I like my HDNet's, unfortunately my building has an agreement with time warner cable so I am not sure if FIOS will get in plus it has not arrived in my neighborhood yet I don't think. I will get used to whatever they have I guess. I really do not know what TWC is thinking, this is a travesty :(

I'll tell you exactly what they are thinking... $$$$. They drop the expense, they do nothing to the cost other than raise overall rates and they picked up subscribers when it was forecast they wouldn't. They THINK they have their customers by the short hairs.

Rental or own? Tenants association or co-op/condo board? Might be an idea to raise the issue with the appropriate group...

I am going to miss HD Net and the MMA programming. :(

This will end the HD Xtra tier for me. At least I will save a couple of bucks a month.

Make doubly sure they KNOW it's the dropping of HDNet is the reason you dropped the tier.

I like having MGMHD, Smithsonian HD, MAVTV HD, TennisHD, College Sports HD, Big Ten Network HD, NHL Network HD (and the other sports package SD channels) for $4.05...... (HD DVR+HDXtra = $15)

Considering the HDDVR alone is $10.95... HDXtra alone is $8.95... and the Sports package is $3.95... its still a great deal.

It's no deal for me, I have zero interest in those sports channels, nor having some SD channels on what is SUPPOSED to be a HD speciality tier. I'll drop Starz and use the money saved from both to do a Netflix subscription.

BTW, I find Dan Rather's shows interesting AND the HD NASA coverage fabulous, so it's more than just movies I'll regret not having access to...

does anyone knows if Verizon has finished wiring the rich neighborhoods in nyc. they said that 54% of manhanttan was wired by the end of 2008.

It was 60% by 2009. As the east village and places like Sty Town got them first, I'd also call BS.

Once we get MDN on supposedly June 1, we won't have a choice.

What's "MDN" and, will not be having a choice be a good thing?
EDIT: just did a search; when it gets released is it suppossed to have the same problems as the regular Mystro?
Should I keep my SA8300HD?

Does anyone know what IB and OOB Carousel Read Errors are?

Thanks for the link Scott, I just filed a similar note.

I will probably also drop Starz, they seem to never have any compelling movies any more. Money saved on both will go to a Netflix subscription.
I'm actually considering going in the other direction: dropping my Netflix subscription and signing up for HBO in its place.

I'm actually considering going in the other direction: dropping my Netflix subscription and signing up for HBO in its place.

Interesting... I find there are a number of original series from SHO and HBO that I really enjoy. So I will retain those 2. Cinemax seems to get all the first showings, but they eventually make HBO 2-3 months later; still, with a Netflix sub, I CAN see new movies a LOT sooner anyway (plus, gotta say a good clean SD DVD looks pretty good on my HD set).

So I made a complaint about them dropping HDNet saying I'm going to cancel HDXtra and I get an e-mail reply that I can write (as in write a snail mail) a letter to Bob Watson if I want to ask for a new channel!

I guess reading isn't a skill TWC wants for their employees.

The loss of the channel still bothers me too. I was hoping to see the rematch of Urijah Faber and Mike Brown with the upcoming WEC 41 show.

So I made a complaint about them dropping HDNet saying I'm going to cancel HDXtra and I get an e-mail reply that I can write (as in write a snail mail) a letter to Bob Watson if I want to ask for a new channel!

I guess reading isn't a skill TWC wants for their employees.


Its a joke that you have to send him a letter , thats TWC saying we do what we want to do and still take your money..

So I made a complaint about them dropping HDNet saying I'm going to cancel HDXtra and I get an e-mail reply that I can write (as in write a snail mail) a letter to Bob Watson if I want to ask for a new channel!

I guess reading isn't a skill TWC wants for their employees.

I've written to Bob Watson before and he's responsive.

The loss of the channel still bothers me too. I was hoping to see the rematch of Urijah Faber and Mike Brown with the upcoming WEC 41 show.

We're losing HDNET, not VERSUS.
WEC is on Verses so we'll see ButtChin vs. Brown in June. :)
However we're losing freaking K-1 and all the third rate Canadian Casino held MMA events that HDNet provides.

We're also losing replays of Arrested Development. HDnet is a huge loss for me as it is probably one the three most watched channels for me.

I'm in the process of potentially moving to outside of Charlotte, UVerse, TWC or Directv will be my choices. Honestly, without HDnet I won't choose TWC when I'm down there. I may however just get Directv billed to my sister so I can have SNY, YES and the Rangers.

This sucks.

Another night of bullshit audio dropouts on FOX 5. Starts out all right with The Simpsons, but by the end of King of the Hill, it's absolutely unwatchable.

I swear, if they ruin the season finale of 24 tomorrow....

We're losing HDNET, not VERSUS.
WEC is on Verses so we'll see ButtChin vs. Brown in June. :)
However we're losing freaking K-1 and all the third rate Canadian Casino held MMA events that HDNet provides.

We're also losing replays of Arrested Development. HDnet is a huge loss for me as it is probably one the three most watched channels for me.

I'm in the process of potentially moving to outside of Charlotte, UVerse, TWC or Directv will be my choices. Honestly, without HDnet I won't choose TWC when I'm down there. I may however just get Directv billed to my sister so I can have SNY, YES and the Rangers.

This sucks.

Ah yes, you are right!

I know one thing that will be a loss are the Dream shows out of Japan. Was the only way to see well known fighters in that promotion that are not in the US much.

All I can do right now is hope FIOS get here eventually.

Another night of bullshit audio dropouts on FOX 5. Starts out all right with The Simpsons, but by the end of King of the Hill, it's absolutely unwatchable.

I swear, if they ruin the season finale of 24 tomorrow....I hope there are no problems too. I’ve watched this season of 24 with the HDC boxes with no audio problems.

I’ve been going back to my Passport boxes on and off for the last few weeks. I returned the HDCs to the TW Queens Center location Saturday. I am now exclusive with the Passport. I hope I don’t experience these audio anomalies that others, with the Passport, have complained about.

Aside from this possible audio glitch, I really can’t say enough about how much better the Passport is than the HDC. Even though it might be only a few seconds, the faster response time of the controls is great. The PIP, tuner swaps, real buffers are too important to be without. I guess none of this will matter if we get the new system zapped down our throats in a couple of weeks.

And by the way, they had no information regarding the new Samsung boxes at the Queens Center location.

I hope there are no problems too. I’ve watched this season of 24 with the HDC boxes with no audio problems.

I’ve been going back to my Passport boxes on and off for the last few weeks. I returned the HDCs to the TW Queens Center location Saturday. I am now exclusive with the Passport. I hope I don’t experience these audio anomalies that others, with the Passport, have complained about.

Aside from this possible audio glitch, I really can’t say enough about how much better the Passport is than the HDC. Even though it might be only a few seconds, the faster response time of the controls is great. The PIP, tuner swaps, real buffers are too important to be without. I guess none of this will matter if we get the new system zapped down our throats in a couple of weeks.

And by the way, they had no information regarding the new Samsung boxes at the Queens Center location.

While I've certainly been hampered by said audio glitches, it seems rarely to effect 24 (thank goodness). Still, I'll watch it live and be ready to switch to the SD channel if I have to.

As for the Sammies, they do seem to have some teething problems. A worse issue is that it seems clear TWC is handing out 160G models in one market and 320G units in another. Typical completely uneven way TWC treats it's customers.

Just made the mistake of seeing what 'MavTV' is... and now I KNOW I'll be canceling my HD Xtra package. It's like a Maxim magazine for those who can't read. Every loud obnoxious and stupid tendency in popular entertainment boiled down into one solidly boring channel.
But hey, give the people what they want. It's not my two seats at Denny's.

I live in Queens and was wodering. Thanks

Just made the mistake of seeing what 'MavTV' is... and now I KNOW I'll be canceling my HD Xtra package. It's like a Maxim magazine for those who can't read. Every loud obnoxious and stupid tendency in popular entertainment boiled down into one solidly boring channel.
But hey, give the people what they want. It's not my two seats at Denny's.

Is there a channel worth watching nowadays? I know that is a controversial statement, but as networks are promoting reality shows over quality entertainment...I find I need extra channels just to be able to find one program to look forward to watching every night. Every time I like a show, they cancel it.

And what do they bring in? MAV TV? HDNet/HDNet Movies had a mix of classic movies, some classic shows(although I always hoped they'd add more), and sports/music content for those who like such things, and guaranteed 24/7 HD, unlike those channels that go back and forth from stretched SD to HD.

Ironically, after having it off the account for a while after Mojo left(because I couldn't justify $5 for 2 channels), I just added it when it jumped to 4 when Smithsonian HD to see if it was once again worth it. I guess it isn't. and I was just starting to enjoy the classic movies.

Is there a channel worth watching nowadays? I know that is a controversial statement, but as networks are promoting reality shows over quality entertainment...I find I need extra channels just to be able to find one program to look forward to watching every night. Every time I like a show, they cancel it.

And what do they bring in? MAV TV? HDNet/HDNet Movies had a mix of classic movies, some classic shows(although I always hoped they'd add more), and sports/music content for those who like such things, and guaranteed 24/7 HD, unlike those channels that go back and forth from stretched SD to HD.

Ironically, after having it off the account for a while after Mojo left(because I couldn't justify $5 for 2 channels), I just added it when it jumped to 4 when Smithsonian HD to see if it was once again worth it. I guess it isn't. and I was just starting to enjoy the classic movies.

Again... Why is everyone ignoring the HD sports channels that are included with HDXtra?

Again... Why is everyone ignoring the HD sports channels that are included with HDXtra?

Not really ignoring - just not that interested. I'll admit its a decent set of sports channels, but I just don't have time to watch that much sports.

You're right that you get all the channels for only $4 once you figure in the cost of the DVR, but if I don't watch them much, that's still $4 wasted. And although I'm sure TWC won't even notice or care, my $$$ are the only way I can even remotely hope to make my voice heard.

I've been annoyed at my rising bill for some time - so I'm going to take this opportunity to slash some of the 'foam' on my bill - stuff I pay for but don't really need. I've had my eye on about $60 worth of cuts for some time now, and this is just the sort of thing I need to motivate me.

Just made the mistake of seeing what 'MavTV' is... and now I KNOW I'll be canceling my HD Xtra package. It's like a Maxim magazine for those who can't read. Every loud obnoxious and stupid tendency in popular entertainment boiled down into one solidly boring channel.
But hey, give the people what they want. It's not my two seats at Denny's.

I seriously doubt it's even near as good as Maxim is! Sounds like a re-branded InHD, which also called itself a channel by men for men.

Not really ignoring - just not that interested. I'll admit its a decent set of sports channels, but I just don't have time to watch that much sports.

You're right that you get all the channels for only $4 once you figure in the cost of the DVR, but if I don't watch them much, that's still $4 wasted. And although I'm sure TWC won't even notice or care, my $$$ are the only way I can even remotely hope to make my voice heard.

I've been annoyed at my rising bill for some time - so I'm going to take this opportunity to slash some of the 'foam' on my bill - stuff I pay for but don't really need. I've had my eye on about $60 worth of cuts for some time now, and this is just the sort of thing I need to motivate me.

Good show! The "sports" channel were all definitely minor league; I do watch a lot of sports but have never wanted to watch any of the HDXtra sports channels... besides, TWC has NEVER even listed them as part of the package!

I'm doing the same as you, also going to drop one of the movie channels (Starz) and from what I save I can get a Netflix sub. I dunno, to save 60 bucks I'd have to also drop RoadRunner and that won't happen!

As it stands now, the ONLY HDXtra channel that holds the slightest bit of interest is MGM HD.

I live in Queens and was wodering. Thanks

wondering this as well. Want to here some reviews

Good show! The "sports" channel were all definitely minor league; I do watch a lot of sports but have never wanted to watch any of the HDXtra sports channels... besides, TWC has NEVER even listed them as part of the package!

They did once - on the channel change page.

Speaking of HDNet, this was posted in the HOTP thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16485588#post16485588
It mentions a Robyn Watson. I wonder if that’s a typo and should be Bob.

Cable Notes



Updated: Time Warner Cable Dropping HDNet Channels Nationwide May 31

Cable Operator Says There Is 'Limited Appeal' for Mark Cuban-Backed Services

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 5/18/2009 9:32:23 AM MT

Time Warner Cable confirmed Monday it will stop offering HDNet and HDNet Movies across all of its systems effective May 31.

The move by Time Warner Cable, which has 8.7 million digital cable subscribers, is a blow to the Mark Cuban-backed HDNet, which was among the first HD services available to cable and satellite operators.

Asked why the company was dropping HDNet's services, Time Warner Cable director of corporate public relations Robyn Watson said, "There's a limited appeal for the programming. In a world with more than 100 HD channels, being in HD is not enough. We are adding other channels in HD to give our customers more choice."

HDNet and HDNet Movies has been available to Time Warner Cable customers in the HD Xtra premium-priced tier, which depending on market costs up to $8.95 extra per month.

Cuban, in an e-mail to Multichannel News, said he would not comment "on ongoing negotiations." However, he took issue with Time Warner Cable's characterization of HDNet's programming as lacking appeal.

"[T]here are millions of viewers who enjoy our unique and exclusive programming," Cuban wrote, adding that "we are not a cookie-cutter network like those from the big media conglomerates" and claiming that HDNet's viewers "do business with providers specifically to get our progamming."

HDNet's flagship channel, launched in 2001, features up to 20 hours per week of original features, including a newsmagazine hosted by former CBS anchor Dan Rather.

Time Warner Cable disclosed the plans to drop the two HDNet services on its Web site May 15. The company also said on or about June 1 it will launch MAV TV HD, as part of the HD Xtra tier.

In New York City, at least, TWC this month added Smithsonian HD in the HD Xtra tier. In earlier Web site statements about the two HDNet channels, TWC had said it intended to drop them and add Smithsonian HD and MavTV.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/...ide_May_31.php

Well, there you have it. If you like HDNet, then drop them a letter ASAP.

I still think that this is a money game being played out between TW morons and Mark Cuban’s people-- all to be resolved with us not losing it but probably costing us more money. That's my guess.

Anyone having problems with TV & Internet today? All channels are breaking up and my internet dropped off a couple of times.

Does anyone know what kind of upgrade this notice is talking about? I would begin to speculate that it is for Docsis3.0.

Does anyone know what kind of upgrade this notice is talking about? I would begin to speculate that it is for Docsis3.0.

Where did you see this? Could either be DOCSIS3 or the rumored Passport software update.

It was posted in the building hallway earlier this afternoon as I was heading out. The building next door also had that notice.

