[QUOTE=nycdemmy]Happy New Year. Please Help!!

I woke up this morning with my SA8300 HD box dead. It was plugged in the wall but nothing on the screen. By midday it was working again..the box had the time on it and there was a 1080i icon on it..but nothing on my pioneer 4270 hd. Time Warner service was incredibly UNHELPFUL. I tried connecting with a component connection and that worked fine except it broadcasts only in 480i or 1080i..other stations show up strangely on my screen. When I plug the hdmi connection in again, it gives me the "your hdtv is not hdcp compliant..blah blah blah" WHY!!! I don't get it..it's worked completely fine until today. Did something change? Please help. I don't want to have to go to the 23rd street store and wait for a pointless hour. Please help. Thanks.

D[/QUOTE
I am getting the same thing. TWC is blacking out the picture and telling me that due to HDCP I should change the HDMI connection to Component. After changing channels or turning the box off and on the message usually goes away. I have had this set up for about a year and now I am getting this error messsage.

Anyone else?

[QUOTE=nycdemmy]Happy New Year. Please Help!!

I woke up this morning with my SA8300 HD box dead. It was plugged in the wall but nothing on the screen. By midday it was working again..the box had the time on it and there was a 1080i icon on it..but nothing on my pioneer 4270 hd. Time Warner service was incredibly UNHELPFUL. I tried connecting with a component connection and that worked fine except it broadcasts only in 480i or 1080i..other stations show up strangely on my screen. When I plug the hdmi connection in again, it gives me the "your hdtv is not hdcp compliant..blah blah blah" WHY!!! I don't get it..it's worked completely fine until today. Did something change? Please help. I don't want to have to go to the 23rd street store and wait for a pointless hour. Please help. Thanks.

D[/QUOTE
I am getting the same thing. TWC is blacking out the picture and telling me that due to HDCP I should change the HDMI connection to Component. After changing channels or turning the box off and on the message usually goes away. I have had this set up for about a year and now I am getting this error messsage.

Anyone else?
Both of you guys need to make sure the TV is off before you change the cables and the cable box has to turn on first. At least that is what I have been able to find out with testing HDTV's so far. It is possible that the cable was down in the area for both of you but not reported yet. You call them and they might have no knowledge of sn outage. Like you said it was morning and believe it or not people don't always have the TV on in the morning because it is a distraction. Another thing is HDMI has not been time tested yet so it is very possible that it stopped working. These are new cables so don't count that out so fast. Hope you guys have service now.

I've had my Sharp 26" LCD and TWC-NYC SA 8300HD for around three weeks, with perfect reception. Starting yesterday I periodically get little blips of digital visual noise, on a small portion of the screen (like a line of digitized stuff. I also get similar blips of an audio blip. Is this a problem with the signal, the box, or is it normal?

Seems to me that something is amiss, but it might be a momentary signal problem from TWC, which would not be worth the aggravation of calling TWC.

I am connected with the component cables which came with the box.

I had exactly the same issue a week ago. TWC sent a tech out and he tested the signal strength, cables etc and could find no problems (of course the problem went away the day before he showed up).
He told be that they sometimes do work in the neighborhood, and don't even tell the service guys about it.
It was fine for a few days, but now its back although not as prevalent.

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070116006421&newsLang=en

Samsung, Time Warner Cable and Advance/Newhouse Join Together to Launch OCAP on Interactive HDTV Sets and HD Set-top Boxes
Time Warner Cable Launches High-Definition Interactive Digital Cable Services on World’s First Interactive Digital Cable Ready (iDCR) OCAP-Based TV and Set-top Box from Samsung

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung, Time Warner Cable and Advance/Newhouse Communications announced that interactive digital cable services are now live on the Samsung HL-S5686C Open Cable Application Platform (OCAPTM) compliant DLP HDTV and SMT-H3050 High Definition Set-top Boxes (HDSTB) in Time Warner Cable’s New York City systems, and will soon be expanding to other Time Warner Cable cities, including Milwaukee, WI, and cities covered by Advance/Newhouse’s Bright House Networks cable systems.

The announcement was made today concurrent with the opening night of Time Warner Cable’s Home to the Future exhibit. Home to the Future (www.hometothefuture.com) is a four-story, interactive installation built inside the Time Warner Center at New York City’s Columbus Circle that opens to the public January 17 and lasts for three weeks.

Time Warner Cable’s new interactive cable service includes its OCAP Digital Navigator and its in-house developed Interactive Program Guide. In 2007, Time Warner Cable and Advance/Newhouse Communications will continue to rollout OCAP on Samsung OpenCable products in other divisions of Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks.

“Samsung is excited to see the commercial launch of OCAP on our HDTVs and High Definition STBs,” said DJ Oh, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. “Time Warner Cable and Advance/Newhouse Communications through its Bright House Networks cable systems have been instrumental in leading the North American cable industry to accelerate the deployment of OpenCable technology.”

"This underlines our commitment to fully deploy OCAP on all of our systems and confirms our growing relationship with Samsung, a leader in consumer electronics,” said Glenn Britt, President and CEO of Time Warner Cable. “OCAP will foster the national launch of interactive applications and these Samsung products will enable consumers to enjoy the full range of interactive services with or without a set-top box.”

“We are pleased by the progress made through our partnership with Samsung and Time Warner Cable towards making OCAP a deployable reality,” said Robert Miron, Chairman and CEO of Advance/Newhouse Communications. “This exemplifies our core commitment to continuously providing more choice and value to our Bright House Network customers.”

so do we just go and swap out for this new STB? Live in NYC?
What does this mean for us?

so do we just go and swap out for this new STB? Live in NYC?
What does this mean for us?

At this point I'd say zip, nada, nothing. Somehow I can't seem to even speculate that TWC is going to roll out a completely new STB; hell, it probably isn't even a DVR!

What we know (from a TWC exec in her "public" postings) is that they intend to roll out the Mystro/MDN software to boxes that currently run Passport. However, from the comments I see posted from those that have early versions of this software, there seems to be a lot of sentiment that they'd rather have Passport back. Which kind of indicates it needs some more "cooking" (it was said that a very recent version rollout killed a lot of boxes).

Then again, it might be an idea to toddle over to Columbus Circle to check it out. How cool would it be if we got a few dozen AVS folk there at the same time, peppering them with questions!

so do we just go and swap out for this new STB? Live in NYC?
What does this mean for us?


I have no clue how this works, maybe it works with existing STB all well. Who knows. I'm going to the Time Warner Center in Columbus circle to see what it's all about. Maybe get some questions answered.

I have no clue how this works, maybe it works with existing STB all well. Who knows. I'm going to the Time Warner Center in Columbus circle to see what it's all about. Maybe get some questions answered.
Yeah I'm a 5 minute walk away I'll go check it out also.

I'll wear an 'avs for life' name tag (jking)

However, from the comments I see posted from those that have early versions of this software, there seems to be a lot of sentiment that they'd rather have Passport back. Which kind of indicates it needs some more "cooking" (it was said that a very recent version rollout killed a lot of boxes).
I was down in Miami last week, and saw an 8300HD running a VERY different OS (and I don't believe that it was SARA), so I am guessing it's Mystro, and it was HORRIBLE -- I mean painfully bad. You press the GUIDE button, and instead of getting the guide, you have to select from a bunch of menu options to get to the guide, and then the guide was VERY VERY slow and clunky to move through.

Ugh -- I hope that doesn't show up here in anything like its current form!

I will say one thing though -- I didn't see one skip or dropout through watching an entire football game in HD (and I can't say that would be possible here in NYC under Passport), so at least that's one thing we have to look forward to.

... painfully bad. You press the GUIDE button, and instead of getting the guide, you have to select from a bunch of menu options to get to the guide, and then the guide was VERY VERY slow and clunky to move through.I hope this is not what’s in our future.

However, what you’re describing, reminds me of what I’ve seen at friends’ homes with Sara via Cablevision.

I was down in Miami last week, and saw an 8300HD running a VERY different OS (and I don't believe that it was SARA), so I am guessing it's Mystro

I don't believe that TW has any cable operations in Miami, and if it doesn't, what you saw definitely wasn't Navigator (Mystro).

Does this get us interactive like Cablevision was? Playing games with other cablevisionsubs, net access, and other things?

The thing that bothers me most is, with this kind of interactive technology the cable systems will know too much about our viewing habits.

Plus, the Price increase for renting/leasing these new boxes will be high. We want 1.3hdmi boxes before this crap. Like I have said in the past. The reg DTV customers are catered to first and the HDTV customers are hanging out in the cold wanting more. We need more people signing up to HDextra(which is more money) or get the word out and tell people to get the HD boxes(Which doesn't add any cost to the bill). The more HD boxes that go out the more customers they think have watching HDTV. Then they might cater to us true HDTV people and start offering new channels. I have 3 HD boxes in my house with only one HDTV.

I hope this is not what’s in our future.

However, what you’re describing, reminds me of what I’ve seen at friends’ homes with Sara via Cablevision.
Whew. Thank goodness for that. Remind me to never move to where Cablevision is the sole cable provider. ;)

just got back from the Time Warner Center and saw nothing about the new STB, but they were pushing their partnership with sprint(program dvr with phone - sprint only) and oncsreen caller id with digital phone.
I saw a future firmware wich was demo-ing the "start over" function headed our way, but nothing about OCAP

Is there any news on a non-DVR HDMI compatible box coming thru the pipes? or is HDMI just one of the perks for paying extra for the DVR

I was down in Miami last week, and saw an 8300HD running a VERY different OS (and I don't believe that it was SARA), so I am guessing it's Mystro, and it was HORRIBLE -- I mean painfully bad. You press the GUIDE button, and instead of getting the guide, you have to select from a bunch of menu options to get to the guide, and then the guide was VERY VERY slow and clunky to move through.

Ugh -- I hope that doesn't show up here in anything like its current form!

I will say one thing though -- I didn't see one skip or dropout through watching an entire football game in HD (and I can't say that would be possible here in NYC under Passport), so at least that's one thing we have to look forward to.
Miami thread sez they are COMCAST territory.
Maybe you were seeing the "Improved" COMCAST Guide (note TVGuide logo):
http://www.comcast.com/improvedguide/

It seems similar in some respects to the COMCAST/TiVo IPG (under OCAP) demo I saw at CES2007...but different...
http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2007/01/08/tivo_and_comcast_to_test_set_top_dvr_in_spring/

just got back from the time warner center, they had 1 demo tv & STB with the new OCAP application.

coming fall 2007
-Startover
-caller ID on tv
-program your DVR from the web & your sprint cell phone
-watch various channels on your sprint cell, live & prerecorded from DVR.

couldn't find anybody who new what SDV was.

-program your DVR from the web & sprint cell phone
-watch various channels on your sprint cell, live & prerecorded from DVR.

Ouch. Finally get some good features only to have them exclusive to (from my experience anyway) the worst cellular carrier in the country.

some pics from a flyer

some more

Oh so that was OCAP
I figured it wasn't because they were running it off of a SA 8300 with different firmware.
Sucks that they only partnered with Sprint.

I also read that we get over 20 HD channels, or it could have been that we are slotted for over 20 channels. By my count we have more like 18 so a maybe a few more on the way?

Oh so that was OCAP
I figured it wasn't because they were running it off of a SA 8300 with different firmware.
Sucks that they only partnered with Sprint.

I also read that we get over 20 HD channels, or it could have been that we are slotted for over 20 channels. By my count we have more like 18 so a maybe a few more on the way?

I count 20 current

1-13: 701-713
14-16: 719-721
17-19: 723-725
20: 741

I count 20 current

1-13: 701-713
14-16: 719-721
17-19: 723-725
20: 741

Yep you're right
math without coffee is flawed

I was down in Miami last week, and saw an 8300HD running a VERY different OS (and I don't believe that it was SARA), so I am guessing it's Mystro, and it was HORRIBLE -- I mean painfully bad. You press the GUIDE button, and instead of getting the guide, you have to select from a bunch of menu options to get to the guide, and then the guide was VERY VERY slow and clunky to move through.

Ugh -- I hope that doesn't show up here in anything like its current form!

I will say one thing though -- I didn't see one skip or dropout through watching an entire football game in HD (and I can't say that would be possible here in NYC under Passport), so at least that's one thing we have to look forward to.

I've read numerous posts like your from those that have the early versions... hence my "needing more cooking" phrase!

I've absolutely seen entire football games without a hitch. Last night I watched a hour show and the first 5-8 minutes were totally unusable. I still don't have enough "observations" to say where the trouble lies, I keep bouncing from a feeling "live" is reading from the disc and it's an i/o issue to thinking "glitching" comes from the head end, or in the transmission system.

I count 20 current

1-13: 701-713
14-16: 719-721
17-19: 723-725
20: 741

I fondly recall 21 3 weeks ago! Bastards still haven't replaced InHD2!

BTW, in that total are 8 channels that cost extra (HBO, SHO, CineMax, Starz and the 4 HDXtra channels).

I've read numerous posts like your from those that have the early versions... hence my "needing more cooking" phrase!

I've absolutely seen entire football games without a hitch. Last night I watched a hour show and the first 5-8 minutes were totally unusable. I still don't have enough "observations" to say where the trouble lies, I keep bouncing from a feeling "live" is reading from the disc and it's an i/o issue to thinking "glitching" comes from the head end, or in the transmission system.
Generally, the amount of glitches, from my observation, on my system, is often related to how recently the box was rebooted, and whether both tuners are in use. I have a hard time getting through an hour without at least one glitch, though....

Just my thoughts:
ESPN2-HD must be added to the HDExtra package now.

My9-HD should be added in April in time for Yankee games.

FSNY-HD should be added in October in time for the Devils & Islanders new season.

NFL Network-HD could be added in September for the new football season if a deal has been struck.

PPV-HD / On Demand-HD could wait till we have enough space to add channels at will.

MHD, A&E-HD Sleuth-HD should be sprinkled to us throughout the year.
(not sure if we have rights for Golf/Versus & TMC-HD)

And whenever they have the rights to carry these channels.
NGC-HD
Food-HD
HGTV-HD
Wealth TV-HD
Outdoor Channel-HD
History-HD
TBS-HD
CNN-HD
Cartoon Network-HD
The Weather Channel-HD
Chiller-HD
Sci Fi-HD
Bravo-HD
USA-HD
FX-HD
Speed-HD

and all of this is a dream if we don't get SDV by the end of the year and/or eliminate analog channels.

IS there really a need for Cartoon Network & History Channel in HD?

Cartoons are not in HD and all of the footage on History is way too old to be HD.


Just my thoughts:
ESPN2-HD must be added to the HDExtra package now.

My9-HD should be added in April in time for Yankee games.

FSNY-HD should be added in October in time for the Devils & Islanders new season.

NFL Network-HD could be added in September for the new football season if a deal has been struck.

PPV-HD / On Demand-HD could wait till we have enough space to add channels at will.

MHD, A&E-HD Sleuth-HD should be sprinkled to us throughout the year.
(not sure if we have rights for Golf/Versus & TMC-HD)

And whenever they have the rights to carry these channels.
NGC-HD
Food-HD
HGTV-HD
Wealth TV-HD
Outdoor Channel-HD
History-HD
TBS-HD
CNN-HD
Cartoon Network-HD
The Weather Channel-HD
Chiller-HD
Sci Fi-HD
Bravo-HD
USA-HD
FX-HD
Speed-HD

and all of this is a dream if we don't get SDV by the end of the year and/or eliminate analog channels.

With TWC trying to switch people to digital boxes in SI , exactly how many analog channels are they shedding?
I think analog service is available as basic and standard, with standard service having roughly 80 analog channels.
I have no idea how much basic has, but I estimate 45 analog channels.
Wouldn't that mean that SI would have eliminated almost half of their analog channels thus giving them space to add whatever their pretty little hearts desired?

...all of the footage on History is way too old to be HD.

I think that's a common misconception. "Old film" can be made into pretty good HD, certainly something "better than" SD. I'm pretty sure I've seen stuff filmed in the fifties looking fairly good in HD. It's common knowledge 35mm film has more than enough "resolution" for HD, not so sure about 16.

Speaking of channels, I read that NG HD runs close to 70% of it's content in HD... I always knew I wanted that channel, now I REALLY WANT IT. It's only one year old and it looks like they may carry more "hours of HD" than HD channels that have been around far longer.

Ha, I was going to ask about digital/analog. Obviously mostly all of their channel are digital. There was a time when you actually had to pay extra for "digital" and that meant you got some channels not available in analog format. So can they actually send both kinds of signals down the line? Is there ANY way we can "see/determine" which is analog and which is digital?

I always assumed that "basic" was the stuff we can get without a cable box, meaning about 9 channels, i.e. the absolutely cheapest level of service.

Ha, I was going to ask about digital/analog. Obviously mostly all of their channel are digital. There was a time when you actually had to pay extra for "digital" and that meant you got some channels not available in analog format. So can they actually send both kinds of signals down the line? Is there ANY way we can "see/determine" which is analog and which is digital?

I always assumed that "basic" was the stuff we can get without a cable box, meaning about 9 channels, i.e. the absolutely cheapest level of service.

That is the biggest misconception of them all. Digital cable is just that Digital. All the channels we receive at our houses are digital. Even the stations that have not started sending a digital signal then the cable companies will convert them to the DTV signal. Which is then sent to our boxes in a digital 1's & 0's and converted. Our biggest problem is that analog takes up a good portion of the signals sent thru the wires(phone, DTV, & cable modems take up the rest). In NYC we are lucky because all our stations already have the digital signal going on all our locals and there are few national stations that the TWC needs to convert for DTV consumers.

