This is the first time -- what a great surprise for tennis fans!

It doesn't look as good as the US Open HD feed, but a hell of a lot better than SD. Any tennis fans watching?
While the US Open looked , Best description would be, WOW!!!! The french open in HD must look great. I have been catching up on DVRed shows and football on the weekends so I really didn't even know that itg started. But now I will have to check it out. Especially since all the good americans suck on clay so if you miss the early rounds they are gone.

It's not HD...

Not ESPN's fault... but the Aussie production isn't HD...

but the SD standard over there is higher than 480i (576i)... and obviously widescreen.... so its still upconverted-widescreen-SD... but a bit better than the SD we get here
I guess I should have read on, thanks berk!! What a let down, the sound you hear is the bubble bursting!! At least we jknow ESPN's upconversion is decent. My SD has looked great for me and the SD on a HD channel is even better. The only problem would be if it is filmed in SD without full frame, then my TV will not have the full screen on the HD channel and I would have to stretch it manually, BLAH!

FIOS Please Come & Save Us From Time Warner!!!
Becareful what you ask for, FIOS might not be the savior you think they will be. While I know River is gone due to years of frustration. While service PQ and internet is better. The CSR's are still clueless and they due the 8 hr window still just like TWC use to do years ago. Let's not forget the important thing, All triple play discounts aside, are you ready to leave TWC just to pay more on your bill? Plus, Are you ready to pay extra for ANY HD access? I understand the people that are at their last nerve with TWC, but make sure the change is what you want todo because you do have to sign a 2 year contract to get the new lowest triple play offer of $95( which is a good deal until you start adding your extra boxes, DVR's better internet speed and Premiums

Competition is good.

We want FiOS available so TWC would get its act together faster..... just look at SI and Queens...

We want FiOS available so TWC would get its act together faster..... just look at SI and Queens... --parts of Queens--

It's true.....The problem is all of the bars, restaurants, grandmas, and grandpas who watch their same 15 SD channels on their ancient TVs who have no incentive to swap out their boxes.

TWC will absolutely need to send out a letter exactly like you describe -- but they will certainly face some backlash and possibly negative press from some corners.

The sooner they get it started, the sooner they can make it happen. But I haven't seen any such letters being sent yet.....And they're going to have to give people a pretty good amount of notice before they cut analog service....

Scott
Scott While we all in HD land hope TWC makes a push for everyone to make the change. The FCC kind of put a stop to this kind of letter being saent anytime soon. By allowing the cable industry to keep analog going until 2013. While it would be in TWC best interest to push all their subscribers to upgrade, financially it would equal millions of extra $$$$. I do believe there is some kind of law or aggreement that prohibits TWC from "Forcing " subscribers to change. If they force people to make the change they would have to give discounts that would just make regular customers like me and you even more pissed off because we wouldn't get the freebies that the people who are forced might receive.

The best weapon we have is our mouth, talk to everyone we know and convionce them to make the change. While I don't think bars are that big of the problem It ius the people with bad boxes and the ones that always have used basic cable and plugged it right into the TV. These are the ones we need to get on board, but think about it. Would you give up paying $13? To raise your bill $46 dollars when you only watch ther 20+ offered for $13. While everyone of us has complaints about paying for channels we don't watch there is a lot of channels we watch because we have them, and this would be a good way to try to sell them on it.
Let's not forget the people that bought aHDTV and still have basic, These will be the hardest to convince because they think "if the channel says HDTV available then it is HD"

Basically we have an uphill battle and despite TWC slow progression toward an all digital system.. I do undersatnd why why they aren't rushing towards a full digial landscape, but they need to make a decision soon if they don't want to lose more customers to FIOS then their estimates.

--parts of Queens--
Very SMALL part of QUEENS.

I want Fios... competition is always good. Better picture quality and internet is all I need to hear

Competition is good.
In theory. YES! but the way it looks from My FIOS contacts the prices are just to hhigh from FIOS because it is banking on it's better PQ and higher internet speeds as the sales point. These 2 things scare me because they already have it in their head that they are better and should be able to charge extra because of this.

Competition has been good because now Verizon is offering a TV and the lowest triple play price available and TWC has rebutted with the 5% and 10% commitment discounts. While immediate new order offers seem like competition saves us, the existing customers will still get the shaft unless they do add service or make a commitment.

Is there any kind of window for roll out in NYC? It sounds like it won't be anytime soon.

--parts of Queens--

that was implied.... :rolleyes:

We want FiOS available so TWC would get its act together faster.....Since we're rolling eyes today... this ^^^ was implied too :rolleyes: in the post prior to it...:rolleyes::rolleyes:;)

Since we're rolling eyes today... this ^^^ was implied too in the post prior to it...

I was responding to nuttyinnyc..... since he was warning of Verizon's customer service...

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Is there any kind of window for roll out in NYC? It sounds like it won't be anytime soon.
From my undersatnding FIOS franchise agreement is no where close to being signed. Cables franchise will be approved before Verizon's. So I would look for a summer launch at the earliest. Remember even after Verizon gets the franchise agreement approved iit is another 2 to four months before the start offering service.
The best indicator of FIOS roll out w/or phone is available all you need is the francishe agreement to be signed and a few months after FIOS TV will be yours. uld be when and if you have FIOS internet or phone availability. Once Internet and

Becareful what you ask for, FIOS might not be the savior you think they will be. While I know River is gone due to years of frustration. While service PQ and internet is better. The CSR's are still clueless and they due the 8 hr window still just like TWC use to do years ago. Let's not forget the important thing, All triple play discounts aside, are you ready to leave TWC just to pay more on your bill? Plus, Are you ready to pay extra for ANY HD access? I understand the people that are at their last nerve with TWC, but make sure the change is what you want todo because you do have to sign a 2 year contract to get the new lowest triple play offer of $95( which is a good deal until you start adding your extra boxes, DVR's better internet speed and Premiums


Triple Play isn't particularly important to me. I'm fine with a copper land line and RoadRunner's 10,000/768 kbps is more speed than I need.

It's the unconscionable way they compress the HD signal that I can't stand! Sometime is just takes the magic out of High Definition.

There ought'a be a law...

A_C

Triple Play isn't particularly important to me. I'm fine with a copper land line and RoadRunner's 10,000/768 kbps is more speed than I need.

It's the unconscionable way they compress the HD signal that I can't stand! Sometime is just takes the magic out of High Definition.

There ought'a be a law...

A_C

They're no different than any other cable company.... but thats due to Analog service hogging up some serious space. (Be happy you don't deal with Cablevision - its even worse with them)


Getting analog service dropped (or at least reduced) is the way to go.... wha'ts the point of the scrambled service? Anyone with a (legal) analog box could be forced to switch to a digital one... The most basic digital service should cost about the same amount.... And the people without boxes? They're not getting the scrambled channels anyways.... so what's the point of continuing to carry them???????? :mad:

Take away 40 scrambled analog channels..... then we can get every HD channel TWC can give us right now...

We in SI got CNN HD today...

We in SI got CNN HD today...

:eek:

that makes 10 more HD channels then the rest of us.
If they add Weather-HD, Outdoor-HD, Fox Biz-HD & Animal Planet-HD (all TWC has the rights to) I will blow my top!!!

did anyone get a firmware upgrade for the cablecard today on the 8300hdc, it is downloading right now as I type.

Hey vindicator!

NHLHD on 795 is now working. Check it out.

Scott While we all in HD land hope TWC makes a push for everyone to make the change. The FCC kind of put a stop to this kind of letter being saent anytime soon. By allowing the cable industry to keep analog going until 2013. While it would be in TWC best interest to push all their subscribers to upgrade, financially it would equal millions of extra $$$$. I do believe there is some kind of law or aggreement that prohibits TWC from "Forcing " subscribers to change. If they force people to make the change they would have to give discounts that would just make regular customers like me and you even more pissed off because we wouldn't get the freebies that the people who are forced might receive.

The best weapon we have is our mouth, talk to everyone we know and convionce them to make the change. While I don't think bars are that big of the problem It ius the people with bad boxes and the ones that always have used basic cable and plugged it right into the TV. These are the ones we need to get on board, but think about it. Would you give up paying $13? To raise your bill $46 dollars when you only watch ther 20+ offered for $13. While everyone of us has complaints about paying for channels we don't watch there is a lot of channels we watch because we have them, and this would be a good way to try to sell them on it.
Let's not forget the people that bought aHDTV and still have basic, These will be the hardest to convince because they think "if the channel says HDTV available then it is HD"

Basically we have an uphill battle and despite TWC slow progression toward an all digital system.. I do undersatnd why why they aren't rushing towards a full digial landscape, but they need to make a decision soon if they don't want to lose more customers to FIOS then their estimates.

Anyone know the percentage of digital vs. analog subscribers ? I'm just curious if digital subscribers are in the minority or majority (and by how much).

We in SI got CNN HD today...

:(

that makes 10 more HD channels then the rest of us.
If they add Weather-HD, Outdoor-HD, Fox Biz-HD & Animal Planet-HD (all TWC has the rights to) I will blow my top!!!

You probably will in the next few weeks.

Anyone know the percentage of digital vs. analog subscribers ? I'm just curious if digital subscribers are in the minority or majority (and by how much).

I think digital is somewhere in the 80's % wise.

Here is Astoria, Queens we now have CNN listed as channel 710. However, there is no picture or data for it yet.

The NHL HD channel is coming in though (although currently NOT in HD). I wish it were the NFL Network instead.

If I can get USA and SciFi in HD then I'd be a happy fella.

I was under the impression that Verizon was ready to go with TV service within days of receiving the franchise agreement from the city...

From Fredfa's thread...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12833137#post12833137

Bloomberg, Verizon Deep in Talks to Bring FiOS to Big Apple
New York City government insists on timetable for universal FiOS service,
By Steve Goldstein Cable360

New York City government officials were busy working out the terms of a 15-year franchise deal yesterday with Verizon that will bring FiOS TV into Time Warner Cable and Cablevision’s high-profile backyard, the Daily News reports. The major sticking point right now is Verizon’s desire to bring the service to New York’s wealthiest neighborhoods first, according to the New York tabloid. Verizon also faces some technical problems running its glass fiber lines in New York’s unique, sharply angled infrastructure. [Daily News]

http://www.cable360.net/competition/telcos/27640.html

Triple Play isn't particularly important to me. I'm fine with a copper land line and RoadRunner's 10,000/768 kbps is more speed than I need.

It's the unconscionable way they compress the HD signal that I can't stand! Sometime is just takes the magic out of High Definition.

There ought'a be a law...

A_C
There should be a law, but the law should say "due to advancement in technology all cable systems have the right to terminate service if you have not or do not want to switch to the state of the art Digital service" Maybe if the law was like that we would have better HD service and more selections because there would be no more analog issues blocking advancement. Like berk said with out complete analog shut down we will never get a chance to really get a substantial HD boost.

OT Kind of, What does SAT send, they compress also but I know it is better than the 3:1 we get. Is it 2:1 or 1.5:1 or is there an easier explanation for their compression.

I was under the impression that Verizon was ready to go with TV service within days of receiving the franchise agreement from the city...
The news below your post looks promising, but from what I have read and heard most counties have a lag in signing to start up. It isn't as easy as flicking a switch. But even then from what I have seen the time frame has been decreasing. The NYC issue from the article might add time to it also. The City wants the whole city to be wired, not just the richest areas. Which makes sense. Just like they did to Cable in the 70's & 80"s they will hold Verizon to strict connection schedules or lose the franchise. Which will be good for us and you River.

The one thing that surprised me was they revenue sharring that the city gets. 5% under old aggreement, that caught me off gurad, my understanding was they deals were a non-profit exchange. With Puble service stationsfor local, state and federal channels being given in exchange for public use of telepohones and other equipment for the cables co's. The city being the city you know they will be asking much more then that for this aggreement as well as cables so my question would be how much? 6% min accordding to the article and what will this increased fee do to our bills?

Here is Astoria, Queens we now have CNN listed as channel 710. However, there is no picture or data for it yet.

The NHL HD channel is coming in though (although currently NOT in HD). I wish it were the NFL Network instead.

If I can get USA and SciFi in HD then I'd be a happy fella.
You are asking for the wrrong channels, those three are at least ayear away. Since you are in astoria you already got your big bump up, so if I was you I wouldn't keep your hopes up for any major channels additions other then something like ABC familyHD, ESPNnewsHD, and maybe one or 2 of the discoveryHD networks. All of which have some contract with TWC. The less you expect the better you will feel when nothing does get added.
Don't get me wrong I do feel changes are coming, but since you have already had the cchanges your chances are bit lesas.

Effective January 3, 2008: The N launched on ch. 137 and 837. NOGGIN was added to ch. 1911.

Effective January 15, 2008: RTN launched on channel 524 as a premium service. WAM! changed from DTV and DTV en Espanol service levels to the premium service level. In Woodside, Queens only: CNN HD launched on ch. 710 and the Ad Sales Shopping channel launched on ch. 150. The channel is called The Jewelry Channel.

It is our expectation that, effective January 22, 2008, Ravi Panjabi, currently a DTV service, will become a premium service. Please note however, due to contractual issues, the service may be removed from our systems.

Effective January 27, 2008: Discovery Times Channel will be renamed Investigation Discovery.

Hi Everyone, sorry if this was mentioned before, but does anyone know if the SA4250 HDCP Handshake issue was ever resolved by TWCNYC?
http://avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/index.php/t-885887.html
Thanks!

Anyone know the percentage of digital vs. analog subscribers ? I'm just curious if digital subscribers are in the minority or majority (and by how much).



:(



You probably will in the next few weeks.
Good guess anthony, but you are off a tad. as of 3rd quarte of 2007. only 59% (7.9 mil) of the 14.6 mil TWC sutomers(all services). Or for true math accuracy 13.3 mil Basic customers as of 9/2007 minus 7.9 digital customers = 5.1 mil subscribers that are keeping us HD lite.

With an increase of about 250,000-500,000 a quarter WE HABE A LOT OF TALKING TO DO.

It's true.....The problem is all of the bars, restaurants, grandmas, and grandpas who watch their same 15 SD channels on their ancient TVs who have no incentive to swap out their boxes.

TWC will absolutely need to send out a letter exactly like you describe -- but they will certainly face some backlash and possibly negative press from some corners.

The sooner they get it started, the sooner they can make it happen. But I haven't seen any such letters being sent yet.....And they're going to have to give people a pretty good amount of notice before they cut analog service....

Scott

But what I find really galling is that they KNEW about this for the past decade. I still remember a conversation I had with TWC 8 or 9 years ago when I was helping my parents out with their cable connection. They had an analog box. The CSR was very clear that I should swap out their analog box because they "knew" that in a few years, TWC would br dropping all analog to make for more bandwidth for more "channels."

They "said" they were going to launch a big push in the next year to get folks to swap out their analog boxes for digital ones.

I'm sure someone said "hey, that might cost us some money, screw it, I'm keeping expenses to bare minimum so I can make my 1.7 million dollar bonus."

So now we have their worst customers (the ones paying the LEAST per month) being kept happy at the expense of those who want to have a feature rich cable connection AND pay top dollar for a decidedly sub-standard service.