Well my 4 year old SA 8300HDC decided to lock up on me and made me miss 8 crucial minutes in the last quarter hour of 24. This seems to be happening more and more often lately. It took 3 reboots to get the thing working again. I'm thinking of trading it in for a new unit. Is there a particular one I should be looking for or one I should definitely avoid? I've heard there is a new interface other than Passport. Is this something I should be looking for with a new unit?

Thanks.

Well my 4 year old SA 8300HDC decided to lock up on me and made me miss 8 crucial minutes in the last quarter hour of 24. This seems to be happening more and more often lately. It took 3 reboots to get the thing working again. I'm thinking of trading it in for a new unit. Is there a particular one I should be looking for or one I should definitely avoid? I've heard there is a new interface other than Passport. Is this something I should be looking for with a new unit?

Thanks.

I have the 8300HDC too. My recording of 24, just quit at 8:29. Don't know why, there was plenty of hard drive space. No error msg either. Guess I'll have to watch it online.

Another night of bullshit audio dropouts on FOX 5. Starts out all right with The Simpsons, but by the end of King of the Hill, it's absolutely unwatchable.

I swear, if they ruin the season finale of 24 tomorrow....

glad im not the only one having this issue lately. Half of the fox shows i watch are almost unwatchable, i have to leave on closed caption.

glad im not the only one having this issue lately. Half of the fox shows i watch are almost unwatchable, i have to leave on closed caption.
This always happens to me as well. 24 was almost unwatchable tonight because of it. I decided to sucker up and solider through because I needed to know what happened. It is especially bad during the clock ticks that play into the commercial. Each tick is a new dropout. What is the cause of this? Fox and the CW seem to be the worst.

First time I watched 24 this season with the Passport box, not the HDC box, and it was horrible, every few seconds there were audio dropouts. I had to keep the closed caption on. I don’t know if this has anything to do with the Passport or HDC. However, I never experienced any problems before.

First time I watched 24 this season with the Passport box, not the HDC box, and it was horrible, every few seconds there were audio dropouts. I had to keep the closed caption on. I don’t know if this has anything to do with the Passport or HDC. However, I never experienced any problems before.

What? Passport has a problem? Oh my god what will u do? :D

What? Passport has a problem? Oh my god what will u do? :DAs I said in earlier posts, it is a moot point, if we will be force fed the new software-- killing Passport.

And as I have repeatedly mentioned, I enjoy and value Passport’s two tuner advantages but they are a useless feature if the dropouts persist.

Well, there you have it. If you like HDNet, then drop them a letter ASAP.

I still think that this is a money game being played out between TW morons and Mark Cuban’s people-- all to be resolved with us not losing it but probably costing us more money. That's my guess.

Scott posted a url to file an objection.

The good news is that they are getting a LOT of negative ink around the web. BUT I also think that the ONLY chance we may keep the HDNets will take months and months when (and if) they see a LOT of cancellations.

Of course, if they raise the cost of the tier, then a value question arises as except for a few very minor sports channels, there isn't much there, just MGM and Smithsonian. While there's nothing inherently wrong with those channels, what they show is available elsewhere... except for MGM which does seem to carry the "older movies iin HD" theme from HDNet-M.

My issue is that once HDNet is gone, I'm canceling and using the money elsewhere.

What? Passport has a problem? Oh my god what will u do? :D

I have concluded that this is NOT a Passport issue. We have many indications this audio drop-out thing happens on HDCs, none of which run Passport.

Yes I have seen the problem... mostly on the Fri. nite line-up I tend to record. BUT I have never seen it on 24, and I also tend to watch 24 live. For the finale, I think I got one small drop-out... that's it.

BTW, in addition to CC, one can run the SD channel on the other tuner and swap. Passport is a huge advantage here as both tuners will buffer, so one CAN rack back to the point where you missed some critical dialog.

This certainly indicates the issue may very well be at the head end. Unfortunately many of the complaints list no hardware, software, version numbers, or which head end the customer is in, making them useless in any of us trying to fifgure out what is going on and where the issue lies.

Did anyone else have problems with TV & Internet yesterday? Internet was down most of the evening and the TV was breaking up on almost all channels.

Scott posted a url to file an objection.


Here's the link to "contact us":
https://www.twcnyc.com/index2.cfm?c=cust_sup/cs_contact_us_kana

;) Right... everyone should demand that they keep HDNet.

I sent my comments in. Hope it helps

It was posted in the building hallway earlier this afternoon as I was heading out. The building next door also had that notice.

IDK, but that sounds to me like a local maintenance notice

Anyone else having problems on these channels? 705 totally black, no sound or audio; channel 707 having both video and audio stutters.

Yes, Fox HD 705 has been a nightmare tonight. Audio dropouts every 10 seconds on American Idol during its live broadcast. Glee was afflicted by dropouts. The live broadcast of the Ten O'Clock News was even worse; occasionally, multiple audio dropouts would follow so quickly after each other than it was basically silent for 5-second intervals.

I haven’t turned FOX on tonight. Out of curiosity, for you folks experiencing problems with FOX tonight, did any of you watch 24 last night? Did you have problems?

I had problems. During the first hour it seemed to have drop outs only during the clock sound before and after a commercial break. During the second hour it seemed to be everywhere.

I had problems. During the first hour it seemed to have drop outs only during the clock sound before and after a commercial break. During the second hour it seemed to be everywhere.That's exactly the way it was for me. What box are you using?

Yes, Fox HD 705 has been a nightmare tonight. Audio dropouts every 10 seconds on American Idol during its live broadcast. Glee was afflicted by dropouts. The live broadcast of the Ten O'Clock News was even worse; occasionally, the audio dropouts would follow so quickly after each other than it was basically silent for 5-second intervals. Amazing that Time Warner seems utterly oblivious after two months. That's top-notch quality control.

I filed a complaint with New York City after trying to watch American Idol and Glee on 705 with constant audio dropouts (not to mention 24 the night before was a disaster as well). I got a call from an individual from Time Warner -- telling me that it was a problem in my neighborhood and it had been resolved on Monday. What was annoying was that -- in the complaint form -- I had sent the link to this forum documenting that others have the problem. TWC's answer -- we'll send someone to look at your cable set-up --which we all know is not the problem.

I would encourage all of you having the problem to file a complaint --
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/consumer/consumer_cable_service_form.shtml

so that TWC can't keep claiming this is an isolated issue for one or two people.

...telling me that it was a problem in my neighborhood...Where's your location?

Just filed a complaint myself. I tried to watch that show Glee on Fox last night but the constant dropouts made it impossible. I'm glad FOX has a great online viewing system or I couldn't watch any their programming these days.

Where's your location?

Astoria.

Nevermind my question about my problem with TW, it appears the tap that I am connected to went bad and needs to be changed. More problems...ugh!

Just filed a complaint myself. I tried to watch that show Glee on Fox last night but the constant dropouts made it impossible. I'm glad FOX has a great online viewing system or I couldn't watch any their programming these days.

Another night of audio dropouts on Fox HD during American Idol and the Ten O'Clock News.

Incidentally, the first episode of Glee is completely free on iTunes right now. Usually when an episode is offered as a free teaser, it is available for about a week before they start charging so download it now if you're interested.

new spreadsheet....

nothing different in the HD department - some SD channel adjustments

that's exactly the way it was for me. What box are you using?

8300hd

Thank you for the feedback. At this time WPXN through Time Warner cable will not be available in HD until about Mid-July of this year. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for contacting ION Media Networks.

Tanisha
Audience Relations Coordinator
ION MEDIA NETWORKS

I have a problem with channels changing it seems by it self.Im on one channel and without doing any thing it changes to diffrent channel. its been doing it for the last 3 days. I dont know what to do.

Please use existing topic.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16506397#post16506397

I have a problem with channels changing it seems by it self.Im on one channel and without doing any thing it changes to diffrent channel. its been doing it for the last 3 days. I dont know what to do.That’s pretty funny. Do you have any new neighbors who just got cable? Maybe it’s their remote.

I have been going through the same thing. I picked up a couple of new Universal remotes. One is the Universal MX 950 and it changes my TV on a different floor through plaster walls. In fact I called my installer today to see what can be done to correct the problem.

Hey, useful information here. I've been trying to read a few pages back and see everyone's issues to see if mine are the same. I actually have a technician coming out tomorrow to check my signal strength. Who knows what that will do.

My question is, reading through a few pages, many keep posting of audio dropouts. Now, is it just audio? Just trying to figure out if it's what's happening to me. Is the dropouts for everyone here just audio, that is, video continues on but there's no audio? See, for me, mine is like a pause. It's like the channel locks up for a second or two...no audio or video, and then it comes back in. It's really frustrating. I can be in the middle of a show and it'll just stop....it blanks out for a second, then comes back. Sometimes, leading up to the blank out, just before it does so the picture will become scrambled or pixelated. I've done everything they say...the bogus "reboot the box" fix. It does nothing. Some channels are worse than others. Some seem to never experience this. Also, the glitch, or stopage, is picked up when I dvr a show as well. I can be watching it via dvr and the same thing; it'll go blank, no audio, and i'll lose 3-5 seconds of a show. It's very frustrating, especially considering how much coin I drop on this each month. Any help or advise is appreciated.

Oh, and if it's pertinent, I have the SA 8300HD.

Also, this may be coincidental, but use of the DVR (rewinding live, or watching a recorded show) seems to exacerbate it. But, could be unrelated. Just something I've noticed. Though, at this point, I'm hyper-aware of it b/c it drives me nuts. :D

Your problem is different than the audio dropout some of us have been reporting. The audio dropout is just that, the audio drops out but the video is completely unaffected. Plus, the audio dropout occurs only on a single channel, Fox HD 705.

Unfortunately, your issue sounds like a dying DVR. I had something similar happen and the only way to "fix" it was to swap out the DVR. One question: is your DVR almost full? For me, the freeze-ups and hiccups occurred more often when hard drive space was low. I'm guessing marginal hard drive sectors were being used as the drive approached capacity. You may not experience the problems as frequently if your hard drive is relatively empty.

I emailed Mark Cuban asking him if there was anything I could do to help save HDNet and HDNet Movies on TWC. It took him only 40 minutes to write me back with some people to contact. Here they are:

Time Warner Cable Executives:

Darryl Ryan - Director Of Media Relations
darryl.ryan@twcable.com

Alexander Dudley - Vice President, Public Relations
(212) 364-8229
alex.dudley@twcable.com
AlexTWC on Twitter

John Orzolick - Customer Care Advocate, Corporate Office
customercarefeedback@ndc.rr.com

Mariam Asmar
mariam.asmar@twcable.com
MsmarTWC on Twitter

Please contact these people and let them know you want HDNet & HDMovies to stick around!

Your problem is different than the audio dropout some of us have been reporting. The audio dropout is just that, the audio drops out but the video is completely unaffected. Plus, the audio dropout occurs only on a single channel, Fox HD 705.

Unfortunately, your issue sounds like a dying DVR. I had something similar happen and the only way to "fix" it was to swap out the DVR. One question: is your DVR almost full? For me, the freeze-ups and hiccups occurred more often when hard drive space was low. I'm guessing marginal hard drive sectors were being used as the drive approached capacity. You may not experience the problems as frequently if your hard drive is relatively empty.

Thanks for the response. Okay, yes, so my problem is different then.

I don't think my HD is very full. I mean, there is content there, but it doesn't seem abnormally high. Of course, I don't know how to check that. Is there a capacity meter anywhere to check?

As for a dying DVR, I was wondering if that was the case. But I've also read (though can't recall exactly) that my dvr, the 8300HD is more desirable than the one they currently give out? I might be wrong about that, or perhaps mistaken. It's why I've held off swapping for another. But perhaps it's time. Thanks again.

Thanks for the response. Okay, yes, so my problem is different then.

I don't think my HD is very full. I mean, there is content there, but it doesn't seem abnormally high. Of course, I don't know how to check that. Is there a capacity meter anywhere to check?

As for a dying DVR, I was wondering if that was the case. But I've also read (though can't recall exactly) that my dvr, the 8300HD is more desirable than the one they currently give out? I might be wrong about that, or perhaps mistaken. It's why I've held off swapping for another. But perhaps it's time. Thanks again.

You can check how full your hard drive is by entering the diagnostic screen. Simultaneously press the SELECT and EXIT buttons until the box beeps and "DIAG" appears on the DVR, then turn to channel 1999. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys on the remote to navigate down to the menu option titled DVR AVFS; that will tell you how much hard drive space is used and free. When you're done, exit the diagnostic mode by changing channel with the channel button.

If you take your box into the Time Warner sites, you will probably be able to get another 8300HD. Also, it does appear that the new Samsung boxes will be deployed within the next 1-2 months.

I don't think my HD is very full. I mean, there is content there, but it doesn't seem abnormally high. Of course, I don't know how to check that. Is there a capacity meter anywhere to check?

Actually, the easiest way is to count up the number of HD hours and the number of SD hours your DVR is holding.

Audio dropouts on 705 are so bad that the channel has become almost unwatchable. A few weeks back it looked as though TW was trying to fix this. Am I the only one finding it really bad again?

8300HD Manhattan South

That’s pretty funny. Do you have any new neighbors who just got cable? Maybe it’s their remote.

I have been going through the same thing. I picked up a couple of new Universal remotes. One is the Universal MX 950 and it changes my TV on a different floor through plaster walls. In fact I called my installer today to see what can be done to correct the problem.

I have the Universal MX 950 :) I think that may be the problem. Let me know what your installer says.:D

I have the Universal MX 950 :) I think that may be the problem. Let me know what your installer says.:D

:D Wow! How’s that for a coincidence.

I also have the Universal MX 980 (http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=135) and I confused the two yesterday. It is the 980 that is used on the main floor that’s paying tricks with the upstairs sets.

Regardless, I’m sure they both function similarly. I left my installer a message yesterday, not sure if he’s gone for the holiday but as soon as he lets me know-- I’ll let you know. ;)

How long have you had it? Pretty nice unit, isn’t it? Did you program it or did your vendor do it? The 980 is basically the same but has a color screen :cool: and it has to be set up as a professional install only.

If you take your box into the Time Warner sites, you will probably be able to get another 8300HD. Also, it does appear that the new Samsung boxes will be deployed within the next 1-2 month

Just spoke with my wife after the TWC technician came by. They swapped the box and she confirmed it is a Samsung. So, maybe they're getting them out sooner than that time frame. Can't wait to get home and check it out and see how it compares. Hopefully it alleviates some of the issues we've been having.