To check which Channels are still being sent in the analog format is easy. Go on the roof hook up an old antenna and plug in your old CRT to the antenna and see what you get. No just kidding that is to much work. One way to tell is hook up your old CRT TV to the cable wire cable wire and which ever channel you can see whether scrambled or not are the ones available on analog. You cannot use your new TV because it will convert all the digital signals available. Analog isn't important anymore for us that have DTV. Just sit back and enjoy the show.

The sooner we can get all our neighbors to switch to DTV the sooner TWC can shut down their analog feed, so lets go door to door and get everyone to change.

So can they actually send both kinds of signals down the line? Is there ANY way we can "see/determine" which is analog and which is digital?

Direct incoming-cable connections to any NTSC tuner, plus a channel scan, shows analog channels available. Many are scrambled, requiring at least a basic converter to see. A few years back I counted ~100 analog channels with about 30 unscrambled; likely there are fewer now. Each analog needs 6-MHz of space in our 860+ MHz cable system, while ~10 SD digitals (2+ HDs) can occupy the same spectrum.

Entering a converter's diagnostic mode shows analog/digital for each channel frequency. (For 8300HDs, hold down EXIT and SELECT on the box until 'diag' appears on the converter panel, then release and press both again, which tunes to channel 1999.) Several years back NYC's TWC began 'simulcasting' (duplicating) most analog channels in digital format, although in diagnostic mode several channels showed as analog on digital STBs (switched) instead of QAM 64 or 256 (digital). Again, by now these switched analogs may be digitally delivered. -- John

30 unscrambled? I dare say the "few" might be more like 10! My best recollection goes back about 6 years, and I'm pretty positive only 2-13 were available (I plugged a raw cable feed directly into the TV so I could "watch" one of those channels while the DVR was grinding away recording other stuff).

Ah, I should thought about the 8300 diagnostics, thanks for reminding me.

I have a sneaky feeling there's something with the head end involved here. A year or two ago, my mother got HBO. But she got only one channel of it. Yet, she DID have a late model, obviously digital box. I dug into the issue and found she had "analog" service. Pricing was odd because it wasn't rate card, she lived in a large building that had a "separate" deal with TWC that essentially guaranteed them lower rates (and THAT is a whole 'nother kind of discussion). Her bill would change by pennies "switching to digital service." Well, she and her sister were "nervous" about it and it took them 8 months afterwards to simply call TWC and switch their service to "digital." Bingo, a lot more channel opened up (multiple HBOs, the music channels that they never listen to anyway).

Anyway, thanks for chiming in guys!

Greetings, Riverside_Guy. Somehow I thought I'd get a dispute. :). You go with your unscrambled count, then, and I'll go with mine. (Go back about 3+ decades with TWC variations here.) -- John

What HD does time warner offer in NYC "in the clear?" I have just the basic service, which means I have no cable box. Just a cable from my wall to my old analog tv. i get the major networks, a couple public access channels... no espn, mtv, discovery channel, etc.

I am now considering a move to an hdtv with built-in atsc and QAM. will I be able to get HD content now with my current cable package, or does twc require i upgrade for that?

What HD does time warner offer in NYC "in the clear?" I have just the basic service, which means I have no cable box. Just a cable from my wall to my old analog tv. i get the major networks, a couple public access channels... no espn, mtv, discovery channel, etc.


CBS-HD
NBC-HD
FOX-HD
ABC-HD
CW-HD
PBS-HD

3 decades ago? 'Round about that time, I lived in a brownstone with a bunch of pals. Come home one day and one of the guys tells me the cable guy knocked on the door about installing cable (I think it was 2 companies ago to today's TWC). He gave the guy 50 or a hundred bucks. We never, ever got a bill. AND one fine afternoon, I'm spinning the dial and come across a fight. Hmm, these guys look real familiar. Hmm, damn that's Ali. OMG, there's Smoking Joe. The Thrilla in Manila! And let's not mention how for many years, they "scrambled" the premium channels by installing line blocks outside your doorway, or how many folks just removed the damn things. One COULD present a reasonable argument the hosing we get on pricing today is making up for so many years of so many people not paying for their product.

BTW, you do NOT get those HDs "in the clear" unless you have a QAM equipped display. And not all HD sets have such an item. I know QAM onboard is required for cable card capability, but is it fair to say that only cable car capable TVs have QAM tuners? Are there NON cable card sets that do have them (I do know for Samsung, the answer is no)?

I know QAM onboard is required for cable card capability, but is it fair to say that only cable car capable TVs have QAM tuners? Are there NON cable card sets that do have them (I do know for Samsung, the answer is no)?

I have a Panasonic TH-42PX60U. Its got a QAM tuner, no cablecard.

Just to ley you know that there are some people with dramatically different preferences, I thought I'd re-order your list by my preferences:

PPV-HD/OnDemand HD
Sci Fi-HD
USA-HD
A&E HD
CNN-HD
Bravo-HD
FX-HD

All the others are "don't care" for me.

This is ture even though I'm somewhat of a sports fan. But, I only watch sports occasionally, and I don't watch ESPN2 ever. I guess I might prioritize NFL network a little higher if I thought there would ever be an agreement.

Just my thoughts:
ESPN2-HD must be added to the HDExtra package now.

My9-HD should be added in April in time for Yankee games.

FSNY-HD should be added in October in time for the Devils & Islanders new season.

NFL Network-HD could be added in September for the new football season if a deal has been struck.

PPV-HD / On Demand-HD could wait till we have enough space to add channels at will.

MHD, A&E-HD Sleuth-HD should be sprinkled to us throughout the year.
(not sure if we have rights for Golf/Versus & TMC-HD)

And whenever they have the rights to carry these channels.
NGC-HD
Food-HD
HGTV-HD
Wealth TV-HD
Outdoor Channel-HD
History-HD
TBS-HD
CNN-HD
Cartoon Network-HD
The Weather Channel-HD
Chiller-HD
Sci Fi-HD
Bravo-HD
USA-HD
FX-HD
Speed-HD

and all of this is a dream if we don't get SDV by the end of the year and/or eliminate analog channels.

Interesting... I'd put PPV on the bottom of the list as I rarely if ever go that route. SciFi, FX and A&E from your list are on top for me. I'd add NG HD to the very top, though. I read elsewhere they are over 70% HD so I'd prefer to get them before something like A&E which has little HD content at this point. Big SciFi fan, BUT I see a clear trend where UnHD very much is carrying a lot of their stuff in HD. The REALLY good news for SciFi fans is that ALL of that channels shows have been done in HD for a long time already, even if most haven't been broadcast that way. We know they have been aggressive showing them letterboxed for quite a while, so they were very MUCH filmed in widescreen. So my current order would be:

NG HD
FX HD
SciFi HD
A&E HD
MHD

I am currently a customer of its Starter Pak, and do not have channels like MSG (27), YES (30), as well as non-HD ESPN and ESPN2. I just checked it's website on channel lineups and found all the above channels ARE included in the Starter Pak (makred with chocolate color next to it, which notes as Starter Pak in the legend).

Is it a mistake by TWC in its legend for the package, or am I really entitled to these channels as starter pak subscriber?

Thanks

I am currently a customer of its Starter Pak, and do not have channels like MSG (27), YES (30), as well as non-HD ESPN and ESPN2. I just checked it's website on channel lineups and found all the above channels ARE included in the Starter Pak (makred with chocolate color next to it, which notes as Starter Pak in the legend).

Is it a mistake by TWC in its legend for the package, or am I really entitled to these channels as starter pak subscriber?

Thanks

I don't know, I don't think anybody else here might even have the starter pack.
call them and ask if they made a mistake with the website.

I am currently a customer of its Starter Pak, and do not have channels like MSG (27), YES (30), as well as non-HD ESPN and ESPN2. I just checked it's website on channel lineups and found all the above channels ARE included in the Starter Pak (makred with chocolate color next to it, which notes as Starter Pak in the legend).

Is it a mistake by TWC in its legend for the package, or am I really entitled to these channels as starter pak subscriber?

Thanks
We have Digital Starter Pak and we have those channels. You should basically be getting everything under ch. 100 (except 78-82). You should also be getting Hallmark (107), Music Choice (6xx), Movies on Demand (1000) and Free On Demand (1008).

Call to make sure they have the right serial number for your box. If your box just got installed, wait a few hours for the correct authorizations to kick in, then reboot the box by pressing the power button on the box until it says "boot" in the front panel display.

With TWC trying to switch people to digital boxes in SI , exactly how many analog channels are they shedding?
I think analog service is available as basic and standard, with standard service having roughly 80 analog channels.
I have no idea how much basic has, but I estimate 45 analog channels.
Wouldn't that mean that SI would have eliminated almost half of their analog channels thus giving them space to add whatever their pretty little hearts desired?
We were Standard customers with HBO and SHO, and we got switched out. But when I called, the message said even Standard-only customers were getting switched. I think the only people who can keep their analog boxes are Basic customers.

I thought I would throw more of my Money TWC's way, Just order ordered Digital Phone.

I spoke to a CSR and she said that the Internet speed is going to be bumped up in April.

I specifically asked about MHD and A&E-HD.
She said that more HD channels are comming in april.

Will TWC NYC ever get ESPN2 HD or any other new HD channels?

Will TWC NYC ever get ESPN2 HD or any other new HD channels?

yes, can only speculate as to when.

I think that's a common misconception. "Old film" can be made into pretty good HD, certainly something "better than" SD. I'm pretty sure I've seen stuff filmed in the fifties looking fairly good in HD. It's common knowledge 35mm film has more than enough "resolution" for HD, not so sure about 16.

Speaking of channels, I read that NG HD runs close to 70% of it's content in HD... I always knew I wanted that channel, now I REALLY WANT IT. It's only one year old and it looks like they may carry more "hours of HD" than HD channels that have been around far longer.

A state of the art digital restoration involves running the film through a 4,000 lpi scanner and then working the digital magic. Take a look here (http://www.studiodaily.com/main/technique/craft/f/editing/4342.html) for more details about DTS, formerly Digital Theater Systems, which acquired Lowery Digital Images, which has done the digital restorations of the Star Wars Trilogy, North By Northwest, and the newly released Bond set, among others.

They are reported to be able to recover all the available data from film and will be able to create digital HiDef in whatever format ultimately prevails.

yes, can only speculate as to when.

Has this been said by anyone at TWC?

Has this been said by anyone at TWC?

right above your first post is mine. it should answer your question, but i'm not taking that persons word till i see it for myself.

Ahh my bad, didn't see that. Thanks for the info.

I thought I would throw more of my Money TWC's way, Just order ordered Digital Phone.

I spoke to a CSR and she said that the Internet speed is going to be bumped up in April.

I specifically asked about MHD and A&E-HD.
She said that more HD channels are comming in april.

The internet speed being bumped up is good news but hearing that a CSR actually knows something so early in advance is downright ridiculous. When was the last time anyone heard a TWC CSR giving out useful and timely information about HD programming. I did call TWCNYC myself and the CSR I spoke with told me she knew nothing about HD channels be added in April and that she only heard the internet speed will be bumped up from 5 mbs upstream to 7 mbs. Believe me when I say I hope that the CSR you spoke with knows something that probably the other 99.9% don't know. Nevertheless, if the CSR's at TWC weren't so clueless and the last to know what's going on then we wouldn't have much to write about.

Ahh my bad, didn't see that. Thanks for the info.

this might help:

Bob Watson
VP Programming & New Business Development
Email: bob.watson@twcable.com

A state of the art digital restoration involves running the film through a 4,000 lpi scanner and then working the digital magic. Take a look here (http://www.studiodaily.com/main/technique/craft/f/editing/4342.html) for more details about DTS, formerly Digital Theater Systems, which acquired Lowery Digital Images, which has done the digital restorations of the Star Wars Trilogy, North By Northwest, and the newly released Bond set, among others.

They are reported to be able to recover all the available data from film and will be able to create digital HiDef in whatever format ultimately prevails.Great post.
It’s always a good thing to remind HD enthusiasts that film is still King
and film has tremendous available information (resolution) for digital restorations.

The internet speed being bumped up is good news but hearing that a CSR actually knows something so early in advance is downright ridiculous. When was the last time anyone heard a TWC CSR giving out useful and timely information about HD programming. I did call TWCNYC myself and the CSR I spoke with told me she knew nothing about HD channels be added in April and that she only heard the internet speed will be bumped up from 5 mbs upstream to 7 mbs. Believe me when I say I hope that the CSR you spoke with knows something that probably the other 99.9% don't know. Nevertheless, if the CSR's at TWC weren't so clueless and the last to know what's going on then we wouldn't have much to write about.

i'm kind of leaning towards that idea that this CSR new what she was talking about. i did call right back and talked to another CSR, who knew nothing about it and proceeded to read a list to me of HD channels that i should be getting, dispite me telling him i knew what they were.
even more insulting he told me that 722-inhd2 was on the list. wow

...I spoke to a CSR and she said that the Internet speed is going to be bumped up in April...


I recall reading at least one post that indicated that internet speed has already been increased. I can confirm this is true in my case.

You have to reset (unplug/plug in) your cable modem to get it to re-register and obtain the increase.

-Mike

I recall reading at least one post that indicated that internet speed has already been increased. I can confirm this is true in my case.

You have to reset (unplug/plug in) your cable modem to get it to re-register and obtain the increase.

-Mike

Mmm, I'm not so sure Mike! Yes we did get bumped to what they call "7 meg service" last summer. It lasted 2-3 months then reverted. A month ago when I got to speak to a PR person, I asked about that... she indicated that before they roll out an "increase" in service, they run it for a month or so to see if it delivers what it "should" to every node in the system. Seems reasonably logical...

My location 100% did revert.

Great post.
It’s always a good thing to remind HD enthusiasts that film is still King
and film has tremendous available information (resolution) for digital restorations.

I think what Ronin posted about generally refers to a bit more than a simple film to HD conversion. That process is "going the extra mile" AND I'd bet only gets used when there is an expectation of additional revenue (Star Wars is a good example).

I just think folks should know that this process is not the only way to go; some of the older films I've seen converted did not appear to go through such an amazing restoration process, they did retain some characteristics that this process cleans up.

Sorry, but a lot more stuff is being shot in video with HD cameras these days. Interestingly enough, they can be made to look exactly like film looks! Best current example, Sin City.

I think what Ronin posted about generally refers to a bit more than a simple film to HD conversion. That process is "going the extra mile" AND I'd bet only gets used when there is an expectation of additional revenue (Star Wars is a good example).

I just think folks should know that this process is not the only way to go; some of the older films I've seen converted did not appear to go through such an amazing restoration process, they did retain some characteristics that this process cleans up.

Sorry, but a lot more stuff is being shot in video with HD cameras these days. Interestingly enough, they can be made to look exactly like film looks! Best current example, Sin City.Yes, I agree with you, :) his link was more about restoring the film first, in the transfer process. The film has to be in top condition for a worthy transfer.

Pristine 35mm (and wider) film has more resolution than is available for broadcast today.

I hope all films get restored and are digitally re-mastered. I know it’s a very expensive process but this is an art form that can be lost forever within a hundred years. Can you imagine going to the Met and only seeing contemporary paintings because everything beyond a hundred years is dust?

Sorry for the OT... wouldn't it be great if TCM invested a ton into digital restoration?

I'd pay for that HD channel.

Yes, I agree with you, :) his link was more about restoring the film first, in the transfer process. The film has to be in top condition for a worthy transfer.

Pristine 35mm (and wider) film has more resolution than is available for broadcast today.

I hope all films get restored and are digitally re-mastered. I know it’s a very expensive process but this is an art form that can be lost forever within a hundred years. Can you imagine going to the Met and only seeing contemporary paintings because everything beyond a hundred years is dust?

Sorry for the OT... wouldn't it be great if TCM invested a ton into digital restoration?

I'd pay for that HD channel.

Part of the "magic" that John Lowry (http://www.apple.com/pro/profiles/lowry/) has created is that they can just about restore anything that is in good enough condition to run through the scanners. An article I read indicated that there were some films that were just barely able to make it through the scanning process before falling apart. Other stories tell of the studios opening cans to find nothing more than dust (from the silver nitrate and celulose eras especially). Sunset Boulevard was restored using 2,000 lpi scanners and banks of G4s. Take a look here (http://www.moviepoopshoot.com/elsewhere/24.html) to see a before/after comparison of a few frames.

Even more recent movies, such as Star Wars (http://www.starwars.com/episode-iv/release/video/f20040916/index.html), have suffered (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/3945149.stm) the ravages to which physical media are subjected only to be saved by this process.

The money from home video sales is what generates the funds to preserve and/or restore a lot of wonderful old films before they are lost forever. Sadly, many have been lost. Even more recent classics such as Lawrence of Arabia were restored (by conventional means) just in time. The many prints had been damaged, chopped up in editing for various releases, or simply lost in addition to deteriorating as most of the studios never really thought about keeping these films for the future. (As an aside, if you ever get the opportunity to see "Lawrence" in the restored 70mm print shown on the IMAX screen, I believe you will remember it for a lifetime. It is striking indeed.)

There was a segment on "Beyond Tomorrow" (http://www.beyondtomorrow.com.au/stories/ep24/digital.html) describing the process and showing some before and after comparisons of the first Aussie film to be so restored.

It is said that a sufficiently advanced technology appears to be magic. This is magic.

Lucky us!

Cheers!

P.S. Don't forget the Casablanca (http://www.amazon.com/Casablanca-Two-Disc-Special-Humphrey-Bogart/dp/B00009W0WM/ref=cm_lm_fullview_prod_12/104-5117690-8263152) special edition.