Contrary to the relatively free market we have in the US, they are NOT operating in any sort of free market here. They KNOW they have a total monopoly grip on the biggest parts of the NY area market. So they can bleed them all they want.

Latest example... 4 analogs were dropped this past fall. More than enough bandwidth to give Manhattanites ALL the additional channels SI and parts of Queens were getting. AND have room for 3 or 4 more HD channels. What did they do? Gave us 2 channels... that's it.

Competition is good.

Which is exactly why they are resorting to every trick in the lobbyists book to stall, delay and maybe even prevent Verizon from getting the TV franchise agreement.

Eliminating the competition is FAR better than having to actually provide a good service and compete on that. Can cost a LOT less.

The most basic digital service should cost about the same amount.... And the people without boxes? They're not getting the scrambled channels anyways.... so what's the point of continuing to carry them???????? :mad:

Take away 40 scrambled analog channels..... then we can get every HD channel TWC can give us right now...

I remember an additional charge for "digital" service years and years ago. As I recall, it was worth a lot more than what they charged (there were a ton more channels, all the MusicChoice channels plus the multiple channels from the premium channels). Pretty sure that it may have been 3-4 years ago that there simply was NOT any additional charge for "digital."

What about the 10 or so HD channels they could have been giving us since the end of the year (recall them dropping 4 premium analogs and giving us only 2 HD channels when it could have been as much as 12)?

I remember an additional charge for "digital" service years and years ago. As I recall, it was worth a lot more than what they charged (there were a ton more channels, all the MusicChoice channels plus the multiple channels from the premium channels). Pretty sure that it may have been 3-4 years ago that there simply was NOT any additional charge for "digital."

What about the 10 or so HD channels they could have been giving us since the end of the year (recall them dropping 4 premium analogs and giving us only 2 HD channels when it could have been as much as 12)?

Didn't Time Warner introduce Business Link.TV in Manhattan (http://www.timewarnercable.com/InvestorRelations/PressReleases/TWCPressReleaseDivDetail.ashx?PRID=1819&MarketID=50)?

Did that not use up bandwidth that would have otherwise been available for residential services? Or is 4Mbps not a lot of bandwidth?

You are asking for the wrrong channels, those three are at least ayear away. Since you are in astoria you already got your big bump up, so if I was you I wouldn't keep your hopes up for any major channels additions other then something like ABC familyHD, ESPNnewsHD, and maybe one or 2 of the discoveryHD networks. All of which have some contract with TWC. The less you expect the better you will feel when nothing does get added.
Don't get me wrong I do feel changes are coming, but since you have already had the cchanges your chances are bit lesas.

Are you referring to CNN HD being a year away or were the three you are counting USA, SciFi, and NFL?

I'd think it'd be a bit strange if channel 710 (currently listed as CNN HD) just sat dormant for a whole year. I know the last time we got an upgrade (HGTV, Food Network, History...) they were blank for a few days before they came in. I'm looking forward to CNN in HD. I can do without the NFL Network, but oh how I'd love to watch the new season of Battlestar in glorious HD. I guess I'd need DirecTV for that. If I didn't think it was such a pain in the butt, I'd probably go for it.

Are you referring to CNN HD being a year away .As I peer into my crystal ball, I see CNNHD. Since you already have it as a blank screen, I see it in your immediate future.;)

This is just a guess but it’s TW’s modus operandi. Remember, this is an election year. The cable news channels are hot right now. This is their prime time. CNNHD and FOXHD have to be arriving on our screens soon-- your screen sooner than most.

Latest example... 4 analogs were dropped this past fall. More than enough bandwidth to give Manhattanites ALL the additional channels SI and parts of Queens were getting. AND have room for 3 or 4 more HD channels. What did they do? Gave us 2 channels... that's it.

Not making excuses for them, but I seem to recall that one of the SD channels was simply swapped out for a different SD channel (Fox Business News).

And some of the bandwidth was also used to bump up the Roadrunner speeds.

Thanks for the info (prediction?), Scott.

So with all this crap we have to put up with from TWC and Verizon FIOS not being available anytime soon, what is stopping us all from getting DirecTV?

My two major concerns were:
1) I live in an apartment building and it would be kind of a hassle (but other residents use it so it's possible)
2) How would I connect to the Internet? I use Road Runner now and it is fairly solid for the most part
3) The startup costs seem expensive

Are these basically the same reasons that other NYC residents are sticking it out with Time Warner?

As I peer into my crystal ball, I see CNNHD. Since you already have it as a blank screen, I see it in your immediate future.;)

All this talk of CNN-HD is getting me very excited... :D

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/images/cooper.anderson.b.jpg

I was wondering when you ^^^ were going to chime in… :p:D

Yay for CNN HD. :) I might watch more news now...

At this pace with SI getting many more HD Ch's then the rest of us, this forum will need a sub forum!

It's kinda of strange with Verizon negotiating the move into NYC there saying the more expensive real estate gets first. That's is supposed to be a sticking point. In reality look at TW adding higher value content for less $$$ to selective neighborhoods.

Hey Tony I see we now have NHl HD with a picture in queens and saw that cnnhd was added to the hd lineup.

At this pace with SI getting many more HD Ch's then the rest of us, this forum will need a sub forum!

It's kinda of strange with Verizon negotiating the move into NYC there saying the more expensive real estate gets first. That's is supposed to be a sticking point. In reality look at TW adding higher value content for less $$$ to selective neighborhoods.

I suspect TWC execs live in Staten Island

Channel 710 is now broadcasting CNN HD. Currently, the program is not in HD, and has sidebars on it.

But the channel is there and working.

Time Warner Links Web Prices With Usage

Thursday January 17, 7:42 am ET

Time Warner Cable Will Do Trial on Setting High-Speed Internet Charges Based on Usage

NEW YORK (AP) -- Time Warner Cable will experiment with a new pricing structure for high-speed Internet access later this year, charging customers based on how much data they download, a company spokesman said Wednesday.
The company, the second-largest cable provider in the United States, will start a trial in Beaumont, Texas, in which it will sell new Internet customers tiered levels of service based on how much data they download per month, rather than the usual fixed-price packages with unlimited downloads.

Company spokesman Alex Dudley said the trial was aimed at improving the network performance by making it more costly for heavy users of large downloads. Dudley said that a small group of super-heavy users of downloads, around 5 percent of the customer base, can account for up to 50 percent of network capacity.

Dudley said he did not know what the pricing tiers would be nor the download limits. He said the heavy users were likely using the network to download large amounts of video, most likely in high definition.

It was not clear when exactly the trial would begin, but Dudley said it would likely be around the second quarter. The tiered pricing would only affect new customers in Beaumont, not existing ones.

Time Warner Cable is a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., the world's largest media company.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080117/time_warner_cable_internet.html?.v=2

Didn't Time Warner introduce Business Link.TV in Manhattan (http://www.timewarnercable.com/InvestorRelations/PressReleases/TWCPressReleaseDivDetail.ashx?PRID=1819&MarketID=50)?

Did that not use up bandwidth that would have otherwise been available for residential services? Or is 4Mbps not a lot of bandwidth?

It SOUNDS like a package of channels they already carry. The 4Mb/s refers to the internal network at the business.

Not making excuses for them, but I seem to recall that one of the SD channels was simply swapped out for a different SD channel (Fox Business News).

And some of the bandwidth was also used to bump up the Roadrunner speeds.

Fox Business channel, the one watched by only 6000 people, is a SD analog channel? Seems to me there is NO reason on earth to have put it on analog.

Are you referring to CNN HD being a year away or were the three you are counting USA, SciFi, and NFL?

I'd think it'd be a bit strange if channel 710 (currently listed as CNN HD) just sat dormant for a whole year. I know the last time we got an upgrade (HGTV, Food Network, History...) they were blank for a few days before they came in. I'm looking forward to CNN in HD. I can do without the NFL Network, but oh how I'd love to watch the new season of Battlestar in glorious HD. I guess I'd need DirecTV for that. If I didn't think it was such a pain in the butt, I'd probably go for it.
I was talking about the others because CNNHD is in this area already, but personally I still don't see the draw for an HD news channel. The majority of field reporters are still using SD equipment and watching the same face for hours isn't appealing especially in HD.

But as for your Sci fi issue you might be in luck, from my understanding Universal HD is getting newer every day and rumor has it that BSG final season might be broadcast shortly after premirering on Sci-fi, not as good as the same week Heroes on NBCHD showing on Mojo, but it is suppose to be closer then a year later like season 3 was shown.
Or get Direct TV because they are the only one with SciFi HD. But remember this sad fact only 11 of the 20 BSG episodes are in the can so as of right now there are 9 episodes that are up in the air, if/when and that is a big IF they get produced is all on Sci-fi/Universal Media. Due to the writers strike the set is shut down and all staff has been let go. Does Universal media spend millions to set up everything again for anly 9 episodes. Fans sat HELL YEAH, but financiallyi t is a big expense for a canceled show.

Thanks for the info (prediction?), Scott.

So with all this crap we have to put up with from TWC and Verizon FIOS not being available anytime soon, what is stopping us all from getting DirecTV?

My two major concerns were:
1) I live in an apartment building and it would be kind of a hassle (but other residents use it so it's possible)
2) How would I connect to the Internet? I use Road Runner now and it is fairly solid for the most part
3) The startup costs seem expensive

Are these basically the same reasons that other NYC residents are sticking it out with Time Warner?

Indeed cost can be an issue. BUT I just read they have some special going now... essentially 300 bucks for the HD DVR and one year's service.After that, you CAN go with the three year commitment that brings cost/month to 9 bucks.

Yes, I've said before that for many of us, IP connectivity at hi speed is a necessity (I work from home a lot). Down is OK w/RR, but up is pathetic. BUT Direct offers nothing, so one's only choice is to go DSL, which is far slower (3Mb down, up even more pathetic at 256k I think).

One COULD pay just for RR from TWC, BUT they bump the price up $15 I think to a total of $60/month.

There apparently ARE a few locations in Manhattan that have Verizon fiber, so they CAN get phone/IP from Verizon and Direct. Matter of fact, I think Verizon will handle the Direct part for you, so you deal with a single bill for the three services.

Anyway, us NYers are a tough bunch and each of us may have very different requirements. What I outlined above may only be consequence to some but not ALL.

Time Warner Links Web Prices With Usage

Thursday January 17, 7:42 am ET

Time Warner Cable Will Do Trial on Setting High-Speed Internet Charges Based on Usage

NEW YORK (AP) -- Time Warner Cable will experiment with a new pricing structure for high-speed Internet access later this year, charging customers based on how much data they download, a company spokesman said Wednesday.

I wish they would just have the guts to jettison the bandwidth hogs and dispense with this.

A_C

Time Warner Links Web Prices With Usage

Thursday January 17, 7:42 am ET

Time Warner Cable Will Do Trial on Setting High-Speed Internet Charges Based on Usage

Coming on the same week Apple intros HD downloads, clearly they are trying to kill whatever chance HD downloads have.

Think about it, you run what is essentially a legal monopoly. NOW you arrange a way to essentially block someone else who is trying to deliver HD to people (i.e. because we "own" so many customers, we are going to make damn sure that they have NO CHOICE in getting their HD content). So you are not only harming everyday people with monopoly pricing, but also you can attack other businesses that may compete with the services TWC offers.

Thanks for the info (prediction?), Scott.

So with all this crap we have to put up with from TWC and Verizon FIOS not being available anytime soon, what is stopping us all from getting DirecTV?

My two major concerns were:
1) I live in an apartment building and it would be kind of a hassle (but other residents use it so it's possible)
2) How would I connect to the Internet? I use Road Runner now and it is fairly solid for the most part
3) The startup costs seem expensive

Are these basically the same reasons that other NYC residents are sticking it out with Time Warner?
Only one ofd your issues is legitimate. The internet one. While their are some areas in Manhattan that does not allow or get reception of SAT the outer-boroughs get it. There are still issues of channel and service disruption at a level much larger then TWC. Then there is the isuue of extras, while start up isn't as bad as you thibnk. You can talk yourself into a free everything. The extras that will kill you is the prices after promoi , period like extra HD boxes, DVR boxes, HD channels, Soprts packages. all these additions make it seem like TWC bill is nothing. Don't get me wrong you do get better PQ with SAT and the HD selection will not be touched by any cable Phone service for years to come. However, if you do make the jumo make sure you know all the extras and don't get fooled by the intro offer because after that 6 months of savings you bill WILL skyrocket.

...a legal monopoly. NOW you arrange a way to essentially block someone else who is trying to deliver HD to people (i.e. because we "own" so many customers, we are going to make damn sure that they have NO CHOICE in getting their HD content). So you are not only harming everyday people with monopoly pricing, but also you can attack other businesses that may compete with the services TWC offers.
You are absolutely right. This is a slick move by TW situating their coffers for the future revenue stream-- where downloading will be how we get our movies—basically eliminating all forms of DVDs.

You are absolutely right. This is a slick move by TW situating their coffers for the future revenue stream-- where downloading will be how we get our movies—basically eliminating all forms of DVDs.
It is smart on their behalf, The future will be geared toward eliminating going to Blockbuster, CC or BB for any type of DVD. Everything would be done online from the comfort of home. But what I don't undersatdn is this, TWC already has offers for three different speeds RR, shouldn't that be the cost adjustment for more or less downloads? Like River who works from home and does a lot of upload and down load,m you would have the top service. But someone like me who is cool with DSL at 3mbps, If I were to get RR I would save the 20-30 dollars and get the lowest speed. By doing it their way does it mean they will charge you more on top of your monthly plan if you download excessive amounts no matter which service you have and less if you download less.

Time Warner Links Web Prices With Usage

Thursday January 17, 7:42 am ET

Time Warner Cable Will Do Trial on Setting High-Speed Internet Charges Based on Usage

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080117/time_warner_cable_internet.html?.v=2

Somehow this sounds like we all pay more in the end :(

Somehow this sounds like we all pay more in the end :(

As if we don't pay enough already. Time Warner keeps getting worse and worse!!

Fox Business channel, the one watched by only 6000 people, is a SD analog channel? Seems to me there is NO reason on earth to have put it on analog.

This is true, but I think that is the ugly reality of the situation.

Coming on the same week Apple intros HD downloads, clearly they are trying to kill whatever chance HD downloads have.

Think about it, you run what is essentially a legal monopoly. NOW you arrange a way to essentially block someone else who is trying to deliver HD to people (i.e. because we "own" so many customers, we are going to make damn sure that they have NO CHOICE in getting their HD content). So you are not only harming everyday people with monopoly pricing, but also you can attack other businesses that may compete with the services TWC offers.

But if you read the same article on MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22707271/), it will mention that all the internet providers are looking at this idea and seeing it can float. In this instance, both the Cable COss and Telcos want to put a lockdown on internet traffic. And I have heard for myself when I was back in college that Comcast would block traffic if you were downloading too much.

Any company, cable, phone, etc, who looks into this and stays with this long term will not be looked favorably in my eye. Both are trying to one over the average consumer at a time when the economy doesn't need it.

But if you read the same article on MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22707271/), it will mention that all the internet providers are looking at this idea and seeing it can float. In this instance, both the Cable COss and Telcos want to put a lockdown on internet traffic. And I have heard for myself when I was back in college that Comcast would block traffic if you were downloading too much.