Just spoke with my wife after the TWC technician came by. They swapped the box and she confirmed it is a Samsung. So, maybe they're getting them out sooner than that time frame. Can't wait to get home and check it out and see how it compares. Hopefully it alleviates some of the issues we've been having.Post the model number and if you can, the software. TIA. :cool:

She hasn't set it up, so I can't get the software, but will when I get home. The model is the Samsung SMT-H3090 (http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=audiovideo&type=digitalsettopbox&subtype=hdtvtuners&model_cd=SMT-H3090/TWC#).

The Samsung SMT-H3090 is being deployed next month in NYC. It will have a 320 GB HDD though TWC might be very mean to you all and give you one that has a 160 GB HDD. It has home networking and it's all black. The IPG is now stretch-o-vision. It seems like it could be an improvement to the 8300 boxes. It might come out in Queens first. It will be at the Queens TWC mall so you can get one.

She hasn't set it up, so I can't get the software, but will when I get home. The model is the Samsung SMT-H3090 (http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=audiovideo&type=digitalsettopbox&subtype=hdtvtuners&model_cd=SMT-H3090/TWC#).WOOwho! Good to know... by the way... what's your location?

Yeah, can't wait to check it out and see what it's all about. I'm in Brooklyn, Park Slope.

Yeah, can't wait to check it out and see what it's all about. I'm in Brooklyn, Park Slope.I was at the Queens Center last Saturday (:rolleyes: I hate that hole) and they knew nothing about it. I won’t go back until I get word from someone here that they are actually there.

If that is the case, I wish there was a way to contact the two Manhattan locations to see if they have the H3090 in stock.

I'm not sure what the guy meant by this, but my wife said that he said something to her like they're only sending out one or two of these a week for installation. Not sure if that's a low stock situation, or if they're filtering them slowly to see how well the work, see if there are problems. Not sure if either of those is the reason, just thought it an interesting statement.

..they're only sending out one or two of these a week for installation. Not sure if that's a low stock of them situation, or if they're filtering them slowly to see how well the work, see if there are problems. Not sure if either of those is the reason, just thought it an interesting statement.That’s the same thing a technician told me last month—they have a limited supply and are allocated only 1 or two a day to deploy.

I emailed Mark Cuban asking him if there was anything I could do to help save HDNet and HDNet Movies on TWC. It took him only 40 minutes to write me back with some people to contact. Here they are:

Time Warner Cable Executives:

Darryl Ryan - Director Of Media Relations
darryl.ryan@twcable.com

Alexander Dudley - Vice President, Public Relations
(212) 364-8229
alex.dudley@twcable.com
AlexTWC on Twitter

John Orzolick - Customer Care Advocate, Corporate Office
customercarefeedback@ndc.rr.com

Mariam Asmar
mariam.asmar@twcable.com
MsmarTWC on Twitter

Please contact these people and let them know you want HDNet & HDMovies to stick around!

Thanks for posting these email addresses!

Just wrote the following email to them. Feel free to base your emails on mine:
Hello,

I am a very very long-time subscriber of Time Warner Cable in New York City (Manhattan). I really appreciate the efforts that you guys have recently made to get us up to 100 High Definition channels here in Manhattan.

I am also a subscriber to the "HDXTra" tier that gives us a few extra high definition channels that I pay a few extra dollars a month for. The original HDXtra tier gave us INHD & INHD2 (later combined into MOJO-HD) plus HDNet and HDNet Movies and some HD sports channels (which I don't watch).

The 2 INHD channels were combined to Mojo, and then Mojo went away (the channel shut down, so there was nothing Time Warner could do about it) and was replaced by MGM-HD which is quite nice. So now all that is in the tier is the 2 HDNet channels, MGM-HD, Smithsonian-HD, and a bunch of sports channels (some of them not even in HD) that I don't care a bit about.

But now I've seen that you are about to remove HDNet and HDNet Movies at the end of the month. These are far and away my favorite HD channels on the system. HDNet Movies shows films that do not appear in HD anywhere else, or if they do appear on other channels they are always in far superior picture quality on HDNet Movies.

The regular HDNet channel shows excellent concerts, great investigative news programs, travel shows, and other very interesting programming of high quality that you can't get anywhere else.

PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THOSE CHANNELS. If you do, I would see no reason to keep paying for the HDXTra tier. I don't watch sports channels, don't care about Smithsonian-HD, and while MGM-HD is nice it's not enough for me to keep paying for an extra tier on my system.

Also, once Verizon FIOS becomes available in my building, I would switch immediately since they do carry my favorite channels -- HDNet and HDNet Movies.

So if you want to (1) keep me subscribing to the HDXtra tier, and (2) ultimately keep me as a customer, PLEASE see what you can do about keeping the HDNet channels on the TWC system.

Thanks,
Scott Bernstein

Actually, the easiest way is to count up the number of HD hours and the number of SD hours your DVR is holding.

A quick "rule of thumb" is to count 6G/hr of HD content, and 1G/hr of SD content and you will get a rough idea of how full your DVR is.

But my 1st recommendation to you -- do a cold reboot. Unplug the box, let it sit for a few minutes to cool down, then plug it back in.

In general, "scheduled" rebooting on a regular basis when you're not recording or watching something is a good idea. At a minimum, you should reboot weekly, I think.

Thanks for posting these email addresses
Fast (and non-robotic) response from a real TWC person who does seem to understand exactly what's going on -- he even states the supposed reason they're dropping the HDNets (that HDNet wants to force TWC to move the channels to its "standard digital" tier and not a premium tier):
Dear Scott Bernstein,

Thank you for writing us. You have reached the Office of the President for Time Warner Cable.

After extensive negotiations, Time Warner Cable’s agreements with HDNet and HDNet Movies have officially expired. Consequently, Time Warner Cable will drop the HDNet and HDNet Movies channels by the end of this month.

Time Warner Cable’s largest expense is programming. The price we charge our customers is directly affected by the price we must pay for programming. That is why we are doing everything in our power to control programming costs, which continue to increase every year.

HDNet would only allow us to keep these channels if we moved HDNet to the Digital Basic Tier. We believe that offering HDNet on a broadly distributed tier is not the right value proposition for our customers.

We work to provide quality HD programming at fair value to our customers. Therefore, we are excited to be upgrading our HD Tier. New networks include all of the following: Smithsonian Channel HD and RFD HD launching by the end of the month, as well as MavTV HD launching at the end of summer ‘09. This new programming, offered through Time Warner Cable’s Premium HD Tier, will provide distinctive and high-quality HD programming geared toward, but not limited to, our arts and outdoors enthusiasts, movie lovers and MMA fans.

For more information or any updates about this decision, please visit our homepage www.timewarnercable.com .

Please know that we value you as our customer and we apologize for any inconvenience or frustration this decision has caused you.

Regards,

John Orzolick

Customer Care Advocate

Time Warner Cable Corporate Office

Fast (and non-robotic) response from a real TWC person who does seem to understand exactly what's going on -- he even states the supposed reason they're dropping the HDNets (that HDNet wants to force TWC to move the channels to its "standard digital" tier and not a premium tier):We work to provide quality HD programming at fair value to our customers. Therefore, we are excited to be upgrading our HD Tier. New networks include all of the following: Smithsonian Channel HD and RFD HD launching by the end of the month, as well as MavTV HD launching at the end of summer ‘09. This new programming, offered through Time Warner Cable’s Premium HD Tier, will provide distinctive and high-quality HD programming geared toward, but not limited to, our arts and outdoors enthusiasts, movie lovers and MMA fans.

:confused::mad:What a load.

Where does the movie lover fit into this ridiculous mix?

A science channel, a Hee Haw channel, and a testosterone channel???

In other words, if I pay for the HD tier package, I can be entertained by fossil and mummy shows while learning how to lasso my huge fake breasted girlfriend as she back leg round houses me... upside the head. :rolleyes: Can't wait.

Just fired off my emails too. The response from John Orzolick is a bit discouraging. It sounds like the decision has already been made to drop the channels. I am NOT a happy TWC customer right now.

When it vanishes, I'll be calling to cancel too. I don't know why they think a Rural network will play in NYC at a premium.

When it vanishes, I'll be calling to cancel too. I don't know why they think a Rural network will play in NYC at a premium.

u may not agree with it but there are lot of don imus fans that want to see imus on tv and would want rfd over hdnet.

:confused::mad:What a load.

Where does the movie lover fit into this ridiculous mix?

A science channel, a Hee Haw channel, and a testosterone channel???

In other words, if I pay for the HD tier package, I can be entertained by fossil and mummy shows while learning how to lasso my huge fake breasted girlfriend as she back leg round houses me... upside the head. :rolleyes: Can't wait.

LOL. Just went to the MAVTV website to see what it's all about and there's a video saying it's the channel for men who like their hands down their sweatpants on a Saturday afternoon. That plus the rural channel? Yee haw!

Fast (and non-robotic) response from a real TWC person who does seem to understand exactly what's going on -- he even states the supposed reason they're dropping the HDNets (that HDNet wants to force TWC to move the channels to its "standard digital" tier and not a premium tier):

That looks like the exact same response someone from another market got and posted in another thread. Another e-mail posted elsewhere came about from someone writing to Mark Cuban directly... in it, he says TWC would NOT accept a 75% reduction in HDNet's fee.

Add in the whole bit about how simply being HD isn't enough... obviously, everyone who li8kes HDNet does so for the programming AND the fact that a LOT of the SUPPOSED HD channels TWC gives us are simply strech-o-vision SD taking up HD bandwdth unnecessarily.

When it vanishes, I'll be calling to cancel too. I don't know why they think a Rural network will play in NYC at a premium.

This is EXACTLY what I'd wish all HDXtra customers will do (obviously absent those who may want the minor sports channels).

FWIW, when FIOS started to become a factor here in NYC, the very first thing i did was find out if they carried HDNet... doling a little jig when i found out they did cary it.

She hasn't set it up, so I can't get the software, but will when I get home. The model is the Samsung SMT-H3090 (http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=audiovideo&type=digitalsettopbox&subtype=hdtvtuners&model_cd=SMT-H3090/TWC#).

Cool... I think this is the very first sighting of a 3090 in NYC! I hope you realize that being a pioneer, we "expect" constant updates (for a least a few weeks<g>!).

The first question would be did they give you a 160G or 320G 3090. We have heard from the 2 markets reporting field sightings that some folks get 320, some 160.

BTW, it would be VERY helpful if you noted in your signature location, box and software plus version number.

That’s the same thing a technician told me last month—they have a limited supply and are allocated only 1 or two a day to deploy.



so when do you think the samsungs will be out in the masses and available for people living in manhattan. Anyone see if the 23rd street store has them in stock.

I just notice something. Wasn't Africa Channel HD suppose to be on 787? What will happen if/when Africa Channel HD actually starts then?

so when do you think the samsungs will be out in the masses and available for people living in manhattan. Anyone see if the 23rd street store has them in stock.

2 other questions come to mind... will it have a 320G or 160G HDD (TWC has deloyed both), and what about the Samsung 3270 (a "newer" version of the 3090), which someone is posting will be the DVR deployed in San Diego?

I just notice something. Wasn't Africa Channel HD suppose to be on 787? What will happen if/when Africa Channel HD actually starts then?

I don't mean to be disparaging about it, but are we certain the Africa channel will have good HD programming? It seems like it might be mostly stretched content.

When did Ch 167 become MTV3?

Do we really need a third MTV channel.

When did Ch 167 become MTV3?

Do we really need a third MTV channel.

It was added last week - along with a massive reorganization of the 800's Spanish channels.... nothing that really affects us though.

2 other questions come to mind... will it have a 320G or 160G HDD (TWC has deloyed both), and what about the Samsung 3270 (a "newer" version of the 3090), which someone is posting will be the DVR deployed in San Diego?

Yep that's the one thats being deployed. There will also be a 3260 HD-STB that is also being deployed.

u may not agree with it but there are lot of don imus fans that want to see imus on tv and would want rfd over hdnet.

No reason we cannot have this and the HdNet's as well

FYI - just to fill some people in on some info they seem to be missing out on...

Cuban wants the HDNet networks moved off the HD-Xtra tier... which would result in a cost increase for everyone...

Obviously Time Warner knows that the subscriber #s for the HD Xtra tier is fairly low and that cost increase across the board would not make most customers happy...

(not so different from the whole NFL Network mess - although that also has Sunday Ticket as another reason)

Hey all, sorry for the delay. I reported getting the Samsung SMT-H3090 on Friday, and then realized we had house guests for the entire weekend, so I've been tied up with them and not watching a whole lot of tv. So, let me give a brief "so far" summary.

The problems we were experiencing are gone. No more glitching/pixelating. Not sure what that problem was attributed to, but I'm not asking questions. With this new box, it hasn't happened....yet. Again, I haven't spent a lot of time with it, so that may be a premature report.

As for the questions I received such as the software used and what size HD. Unfortunately, I can't answer either of those. The guy didn't leave a remote, though the old one works with it, so maybe that's the reason. But beyond that, I use a Harmony universal remote. What I'm really getting at is I've gone through all the screens I can go through and I can find neither a page that indicates software nor a page that shows what size the HD is. There IS a new % status bar for how much HD space you've used, but it doesn't indicate the HD's size in terms of GB's. I looked at the instruction manual provided with it and it's all but useless unless of course you need a manual just to show you how to hook the box up...that's about all it explains. It's a very limited instruction manual.

So, sorry I don't have those answers. :o I'd actually like to know myself. I've looked online to try to figure out how to access this info, but nothing has turned up.

As for the questions I received such as the software used and what size HD. Unfortunately, I can't answer either of those. The guy didn't leave a remote, though the old one works with it, so maybe that's the reason. But beyond that, I use a Harmony universal remote. What I'm really getting at is I've gone through all the screens I can go through and I can find neither a page that indicates software nor a page that shows what size the HD is. There IS a new % status bar for how much HD space you've used, but it doesn't indicate the HD's size in terms of GB's. I looked at the instruction manual provided with it and it's all but useless unless of course you need a manual just to show you how to hook the box up...that's about all it explains. It's a very limited instruction manual.

So, sorry I don't have those answers. :o I'd actually like to know myself. I've looked online to try to figure out how to access this info, but nothing has turned up.

http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1228_sad_person_crying.gif


Try tuning to channel 996 and... you should see a software name and version numbers... let us know what it says.

Try tuning to channel 996 and... you should see a software name and version numbers... let us know what it says.

Eesh. I did tune it to that, but there were 6 pages of stuff. And most of it did not look like anything I'd recognize as software. I'm relatively tech savvy, but this stuff didn't look like anything much. On page six, the only stuff with "versions" were:

Stack Ver. 2.4.9.2
ODN Ver. 3.1.0_11
Cable Card Ver. 01.01.10P12
DiagsXlet Ver. 1.0.7
DiagsXlet XML File - Carousel ID 40
DiagsXlet XML Ver. 1.0

Does any of that mean anything to anyone? Sorry, but again, went through all six pages and didn't see anything that was labeled software name or version.