.. if you ever get the opportunity to see "Lawrence" in the restored 70mm print shown on the IMAX screen, I believe you will remember it for a lifetime. It is striking indeed.Great links...
And yes, :) I was very fortunate to see the restored LOA..
and it was at the Ziegfeld Theater. :cool: Unbelievable!

I just realized you’re in Texas.
If you’re not familiar with The Ziegfeld Theatre- it’s awesome.
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/12/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziegfeld_Theatre

I just realized you’re in Texas.
If you’re not familiar with The Ziegfeld Theatre- it’s awesome.
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/12/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziegfeld_Theatre

Larry,

Thanks for posting.

I just love restored theaters. Aside from the historical aspects there is something very nice indeed about going to a movie in them.

Here in San Antonio the Majestic Theater (http://www.majesticempire.com/history_majestic.html) was restored to its former glory, including a moving celestial projection on the ceiling, by the efforts of local businessman Red McCombs. The American Movie Channel showed 12 O'Clock High there as a part of their traveling road show some years ago. When I lived up the road (about 80 miles) in Austin, the Paramount Theater (http://www.austintheatre.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Paramount_Theatre) was restored and ran a summer series of movies that were sufficiently old that almost no one had ever had the privilege of viewing them in a theater.

Best,

Richard

Mmm, I'm not so sure Mike! Yes we did get bumped to what they call "7 meg service" last summer. It lasted 2-3 months then reverted. A month ago when I got to speak to a PR person, I asked about that... she indicated that before they roll out an "increase" in service, they run it for a month or so to see if it delivers what it "should" to every node in the system. Seems reasonably logical...

My location 100% did revert.

They did go up and then down. However, I saw a post maybe 10 days ago on this thread indicating that they just went up again. I have RR premium, which was 8 Mb at that time. After reading that post I reset my cable modem and I'm at 10 Mb down and 768 Kb up right now. YMMV...

-Mike

just pick up my digital phone from 23rd street, asked the CSR what was the deal with the internet speed. She said that we are currently at 10. yet yesterday they told me we'll have it in april, and another told me it would be 7.

^I have standard Roadruiner and am getting 6-7,000K today.

i got 10.75 here:

http://www.numion.com/YourSpeed3/index.html

I prefer this one:

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

I use http://www.dslreports.com/stest which has several sources, including speakeasy. Best of all it keeps a database which allows you to see what other people are experiencing by zip code and ISP.

In my area, RoadRunner went to 7 mbps (down) last year which is quite nice, but the up speed remains unchanged.

I use http://www.dslreports.com/stest which has several sources, including speakeasy. Best of all it keeps a database which allows you to see what other people are experiencing by zip code and ISP.

In my area, RoadRunner went to 7 mbps (down) last year which is quite nice, but the up speed remains unchanged.

what the hell. i jus did it twice and it said 18 down /4 up.
thats incredible!!!

Thanks for that info. Before I re-booted the modem, I regularly registered at 4900k on the Speedeasy test. After re-booting, it is closer to 7000k.

^Think about how much bandwidth TWC saves because of all the customers who never reboot their modems.

what the hell. i jus did it twice and it said 18 down /4 up.
thats incredible!!!

Did you clear your cache? You will get inaccurate results if not.

Did you clear your cache? You will get inaccurate results if not.

cleared everything jus now and now i got 9/4

cleared everything jus now and now i got 9/4

It does sound like something is not "happy". TWC usually asks you to unplug the modem for a few minutes (and you might as well shut down your computer as they frequently get upset when the modem is shut down). Power up the modem, then your roiuter if you are using one and then your computer. If that does not clear things out you may want ot call CS and ask them to "ping" your computer as well as check the line signal level to see what is going on.

Edit: You mght check that you have an up-to-date Java runtime engine or Flash Player depending upon which test you are using.

^Think about how much bandwidth TWC saves because of all the customers who never reboot their modems.
Actually, I shut down my modem by turning off my power strip every time I shut down my computer. If you ever look at the power consumption ratings on the "wall wart" that they provide, it is surprising how much juice the cable modem eats up (and how hot the power supply gets!) even when you're not using it.

They did go up and then down. However, I saw a post maybe 10 days ago on this thread indicating that they just went up again. I have RR premium, which was 8 Mb at that time. After reading that post I reset my cable modem and I'm at 10 Mb down and 768 Kb up right now. YMMV...

-Mike

Oh, I'm only talking standard service. Last I checked premium came at a pretty large... premium. Honestly, it actually embarrasses me a bit to talk about what I pay for broadband via RR, it's SUCH a rip!

BTW, 30 bucks/month gets you 24 down, 8 up in Sweden.

I used to use dslreports for testing, but got a lot of very unreliable reports. If I looked at others in NYC, I'd see numbers that were just not possible. Speakeasy always seemed to get it right if I ran it right after, so I switched. It seems very consistent, and accurately does reflect other things going on (i.e. when I have other processes running that can suck bandwidth, it is accurately reflected in their reports).

I'll give the modem a reboot, but I KNOW I got the 7 meg service out of the blue without any "action" on my part. Based on what I heard from TW, it certainly is possible a particular hood may be getting a better speed than another one as they say they do test this stuff before they roll it out citywide.

I actually thought quite a bot before I posed this, but in the end had to let my homies see it... we're talking the HD lineup in Detroit:

199 National Geographic HD
200 A&E HD
201 Fox Sports Net HD Detroit
202 ESPN HD
203 ESPN2 HD
204 TNT HD
205 Discovery HD
206 INHD (MLB, NBA HD, NFL Network)
207 CSHD Golf Channel HD / Versus HD (NHL)
208 Universal HD
209 MHD
215 HBO HD
219 Cinemax HD
223 Showtime HD
227 Starz HD
231 ABC WXYZ-DT
232 NBC WDIV-DT
233 CBS WWJ-DT
234 FOX WJBK-DT
235 My Network TV WMYD-DT
236 The CW WKBD-DT
240 PBS WTVS-DT (HD PBS Digital)

Some media capitol of the world we live in eh? Oh, we DO get Cuban's nets (HDNet, HDNet-M).

Some media capitol of the world we live in eh? Oh, we DO get Cuban's nets (HDNet, HDNet-M).I’ll take NY with Cuban’s two channels and sacrifice those few (Ng, a&e, Fox, ESPN2, Golf, MHD) any day over whatever Detroit has to offer.

Keep in mind, we will get those channels one day- and still call NY home.

I actually thought quite a bot before I posed this, but in the end had to let my homies see it... we're talking the HD lineup in Detroit:

199 National Geographic HD
200 A&E HD
201 Fox Sports Net HD Detroit
202 ESPN HD
203 ESPN2 HD
204 TNT HD
205 Discovery HD
206 INHD (MLB, NBA HD, NFL Network)
207 CSHD Golf Channel HD / Versus HD (NHL)
208 Universal HD
209 MHD
215 HBO HD
219 Cinemax HD
223 Showtime HD
227 Starz HD
231 ABC WXYZ-DT
232 NBC WDIV-DT
233 CBS WWJ-DT
234 FOX WJBK-DT
235 My Network TV WMYD-DT
236 The CW WKBD-DT
240 PBS WTVS-DT (HD PBS Digital)

Some media capitol of the world we live in eh? Oh, we DO get Cuban's nets (HDNet, HDNet-M).


Everyone may have a difference in opinion as to what channels they prefer, however, my main issue is with TWCNYC not offering more HD channels especially since we have the bandwith to support at least one more channel with the lost of Inhd2. We all know they have the rights to air A&E HD, MHD, ESPN2HD and possibly MYNetworkHD with the recent retransmission agreement signed with Foxs News Group. Is it possible that they're saving their bandwith for more special interest channels like the "Jus Panjabi" channel coming to 563 on 3/1/07 and the Fox Reality Channel and Fox Business News Channel coming later in 2007? In the meanwhile all we can do in the media capitol of the world is to wait for a competitor like DirecTV to put a fire under the @#&% of TWC when they launch the 100 or so HD channels later in the year. Then and only then will TWC and all the other cable TV monopolies become motivated enough to fully deploy SDV technology and acquire more HD channels in earnest.

Very odd weirdness that I've noticed lately, and for the first time. Occasionally on some HD channels (ESPNHD for one, the others I can't recall specifically) the latter part of a commercial break will shift to 480i out of the blue. They seem to be all TWC-related commercials, like notices about pay per view movies and such. It's new to me, and I don't know why I'm bringing it up, but it's reather odd, I think. Used to be all 480 commercials would be shown with pillar boxes without the resolution shift.

I guess what worries me a bit is that someone may forget to switch it back once the show begins. Seems to happen occasionally on shows like Jeopardy for example, though that must be the individual channel and not the system.

Is it possible that they're saving their bandwith for more special interest channels like the "Jus Panjabi" channel Jus Panjabi, :rolleyes: too funny.

What is that?

I can see their tag line--
A 24 hour reality channel giving us a peak at a CSR call center, in action, attempting to answer the questions of our nation.

We all know they have the rights to air A&E HD, MHD, ESPN2HD and possibly MYNetworkHD with the recent retransmission agreement signed with Foxs News Group..I don’t know if that’s something that pertains to our local TWNY. But this is a song that we’ve been singing for years.

In the meanwhile all we can do in the media capitol of the world is to wait for a competitor like DirecTV to put a fire under the @#&% of TWC when they launch the 100 or so HD channels later in the year. Then and only then will TWC and all the other cable TV monopolies become motivated enough to fully deploy SDV technology and acquire more HD channels in earnest.Competition is good. I’m looking forward to these new satellite offerings along with Verizon FIOS.

It's too bad Verizon is unlikely to get franchise agreements in most of NYC until 2008. I'd switch from TWC in a heartbeat if they did. We're still getting FiOS Internet though.

Zeppo, I have experienced that as well. IMO has zero to do with TWC and everything to do with that channel's engineers being totally asleep at the wheel (although commercial are another matter). The worst I find is when the HD channels displays their 16:9 image letterboxed INSIDE of a 4:3 box. Or things like TNT (which has other issues as well) with a known widescreen HD created show like The Closer that displays it STILL finds a way to apply additional, unnecessary stretching, distorting figures.

Yes I am annoyed by this, mostly because these guys are not young kids being paid barely minimum wage. Anyway, to not make myself too nuts, I figure it to be a rite of passage for HD!

Even though the last (test) speed bump in Internet service happened without re-booting my modem, I did it anyway. BOOM, 7 meg service:

Last Result:
Download Speed: 6841 Kbps (855.1 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 488 Kbps (61 KB/sec transfer rate)

This is off the 104th street & WEA node.

Direct as competitor is really mixed. Very large swathes of Manhattan don't have a decent view to it's bird, plus there can be issues getting a disk mounted, especially in large apartment buildings. Probably far fewer issues in the outer boroughs. FIOS would provide serious competition as they can reach everyone (how good remains to be seen because in many, many instances they will have to go fiber to copper long before it gets to your apartment and TWC already has this infrastructure). Besides, I seriously doubt most of us will be seeing FIOS for at least 2 years, not so much for the franchise agreement for TV, but just as much for getting all that fiber laid out. It took TWC 2-3 years to lay fiber to cover Manhattan completely.

As for "they carry the channel, why don't we have it," I do NOT know this for a fact, but it sure could be possible that carriage agreements may specify markets. As in "for X dollars, you can carry Y channel in markets A, B, C, and D." Think about being the head of a channel, wouldn't you expect to pay more to go into a very large market like NYC. Think about being the head of TWC, you know you have tons of bandwidth in NYC, but more secondary markets get a lot less, so the quality of signal just can't be the same. So maybe that market gets NG HD before NYC does.

Believe me I'm no apologist for TWC, someone should go to jail (not literally!) for not replacing a channel that we pay extra for.

Anyone notice that most of the movies and TV shows broadcast on Universal HD channel 709 are missing the center channel?
Need 5.1 surround system to notice this, obviously.
Funny, the one show that does have the center channel is Surface.
Pretty much everything else, it's missing.
Very annoying watching a movie.
It's hard to hear the dialogue, bleads to the left and right channels.
I'm watching Jaws right now. No center channel.
I called NBC in NYC twice to complain couple of months ago.
I asked for the HDTV department. Said they'd look into it.
Wrong dept. I guess.

Anyone notice that most of the movies and TV shows broadcast on Universal HD channel 709 are missing the center channel?
Need 5.1 surround system to notice this, obviously.
Funny, the one show that does have the center channel is Surface.
Pretty much everything else, it's missing.
Very annoying watching a movie.
It's hard to hear the dialogue, bleads to the left and right channels.
I'm watching Jaws right now. No center channel.
I called NBC in NYC twice to complain couple of months ago.
I asked for the HDTV department. Said they'd look into it.
Wrong dept. I guess.

They are doing the same thing that WABC-DT and the NBC network does for programs that only have stereo available. They connect the two stereo channels to the left and right channels and leave the center and surround channels silent. This gives an echoey sound on my system. When this occurs for me, I switch my receiver to analog audio input (you have to have the two stereo channels connected to your receiver as well as the digital audio). This allows my receiver to convert the stereo sound to four channels; adding a center and a surround channel (fed to both surround speakers) by using Dolby Pro-logic decoding. It is a nuisance, but it gives good sound.

I think these channels always put out 5.1 channels so their listeners will think they are getting six channels of sound. It also removes an obligation for the station operator to switch the sound according to the source.

Channels such as HBO HD, Showtime HD, and Discovery HD have no problem switching their audio appropriately to match the source. I wish the channels I mentioned above would get professional and handle the audio properly!

Cynthia

I agree Cynthia.
They should switch between Dolby 2.0 and 5.1 when appropriate.
Especially NBC their volume is seriously lacking.
You turn it up to hear Leno and then a commercial comes on and you get blown out of your chair.
At least ABC and NBC send the center channel data when the progam has it.
Universal HD can't even get that right.
I don't know what they doing but content with center channel data is somehow broadcast without it.
Eddie

Minor point, I do not believe Dolby Pro Logic synthesizes anything. The only real difference from AC/3 is that it supports a single discrete rear channel, not 2 discrete channels. Yes there are all sorts of tricks and techniques to synthesize more channels than you start with. Every AVR I've ever seen (and a lot of TVs as well) tends to have such functions. For me, they all sound very much phony (single exception, the Carver designed "holography" processing).

Minor point, I do not believe Dolby Pro Logic synthesizes anything. The only real difference from AC/3 is that it supports a single discrete rear channel, not 2 discrete channels. Yes there are all sorts of tricks and techniques to synthesize more channels than you start with. Every AVR I've ever seen (and a lot of TVs as well) tends to have such functions. For me, they all sound very much phony (single exception, the Carver designed "holography" processing).

Dolby Pro-Logic detects when the sound is equal in both the left and right channels (in phase), removes that from the left and right channels and sends it to the center channel. This is an approximate process but it produces much better sound (for me at least) than the straight stereo. You are correct about the single surround channel (as I said in my post). This is derived from the left and right channels by detecting the out-of-phase signals (such as ambiance sounds) and sending this to the surround channels.

Cynthia

Hmm, I did not know that! I had thought Pro Logic did allow for a discrete center channel (discrete as it taken directly from a multi-channel source, not synthesized; I realize I am adding additional "meaning" to the term "discrete" and need to be specific about what I mean).

Even so, think back to plain old 2 channel "stereo." Left and right in phase material (or a mono source) appeared to come from a midway spot between the two front speakers. No need for any signal processing. Properly designed and mastered audio on a properly set up and calibrated system very much should present one with a front "stage" that stretched across both speakers. Yes, I have heard the many complaints about the "hole in the center" phenomena, but most of those complaining seemed to blame the technology. I very much felt it was either out of phase wiring or badly masatered audio, not some "restriction" in the technology.

As for the rear, are you saying to takes the out of phase data from the front speakers and synthesizes a single rear channel? Wouldn't that essentially mean that Pro Logic is 100% derived from a 2 channel source original?

BTW, I am not trying to be contriarian!

As for the rear, are you saying to takes the out of phase data from the front speakers and synthesizes a single rear channel? Wouldn't that essentially mean that Pro Logic is 100% derived from a 2 channel source original?
This assessment of Dolby Pro Logic is correct, as I understand it. Dolby Pro Logic II does a somewhat better job of synthesizing a set of stereo rear channels, and has a wider frequency response....

FYI, on Saturday, I was on East 23rd street and observed that two giant (about 25' in diameter) satellite dishes were being installed on the roof of of the building where the TWC head-end is located. The crew wouldn't tell me what they were for, but it was an interesting development nonetheless.

I actually thought quite a bot before I posed this, but in the end had to let my homies see it... we're talking the HD lineup in Detroit:

199 National Geographic HD
200 A&E HD
201 Fox Sports Net HD Detroit
202 ESPN HD
203 ESPN2 HD
204 TNT HD
205 Discovery HD
206 INHD (MLB, NBA HD, NFL Network)
207 CSHD Golf Channel HD / Versus HD (NHL)
208 Universal HD
209 MHD
215 HBO HD
219 Cinemax HD
223 Showtime HD
227 Starz HD
231 ABC WXYZ-DT
232 NBC WDIV-DT
233 CBS WWJ-DT
234 FOX WJBK-DT
235 My Network TV WMYD-DT
236 The CW WKBD-DT
240 PBS WTVS-DT (HD PBS Digital)

Some media capitol of the world we live in eh? Oh, we DO get Cuban's nets (HDNet, HDNet-M).
I luvs ya River, but why are we still complaining about TWC lack of HD service. We know we are on the short end of the HDTV stick, but the stick isn't as short as everyone makes it seem. We have 20 channels right now and we know that TWC already have carriage deals for a couple of others. That is not that far off to the norm! If you forget about VOOM which we will never get. We are right their with most cable companies 20-25. One problem is we have too many sports teams here with their own channels instead of sharing like the old days and cover almost everything with 2 channels. That would leave us room for one more national network. You should know as good any NYer that dispite being the media capital of the world we are usually the last to get new channels when it comes to Cable. They get their launches elsewhere first.

