reports forums, you can see numerous posts in regards to poor RR service in Queens NY from extremely slow speeds during peak hours to poor customer service for competitive cap speeds. It has been the topic for months over there. Some like me had the option to switch and others are waiting for Verizon to save them. Point is, many have let TWC know how they feel from forum posts to threats to contact City Government agencies. TWC seems to not really feel threatened since to this day there are still posts for problems in certain Queens zip codes with no solution in sight.

Call their customer service and get whatever issue off your chest and then sit back and get your 5 minutes of relief I say. Then pray for real competition to get here soon and give us a choice.

Sorry, a off topic here. I have searched for an answer but found nothing specific.

I live in tribeca and have the SA 8000HD from which I am trying to archive SD shows to either start recording more HD shows (too much Dora, Diego, Miffy etc. on it right now) or to replace with the 8300HD. To archive to DVD I have been using the PIP trick which only outputs in 480i but that's ok seeing as I am primarily archiving to create space to record HD to the HDD rather than archive HD content.

However, after coming back from a few days vacation on 8/16 I noticed that the PIP output no longer displayed anything on the DVD input. Does anyone think or know that this was disabled with the update that they did a couple of weeks ago? I know I can use some button press trick on the front panel to get it into 480i output mode but then I have to watch Dora et al while I record.

Thanks in advace.

well, no more waiting around for ESPN2 HD on TWC, i'm moving, my landlord is allowing a dish, so see ya cable!

I hope i never come back, I tell ya that much, what a terrible 2 years of cable tv.


Nice reading your thoughts every one