Eesh. I did tune it to that, but there were 6 pages of stuff. And most of it did not look like anything I'd recognize as software. I'm relatively tech savvy, but this stuff didn't look like anything much. On page six, the only stuff with "versions" were:

Stack Ver. 2.4.9.2
ODN Ver. 3.1.0_11
Cable Card Ver. 01.01.10P12
DiagsXlet Ver. 1.0.7
DiagsXlet XML File - Carousel ID 40
DiagsXlet XML Ver. 1.0

Does any of that mean anything to anyone? Sorry, but again, went through all six pages and didn't see anything that was labeled software name or version.

ODN version... that's probably what people want to see

Hey all, sorry for the delay. I reported getting the Samsung SMT-H3090 on Friday, and then realized we had house guests for the entire weekend, so I've been tied up with them and not watching a whole lot of tv. So, let me give a brief "so far" summary.

The problems we were experiencing are gone. No more glitching/pixelating. Not sure what that problem was attributed to, but I'm not asking questions. With this new box, it hasn't happened....yet. Again, I haven't spent a lot of time with it, so that may be a premature report.

As for the questions I received such as the software used and what size HD. Unfortunately, I can't answer either of those. The guy didn't leave a remote, though the old one works with it, so maybe that's the reason. But beyond that, I use a Harmony universal remote. What I'm really getting at is I've gone through all the screens I can go through and I can find neither a page that indicates software nor a page that shows what size the HD is. There IS a new % status bar for how much HD space you've used, but it doesn't indicate the HD's size in terms of GB's. I looked at the instruction manual provided with it and it's all but useless unless of course you need a manual just to show you how to hook the box up...that's about all it explains. It's a very limited instruction manual.

So, sorry I don't have those answers. :o I'd actually like to know myself. I've looked online to try to figure out how to access this info, but nothing has turned up.

If you really want information then press Vol+ and Info on the box for a few seconds. Then the Samsung Diagnostic menu will show up. That mentions the Hard Drive and other various options.

ny1 is a twc joint, so i doubt rcn carries it.

is ny1 that important to ppl?

for me, it wont even be in the thought process.


after sandra left i could not care less

Bah!

I just traded in my 8300HD for an 8300HDC box today...wholly lag time batman.

Does anyone experience this? Whenever I change channels, or use the guide or type in channel numbers there is a much, much more noticeable lag in activity compared with the 8300.

Anyone else experiencing this? Any tips?

yep lag in responding to channel number inputs. like 728 it would go to 72 and miss the 8. frustrating. also, i tend to have to wait 1min to be able to change channels after first turning on the tv during the day.

Eesh. I did tune it to that, but there were 6 pages of stuff. And most of it did not look like anything I'd recognize as software. I'm relatively tech savvy, but this stuff didn't look like anything much. On page six, the only stuff with "versions" were:

Stack Ver. 2.4.9.2
ODN Ver. 3.1.0_11
Cable Card Ver. 01.01.10P12
DiagsXlet Ver. 1.0.7
DiagsXlet XML File - Carousel ID 40
DiagsXlet XML Ver. 1.0

Does any of that mean anything to anyone? Sorry, but again, went through all six pages and didn't see anything that was labeled software name or version.

Ah, interesting... looks like the ODN version is one behind what others have. Also it's very much part of the "probably won't work with an external drive" which according to what nis being said, also encompasses the latest version.

Ah, interesting... looks like the ODN version is one behind what others have. Also it's very much part of the "probably won't work with an external drive" which according to what nis being said, also encompasses the latest version.

Thats the version that TWC NYC is using right now. It would be nice if they used 3.1.1_3 but they are still on 3.1.0_11. Isn't there a new ODN version coming out soon. Maybe they'll skip 3.1.1_3 and go to the new version.

As soon as I post this someone will most likely jump down my throat and say, "This has already been discussed ad nauseum!" but I've been searching for the answer for 20 minutes and I'm frankly tired. so here goes:

Is HD Showcase on Demand available on downtown Manhattan Time Warner Cable?

If so, which channel? If not, is there an ETA?

Thanks for any friendly answers....

Mark

As soon as I post this someone will most likely jump down my throat and say, "This has already been discussed ad nauseum!" but I've been searching for the answer for 20 minutes and I'm frankly tired. so here goes:

Is HD Showcase on Demand available on downtown Manhattan Time Warner Cable?

If so, which channel? If not, is there an ETA?

Thanks for any friendly answers....

Mark

yes - ch 699 - has been for a few months - you need one of the more recent cable boxes (http://www.timewarnercable.com/customerservice/clu/clu.ashx Samsung HD 3050, Scientific-Atlanta 4250HDC, Scientific-Atlanta 8300HDC)

Thanks much.

Called TWC and was told I need to exchange my box for an ODN box - are all three of those ODN boxes? Is there one that's best?

Thanks much.

Called TWC and was told I need to exchange my box for an ODN box - are all three of those ODN boxes? Is there one that's best?

The ones mentioned include 2 non DVRs and one DVR (I think, not real familiar with the 4250HDC).

TWC has deployed 160G Samsung 3090s and 320G Samsung 3090s. In and of itself, a 320G HDD DVR is a FAR, FAR better value than a 160G equipped one. We have one poster who got one, but he hasn't indicated the HDD size just yet.

On top of that, there's another rumor that all the legacy Passport boxes may be getting MDN on 6/1. I believe that along with that will come access to 699.

My advice would be to be patient for a few weeks to see what shakes out...

has anybody heard of moxi dvr and can i use it here

has anybody heard of moxi dvr and can i use it here
No, but after reading up on it, I think that it needs some maturing. Here’s a link but I would assume you are familiar with the unit.
http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/05/04/review-moxi-hd-dvr/



edit: I should clarify, when I say "no" I mean that I never heard of it. I have no idea whether it will integrate with TW.

has anybody heard of moxi dvr and can i use it here

I'm not so sure they are being aggressive enough in their attempt to take some marketshare from D*. Run the numbers... remember to include the 400 buck lifetime subscription that D* offers... pretty competitive, right? Then factor in an outfit that has been a player for quite a while against an upstart.

Still holding on to this SA8300HD but really hate the fact that I cant get anything On-Demand in HD.

If I can manage to get one of the Samsung boxes here in NYC, should I make the change?
Any other advice/suggestions?

Thanks!

Still holding on to this SA8300HD but really hate the fact that I cant get anything On-Demand in HD.

If I can manage to get one of the Samsung boxes here in NYC, should I make the change?
Any other advice/suggestions?

Thanks!

There are rumors that the older boxes will be getting software updates very soon (like... next week) that would allow us to get the HD ondemand channels. And since there is little info on the Samsung boxes so far - just wait it out a bit longer.

There are rumors that the older boxes will be getting software updates very soon (like... next week) that would allow us to get the HD ondemand channels. And since there is little info on the Samsung boxes so far - just wait it out a bit longer.

Thanks for the info Berk.
I hear that day may be June 1st; is that the general consensus?

Thanks for the info Berk.
I hear that day may be June 1st; is that the general consensus?I started the June 1st rumor, from information a TW service tech provided me (others here have substantiated it). We shall see what happens.
Still holding on to this SA8300HD but really hate the fact that I cant get anything On-Demand in HD.
Why would you want to pay TW for their HD On Demand? You can rent or buy BluRay which looks and sounds much better and potentially could be more economical. And, regarding the other (free) HD On demands, they are a waste.

I am waiting for the transition from Passport to whatever finally happens and the new boxes arrive before I give up my 8300HD.

I’ll start my post with a disclaimer, I have *no idea* what will happen on 6-01 but I have a few comments.

I am having a difficult time believing every passport box in NYC or even one boro will be upgraded via a download on the same day/week/month without any notice to their customers. Good business practice would dictate much communication to your users, bill inserts, web site updates, email, phone calls explaining what will happen, what will be new and how to use the new software. TWC would want to limit the effect of thousands customers calling in to tech support/dispatch so they would only roll out a controlled number of updates on a prearranged schedule, and control the inventory of replacement boxes to be used to replace the bozo’d out boxes that become brain dead after the upgrade.

But who knows, TWC does what it wants to do without regard or much commutations to us, so maybe I assume to much when I assume good business practice.

I started the June 1st rumor, from information a TW service tech provided me (others here have substantiated it). We shall see what happens.

Why would you want to pay TW for their HD On Demand? You can rent or buy BluRay which looks and sounds much better and potentially could be more economical. And, regarding the other (free) HD On demands, they are a waste.

I am waiting for the transition from Passport to whatever finally happens and the new boxes arrive before I give up my 8300HD.

If youd like to buy me one or, lend me some money to buy one, I would happily not care about OD :D

I’ll start my post with a disclaimer, I have *no idea* what will happen on 6-01 but I have a few comments.

I am having a difficult time believing every passport box in NYC or even one boro will be upgraded via a download on the same day/week/month without any notice to their customers. Good business practice would dictate much communication to your users, bill inserts, web site updates, email, phone calls explaining what will happen, what will be new and how to use the new software. TWC would want to limit the effect of thousands customers calling in to tech support/dispatch so they would only roll out a controlled number of updates on a prearranged schedule, and control the inventory of replacement boxes to be used to replace the bozo’d out boxes that become brain dead after the upgrade.

But who knows, TWC does what it wants to do without regard or much commutations to us, so maybe I assume to much when I assume good business practice.

There is no way it would all happen at once.

Any software updates are rolled out over the course of a few days across the region.

Since in their view the update wouldn't be a significant functional change, they probably have no plans to make any announcement of it... (they never have when sending out software updates... ODN people have seen that happen lately... its just been such a long time sine the rest of us has sen a software update we forge that it can even happen)

It might have been delayed though. TWC NYC is testing MDN but they haven't decided on when to deploy it. A tech says you should all like it. It will most likely be a phased rollout. Some boxes will go MDN on one day and others will be updated on another day. Each box type has it's own date. Thats what our TWC division did.

Will the software switch affect series recordings?

On top of that, there's another rumor that all the legacy Passport boxes may be getting MDN on 6/1. I believe that along with that will come access to 699. My advice would be to be patient for a few weeks to see what shakes out...

Just got an Explorer 4250HDC box and it seems to be working fine. The rep said that any upgrades will be software upgrades and I won't need a new box.

Caller ID is not working yet - I'm told that takes a while to kick in. Anyone know how long?

Thanks much,

Mark

Caller ID is not working yet - I'm told that takes a while to kick in. Anyone know how long?

Thanks much,

Mark

It should work immediately, as I recall.

Did you go into settings and enable it?

Caller ID is not working yet - I'm told that takes a while to kick in. Anyone know how long?

When my box was changed for a Samsung, the tech told me that on-screen Caller-ID would take 24 hours to start working again. That was about accurate as I recall.

Of course, on-screen caller ID has to be active for your neighborhood to begin with, but I think all of NYC now has it.

On another topic, I recall reading about TWC offering a service called "lookback" in addition to "startover". Does anyone know what "lookback" could be? It sounds like the ability to watch (on demand) a show that has already ended.

On another topic, I recall reading about TWC offering a service called "lookback" in addition to "startover". Does anyone know what "lookback" could be? Yeah, that’s when you go in your old shoe box full of bills,
from years past, and you “look back”
at how cheap your cable bill used to be. :rolleyes::p:D






:D sorry.. couldn't resist.

On another topic, I recall reading about TWC offering a service called "lookback" in addition to "startover". Does anyone know what "lookback" could be? It sounds like the ability to watch (on demand) a show that has already ended.

From the NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/13/business/media/13adcol.html?fta=y&pagewanted=all

The service, called Look Back, will let cable customers watch certain shows later on that they missed, just the way a digital video recorder does, but without an extra monthly fee. The fast-forwarding function will be turned off, however, and consumers will be limited to watching programs later on during the day they are shown, anytime before midnight.

.....

Time Warner started down this path in late 2005, when it introduced a free feature called Start Over. Now available in six of its 23 cable markets, Start Over allows viewers to begin watching television programs from the beginning, after they have started playing. During a half-hour show, for example, viewers can start fresh anytime within 30 minutes of when it began.

Basically, Look Back lets you view a program from the last 24-48 hours. Start Over can only be activated during a program's live airing. Look Back does everything Start Over does but I assume the two services will coexist in the same market - even though the distinction is bound to create consumer confusion - because some channels won't consent to Look Back but will be OK with Start Over.

A more recent article about Look Back & Start Over from the Orange County Register:

http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2008/10/28/time-warners-upcoming-features-for-oc-cable-tv-customers/4645/

“Start Over” and “Look Back”: Coming in mid-2009, these two services that let you watch shows you missed or forgot to record. Start Over lets a viewer who starts watching a TV show after it’s already started to restart the same show. Look Back offers on-demand access to TV shows from the past 24 to 48 hours. Time Warner mentioned this service to us before but it was delayed while they got permission from the TV companies to rebroadcast the shows. Right now, 28 networks have agreed to allow Time Warner to offer this feature but viewers won’t be allowed to fast-forward the shows.


Also, knock on wood, but have they finally fixed the audio dropouts on Fox 705? I've had the channel on for about 20 minutes now and no audio dropouts so far; it typically occurred within minutes of tuning to the channel. Still, I wonder if I haven't been watching long enough or today is just an good day. Anyone else watch Fox 705 more often during the last couple days noticed if they have had audio dropouts?

I’ll start my post with a disclaimer, I have *no idea* what will happen on 6-01 but I have a few comments.

I am having a difficult time believing every passport box in NYC or even one boro will be upgraded via a download on the same day/week/month without any notice to their customers. Good business practice would dictate much communication to your users, bill inserts, web site updates, email, phone calls explaining what will happen, what will be new and how to use the new software. TWC would want to limit the effect of thousands customers calling in to tech support/dispatch so they would only roll out a controlled number of updates on a prearranged schedule, and control the inventory of replacement boxes to be used to replace the bozo’d out boxes that become brain dead after the upgrade.

But who knows, TWC does what it wants to do without regard or much commutations to us, so maybe I assume to much when I assume good business practice.

There was a small paper that came in the most recent cable bill saying that in the next few weeks the software in the cable boxes will change however there was no mention as to how it will be done.

There was a small paper that came in the most recent cable bill saying that in the next few weeks the software in the cable boxes will change however there was no mention as to how it will be done.
As if that's even close to being enough notice for a rollout of this magnitude. BSkyB in the UK is doing a similar rollout for their HD customers, who number in the hundreds of thousands, and their rollout has been communicated to customers in the way Gooddog described.

TWCNYC, whose customers number in the millions, decides to send a one-page bill insert.