But be positive, no more negativity! Changes are coming and we will have too many to watch soon or more then enough to complain how bad the HD looks on them. Then we will be discussing why primetime netwrok TV is still the king and how good DiscoveryHD still looks.

Competition is good. I’m looking forward to these new satellite offerings along with Verizon FIOS.
I would be careful whart you ask for, competition is usualy good but I have talked to a few peopole that have had FIOS for over a year and they say the difference isn't that great in price and quality. The CSR's know much more then TWC's do. But I am affraid Verizon might be doing a rush job. Remember it took TWC in NYC close to 10 yr's to rewire itself here for the digitl way. Verizon claims they are on a 5yr plan. If they don't have any new subscriber rates, whicdh from what I read the haven't advertised any. As of right now they are more expensive than TWC from a service standpoint on their website. Don't get me wrong I am with you guys hoping for the best, I have Verizon one bill with DSL, Phone and Cell Phone, so the the savings I could get by adding TV might be great. But I am still cautious about any company when they try something new. Let's hope I am wrong and we all enjoy FIOS for the same time I have have been engoying TWC 18+ yrs.

Hmm, I did not know that! I had thought Pro Logic did allow for a discrete center channel (discrete as it taken directly from a multi-channel source, not synthesized; I realize I am adding additional "meaning" to the term "discrete" and need to be specific about what I mean).

Even so, think back to plain old 2 channel "stereo." Left and right in phase material (or a mono source) appeared to come from a midway spot between the two front speakers. No need for any signal processing. Properly designed and mastered audio on a properly set up and calibrated system very much should present one with a front "stage" that stretched across both speakers. Yes, I have heard the many complaints about the "hole in the center" phenomena, but most of those complaining seemed to blame the technology. I very much felt it was either out of phase wiring or badly masatered audio, not some "restriction" in the technology.

As for the rear, are you saying to takes the out of phase data from the front speakers and synthesizes a single rear channel? Wouldn't that essentially mean that Pro Logic is 100% derived from a 2 channel source original?

BTW, I am not trying to be contriarian!
FYI: Dolby Pro Logic "Encoder" can include the Center Channel (LFE is added back into L/R):
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_1/dolby-prologic2-3-2001.html

Also see White Paper re Pro Logic vs Pro Logic II design and capabilities:
http://www.dolby.com/assets/pdf/tech_library/209_Dolby_Surround_Pro_Logic_II_Decoder_Principles_of_Operat ion.pdf
The Rear signal processing has a 7 kHz filter in the original, which is replaced by a wide band digital filter in "II".

And Dolby Pro Logic IIx adds two more surround channels (for 7.1) in the decoder:
http://www.dolby.com/consumer/technology/prologic_IIx.html

Of course, ALL of the "Pro Logic" DECODER variations operate strictly on a L/R Stereo input.

You can click on the Dolby DIGITAL variations to see the different modes when operating on a DD5.1 input signal.
The missing center channel is also a commonly reported problem here on the "other" coast....
A problem that is known by the offending stations, but still recurs from time to time...

This assessment of Dolby Pro Logic is correct, as I understand it. Dolby Pro Logic II does a somewhat better job of synthesizing a set of stereo rear channels, and has a wider frequency response....

Ah, thanks Scott.

I luvs ya River, but why are we still complaining about TWC lack of HD service.

Oh I never meant it as any "complant," witness what I said at the top. Unfortunately, I couldn't help but make that closing crack!

Of course, ALL of the "Pro Logic" variations operate strictly on a L/R Stereo input.

You can click on the Dolby DIGITAL variations to see the different modes when operating on a DD5.1 input signal.
The missing center channel is also a commonly reported problem here on the "other" coast....
A problem that is known by the offending stations, but still recurs from time to time...

Thanks for the links... I sure do see that my "assumptions" were in error; I had thought that Pro Logic, being able to deliver more than 2 discrete channels would have been derived from the original multi-channel source, rather than being synthesized from a mixed down source.

Reads like NYC's Cablevision has just rolled out switched video (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9578616&&#post9578616), although they're still complaining about not enough HD in their thread. Yes, it's a little early. -- John

Oh I never meant it as any "complant," witness what I said at the top. Unfortunately, I couldn't help but make that closing crack!
Yeah, I read it I know we are at that cross roads of pacing back and forth to complain but also to know something is coming. Call me what you guys want but I feel very good about this year for us. But it will not be a slow roll out it is going to be a be bang.

Big opinion here: I think they are saving the channels, I would say a slate of 4-6, when Queens starts getting their first FIOS connections. We get that many we are happy for a few more months or a couple of years when more meaningful stations join HD.
Is it true that SI is completed? Bad rumor? Manhattan will be the biggest pain for FIOS, but TWC has the most customers in Queens.

Thanks for the links... I sure do see that my "assumptions" were in error; I had thought that Pro Logic, being able to deliver more than 2 discrete channels would have been derived from the original multi-channel source, rather than being synthesized from a mixed down source.
In the various "synthesized surround sound" systems, the Surround-to-Stereo ENCODERS
operate pretty much the same in how they squeeze 5-into-2 without messing up the STEREO replay.

The magic is in how the L/R input signals are processed in the AVR.
Obviously, something is going to get lost....affecting channel separation, pumping action and higher noise/distortion.....

You also might find fol. post of interest (adds Circle Surround and DTS Neo:6):
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7265668&highlight=pro+logic+IIx#post7265668

I would be careful whart you ask for, competition is usualy good but I have talked to a few peopole that have had FIOS for over a year and they say the difference isn't that great in price and quality. The CSR's know much more then TWC's do. But I am affraid Verizon might be doing a rush job. Remember it took TWC in NYC close to 10 yr's to rewire itself here for the digitl way. Verizon claims they are on a 5yr plan. If they don't have any new subscriber rates, whicdh from what I read the haven't advertised any. As of right now they are more expensive than TWC from a service standpoint on their website.

More expensive? They are $42.99 for all non-premiums ($59.99 on TWC) and for $12.99 more you get all movie premiums except HBO & Cinemax. On TWC, you get a measly 1 premium for $12.99. For the 4 premiums you get on FIOS for $12.99, the cost would be $29.99. But, TWC & Fios do have the same pricing if you get all 6 movie premiums ($39.99).

Granted Fios charges $12.99 for a HD DVR but it is still cheaper than the TWC HD & HD DVR package since Fios doesn't have a HD Channel upcharge. I think Fios has a better selection of HD channels than TWC and have a few that I know most on this board wish TWC offered. Plus you can network the Fios DVRs.

For sports fans, they offer ESPN2 & NFLN (also in SD) in HD. Music fans get a wider variety of channels. On the movie premiums, they offer the west coast feeds.

I could go on an & on about how much of a better value Fios is. I can't wait to get it in Manhattan (or see TWC price cutting & service improving response)!!

I could go on an & on about how much of a better value Fios is. I can't wait to get it in Manhattan (or see TWC price cutting & service improving response)!!

From all that I've read, the same "provider" can have wildly different plans and pricing from market to market. Isn't it true that Verizon doesn't have a franchise agreement in place yet and can't offer FIOS services in NYC until that agreement is executed?

AFAIK, here in multi-unit dwelling land, we will not get fiber to our apartments. So I envision the system being similar to cable, fiber to a node, then copper the rest of the way. What I have no idea about is exactly where the node is located (for TWC, it's 1/2 block from my building; we have a hint that Version may place it's node right at the individual building), but am I wrong in thinking it's all about the switch to copper much more than the length of copper?

Still I see the biggest obstacle being that length of time factor. What I know for sure is that it took 2 years for TWC's fiber rollout to get from the southern end of Manhattan to my hood (I'm a mile below Columbia, I think it took another 6 months to complete Manhattan's roll out).

With a lot more single family houses outside Manhattan, things could be VERY different in that there'd be more fiber into the house. AND I couldn't even speculate the time it may be to roll fiber out throughout NYC.

Despite all this seeming negativity, I sure as hell applaud Verizon for giving it a shot. The real bottom line for all of us is some actual, real competition. Again from a Manhattan perspective, satellite just isn't an option for most of it, RCN was kind if a disaster in their original business approach (your entire building HAD to accept them or no deal) AND in the fact they ran out of money while trying to get fiber deployed.

The optimist in me wants to believe that TWC will really start dealing with the heat from them long before FIOS is totally available.

The magic is in how the L/R input signals are processed in the AVR.
Obviously, something is going to get lost....affecting channel separation, pumping action and higher noise/distortion.....

TVs and the synthesized modes of AVRs I find generally way too hokey (they don't sound "right" to me). There was one synthesized process that I did find tremendously useful, the one Bob Carver designed. It took me a few months of tweaking to "get" how to set it up, but I sure recall having friends over, putting some Telarc CDs on and asking them if they detected ANYTHING coming from the surrounds. 100% they all said no, that I was fooling them because they "did nothing." Then I shut the circuit off and blew their minds at how the sound completely "collapsed."

From all that I've read, the same "provider" can have wildly different plans and pricing from market to market. Isn't it true that Verizon doesn't have a franchise agreement in place yet and can't offer FIOS services in NYC until that agreement is executed?

The prices I quote come from the Verizon website's quotes for the NY region. So unless they raise their prices for Manhattan, these are their prices.

I thought the NY City Council approved Verizon a few months ago.

Quick question about the Rangers/Leafs game tonight...it appears the game is on FSNY. Will there be no HD feed even though it's a home game? 712 is listing the knicks game so I'm not sure where else to look. Any ideas?

Quick question about the Rangers/Leafs game tonight...it appears the game is on FSNY. Will there be no HD feed even though it's a home game? 712 is listing the knicks game so I'm not sure where else to look. Any ideas?Since the game is scheduled to be broadcast on FSNY in HD and we don’t get it (cablevision carries it), I would say no. This is just my guess.

More expensive? They are $42.99 for all non-premiums ($59.99 on TWC) and for $12.99 more you get all movie premiums except HBO & Cinemax. On TWC, you get a measly 1 premium for $12.99. For the 4 premiums you get on FIOS for $12.99, the cost would be $29.99. But, TWC & Fios do have the same pricing if you get all 6 movie premiums ($39.99).

Granted Fios charges $12.99 for a HD DVR but it is still cheaper than the TWC HD & HD DVR package since Fios doesn't have a HD Channel upcharge. I think Fios has a better selection of HD channels than TWC and have a few that I know most on this board wish TWC offered. Plus you can network the Fios DVRs.

For sports fans, they offer ESPN2 & NFLN (also in SD) in HD. Music fans get a wider variety of channels. On the movie premiums, they offer the west coast feeds.

I could go on an & on about how much of a better value Fios is. I can't wait to get it in Manhattan (or see TWC price cutting & service improving response)!!

You really have to look closer to the pricing. TWC cable $59. includes one box whether it is an HD box or not. While FIOS is 42.99 with no boxes at all, so at a min it is 42.99+9.99 for a HD box. So score one for Verizon but that is where it all goes down hill. HD only includes local HD stations, if you want the nationals (which has five more stations then we get but by the time it is offered to us it TWC might be more even) it is extra but for an unspecified price for arguments sake we will give it the a couple dollars more than HDextras, 10.95. The DVR's are less money but when you get muliple boxes you start evening up the score. The Movies package is the only thing that shines out to me as a killer deal(TMC, Starz, Showtime, Encore, and a couple of other we get with basic now.) at 12.99. You are misled on HBO and Max $26 for those both. I guess these are the most popular so they want to stick it to us. The biggest Question is the Local channels the web site and print out says the service fee includes ABC, CBS etc, but then it also says Local service has a $12.99 fee so if we add that fee that makes the regular service just for ser, loc, and STB $65 befoire any extras. Doesn't look good for FIOS. IN short let me list what I pay now and why FIOS might be more or not much of difference. I have DTV with 3 boxes and a DVR and a preview/promotion of top four premiums for $10. For arguments sake, I pay $95(not includeing the premies). IF the prices hold true with FIOS 42.99ser + 19.98 STB's + 12.99DVR + 10.95?HD nat = 86.91 with the locals still in question. Do you think getting your house rewired for something that might disappoint you is worth it? They have to many asterisks to really be sure about their true charges other then the ones they give.

Don't get me wrong I am with you guys, I am looking forward to it hitting our neighborhoods. I just want you guys not to expect a lower bill. I hope it is as good as they say it is. I will get a discount if I do get it because I have everything Verizon. They need to have a triple play kind of promo to actually save us any ammount of money that will be noticable in our pockets. But you know what, the Verizon cell service excelled in the begining also, then it just ended up like every big company out there. People constantly complain about that service now. Just something to thing of.

Quick question about the Rangers/Leafs game tonight...it appears the game is on FSNY. Will there be no HD feed even though it's a home game? 712 is listing the knicks game so I'm not sure where else to look. Any ideas?


This was a problem multiple times last season... Cablevision would always put the Knicks on MSG whether they were home or away, and put the Rangers on MSG2 or FSNY (when available) if they played at the same time - losing HD in the process for home games (when on MSG2).

It seemed like they fixed this problem this season.... tonight is the only instance for the entire season where they messed up, and those of us without FSNY-HD get screwed tonight....

This was a problem multiple times last season... Cablevision would always put the Knicks on MSG whether they were home or away, and put the Rangers on MSG2 or FSNY (when available) if they played at the same time - losing HD in the process for home games (when on MSG2).

It seemed like they fixed this problem this season.... tonight is the only instance for the entire season where they messed up, and those of us without FSNY-HD get screwed tonight....

well that just sucks...a coworker was supposed to come over to hang out, have a few beers, and check out the game on my 112" HD projector. 112" of SD isn't going to impress anyone. :(

well that just sucks...a coworker was supposed to come over to hang out, have a few beers, and check out the game on my 112" HD projector. 112" of SD isn't going to impress anyone. :(That does suck.

Hmmm, lets see, what else is on in HD tonight.
Well you can put on HBO and try and impress with Big Momma’s House 2….
:eek:
No, I didn’t think so.

From all that I've read, the same "provider" can have wildly different plans and pricing from market to market. Isn't it true that Verizon doesn't have a franchise agreement in place yet and can't offer FIOS services in NYC until that agreement is executed?

AFAIK, here in multi-unit dwelling land, we will not get fiber to our apartments. So I envision the system being similar to cable, fiber to a node, then copper the rest of the way. What I have no idea about is exactly where the node is located (for TWC, it's 1/2 block from my building; we have a hint that Version may place it's node right at the individual building), but am I wrong in thinking it's all about the switch to copper much more than the length of copper?

Still I see the biggest obstacle being that length of time factor. What I know for sure is that it took 2 years for TWC's fiber rollout to get from the southern end of Manhattan to my hood (I'm a mile below Columbia, I think it took another 6 months to complete Manhattan's roll out).

With a lot more single family houses outside Manhattan, things could be VERY different in that there'd be more fiber into the house. AND I couldn't even speculate the time it may be to roll fiber out throughout NYC.

Despite all this seeming negativity, I sure as hell applaud Verizon for giving it a shot. The real bottom line for all of us is some actual, real competition. Again from a Manhattan perspective, satellite just isn't an option for most of it, RCN was kind if a disaster in their original business approach (your entire building HAD to accept them or no deal) AND in the fact they ran out of money while trying to get fiber deployed.

The optimist in me wants to believe that TWC will really start dealing with the heat from them long before FIOS is totally available.

SI already has it available, unless by NYC you mean Manhattan only. So service is available, but you guys in the city will be waiting a long time. They claim they will be re-wiring from street to complex. Not using ecxisting wire at all. That is a very bold statement considering how much work TWC went through to wire the city when cable was the new kid on the block and then re-wire when they upgraded.

I would think up where you were Sat would be a viable option, why isn't it? Unless it is a complex issue and not a signal issue.

I am with you it is about time there is competetition, but the only problem is we know about it already and we see the comercials everyday. It just irks us not to be able to order it when they keep saying "Available". We keep hearing it is greaat but we really do not have any true NYC word of mouth. I watch a lot of TV so the choice is good for people like me that just has no confidence in SAT. Cable has always been reliable for me. The only time I ever had any real trouble with shows is when we had the old boxes and my cat used it as a heater and she would change the channel. Imagin taping something on NBC but when you get home you have hrs of L & O on TNT istead.

SI already has it available, unless by NYC you mean Manhattan only. So service is available, but you guys in the city will be waiting a long time. They claim they will be re-wiring from street to complex. Not using ecxisting wire at all. That is a very bold statement considering how much work TWC went through to wire the city when cable was the new kid on the block and then re-wire when they upgraded.

I would think up where you were Sat would be a viable option, why isn't it? Unless it is a complex issue and not a signal issue.

I am with you it is about time there is competetition, but the only problem is we know about it already and we see the comercials everyday. It just irks us not to be able to order it when they keep saying "Available". We keep hearing it is greaat but we really do not have any true NYC word of mouth. I watch a lot of TV so the choice is good for people like me that just has no confidence in SAT. Cable has always been reliable for me. The only time I ever had any real trouble with shows is when we had the old boxes and my cat used it as a heater and she would change the channel. Imagin taping something on NBC but when you get home you have hrs of L & O on TNT istead.