Any company, cable, phone, etc, who looks into this and stays with this long term will not be looked favorably in my eye. Both are trying to one over the average consumer at a time when the economy doesn't need it.

Actually, a good part of the issue has to do with a concept called Net Neutrality. Meaning that any provider must NOT block some traffic, but allow other traffic. Comcast (and I see clear evidence TWC is also doing it) is blocking certain kind of traffic. That would be the same as blocking any Democrat Presidential hopeful and allowing any Republican candidate to be passed to the customer. Yes they are blocking p2p traffic, and yes, some think that such traffic is evil, but some also think anything from a Democrat's mouth is evil.

Paying per MB has long been a kind of goal... BUT none of the ISPs ever tried to switch to such a model. NOW that we see a clear need for bandwidth, we see the cable guys jumping for joy because they can trot out the per MB charge thing. Which is clearly (IMO) aimed at stifling any potential market in downloaded TV content from someone OTHER than the cable outfit.

Actually, a good part of the issue has to do with a concept called Net Neutrality. Meaning that any provider must NOT block some traffic, but allow other traffic. Comcast (and I see clear evidence TWC is also doing it) is blocking certain kind of traffic. That would be the same as blocking any Democrat Presidential hopeful and allowing any Republican candidate to be passed to the customer. Yes they are blocking p2p traffic, and yes, some think that such traffic is evil, but some also think anything from a Democrat's mouth is evil.

Paying per MB has long been a kind of goal... BUT none of the ISPs ever tried to switch to such a model. NOW that we see a clear need for bandwidth, we see the cable guys jumping for joy because they can trot out the per MB charge thing. Which is clearly (IMO) aimed at stifling any potential market in downloaded TV content from someone OTHER than the cable outfit.
For the cable companies, this isn't the motivation. The motivation is simple: cable internet services are generally oversold, and the cable companies want to continue to be able to oversell them.

The phone companies are not oversold, so you won't find them even considering a usage-based charge for hardline internet access.

It all goes back to the fundamental difference between cable internet access and phone company internet access (56k, DSL or Fiber.) With cable, you're sharing bandwidth to the local headend with hundreds of your neighbors. As advertised speeds have gone up, more bandwidth-intensive applications have come online, and more people began using the Internet for more things, Cable's practice of overselling bandwidth has come around to bite them in the hindquarters, and they are being forced to find ways to deal with it. Hence Comcast blocking ********** traffic and TWC looking at usage-based charges.

With DSL or Fiber, your connection to the local exchange is yours alone, so the problem of overselling shared bandwidth is non-existent.

If you look at the MSNBC article, you'll see it only mentions Cable companies, no phone companies.

Having said that, Verizon has campaigned against Net Neutrality. But that's because it's invested billions in its fiber network so it wants to make sure it gets paid for any content delivered over that network.

CNN HD seems to be in it's own QAM slot. It looks as good as TBS HD when it debuted during the playoffs. Content-wise, there is a good amount of HD programming. The ticker is in 16:9, which helps. The shows that are in HD, are nearly all HD. For instance, Anderson Cooper on AC360 had a person in the Washington Newsroom, and in some other newsroom, both in HD, with SC Primary Coverage also being in HD.

I would like having CNN in HD as a matter of taste I would give up a sports CH or two for AE or HIS HD.... Whats with Ch 740? I'm sure TW could give us something in this slot.

I would like having CNN in HD as a matter of taste I would give up a sports CH or two for AE or HIS HD.... Whats with Ch 740? I'm sure TW could give us something in this slot.

740 is blank... the system message doesn't take up bandwidth...

And the truth is - the majority of HD viewers wants sports

I would like having CNN in HD as a matter of taste I would give up a sports CH or two for AE or HIS HD.... Whats with Ch 740? I'm sure TW could give us something in this slot.

On Staten Island, ch 740 has History HD. If you eventually get it it will probably be on this channel.

Cynthia

And the truth is - the majority of HD viewers wants sports

What is your source? I'll agree that it seems true, in this group, that the most vocal HD viewers want sports, but I've never seen a survey or any other type of analysis on the subject.

-barry

What is your source? I'll agree that it seems true, in this group, that the most vocal HD viewers want sports, but I've never seen a survey or any other type of analysis on the subject.

-barry

It's sports and Prime Time Network shows... (ratings say it all...)

What is your source? I'll agree that it seems true, in this group, that the most vocal HD viewers want sports, but I've never seen a survey or any other type of analysis on the subject.

-barry

I'd say that common sense states that HD viewers want sports/network sitcoms/dramas in HD. Who really cares for news in HD? It's the friggin news...do you really wanna see Bill O'Reilly in HD? God forbid Larry King....PUKE!I mean, I'm as big a fan of Billy O' as there is, and I always support a fellow NY'r...but no way I wanna see his old ass mug in HD lol

It seems to me that Time Warner Cable has gone from bad to worse.

I have a 8300HDC and four 4250HDC boxes in my home and they have taken the joy out of watching TV.

Why or how Time Warner Cable as an MSO operator can pass along hardware and software that they know does not work to their customers is a crime.

The HDMI issues, software reboots, resolution trouble, digital drop outs, color and sound issues are too many to list here.

Programming and channel access stated and sold as HD but they are nothing but upscaled over pumped garbage from 480i.

Sound that should be in 5.1.... Advertised in 5.1 yet not even is decent stereo. Wrong digital audio signals... Time Warner is charging millions of consumers for services they are not providing.

Why the City of New York, The FCC and The Public Service Comm are allowing this is beyond me.

Why is it that Time Warner Cable is allowed to charge millions of consumers for garbage service. Where are our elected officials? Does Time Warner pay so much to their elections that they are beyond City, State and Federal laws?

Where and when will some smart law firm see that there is a HUGE class action lawsuit here and if they step up to the plate they will be helping millions abused by Time Warner Cable not only in New York but across America.

If they keep with their current system 740 would be History for us.

740 is blank... the system message doesn't take up bandwidth...

And the truth is - the majority of HD viewers wants sports


This makes no sense maybe AVS viewers How about Movies? Primetime, Those stupid reality shows. Besides Playoffs the Superbowl or World Series. Its freekin hard to watch every baseball game every inning.

For the cable companies, this isn't the motivation. The motivation is simple: cable internet services are generally oversold, and the cable companies want to continue to be able to oversell them.

The phone companies are not oversold, so you won't find them even considering a usage-based charge for hardline internet access.

It all goes back to the fundamental difference between cable internet access and phone company internet access (56k, DSL or Fiber.) With cable, you're sharing bandwidth to the local headend with hundreds of your neighbors. As advertised speeds have gone up, more bandwidth-intensive applications have come online, and more people began using the Internet for more things, Cable's practice of overselling bandwidth has come around to bite them in the hindquarters, and they are being forced to find ways to deal with it. Hence Comcast blocking ********** traffic and TWC looking at usage-based charges.

With DSL or Fiber, your connection to the local exchange is yours alone, so the problem of overselling shared bandwidth is non-existent.

If you look at the MSNBC article, you'll see it only mentions Cable companies, no phone companies.

Having said that, Verizon has campaigned against Net Neutrality. But that's because it's invested billions in its fiber network so it wants to make sure it gets paid for any content delivered over that network.

To be honest, I do NOT buy the "oh cable IP gets slower and slower with more and more sharing it with you" argument that originated with the phone companies. It is inherently a shared resource. For many, many points in any day, I can see the full bandwidth my cable account does. Has been this way since day one (something like 3-5 years now).

Verizon wanting to get paid for it's bandwidth isn't an issue with net neutrality. It's in deciding what content they will allow or not. Or any basis of charging based on what content is being routed.

On Staten Island, ch 740 has History HD. If you eventually get it it will probably be on this channel.

Cynthia

Not likely. Doesn't make sense to have History HD on 740 in SI and CNN HD on 740 in Manhattan. Then again this is TWC, so they probably will do that, then switch everything around.

It seems to me that Time Warner Cable has gone from bad to worse.

I have a 8300HDC and four 4250HDC boxes in my home and they have taken the joy out of watching TV.

Why or how Time Warner Cable as an MSO operator can pass along hardware and software that they know does not work to their customers is a crime.

The HDMI issues, software reboots, resolution trouble, digital drop outs, color and sound issues are too many to list here.

Programming and channel access stated and sold as HD but they are nothing but upscaled over pumped garbage from 480i.

Sound that should be in 5.1.... Advertised in 5.1 yet not even is decent stereo. Wrong digital audio signals... Time Warner is charging millions of consumers for services they are not providing.

Why the City of New York, The FCC and The Public Service Comm are allowing this is beyond me.

Why is it that Time Warner Cable is allowed to charge millions of consumers for garbage service. Where are our elected officials? Does Time Warner pay so much to their elections that they are beyond City, State and Federal laws?

Where and when will some smart law firm see that there is a HUGE class action lawsuit here and if they step up to the plate they will be helping millions abused by Time Warner Cable not only in New York but across America.

Go back a few pages... the city is holding hearings on TWC's franchise renewal. Go to the meeting and say your piece. To file a complaint with the DOITT.

help...
i have an sa 8300hd dvr. yesterday i unplugged it for maybe 10 seconds. when it booted back up, the list of my recorded shows looked like it was from over a month ago. none of my new recordings are present and stuff i erased is listed. if i try to view a show i erased, it says it's not available (makes sense, i erased it).
my recent recordings have to be somewhere in there. i've done a power button reboot and also left the box unplugged for a half hour.
same thing.
any help?
i want my recordings back.

re: Staten Island locals in HD via clear QAM?

I might be visiting my brother-in-law's tomorrow, and I'd really like to be able to see the football games in HD. I can bring my HD TV with a clear QAM tuner.

So, are CBS & FOX available in HD via clear QAM on Staten Island? Do they have a consistant channel assignment?

Thanks.

Is anyone able to use HDMI with the SA Explorer 8300HDC? The component connection at 480i sucks.

This makes no sense maybe AVS viewers How about Movies? Primetime, Those stupid reality shows. Besides Playoffs the Superbowl or World Series. Its freekin hard to watch every baseball game every inning.I have to agree with Berk32. Unfortunately, I do not have any links to support this but I know I’ve read this time and time again.
"the majority of HD viewers wants sports"

One simple proof of this is to observe the swell of HD sales prior to major sporting events-- Super Bowls and the Olympics to name two. Display companies have been gearing up big time specifically for the upcoming Olympics in China.

And the high ratings for the sporting events are representative, unlike the high ratings for some of the trash shows. Those reality, prime time shows are just pop culture bubble gum with quick flavor but no real substance. HD is not a part of their allure.

The two biggest groups for the push of HD display sales have been sports fans and the original SD DVD viewers (now, of course, all types of DVD viewers). I’m positive if you do the research you will see that this is true.

Not likely. Doesn't make sense to have History HD on 740 in SI and CNN HD on 740 in Manhattan. Then again this is TWC, so they probably will do that, then switch everything around.

In SI, CNN is on 10, and History on 40, so it does make sense.

To be honest, I do NOT buy the "oh cable IP gets slower and slower with more and more sharing it with you" argument that originated with the phone companies. It is inherently a shared resource. For many, many points in any day, I can see the full bandwidth my cable account does. Has been this way since day one (something like 3-5 years now).

Verizon wanting to get paid for it's bandwidth isn't an issue with net neutrality. It's in deciding what content they will allow or not. Or any basis of charging based on what content is being routed.
I'm not trying to start another DSL vs. Cable flamewar. I'm just trying to explain why the cable companies are doing what they are doing.

Yes, both DSL and Cable services are ultimately shared among users. The difference is where they are shared. Cable bandwidth is shared at the headend, so if there's a bandwidth crunch caused by too many people wanting too much bandwidth at the same time, there really isn't much the company can do about it. There are various things they can kinda-sorta finagle to "optimize" bandwidth, such as bursting bandwidth when needed (such as Comcast PowerBoost) or packet shaping (like Comcast blocking p2p). But ultimately, they have to wait for improvements to DOCSIS that bring higher capacity, such as DOCSIS 3.0 which is due early this year, but still won't provide the capacity cable needs to compete with FiOS without overselling.

With DSL or Fiber, if there's a bandwidth crunch, it will be upstream from the local exchange, so they can just bung in a new router or turn on a new fiber link, and it's taken care of.

That's the key difference.

Where are our elected officials?

Make a note of the date and bring those sentiments to the meeting:

Public hearing;
NYC Cable TV Franchise Renewal of Time Warner Cable
Date: February 7, 2008
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Richard Harris Terrace - Tribeca Performing Arts Center
199 Chambers St. New York, New York 10007
3:00pm-7:00pm

I have a friend that picked up a brand new Scientific Atlanta 4250HDC from TWC 23 Street / Manhattan today.

First thing they told him was no HDMI support, only component HD.

After he complained he was told that a firmware update was in the works that (within the next 2-3 weeks) will address this problem...

**Update:

Spoke with my friend and he claims HDMI connection still not fully operational.

He claims he can get a picture through the connection but no sound.

Two Road games on MSG today.
Rangers in Boston this afternoon and Knicks in Miami this evening both games in HD.
I wonder how they pulled that one off?

Two Road games on MSG today.
Rangers in Boston this afternoon and Knicks in Miami this evening both games in HD.
I wonder how they pulled that one off?

HDTV trucks aren't tied up at NFL stadiums anymore?

well at least all Nets games from now on will be in HD.

http://web.yesnetwork.com/schedule/nets_schedule.jsp

hey i;m new to zvs ... hello ... okay now for the hdmi ... i have read here that some boxes don't work ... however if his video is working ... check your sound output settings on your box and make sure it's set to hdmi. =)

ps. I think i;m getting direct tv ... i have a total of 12 hd channels from twc ... BULL ... my cable bill is 140 a month (digital hd/dvr and roadrunner) ... for that i should have much more.

it's about that time of the year again. another year more garbage.

I just filled one out.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/consumer/consumer_cable_service_form.shtml

Is anyone in Queens(Woodside Division) recieving CNN-HD on channel 710? They said it was available on 1/15 but i am still not getting it, just blank screen. Have info and channel in guide but no picture. I called TWC two nights ago and they said they would investigate but still no picture at this time.

Ronnie

Is anyone in Queens(Woodside Division) recieving CNN-HD on channel 710? They said it was available on 1/15 but i am still not getting it, just blank screen. Have info and channel in guide but no picture. I called TWC two nights ago and they said they would investigate but still no picture at this time.

Ronnie

Not seeing a picture here in Elmhurst either on channel 710 for CNN HD. Mind you it took TWC close to a month to fix the NHL HD channel on 795. Maybe you will get lucky and they will fix it this upcoming week, but do not hold your breath.

Is anyone in Queens(Woodside Division) recieving CNN-HD on channel 710? They said it was available on 1/15 but i am still not getting it, just blank screen. Have info and channel in guide but no picture. I called TWC two nights ago and they said they would investigate but still no picture at this time.
I live in Astoria and we still don't have a picture here yet either. Just info on the guide and a blank screen like you. Maybe if we make enough phone calls it will change?

What is your source? I'll agree that it seems true, in this group, that the most vocal HD viewers want sports, but I've never seen a survey or any other type of analysis on the subject.