Way to go TWCNYC, smashing good job. Just who is running that outfit anyway?

Way to go TWCNYC, smashing good job. Just who is running that outfit anyway?

Well, it was reported they got millions and millions in bonuses for the way they were running TWC. Hell, we've had three price increases in the past 18 months, what's not to like about the way they are running TWC?

Will the software switch affect series recordings?
I would guess that it will. I'm dreading adding all of my series recordings back once the changeover happens. But I'd be happy to be pleasantly surprised. :)

I would guess that it will. I'm dreading adding all of my series recordings back once the changeover happens. But I'd be happy to be pleasantly surprised. :)

Me too, I make very heavy use of series recordings and there are a LOTY in there, undoubtedly some for canceled series (I usually wait a long while before I delete them as they can sometimes come back... like Pushing Daisies, which got a recording set for the eps they are burning off on Sat. nites.

I should at least sit down and at least hand write a list...

At this point it MAY be moot, but stranger things have happened, and we could magically get our beloved HDNets back. But this article seems to include info I haven't read before, especially in that Cuban wanted the regular channel on the standard digital tier and only the movie channel to be on a pay extra tier.

It also corroborates a posted copy of an e-mail where he apparently said he was dropping their fees significantly.

http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2009/05/28/time-warner-rejected-hdnets-offer-to-lower-fees-provide-channels-to-all/14499/

Does anybody know ifthey have the samsung 3090 on 23st i was told by a tech from time warner that i just have to go down there and ask for it

am I the only one, but are people still having the dolby digital audio setting problem when using an hdmi cable. I am really hoping this gets fixed with the next update because I hate having to switch the setting to dolby digital from hdmi in the audio setting from the cable box menu each time I turn on the cable box/tv.

Does anybody know ifthey have the samsung 3090 on 23st i was told by a tech from time warner that i just have to go down there and ask for it

The best way is to check and report back to the thread. There is only one person in the thread who has one and that person go it during a tech visit.

I just ordered a Tivo HD (new promotion this month - only $99!)

I now have two TWC cable boxes (SA 8300HD DVR and another Samsung 3050 non-DVR for HD movies). I will return both, but think I will get another DVR hor HD movies and two extra tuners, as Tivo HD will not stream movies from TWC.

Which DVR box should I try to get at East 23rd St (or ask cable guys to bring when they install cable cards)? Also, have any new cable boxes been tested with e-SATA external drives?

Also, anyone have any experience with TWC installing cable cards into Tivo HD? I heard this can be very problematic.

Thanks in advance...

Called TWC to find how much it would cost me to add Tennis Channel. They said it was part of the HDxtra tier. Is that true? Their site stinks, I shouldn't have to call to find this out. Now I am suspicious that is why I posed the question to the forum. I trust you guys.

Called TWC to find how much it would cost me to add Tennis Channel. They said it was part of the HDxtra tier. Is that true? Their site stinks, I shouldn't have to call to find this out. Now I am suspicious that is why I posed the question to the forum. I trust you guys.

yes, the entire sports extra tier (450s-470s) SD and HD is part of the HDXtra Tier.

yes, the entire sports extra tier (450s-470s) SD and HD is part of the HDXtra Tier.


Hi thanks for the info. Before I saw your response I tuned into the Tennis channel and was surprised that I had access! I don't have access to the other items you mentioned. Maybe they are having a free Tennis Channel viewing?

anybody else having reception issues tonight UWS?

Um..... I am gettin normal reception on the other side of the park, Precision80...:)



I am sure this has been brought up many times, but why does TWC NY & NJ not give those of us in "Southern Manhattan" the same HD channels that the rest of their customers get? I'm talkin about MTV, BET, E!, VH-1, A&E, Discovery, etc. :mad::mad: I have their DTV and SA8300HDC. I can't stand SD so that makes it not worthwhile for me to subscribe caz I can get channels like NBC, CBS, Fox, without cable subscription.

I called RCN (that gives those channels in HD) but they said my building was not wired by them. FiOS not available. What should do I to get those channels in HD?:confused: Direct TV??

I am sure this has been brought up many times, but why does TWC NY & NJ not give those of us in "Southern Manhattan" the same HD channels that the rest of their customers get? I'm talkin about MTV, BET, E!, VH-1, A&E, Discovery, etc. :mad::mad: I have their DTV and SA8300HDC. I can't stand SD so that makes it not worthwhile for me to subscribe caz I can get channels like NBC, CBS, Fox, without cable subscription.

I called RCN (that gives those channels in HD) but they said my building was not wired by them. FiOS not available. What should do I to get those channels in HD?:confused: Direct TV??

Hasn't been brought up in a long time.... becuase all of TWC NYC has the same channel lineup.

None of us have MTV, BET or VH1 (there have been contract negotiations/disputes between TWC and Viacom).

But we've all had the others you mentioned for a while. Southern Manhattan 'joined the club' months ago...

:D:D:D

Thanks. I just checked their updated channel lineup (April 2009) for Manhattan, and the nasty asterisks for "not available in Southern Manhattan" next to Palli something (ch. 720) and E! are FINALLY gone!!

Hope we can get MTV, BET and VH-1 SOON!! :D

anybody else having reception issues tonight UWS?

Absolutely. Three channels (716, 717, 718) went blank. After an hour, I called, they had no idea anything was wrong. The guy (who couldn't speak English to save his life, I had to make him repeat everything 2-3 times).

One interesting aspect is before I got to speak to anyone, their automated system said I SHOULD allow them to send a reset. I was curious, so I said to proceed. For all that I observed, it looked identical to a hard boot (pull the plug, then plug back in).

The guy said he would refer the issue to their IT department and to check again in half an hour. I moved my recording ofd Primeval to the 1:00 AM show and just checked to find it DID record. So they DID fix whatever was the issue.

Anyone from areas other than UWS have this issue?

720 is Palladia HD and I find it an excellent channel. It's ad supported but the ads seem to run much less frequently than the 15 minutes per hour you get from the networks.

It's mostly live concerts with a lot of HD videos thrown in.

720 is Palladia HD and I find it an excellent channel. It's ad supported but the ads seem to run much less frequently than the 15 minutes per hour you get from the networks.
It's mostly live concerts with a lot of HD videos thrown in.Great stuff. It's my go to channel.:cool:

Just flipped over to HDNet movies to see what was on and saw that it was no longer there (HDNet is gone as well). :( What the hell am I paying for with the HD Xtra Tier now???

Just flipped over to HDNet movies to see what was on and saw that it was no longer there (HDNet is gone as well). :( What the hell am I paying for with the HD Xtra Tier now???

CRAP!! I wonder the same thing

I just ordered a Tivo HD (new promotion this month - only $99!)

I now have two TWC cable boxes (SA 8300HD DVR and another Samsung 3050 non-DVR for HD movies). I will return both, but think I will get another DVR hor HD movies and two extra tuners, as Tivo HD will not stream movies from TWC.

Which DVR box should I try to get at East 23rd St (or ask cable guys to bring when they install cable cards)? Also, have any new cable boxes been tested with e-SATA external drives?

Also, anyone have any experience with TWC installing cable cards into Tivo HD? I heard this can be very problematic.

Thanks in advance...

The best box for you is the SMT-H3090. The 3090 comes with either a 160 or a 320 GB HDD though it's got some issues. The eSATA is broken in the Samsung and the HDC boxes. The cable cards require a truck roll though. The Tivo can use eSATA. There is a Western digital drive that works great with it. The SMT-H3090 uses the same exact software as your 3050. It's still buggy but for some reason they've decided to deploy them.

Does anybody know ifthey have the samsung 3090 on 23st i was told by a tech from time warner that i just have to go down there and ask for it

They might have it but you might have to wait about 1-2 months before they get them. That ensures that they have enough to go around.

Just flipped over to HDNet movies to see what was on and saw that it was no longer there (HDNet is gone as well). :( What the hell am I paying for with the HD Xtra Tier now???

NOTE -- you can still tune both HDNets (at least for the time being) through the diagnostic mode -- frequence 597, program 1 & 2 (1 is HDNet, 2 is HDNet movies)

Just flipped over to HDNet movies to see what was on and saw that it was no longer there (HDNet is gone as well). :( What the hell am I paying for with the HD Xtra Tier now???

Ah-yup, a day early, but they are no longer listed in the guide.

MGM & Smithsonian I think are the other HDXtra channels, along with a few minor sports channels (which I could never find documented anywhere at TWC).

I called TWC this morning to cancel the xtra tier now that HDnet is gone. Their service rep didn't know the channels were being dumped, and wanted to help me trouble shoot so I could get them back. Nice.

I know its probably a ridiculous question but over the last week or two ive noticed my box is giving me less time to hold onto saved movies.
I got those annoying hour glasses next to everything and I never really got them before.

I have the 8300HD; whats is the capacity on this box in SD and HD?

I know its probably a ridiculous question but over the last week or two ive noticed my box is giving me less time to hold onto saved movies.
I got those annoying hour glasses next to everything and I never really got them before.

I have the 8300HD; whats is the capacity on this box in SD and HD?

Try rebooting the box. Sometimes things that you deleted don't get properly cleaned off of the drive until you reboot.....This is a small bug in Passport.

Just flipped over to HDNet movies to see what was on and saw that it was no longer there (HDNet is gone as well). :( What the hell am I paying for with the HD Xtra Tier now???

Smithsonian HD, MGM HD, MAVtv HD (adding tomorrow), NHL Network HD, CBS College Sports HD, Tennis HD, Big Ten Network HD. It will also include NBATV and Fuel HD (whenever they get around to adding those), along with the Fox College sports HD channels when they launch, and also RFDHD at some point (some other areas are getting it to replace the HDNets)

Ah-yup, a day early, but they are no longer listed in the guide.

MGM & Smithsonian I think are the other HDXtra channels, along with a few minor sports channels (which I could never find documented anywhere at TWC).

"On or about May 31, 2009 we will no longer carry HD Net Movies on ch. 797 and HD Net on ch. 798."

Right on schedule.

I called TWC this morning to cancel the xtra tier now that HDnet is gone. Their service rep didn't know the channels were being dumped, and wanted to help me trouble shoot so I could get them back. Nice.

Smithsonian HD, MGM HD, MAVtv HD (adding tomorrow), NHL Network HD, CBS College Sports HD, Tennis HD, Big Ten Network HD. It will also include NBATV and Fuel HD (whenever they get around to adding those), along with the Fox College sports HD channels when they launch, and also RFDHD at some point (some other areas are getting it to replace the HDNets)
If you’re planning on dumping the HD extra tier and haven’t done so yet, I would do it tomorrow when their main offices are open, not during weekend off hours where the CSRs are even dumber. Hopefully the cancellations will cause a recognizable blip on their screen and this will be resolved.

The only channels I have ever watched with the HD Extras has been the HDnets, InHds, Mojos I have never watched the other sports channels, even though I am a big sport fan. I’d probably tune in MGM and Fuel but at this point I’m not giving TW a dime more, in fact, now, they can give some change back to me.

again.... just a reminder...

If you have have an HDDVR - the difference between having the HDXtra tier and not having it is $4.05 a month....


It's funny... the only reason i originally got HDXtra way back when was for ESPNHD.... and back then the cost of the hddvr and the hdxtra was the same $15 (separately they were about $8 each). Cost of the DVR has gone up, but the hdxtra cost has stayed the same... and so has the special package of the 2

again.... just a reminder...

If you have have an HDDVR - the difference between having the HDXtra tier and not having it is $4.05 a month....


It's funny... the only reason i originally got HDXtra way back when was for ESPNHD.... and back then the cost of the hddvr and the hdxtra was the same $15 (separately they were about $8 each). Cost of the DVR has gone up, but the hdxtra cost has stayed the same... and so has the special package of the 2

Nah, actually it went down. DVR price went up, bundle price stays the same i.e. the HDXtra "portion" of the bundle went down.

Oh I forgot about ESPN HD... yes that WAS a factor when I first signed up. But the major reason, even back then, was HDNet. Remember we had very, very little HD back then...

Yeah I canceling tomorrow. along with one of my premiums (Starz). Starz had had a POD channel as long as the others, but TWC refused to let Starz customers get what they were paying for. Now I hear Cablevision (I think) is doing Starz POD HD.

If you’re planning on dumping the HD extra tier and haven’t done so yet, I would do it tomorrow when their main offices are open, not during weekend off hours where the CSRs are even dumber. Hopefully the cancellations will cause a recognizable blip on their screen and this will be resolved.

The only channels I have ever watched with the HD Extras has been the HDnets, InHds, Mojos I have never watched the other sports channels, even though I am a big sport fan. I’d probably tune in MGM and Fuel but at this point I’m not giving TW a dime more, in fact, now, they can give some change back to me.

You are right about the weekend CSR's being dumb. I just called about 20 minutes ago to drop HDXtra and all Premium On Demand services. So the rep tells me that I will be saving a total of $60+ on my monthly bill. I was like ok and thank you. Then turn on HBO to find out that they not only dropped the two request, but all of my premium channels [HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, TMC, etc] too.

Good job by the rep in losing TWC money since I never intended to drop all my premium channels. The end result was, that I liked the sound of saving the extra $60+ a month over calling them back over their CSR's error.

:D

You are right about the weekend CSR's being dumb. I just called about 20 minutes ago to drop HDXtra and all Premium On Demand services. So the rep tells me that I will be saving a total of $60+ on my monthly bill. I was like ok and thank you. Then turn on HBO to find out that they not only dropped the two request, but all of my premium channels [HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, TMC, etc] too.

Good job by the rep in losing TWC money since I never intended to drop all my premium channels. The end result was, that I liked the sound of saving the extra $60+ a month over calling them back over their CSR's error.

:D

That's because their POD channels are part of the same service. The CSR SHOULD have explained this to you... if you said you want to drop HBO POD, they should have said "Are you aware the POD channel is part of your package of HBO channels and you can't drop just it, you can only drop ALL of HBO."

That's because their POD channels are part of the same service. The CSR SHOULD have explained this to you... if you said you want to drop HBO POD, they should have said "Are you aware the POD channel is part of your package of HBO channels and you can't drop just it, you can only drop ALL of HBO."

Ah well. I have had the channels for so long, I thought I had that option to remove "just" the POD services since I never watch them anyway.

The nice part of the story is the savings in the end. The positive of the negative.

Hey! We can still watch HDNet on HD Showcase On Demand (699).

They forgot to delete the entries.

If you want to find out the HDD size on the 3090 you can press Vol+ and info on the box and it can get you into the HW diag menu. Go to DVR management and it should show the model number of the HDD. The if the model number says 160 then it's a 160 gb unit. If it says 320 then it has a 320 GB HDD.