Just to make things clear, FIOS TV is not available anywhere in NYC, including SI. Only FIOS hi-speed online is available in NYC for those that are wired (like me.)

That does suck.

Hmmm, lets see, what else is on in HD tonight.
Well you can put on HBO and try and impress with Big Momma’s House 2….
:eek:
No, I didn’t think so.
Image that beach scene on that TV. OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just to make things clear, FIOS TV is not available anywhere in NYC, including SI. Only FIOS hi-speed online is available in NYC for those that are wired (like me.)
TY for that update, It is available on LI. But there was some people saying it was available with you guys. But you would know better then us Queens folk. Those lyers!

TY for that update, It is available on LI. But there was some people saying it was available with you guys. But you would know better then us Queens folk. Those lyers!
The city and Verizon still have to sign the franchise agreement, and nobody seems to know for sure when that is going to happen.

The city and Verizon still have to sign the franchise agreement, and nobody seems to know for sure when that is going to happen.
but are they installing the wiring right now in some place? that is the question. Hopefully it goes from approval to order because the lines will be in place. But I guess you answered that by telling me you had the FIOS internet.

but are they installing the wiring right now in some place? that is the question. Hopefully it goes from approval to order because the lines will be in place. But I guess you answered that by telling me you had the FIOS internet.
Yes, they are wiring in parts of the city now, I know most of SI is done, and I know they've been doing some wiring in Queens. My only guess is that they want to get more of NYC ready and wired before they finalize a franchise agreement.

Yes, Verizon is wiring NYC as fast as they can. They have contacted me on several occasions to get my permission to wire various properties that I manage. The problem is that many owners/coop boards are reluctant to grant them permission because they are concerned about what the moldings/hallways will look like. Most already have Time Warner Cable moldings running along the ceiling in the hallway of every floor and they aren't thrilled about having another set for Verizon running just below. I can't say how successful they've been in getting the work done in other buildings, but I can say they haven't been given the green light in any of the buildings I work with.

check out whats going on upstate in albany, why can't this happen here.



:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/pyskadlo/TWC Letter3.jpg

TY for that update, It is available on LI. But there was some people saying it was available with you guys. But you would know better then us Queens folk. Those lyers!

I'm curious, how is your HDTV reception? I live in Queens and I am on RCN, I just got an HDTV but unfortunately there seems to be a lot of dropouts on the programs I watch (24, Prison Break, Bones, CSI's, Law & Order). In my building I can also get TWC so now with this problem I am thinking of switching (plus you guys get Discovery HD included in the standard HD tier).

Yes, Verizon is wiring NYC as fast as they can. They have contacted me on several occasions to get my permission to wire various properties that I manage. The problem is that many owners/coop boards are reluctant to grant them permission because they are concerned about what the moldings/hallways will look like. Most already have Time Warner Cable moldings running along the ceiling in the hallway of every floor and they aren't thrilled about having another set for Verizon running just below. I can't say how successful they've been in getting the work done in other buildings, but I can say they haven't been given the green light in any of the buildings I work with.

Ah, was hoping you'd pop in... but you bring up a very significant issue in seeming to imply their intention is to go fiber into the apartment. That is HUGELY different than what I thought they'd do, which is fiber to the basement, then run on the standard telephone cable into each apartment (i.e. fiber to copper before it gets into your apartment).

I'm in a co-op and several years ago they did a big re-wiring job running multiple cables into every apartment, all "hidden." There were 2 or 3 co-ax wires and 2 or 4 4-wire "telephone" wires. BUT no dark fiber!

On the other hand, I'm fairly positive that an executed franchise agreement means the franchisee can trump what a building may or may not want. Around the same time we were planning and doing our wiring job, TWC wanted to encase all their wiring. It involved opening 6-8 inch holes and running 6-9 inch pipe with huge distribution boxes on each floor. We tried to fight them; but ultimately even our lawyers admitted their franchise agreement trumped us. AFAIK, Version doesn't have any agreement signed, so it may be the buildings CAN fight them at this point. BTW, I think it's idiocy to commence the fiber wiring on a large scale before the agreement is signed.

I'm sorry but I haven't seen anything in detail on this.

My box (8300HD) from Staten Island cable has 2 firewire outs.

Do these work (if I were to build an HTPC)?

I believe by law they have to, am I right?

Thanks,
Mat

Do these work (if I were to build an HTPC)?


Yes but very limited, some SD channels, HD breaks a lot.


I believe by law they have to, am I right?


It depends, is your PC a licensed device? NOT
it's been reported that some Mitsubishi monitors play the firewire streams well and some DVHS decks can record but with glitches.
it's not worth it, I don't think they'll ever come up with a reliable solution.

Ah, was hoping you'd pop in... but you bring up a very significant issue in seeming to imply their intention is to go fiber into the apartment. That is HUGELY different than what I thought they'd do, which is fiber to the basement, then run on the standard telephone cable into each apartment (i.e. fiber to copper before it gets into your apartment).

I'm in a co-op and several years ago they did a big re-wiring job running multiple cables into every apartment, all "hidden." There were 2 or 3 co-ax wires and 2 or 4 4-wire "telephone" wires. BUT no dark fiber!

On the other hand, I'm fairly positive that an executed franchise agreement means the franchisee can trump what a building may or may not want. Around the same time we were planning and doing our wiring job, TWC wanted to encase all their wiring. It involved opening 6-8 inch holes and running 6-9 inch pipe with huge distribution boxes on each floor. We tried to fight them; but ultimately even our lawyers admitted their franchise agreement trumped us. AFAIK, Version doesn't have any agreement signed, so it may be the buildings CAN fight them at this point. BTW, I think it's idiocy to commence the fiber wiring on a large scale before the agreement is signed.

Well I can't say for certain that they are running fiber into each apartment...just that they are running cable. I'll try to find out exactly what they're running the next time I speak to Verizon or their contractors.

That's news to me about them having the right to wire regardless of what the coop/condo board or landlord wants. I'm not so sure it's true...if that was the case why isn't RCN in more buildings? Most of the properties I've seen that offer them as a TWC alternative only allowed them in because RCN offered a commission to the building for each activation.

That's news to me about them having the right to wire regardless of what the coop/condo board or landlord wants. I'm not so sure it's true...if that was the case why isn't RCN in more buildings? Most of the properties I've seen that offer them as a TWC alternative only allowed them in because RCN offered a commission to the building for each activation.

TWCNYC is a "cable company" (as that term is used in the applicable laws and regulations) and has the exclusive right and obligation to serve customers within its franchised territories in the City of New York. RCN is an "open video service" provider, not a "cable company." As the sole "cable company" within its territories, TWC is required to serve any customer wanting its services, and no landlord may prevent it from installing wiring within a residential building (NY Public Service Law §228).

Verizon is also not a "cable company." What its rights and duties under a future franchise agreement with the City of New York will be are empty speculation at this point. All that I know is that if Verizon ever does offer FiOS-based service in my apartment building (one of the largest in the Village), it's going to have to install something to supplement or replace the twisted copper now in use. Could that be fiber to every apartment? Of course it could.

Well I can't say for certain that they are running fiber into each apartment...just that they are running cable. I'll try to find out exactly what they're running the next time I speak to Verizon or their contractors.

That's news to me about them having the right to wire regardless of what the coop/condo board or landlord wants. I'm not so sure it's true...if that was the case why isn't RCN in more buildings? Most of the properties I've seen that offer them as a TWC alternative only allowed them in because RCN offered a commission to the building for each activation.

All I can say for sure is that we tried to fight TWC and eventually relented because our normally bulldog lawyer said it was a losing cause. Logic tells me that along with the franchise right, they must have some rights to be able to bring their service to a customer requesting it.

RCN is a different story. They started with a business model that said a building HAD to 100% convert to their services if they wanted RCN, no other choice (some of my staff at the time got "stuck" with them and had no choice). They got not so far with that model, so they relented. My understanding is that they essentially ran out of capital money and had to halt their fiber plans. Several years back, they were very interested in hooking into the system I described we had done, but when we told them we had finished, they said they were no longer able to offer service because they had "halted" the fiber rollout, which never made it to my area (mile south of Columbia by the river).

check out whats going on upstate in albany, why can't this happen here.
that letter looks promising, Like I have said before everything trickles down to the NYC system. Every station in the world might have a home base here or damm close but all new crap gets the try-out in the south or in this case up-state with the Governor. Maybe he wrote a letter to get the balls rolling up there.

I'm curious, how is your HDTV reception? I live in Queens and I am on RCN, I just got an HDTV but unfortunately there seems to be a lot of dropouts on the programs I watch (24, Prison Break, Bones, CSI's, Law & Order). In my building I can also get TWC so now with this problem I am thinking of switching (plus you guys get Discovery HD included in the standard HD tier).

Dude, it is a different world. Dispite the complaints you have read here on occassion. TWC does give a very good HD signal. There have been drop outs but most of the time it is an easy fix. TWC tends to make sure the best quality is held off untill priemtime, Which from what I read is very important to you. Don't think of it as a standard HD tier, they are the HD channels that come with the DTV package, no extra charge at all. ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW & 13PBS Plus the goodies TNTHD, DiscoveryHD, UniversalHD, Yes, SNY, & MSG. I think 12 stations is the most any provider includes with their basic service. There is another 8 options right now but that number should be rising soon. Wheather I record or watch live the HD is just fanstastic. We are 6months into the TV season and my worst experience was FOX World Sereis coverage. It wasn't unwatchable but there were problems, no where as crisp as the games on ESPNHD a week earlier.

I guess what I am telling you, if you can get TWC go for it. RCN might be good but if your main viewing habits include HD and you are not getting satisfactory service change and enjoy. Don't look back. Good luck man!

Ah, was hoping you'd pop in... but you bring up a very significant issue in seeming to imply their intention is to go fiber into the apartment. That is HUGELY different than what I thought they'd do, which is fiber to the basement, then run on the standard telephone cable into each apartment (i.e. fiber to copper before it gets into your apartment).

I'm in a co-op and several years ago they did a big re-wiring job running multiple cables into every apartment, all "hidden." There were 2 or 3 co-ax wires and 2 or 4 4-wire "telephone" wires. BUT no dark fiber!

On the other hand, I'm fairly positive that an executed franchise agreement means the franchisee can trump what a building may or may not want. Around the same time we were planning and doing our wiring job, TWC wanted to encase all their wiring. It involved opening 6-8 inch holes and running 6-9 inch pipe with huge distribution boxes on each floor. We tried to fight them; but ultimately even our lawyers admitted their franchise agreement trumped us. AFAIK, Version doesn't have any agreement signed, so it may be the buildings CAN fight them at this point. BTW, I think it's idiocy to commence the fiber wiring on a large scale before the agreement is signed.
River & blue, when you guys were rewired did TWC do it on the cheap? What I am reading it seems they went as far as changing all the way up to the main board but the wiring leading up to the apratments stayed. Is that how it was?

Verizon from what I have read and talked to people invovled informed me that NYC(Manhattan or any big complex) will be a big headache but that is because they are suppose to changing EVERYTHING. I live in a house so that will be much easier for me when available, but you guys. That kind of upgrade would take days.

If you think of it you might have better service then TWC can ever give you guys, because of the re-wiring

here's a story (with pictures) of Verizon FIOS in a very large Manhattan apt building on 89th and York. Looks like FIOS to the apartment is definitely part of the plan, for those of us that live in apartments!!

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17725924

"On the cheap" is very much a value judgement. AFAIK TWC's plan was to run fiber to a node and no more than 500 customers attached to that node. I am 1/2 block from that node and if I drew a 1/2 block circle around it, there probably would be slightly more than 500 POTENTIAL customers, far less actual ones. So yes, the copper into the building and to and through each apartment stayed. BUT, the wiring internal to my building did get redone about 5 years ago, everything was run through 6" conduit, large locked junction boxes on each floor in the stairwell were installed.

WOW marcos, good catch. Kinda indicates that my speculation about roll out is way, way off in terms of time. Imagine the time needed inside the apartment to wire... where it needs to end in my apartment is as far away from my front door as can be. And they'd have to go through 2 walls (I live in a pre-war so we're talking plaster over real brick). I actually read some speculation about whether they would be granted a franchise to offer TV... I had always thought that would be a given.

My bill from TWC was late this month; I finally got it this morning. Now I see why: They raised their rates.

DTV was $98.90, now it's $99.95.

I had four premiums, it was $27.95, now it's $29.95.

The HDExtra package was $15.00, it's still $15.00, but you know, one less channel.

Funny, was talking with a friends about rates and looking at their rate page I saw the premium cost was listed higher than on the last bill I got. So I'm sure to get hit up on the next bill. But I'm heading to file another complaint about the "paying for 5 channels getting 4" thing, ESPECIALLY in light of that letter from upstate where they moved one of the channels in the HDXtra tier (ESPN) to the "regular" package AND gave one YEAR of free SHO HD as compensation because they were "paying the same for less." I had been "assured" back in December they had every intention to replace the lost channel but it's now 2 months later and they obviously have NO intention.

I told you guys before I will try again, call them on a sunday, Only because sunday was the day it worked for me, no other reason but that one. Ask them for any specials they have for existing customers. I did that in december and got max & HBO free for one month, then their billing only gave me a partial month and tried to change me after 15 days, called them back and explained about my 1 month that was reduced to 15 days and he was very responsive and gave me a better offer, the big four(HBO Show, Max, TMC) for 3 months. First month free and so far the next month for $10. It doesn't hurt to call once and while and see what is available. Instead of complaining about lack of HD channels. I am not going to say you will get the same deal. But it is a nice addition. Sure the channels get old and movies are repeated like crazy but there has been movies that have been able to record during the overnight that I have never seen or just like to see again.

i'm typing this up at halftime....but, it's been pretty HORRENDOUS so far, at least on MY plasma. TONS of weird glitches, freeze-ups, strange noises, thru-out the first half, commercials included. =almost= unbearable. :mad:

i'm typing this up at halftime....but, it's been pretty HORRENDOUS so far, at least on MY plasma. TONS of weird glitches, freeze-ups, strange noises, thru-out the first half, commercials included. =almost= unbearable. :mad:

I had absolutely no problems.

i'm typing this up at halftime....but, it's been pretty HORRENDOUS so far, at least on MY plasma. TONS of weird glitches, freeze-ups, strange noises, thru-out the first half, commercials included. =almost= unbearable. :mad:Maybe it was a Queens thing. My audio was spotty-- but not unbearable.

Maybe it was a Queens thing. My audio was spotty-- but not unbearable.

Yes, I think you're right Larry, it =was= probably a Queens thing. :(

I had absolutely no problems.

They had a bunch of bad audio issues around the beginning of the game, it has been widely reported as a CBS issue. During the game I did notice the occasional audio drop-out, but they all seemed to be of the half second variety so were inconsequential.

What I don't get is that they barely used super slo-mo... they made fun of Hester during that kick-off without explaining that turning you head around to see where the tacklers were can really kill your speed, so glancing up gives you a great look at who is on your heels.

Maybe it was a Queens thing. My audio was spotty-- but not unbearable.

I also had very brief audio glitches, mostly in the first half. They were annoying, but not horrible.

They had a bunch of bad audio issues around the beginning of the game, it has been widely reported as a CBS issue. During the game I did notice the occasional audio drop-out, but they all seemed to be of the half second variety so were inconsequential.

What I don't get is that they barely used super slo-mo... they made fun of Hester during that kick-off without explaining that turning you head around to see where the tacklers were can really kill your speed, so glancing up gives you a great look at who is on your heels.
What kind of Audio problems? I had a slight delay every once in a while. It was like I pressed pause the the screen boxed or pixeled up then back to normal. It was like a pixel tidal wave. however, there is a very easy fix. I switched to the component input. Once I switch the ony problem was that this cloudly and rainny day is the worst to show how good HD on CBS can be. That slow mo was very nice. They focus in and slowdown and the picture was still clear. AMAZING!!!

What kind of Audio problems? I had a slight delay every once in a while. It was like I pressed pause the the screen boxed or pixeled up then back to normal. It was like a pixel tidal wave. however, there is a very easy fix. I switched to the component input. Once I switch the ony problem was that this cloudly and rainny day is the worst to show how good HD on CBS can be. That slow mo was very nice. They focus in and slowdown and the picture was still clear. AMAZING!!!

I've been having probs in Queens for about 3 days now on a few channels - brief freezing, weird sounds. Reminds me exactly of the days before the 8300.

Tried to record Empire Strikes Back on Sat and it was absolutely terrible. Box actually rebooted in the middle and broke up the recording.

They had a bunch of bad audio issues around the beginning of the game, it has been widely reported as a CBS issue. During the game I did notice the occasional audio drop-out, but they all seemed to be of the half second variety so were inconsequential.


I didn't really have a chance to notice the sound too much... I had 15 people over, so it wasn't the easiest thing to hear the TV at all times - so I didn't notice audio issues early on.... I can only comment on the picture which I could see at all times... and there were no issues there.

I've been having probs in Queens for about 3 days now on a few channels - brief freezing, weird sounds. Reminds me exactly of the days before the 8300.

Tried to record Empire Strikes Back on Sat and it was absolutely terrible. Box actually rebooted in the middle and broke up the recording.
Are you using HDMI or component? The 8300 is a very sensitive machine so you might have to trade up, but if the rummors were true TWC has all new boxes at the queens location. I got a used one so I might change for the newer box.
If you are using HDMI check to see if component is doing the same thing, sometimes using component solves the problem. That is the easiest fix. Did you call TWC CSR to inform them of the problem? That should always be your first stop. Let them play their games with signal this and signal that. Once you have a ticket # it is easier to get through the process. Then you come here and let us help you. We might have more soloutions then a CSR can give you.
As for the breaking up recording, this was and still is an 8300 problem. Happens to me sometimes. Not during primetime Thank god, but off hr recordings. I was waiting for the new boxes to arrive because I didn't like them trying to porn of a used box to me. Every box I have gotten from them since day one was brand new.