-barry


Blah I have 6 HD sports channels already , enough sports thanks.

Some off-topic posts removed.

Yes enough sports CH's for now! I have EPSN, SNY and any other HD sports station that TW offers. I watched one hell of a Football game last night on Fox, a "Free" CH.

Some off-topic posts removed.

Thank you!

I would like to remind the participants that this group's charter is dedicated to TWC NYC "Local HDTV Info and Reception".

Who ones' favorite team is, your enthusiasm for same and how you expect/desire them to perform is outside the scope of this topic. And frankly, it's boring to those of us who come here to discuss TWC NYC.

Now, would anyone like to comment on the upcoming hearings for renewal of TWC NYC's franchise?

A_C

It's nice that we have a place to call our own here in New York that can make our digital lives a little better. AVS is a good thing :)

I plan on being at the meeting. I work in the TV industry and I feel a number of topics need to be talked about in the open.

I've also sent a letter to TWC hoping that some issues can be covered before the meeting.

Dear Ms. Witmer,

I will be attending the franchise renewal hearing on February 7th

I have a number of topics relevant to those in New York City I will be discussing:

HDMI operability and functionality
Set Top Software and Hardware Issues
HD programming and SD Programming Up Scaled to Augment Inventory
Sound and Video Continuity Across the MSO and TWC Franchise
General Continuity of Service and Bandwidth Limitations
Consumer Rights Awareness of TWC Franchise Customers – FCC and PSC Programs

Would you care to comment about the programming components?

The amount of true HD programming
Associated HD Technologies
Lack of Audio and Video Standards and Continuity for HD Programming
Up Scaled 480i and or less than 780p and 1080i TV Programming Being Sold and Promoted as HD Programming
The Small Amount of HD Programming Provided to The Franchise
The Selling, Advertising and Marketing of HD Services, Technologies and TV Programming in The Franchise


If there are others here who cannot attend but wish to submit questions. Please leave them here so I can include them.

Tony

Two Road games on MSG today.
Rangers in Boston this afternoon and Knicks in Miami this evening both games in HD.
I wonder how they pulled that one off?
Easy enough, two different cities, two different time slots, availibility of HD trucks.
FYI for the rest of the season most Knicks away games will be in HD, with the exception of next week's West Coast swing.
Most Rangers away games will be in HD.
Most Islanders or Devils away games that are on the main Fox Sports NY channel will be in HD. Devils fans are fortunate that a good portion of their remaining games will be at home, and in crisp HD. Devils games have the best home PQ around. All those new fibers ...
And MSG does all Buffalo Sabres games. Their home games are in HD.
Not bad, eh?
No more Cablevision bashing [for now]. That's a lot of money to equip 5 teams
with HD trucks for aprox. 30+ away games each [except the Sabres] and 30+ home games each, those that aren't exclusively glommed by NBC, TNT, Versus or ESPN/ABC.
More than 275 HD dates. That's a lot of cash.

It's nice that we have a place to call our own here in New York that can make our digital lives a little better. AVS is a good thing :)

I plan on being at the meeting. I work in the TV industry and I feel a number of topics need to be talked about in the open.

I've also sent a letter to TWC hoping that some issues can be covered before the meeting.

Dear Ms. Witmer,

I will be attending the franchise renewal hearing on February 7th

I have a number of topics relevant to those in New York City I will be discussing:

HDMI operability and functionality
Set Top Software and Hardware Issues
HD programming and SD Programming Up Scaled to Augment Inventory
Sound and Video Continuity Across the MSO and TWC Franchise
General Continuity of Service and Bandwidth Limitations
Consumer Rights Awareness of TWC Franchise Customers – FCC and PSC Programs

Would you care to comment about the programming components?

The amount of true HD programming
Associated HD Technologies
Lack of Audio and Video Standards and Continuity for HD Programming
Up Scaled 480i and or less than 780p and 1080i TV Programming Being Sold and Promoted as HD Programming
The Small Amount of HD Programming Provided to The Franchise
The Selling, Advertising and Marketing of HD Services, Technologies and TV Programming in The Franchise


If there are others here who cannot attend but wish to submit questions. Please leave them here so I can include them.

Tony

I'm leaving work early to get down their that day

Easy enough, two different cities, two different time slots, availibility of HD trucks.
FYI for the rest of the season most Knicks away games will be in HD, with the exception of next week's West Coast swing.
Most Rangers away games will be in HD.
Most Islanders or Devils away games that are on the main Fox Sports NY channel will be in HD. Devils fans are fortunate that a good portion of their remaining games will be at home, and in crisp HD. Devils games have the best home PQ around. All those new fibers ...
And MSG does all Buffalo Sabres games. Their home games are in HD.
Not bad, eh?
No more Cablevision bashing [for now]. That's a lot of money to equip 5 teams
with HD trucks for aprox. 30+ away games each [except the Sabres] and 30+ home games each, those that aren't exclusively glommed by NBC, TNT, Versus or ESPN/ABC.
More than 275 HD dates. That's a lot of cash.


wow, thanks. this is great news.
hopefully next year will some how bring 100% HD for all NY area teams.

wow, thanks. this is great news.
hopefully next year will some how bring 100% HD for all NY area teams.

outside of the MSG2/FSNY2 games... we're pretty damn close now

It's nice that we have a place to call our own here in New York that can make our digital lives a little better. AVS is a good thing :)

I plan on being at the meeting. I work in the TV industry and I feel a number of topics need to be talked about in the open.

I've also sent a letter to TWC hoping that some issues can be covered before the meeting.

Dear Ms. Witmer,

I will be attending the franchise renewal hearing on February 7th

I have a number of topics relevant to those in New York City I will be discussing:

HDMI operability and functionality
Set Top Software and Hardware Issues
HD programming and SD Programming Up Scaled to Augment Inventory
Sound and Video Continuity Across the MSO and TWC Franchise
General Continuity of Service and Bandwidth Limitations
Consumer Rights Awareness of TWC Franchise Customers – FCC and PSC Programs

Would you care to comment about the programming components?

The amount of true HD programming
Associated HD Technologies
Lack of Audio and Video Standards and Continuity for HD Programming
Up Scaled 480i and or less than 780p and 1080i TV Programming Being Sold and Promoted as HD Programming
The Small Amount of HD Programming Provided to The Franchise
The Selling, Advertising and Marketing of HD Services, Technologies and TV Programming in The Franchise


If there are others here who cannot attend but wish to submit questions. Please leave them here so I can include them.

Tony

You may have a hard time presenting an agenda that extensive. I don’t know how these particular hearings are conducted, but of the public hearings I’ve attended in the past, you may be restricted to as little as 3 minutes at the microphone and the chairperson may prohibit prepared remarks.

I plan to limit my comments to the excessive compression TWC applies to HD content. I believe there should be a clause in the new franchise agreement which calls for minimum standards for HD video quality, clearly defined and quantifiable.

Simply put, it should be against the law for TWC to trash HD content as they currently do.

A_C

Any bets that TWC will launch, or announce, an expansion of HD channels prior to the Feb 7 hearing?

looks like TWC has the rights to even more HD channels. S.I. and Woodside just might get em'

TWC in Hawaii will be launching:
The Science Channel-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
Discovery Channel-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
TLC-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
IFC-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
AMC-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
WE-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
FUSE-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
Sci-Fi-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)
Bravo-HD --- (Coming soon to Hawaii)

and what is already in Albany:
Fox Business Network-HD
The Weather Channel-HD
The Outdoor Channel-HD
Animal Planet-HD

and already in Texas:
Game-HD (NHL Center Ice in HD)
Team-HD (NBA League Pass in HD)

Any bets that TWC will launch, or announce, an expansion of HD channels prior to the Feb 7 hearing?
In Manhattan? I would give the odds at slim to none. Seriously -- capacity is full until they get rid of more analog simulcast channels.

Well, due to forced overtime :mad:, I cannot go to the LAGCC meeting.

If someone does go to the one in their local area, could you please report how it went and anything of interest that we all here would like to know.

Thank you in advance.

In Manhattan? I would give the odds at slim to none. Seriously -- capacity is full until they get rid of more analog simulcast channels.

doesn't berk32's spread sheet show frequency slot #807 and 813 free for HD?

I'm not trying to start another DSL vs. Cable flamewar. I'm just trying to explain why the cable companies are doing what they are doing.

Yes, both DSL and Cable services are ultimately shared among users. The difference is where they are shared. Cable bandwidth is shared at the headend, so if there's a bandwidth crunch caused by too many people wanting too much bandwidth at the same time, there really isn't much the company can do about it. There are various things they can kinda-sorta finagle to "optimize" bandwidth, such as bursting bandwidth when needed (such as Comcast PowerBoost) or packet shaping (like Comcast blocking p2p). But ultimately, they have to wait for improvements to DOCSIS that bring higher capacity, such as DOCSIS 3.0 which is due early this year, but still won't provide the capacity cable needs to compete with FiOS without overselling.

With DSL or Fiber, if there's a bandwidth crunch, it will be upstream from the local exchange, so they can just bung in a new router or turn on a new fiber link, and it's taken care of.

That's the key difference.

Nor was my intent to get into such a war!

Seems to me that if the crunch is at the head end for cable, they could simply add "another OC-12" to the mix, couldn't they? Besides, DSL only gets one 3Mb/s while cable 10Mb/s (standard accounts).

Besides "cable vs. telco" there sure IS bandwidth crunch as you put it on the entire Internet itself (other than time of day). I have mad enough tests to see that my down speeds runs very close to 10Mb/s out to Chicago, but as soon as I reach the west cost, the best I can hope for is 6 Mb/s.

What I find REAL interesting is that DOCSIS 3 seems to be twice T-3 speeds... almost getting to those OC-3 lines. I very clearly remember when I convinced my company to put in a "real" T-1 line and thought I was in heaven (well it was 10 years ago)! Today, a T-1 seems like 2400 baud dialup... btw the way I didn't go through the 300 baud days, I think I started at 1200.

Might I see OC-48 or better OC-256 at home??

Make a note of the date and bring those sentiments to the meeting:

Public hearing;
NYC Cable TV Franchise Renewal of Time Warner Cable
Date: February 7, 2008
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Richard Harris Terrace - Tribeca Performing Arts Center
199 Chambers St. New York, New York 10007
3:00pm-7:00pm

I believe one CAN add a comment without physically being there... I will be exploring that as I'm in court on the seventh and I doubt I'd get let out!

Still I am BUMMED to be in such a position. I was even going to trot out my corporate executive threads...

Folks who can go should do a meet and greet...

hey i;m new to zvs ... hello ... okay now for the hdmi ... i have read here that some boxes don't work ... however if his video is working ... check your sound output settings on your box and make sure it's set to hdmi. =)

ps. I think i;m getting direct tv ... i have a total of 12 hd channels from twc ... BULL ... my cable bill is 140 a month (digital hd/dvr and roadrunner) ... for that i should have much more.

Your 12 will go to 21 if you move to Woodside or Staten Island. AND you coiuld also take 14 bucks OFF what you pay.

I watched one hell of a Football game last night on Fox, a "Free" CH.

When I went out yesterday, I swear people were eyeing me. Did they really hear me bellowing "We're going to the big show" as Tynes kick sailed through the uprights?

If there are others here who cannot attend but wish to submit questions. Please leave them here so I can include them.

Tony

Mine would be Manhattan paying MORE while receiving LESS.

Those with 9 more HD channels should be paying MORE for additional services, not less. Many people mistake market dominance with monopoly. The proper definition of monopoly is demonstrating economic harm. As my understanding is that the 10% discount IS available to all city residents EXCEPT those living in Manhattan, it sure does amount to economic harm because we have NO CHOICE but to pay more for less service.

In Manhattan? I would give the odds at slim to none. Seriously -- capacity is full until they get rid of more analog simulcast channels.

Just had an odd thought... one could say the odds are a duotrigintillion to one, how does that equate to "slim?"

When I went out yesterday, I swear people were eyeing me. Did they really hear me bellowing "We're going to the big show" as Tynes kick sailed through the uprights?:) Hey RG, I would love to revel with you on the joys of this past Sunday but :cool:-- just so you know-- straying off topic, apparently, is not tolerated anymore in our thread. A little bit of Big Blue jubilance spilled on to these pages to the point of irritation, :confused::rolleyes: enough to actually have complaints resulting in moderator intervention --and deletion of several posts --and an overall buzz kill to a once congenial place. I’m only mentioning this :rolleyes: to alert you and avert further pain to those that objected and additional admonishments.:rolleyes:

CNN HD just started coming in today here in Astoria, Queens.

While I'm pleased with the service here (especially compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn), it just isn't enough. I want USA and SciFi and DirecTV has them. What is the advantage of Time Warner again (besides the fact that it is already installed)? I'm at a loss to find one. However it appears that DirecTV might not receive the CW in HD. I'm going to look in to that before I permanently make a switch.

CNN HD just started coming in today here in Astoria, Queens.

While I'm pleased with the service here (especially compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn), it just isn't enough. I want USA and SciFi and DirecTV has them. What is the advantage of Time Warner again (besides the fact that it is already installed)? I'm at a loss to find one. However it appears that DirecTV might not receive the CW in HD. I'm going to look in to that before I permanently make a switch.
I'm guessing you're a wrestling fan? ;)

Nor was my intent to get into such a war!

Seems to me that if the crunch is at the head end for cable, they could simply add "another OC-12" to the mix, couldn't they? Besides, DSL only gets one 3Mb/s while cable 10Mb/s (standard accounts).

Besides "cable vs. telco" there sure IS bandwidth crunch as you put it on the entire Internet itself (other than time of day). I have mad enough tests to see that my down speeds runs very close to 10Mb/s out to Chicago, but as soon as I reach the west cost, the best I can hope for is 6 Mb/s.

What I find REAL interesting is that DOCSIS 3 seems to be twice T-3 speeds... almost getting to those OC-3 lines. I very clearly remember when I convinced my company to put in a "real" T-1 line and thought I was in heaven (well it was 10 years ago)! Today, a T-1 seems like 2400 baud dialup... btw the way I didn't go through the 300 baud days, I think I started at 1200.

Might I see OC-48 or better OC-256 at home??
In the event of a bandwidth crunch, cable could just add another OC-12, but it wouldn't solve their problem. Their problem is that their headend has to comply with DOCSIS, and that limits them to a hard bandwidth cap for the downstream network. They can't go over that limit without costly upgrades to their DOCSIS equipment, and that affects both cable modems and the new-generation cable TV boxes, as well as the CMTS equipment at the headend. DOCSIS 2.0, which is in use now, allows a maximum 38Mb/s down, which is typically shared between 100-500 users, more in densely populated areas like Manhattan. DOCSIS 3.0 quadruples that to 152Mb/s. Basic math will tell you that even in the most optimistic scenarios, the cable companies are still way overselling their bandwidth, and there really isn't much they can do about it.

Nor can the cable companies simply say "well screw DOCSIS, we've got our own, faster technology to use." That would be against FCC rules, which mandate the use of DOCSIS so that you can go into RatShack and buy a cable modem without having to check with the cable company first.