Smithsonian HD, MGM HD, MAVtv HD (adding tomorrow), NHL Network HD, CBS College Sports HD, Tennis HD, Big Ten Network HD. It will also include NBATV and Fuel HD (whenever they get around to adding those), along with the Fox College sports HD channels when they launch, and also RFDHD at some point (some other areas are getting it to replace the HDNets)

Thanks for the info. MGM is nice to have around, but I hardly ever watch the others. Looks like I'll be canceling the HD Xtra this week too.

Does anyone, who still has HDXtra, in N Manhattan have MavTV HD showing? I'm trying to check if I'm the only one with the subscription screen.

same here subscription screen

Does anyone, who still has HDXtra, in N Manhattan have MavTV HD showing? I'm trying to check if I'm the only one with the subscription screen.

In Brooklyn, still have HDXtra (didn't get around to cancelling it yet). MAVTV HD does not even appear in the guide.

Called TWC to find how much it would cost me to add Tennis Channel. They said it was part of the HDxtra tier. Is that true? Their site stinks, I shouldn't have to call to find this out. Now I am suspicious that is why I posed the question to the forum. I trust you guys.

Funny, if not tragic. Thought I'd have a last look to see what is part of the HD Xtra tier before calling to cancel. Using the menus, could not for the life of me even find mention of it. So I did a search on "HDXtra" on their website - here's the ONLY result found:

Movie Networks | Time Warner Cable | New York City
... HDNet Movies is included in our HDXtra package. Learn More. Disclaimer: Subject to change without notice. Some restrictions may apply. ...

Pathetic website.

(Berk32, thanks for posting the updated HDXtra list)

I'll miss Smithsonian and MGM, and if this was just about me, I'd probably just take it and shut up. But I know the welfare of TWC and other businesses is dependent on receiving timely and honest feedback from its customers, so out of a sense of responsibility and loyalty to TWC and the free market, I feel obligated to act. So - goodbye HD Xtra, and all that other stuff I never use or watch.

TWC, you're welcome. I owed you that much after all these years.

... Thought I'd have a last look to see what is part of the HD Xtra tier before calling to cancel..It's like Berk32 is the only one they told :p Thanks for keeping us updated B. ;)

again.... just a reminder...

If you have have an HDDVR - the difference between having the HDXtra tier and not having it is $4.05 a month....



(Whoops, editing here after I realized I had my numbers wrong)

HDXtra only ....................................... $8.95
HDXtra + HD-DVR Service .................... $15.00
HD-DVR only ...................................... $10.95

So as Berk32 correcly points out, if you have an HD-DVR, you get HD Xtra for only $4.05 more (instead of $8.95)
Or if you already have HDXtra and want to add an HD DVR, you can have it for only $6.05 more (instead of $10.95)

It's like Berk32 is the only one they told :p Thanks for keeping us updated B. ;)

At first I thought he had to be some senior exec at TWC because he seemed to be the ONLY person who actually knew what TWC was doing. BUT then he did post that he "knew" because he was careful to document every announcement.

Hoping against hope, I waited for today to cancel HDXtra JUST in case we got a last minute reprieve.

Alas, my hopes were dashed so as soon as I finish here, I'm on the phone canceling Starz and HDXtra.

I am disappointed we have fewer choices in the HD tier, but for $4.05/month, I will stick with it for the time being. MGM and Smithsonian is worth having for $2/month each.

Regards....JL

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/01/bbc-america-hd-launch-july-20-brings-plenty-of-science-fiction-s/

BBC America HD is launching on July 20th. Think we'll get it?

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/01/bbc-america-hd-launch-july-20-brings-plenty-of-science-fiction-s/

BBC America HD is launching on July 20th. Think we'll get it?

Nope.

I am disappointed we have fewer choices in the HD tier, but for $4.05/month, I will stick with it for the time being. MGM and Smithsonian is worth having for $2/month each.Sure they are good channels and 2 bucks is not that much money, however, they shouldn’t cost anything more. After all, we don’t have a la carte choices across the board. If we did, then it would be a different story.

And besides, even though it might be logical for me to spend the 4 bucks more, I am canceling out of protest and I hope others will do so too.

The extra package made sense when it first came out but now it’s just an added tax with no rhyme or reason-- Tennis and Smithsonian? NBA and MGM?:confused::rolleyes: I don’t think so.

Heh, I came home from work last night expecting to see MDN on my box, but they haven't done anything yet, apparently. I'll keep watching.

The extra package made sense when it first came out but now it’s just an added tax with no rhyme or reason-- Tennis and Smithsonian? NBA and MGM?:confused::rolleyes: I don’t think so.

Everyone's different. For me (avid tennis fan and player) tennis Channel HD is worth it's weight in gold. I like MGM HD a lot as well - just those two would be worth it to me...

The best box for you is the SMT-H3090. The 3090 comes with either a 160 or a 320 GB HDD though it's got some issues. The eSATA is broken in the Samsung and the HDC boxes. The cable cards require a truck roll though. The Tivo can use eSATA. There is a Western digital drive that works great with it. The SMT-H3090 uses the same exact software as your 3050. It's still buggy but for some reason they've decided to deploy them.

I'm aware Tivo can use eSATA, only Tivo "authorized" eSATA drive is the WD "MY DVR" drive that is only 500GB - wish Tivo could use Terabyte model.

But why is the Samsung 3090 the "best box for me" if eSATA is broken? I guess the 320GB wouldn't be bad, but 160GB is pretty useless for me.

Are there any boxes(besides the SA 8300HD) that work with eSATA? Will new software upgrade to SA8300 break the eSATA compatibility? :confused:

Heh, I came home from work last night expecting to see MDN on my box, but they haven't done anything yet, apparently. I'll keep watching.

Will MDN break eSATA compatibility?

I'm aware Tivo can use eSATA, only Tivo "authorized" eSATA drive is the WD "MY DVR" drive that is only 500GB - wish Tivo could use Terabyte model.

But why is the Samsung 3090 the "best box for me" if eSATA is broken? I guess the 320GB wouldn't be bad, but 160GB is pretty useless for me.

Are there any boxes(besides the SA 8300HD) that work with eSATA? Will new software upgrade to SA8300 break the eSATA compatibility? :confused:

The Samsung box can do eSATA. Apparently one guy on a Milwaukee HDTV site was able to get one work. The SA HDC boxes seem to have the broken eSATA. MDN has working eSATA though they could break it in another update.

Sure they are good channels and 2 bucks is not that much money, however, they shouldn’t cost anything more. After all, we don’t have a la carte choices across the board. If we did, then it would be a different story.

And besides, even though it might be logical for me to spend the 4 bucks more, I am canceling out of protest and I hope others will do so too.

The extra package made sense when it first came out but now it’s just an added tax with no rhyme or reason-- Tennis and Smithsonian? NBA and MGM?:confused::rolleyes: I don’t think so.

Larry,
All HD non movie/premium channels should be free, but they aren't. I might opt out at some point, but not at this time.

Regards.....JL

Sure they are good channels and 2 bucks is not that much money, however, they shouldn’t cost anything more. After all, we don’t have a la carte choices across the board. If we did, then it would be a different story.

And besides, even though it might be logical for me to spend the 4 bucks more, I am canceling out of protest and I hope others will do so too.

The extra package made sense when it first came out but now it’s just an added tax with no rhyme or reason-- Tennis and Smithsonian? NBA and MGM?:confused::rolleyes: I don’t think so.

Right with you Larry!

Wasn't it NHL and not NBA? Yes I CAN see a total tennis nut wanting it, but we can still see pretty much all the more important matches, I think that channel tends to have a lot of the early round stuff (which I happily acknowledge is appropriate for a real serious fan).

I love MGM and Smithsonian, don't get me wrong. Still, not enough value even for the 4 bucks.

I called to drop HDXtra & Starz hoping to drop my bill by 10 bucks. Make a long story short, I think I'm saving the 10 bucks BUT they sold me on a deal... 4 premiums for the next year for 5 bucks less than what I was paying for 3 (the 4 being HBO, Max, SHO & Starz).

I could write a very long diatribe about how it took me 45 minutes to accomplish 2 very simple things, but it isn't all that interesting to those who have suffered through CSRs who can barely, if at all, speak English.

At this point it MAY be moot, but stranger things have happened, and we could magically get our beloved HDNets back. But this article seems to include info I haven't read before, especially in that Cuban wanted the regular channel on the standard digital tier and only the movie channel to be on a pay extra tier.

It also corroborates a posted copy of an e-mail where he apparently said he was dropping their fees significantly.

http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2009/05/28/time-warner-rejected-hdnets-offer-to-lower-fees-provide-channels-to-all/14499/


since they dropped hdnet, can i call twc and drop the hd thingy (i forget the name of this package) and starz without them charging me for dropping them?

if yes, how long do i have to drop them?

Hoping against hope, I waited for today to cancel HDXtra JUST in case we got a last minute reprieve.

Alas, my hopes were dashed so as soon as I finish here, I'm on the phone canceling Starz and HDXtra.

how much did u save?

did they charge you for canceling.

So I guess the whole "June 1 system change-over rumor" holds no weight or am I being a little hasty?

Probably unrealistic but I was hoping to wake up and have HDOD today:rolleyes:

So has anyone else gotten a Samsung?

Would love to know how those stb's are panning out.

Everyone's different. For me (avid tennis fan and player) tennis Channel HD is worth it's weight in gold. I like MGM HD a lot as well - just those two would be worth it to me...I’m not disputing the quality of these channels, just the grouping. If they are going to have an extra package it would make sense to make it similar—like a sports package, a movie package etc. There is nothing wrong with a “ potpourri” package but that was never their intent. It just sort of ended up that way. Now we're stuck with this ever changing mishmash they call an HD Extra Tier. :rolleyes:

I’m not disputing the quality of these channels, just the grouping. If they are going to have an extra package it would make sense to make it similar—like a sports package, a movie package etc. There is nothing wrong with a “ potpourri” package but that was never their intent. It just sort of ended up that way. Now we're stuck with this ever changing mishmash they call an HD Extra Tier. :rolleyes:

I get it - makes sense.

Now, why did we lose HDNET? It seems when they take away channels arbitrarily they are breaking a contract that we signed...:mad:

So I have MGM and Smithsonian but I'm not getting Mav HD or Game Channel. Should I be? I had the HDXtra Tier with HDNet.

So I guess the whole "June 1 system change-over rumor" holds no weight or am I being a little hasty?

Probably unrealistic but I was hoping to wake up and have HDOD today:rolleyes:

So has anyone else gotten a Samsung?

Would love to know how those stb's are panning out.

Some of the bugs could be a bad box. Takes a bit of trial and error to get eSATA working though that could be fixed. Only a few people have the 3090. It should eventually be available at the local TWC centers.

Does anyone, who still has HDXtra, in Manhattan have MavTV HD showing? subscription screen

720 is Palladia HD and I find it an excellent channel. It's ad supported but the ads seem to run much less frequently than the 15 minutes per hour you get from the networks.

It's mostly live concerts with a lot of HD videos thrown in.

Aha, sounds like my type of a channel. Thanks! I hate ads! :p

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/01/bbc-america-hd-launch-july-20-brings-plenty-of-science-fiction-s/

BBC America HD is launching on July 20th. Think we'll get it?

Meeehhh, TWC? Probably not, unless many of us request it... but it would be a nice surprise if they just gave it to us form the beginning. :D I have a friend in England, so... ;)

Some of the bugs could be a bad box. Takes a bit of trial and error to get eSATA working though that could be fixed. Only a few people have the 3090. It should eventually be available at the local TWC centers.

Not sure I understand your answer.
I never mentioned any "bugs"; what are you referring to?
Also, I dont understand the trial and error/eSATA statement either.:confused:

Are you possibly answering someone elses post along with mine?

The second half of your response answers my question; if I have the chance to trade in my 8300HD for the Samsung 3090, will I still experience the software issues that most people have with the SA 8300HDC?

Everyone's different. For me (avid tennis fan and player) tennis Channel HD is worth it's weight in gold. I like MGM HD a lot as well - just those two would be worth it to me...

I get a deal where I get three tiers for 10.00 it includes
the HD tier
sports tier
digital extra tier

cbs college sports SD and HD
nba tv
sportsman channel
fcs (all three)
big 10 network
outdoor channel
gol tv
fuel tv
tennis channel
fuse
fox movie channel
SMITHSONIAN HD
MAV TV HD
UHD
MGM HD

so I get 5 HD channels in this tier

also get digital plus which has encore channels plus a few others includes BIO SD and HD.
plus I also get a 10% discount on monthly bill

this is in the dallas market.

I get 46 free HD channels (includes HD Tier)

we have 870MHz of bandwidth with motorola cable boxes with the I-guide.

No SDV.

Read a post from a TWC employee in a different forum mention that the 3090s being deployed in NYC are the 160GB versions. Can anyone confirm? That will basically negate any push for an upgrade unless a software upgrade further damages my 8300HD.

Yep another poster in the Navigator forum can confirm it. Eventually TWC will deploy MPEG-4 and the Samsung DVR supports DLNA uPnP with DTCP-IP copy protection. MDN is pretty stable btw on the 8300HD except TWC NYC is sure taking their sweet time testing it. As for when NYC will get it well you'll get something either in the mail, e-mail and/or phone. All I can say is that Passport will eventually be replaced. Maybe they're waiting for the new version that matches Passport. Both MDN and ODN have no keyword search feature though that feature is a top priority for them.

Not sure I understand your answer.
I never mentioned any "bugs"; what are you referring to?
Also, I dont understand the trial and error/eSATA statement either.:confused:

Are you possibly answering someone elses post along with mine?

The second half of your response answers my question; if I have the chance to trade in my 8300HD for the Samsung 3090, will I still experience the software issues that most people have with the SA 8300HDC?

Basically a lady on the Milwaukee HDTV forum was able to get a WD 500 GB Mybook to work with the eSATA. It took 2 hours and a few reboots before the guide detected it and prompted her to format it. eSATA was broken in the 8300HDC but the Samsung might have working eSATA support.


I plugged in a Western Digital 500gb "My Book" and fiddled with the diagnostics screen. Nothing worked in the first couple tries but a few hours later and a few reboots I suddenly got the "do you want to format the hard drive" command off the samsung box. I did and was good to go. Power outages mean I have to reset the external hard drive but other than that... very happy. FINALLY, can watch my shows in peace and not have to worry about running out of space.

Thanks for this thread's help. Would never have managed it without you.

-Danica

This is how she did it.

As for the HDC bugs well it depends. Each box is different and has it's own unique idiosyncrasies. ODN might have some common issues but it really depends on the box.