Let me know if the little fixes helped you. Good luck bye

I just wished that CBS invested in a few packs of DRY TOWELS to wipe off their lenses with. You would think will all of the technology out there that they could develope something that would reduce/elimante drops of water on the camera lenses.

I just wished that CBS invested in a few packs of DRY TOWELS to wipe off their lenses with. You would think will all of the technology out there that they could develope something that would reduce/elimante drops of water on the camera lenses.
I am surprised they didn't use technology that is already out there. It is called paper towels, nah JK, The cams they have is the race cars clean themselves ts o it is available. The could have used that. Did they really drop the ball that bad and had no plan for bad weather. I think they went with the odds. Odds are you will have great weather. It might be cold but there hasn't been many outdoor SB's played in questionablle weather. It is understandable why the could forget something so obvious. But like I said somewhere before. They added cameras for this event, but most of them were mechanical. No way to dry it off. But the FG shots from behind the kicker are man made and you think the helper would have some towels for him. The ball is kicked and it is, can't see it. Look at the refs they will let us know. Wait we can't see them either. Thank god CBS has a laser light surrounding the uprights to make sure it goes through. Not that is technology we could have used last night. Dispite it's flaws they kepp the cameras on cue and followed the plays flawlessly and any questionable play was answered in bueatiful slowmoHD with no drops. Bravo to that feature.

ok Rangers fans...

guess what?

2nd home game in a row we will be without HD....

Tonight the game is on Versus, but InHD no longer carries the Vs-HD coverage (last monday's Boston-NY game was the last one).

Until TWC adds Golf-Versus HD channel (so far only Comcast systems have it), we will be missing out on every Versus HD game (which really sucks since its exclusive...)

grrrrrr.....

Thank god Hockey has been steadily declining in ratings for years or TWC might just rush to get the other games on. I know, I know that is pure sarcasim. You need to get all the fans back from the good ole days, late 70's early 80's when they competed with basketball for ratings. But now basketball is still tops in this town even with their decline and Hockey is the non-factor. I don't watch hockey as much as I use to, but it just isn't right when Home team games don't get covered at all. Let alone in the HD way that all teams have been pushing to broadcast home games in. At least you can watch rangers in 60 which I think is broadcast in HD.

I just got a new big HDTV and the picture is great, however I wonder if it can be even better. My SA box is well over a year old, have they come out with any newer models lately with more resolution?

I just got a new big HDTV and the picture is great, however I wonder if it can be even better. My SA box is well over a year old, have they come out with any newer models lately with more resolution?
which model number? The only ones you should make sure you have is SA8300HD or SA3250HD the HD #after is important. The 8300 is the DVR. Other then those 2 there isn't anything new out there with TWC. Good luck on your knew TV.

I just got a new big HDTV and the picture is great, however I wonder if it can be even better. My SA box is well over a year old, have they come out with any newer models lately with more resolution?

HD resolution isn't getting any "better" - box is not limiting your resolution - it puts out what your TV can handle.

Don't expect any HD channel to be showing any HD content beyond 720p/1080i for many many years.

At least you can watch rangers in 60 which I think is broadcast in HD.

Nope... Rangers game done by Versus do not get a "Rangers in 60" treatment on MSG...

And hasn't been in HD yet (MSG only does live games in HD - not replays or highlights)

which model number? The only ones you should make sure you have is SA8300HD or SA3250HD the HD #after is important. The 8300 is the DVR. Other then those 2 there isn't anything new out there with TWC. Good luck on your knew TV.


is the SA3250HD the best non-DVR box? I have two pioneer boxes (think 3510HD or something similar) and am wondering if I should trade them in for 3250's. any big differences?

thanks

ok Rangers fans...

guess what?

2nd home game in a row we will be without HD....

Tonight the game is on Versus, but InHD no longer carries the Vs-HD coverage (last monday's Boston-NY game was the last one).

Until TWC adds Golf-Versus HD channel (so far only Comcast systems have it), we will be missing out on every Versus HD game (which really sucks since its exclusive...)

grrrrrr.....

This sucks.

ok Rangers fans...

guess what?

2nd home game in a row we will be without HD....

Tonight the game is on Versus, but InHD no longer carries the Vs-HD coverage (last monday's Boston-NY game was the last one).

Until TWC adds Golf-Versus HD channel (so far only Comcast systems have it), we will be missing out on every Versus HD game (which really sucks since its exclusive...)

grrrrrr.....

Does this hold true for the Playoffs? If so, this is going to blow because some of the games will be on Versus.

to make sure you get a new box, walk into any service center - I always go to 23rd st cause its by work. brink your current box, you don't need the wires, tell them its not working right and you need the 8300hd dvr that "has the firewire".
Act like you know exactly what you are talking about and that you know they have these.
The boxes with the firewire ports are newer hardware revisions and work much more consistently with HDMI and will almost always be brand new, right there before you leave flip the box over and check for the manufacture date, also the rev. number - I forget exactly what it should be I think 2.2 maybe - others here might be able to verify- for some reason some of the finicky older models had a higher number (2.8) or something.
Anyway the key is to ask for "firewire"

ok Rangers fans...

guess what?

2nd home game in a row we will be without HD....

Tonight the game is on Versus, but InHD no longer carries the Vs-HD coverage (last monday's Boston-NY game was the last one).

Until TWC adds Golf-Versus HD channel (so far only Comcast systems have it), we will be missing out on every Versus HD game (which really sucks since its exclusive...)

grrrrrr.....

Ah, I surfed over to MSG HD last night to catch some of it and saw they had college b'ball and wondered WTF. Didn't know that OLN/Versus had a deal to trump MSG on coverage of home games, don't get that at all as MSG owns the frakking team.

It's all due to the national contracts.
ABC can exclusively air Knicks games at MSG on its Sunday package if it wants to, but due to contract quirks, if ESPN aired a weeknight NBA game from MSG, MSG could still produce and air its own broadcast, with the ESPN broadcast blacked out in NY. It's similar to ESPN's baseball deal, where ESPN weeknight games at Shea or Yankee Stadiums are blacked out in NY to favor the home cablecasters.
Versus or NBC can air Rangers, Islanders or Devils home games on its Monday, Tuesday, or weekend package, exclusively. Too bad. Versus' NHL coverage pales in comparison with MSG/FSNY's; NBC's is close.
The Big East conference's tv package is run by ESPN, and St. John's home games at the Garden are contractually given to MSG, for all the obvious reasons.

HD resolution isn't getting any "better" - box is not limiting your resolution - it puts out what your TV can handle.

Don't expect any HD channel to be showing any HD content beyond 720p/1080i for many many years.

yes but the TWC boxes don't, or didn't, put out a true resolution.

Hi everyone,

I would like some advice setting up my new cable with MythTv. Installer is coming tomorrow. TWC/Brooklyn.

I have a mythTv box with a HD digital OTA card. I also have a Haupauge 250 which will take analog cable input. I use my Sony LCD computer monitior to watch TV, but I also have an standard TV I can use. No HDTV.

1) do I have a choice between digital and 'standard' cable? It does not seem so. They are installing 'Digital' cable.

2) They asked me the type of TV i had and I said standard/no hd. they told me that will impact the STB installed, that the HD STB does not work with Standard TVs. Is this true?

3) Given this, what kind of STB and I likely to get and how will i be able to connect it to my mythTV box? I don't watch much live TV, usually I watch later or in progress and I don't want to lose that. Seems like many MythTV users use Firewire for unencrypted channels. Can you also use the cable directly into the Hauppage 250 for stations like ESpN, Discovery, WNET, and YES?

I guess I will know more tomorrow. I will update my question STB model at least. Thanks in advance for the opportunity to discuss this with other local and knowlegable folks.

chris

Hi, I just wanted to put in my 2cents on which channels i'm getting on in the clear QAM, the first few are digital and the rest presumably analog except for the high numbers. I'm on TWC in Brooklyn. I could not find a comprehensive listing of in the clear channels, so I am putting out what I have so far. Basically everything in the 90s and 100s are encrypted. Too bad no other HD channels.

0 previews, local access
1 NY1
1-2 WCBSDT
1-4 WPIXDT2 the tube
1-4 WNBCDT
1-5 WNYWDT
1-7 WABCDT
1-11 WPIXDT
1-13 WNETDT
1-14 WNETDT2 kids
1-15 WNETDT3 world
1-28 WNBCDT2
1-29 WNBCDT3 weatherplus
1-30 WABCDT2

and the rest of the junk....

2 local access
2 WCBS
3 NY1
4 local access
5 WNYW
7 WABC
8 TBS
9 local access
9 WWOR
10 WNYE
11 WLNY
11 WPIX
12 WCBS
13 WNET
14 WNBC
15 WNYW
17 WABC
18 TBS
19 local access
20 WWOR
21 WLIW
21 WPIX
23 WNET
25 WNYE
32 MSG
33 QVC
34 local access
35 local access
37 SPIKE
39 HSN
41 spanish
42 TLC
45 shopNBC
47 spanish
48 FX
50 CSPAN
54 CSPAN
55 WLNY
56 infomercials
57 QVC
59 spanish
60 spanish
63 TVG
68 spanish
69 WLIW
70 HGTV
70 CSPAN
71 OTB
72 TWC
73 NYCTV
74 NYCTV
75 CUNY
78 FOOD
84-1 - 84-4 movies intermittent
85-1 - 85-3 movies intermittent
91 infomercials
92 CDL
93 CDL
94 TV shopping channel
99 WMBC
157 TVG
560 iATV
750 NJN

yes but the TWC boxes don't, or didn't, put out a true resolution.
Accurate, in a way, although STBs are delivering the format HD resolutions (1920X1080i, 1280X720p), just not the full possible effective resolutions. Those would only be measurable with test patterns and with adequate displays. Outlined recently what some have measured here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9673232&&#post9673232
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9677861&&#post9677861
--John

Hi, I just wanted to put in my 2cents on which channels i'm getting on in the clear QAM, the first few are digital and the rest presumably analog except for the high numbers. I'm on TWC in Brooklyn. I could not find a comprehensive listing of in the clear channels, so I am putting out what I have so far. Basically everything in the 90s and 100s are encrypted. Too bad no other HD channels.
Welcome to the forums and thanks for the list. QAM delivery would be digital only, and several years back NYC TWC began digital duplication, sometimes called simulcasting, of all channels--with a few exceptions for a while. An analog-only NTSC tuner connected directly to a cable line shows only analog non-scambled channels after a scan. Perhaps the newer tuners register both QAM and analog channels after autoscan.

TWC subscribers, unlike OTA viewers locally and nationwide, don't seem to be getting the consistent MPEG breakups caused by the HD subchannels, such as those on your list, which shrinks the bit rate available for the main HD channel. Perhaps TWC's main head end is getting fiber HD feeds from stations carrying the full HD bit rate. A while back a station engineer posted that stations wouldn't likely buy the extra hardware (~$40k, he estimated) needed to develop a 2nd full-bandwidth bit stream (without OTA subchannel limitations). Suppose an alternative is that cable signals are being 'dumbed down' enough through rate shaping (reduced effective resolution) so that MPEG breakups aren't a major problem. (They're very rare at my midtown Manhattan location.) -- John

i was going to comment about the duplicated channels, but i probably should've labeled the channels digital or analog first, but i was too lazy to go thru the list... :p though my TV is a Toshiba 37HL66, and the channel list tells you if it's analog or digital.

anyway, i do notice that WNETDT has some severe motion smear problems with some of their programming, could be a compression problem or maybe the source material (seems like any source that used a soft filter is unwatchable)... but i've never gotten breakups. all the subchannels look like crap, especially WNETDT2/3, worse than analog. the compression is way too aggressive, too much pixelation and motion smear.

Welcome to the forums and thanks for the list. QAM delivery would be digital only, and several years back NYC TWC began digital duplication, sometimes called simulcasting, of all channels--with a few exceptions for a while. An analog-only NTSC tuner connected directly to a cable line shows only analog non-scambled channels after a scan. Perhaps the newer tuners register both QAM and analog channels after autoscan.

TWC subscribers, unlike OTA viewers locally and nationwide, don't seem to be getting the consistent MPEG breakups caused by the HD subchannels, such as those on your list, which shrinks the bit rate available for the main HD channel. Perhaps TWC's main head end is getting fiber HD feeds from stations carrying the full HD bit rate. A while back a station engineer posted that stations wouldn't likely buy the extra hardware (~$40k, he estimated) needed to develop a 2nd full-bandwidth bit stream (without OTA subchannel limitations). Suppose an alternative is that cable signals are being 'dumbed down' enough through rate shaping (reduced effective resolution) so that MPEG breakups aren't a major problem. (They're very rare at my midtown Manhattan location.) -- John

anyway, i do notice that WNETDT has some severe motion smear problems with some of their programming, could be a compression problem or maybe the source material (seems like any source that used a soft filter is unwatchable)... but i've never gotten breakups. all the subchannels look like crap, especially WNETDT2/3, worse than analog. the compression is way too aggressive, too much pixelation and motion smear.
I've been railing about this problem for probably a year now. I even tried calling and emailing WNET to complain, but to no avail. They changed something about their broadcast, and all of their programming began to have major MPEG video issues (mostly smearing and other varied but subtle issues) about a year ago. The strange thing is that the subchannels existed for a while before the picture quality took a nosedive (maybe they changed things to allocate more bandwidth to the subchannels?).

AND, it's about to get even worse since WNET has announced yet ANOTHER subchannel -- in Spanish. :(

MTV HD coming to staten island in april... havent' heard about the rest of the city yet... other channels coming out also but i left the memo at work

MTV HD coming to staten island in april... havent' heard about the rest of the city yet... other channels coming out also but i left the memo at work

That's cool. At least we're getting some signs of life. Now I'll certainly keep my fingers crossed for ESPN2! :cool:

MTV HD coming to staten island in april... havent' heard about the rest of the city yet... other channels coming out also but i left the memo at work

Will it be in DD 5.1??

MTV HD coming to staten island in april... havent' heard about the rest of the city yet... other channels coming out also but i left the memo at work

Hey MatthewR, where did you learn that MHD is coming to Staten Island in April?

I've been railing about this problem for probably a year now. I even tried calling and emailing WNET to complain, but to no avail. They changed something about their broadcast, and all of their programming began to have major MPEG video issues (mostly smearing and other varied but subtle issues) about a year ago. The strange thing is that the subchannels existed for a while before the picture quality took a nosedive (maybe they changed things to allocate more bandwidth to the subchannels?).

AND, it's about to get even worse since WNET has announced yet ANOTHER subchannel -- in Spanish. :(

Funny, I remember last spring wondering why I was NOT seeing "motion blur" despite all the complaints UNTIL I watched a few PBS concerts. Your "rant" very much clued me into what was going on.

BUT, don't you think the situation is now much better? I recently watched some music on PBS with none of the issues I saw last spring/early summer.

Funny, I remember last spring wondering why I was NOT seeing "motion blur" despite all the complaints UNTIL I watched a few PBS concerts. Your "rant" very much clued me into what was going on.

BUT, don't you think the situation is now much better? I recently watched some music on PBS with none of the issues I saw last spring/early summer.
I think it might be just very very slightly better, but I am still seeing motion artifacts and blur constantly on the channel. One obvious thing is that when people are still, you can see individual strands of hair on their head, but whenever they move, their hair just becomes a blur....Same thing happens with some facial features, detail on clothing, etc.

is the SA3250HD the best non-DVR box? I have two pioneer boxes (think 3510HD or something similar) and am wondering if I should trade them in for 3250's. any big differences?

thanks
IMO I would have to say yes. I never had any problems with the 3250HD, The only issue I had was it didn't come HDMI, It has DVI. But that is a minor thing. If you go around a lot of these threads you will see a lot of Pioneer problems when it came to the HD boxes.

If you get the option to trade, do it. That is the way to go. SA has been the front erunners in getting the boxes to work nice with the cable co. Plus TWC is moving out of the Pioneer business and sticking with SA, rumor not know if it is true. But judging by the amount of new SA boxes I saw a couple of months ago. I think it is ture.

Does this hold true for the Playoffs? If so, this is going to blow because some of the games will be on Versus.
I doubt that the playoffs would be effected the same way. Versus probably has a reg season contract. Playoff game contract would probably be regional. MSG should be carrying all the playoff games. Unfortumnately, the way they have been playing lets worry more about them making the playoffs. Before we make our watching plans. Second problem would be that if both teams make the playoffs one team will be assed out. Most of the time it will be the Rangers. I hope this isn't going to happen, but MSG would rather show the Knicks during playoff time on MSG which in turn gets them on the HD channel also(home or Away), during playoffs they might send the Rangers to the other channel to cover the game but it won't be in HD. Even if it is a home game. Unless SNY opens their door to a competitor. That is the worse case. But even then I think only the first round is allowed on MSG after that the NBA games go national. Buckle up guys the better both these teams get the less we will see of them in HD because they both will be lobbying for HD air time with only one channel to give it on.

I doubt that the playoffs would be effected the same way. Versus probably has a reg season contract. Playoff game contract would probably be regional. MSG should be carrying all the playoff games. Unfortumnately, the way they have been playing lets worry more about them making the playoffs. Before we make our watching plans. Second problem would be that if both teams make the playoffs one team will be assed out. Most of the time it will be the Rangers. I hope this isn't going to happen, but MSG would rather show the Knicks during playoff time on MSG which in turn gets them on the HD channel also(home or Away), during playoffs they might send the Rangers to the other channel to cover the game but it won't be in HD. Even if it is a home game. Unless SNY opens their door to a competitor. That is the worse case. But even then I think only the first round is allowed on MSG after that the NBA games go national. Buckle up guys the better both these teams get the less we will see of them in HD because they both will be lobbying for HD air time with only one channel to give it on.


lol.... you're worried about both the Knicks and Rangers making the playoffs???

Scheduling usually takes into account cities with a team in each sport in the playoffs - so the Rangers and Knicks would very rarely play on the same night... if they ever actually both make the playoffs during the same season.

Also you can only guarantee that a home game is available HD... and they obviously wouldn't be at home at the same time....

But this assumes MSG Network can even show any NY playoff games anymore....

Ms. Brown,

I received your email that was sent to Melinda Witmer at our corporate office. As much as we would like to put ESPN2 HD on in NYC, we do not currently have the right to make this addition. Time Warner Cable’s Albany division was able to get permission from ESPN to launch the ESPN2 HD, but that right was not extended to our system.
We have heard from other customers with the same request and hope to add more HD programming very soon. In addition we will be making changes on our system this year that are intended to increase our capacity for even more HD channels. You may have noticed late last year that we expanded our coverage of HD sports from MSG and YES Networks from game coverage on a part-time basis to full time channels.

Thank you for being a customer and for your interest in our HD service.

Bob Watson
VP Programming & New Business Development
Time Warner Cable of NY & NJ
120 East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
212-598-7363 | Fax: 212-364-9810
Email: bob.watson@twcable.com

Firewire boxes - in order to transfer shows to the computer, do you need to buy a program or can a free program do it? Once on the computer I can play the files with my IOData DVD/server is they are avi, wmv, mpeg.

I don't care if I can set up recordings from the computer, I can just record on the box and transfer.

Do the boxes come in black? I'm trying to make my components invisible. For now I just have tape over the display since I get any info I need from the remote.

From all I've read, forget about FW! It seems that a while ago, some folks COULD hook D-VHS tape decks and record in HD. Seems there was an issue with the last software upgrade where even that function ran into trouble.

Maybe everyone already knows this, but I tumbled onto a function I never knew existed. Say you want to "automatically" record anything by a specific actor. Something I thought was totally unique to TiVo. Well, we CAN do it with out Passport controlled 8300s. Go to Search, select Keyword, enter the actors name and press the red REC button. It will ask you to choose all shows or movies only. Essentially, you end up with a series recording (meaning it persists)! As I understand it, the TiVo function provides much more flexibility, but we can do something at least close to it.

From all I've read, forget about FW! It seems that a while ago, some folks COULD hook D-VHS tape decks and record in HD. Seems there was an issue with the last software upgrade where even that function ran into trouble.

Maybe everyone already knows this, but I tumbled onto a function I never knew existed. Say you want to "automatically" record anything by a specific actor. Something I thought was totally unique to TiVo. Well, we CAN do it with out Passport controlled 8300s. Go to Search, select Keyword, enter the actors name and press the red REC button. It will ask you to choose all shows or movies only. Essentially, you end up with a series recording (meaning it persists)! As I understand it, the TiVo function provides much more flexibility, but we can do something at least close to it.

Being able to record in HD, in effect making your computer a DVR, is one thing. But transferring a file that's on the DVR is different, I would think. If the computer can read the file it should be able to copy it. Now in what format it's in I don't know, but there are plenty of conversion programs out there.

Good recording tip.

Ms. Brown,

I received your email that was sent to Melinda Witmer at our corporate office. As much as we would like to put ESPN2 HD on in NYC, we do not currently have the right to make this addition. Time Warner Cable’s Albany division was able to get permission from ESPN to launch the ESPN2 HD, but that right was not extended to our system.
We have heard from other customers with the same request and hope to add more HD programming very soon. In addition we will be making changes on our system this year that are intended to increase our capacity for even more HD channels. You may have noticed late last year that we expanded our coverage of HD sports from MSG and YES Networks from game coverage on a part-time basis to full time channels.

Thank you for being a customer and for your interest in our HD service.

Vague, vague, vague

"Hope to add more HD programming very soon"
-Myself and another has heard April, we'll see what happens and what is added.

"We will be making changes on our system this year that are intended to increase our capacity for even more HD channels."
-Dropping Analog channels and/or adding SDV? We'll see what happens.

keep the emails to both corporate and local TWC coming.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6414919.html?display=Breaking+News

"the cable operator said it could increase its bandwidth capacity “in the near future” to provide more than 200 HD channels."

-this is our cable company talking. 2 key points in this quote.
"Could" and "in the near future."

at least DirecTV says they will have space for "100 new HD channels" and "by the end of the year".

One more question regarding my new 37" Panny Plasma......When watching HD, the picture is great.....but when I switch to SD, what do i need to do to "stretch" the picture so I see everything in 16x9? I have the SFA 8300 STB (TWC in NYC) and i can either stretch, zoom, or normal...but do i have to make this change everytime when I swtich back and forth from HD to SD?

On my cable box menu, it offers me diff pass through options (i think?), 1080, 720, etc....what should be selected here?

Sorry if i sound like a blabbering idiot, I just want my picture to be the best it can be and I cannot access the setup wizard!

Bottom line, what settings do i need to make on the STB to get the best picture, not have any black bars when watching SD, and so I dont have to constantly be swtiching from normal to stretch, etc.

for the past week I've been experiencing a problem w/ recorded shows on my SA8300HD, specifically with shows on FOX-HD and ABC-HD - terrible audio and video breakups, absolutely unwatchable. Missed 24, House, Bones, American Idol, Boston Legal. Aside from the terrible recording quality, the shows did not start recording on time, or would record only a portion. Other stations were fine - NBC-HD and CBS-HD shows recorded just fine.

Of course, even the live programming on FOX and ABC were just as bad.

Anyone else other than pdroth experience this?

for the past week I've been experiencing a problem w/ recorded shows on my SA8300HD, specifically with shows on FOX-HD and ABC-HD - terrible audio and video breakups, absolutely unwatchable. Missed 24, House, Bones, American Idol, Boston Legal. Aside from the terrible recording quality, the shows did not start recording on time, or would record only a portion. Other stations were fine - NBC-HD and CBS-HD shows recorded just fine.

Of course, even the live programming on FOX and ABC were just as bad.

Anyone else other than pdroth experience this?

ABSOLUTELY! On Feb 4th, Super Bowl Sunday, i posted the following on the big game:
========
i'm typing this up at halftime....but, it's been pretty HORRENDOUS so far, at least on MY plasma. TONS of weird glitches, freeze-ups, strange noises, thru-out the first half, commercials included. =almost= unbearable.
=============

And let me add, the other nite, i was =trying= to watch the NETS game on YES HD...a road game, so it wasn't in true HD, but the point being, the pic breakup was so AWFUL, i couldn't watch it at all, and had to switch to Ch 30, the non-HD-YES station. i didn't see =anyone= post anything on that one, but this happens from time to time on YES HD.

ABSOLUTELY! On Feb 4th, Super Bowl Sunday, i posted the following on the big game:
========
i'm typing this up at halftime....but, it's been pretty HORRENDOUS so far, at least on MY plasma. TONS of weird glitches, freeze-ups, strange noises, thru-out the first half, commercials included. =almost= unbearable.
=============

And let me add, the other nite, i was =trying= to watch the NETS game on YES HD...a road game, so it wasn't in true HD, but the point being, the pic breakup was so AWFUL, i couldn't watch it at all, and had to switch to Ch 30, the non-HD-YES station. i didn't see =anyone= post anything on that one, but this happens from time to time on YES HD.


No problems with any channels for me recently - and I've watched plenty of FOX, ABC - and that Nets game.

ABSOLUTELY! On Feb 4th, Super Bowl Sunday, i posted the following on the big game:
========
i'm typing this up at halftime....but, it's been pretty HORRENDOUS so far, at least on MY plasma. TONS of weird glitches, freeze-ups, strange noises, thru-out the first half, commercials included. =almost= unbearable.
=============

And let me add, the other nite, i was =trying= to watch the NETS game on YES HD...a road game, so it wasn't in true HD, but the point being, the pic breakup was so AWFUL, i couldn't watch it at all, and had to switch to Ch 30, the non-HD-YES station. i didn't see =anyone= post anything on that one, but this happens from time to time on YES HD.

i guess we're experiencing different problems because I do not recall any problems for me during the superbowl, other than some slight audio drops others have experiences and that awful picture created by the rain drops - you would think someone would have a kleenex ...
anyway, the bad video and audio woes continue - this past week's episode of bones was unwatchable. looks like it's time for me to call twc and act like a monkey and cycle/power down my dvr, have a signal sent and make an appointment for a tech visit.

My SA8300HD box has worked fine until now, but suddenly when I try to look at any of my recorded shows I get the grey screen, the box freezes and eventually reboots. I tried unplugging and reconnecting, but still get the same problem.

This is the third box I get this issue with (with the first two it happened after a week or two but this one I had for a couple of months). I even had a TWC guy come visit, but he claimed it was a box rather than a signal issue.

Every time it happens all the recordings are lost - sooo frustrating! :mad:

Anyone else had these problems?

I guess I'll just have to go and exchange it once again. I'll make sure to try to ask for the firewire version this time so I hopefully get a brand new one.

I have a slight problem with the SA 3250HD box (TWC, Staten Island, Passport). When I'm watching HD shows in the 700s, there's this frequent "flash" of multicolored snow covering the bottom half of the screen, coupled with constant flecks of white dots popping up all over the screen. Sometimes the flashes happen as many as 4 times a second, other times just every few seconds. This only happens when I connect using DVI. When using Component, the problem disappears.

The thing is, if I drop it down to 480p mode, or switch to an SD channel, the problem goes away, even with DVI. And the problem only became apparent in the past few days, and I've had it hooked up with DVI for at least 2 weeks.

Right now, I'm using Component, but my TV performs a lot better with DVI, so I have to choose between inferior picture quality with Component, or putting up with the flashes using DVI.

Can anyone recommend any course of action?

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6414919.html?display=Breaking+News

"the cable operator said it could increase its bandwidth capacity “in the near future” to provide more than 200 HD channels."

-this is our cable company talking. 2 key points in this quote.
"Could" and "in the near future."

at least DirecTV says they will have space for "100 new HD channels" and "by the end of the year".

Besdies, can you imagine more than 50 by the start of 08?

No problems with any channels for me recently - and I've watched plenty of FOX, ABC - and that Nets game.

The problem is that only a few seem to understand that TWC has multiple head ends that are the source of the signals we get. I have no idea about the other boroughs, but many have mentioned that Manhattan has two; TWC even refers to them as Manhattan North and Manhattan South. Still, many call anything north of midtown as "upper west side" so I can't even say for sure YOU love in the Manhatan North section (I THINK the demarcation is around 72nd street, but could be off). SuperBowl had very, very few glitches, mostly audio at the start.

Hey MatthewR, where did you learn that MHD is coming to Staten Island in April?

we actually got a memo of new channels comign out BEFORE they came out (a minor miracle) the only channel that drew my attention was the MTV HD. i havne't been back to the office since i saw it but hopefully monday i can' find one and read it through again

The problem is that only a few seem to understand that TWC has multiple head ends that are the source of the signals we get. I have no idea about the other boroughs, but many have mentioned that Manhattan has two; TWC even refers to them as Manhattan North and Manhattan South. Still, many call anything north of midtown as "upper west side" so I can't even say for sure YOU love in the Manhatan North section (I THINK the demarcation is around 72nd street, but could be off). SuperBowl had very, very few glitches, mostly audio at the start.

I think it's likely a =neighborhood= thing too, as in the original poster, who was in BAYSIDE, IIRC...and i'm in Jackson Hts. Maybe there's more issues out here in Queens, i don't know. :(

The problem is that only a few seem to understand that TWC has multiple head ends that are the source of the signals we get. I have no idea about the other boroughs, but many have mentioned that Manhattan has two; TWC even refers to them as Manhattan North and Manhattan South. Still, many call anything north of midtown as "upper west side" so I can't even say for sure YOU love in the Manhatan North section (I THINK the demarcation is around 72nd street, but could be off). SuperBowl had very, very few glitches, mostly audio at the start.

Time-Warner's predecessor, Manhattan Cable united two cable systems, Sterling-Manhattan and Westinghouse. Sterling's franchise ran to 96th Street on the East Side and 72nd Street (IIRC) on the West Side. The successors to the startups maintained the two headend system. Somewhere along the line, customers on both sides of the divide were able to use the same equipment.

One more question regarding my new 37" Panny Plasma......When watching HD, the picture is great.....but when I switch to SD, what do i need to do to "stretch" the picture so I see everything in 16x9? I have the SFA 8300 STB (TWC in NYC) and i can either stretch, zoom, or normal...but do i have to make this change everytime when I swtich back and forth from HD to SD?

On my cable box menu, it offers me diff pass through options (i think?), 1080, 720, etc....what should be selected here?

Sorry if i sound like a blabbering idiot, I just want my picture to be the best it can be and I cannot access the setup wizard!

Bottom line, what settings do i need to make on the STB to get the best picture, not have any black bars when watching SD, and so I dont have to constantly be swtiching from normal to stretch, etc.


Anyone???? please????

If the 8300HD is anything like the 3250HD, you should hit Settings, then press A, then scroll down to Aspect Ratio. For TV Type select 16:9, and then select Stretch 4:3. That way the box will automatically stretch any 4:3 content to fill the screen.

Time-Warner's predecessor, Manhattan Cable united two cable systems, Sterling-Manhattan and Westinghouse. Sterling's franchise ran to 96th Street on the East Side and 72nd Street (IIRC) on the West Side. The successors to the startups maintained the two headend system. Somewhere along the line, customers on both sides of the divide were able to use the same equipment.It's 86th St on the east side, definitely, and I'm pretty sure it's 79th on the west side.

It now appears Time Warner Cable TV is testing some of their HDTV QAM local TV Channels. I have been receiving EPG channel guide info for a few weeks now for most of the local QAM channels in New York City. Just wondering has this been reported already, if not has anyone else been receiving EPG info. for QAM channels from Time Warner Cable TV or any other Cable TV company ?

It now appears Time Warner Cable TV is testing some of their HDTV QAM local TV Channels. I have been receiving EPG channel guide info for a few weeks now for most of the local QAM channels in New York City. Just wondering has this been reported already, if not has anyone else been receiving EPG info. for QAM channels from Time Warner Cable TV or any other Cable TV company ?

Where in the city are you and on what equipment are you receiving this EPG information?

Sorry I should have mentioned that info before...
I'm located in Queens...I'm using a OnAir HDTV USB...Thanks.



Where in the city are you and on what equipment are you receiving this EPG information?

Sorry I should have mentioned that info before...
I'm located in Queens...I'm using a OnAir HDTV USB...Thanks.

In midtown Manhattan I'm getting EPG in QAM with DVICO FUSIONHD card but is one hour off, I wouldn't be surprise the buggy fusion software is the culprit for this discrepancy.

One more question regarding my new 37" Panny Plasma......When watching HD, the picture is great.....but when I switch to SD, what do i need to do to "stretch" the picture so I see everything in 16x9? I have the SFA 8300 STB (TWC in NYC) and i can either stretch, zoom, or normal...but do i have to make this change everytime when I swtich back and forth from HD to SD?

On my cable box menu, it offers me diff pass through options (i think?), 1080, 720, etc....what should be selected here?

Sorry if i sound like a blabbering idiot, I just want my picture to be the best it can be and I cannot access the setup wizard!

Bottom line, what settings do i need to make on the STB to get the best picture, not have any black bars when watching SD, and so I dont have to constantly be swtiching from normal to stretch, etc.

What I do for my PX50U is set the cable box to output 480i, 480p, and 1080i (i believe my displays scaler does a poor job with 720p signals, so I prefer to have the box scale 720p signals to 1080i, but that's a bit beside the point. . . ). I have the 'aspect ratio' option set to '16x9: stretch 4x3.'

That way, when I am watching any HD signal, the display receives it in 1080i full-screen and I have no stretch or zoom options for 4x3 pillarpboxed images sent on HD channels (such as most local and national news on the networks, most commercials, the occasional pillar-boxed and letterboxed 1.85:1 movies on Showtime HD which are completely unwatchable, etc; some channels, such as ESPN HD and MSGHD have graphics filling their pillar boxes, others just have black).

When I tune to a channel sent in a 480 format, I then have options in the display as to how to show the image: Normal (display will add pillar boxes, which I set to the middle-bright grey, since it's a plasma), Zoom (good for letterboxed shows on SD channels, such as Battlestar on Sci-Fi channel, etc), Full (stretched evenly across the frame, pretty much not useful for SD TV stuff but standard for DVDs) and Just (my personal favorite for 4x3 SD material, to which I have become accustomed after a short initial period of 'this is weird'-ness). Once I have it set to 'just,' it will always default to such whenever it receives a 480i/p signal on that input, so when I swtich from an HD channel to an SD channel, it automatically shows that SD siganl in 'just' mode.

Remember, the cable box's aspect ratio setting is set to '16x9; stretch 4x3' which then allows the display to deal with whatever stretching/ zooming I want to do to an SD image, since the 'stretch' setting of the cable box is only applicable to SD 480i/p material. Also, the box is set to output 480i/p and 1080i; if I had it set to output only 1080i, then I would not have any stretch/zoom options available through my Panasonic plasma display itself.

Hope that helps!

ok staten island...it looks like you will be getting WWOR HD and MTV HD on march 29th, and Universal HD will be moving from 709 to 740 that same day. no word as of yet on when the rest of the systems are getting these channels. however all systems in NYC will be getting MTV Korea and MTV china (for those who have use for it) that day also. THirteen World is no longer goign to be offered (don't think i ever watched it, and i hated having it in the middle of all my HD channels) starting march 5th. SI is also getting a new music on demand channel, a fox reality channel and n entertainment on demand channel.

there will be a few analog and digital channels that will be mapped to different channel numbers also, but i dont' have those on me

Any word on which programming tiers MHD and Fox Reality are going to be on? Starter, DTValue or HD Xtra?

I've found ThirteenWorld occasionally useful when I've missed something on the main channel--but I do hate having it and 13Kids or whatever it is stuck in the middle there.

The problem seems to be that whoever assigns stations to the cable channels doesn't seem to understand the difference between HD and SD digital stations.

ok staten island...it looks like you will be getting WWOR HD and MTV HD on march 29th, and Universal HD will be moving from 709 to 740 that same day.

finally, some more HD.
hopefully the rest of the NY/NJ system will get it on the 29th of march as well.
also, hopefully even with these two additions TWC will still have that empty slot available, that was once used by inhd2.

looks like TWC is trying to keep hold of their customers in SI
with fiostv probably coming in 08 TWC is looking worried.
I don't know if this is offered all across nyc.
a one year deal might sound good.
2 might prevent you from switching to fios in 08.
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Any word on which programming tiers MHD and Fox Reality are going to be on? Starter, DTValue or HD Xtra?

i'll check tomorrow to see if there's any more info

finally, some more HD.
hopefully the rest of the NY/NJ system will get it on the 29th of march as well.
also, hopefully even with these two additions TWC will still have that empty slot available, that was once used by inhd2.

i wouldnt' count on it.. roadmap was pretty specific about it only being SI for the time being. although i'm sure that we will see them soon after

i wouldnt' count on it.. roadmap was pretty specific about it only being SI for the time being. although i'm sure that we will see them soon after

you might be right, i remember hearing SI having to switch their cable boxes get DTV. so maybe SI is the only place in the NY/NJ system that has extra bandwidth for HD.

Yeah, last month TWC forced us to swap out our Analog boxes for digital ones in order to continue receiving HBO and Showtime.

lol.... you're worried about both the Knicks and Rangers making the playoffs???

Scheduling usually takes into account cities with a team in each sport in the playoffs - so the Rangers and Knicks would very rarely play on the same night... if they ever actually both make the playoffs during the same season.

Also you can only guarantee that a home game is available HD... and they obviously wouldn't be at home at the same time....

But this assumes MSG Network can even show any NY playoff games anymore....
Very funny, both of them making the palyoffs totgether. I think the knicks have gotten their chemistry together with the young guys. A nice 5-7 game win streak puts you right opjn top in the atalantic and a 4 seed. As for the rmangers the have to staop playing with heart. six players on the ice and only one man c score. Get mor scoring done! Then NYC will have something to look forward to in april and may. Before TNT and NBC involvement in the leage there use to be home Hocky,home Basket playoff games, but they do now happen any more when the netwrorks ditctate the scheduling.
I feel good this year that the garden will not be silent after the redStorm win their 3 title since 1989,

Anyone???? please????Originally Posted by awolf1
One more question regarding my new 37" Panny Plasma......When watching HD, the picture is great.....but when I switch to SD, what do i need to do to "stretch" the picture so I see everything in 16x9? I have the SFA 8300 STB (TWC in NYC) and i can either stretch, zoom, or normal...but do i have to make this change everytime when I swtich back and forth from HD to SD?

On my cable box menu, it offers me diff pass through options (i think?), 1080, 720, etc....what should be selected here?

Sorry if i sound like a blabbering idiot, I just want my picture to be the best it can be and I cannot access the setup wizard!

Bottom line, what settings do i need to make on the STB to get the best picture, not have any black bars when watching SD, and so I dont have to constantly be swtiching from normal to stretch, etc.

Stsrt with these setting, it is a littl bit late and I am tired.
setting / more setting / pituce ration should always be 16x9 and the 4x3 should be stretched. Once set you will not have to set it again. But be careful the remote has # buttom, you click that and not notice you can chabge your setting in the time it took you the chnage that channel and not ever know untill the bars are back is SD form.

As for the auto output Leave all settings at 1080i,That has been found to work the best with some people here, but adjustments can be made to enhance PQ. I have LCD but I will try to help you to the best of my knowledge. Feel to PM me if you dont want sound like "Sorry if i sound like a blabbering idiot" This is a learning site, but I understand that it can be hard talking to someone that has chatted hear for years amd they inadvertanly make you feel strupid. This is why I always offer my PM for peole that need quiet help,

Either way the first 2 soloutions will help you a lot.
Later and Good luck

[unndonnYeah, last month TWC forced us to swap out our Analog boxes for digital ones in order to continue receiving HBO and Showtime. ]



good move on TWC parts, everyone that has been hording the old analog boxes legal or iilegeal type get a reprive and now they can sign up to their tripple play pack when it is readily available out there in SI. TWC has been fazing out the analog boxes for the past 2 years but nevar got rid of the big channels. Now they are taking chanels that matter and boom offer you a much cheeper rate for the DTV upgrade. I hope when it comes to queens they give ma an offer I can't refuse, Or me and Verizon will contiue are current commitment with adding digital TV and phone. Currently have ONE BILL(wirelesss, local, dsl service)

Lets hope this is the start of something good for us consummers!

is the SA3250HD the best non-DVR box? I have two pioneer boxes (think 3510HD or something similar) and am wondering if I should trade them in for 3250's. any big differences?

thanks

I would keep the Pioneer boxes. I have one of those and in my opinion its much better than these SA 3250hd they are giving out. I actually tried to change a 3250hd that they gave me for a pioneer but they said they don't give those out anymore.

is ThirteenWorld ch. 714? If so, that stinks. My son loves that channel, and it makes for a great babysitter while my wife gets dinner ready.

is ThirteenWorld ch. 714? If so, that stinks. My son loves that channel, and it makes for a great babysitter while my wife gets dinner ready.
Nope, I think that's 13Kids (or something like that). 714 is all public affairs programming -- all of their "newsy" shows are there -- like The Newshour with Jim Lehrer, Tavis Smiley, Charlie Rose, plus history and documentary programming.

This is all making sense since WNET announced a Spanish-language subchannel about a month ago. So, this could be taking the place of 13World on their digital spectrum.

is ThirteenWorld ch. 714? If so, that stinks. My son loves that channel, and it makes for a great babysitter while my wife gets dinner ready.

tell me this isn't goat from OA.net

starting today parts of queens stopped the analog feeds... new nodes will be switching over to digital every week

starting today parts of queens stopped the analog feeds... new nodes will be switching over to digital every week

all analog feeds or just some?

i believe the basic channels will remain (ie the unscrambled channels)

Does anyone know who I could email at our TWC division? It seems like there's a lot of things going on that may soon lead to more HD programming. I would like to try and find out if and when this may happen. We all know its a complete waste of time trying to get any useful information out of their customer service people.

I'm recenty created a new page at You Tube featuring Classic TV & Vinatge TV Commercials...I also focus on video from HDTV...I believe the file I just uploaded is my first QAM HDTV sample there.OnAir HDTV USB WNYW HDTV QAM TV 5 News Clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPp4kH1M3NY)

My SA8300HD box has worked fine until now, but suddenly when I try to look at any of my recorded shows I get the grey screen, the box freezes and eventually reboots. I tried unplugging and reconnecting, but still get the same problem.

This is the third box I get this issue with (with the first two it happened after a week or two but this one I had for a couple of months). I even had a TWC guy come visit, but he claimed it was a box rather than a signal issue.

Every time it happens all the recordings are lost - sooo frustrating! :mad:

Anyone else had these problems?

I guess I'll just have to go and exchange it once again. I'll make sure to try to ask for the firewire version this time so I hopefully get a brand new one.

Noone else had this problem? Hmmm, seems strange that it would happen three times - have I just been really unlucky with the boxes I've gotten from them?

i could swear all the 8300's were firewire.. are you sure you didnt' have the 8000? that one went bad constantly. And yes it is a box problem you are having.

Does anyone know who I could email at our TWC division? It seems like there's a lot of things going on that may soon lead to more HD programming. I would like to try and find out if and when this may happen. We all know its a complete waste of time trying to get any useful information out of their customer service people.

email bob watson

Bob.Watson@twcable.com

tell me this isn't goat from OA.net

yes it is - who are you & should I be scared? :eek:

Nope, I think that's 13Kids (or something like that). 714 is all public affairs programming -- all of their "newsy" shows are there -- like The Newshour with Jim Lehrer, Tavis Smiley, Charlie Rose, plus history and documentary programming.

This is all making sense since WNET announced a Spanish-language subchannel about a month ago. So, this could be taking the place of 13World on their digital spectrum.

I ran home the other night to check and was relieved - we recently discovered that channel too, it's like a godsend for us.

Really Wierd, I called TWC a little while ago because my tv in the living room was getting a grey screen for 704, 705 and a few of the hd channels were choppy, customer service was nice and they told me to do the reboot thing (which did not work) she then told me she will contact NY and it should hopefully be fixed in a few hours.
When I asked where she was for customer service she said Ontario Canada.
I guess Customer Service is no longer in NY.

Vinny

Really Wierd, .... I called TWC ....When I asked where she was for customer service she said Ontario Canada.
I guess Customer Service is no longer in NY. VinnyI know, what’s that all aboot?

It’s actually been like that for a few years. Maybe many years, I don't know.
I find that when I call at night I get NY. When I call during the day I get Canada.

yes it is - who are you & should I be scared? :eek:

i am the ghost inside your head

- Mattiescramz

Logo has been a godsend for me, personally. Is this the Goatweed from the Harvard forums?

the same goatweed from the big belly M4M forum

ZOMG! It *IS* him!!

I oversee a luxury hi-rise apartment building on the upper east side and today I met with an engineer that was sent over by Verizon to look into bringing fiber optics for Fios into our building. The engineer told me that fiber optics have been installed outside many apartment buildings in the city and it's just a matter of time before they will start bringing it into buildings. Of course one of the biggest obstacles will be what type of deal building residents will receive in return for a bulk rate agreement that most TWCNYC buildings already have. The other major issue will have to do with how fiber optics will be brought into buildings and then into individual apartments. Nevertheless, the fact that Fios is here and available in NYC means that TWCNYC will soon have to acknowledge Verizon as a viable competitor. That's when we will begin to see better prices, services and more programming choices.

I oversee a luxury hi-rise apartment building on the upper east side and today I met with an engineer that was sent over by Verizon to look into bringing fiber optics for Fios into our building. The engineer told me that fiber optics have been installed outside many apartment buildings in the city and it's just a matter of time before they will start bringing it into buildings. Of course one of the biggest obstacles will be what type of deal building residents will receive in return for a bulk rate agreement that most TWCNYC buildings already have. The other major issue will have to do with how fiber optics will be brought into buildings and then into individual apartments. Nevertheless, the fact that Fios is here and available in NYC means that TWCNYC will soon have to acknowledge Verizon as a viable competitor. That's when we will begin to see better prices, services and more programming choices.

We heard a while back from a fellow who managed multiple dwellings way downtown. Verizon had been doing the same thing there, but I believe he heard zip from then since then. However, he sure did indicate a BIG "reluctance" from the property owners.

I'm also pretty sure that they do NOT have the "franchise" agreement to provide TV service here. Having such an agreement in place means that (at least I know for sure this works for cable) they are NOT dependant on a building to "allow" them access (we had a bit of a fight with TWC over their plans to re-wire us and it turned out we legally had NO choice, the agreement with the city said it was there choice how to run wire). It may very well be that they are trying to deploy their fiber without that agreement and are running into opposition.

What I know for sure is they do NOT have any dark fiber up on the UWS. Somehow I find myself skeptical exactly what and how much dark fiber they have actually laid out, no matter what an engineer told you. I HAVE read they are going to be challenged on the request for a franchise agreement, so that COULD very well mean the process is just going to take longer than what we'd want.

Do NOT get me wrong, I am HUGELY interested in them selling the same services as TWC. This represents the first real competition, and that is a good thing for us. At the same time, I think we need some reality checks so we don't get TOO optimistic.

This TWC local ads switch to 480i on HD channels is really starting to bug me more and more. Since my display does not allow stretching on HD signals, I have my 8300HD set to output 480i/p as well as 1080i so that I can stretch or zoom 480i channels to my preference. Unfortunately, these TWC switches to 480i on some local commercials seem to come at the end of commercial breaks, which means that while I am ff-ing through commercials, the screen will black out for a moment at the end of a break while it tries to switch resolutions, and by the time it switches back to the 1080i signal I am deep into the next segment of the show. Really annoying, and as I mentioned before, this switch to 480i on HD channels for some local TWC commercials is new to me this past month or so. It's clearly a TWC thing, since it's only local commercials and ads for PPV etc. that do this, and the network ads in 480 are displayed in a 1080i signal with pillarboxes.

Very annoying.

This TWC local ads switch to 480i on HD channels is really starting to bug me more and more. Since my display does not allow stretching on HD signals, I have my 8300HD set to output 480i/p as well as 1080i so that I can stretch or zoom 480i channels to my preference. Unfortunately, these TWC switches to 480i on some local commercials seem to come at the end of commercial breaks, which means that while I am ff-ing through commercials, the screen will black out for a moment at the end of a break while it tries to switch resolutions, and by the time it switches back to the 1080i signal I am deep into the next segment of the show. Really annoying, and as I mentioned before, this switch to 480i on HD channels for some local TWC commercials is new to me this past month or so. It's clearly a TWC thing, since it's only local commercials and ads for PPV etc. that do this, and the network ads in 480 are displayed in a 1080i signal with pillarboxes.

Very annoying.
If it's a problem for you, why not disable 480/i & 480/p on your display output settings? Regardless of what video output format you're using, pressing the "#" button on the remote allows you to change your stretch/zoom settings.

I'm also pretty sure that they do NOT have the "franchise" agreement to provide TV service here.


No they don't. The day Verizon does get the agreement will mean news worthy of local media coverage for them.

I have no interest in TV/cable, but I'm dying for a FIOS internet connection. I live in a UWS brownstone, where cable & phone lines are simply hung from the roof and into people's windows.

I wonder if buildings like mine will get priority as they may be easier to wire, or will be at the end of the line as they have fewer tenants?

If it's a problem for you, why not disable 480/i & 480/p on your display output settings? Regardless of what video output format you're using, pressing the "#" button on the remote allows you to change your stretch/zoom settings.

I greatly prefer my display's 'just' mode to anything the box does on its own to stretch 4x3 material, that's why. It never used to be a problem until early this year, and frankly I don't see any reason why TWC suddenly started to do this for their local PPV ads.

I have no interest in TV/cable, but I'm dying for a FIOS internet connection. I live in a UWS brownstone, where cable & phone lines are simply hung from the roof and into people's windows.

I wonder if buildings like mine will get priority as they may be easier to wire, or will be at the end of the line as they have fewer tenants?
get to the back of the line, no jumping in TED, You know once they hit Manhattan, the lower half gets priority. I am hoping they come to Queens first. But dude I wouldn't hold your breath. They have a five year project and we are only in late year 1 or early year 2. But I think you do make a point I think they are looking to do private house before multi-tenant dwellings.

I can bet you one thing, once FIOS TV is available in any location in NYC it will be mentioned here first because there are many willing to make the change.

I can bet you one thing, once FIOS TV is available in any location in NYC it will be mentioned here first because there are many willing to make the change.

FWIW, my brother-in-law lives in North Jersey and he has FIOS for phone and internet, but still uses Cablevision for HDTV, which he says has much better PQ. I haven't been over to check it out personally, however.

FWIW, my brother-in-law lives in North Jersey and he has FIOS for phone and internet, but still uses Cablevision for HDTV, which he says has much better PQ. I haven't been over to check it out personally, however.I’m assuming that he obviously has the HD option for FIOS available to him. If that is the case then this isn’t too optimistic for those of us looking to dump TW for FIOS.

I have friends that have Cablevision HD and I think it’s inferior to TWC. I loath their SARA based programming guide and the general overall interactions with that system. I guess if I had CV instead of TW I’d get comfortable with it but I think our system is much better and I prefer the picture quality, especially on SD material. By no means am I making a scientific statement. This is just my general observation.

I greatly prefer my display's 'just' mode to anything the box does on its own to stretch 4x3 material, that's why. It never used to be a problem until early this year, and frankly I don't see any reason why TWC suddenly started to do this for their local PPV ads.
Not disagreeing with you at all, but from their point-of-view, they've been selling these ads to be shown on other channels for a LONG time, and I guess they've finally figured out that when people are watching the HD versions of the channels, the customers are not seeing the crappy local ads that they're selling which supplant the ads that are shown on the SD version of the channel. So they need to maximize their revenue (which translates to the number of eyeballs seeing the ads).

What it really boils down to is that they probably don't have the hardware (yet) to locally insert ads at 1080i or 720p yet, so they get inserted at standard NTSC 480i resolution.

What it really boils down to is that they probably don't have the hardware (yet) to locally insert ads at 1080i or 720p yet, so they get inserted at standard NTSC 480i resolution.

Or maybe TWC thinks they are helping us by sending the commercial at its native resolution and letting our systems deal with it the way we want...