I'm guessing you're a wrestling fan? ;)
Ha, somewhat. That would be the primary reason for USA (and tennis). However SciFi is all about Battlestar Galatica for me. And my main fear for bailing on Time Warner and losing CW HD would be more about Gossip Girl and not Smackdown. I am a man of many tastes.

One of my two 8300 HD boxes crapped out a few weeks ago and TWC "graciously" replaced it with an 8300 HDC. I hate the new box and wondered if there is a way to get an old style 8300 HD box from a TWC center? I find the HDC much more cumbersome and less responsive.

Ha, somewhat. That would be the primary reason for USA (and tennis). However SciFi is all about Battlestar Galatica for me. And my main fear for bailing on Time Warner and losing CW HD would be more about Gossip Girl and not Smackdown. I am a man of many tastes.

I agree. I would love to have SciFi in HD for both Stargate Atlantis and Battlestar Galatica.

**Update:

Spoke with my friend and he claims HDMI connection still not fully operational.

He claims he can get a picture through the connection but no sound.

I use HDMI to connect the 8300 HDC with my new pioneer. I also connect a digital cable to my receiver (non HDMI compatible). If you select HDMI on the “digital out” option, you get sound from the TV but only stereo from the receiver. If you select Dolby Digital, you get 5.1 on the receiver but no sound from the TV. In both cases you get video.

The only problem with this configuration is that occasionally the shrank picture during “guide” view will not revert back to full screen. I’ll have to change channel to get full screen back.

The fact that my 8300HDC freezes after 6 hours of non-action and requires a reboot, that is whole another matter.

I use HDMI to connect the 8300 HDC with my new pioneer. I also connect a digital cable to my receiver (non HDMI compatible). If you select HDMI on the “digital out” option, you get sound from the TV but only stereo from the receiver. If you select Dolby Digital, you get 5.1 on the receiver but no sound from the TV. In both cases you get video.

The only problem with this configuration is that occasionally the shrinked picture during “guide” view will not revert back to full screen. I’ll have to change channel to get full screen back.

The fact that my 8300HDC freezes after 6 hours of non-action and requires a reboot, that is whole another matter.

Hmmm. I seem to be one of the few users of the 8300HDC that has had no problems with the box outside of the lack of setting output formats. If in a future patch they allow us to remove 480i using DVI/HDMI cable, the happier I will be with the unit.

When I get home, I will see what firmware number my box is using and post it and see if you guys are using the same on your units.

Ha, somewhat. That would be the primary reason for USA (and tennis). However SciFi is all about Battlestar Galatica for me. And my main fear for bailing on Time Warner and losing CW HD would be more about Gossip Girl and not Smackdown. I am a man of many tastes.

You do know UnHD runs BSG in HD? They just started a rebroadcast from S1 and typically they ran a month or two behind the SciFi broadcast. When S4 starts on SciFi we have no idea what lag there will be for the HD broadcast...

Besides that, it's filmed in such a gritty, grainy fashion that the HD broadcast isn't near as different from the SD broadcast as one might think.

:) Hey RG, I would love to revel with you on the joys of this past Sunday but :cool:-- just so you know-- straying off topic, apparently, is not tolerated anymore in our thread.

Caught that... too bad, this really is a pretty congenial bunch of HD nuts so I don't mind at all if someone slightly strays every now and then (mods take note!).

They can't go over that limit without costly upgrades to their DOCSIS equipment, and that affects both cable modems and the new-generation cable TV boxes, as well as the CMTS equipment at the headend. DOCSIS 2.0, which is in use now, allows a maximum 38Mb/s down, which is typically shared between 100-500 users, more in densely populated areas like Manhattan.

I take it you mean from a node, not the head end.

Typical TWC, here we have Comcast being up front about implementing DOCSIS 3, while TWC is silent. Can't tell you how much I hope they get refused for a renewal of their franchise agreement, much less be hit with a HUGE class action suit they LOSE!

I agree. I would love to have SciFi in HD for both Stargate Atlantis and Battlestar Galatica.

UnHD has run most of Atlantis in HD... starting with S1 E1 months ago. Atlantis looks a LOT better in HD, while BSG not near as much (due to the nature of how they want it to look, dark, gritty, and grainy).

Figures as UnHD and SciFi are both owned by NBC-Uni.

UnHD has run most of Atlantis in HD... starting with S1 E1 months ago. Atlantis looks a LOT better in HD, while BSG not near as much (due to the nature of how they want it to look, dark, gritty, and grainy).

Figures as UnHD and SciFi are both owned by NBC-Uni.

From time to time I do tune into the channel to see what they are showing. Too bad we cannot get the latest and greatest episodes on Universal HD unless I am missing a timeslot someplace. It does indeed look nice in HD and I read ya on BSG and the dark look. Cannot wait for the season primier.

I also hope they consider more 2 hour episodes like Razor. I like side stories and I am sure BSG could produce some good ones.

Besides that, it's filmed in such a gritty, grainy fashion that the HD broadcast isn't near as different from the SD broadcast as one might think.
True, but let's not ignore the widescreen factor either. I don't have a huge TV (32"), so the bigger the picture, the better. When I watch Battlestar in standard, I have to either with the picture that is about 40% smaller than my TV will allow, or put it on Zoom1 and have it fill the screen with questionable at best quality.

I didn't even watch Razor on TV. I just picked it up on DVD because I knew it would be the best quality I could get (without the HD channel).

or put it on Zoom1 and have it fill the screen with questionable at best quality.

+1 The SciFi channel on zoom (43" here) is a frightening spectacle.

+1 The SciFi channel on zoom (43" here) is a frightening spectacle.

Really? Most of the shows on SciFi are presented in letterbox, so they are perfect candidates for zoom mode.

There is a small issue, but it is due to a bug in my Samsung and it doesn't seem to get annoying enough to rule out the benefits of full widescreen.

Oddly enough, I do not find the PQ to be substantially different in zoom. It may well be a tad worse, BUT I think I'm far enough back that my eyes automatically adjust (40" HD, 8.5 feet back).

Really? Most of the shows on SciFi are presented in letterbox, so they are perfect candidates for zoom mode.

There is a small issue, but it is due to a bug in my Samsung and it doesn't seem to get annoying enough to rule out the benefits of full widescreen.

Oddly enough, I do not find the PQ to be substantially different in zoom. It may well be a tad worse, BUT I think I'm far enough back that my eyes automatically adjust (40" HD, 8.5 feet back).

SD Zoom = potential picture quality nightmare.

I guess it all depends on how good your TV is with SD programming...

Mine isn't too bad... but its still a significant dropoff.

SD Zoom = potential picture quality nightmare.


That's what I was referring to. I find SF Network to have horrible SD picture quality even before zooming.

SD Zoom = potential picture quality nightmare.

I guess it all depends on how good your TV is with SD programming...

Mine isn't too bad... but its still a significant dropoff.

The other factor is the quality of the broadcast itself. Some SD signals are high-quality and look just fine zoomed (Entourage on HBO), others are pretty poor and look really dodgy zoomed (Entourage on HBO On-Demand).

A good SD signal zoomed (e.g. by the 8300HD/HDC) will, casually speaking, pass for HD. If you're up close or concentrating on the PQ rather than the show, you can obviously see that it's not real HD, but if you're just casually watching the show.... the difference is not bothersome.

On the other hand, there's plenty of SD (sports broadcasts, for one) that looks crappy no matter how you're watching it.

it's about that time of the year again. another year more garbage.

I just filled one out.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/consumer/consumer_cable_service_form.shtml:cool:I filed my complaint right after you posted this. I received a phone message yesterday from a local TW rep who wanted to review my complaints. I called her back today and we had a nice chat.:rolleyes:

(edit for clarification--With this recent DOITT filing I had a three part complaint.)
My first complaint was regarding the HD channels that parts of Queens and all of Staten Island get but are not available to me and others in the city. She promised me that the rest of the city will have all of these HD channels by this summer. She said that was what the marketing department promised her. :rolleyes:

My second complaint was regarding picture quality. For me, it is paramount over everything and I wanted to know if TW will introduce new channels without degrading picture quality.

My third complaint was regarding their phone system.

After talking with her for several minutes regarding the first complaint (the additional HD channels) and hearing her responses, I didn’t bother to discuss anything else with her. She’s just doing her job—placating the whiners.

For what it’s worth, this is the third (or fourth?) time I filed a complaint and every time, I received an immediate response.

my complaint didn't even make it to TWC.

Dear Andy,

I am in receipt of your e-mail dated January 20, 2008, to the NYC Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, regarding your request to require Time Warner Cable to carry the same amount of HD Channels in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the rest of Queens, as they do in Staten Island and the Woodside Queens systems.

Unfortunately the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications does not regulate cable programming. State and Federal law prohibit the City of New York from dictating programming content on company channels. The City does, however, require channels to be provided for public access and municipal use.

Let me state the Time Warner Cable Franchises with New York City expire towards the end of this year and as we required system upgrading in the 1998 franchise renewal approval we will most likely request that all systems in this renewal to be fully digital. Lastly, cable companies are always interested in subscriber viewing interests, so you may wish to address your concerns to them directly.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Sincerely, Peter J. Schwab

Executive Director, Franchise Administration
Department of Information Tech. and Telecommunications

my complaint didn't even make it to TWC.

Dear Andy,

I am in receipt of your e-mail dated January 20, 2008, to the NYC Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, regarding your request to require Time Warner Cable to carry the same amount of HD Channels in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the rest of Queens, as they do in Staten Island and the Woodside Queens systems.

Unfortunately the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications does not regulate cable programming. State and Federal law prohibit the City of New York from dictating programming content on company channels. The City does, however, require channels to be provided for public access and municipal use.

Let me state the Time Warner Cable Franchises with New York City expire towards the end of this year and as we required system upgrading in the 1998 franchise renewal approval we will most likely request that all systems in this renewal to be fully digital. Lastly, cable companies are always interested in subscriber viewing interests, so you may wish to address your concerns to them directly.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Sincerely, Peter J. Schwab

Executive Director, Franchise Administration
Department of Information Tech. and Telecommunications

So I take it they will ask TWC nicely?

Kinda figured that the DoITT wouldn't do anything about leveling the programming between the boros. Kinda the same concept with XM/Sirius and how the program channels in which the FCC doesn't have a say nor can do anything about what it aired and what is not.

Kinda figured that the DoITT wouldn't do anything about leveling the programming between the boros. Kinda the same concept with XM/Sirius and how the program channels in which the FCC doesn't have a say nor can do anything about what it aired and what is not.

While it certainly is NOT the responsibility of the DOITT to "regulate" programming, it certainly very much IS their responsibility to insure that NY citizens are NOT forced to pay MORE for LESS service from the same company. We all know that a few areas in the city get 50% MORE HD channels. The rub is that those NOT IN THOSE areas end up paying higher rates than the areas blessed with substantially more services on HD. Those with 50% MORE HD channels should be paying MORE, not less.

The DOITT is NOT doing their jobs by allowing this situation to be as it is. It SHOULD force TWC to compensate those that it obviously won't serve by retroactively reducing it's customers (i.e. the customers who do NOT get all the possible services) costs. Condition of franchise renewal.

the more complaints we file to DOITT the more attention this gets, so keep it up guys

the more complaints we file to DOITT the more attention this gets, so keep it up guys

[How's this?]

Attn: Peter J. Schwab
Executive Director, Franchise Administration
Department of Information Tech. and Telecommunications

Dear Mr. Schwab,

I am very concerned about the image quality of High Definition video Time Warner Cable provides to its subscribers.

Increasingly, TWC applies video compression to an excessive degree. Image quality suffers in several ways. The most obvious is the introduction of motion artifacts; the pixilation you see on moving objects. It was generally only apparent on fast moving objects in sports broadcasts, but currently you see this phenomena in virtually all material, brought on by even the most subtle movements or scene changes. This is not acceptable and TWC should be held to a higher standard of service delivery.

I understand the realities of bandwidth allocation on a cable system, but at what point does HD stop being HD and become some bastardized hybrid?

Accordingly, I believe it is essential for your agency to establish a minimum standard for HD image quality and incorporate it into the next franchise agreement.

Quite simply, it should be against the law for TWC to compromise HD as it currently does.

A_C

[How's this?]
It was generally only acceptable on fast moving objects in sports broadcasts, It was apparent; it has never been nor should it ever be acceptable.

I think using the word "bastardized" detracts from the otherwise excellent message. Maybe consider replacing "some bastardized hybrid" with something like "just misleading marketing"?

LL3HD makes a good point as well. Replace "acceptable" with "apparent".

Overall, well done.

I think using the word "bastardized" detracts from the otherwise excellent message. Maybe consider replacing "some bastardized hybrid" with something like "just misleading marketing"?

LL3HD makes a good point as well. Replace "acceptable" with "apparent".

Overall, well done.

LL3HD I agree, 'apparent' would have been a better choice in that sentence.

However, I'll have to stick with "bastardized" because it's entirely descriptive. According to the dictionary; Bastardized -To change something so that its value declines.

A_C

[How's this?]

Attn: Peter J. Schwab
Executive Director, Franchise Administration
Department of Information Tech. and Telecommunications

Dear Mr. Schwab,

I am very concerned about the image quality of High Definition video Time Warner Cable provides to its subscribers.

Increasingly, TWC applies video compression to an excessive degree. Image quality suffers in several ways. The most obvious is the introduction of motion artifacts; the pixilation you see on moving objects. It was generally only acceptable on fast moving objects in sports broadcasts, but currently you see this phenomena in virtually all material, brought on by even the most subtle movements or scene changes. This is not acceptable and TWC should be held to a higher standard of service delivery.

I understand the realities of bandwidth allocation on a cable system, but at what point does HD stop being HD and become some bastardized hybrid?

Accordingly, I believe it is essential for your agency to establish a minimum standard for HD image quality and incorporate it into the next franchise agreement.

Quite simply, it should be against the law for TWC to compromise HD as it currently does.

All for enhancing TWC's HD quality and setting a standard. Curiously, though, I almost never see motion artifacts--on any channel. Haven't seen many complaints mentioning it on this forum either. That contrasts with motion artifacting complaints in the local OTA forum.

What I see instead, using a 1080i CRT RPTV that doesn't deinterlace HD, is a limitation in higher resolutions, based on HDNet's Saturday 6:30 am ET test pattern. I've been getting ~1290 lines (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175424#post5175424) maximum effective horizontal resolution (static, not motion) for years, and imws, with a 1080p front projector, reported a similar ~1335 lines (http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8865051#post8865051). By contrast, more recently someone in Florida, at a former TWC site, reported measuring nearly 1920X1080 effective resolution from HDNet.

Recent discussions with a BBC engineer in another forum indicates it's possible such higher-resolution/frequency filtering, could minimize factors that might 'stress' MPEG encoding and create artifacts. Rate shaping (http://broadcastengineering.com/aps/acquisition/broadcasting_dtv_digital_cable/index.html), coupled with requantization (http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8011489&&#post8011489) to reduce higher frequencies , is one way cable head ends can boost bandwidth availability. Cable STB limitations may play a role in limiting the higher effective resolutions, too.