Hope this helps.

Yep another poster in the Navigator forum can confirm it. Eventually TWC will deploy MPEG-4 and the Samsung DVR supports DLNA uPnP with DTCP-IP copy protection.

So is there any point for a person with the HDC boxes to get a Sammy or just stand still with what they got? It sucks not to get the 320GB but the other stuff still beats the current HDC box.

Unless you like a black cable box and not like the silver space ship look of the 8300HDC. There is that potential multi room feature that may eventually be enabled. That could allow you to stream content to other sources. MPEG-4 might be interesting. If it has the BCM7405 which I think it does then it can do 1080p VOD like D* and E*. Maybe TWC will deploy 160 GB 3090's and eventually deploy 320 GB 3270 boxes. The 3270 is newer than the 3090. TWC San Diego my division is testing them to replace the 8300 series boxes. It has a 320 GB HDD though there probably is a 160 GB option. Hope this helps.

The Fu%$ing audio dropouts on Fox are back!!!

A_C

http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs24/f/2007/319/f/4/scream_by_vidi.jpg

This takes the cake the HDx Tier original had something like 5 or 6 Movie ch's, inHD etc... I don't even remember all the names. It's not really the $5 bucks it's the principal. I wonder how long until Fios comes to the UWS.
I'm not getting MAVHD just call the number BS

Does anyone have any information as to when the Hudson Valley system is rolling out the 100+ HD channels? Seems the majority of NY State will have it come the end of this month. We currently have 40 HD channels.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/277632-Time_Warner_Cable_Hits_100_HD_Channels_In_Central_New_York.p hp

Time Warner Cable Hits 100 HD Channels In Central New York
Operator Offers Expanded Lineup to Syracuse-Area Customers
Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 6/1/2009 12:26:19 PM MT
Time Warner Cable's Central New York Division began offering its customers in the Syracuse-area the ability to watch up to 100 high-definition channels as of May 31.

In addition, Time Warner Cable said in late June it will begin delivering its own locally produced, exclusive programming -- its 24-hour local news channel News 10 Now and Time Warner Cable Sports network -- in the high-definition format.

The company said it will offer 100 HD channels everywhere in its Central New York Division, including the southern tier, the Utica/Rome area and northern New York systems, with the addition of more HD channels later in June.

Basically a lady on the Milwaukee HDTV forum was able to get a WD 500 GB Mybook to work with the eSATA. It took 2 hours and a few reboots before the guide detected it and prompted her to format it. eSATA was broken in the 8300HDC but the Samsung might have working eSATA support.




This is how she did it.

As for the HDC bugs well it depends. Each box is different and has it's own unique idiosyncrasies. ODN might have some common issues but it really depends on the box.

Hope this helps.

HDTVFAN- i still have NO IDEA what you are talking about here.

I posted a question concerning the roll out of new software and the Sammy box and you keep posting answers that have nothing to do with my question.

I appreciate the help but what does a lady from Milwaukee and her hard drive/esata problem have to do with my original question about the rumor of the MDN rollout???:confused:

Im lost.

The Fu%$ing audio dropouts on Fox are back!!!

A_C

http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs24/f/2007/319/f/4/scream_by_vidi.jpg

FOX sucks anyway :D

since they dropped hdnet, can i call twc and drop the hd thingy (i forget the name of this package) and starz without them charging me for dropping them?

if yes, how long do i have to drop them?

Not sure... there IS a SOP notice that whenever they change the service you bought, you can change without any penalty. This is what is posted on their "Channel Changes" page:

"You may downgrade or terminate service without charge at any time. Further, if carriage of a premium service is discontinued and you have incurred installation, upgrade or other one-time charges relating to such premium service within six months prior to the date of the change, you may elect to downgrade or terminate service within 30 days and obtain a rebate of any such charge."

I have a sneaky feeling that one SOP for CSRs is to offer something to anyone who is reducing their bill by canceling services. At least, that is what happened to me this time. A while back I filed a complaint with DOITT about how Manhattanites paid more for less and I got offered a deal I couldn't refuse (phone service for 5 bucks over what I had been paying).

Yep another poster in the Navigator forum can confirm it. Eventually TWC will deploy MPEG-4 and the Samsung DVR supports DLNA uPnP with DTCP-IP copy protection. MDN is pretty stable btw on the 8300HD except TWC NYC is sure taking their sweet time testing it. As for when NYC will get it well you'll get something either in the mail, e-mail and/or phone. All I can say is that Passport will eventually be replaced. Maybe they're waiting for the new version that matches Passport. Both MDN and ODN have no keyword search feature though that feature is a top priority for them.

Confirm what... that TWC is using 160G 3090's in NYC?

As all series recordings will be wiped out with a Passport to MDN changeover, they bloody well SHOULD be letting folks know when this is going to happen.

This takes the cake the HDx Tier original had something like 5 or 6 Movie ch's, inHD etc... I don't even remember all the names. It's not really the $5 bucks it's the principal. I wonder how long until Fios comes to the UWS.
I'm not getting MAVHD just call the number BS

When I signed up, it was 2 HDNets, 2 InHDs, and ESPN HD. The rate card price was way too much, but they have always had a bundle deal with DVR service. When they lost the 2 InHDs (which at one point morphed onto Mojo), they moved ESPN HD to the regular tier they added a bunch of minor SD sports channels. Some of those got HD versions last December, during the UWSs big HD rollout.

We got MGM and Smithsonian in December making the HDXtra tier actually a very good value.

Of what they have now, I would like Smithsonian & MGM HD, but 4 bucks for those two seems a bit much. I was totally willing to pay the 4 bucks just for the HDNets in that I logged a lot of hours on those 2 channels.

Way too many use UWS to denote pretty much everything from 59th street to Washington Heights... pisses me off royally! No way that area gets FIOS all at once. I have information that says third quarter this year, but you can only count that as Bloomingdale area.

HDTVFAN- i still have NO IDEA what you are talking about here.

I posted a question concerning the roll out of new software and the Sammy box and you keep posting answers that have nothing to do with my question.

I appreciate the help but what does a lady from Milwaukee and her hard drive/esata problem have to do with my original question about the rumor of the MDN rollout???:confused:

Im lost.

The problem is he rarely quotes, so it can get confusing. Someone HAD asked about the 3090 and external drives. He did give his opinions on the MDN rollout in a later post... then again, he was the one who started the "Passport updated to MDN on 6/1 in NYC" rumor...

He now says we will get notified... which is plausible and 100% the way it SHOULD be done. What we know is that some have reported losing all their recorded content during such a major software upgrade and for sure all series recordings will get wiped out.

Confirm what... that TWC is using 160G 3090's in NYC?

As all series recordings will be wiped out with a Passport to MDN changeover, they bloody well SHOULD be letting folks know when this is going to happen.

Unfortunately some people got Navigator in other division without any warning. Infact some got a reminder after it got installed. Not all boxes will lose their shows but on some boxes it does happen though. I think it will be this fall as to when they'll deploy it. By then it might contain keyword search and maybe manual recording.

The problem is he rarely quotes, so it can get confusing. Someone HAD asked about the 3090 and external drives. He did give his opinions on the MDN rollout in a later post... then again, he was the one who started the "Passport updated to MDN on 6/1 in NYC" rumor...

He now says we will get notified... which is plausible and 100% the way it SHOULD be done. What we know is that some have reported losing all their recorded content during such a major software upgrade and for sure all series recordings will get wiped out.

Ah-ok, thanks for the clarification.
Thought I was losing my mind because I couldnt correlate his answers to my questions.

I think it will be this fall as to when they'll deploy it. By then it might contain keyword search and maybe manual recording.

Sounds reasonable on the Passport to MDN front.

Of course, I'm NOT happy they are doing 160G Samsung boxes...

Got a call from time warner about phone service but I told them that I didn't need it. Asked if TW rolled out any new HD DVR boxes and the rep said yes. I asked them if I could bring in my SA8300HD for the new box and he said "Yes, just ask for the ODN Box". Which I assume is the Samsung box.

My SA8300HD works fine, I have it hooked up via HDMI and an external drive. I occasionally have to do a reboot once a week when the HD Channels flicker...but thats because the SA8300HD doesn't support HDMI (HDMI output will flicker but component would not), but once I do a reboot its fine. From what I read on the last couple of posts, it seems that the Samsung box is new to NYC.

I apologize if someone already asked this...If I do happen to swap out the SA8300HD with the Samsung - I assume my recordings on my external drive will not work anymore. Am I correct?

Got a call from time warner about phone service but I told them that I didn't need it. Asked if TW rolled out any new HD DVR boxes and the rep said yes. I asked them if I could bring in my SA8300HD for the new box and he said "Yes, just ask for the ODN Box". Which I assume is the Samsung box.

My SA8300HD works fine, I have it hooked up via HDMI and an external drive. I occasionally have to do a reboot once a week when the HD Channels flicker...but thats because the SA8300HD doesn't support HDMI (HDMI output will flicker but component would not), but once I do a reboot its fine. From what I read on the last couple of posts, it seems that the Samsung box is new to NYC.

I apologize if someone already asked this...If I do happen to swap out the SA8300HD with the Samsung - I assume my recordings on my external drive will not work anymore. Am I correct?You will absolutely lose the stuff on your external drive.

The ODN box that the CSR is telling you about is most probably the SA 8300 HDC.

Regarding the HDMI handshake issue with your SA 8300, try leaving your box on, or if you don’t want to waste electricity, then try turning the box on first before you turn on your display.

Thanks...

I pretty much don't have a problem with my box...I usually turn the box off. This normally happens when I turn it on (maybe once a week)...on occasion it happens while switching channels. I normally do a reboot unless its recording something or watching a show. I just switch to component output and it works fine...and reboot afterwards.

If you haven’t seen this, here’s an interesting article regarding HDNET and TW posted in the HOTP thread…

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16571699#post16571699

http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2009/06/hdnet-off-twc.html#more

The Fu%$ing audio dropouts on Fox are back!!!

A_C

http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs24/f/2007/319/f/4/scream_by_vidi.jpg

I talked to the same individual -- who calls me when I file complaints with NYC -- about this issue this afternoon. She stated that TWC is aware of it, the problem is with how TWC receieves FOX HD and they do not have an ETA for when it will be fixed.

Regarding the HDMI handshake issue with your SA 8300, try leaving your box on, or if you don’t want to waste electricity, then try turning the box on first before you turn on your display.

No electricity is wasted! I've run a Kill-A-Watt on my system and the cable box runs the same draw whether on or off (~28w).

I'm going on three years using HDMI from the 8300HD to my TV with zero issues (uh, that can be attributed to the HDMI connection).

Got my bill today with a Navigator flyer. The really significant quotes are:

"Over the next few weeks, you will begin to notice the new Navigator
when you turn on your television.

The change will occur in waves on select HD cable boxes."

Far as I know, every 8300HDC has it, all 2 Samsung 3090s have it, the ONLY boxes that do NOT have it are our 8300HDs. So it sure SOUNDS like the MDN rollout is going to happen in the June/July time frame.

This being TWC, it could not happen until the end of the year, but this info is public, so it could very well happen as they say.

Of course, they COULD be a lot more forthcoming, especially in specifying which boxes this will happen to. Not only that, but god forbid they should tell us to make a careful note of all you series recordings TODAY as this will wipe them out.

No electricity is wasted! I've run a Kill-A-Watt on my system and the cable box runs the same draw whether on or off (~28w). That's good to know.

I'm going on three years using HDMI from the 8300HD to my TV with zero issues (uh, that can be attributed to the HDMI connection).
I had my first problem with HDMI handshake when I had a new display installed about a month ago. The screen had that usual TW warning, something like “TW does not support HDMI yadda yadda”; it befuddled the installation tech (from the audio store I made my purchase from, not a TW tech) who was very good at his job. He told me that I had to get rid of the Passport box and get one of those newer boxes (ODN). When he left my house, I turned everything off and then turned on the set top box first and the connection was fine. The macro on my universal remote leaves my cable box on all of the time, so it’s not an issue.

... then again, he was the one who started the "Passport updated to MDN on 6/1 in NYC" rumor...


He’s definitely more knowledgeable in these things than me... but I believe the rumor started here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16218156#post16218156). ;)

Got my bill today with a Navigator flyer. The really significant quotes are:

"Over the next few weeks, you will begin to notice the new Navigator
when you turn on your television.

The change will occur in waves on select HD cable boxes."

Far as I know, every 8300HDC has it, all 2 Samsung 3090s have it, the ONLY boxes that do NOT have it are our 8300HDs. So it sure SOUNDS like the MDN rollout is going to happen in the June/July time frame.

This being TWC, it could not happen until the end of the year, but this info is public, so it could very well happen as they say.

Of course, they COULD be a lot more forthcoming, especially in specifying which boxes this will happen to. Not only that, but god forbid they should tell us to make a careful note of all you series recordings TODAY as this will wipe them out.

Riverside-having a hard time following whats going on and figuring out what the optimal situation is.
Are Navigator and MDN one and the same?

Are these correct:
-Navigator is found on all boxes except the 8300HD
-The 8300hd's use Passport and have a smoother, faster interface

What I dont understand:

-Will MDN on the 8300HD be better than other boxes?
-Was it the HDC boxes that made/make Navigator so buggy or it the actual software?

Sorry for all the questions but this is a VERY long thread and its hard to keep up with all the info.

Thanks!

Here's hoping to a successful MDN transition in NYC.

Unless you like a black cable box and not like the silver space ship look of the 8300HDC. There is that potential multi room feature that may eventually be enabled. That could allow you to stream content to other sources. MPEG-4 might be interesting. If it has the BCM7405 which I think it does then it can do 1080p VOD like D* and E*. Maybe TWC will deploy 160 GB 3090's and eventually deploy 320 GB 3270 boxes. The 3270 is newer than the 3090. TWC San Diego my division is testing them to replace the 8300 series boxes. It has a 320 GB HDD though there probably is a 160 GB option. Hope this helps.

If TWC deploy MPEG-4, then it is interesting to see that they care about picture quality..

Has anyone else in the brooklyn area or anywhere for that matter had issues with SNY met games within the past 2 weeks or so? Seems like every time I get the chance to catch a game, its miserable to watch (let alone all the injuries) but all i see is digitized pixelation with audio burps. Drives me bananas ! Also i just love the fact that i can currently enjoy at least 6 HD channels that are completely nada. just grey. a beautiful shade of grey by the way also . looks fantastic in plasmavision. not that I really care, just waiting for FIOS to hit Bay Ridge. I just really enjoy pissing money on nothing, what can I say, looking forward to tossing more cash to verizon, just hoping it's going to be as good as there cellular service, whichis also a F*%&%g ripoff. but whatever.