Might be interesting to map the locations of those with cable motion artifact problems. I'm in mid-town on the Eastside (S. Manhattan's cable head end). A while back, when RCN had HD channels that TWC didn't, I got both cable services simultaneously--without artifacts from RCN either. Knowing the type of display used and the hookup (YPbPr or HDMI, etc.) would be useful, too, just in case deinterlacing 1080i/480i plays a role. --John

Agent, you might want to refer to the Cable Labs "standard" of minimum bit rate for HD (15 I believe).

Might be interesting to map the locations of those with cable motion artifact problems. I'm in mid-town on the Eastside (S. Manhattan's cable head end). A while back, when RCN had HD channels that TWC didn't, I got both cable services simultaneously--without artifacts from RCN either. Knowing the type of display used and the hookup (YPbPr or HDMI, etc.) would be useful, too, just in case deinterlacing 1080i/480i plays a role. --John


Very enlightening indeed John, thank you.

I'm using a Sony 46XBR4 connected via HDMI to a SA8300 HD DVR. As brilliant as this display is, it's no secret that deinterlacing is not one of its strengths. I'd be shocked to learn however, that the motion artifacts I'm seeing are the result of my display, not compression. If it could be quantified, I'd accept it nevertheless.

I'm in East Midtown as well.

I've been considering the purchase of a DVDO VP30 with a deinterlacing card. What do you think?

A_C

Very enlightening indeed John, thank you.

I'm using a Sony 46XBR4 connected via HDMI to a SA8300 HD DVR. As brilliant as this display is, it's no secret that deinterlacing is not one of its strengths. I'd be shocked to learn however, that the motion artifacts I'm seeing are the result of my display, not compression. If it could be quantified, I'd accept it nevertheless.

I'm in East Midtown as well.

I've been considering the purchase of a DVDO VP30 with a deinterlacing card. What do you think?

Suggest trying component cables to check for any differences. Also, years back, one of TWC's first Scientific Atlanta STBs, with an HD module piggybacked into an SD STB with an inadequate power supply and overheating, frying the MPEG decoder, sometimes created bad motion artifacts; an updated box fixed that. (Yup, forgot about that earlier above.) The 8300HD, or any STB, should be in the open with nothing blocking top/bottom ventilation. The standard cold reboot (unplugging ~60 secs) can cure many imaging glitches. (My 8300HD, in use for several years now, rarely creates problems and rebooting fixes them.) Wouldn't try for a new STB DVR unless I could get another 8300HD--or they iron out the new 8300HDC bugs. Using an external deinterlacer might be a fix, although some might consider going for a new display instead. -- John

Suggest trying component cables to check for any differences. Also, years back, one of TWC's first Scientific Atlanta STBs, with an HD module piggybacked into an SD STB with an inadequate power supply and overheating, frying the MPEG decoder, sometimes created bad motion artifacts; an updated box fixed that. (Yup, forgot about that earlier above.) The 8300HD, or any STB, should be in the open with nothing blocking top/bottom ventilation. The standard cold reboot (unplugging ~60 secs) can cure many imaging glitches. (My 8300HD, in use for several years now, rarely creates problems and rebooting fixes them.) Wouldn't try for a new STB DVR unless I could get another 8300HD--or they iron out the new 8300HDC bugs. Using an external deinterlacer might be a fix, although some might consider going for a new display instead. -- John


Thanks, I'll give that component suggestion a try. I'm further skeptical that it's the display however. I just set my HD-DVD & Blu-Ray machines to output 1080i and ran some tests. I saw no evidence of motion artifacts at all, so it still points to TWC in some fashion.

I've always taken cooling very seriously. The 8300 is in a cabinet with an open back and has a little fan propped on top. (see enclosure).

A_C

Thanks, I'll give that component suggestion a try. I'm further skeptical that it's the display however. I just set my HD-DVD & Blu-Ray machines to output 1080i and ran some tests. I saw no evidence of motion artifacts at all, so it still points to TWC in some fashion.

I'd DVR instances or better yet demonstrate them to a TWC tech, who should be able to measure adequate signal levels, on several frequency bands, with a meter. With RCN, had one instance of a poor hallway cable connection blocking higher-frequency channels and causing some artifacts. Show the tech, or a supervisor if necessary, the HD-disc demo, then the 8300HD output. They have to fix it. Again, not getting it at all here. -- John

Updated spreadsheet for "upper" Manhattan....

(not much changed.... nothing important)

Is any one getting this? I have a8300HDC box. It updates the cable card every day now for a week. The box boots after the cable card updates

For the past two days, I have been unable to get some HD channels...703, 709, 718...to name just a few. I have three boxes, 8300HD and two 3250 boxes and have the same problem with all three. Other HD channels are coming in just fine. I called TWCNY and they are sending someone out on Wednesday. In the meantime, I am curious if anyone else is having a similar problem. Thanks.

My building on the UES had an informational meeting the other day. We have signed up to be one of the first "test" buildings in our area for FiOS. They claim the engineering study is being completed and we should be active around June. It has been almost a year since the FiOS salesman came and spoke at our annual meeting.

Did they say TV will be included from the start, or are they just talking about telephone and internet?

Is any one getting this? I have a8300HDC box. It updates the cable card every day now for a week. The box boots after the cable card updates :confused:Does any one have this with their box?? Should i get a new box???:(

Guys I have a weird problem. I just got contact lenses and now when I watch HDTV I am starting to see all the compression and noise in the signal. The HD channels are no longer clear with my perfect vision. Has anyone experienced something like this?

Before my vision was more like 20/60 so my eyes couldn't see all the graininess from the noise

Does anyone else in Manhattan NOT have National Geographic and Fox Sports Net NY in HD (channels 765 & 748 in Manhattan). I'm on W 149th and have never received those two channels....still waiting to hear about a ticket number i put in back on Dec 8th. The two channels still say to call customer service to get those channels, even though everyone knows (or should know) that they are included in the basic service.

Does anyone else in Manhattan NOT have National Geographic and Fox Sports Net NY in HD (channels 765 & 748 in Manhattan). I'm on W 149th and have never received those two channels....still waiting to hear about a ticket number i put in back on Dec 8th. The two channels still say to call customer service to get those channels, even though everyone knows (or should know) that they are included in the basic service.

Reboot your box... If that doesn't work - have a Customer Rep. resend the signal.

Otherwise you'll need the visit (surprised its taking that long.... well... maybe not that surprised)

[How's this?]

Attn: Peter J. Schwab
Executive Director, Franchise Administration
Department of Information Tech. and Telecommunications

Dear Mr. Schwab,

I am very concerned about the image quality of High Definition video Time Warner Cable provides to its subscribers.

Increasingly, TWC applies video compression to an excessive degree. Image quality suffers in several ways. The most obvious is the introduction of motion artifacts; the pixilation you see on moving objects. It was generally only apparent on fast moving objects in sports broadcasts, but currently you see this phenomena in virtually all material, brought on by even the most subtle movements or scene changes. This is not acceptable and TWC should be held to a higher standard of service delivery.

I understand the realities of bandwidth allocation on a cable system, but at what point does HD stop being HD and become some bastardized hybrid?

Accordingly, I believe it is essential for your agency to establish a minimum standard for HD image quality and incorporate it into the next franchise agreement.

Quite simply, it should be against the law for TWC to compromise HD as it currently does.

Dear Mr. <me>:

Thank you for taking the time to write the City of New York, your feedback is appreciated.

Currently, cable systems are only bound by the FCC's analog performance rules and presently there are no detailed rules existing for digital system performance other than manufacturers equipment recommendations. So the short answer is that there are no FCC rules in place for digital at this time. Please keep in mind we are purely a franchise oversight agency, we do not have the technical staff resources to focus on video or even technical issues. It will be purely up to the FCC, not the City of New York or the State of New York (NYS Public Service Commission) to provide specific regulations on digital standards and policies.

Looking at current digital performance leads me to think all providers of programming have taken some shortcuts with digital performance including the major TV networks. I would expect minimum resolution content to improve substantially over the next few years and even with competition from mobile video, wireless, satellite and IPTV, Digital television will improve. I would expect that the digital video standards work of the SCTE (Society of Cable TV Engineers and Cable Labs) will be continuing and as the next generation of digital equipment rolls out, I would expect improved performance technical and equipment standards from that technical sub-committee. I suspect the FCC will focus on digital policy sometime this year and those future rules will be noted in the franchise renewals later on this year as well.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Schwab
Executive Director, Franchise Administration
Department of Information Tech. and Telecommunications
75 Park Place 9th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10007
Phone: (212) 788-6621

---

Looks like TWC is getting a free ride on compression.

A_C

Does anyone else in Manhattan NOT have National Geographic and Fox Sports Net NY in HD (channels 765 & 748 in Manhattan). I'm on W 149th and have never received those two channels....still waiting to hear about a ticket number i put in back on Dec 8th. The two channels still say to call customer service to get those channels, even though everyone knows (or should know) that they are included in the basic service.

I live on W 149th as well and have been getting those channels since they have been avaliable.

For the past few weeks (month actually) I am seeing some odd things... and am wondering if anyone else is noticing it as well. Most of the time, it seems to happen when I press PLAY for a recorded show. I get a gray screen, and find out the box is TOTALLY frozen. The ONLY way out is to pull the a/c plug. Has happened about a half dozen times over the past 4-5 weeks. Prior to that, never. The last time, I saw that I could NOT tune any channels after the boot, but I could watch a recorded show (re-booted again after that and went to sleep).

Of course, the paranoid in my says Crime Warner is toying with us in preparation of forcing Craptigator on our HD boxes. They probably figure we'll just sit idly by...

For the past few weeks (month actually) I am seeing some odd things... and am wondering if anyone else is noticing it as well. Most of the time, it seems to happen when I press PLAY for a recorded show. I get a gray screen, and find out the box is TOTALLY frozen. The ONLY way out is to pull the a/c plug. Has happened about a half dozen times over the past 4-5 weeks. Prior to that, never. The last time, I saw that I could NOT tune any channels after the boot, but I could watch a recorded show (re-booted again after that and went to sleep).

Of course, the paranoid in my says Crime Warner is toying with us in preparation of forcing Craptigator on our HD boxes. They probably figure we'll just sit idly by...

Yeah!!! happened to me last night when I was playing my saved HDNET patterns. My wife felt that my playing witht he TVs calibrations broke the system. In the end I said she was right. ;)

also when the time came back I had snow on my screen, never seen snow with one of these boxes before (thought I have with my dad's hdc in brooklyn)
aslo when the blue dots that indicate loading after reboot came on they looked different than they used to.

For the past few weeks (month actually) I am seeing some odd things... and am wondering if anyone else is noticing it as well. Most of the time, it seems to happen when I press PLAY for a recorded show. I get a gray screen, and find out the box is TOTALLY frozen. The ONLY way out is to pull the a/c plug. Has happened about a half dozen times over the past 4-5 weeks. Prior to that, never. The last time, I saw that I could NOT tune any channels after the boot, but I could watch a recorded show (re-booted again after that and went to sleep).


Same here.

Except I've got a little more patience and if you wait long enough (5 minutes?), the box will reboot itself and (at least for me) everything is OK when it comes back.

Started happening about 2 weekends ago.

The odd thing is that I have not gotten any sort of firmware or application update on the box.

Scott

For the past few weeks (month actually) I am seeing some odd things... and am wondering if anyone else is noticing it as well. Most of the time, it seems to happen when I press PLAY for a recorded show. I get a gray screen, and find out the box is TOTALLY frozen. The ONLY way out is to pull the a/c plug. Has happened about a half dozen times over the past 4-5 weeks. Prior to that, never. The last time, I saw that I could NOT tune any channels after the boot, but I could watch a recorded show (re-booted again after that and went to sleep).

Me too! I thought my last 8300HD was ready to quit (and I was REALLY bummed about that!) but now that I see it's not just me......hmmm, interesting!

Same here.

Except I've got a little more patience and if you wait long enough (5 minutes?), the box will reboot itself and (at least for me) everything is OK when it comes back.

Started happening about 2 weekends ago.

The odd thing is that I have not gotten any sort of firmware or application update on the box.

Scott

Im get the same thing. But i also get cable card firmware update. This has been going on for the last 2 weeks. The thing is I dont know what the firmware does. :confused:

Im get the same thing. But i also get cable card firmware update. This has been going on for the last 2 weeks. The thing is I dont know what the firmware does. :confused:

Are you on an HDC? We don't have cablecards in our 8300HDs....

Scott

From the minutes of my UES co-op's semi-annual shareholder's meeting held Monday:

Verizon Fiber Optic Service (FIOS): we received a $30,000 incentive payment to permit this additional option (not mandatory) for phone & internet; Verizon is seeking regulatory permission to add cable TV; installation for those who want this option will begin in early summer.

I like that Verizon is paying the co-op to put their wiring in. And I'm hoping they get that regulatory approval for TV soon.

Are you on an HDC? We don't have cablecards in our 8300HDs....

Scott
Yes.I have 8300HDC box.:(

Except I've got a little more patience and if you wait long enough (5 minutes?), the box will reboot itself and (at least for me) everything is OK when it comes back.

Started happening about 2 weekends ago.

Scott
This issue seems to be getting worse for me. My box rebooted at least 3 times this morning and it totally ruined a movie I was recording (Roxanne from HDNet Movies) :(

Same here.

Except I've got a little more patience and if you wait long enough (5 minutes?), the box will reboot itself and (at least for me) everything is OK when it comes back.

Started happening about 2 weekends ago.

The odd thing is that I have not gotten any sort of firmware or application update on the box.

Scott

I concur that you can wait and the box will eventually reboot. You can also attempt a reboot by holding the power button but it takes more time than usual.

I have two 8300HD. And it has happened on both. They each have external hard drives. So I thought that might be a reason, especially when sometimes if you select a recorded show the box says something like "cannot find it and that if it was on an external drive to make sure it's connected" (rough paraphrasing).

Also last week I had scheduled two movies to record on the same box at the same time. When I checked the LIST they were in 3-4 parts. This was in the middle of the night so I guess the box was resetting itself a few times.

Does any one like the 8300HDC?Can some tell what to like about it?I have the 8300HDC and i cant make up my mind about it.I had it for 6 Months it worked well for the first 5 Months but now it updates the cablecard firmware and it reboots. Idont know if i should get a new box or what?? Any one getting this???

This has been happening for me a lot, too

I have had the 8300HDC for a few weeks now and it works fine for me, but the only issue I have with it is that I cannot go "full pixel" on my BRAVIA with it without showing a white line on the left side of the screen.

I am hoping this issue is corrected sometime soon.

Same here.

Except I've got a little more patience and if you wait long enough (5 minutes?), the box will reboot itself and (at least for me) everything is OK when it comes back.

Started happening about 2 weekends ago.

The odd thing is that I have not gotten any sort of firmware or application update on the box.

Scott

VERY interesting... especially seeing as how we each get feeds from different head ends!

Indeed, sometimes patience isn't exactly my long suit!

Think about this one... DOITT is holding it's franchise renewal public comment meeting (for Manhattan) next week. Seems the most wrong time for Crime Warner to be screwing up like this... VERY CURIOUS!

From the minutes of my UES co-op's semi-annual shareholder's meeting held Monday:

I like that Verizon is paying the co-op to put their wiring in. And I'm hoping they get that regulatory approval for TV soon.

Can you find out how at Verizon was talking to your co-op (name and contract information)? I'm on my board and want to be proactive about Verizon!

The Manhattan franchise renewal hearing is happening one week from today. Unfortunately, I can't be there (will be in court) but I found where I can submit written comments (which seem to be applicable to all the other boroughs as well):

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/business/business_cable_tv_hearing_form.shtml

I STRONGLY recommend EVERYONE submit their input.

I'm having a strange problem with a dvr I've had for over a year. When I tape a show it indicates it has taped, with the green line going from the scheduled start to finish. When I play it back however the green line is only 20 or 30 minutes long and that's where the playback stops and asks erase or save. I'm going to re boot and see what happens but has anyone else ever experienced this?

I'm having a strange problem with a dvr I've had for over a year. When I tape a show it indicates it has taped, with the green line going from the scheduled start to finish. When I play it back however the green line is only 20 or 30 minutes long and that's where the playback stops and asks erase or save. I'm going to re boot and see what happens but has anyone else ever experienced this?

1) Get the word "tape" out of your vocabulary ;) :D

2) Yeah... these DVR's aren't perfect.... from time to time something screws up randomly when trying to record a show... But if it starts to happen often - time to trade in your box.

1) Get the word "tape" out of your vocabulary ;) :D

2) Yeah... these DVR's aren't perfect.... from time to time something screws up randomly when trying to record a show... But if it starts to happen often - time to trade in your box.

Hard to do.
30+ years after the widespread use of videotape to record television news stories in the field ... writers still use "FILM" to describe the process. Even though in many cases now videotape isn't part of the process at all.

1) Get the word "tape" out of your vocabulary ;) :D

2) Yeah... these DVR's aren't perfect.... from time to time something screws up randomly when trying to record a show... But if it starts to happen often - time to trade in your box.

Not easy to do, especially as most everyone I talk with always uses the t-word.

While random negative incidences can occur, the symptom he detailed I have seen a number of times. My recollection is that it can occur during the following scenario... I'm watching something, a call comes in, I hit pause. During the call, I realize the call is going to possibly outlast the buffer, so I hit the red record button. Much later I find that it "recorded" from the start until the pause (that I have already seen) but stops at the point I paused.

Nothing left to do but curse up a blue storm.

I have had the 8300HDC for a few weeks now and it works fine for me, but the only issue I have with it is that I cannot go "full pixel" on my BRAVIA with it without showing a white line on the left side of the screen.

I am hoping this issue is corrected sometime soon.

I have the same problem on xbr2 and my brother-in-law has it on a sharp aquas. He has a samsung box, i have hdc. I do not believe this a cable box problem. I only get the line on sd channels when in full pixel mode. I think full pixel is just not meant for sd channels, however, on my ps3 if a movie is 1:85 and i turn on full pixel it makes a really tiny sort of letterbox bar just above the picture thus it seems to only work well for 2:35 material at least on the PS3. I believe if say hbo hd is showing something 1:85 i do not get the tiny letterbox line. Seems to be most problematic on NATGEO HD, occassionly i see a line during commercials when not even in full pixel. I may be wrong but i think that is just the nature of full pixel

The Manhattan franchise renewal hearing is happening one week from today. Unfortunately, I can't be there (will be in court) but I found where I can submit written comments (which seem to be applicable to all the other boroughs as well):

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/business/business_cable_tv_hearing_form.shtml

I STRONGLY recommend EVERYONE submit their input.

repeatedly:D:mad:

The Manhattan franchise renewal hearing is happening one week from today. Unfortunately, I can't be there (will be in court) but I found where I can submit written comments (which seem to be applicable to all the other boroughs as well):

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/business/business_cable_tv_hearing_form.shtml

I STRONGLY recommend EVERYONE submit their input.

I was happy to do it. Hope it matters.

This happened to me twice tonight. First time its ever happened.

Pulling plug seemed to fix it.

For the past few weeks (month actually) I am seeing some odd things... and am wondering if anyone else is noticing it as well. Most of the time, it seems to happen when I press PLAY for a recorded show. I get a gray screen, and find out the box is TOTALLY frozen. The ONLY way out is to pull the a/c plug. Has happened about a half dozen times over the past 4-5 weeks. Prior to that, never. The last time, I saw that I could NOT tune any channels after the boot, but I could watch a recorded show (re-booted again after that and went to sleep).

Of course, the paranoid in my says Crime Warner is toying with us in preparation of forcing Craptigator on our HD boxes. They probably figure we'll just sit idly by...

Not easy to do, especially as most everyone I talk with always uses the t-word.

While random negative incidences can occur, the symptom he detailed I have seen a number of times. My recollection is that it can occur during the following scenario... I'm watching something, a call comes in, I hit pause. During the call, I realize the call is going to possibly outlast the buffer, so I hit the red record button. Much later I find that it "recorded" from the start until the pause (that I have already seen) but stops at the point I paused.

Nothing left to do but curse up a blue storm.

I can confirm this problem on my 8300. I have not determined whether 1) the start position of the buffer matters (at the beginning of the program to be taped or later on, or in the middle as a result of channel changing) or 2) where the current position is related to real time (caught up to real time or behind).

It is incredibly annoying when this happens.

I have the same problem on xbr2 and my brother-in-law has it on a sharp aquas. He has a samsung box, i have hdc. I do not believe this a cable box problem. I only get the line on sd channels when in full pixel mode. I think full pixel is just not meant for sd channels, however, on my ps3 if a movie is 1:85 and i turn on full pixel it makes a really tiny sort of letterbox bar just above the picture thus it seems to only work well for 2:35 material at least on the PS3. I believe if say hbo hd is showing something 1:85 i do not get the tiny letterbox line. Seems to be most problematic on NATGEO HD, occassionly i see a line during commercials when not even in full pixel. I may be wrong but i think that is just the nature of full pixel

I never get this problem in SD mode. I have SD mode set for Normal. It seems that when something is recorded, it shows a white line on the left side of the screen. Like when I watch MHD. I see a white line on the left side for some videos. Now when they go to commercial break, I see a normal picture. All the movie channels like HBOHD, etc, are just fine and show a complete picture. Also live HD games are perfect too. It is as if some of the HD content crops off wrong. It was as if cable HD was tested on high end TV's using Normal factory mode instead of what the HDTV is truely capable of.

anyone else having any issues with their DVR boxes? When i try and view something that recorded the box freezes up and reboots itself ... TWnyc is getting on my last nerve

This is a bit off topic, I know, but I am having digital phone installed next week and I was wondering exactly what the installation entails. Have any of you guys had it installed?

- Where do your phones plug into?
- Do you have two modems (one for the internet and one for the phone)? And if so, where do they go?
- If I am not keeping my old phone number, does that mean my Verizon line is still active until I cancel it?

The CSR wasn't positive about all of these things. I appreciate any replies.

Thanks!

This is a bit off topic, I know, but I am having digital phone installed next week and I was wondering exactly what the installation entails. Have any of you guys had it installed?

- Where do your phones plug into?
- Do you have two modems (one for the internet and one for the phone)? And if so, where do they go?
- If I am not keeping my old phone number, does that mean my Verizon line is still active until I cancel it?

The CSR wasn't positive about all of these things. I appreciate any replies.

Thanks!
You will receive a new cable modem with VOIP capability, into which your existing phones will be plugged. This will replace your existing cable modem, and will provide both internet and phone service. They will come in, replace the modem, configure and activate it, hook up one of your phones, check that your cable services all work properly and leave.

Your Verizon phone service will remain active (and you can continue to use it simply by plugging one of your phones back into your existing Verizon phone box) until you cancel it.

You will receive a new cable modem with VOIP capability, into which your existing phones will be plugged. This will replace your existing cable modem, and will provide both internet and phone service. They will come in, replace the modem, configure and activate it, hook up one of your phones, check that your cable services all work properly and leave.

Your Verizon phone service will remain active (and you can continue to use it simply by plugging one of your phones back into your existing Verizon phone box) until you cancel it.

Thanks for the quick reply. Just one more question: if my phones have to be plugged into the cable modem, what about phones that are in other rooms? Would that mean that I would have to run phone wires from one end of the house to the other in order to use all of my phones (living room, bedrooms, etc.). And would that also mean that the jacks in each room that my phones are currently plugged into only work with regular Verizon service?

I use HDMI to connect the 8300 HDC with my new pioneer. I also connect a digital cable to my receiver (non HDMI compatible). If you select HDMI on the “digital out” option, you get sound from the TV but only stereo from the receiver. If you select Dolby Digital, you get 5.1 on the receiver but no sound from the TV. In both cases you get video.

The only problem with this configuration is that occasionally the shrank picture during “guide” view will not revert back to full screen. I’ll have to change channel to get full screen back..

I finally was able to drop by his place and observe the situation in-person.

You are right about the setting for audio, he can now get audio w/HDMI.

I had mentioned to him weeks ago about looking for the setting in the cable boxes menu but he is the type that never reads instructions and is easily frustrated when dealing with such issues.

The "Shrunk Picture" problem you mentioned also exist on his unit.

He has additional problems that are not HDMI related.

Several of his HD channels do not work most of the time and his RoadRunner internet service is running at about half the speed it should be.

I told him it is definately time to book a service call...

Thanks for the quick reply. Just one more question: if my phones have to be plugged into the cable modem, what about phones that are in other rooms? Would that mean that I would have to run phone wires from one end of the house to the other in order to use all of my phones (living room, bedrooms, etc.). And would that also mean that the jacks in each room that my phones are currently plugged into only work with regular Verizon service?

The technician needs to go to those outlets in the other rooms and re-configure the wiring in each outlet. It takes just a minute or so and then all of your phones will work.

Your Verizon phone service will remain active (and you can continue to use it simply by plugging one of your phones back into your existing Verizon phone box) until you cancel it.When TW set up my phone they disconnected the Verizon line at the telephone pole and hooked up their line right there from the street. I could not switch back. TW made the cancellation when I set up the installation date.

anyone else having any issues with their DVR boxes? When i try and view something that recorded the box freezes up and reboots itself ... TWnyc is getting on my last nerve

I have been having this problem, except mine does not reboot, just hangs up and I need to pull the plug to reboot.

How much time before reboot happens? Anyone else having this issue?

EDIT: This is getting worse -- happened about three times tonight and screwed up the Superbowl!

Why is this happening to a bunch of us all at once? Does this mean it has something to do with TW, and not our individual 8300HD boxes going bad???

When TW set up my phone they disconnected the Verizon line at the telephone pole and hooked up their line right there from the street. I could not switch back. TW made the cancellation when I set up the installation date.

If you transfer your # - then yes, they'll take care of canceling verizon.

If you transfer your # - then yes, they'll take care of canceling verizon.Yes, I kept my number.

I have been having this problem, except mine does not reboot, just hangs up and I need to pull the plug to reboot.

How much time before reboot happens? Anyone else having this issue?

EDIT: This is getting worse -- happened about three times tonight and screwed up the Superbowl!

Why is this happening to a bunch of us all at once? Does this mean it has something to do with TW, and not our individual 8300HD boxes going bad???
It might be the TW wants you to get a new box. The 8300HDC with the new firmware and cablecard. :(

It might be the TW wants you to get a new box. The 8300HDC with the new firmware and cablecard. :(

Are others having this issue all using eSATA drives?

It might be the TW wants you to get a new box. The 8300HDC with the new firmware and cablecard. :(

I was planning to get a Tivo HD when that time came around. It might be now if the issue persists.

I have been having this problem, except mine does not reboot, just hangs up and I need to pull the plug to reboot.

How much time before reboot happens? Anyone else having this issue?

EDIT: This is getting worse -- happened about three times tonight and screwed up the Superbowl!

Why is this happening to a bunch of us all at once? Does this mean it has something to do with TW, and not our individual 8300HD boxes going bad???

If you wait, the box WILL eventually reboot itself. Have patience. Or pull the plug if you want, but I feel like it's safer to wait.

On another note, the problem seemed to have gone away for me this past weekend. The crashes seemed to occur when you power the box on when you're in the middle of a recording.

I'll keep an eye and see if it happens again.

My 8300HD crapped out 3 times in a row yesterday right around 4pm. It was recording the Rangers game and a movie when I turned it on to start watching the hockey game. I got a gray screen and it would not accept any commands. After a couple minutes it rebooted. I started the game, and tempted fate by trying to do something else with the remote and it locked up again. After rebooting a 3rd time it worked properly. All in all I lost about 10-15 minutes of recording. It seems to be working ok now, but it was really frustrating...fortunately nobody scored during the first half of the 3rd period. ;)

If you wait, the box WILL eventually reboot itself. Have patience. Or pull the plug if you want, but I feel like it's safer to wait.

On another note, the problem seemed to have gone away for me this past weekend. The crashes seemed to occur when you power the box on when you're in the middle of a recording.

I'll keep an eye and see if it happens again.

My box is on 24/7. Why turn it off? I think its safe to pull the plug when the box is frozen anyway.

Are you using eSATA drive?

Has anyone called TWC about this?

My 8300HD crapped out 3 times in a row yesterday right around 4pm. It was recording the Rangers game and a movie when I turned it on to start watching the hockey game. I got a gray screen and it would not accept any commands. After a couple minutes it rebooted. I started the game, and tempted fate by trying to do something else with the remote and it locked up again. After rebooting a 3rd time it worked properly. All in all I lost about 10-15 minutes of recording. It seems to be working ok now, but it was really frustrating...fortunately nobody scored during the first half of the 3rd period. ;)

Mine is doing this all the time now. missed a huge chunk of Superbowl.

Can't get new box, or stuck with 8300 HDC and Crapigator...:eek:

For the past few days, I've noticed on several channels this light pinkish bar moving up the screen. I usually only notice it in dark scenes on both HD & SD channels. I have a 3250HD which replaced a 4250HDC which crapped out on me in December (TW tech had a couple of 3250s left in his van). Actually, I noticed this on the 4250HDC as well, but only on a couple of channels like 704 (NBC) when I watched Heroes in Oct/Nov.

Is this a compression issue or something else ?

My box is on 24/7. Why turn it off? I think its safe to pull the plug when the box is frozen anyway.

Are you using eSATA drive?

Has anyone called TWC about this?

Yes, using eSATA drive.

I turn mine off when I'm not watching. I have my TV plugged into the back so it cuts the power when the cable box is off, keeping it from "vampiring" any power from my wall outlet.

TWC does not support external drives. Trying to explain your problem to TWC would be worse than an exercise in futility -- I fear that you (or anyone else) might resort to suicide after dealing with them.

Seriously, TWC has only 4 solutions that they offer for problems with the 8300/HD:

- send a signal to your box
- tell you to unplug it and reboot
- tell you to bring it into a service center & exchange it for a new one (which will inevitably be an 8300HDC these days)
- send out a service tech (with an 8 hour window -- or is it 4 hours these days?), whose only solution will be to bring you a new box


I try to avoid unplugging the box as much as possible -- you never know when a disc write might be occurring (even if it seems to be frozen), and if you unplug in the middle of a disc write, it's probably not good for the hard drive. At least when the box reboots itself (or you hold down the POWER button for a soft boot), it has a chance to shut itself down "properly" by synching the hard drive. Whether it actually does this or not is unknown.