Sorry and Thanks for letting me rant and vent

Panny 42 700U 1080p
Panny BD 30
Cheapo Surround
and my cable box sucks

*hugs his Passport*

I'll have to take some pictures of the old software so I'll remember what it looked like years down the road.

Has anyone else in the brooklyn area or anywhere for that matter had issues with SNY met games within the past 2 weeks or so?

I'm in Manhattan, but SNY has consistently been one of my best channels. The only problem I've had with the Mets (aside from the injuries) is when WPIX picks up the feed on Sunday afternoons. There is a great amount of pixelation and macroblocking. It's not nearly as bad OTA, so TWC is somewhat the culprit here.

On another note, I just called to xcl my HD Extra tier. I was on and off the phone in 2 minutes with the rep. She didn't want to know why (although I told her to note it) and there was no attempt to try to get me to keep it.

*hugs his Passport*

I'll have to take some pictures of the old software so I'll remember what it looked like years down the road.

There are a few pics of passport but once MDN gets Keyword Search and Manual recording then you wont miss it. Stability is pretty good but there are times when it wants to spazz out causing a reboot. Hopefully that will get fixed in newer versions. Our division has an older version so your mileage may vary.

...I called to drop HDXtra & Starz hoping to drop my bill by 10 bucks. Make a long story short, I think I'm saving the 10 bucks BUT they sold me on a deal... 4 premiums for the next year for 5 bucks less than what I was paying for 3 (the 4 being HBO, Max, SHO & Starz).

...I just called to xcl my HD Extra tier. I was on and off the phone in 2 minutes with the rep. She didn't want to know why (although I told her to note it) and there was no attempt to try to get me to keep it.
Well I just called to cancel my HD Extra Tier package. I guess I got the deal that RG got earlier today. :cool:

I was able to talk to a decent CSR and told her the reason I am canceling is because of the HDNets.

I asked what channels were actually on the tier and after a while she was able to find the information. They need Berk32 there.:p Then she told me that I would save about 4 bucks if I cancel, however, since I already have the 4 premium channels at the $49.95 rate she can change me to a promotional $29.95 rate. ;)

So instead of saving 4 bucks and losing the tier I keep it and save $20.

She said that they were aware of the dissatisfaction with the loss of the HDNets and it was the reason they were doing this promotion. Depending on what you already have, I guess determines what deal you could swing.

She also mentioned that I should write to Bob Watson and voice my opinion regarding the HDNets.

Got my bill today with a Navigator flyer. The really significant quotes are:

"Over the next few weeks, you will begin to notice the new Navigator
when you turn on your television.

The change will occur in waves on select HD cable boxes."

Far as I know, every 8300HDC has it, all 2 Samsung 3090s have it, the ONLY boxes that do NOT have it are our 8300HDs. So it sure SOUNDS like the MDN rollout is going to happen in the June/July time frame.

This being TWC, it could not happen until the end of the year, but this info is public, so it could very well happen as they say.

Of course, they COULD be a lot more forthcoming, especially in specifying which boxes this will happen to. Not only that, but god forbid they should tell us to make a careful note of all you series recordings TODAY as this will wipe them out.

This should be fun, watch all those shows you have been meaning too :eek:

There are a few pics of passport but once MDN gets Keyword Search and Manual recording then you wont miss it. Stability is pretty good but there are times when it wants to spazz out causing a reboot. Hopefully that will get fixed in newer versions. Our division has an older version so your mileage may vary.

Back before I got an HD box or DVR, I think I had a Pioneer something-or-other box. I guess I had some version of Passport on it, but I can't remember what it looked like. Had a nice beige and white combination going on, and I remember having the ability in the Set-up menu to change the color scheme.

NOTE -- you can still tune both HDNets (at least for the time being) through the diagnostic mode -- frequence 597, program 1 & 2 (1 is HDNet, 2 is HDNet movies)

Looks like freq 597, program 1 has MAV TV on it, at least for now in Southern Manhattan. Not sure what channel number it will show up on...

Back before I got an HD box or DVR, I think I had a Pioneer something-or-other box. I guess I had some version of Passport on it, but I can't remember what it looked like. Had a nice beige and white combination going on, and I remember having the ability in the Set-up menu to change the color scheme.

I ran MDN on an old Pioneer box just like the one you've mentioned. It was absolutely terrible. Passport was fine. It was slower than molasses and it looked like MDN mixed in with DOS. The 3250HD was great with Passport and ok with MDN. It could run better though. All I can say is that don't run MDN on an old Pioneer box or a very old SA box. If it's a newer box like the 3250HD or even the 8300HD then you should be fine.

When I signed up, it was 2 HDNets, 2 InHDs, and ESPN HD. The rate card price was way too much, but they have always had a bundle deal with DVR service. When they lost the 2 InHDs (which at one point morphed onto Mojo), they moved ESPN HD to the regular tier they added a bunch of minor SD sports channels. Some of those got HD versions last December, during the UWSs big HD rollout.

We got MGM and Smithsonian in December making the HDXtra tier actually a very good value.

Of what they have now, I would like Smithsonian & MGM HD, but 4 bucks for those two seems a bit much. I was totally willing to pay the 4 bucks just for the HDNets in that I logged a lot of hours on those 2 channels.

Way too many use UWS to denote pretty much everything from 59th street to Washington Heights... pisses me off royally! No way that area gets FIOS all at once. I have information that says third quarter this year, but you can only count that as Bloomingdale area.

I like Smithsonian and MGM also. It looks like Smth is owned or operated by Discovery, do they have original programing?

So instead of saving 4 bucks and losing the tier I keep it and save $20.

I doubt they'd make that offer to me since my building already has a bulk discount. However, fios is set to start wiring in the next month, so I'll bet there will be some discounts offered soon. ;)

I doubt they'd make that offer to me since my building already has a bulk discount. However, fios is set to start wiring in the next month, so I'll bet there will be some discounts offered soon. ;)

Even with the bulk discount, I’d still look into it.:)

Recently I had an additional account, at another residence, in a complex that had a bulk discount. I was able to “negotiate” a better deal than the bulk discount rate.

It all depends on what promotions they are running at that time. I’d imagine that this deal right now, because of the loss of the HDNets, would save you more.

Riverside-having a hard time following whats going on and figuring out what the optimal situation is.
Are Navigator and MDN one and the same?

Are these correct:
-Navigator is found on all boxes except the 8300HD
-The 8300hd's use Passport and have a smoother, faster interface

What I dont understand:

-Will MDN on the 8300HD be better than other boxes?
-Was it the HDC boxes that made/make Navigator so buggy or it the actual software?

Sorry for all the questions but this is a VERY long thread and its hard to keep up with all the info.

Thanks!

Once we get MDN on our HD boxes and some time passes, we'll be much better able to speak to the good, the bad, and the ugly. Understand that Passport has had some significant bugs for years that never got fixed.

It is very difficult to judge if the issue is the hardware or the software. Personally, I think it's all in the software. Read what folks who had navigator 1 and 2 years ago... it has come a long way and is 100% software.

I'd strongly suggest anyone with a HD box to immediately write down all their series recordings... undoubtedly that list will disappear from your box when it's loaded with MDN.

I'd also suggest HD folk to examine your recorded content and immediately watch anything that may be a long while before you can record again. It seems that for some, previous content remained after such an upgrade, but for others, their recordings seem to get wiped out.

If TWC deploy MPEG-4, then it is interesting to see that they care about picture quality..

Not really. Given the 3 HD per QAM and the additional compression they employ to squeeze more HD in, I'd say they don't give a rats ass about quality.

MPEG-4's claim to fame is more along the lines of smaller file sizes at the same quality level. Which certainly makes sense in a copper delivery system. Yes, MPEG-4 at the same file size as a MPEG-2 file SHOULD haver better PQ. BUT I'd say they will go 100% for the file size and not care about the PQ.

Well I just called to cancel my HD Extra Tier package. I guess I got the deal that RG got earlier today. :cool:

I was able to talk to a decent CSR and told her the reason I am canceling is because of the HDNets.

I asked what channels were actually on the tier and after a while she was able to find the information. They need Berk32 there.:p Then she told me that I would save about 4 bucks if I cancel, however, since I already have the 4 premium channels at the $49.95 rate she can change me to a promotional $29.95 rate. ;)

So instead of saving 4 bucks and losing the tier I keep it and save $20.

She said that they were aware of the dissatisfaction with the loss of the HDNets and it was the reason they were doing this promotion. Depending on what you already have, I guess determines what deal you could swing.

She also mentioned that I should write to Bob Watson and voice my opinion regarding the HDNets.

Excellent Larry (except for the fact you kept the HDXtra tier<g>)! Wow 50 for 4 sure sounds way ABOVE standard rates... you might think about filing a DOITT complaint about over-charging!

This should be fun, watch all those shows you have been meaning too :eek:

Actually, I HAVE been slowly reducing my recorded content for a while now. At this point, I'm going to focus on series shows that may take a LONG time before I can view a repeat. Given the absolutely lousy data we get (ANY series show SHOULD be listed with season and episode, i.e. S1_E3), it could be almost impossible to catch a re-run of a specific show even if it is broadcast.

Part of the problem is we get such tiny hard drives so it's impossible to record every re-run looking for one specific one..., assuming you can actually identify the specific show you're looking for.

Excellent Larry (except for the fact you kept the HDXtra tier<g>)! Wow 50 for 4 sure sounds way ABOVE standard rates... you might think about filing a DOITT complaint about over-charging!Yeah, 50 for 4 doesn’t sound right. :eek::confused: I probably misunderstood whatever she called the $49 package I am receiving. I have two DVRs, HD extra, Starzz, Showtime, HBO, Cinemax, telephone and internet. My bill was $191 and is now $171. The bottom line is that it’s still expensive but less than before.

In addition, regarding dropping the HD extra tier, I made my point and I sent a letter to BW voicing my displeasure.

I have also been debating dropping a couple of premiums, as you’ve been discussing, but aside from the movies there is always a show or two that pops up that I want to watch. Next week Weeds stars up again, so that puts the kibosh on the Starz Showtime combo.

Yeah, 50 for 4 doesn’t sound right. :eek::confused: I probably misunderstood whatever she called the $49 package I am receiving. I have two DVRs, HD extra, Starzz, Showtime, HBO, Cinemax, telephone and internet. My bill was $191 and is now $171. The bottom line is that it’s still expensive but less than before.

In addition, regarding dropping the HD extra tier, I made my point and I sent a letter to BW voicing my displeasure.

I have also been debating dropping a couple of premiums, as you’ve been discussing, but aside from the movies there is always a show or two that pops up that I want to watch. Next week Weeds stars up again, so that puts the kibosh on the Starz Showtime combo.

Didn't know there was a Starz/Showtime combo! I had set out to do HBO/SHO... mostly because those 2 networks tend to have "must see" original programming, both series and documentaries/movies etc. I mostly went for the 29.95 4 premiums deal because MAX (which I did NOT have prior) has 8 HD channels (HBO has 6 if you don't speak Spanish) and by spinning through a weeks worth seems to have a lot of stuff I'd watch.

I had planned to spend the 10 bucks I was going to save on a NetFlix, but given what I now have (a lot of MAX HD stuff), I can hold off on that.

FYI I asked and was told the 4 premium deal was for one year... no matter, by that time I suspect I'll be done with TWC.

My new monthly should be 151... so we are 20 bucks apart. Take out HDXtra, it's 16. Hard to figure from that point because I got a "deal" on the triple play when they convinced me to do the phone thing. All I can say is it is listed as 140.95 with a 41 CR called "Sat Any 3" Offer, whatever the hell that means.

So I re-did my simple chart of HD we get in our market. Note I've totally scratched Africa Channel as they assigned it's channel to MAV HD, but I still list the postponed channels. Looks like 102 HD channels in total. Reduce that by 2 for passport boxes which can't get 699/700. Let me know if I've missed/goofed anything up!

350 PPV HD
411 TEAM HD
445/791 GAME HD
465 Tennis Channel HD
467 CBS College Sports HD
472 Big Ten Network HD
651 HBO HD
652 HBO2 HD
653 HBO Family HD
654 HBO Comedy HD
655 HBO Signature HD
656 HBO Zone HD
657 HBO Latino HD
658 CineMax HD
659 MoreMax HD
660 ActionMAX HD
661 ThrillerMAX HD
662 WMAX HD
663 @MAX HD
664 5StarMAX HD
665 OuterMAX HD
666 Showtime HD
667 Showtime 2 HD
668 ShowCase HD
669 Showtime Extreme HD
674 TMC HD
675 TMCxtra HD
676 Starz HD
677 Starz Edge HD
678 Starz Kids & Family HD
681 Starz Comedy HD
682 Encore HD
686 Crime and Investigation HD
687 Live Well HD
689 Style HD
691 Fuse HD
692 G4 HD
699 Showcase On Demand HD
700 Movies On Demand HD
701 NY1 HD
702 WCBS (CBS) HD
703 TNT HD
704 WNBC (NBC) HD
705 WNYW (FOX) HD
707 WABC (ABC) HD
708 TBS HD
709 WWOR (My Network TV) HD
710 CNN HD
711 WPIX (The CW) HD
713 WNET (PBS) HD
715 CNBC HD
716 USA HD
717 SciFi HD
718 Bravo HD
720 Palladia HD
722 Cartoon Network HD
724 E! HD
726 SNY HD
727 MSG HD
728 ESPN HD
729 ESPN2 HD
733 QVC HD
734 Universal HD
737 FX HD
738 ABC Family HD
740 History Channel HD
743 Fox Business News HD
744 Fox News HD
746 A&E HD
747 WNJU (Telemundo) HD
748 MSG+ HD
749 Disney HD
750 Food Network HD
752 The Learning Channel HD
753 YES HD
754 AMC HD
759 WE HD
760 Disney XD HD
762 Lifetime Movie Network HD
763 Biography HD
764 HGTV HD
765 National Geographic HD
766 Discovery HD
767 HD Theater
768 Planet Green HD
772 Weather Channel HD
774 Speed HD
775 Science Channel HD
779 Golf HD
781 IFC HD
783 MLB Network HD
784 Hallmark Movie Channel HD
786 Animal Planet HD
787 MAV HD (was Africa Channel)
788 Travel Channel HD
789 Smithsonian HD
790 TV One HD
792 ESPNews HD
793 ESPNU HD
794 Versus HD
795 NHL Network HD
796 MGM HD

Postponed Indefinitely
461 NBATV HD
684 Chiller HD
706 Nickelodeon HD
712 Lifetime HD
731 WPXN (iON) HD
736 Spike HD
739 HSN HD