Scott

I live in the W60's and for the last few days my DVR is freezing up, not when I play recorded material but when I'm watching anything. I'll watch for an hour or so and then the picture freezes but the sound goes on perfectly. To fix it I can just change the channel and then changeback or re boot it. Wierd that so many boxes are freezing up.

You are correct about TWC (unless this is some precursor to sending out Navigator), and probably correct about pulling the plug as well.

The only answer I see is buying a Tivo HD, which is better than TWC hardware. The only issue is $250 cash outlay, more if you want eSATA for additional storage.

Yes, using eSATA drive.

I turn mine off when I'm not watching. I have my TV plugged into the back so it cuts the power when the cable box is off, keeping it from "vampiring" any power from my wall outlet.

TWC does not support external drives. Trying to explain your problem to TWC would be worse than an exercise in futility -- I fear that you (or anyone else) might resort to suicide after dealing with them.

Seriously, TWC has only 4 solutions that they offer for problems with the 8300/HD:

- send a signal to your box
- tell you to unplug it and reboot
- tell you to bring it into a service center & exchange it for a new one (which will inevitably be an 8300HDC these days)
- send out a service tech (with an 8 hour window -- or is it 4 hours these days?), whose only solution will be to bring you a new box


I try to avoid unplugging the box as much as possible -- you never know when a disc write might be occurring (even if it seems to be frozen), and if you unplug in the middle of a disc write, it's probably not good for the hard drive. At least when the box reboots itself (or you hold down the POWER button for a soft boot), it has a chance to shut itself down "properly" by synching the hard drive. Whether it actually does this or not is unknown.

Scott

Are others having this issue all using eSATA drives?

Knock wood, I am not having this problem. I have two 8300HD boxes, the one that I use heavily has an eSATA drive. The second box, I only use occasionally, and it has no extra drive. I haven't had any freezes/reboots yet. Hope it continues that way.

-barry

Anyone else getting grey screens for HDNET, HDNET Movies, & Mojo? I'm in East Harlem is that matters

Anyone else getting grey screens for HDNET, HDNET Movies, & Mojo? I'm in East Harlem is that matters

I don't think the issue involves specific channels -- just boxes freezing when hitting PLAY.

I have been OK the last two nights, after several freezes the two previous nights.

I'm totally dumbfounded about this. Does anyone have any ideas why it may be happening?

I don't think the issue involves specific channels -- just boxes freezing when hitting PLAY.

I have been OK the last two nights, after several freezes the two previous nights.

I'm totally dumbfounded about this. Does anyone have any ideas why it may be happening?

I'm not hitting play on anything, and I've had no freezing. I am currently not getting any picture on the 3 channels I listed above and am curious if anyone else has the issue.

I'm not hitting play on anything, and I've had no freezing. I am currently not getting any picture on the 3 channels I listed above and am curious if anyone else has the issue.No problems here… except that the channels are reversed. I’m getting Dan Rather on HDNet Movies and Kama Sutra is on Hdnet.:confused::D

...and Mojo is fine

I'm not hitting play on anything, and I've had no freezing. I am currently not getting any picture on the 3 channels I listed above and am curious if anyone else has the issue.

I'm having the issue with HDNet and HDNet Movies (not Mojo) in Washington Heights

I'm having the issue with HDNet and HDNet Movies (not Mojo) in Washington Heights

Around 9 PM I noticed that the 3 HD extra channels (MOJO and 2 HDNets) were displaying a gray screen.
Rebooted my two 8300HD boxes and same thing.

Called CS and they claimed they knew nothing about it. The guy eventually said he was going to escalate it.

I was checking now and then and at some point MOJO came back but not the 2 HDNet channels. Called CS again and this time another CS said they had some issues and were working on it. He also said to call back when it's OK so that I can get some credit.

yep mojo came back, and then the 2 hdnet channel were back up after 9am today, sucks I wanted to watch dan rathers last night

yep mojo came back, and then the 2 hdnet channel were back up after 9am today, sucks I wanted to watch dan rathers last night

Yeah, I wanted to watch Dan Rather too. Had it scheduled to record and it was freezing my 8300HD. Even after reboot I couldn't watch anything recorded. I'm guessing it's because the DVR was trying to record from a messed up channel. Only after I canceled the recording and rebooted, I was able to play prerecorded shows.

Gotta call TWC for some credit. Hmm, what's that going to be... 1/29th of $15? :rolleyes:

The only answer I see is buying a Tivo HD, which is better than TWC hardware. The only issue is $250 cash outlay, more if you want eSATA for additional storage.

And what happens if the year's warranty is up? And don't forget that it also requires a monthly fee... I think it's 13 or 14 bucks without committing to specific time periods (and I DO remember a $200 cancellation fee).

What you also should do is figure in the depreciated cost of the hardware into a monthly cost. If you go for any of the 1,2 or 3 year "contracts" you should amortize the up front cost over that time period.

Gotta call TWC for some credit. Hmm, what's that going to be... 1/29th of $15? :rolleyes:

You'll probably get less than the cost of the phone call. BTW, HDXtra is a 5 buck cost, it's on top of the 10 DVR fee. I think that means 16 cents...

And what happens if the year's warranty is up? And don't forget that it also requires a monthly fee... I think it's 13 or 14 bucks without committing to specific time periods (and I DO remember a $200 cancellation fee).

What you also should do is figure in the depreciated cost of the hardware into a monthly cost. If you go for any of the 1,2 or 3 year "contracts" you should amortize the up front cost over that time period.

This is all true, but remember one can subtract the cable box rental from the mix as Tivo HD uses cable cards or 1 "M" card. The bottom line is that Tivo HD is a mostly superior interface than TWC boxes, with many advantages.

Freeze issue has new twist -- now I sometimes get a very slow response to commands.
i.e., I press play and it takes about 30 sec. to play, same for other screens. It eventually works, but with long delay.

Anyone else getting this????

Around 9 PM I noticed that the 3 HD extra channels (MOJO and 2 HDNets) were displaying a gray screen.
Rebooted my two 8300HD boxes and same thing.

Called CS and they claimed they knew nothing about it. The guy eventually said he was going to escalate it.

I was checking now and then and at some point MOJO came back but not the 2 HDNet channels. Called CS again and this time another CS said they had some issues and were working on it. He also said to call back when it's OK so that I can get some credit.

Yep, had the same issue last night, but seems OK now. On the TWC service line they did say that they were doing some upgrades in Manhattan and some neighborhoods in Brooklyn, so I attributed it to that. Maybe they were making space for more HD channels. ;) (yeah, right!)

No problems here… except that the channels are reversed. I’m getting Dan Rather on HDNet Movies and Kama Sutra is on Hdnet.:confused::D

...and Mojo is fine


I called CS about this same issue yesterday Feb 6...They said they never heard of such a thing! I was assured they will investigate and fix it.

I called CS about this same issue yesterday Feb 6...They said they never heard of such a thing! I was assured they will investigate and fix it.Thanks for the reply. I was beginning to think I was alone with this anomaly.

I put the channels on last night and they are still inversed.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/twhd020708.htm

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6529418.html?desc=topstory

From Swanni

http://www.tvpredictions.com/twhd020708.htm

"" TWC COO Landel Hobbs told the analysts that the cable service now has carriage agreements with 53 high-def channels -- and deals with an additional 20 channels "pending."

Hobbs said some Time Warner systems, such as Albany and San Antonio, are now offering more than 40 HD channels. But more HD channels are expected to be added soon throughout the company's footprint.

The cable operator is rolling out a new technology called Switched Digital Video (SDV) that will enable it to expand its high-def capacity.

"Switching works and it will allow us to launch relative HD content as it comes available and as we conclude deals with our programmers," Hobbs said, adding that SDV will be installed in every division that "needs it" by year's end."

I would love to beleive that

We've heard this all before, :( I wont let this get my hopes up

Anyone else getting grey screens for HDNET, HDNET Movies, & Mojo? I'm in East Harlem is that matters

my FOOD Network HD and A&E HD and NGHD shows black screen.

I am in Staten island. ANyone else having any issues?

I had to just recently switch from HDMI to component because the HD channels were freezing. I have the 8300HDC box.

Last weekend, my cable suddenly froze and then the box rebooted. I have full service digital cable with HD through HDMI.

When it rebooted, I had access to only the analog channels. The on-screen guide showed ony 78 channels and all data was blank. It took about an hour for the digital cable to be restored.

I've been reading the past couple weeks that other users have had similar issues.

This may be a stretch, but would these issues be caused by TWC testing SDV in Manhattan?

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/02/07/twc-expands-woodside-hd-additions-to-rest-of-queens-and-brooklyn/

"Just weeks after Time Warner Cable beefed up the HD offerings in Woodside (a Queens, NY neighborhood) and Staten Island, the carrier has apparently decided to bless the rest of Queens and Brooklyn with the very same additions. Yep, this now means that you and your Woodside pals can once again be on speaking terms, as you too can finally enjoy the likes of CNN HD, M HD, History Channel HD, A&E HD, Food Network HD, Lifetime Movies HD, HGTV HD, TMC HD, Versus HD and NHL HD. Be sure and drop any extras that may have joined inconspicuously in comments below. "

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/02/07/twc-expands-woodside-hd-additions-to-rest-of-queens-and-brooklyn/

"Just weeks after Time Warner Cable beefed up the HD offerings in Woodside (a Queens, NY neighborhood) and Staten Island, the carrier has apparently decided to bless the rest of Queens and Brooklyn with the very same additions. Yep, this now means that you and your Woodside pals can once again be on speaking terms, as you too can finally enjoy the likes of CNN HD, M HD, History Channel HD, A&E HD, Food Network HD, Lifetime Movies HD, HGTV HD, TMC HD, Versus HD and NHL HD. Be sure and drop any extras that may have joined inconspicuously in comments below. "Great news!!! Thanks Zas!

WHEN???? Is it on now? I’m not at home-- can anyone verify this?

man this is getting crazy now. Manhattan is never gonna get em'

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/02/07/twc-expands-woodside-hd-additions-to-rest-of-queens-and-brooklyn/

"Just weeks after Time Warner Cable beefed up the HD offerings in Woodside (a Queens, NY neighborhood) and Staten Island, the carrier has apparently decided to bless the rest of Queens and Brooklyn with the very same additions. Yep, this now means that you and your Woodside pals can once again be on speaking terms, as you too can finally enjoy the likes of CNN HD, M HD, History Channel HD, A&E HD, Food Network HD, Lifetime Movies HD, HGTV HD, TMC HD, Versus HD and NHL HD. Be sure and drop any extras that may have joined inconspicuously in comments below. "

Congrats guys.

grrrrrraaaaahhhh!!!!!

I was just about to post that. Finally more HD channels!!

So do we have any verification people? :) What's the real deal? Will I be watching Giada on the Food Network tonight in voluptuous HD? :cool:

[B][B]

Attn: Peter J. Schwab
Executive Director, Franchise Administration
Department of Information Tech. and Telecommunications

Dear Mr. Schwab,

I am very concerned about the image quality of High Definition video Time Warner Cable provides to its subscribers.

Increasingly, TWC applies video compression to an excessive degree. Image quality suffers in several ways. The most obvious is the introduction of motion artifacts; the pixilation you see on moving objects. It was generally only apparent on fast moving objects in sports broadcasts, but currently you see this phenomena in virtually all material, brought on by even the most subtle movements or scene changes. This is not acceptable and TWC should be held to a higher standard of service delivery.

I understand the realities of bandwidth allocation on a cable system, but at what point does HD stop being HD and become some bastardized hybrid?

Accordingly, I believe it is essential for your agency to establish a minimum standard for HD image quality and incorporate it into the next franchise agreement.

Quite simply, it should be against the law for TWC to compromise HD as it currently does.

A_C

Well I must say, TWC has been very responsive to my complaint about excessive compression. I’ve been contacted by the executive office and they’re sending out a foreman with a senior line technician next Wednesday evening.

I questioned the usefulness of sending out techs for what is essentially the product of a management business decision, but they insisted; and said the complaint wouldn’t be elevated any further unless I agreed to a service call. Fair enough, I’ll play this out to its conclusion.

At the very least I’ll hope to have a frank discussion with someone knowledgeable on the subject, who can perhaps give us some idea when Switch Digital will come online and what the prospects are for more HD content this year.

A_C

Fort Greene area of Brooklyn, I got BUPKUS on the new channels...

Anyone in the know about when these channels will show up?

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/02/07/twc-expands-woodside-hd-additions-to-rest-of-queens-and-brooklyn/

"Just weeks after Time Warner Cable beefed up the HD offerings in Woodside (a Queens, NY neighborhood) and Staten Island, the carrier has apparently decided to bless the rest of Queens and Brooklyn with the very same additions. Yep, this now means that you and your Woodside pals can once again be on speaking terms, as you too can finally enjoy the likes of CNN HD, M HD, History Channel HD, A&E HD, Food Network HD, Lifetime Movies HD, HGTV HD, TMC HD, Versus HD and NHL HD. Be sure and drop any extras that may have joined inconspicuously in comments below. "


Anyone get the new channels? Im in Flushing and just rebooted my box but they arent showing up.

I think engadgethd.com jumped the gun here.... TWC screws up its online channel guide all the time.... not a reliable source at all...

I think engadgethd.com jumped the gun here....
Yeah... and what I find disconcerting is that we don’t even have the channels listed in the guide yet. They usually have the channels set up in the guide prior to launch. I haven’t checked yet to see if they are tucked inside the diagnostic mode.

I think engadgethd.com jumped the gun here.... TWC screws up its online channel guide all the time.... not a reliable source at all...

At the bottom of the posting:
Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family

At the bottom of the posting:


Their proof is the online channel list... anyone who's been a part of this thread for a long time knows that the online list is out of whack on a regular basis...

Meanwhile - not one person has confirmed that they've gotten the channels....

Well I went to the hearing and it was a zoo.

Some got time to preach world peace, fight hunger and some famous people used it as PR tool.

The most vocal were the local programming folks who need a voice and should have one for special needs.

I don't think any of the words of those in the TV industry who showed up will make any changes.

I spoke of every issue that a consumer could think of and even offered my services. It seems that those in NYC should get ready for 10 more years of bad service and high prices from Time Warner Cable.

They must give a lot to the local elections to get their exclusive franchise and provide such poor service AND then make you pay for it!!!!!

No fighting City Hall

Can we expect to see Verizon Fios anytime soon-ever?

"Time Warner Cable is also going all-digital in markets where digital service penetration makes it relatively easy to polish off the transition. TWC president and CEO Glenn Britt noted that its Staten Island system is already there, and he expects the rest of Time Warner Cable's New York systems to finish the migration in the next 18 months or so. "

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=145293&site=cdn&f_src=lightreading_gnews

SDV not looking so good for Manhattan?

"The MSO has SDV launched in nine of its divisions and is 'wiring and installing' it in nine more, Hobbs said. 'By the end of this year, we plan to have [SDV] launched... in every division that needs it to remain competitive.' "

18 months?, oh my god, the deadline is now july 2009.

Here's the thing...

If they go all digital in the rest of NYC (and drop Analog channels) - WE DON"T NEED SDV (for now)

Dropping 70 analog channels gives us space for 140-210 HD channels!

18 months?, oh my god, the deadline is now july 2009.

"year's end":rolleyes: