Did you get the Sammy box at the Queens Center Mall?

Yes.

This is more of a personal preference philosophy that you may agree with, be middle of the road, or toss.

I believe that if your cable equipment is working well and if you are happy with what you have, you should keep it. Here are some reasons why:

1.) You will lose ALL recordings on a DVR box if you switch.

2.) Any settings such as pin numbers, box settings would have to be reprogrammed.

3.) You may get stuck with a bad new box. You have no way of knowing if a disgruntled customer had it before, how well it was maintained.

4.) New hardware generally needs about a six month grace period for bugs to be worked out. Newer is often better more than likely, but not necessarily a given

5.) Digital Phone subs may have to wait 24 hours for Caller ID to reactive on-screen.

6.) Swapping out your box with a truck roll could leave you with an idiot installer who might mess things up.

7.) Self-installs still require hauling the thing back to the service center or drop-off, exchanging it, still takes a lot of time. (Depending on how close you are to a service center.)

8.) The differences in speed and reliability may be very sutle.

9.) ***E-SATA (external drive) support has been known NOT to work on the ODN boxes, and/or require great effort to get them to work on the C-boxes. This is a huge deal-breaker for many people, where they have chosen to stay with MSN boxes until they die out.

10) Your wiring and signal strength may be the culprit if you have bad cable reception. Until that is fixed, a new box won't do much good.

If you are not happy with your HD or HDC and want a Samsung, and your division has it, by all means get one! But keep the above in mind. I'm just one of those, "If it ain't broken, don't fix it." people. But you do what you want.

The only thing I would say would be have your wiring and signal strength checked out BEFORE you get the new box, just to make sure that is not an issue. Let us know what you decide.

Jack

Thanks for the clarification Jack-point taken.

I would have to say #9 is the biggest deterrent for me although I havent gotten around to setting one up yet.

However, not having any type of "movie-on-demand" in HD is a real bummer for me, hence my desire to swap this thing out.

This is what I dont understand, the "general consensus".

Whats the big deal with keeping an MDN box if the Samsung ODN runs fast and smooth??
Alot of people act like the MDN boxes are the holy grail of cable but I cant figure out why and, no one seems to be able to explain why either.
Can you explain why the MDN should be kept as opposed to switching to the Sammy(other than EHD campatability)?
If the Samsungs address the issues that bogged down the 8300hdc then why not switch to the new interface that allows for all HD channels and be using the latest software?

I suspect the fact it seems MDN boxes are MUCH more compatible with external drives may be one main reason. Both ODN and MDN "get all the HD channels." Another reason I suspect is that things just worked far better under MDN than ODN at least in their initial rollouts. THAT advantage may be getting closer to moot as ODN begins enter beta... but the external drive issus seems to still be real as ODN 3.x seems to almost never really work.

However, not having any type of "movie-on-demand" in HD is a real bummer for me, hence my desire to swap this thing out.

That SHOULD be available once they send MDN to our 8300HD boxes. Unfoirtunately, all we know is "soon" and "in waves" whatever that actually means.

This is what I dont understand, the "general consensus".

Whats the big deal with keeping an MDN box if the Samsung ODN runs fast and smooth??
Alot of people act like the MDN boxes are the holy grail of cable but I cant figure out why and, no one seems to be able to explain why either.
Can you explain why the MDN should be kept as opposed to switching to the Sammy(other than EHD campatability)?
If the Samsungs address the issues that bogged down the 8300hdc then why not switch to the new interface that allows for all HD channels and be using the latest software?

you know I think we all spend way too much time and energy worrying about what cable box is the best. The really are all pretty similar. It is just a cable box after all.

MSNBC HD will also be added on ch. 714 in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens on july 22nd

MSNBC HD will also be added on ch. 714 in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens on july 22nd


Can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to seeing this is glorious HD;

http://www.olbermannwatch.com/images/vick05.jpg

A_C

However, not having any type of "movie-on-demand" in HD is a real bummer for me, hence my desire to swap this thing out.

That SHOULD be available once they send MDN to our 8300HD boxes. Unfortunately, all we know is "soon" and "in waves" whatever that actually means.

From my area (Milwaukee Wisconsin) we always had the same channels available whether we came from MDN Passport to MDN Navigator or got an OCAP Navigator box. The only thing that changed for us was the appearance and features of the IPG. Strange that you have to have a Navigator box to get Movies on Demand-HD.

Jack

Heard it mentioned in another thread... that TWC and TiVO are talking:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a2d0e1TXcCuc

Something weird is happening. After deleting a saved program at around 4:36 PM this afternoon, I got transferred back to live television, only there was audio and no picture. The screen is just...gray. Changing channels does nothing, I get audio but no video. Going into a saved program now also produces audio but no video.

Something weird is happening. After deleting a saved program at around 4:36 PM this afternoon, I got transferred back to live television, only there was audio and no picture. The screen is just...gray. Changing channels does nothing, I get audio but no video. Going into a saved program now also produces audio but no video.

Have you tried to re-boot the box???

A_C

MSNBC HD will also be added on ch. 714 in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens on july 22nd

Why if this channel launch on June 29, we have to wait until july 22 to get it. Oh le met guess it has to go to the TWC compression lab.

Something weird is happening. After deleting a saved program at around 4:36 PM this afternoon, I got transferred back to live television, only there was audio and no picture. The screen is just...gray. Changing channels does nothing, I get audio but no video. Going into a saved program now also produces audio but no video.

I rebooted the box. After the boot, I had horrible audio dropouts on all channels. I then lost my Internet connection, and thus my phone connection. I turned off my computer and went to work.

When I came home, I still had the audio dropouts, so I rebooted the cable box again. It works fine now.

Got home last night and there was a sign posted on the front door of my building (149 & Broadway) saying that TWC will be down from 10AM to 3PM today for "system maintenance". We'll see when I get home if they pushed through the update. I have the 8300HD

Why if this channel launch on June 29, we have to wait until july 22 to get it. Oh le met guess it has to go to the TWC compression lab.

there are many possible reasons for this not specific to time warner cable.
1)contract
2)required 30 day notice to customers
3)technical reasons (order and deliver and installation of equipment used to process the channel)
4)allocating bandwith

there are many possible reasons for this not specific to time warner cable.
1)contract
2)required 30 day notice to customers
3)technical reasons (order and deliver and installation of equipment used to process the channel)
4)allocating bandwith

1) Pretty sure they've had an agreement to carry the channel since they added the other NBC-Universal HD channels.... but if none of the Time Warner Cable regions add the channel until next month, then I guess there could be something to this.

2) 30 day notice to ADD a channel? never heard of that... (unless the $ changed as a result, which isn't happening here.) On multiple occasions they've added channels with no (or very short) notice whatsoever.

3) What new equipment would they need? (and if they did need something - this network has been planned for a long time....)

4) Not an issue.... lots of available space. (Although if they plan on using the new space created by the removal of the those InDemand channels, then I guess there could be something to that... but I would be shocked if that were the case)

but yes, the idea of a "TWC compression lab" causing the delay is just silly... I wish people wouldn't make comments like that - it creates misconceptions.

From my area (Milwaukee Wisconsin) we always had the same channels available whether we came from MDN Passport to MDN Navigator or got an OCAP Navigator box. The only thing that changed for us was the appearance and features of the IPG. Strange that you have to have a Navigator box to get Movies on Demand-HD.

Jack

It's nothing technical. Just a political decision to try to entice people to swap out their 8300HD boxes for the HDC boxes.

berk, 30 day notice applies to changes such as add,drops,change of tier. say a channel moves from basic to premium. true adds are usually less than 30 days notice because no one will complain about adds. possible controversial adds like say a premium porn station in an ultra conservative market they would give 30 days for people to comment like local church or politicians to object.

typically networks do not charge cable company more for their HD content if their SD counterpart is already carried but say MSNBC was charging even 1 cent per customer, that would be $10k programming cost out of TWC pocket. they may have wanted to shift that cost to 2nd half of the year.

but yes, the idea of a "TWC compression lab" causing the delay is just silly... I wish people wouldn't make comments like that - it creates misconceptions.

The only misconception here is your 2 cents objecting to something said by a poster (carl2680) other than the one you quoted (nyctveng).

Got home last night and there was a sign posted on the front door of my building (149 & Broadway) saying that TWC will be down from 10AM to 3PM today for "system maintenance". We'll see when I get home if they pushed through the update. I have the 8300HD

That happened on my building last year, it is basically to check the lines and those big bulking metal boxes that say General Instrument on it. Sometimes those big boxes need to go into maintenance. The most common problem is with the signal.

Has anybody else seen their program data reduced from 7 to 5 days in the last few days? I figured there was a communications problem when I stopped seeing new data, so I did a hard reboot last night. Instead of getting me back to 7, all I got was an additional day, so I'm back to 5 days.

I've been having problems with my box after reboots lately. After the reboot, it'll have bad audio drop outs, and I have to reboot it a second time.

Got home last night and there was a sign posted on the front door of my building (149 & Broadway) saying that TWC will be down from 10AM to 3PM today for "system maintenance". We'll see when I get home if they pushed through the update. I have the 8300HD

Nothing exciting happened..........

Anyone else have issues with programs not recording on the HDC or their Samsung?

I have had problems with shows not recording and the recording log stating:

"Not recoded because the channel was not available (2)"

I have had this problem with my old HDC that sometimes wouldn't record The Daily Show, Colbert Report, or Tonight Show while I was watching them (I usually fall asleep while these shows are on, so I record them to watch the next day) I resorted to recording the re-airs of Daily Show & Colbert at 1 AM.

Also, if I was switching between Colbert & Tonight live at 11:30, one or both would stop recording.

I switched to the new Sammy box yesterday (for the larger hard drive and the hope that these problems would subside) but got home around 11 (and didn't get to set up recordings earlier) so I watched the 2 Comedy Central shows live and set up a 1 AM recording to get the Daily Show so I can see the parts I missed.

I wake up this morning to see that the 1 AM Daily Show did not record. I got the "Not recoded because the channel was not available (2)" in my recording log. But, there was nothing else recording at the time and the TV and DVR were shut off.

So I was wondering if anyone had a remedy for this and/or experienced something similar.

I've been having problems with my box after reboots lately. After the reboot, it'll have bad audio drop outs, and I have to reboot it a second time.

I have noticed that incidents like you document have been far more frequent on all channels over the past 3-4-5 weeks, even though we are in very different head ends.

Call me crazy, but I wanted the mod-hd.
I also was very curious to see how it works.

It blows away the 8300hdc; it still has some brief pauses when changing the channels but still much faster than the 8300hdc.

That said-apparently ive been living under a rock but there are no HBO/Showtime/Cinemax or TMC On Demand-HD channels available??

Now I feel like a bit of an idiot swapping out my box solely for MOD-HD.

Call me crazy, but I wanted the mod-hd.
I also was very curious to see how it works.

...That said-apparently ive been living under a rock but there are no HBO/Showtime/Cinemax or TMC On Demand-HD channels available??

Now I feel like a bit of an idiot swapping out my box solely for MOD-HD.Yep, just the bogus MOD :rolleyes:and that other nonsense, Showcase:rolleyes: on demand crap. Why bother paying TW for a movie that most likely will have some audio dropouts and or pixilation somewhere along the way.

I just joined Netflix BluRay and I am loving it. :cool: I am in the middle of the free two weeks trial period. The picture and audio quality are amazing. I find myself not watching the premium channels anymore. I see what's on and then end up ordering the same movies from Netflix. :D

If you are watching movies on a decent home theater (fortunately I am) then I cannot see how not to go the BluRay route all the way. I will give them another month (which will be my only billing period) and then decide whether to dump my entire premium package.

I am enjoying some shows on the premium channels but I can dump that expense and wait for them to come out on BR.

Yep, just the bogus MOD :rolleyes:and that other nonsense, Showcase:rolleyes: on demand crap. Why bother paying TW for a movie that most likely will have some audio dropouts and or pixilation somewhere along the way.

I just joined Netflix BluRay and I am loving it. :cool: I am in the middle of the free two weeks trial period. The picture and audio quality are amazing. I find myself not watching the premium channels anymore. I see what's on and then end up ordering the same movies from Netflix. :D

If you are watching movies on a decent home theater (fortunately I am) then I cannot see how not to go the BluRay route all the way. I will give them another month (which will be my only billing period) and then decide whether to dump my entire premium package.

I am enjoying some shows on the premium channels but I can dump that expense and wait for them to come out on BR.

Unfortunately I cannot afford a Blu-Ray at this time (unless they have come down in price).

Do you find there to be an ample enough of a selection of BR's on Netflix?

Unfortunately I cannot afford a Blu-Ray at this time (unless they have come down in price).

Do you find there to be an ample enough of a selection of BR's on Netflix? :D Funny you should say that, actually, that was a concern of mine (whether there would be enough BR movies to “rent”) but I have been keeping a steady flow of BluRays coming. There are about 60 pages of BR on their site with about 15 movies per page and it seems like new things are added everyday.

:D Funny you should say that, actually, that was a concern of mine (whether there would be enough BR movies to “rent”) but I have been keeping a steady flow of BluRays coming. There are about 60 pages of BR on their site with about 15 movies per page and it seems like new things are added everyday.

Interesting; will have to look into that regardless.
♦

Now that im using the Sammy, i do notice this annoying glitch; when I change to a new channel-it comes on for a split second, goes black for a split second, and then goes back to the picture.

Is this normal or is there something I can do to remedy this?

Interesting; will have to look into that regardless.
♦

Now that im using the Sammy, i do notice this annoying glitch; when I change to a new channel-it comes on for a split second, goes black for a split second, and then goes back to the picture.

Is this normal or is there something I can do to remedy this?

How do you have it set up? How are you sending the video? 480i 480p, 720, 10801? This would cause that problem.

How do you have it set up? How are you sending the video? 480i 480p, 720, 10801? This would cause that problem.

I honestly have no clue as I dont know what im doing with this box.
How do I find that info out and what should my setting be? (im on a 50" Panny, using HDMI)

I honestly have no clue as I dont know what im doing with this box.
How do I find that info out and what should my setting be? (im on a 50" Panny, using HDMI) I have not yet played with the Sammy box but there has to be a “settings” and “additional settings” button. Scroll through and see what’s available for the video. You can experiment and see what works best for your display. There really is not a “correct” setting. It’s whatever works best with your system.

Yep, just the bogus MOD :rolleyes:and that other nonsense, Showcase:rolleyes: on demand crap. Why bother paying TW for a movie that most likely will have some audio dropouts and or pixilation somewhere along the way.

I just joined Netflix BluRay and I am loving it. :cool: I am in the middle of the free two weeks trial period. The picture and audio quality are amazing. I find myself not watching the premium channels anymore. I see what's on and then end up ordering the same movies from Netflix. :D

If you are watching movies on a decent home theater (fortunately I am) then I cannot see how not to go the BluRay route all the way. I will give them another month (which will be my only billing period) and then decide whether to dump my entire premium package.

I am enjoying some shows on the premium channels but I can dump that expense and wait for them to come out on BR.



I don't know why people here pay for all those Compressed premium channels. I'm like you I've been renting bluray from netflix for over a year now and that my friend is true HD at is glory. I have a home theater system and DTS HD Master Audio and Dolby true HD plus real HD picture Boom.

I picked the Terminator 2 Skynet Edition bluray from best buy for 14.99 pure amazin.

I have not yet played with the Sammy box but there has to be a “settings” and “additional settings” button. Scroll through and see what’s available for the video. You can experiment and see what works best for your display. There really is not a “correct” setting. It’s whatever works best with your system.

Changed it 1o80i output and now it works great.

This enhanced TV option is very useful.

7/22 I believe is the launch date for BBC-A HD... obviously not on TWC! At this point I gotta say this is by far my number one desire (other than Angelina Jolie knocking on my door in her lingerie and saying we have to talk)!


Interesting...that's exactly what happened to me last week! :D

No YES-HD up here in the Hudson Valley. Had the Yankee game set to record earlier tonight (Wednesday) but got nothing but a gray screen. The YES-SD feed is working fine as well as all my other HD channels, but still have no signal on YES-HD (ch. 769). Anyone else having a problem with this?

I just got the samsung 3090 and i too am not getting Amc on 754 and my wife is annoyed that she can,t get WE we called twc since caller ID was not working on the Samsung they got that up and running and got AMC and We working for about a30 minutes but then they both went to a black scren with no audio, As for the Samsung the picture quality seems a lot better than on the 8300hdc, the ethernet port does not work as of now, but all in all we have not had any pixalation or Audio drop out but my personell recomendation is if you can get the Samsung do it

How do you have it set up? How are you sending the video? 480i 480p, 720, 10801? This would cause that problem.

Note that I have an SA-8300 MDN box, your ODN box may be slightly different, but this is how we changed the Output Resolution for our Video output. This may be the issue for you. (Getting there may be slightly different on an ODN box,) but you should still be able to find the Output Resolution under Settings and something that either says "Video" or "Display" on the Navigator Guide.

On Navigator for my SA-8300 HD box there is a way that we stopped the pausing between channel changes. (I use HDMI cable.) I set the Signal Aspect ratio to the highest output resolution setting for my TV, (which in this case is 1080i.) To see if that works for you press Settings on your remote, and than find on the bottom where it says "Display" or "Video" by scrolling left/right to that. Than scroll up and down to the Output Resolution setting. On my box, the default setting was Auto Select. We changed this setting to output at 1080i all the time and the scrolling is much faster. Note that you will have a constant output resolution setting, you should change this to the MAXIMUM SETTING THAT YOUR HD TV SUPPORTS. For example, if you can only get 720 resolution, than that is the setting to select.

Wait several seconds for Navigator to accept the setting. You will get a notice if it cannot. If the picture goes blank for more than 10 seconds after changing this setting, reboot your box. In any case I would DESELECT any 420 resolution settings. The ONLY output resolution that I have selected, is the maximum resolution that my TV supports, which in my case is 1080i. 1080 or 720 would be the setting to use. DESELECTING Auto Select should eliminate the pausing between channels. You may also get a better picture on SD channels as well.

Other users, who do not notice speed lulls when changing channels, may wish to leave Auto Select as the default. The purpose of changing this setting to your HD TV's maximum output resolution is for the box to make channel output resolution changes faster.

Jack

No YES-HD up here in the Hudson Valley. Had the Yankee game set to record earlier tonight (Wednesday) but got nothing but a gray screen. The YES-SD feed is working fine as well as all my other HD channels, but still have no signal on YES-HD (ch. 769). Anyone else having a problem with this?

FWIW I caught pieces of that game on YES HD... no problems.

Did you spin all the way through? I have seen those gray screens, but eventually they go away... I've seen it be 15 minutes, I've seen it be 90 minutes.

...im using the Sammy, i do notice this annoying glitch; when I change to a new channel-it comes on for a split second, goes black for a split second, and then goes back to the picture.

Is this normal or is there something I can do to remedy this?

How do you have it set up? How are you sending the video? 480i 480p, 720, 10801? This would cause that problem.

Changed it 1o80i output and now it works great.

This enhanced TV option is very useful.


I set the Signal Aspect ratio to the highest output resolution setting for my TV, (which in this case is 1080i.)
This is what the original poster did and it corrected the problem—sped up the channel changing process. However, I prefer to enable all signals and allow for either my display, or my receiver, to do all converting. It might be slower when changing channels but my equipment does a much better job than the STB, giving me a better picture. ;)

Ive got it now on 1080i and all the problems are gone.
Thanks to all.

My only issue with Navigator is the lack of a times on the arrow in the "time bar"?

How the heck are you suppossed to know how much time is left to a show or a recording?

Ive got it now on 1080i and all the problems are gone.
Thanks to all.

My only issue with Navigator is the lack of a times on the arrow in the "time bar"?

How the heck are you suppossed to know how much time is left to a show or a recording?

If you hit info it shows a little better not the exact time but where you are at least

My only issue with Navigator is the lack of a times on the arrow in the "time bar"?

How the heck are you suppossed to know how much time is left to a show or a recording?This is one of my main gripes with Navigator. Having the time stamp, as is on the Passport system, is a major advantage that many won’t appreciate until it’s gone (when we get the forced update). As one example, when swapping back and forth between two sporting events, it is great to know what the actual time is while viewing on a buffered signal.

Ive got it now on 1080i and all the problems are gone.
Thanks to all.

My only issue with Navigator is the lack of a times on the arrow in the "time bar"?

How the heck are you suppossed to know how much time is left to a show or a recording?

When you watch a recording, there is a timer above the channel logo on the right.

Heading to Queens Center this morning for a box exchange. Actually have an issue with the SA8300HDC, go figure.

Hope they have the new Samsung boxes when I arrive.

When you watch a recording, there is a timer above the channel logo on the right.However, when watching a buffered tuner with Navigator, there is no time stamp. With Passport, if you are watching a buffered program, you can click the play button and see exactly what the real time is at that point of your viewing.

Wow! The new Samsung box is very nice.

Way better performance over the SA 8300HDC.

Wow! The new Samsung box is very nice.

Way better performance over the SA 8300HDC.

I had thought a good strategy was to let them MDN my HD box, live with it for a month then decide if I want to go for the Sammie.

However, for the past 2-3 weeks the amount of 2-10 second audio gaps (usually with a video freeze) seem to be running way, way ahead of their average numbers for, say, the past year. On average, for every hour, there are 2-3 of these "moments."

Add in that IF they go by how they previously rolled things out, it COULD be a long while before I get MDNed... I'm guessing they will start in SI, move to Brooklyn/Queens, then Bronx Man North, then finally Man South. It could be more like months than weeks.

Still, good to hear about the Sammie. I have a pal who is observant, but not into all the tech we tend to be. He just got phone service and HAD to have on screen caller id, so he asked for a box at installation. They gave him a HDC, which is he was slower than his HD.

So, have any of you who have gotten the 3090 called first, then went and picked it up? Or were ALL of them of the "show up, ask for it and get it" variety? Did any of you show up at 23rd street very early to get yours... or have folks gone in the aftrernoon and gotten one?

Last night I was watching Burn Notice (USA 716) when it froze... hard. Everything on my box was inoperative. HAD to pull the plug... after the box booted up, tried again, this time got a gray screen. More reboots occurred because it seemed that even trying to go to that channel somehow seemed to really screw the box itself. It was like the mere act of the box trying to tune that specific frequency caused massive failures in all of the boxes systems.

Decided that as even trying was an issue, I watched the Yankee game and set the box to record this and Royel Pains later in the night. It then occurred to me this exact same thing has happened before. Sure enough, 3 channels were down, 716, 717 and 718, exactly as before.

I know they put multiple channels as we define them on one "QAM frequency" and that they can be 3 to a QAM. So, are 716, 717, and 718 on the same QAM frequency? My experiences certainly say so...

After about 20 minutes or so, I found I could try those channels without the box going crazy on me. About 40-45 minutes later, they all were back, EXACTLY like the first time this happened.

Oh, did this happen to ANYONE else? Please post box and city nabe, or we won't have anything to look at specifically. I think I remember someone is Queens had a similar problem that last time this happened to me.

I have an 8300HD. I didn't watch those shows, but I did record them. I later watched Royal Pains, but I haven't watched Burn Notice yet. Royal Pains played back fine, although there were the usual (as of late) playback glitches where the sound and/or picture freezes for a couple of seconds. :-(

-barry

Last night I was watching Burn Notice (USA 716) when it froze... hard. Everything on my box was inoperative. HAD to pull the plug... after the box booted up, tried again, this time got a gray screen. More reboots occurred because it seemed that even trying to go to that channel somehow seemed to really screw the box itself. It was like the mere act of the box trying to tune that specific frequency caused massive failures in all of the boxes systems.

Decided that as even trying was an issue, I watched the Yankee game and set the box to record this and Royel Pains later in the night. It then occurred to me this exact same thing has happened before. Sure enough, 3 channels were down, 716, 717 and 718, exactly as before.

I know they put multiple channels as we define them on one "QAM frequency" and that they can be 3 to a QAM. So, are 716, 717, and 718 on the same QAM frequency? My experiences certainly say so...

After about 20 minutes or so, I found I could try those channels without the box going crazy on me. About 40-45 minutes later, they all were back, EXACTLY like the first time this happened.

Oh, did this happen to ANYONE else? Please post box and city nabe, or we won't have anything to look at specifically. I think I remember someone is Queens had a similar problem that last time this happened to me.

They're all on QAM Freq. 555

Last night I was watching Burn Notice (USA 716) when it froze... hard. Everything on my box was inoperative. HAD to pull the plug... after the box booted up, tried again, this time got a gray screen. More reboots occurred because it seemed that even trying to go to that channel somehow seemed to really screw the box itself. It was like the mere act of the box trying to tune that specific frequency caused massive failures in all of the boxes systems.

Decided that as even trying was an issue, I watched the Yankee game and set the box to record this and Royel Pains later in the night. It then occurred to me this exact same thing has happened before. Sure enough, 3 channels were down, 716, 717 and 718, exactly as before.

I know they put multiple channels as we define them on one "QAM frequency" and that they can be 3 to a QAM. So, are 716, 717, and 718 on the same QAM frequency? My experiences certainly say so...

After about 20 minutes or so, I found I could try those channels without the box going crazy on me. About 40-45 minutes later, they all were back, EXACTLY like the first time this happened.

Oh, did this happen to ANYONE else? Please post box and city nabe, or we won't have anything to look at specifically. I think I remember someone is Queens had a similar problem that last time this happened to me.

Didn't have quite the same problem, but must be related. I did not watch Burn Notice live, but I DVR'd it. When I tried to watch the recording, noticed it only recorded until 9:28pm -- just stopped, w/o error message.
I have the 8300HDC

Wow! The new Samsung box is very nice.

Way better performance over the SA 8300HDC.


Just to make sure, you have the DVR version correct?

For the past couple of ours both these channels are blank. Reboot doesn't bring them back. Anybody else have this problem?

Brooklyn with 8300hdc

Both channels have been working all afternoon/evening for me in Manhattan with an 8300HD. Just now (8:30), I tried them on the 8300HDC, and they are both working.

-barry

So, have any of you who have gotten the 3090 called first, then went and picked it up? Or were ALL of them of the "show up, ask for it and get it" variety? Did any of you show up at 23rd street very early to get yours... or have folks gone in the aftrernoon and gotten one?

I did not call. I was between this forum and the BBR forums and looking for posts on who got the new box at the mall. I took the day off from work and just fit the mall visit this morning into my plans. I did mention that I was having issues with the 8300 and was told about the new Samsung boxes. The CSR was pretty forthcoming about the new box and exchanged mine out with no delay. Also requested a replacement remote while I was there too since mine was beat up a bit.

Mind you, this is the Queens Center Mall I am talking about, but from my readings since the original release at 23rd Street, it seems most, if not all the local offices have the boxes now.

As some have mentioned, the picture does look a lot better on the new Samsung box. Also, the FFing of the DVR is smooth versus the choppy look of the SA 8300HDC. The box is indeed very quiet. It does not even click like the 8300 when powering on.

I have a 160 gig hard drive for those wondering. For those that do not know how to go to the diagnostic menu, you can just take a good flashlight and look at the bottom left side of the box and read the top of the hard drive which is made by Seagate.

The only bug I have found so far was when I powered on my TV, it read 720p when I set this to off through the cable box settings before I left my apartment this afternoon. I rechecked the settings and did see my preferences displayed properly on the screen, but the box did not keep the setting when powered off and then back on. I only use 1080i and 480p for viewing via an HDMI connection. I figure this to be a small glitch that will eventually be patched via firmware updates.

Overall, I am very happy with the new box.

About half of the channels are "missing" in the 700s since yesterday. Channels that aren't missing often sputter and jump. The new Samsung box refuses to scroll the guide correctly.

I called tech support last night and someone who could barely speak English said, "Okay, I am sending you an especial signal. Is it better now?" Then proceeded with the same "Sir, I need you to turn off your cable box, wait 15 seconds ..." spiel that I have heard a thousand times before.

Of course, nothing worked. Once again, I have an appointment for a repairman to come July 7th. That's a long way off. I guarantee you it will be someone so filthy and criminal-looking that I would rather stand than sit next to them on the subway. But, I'll be expected to allow this garbage into my home.

Today, I will be sending "an especial signal" to Time Warner Cable. Loading up all their equipment and taking it down to the Queens Center Mall to give it back to them. Reason: It doesn't work, plain and simple.

I am tired of paying $140 a month for service that does not work. I wouldn't pay $140 a month for any other utility. What am I addicted to that drives me to pay so much for nothing? I am tired of being forced to buy hundreds of channels that I don't want just to see the 5 or 10 that I do want to watch.

I am tired of frequent rate increases for service that simply does not work. Somehow, the electric company manages to provide me with electricity that fails maybe once a decade. The gas company supplies a constant flow of gas. The phone company very rarely has any outages. The water never stops streaming from my tap. WHY ON EARTH, THEN, DOES THE CABLE TV PROVIDER SEEM HELPLESSLY UNABLE TO DELIVER THEIR OWN PRODUCT? Time Warner Cable has been in business a long time. Why can't they get it right?

I'm not paying astronomical prices for intermittent service anymore.

GOODBYE, TWC.

They're all on QAM Freq. 555

Ah, thanks for the info... looks like my assumption was correct, it was the whole QAM channel that was down.

Didn't have quite the same problem, but must be related. I did not watch Burn Notice live, but I DVR'd it. When I tried to watch the recording, noticed it only recorded until 9:28pm -- just stopped, w/o error message.
I have the 8300HDC

Yup, that's roughly when it went out on me. More interesting, 2 very different head ends, so it was systemic.

I don't know for sure, but I would think that given this, there is one central portal for NYC that feeds each of the head ends... does annyone have any actual knowledge how the topology works?

I just watched my recording of Burn Notice, and it too was only 28 minutes long, but it was a weird 28 minutes. I got the first, say, 25 minutes of the show fine, then I got the last 3 minutes; making a 28 minute recording. I wish I'd looked at the time on the list before I tried to watch it.

Royal Pains, which comes after Burn Notice, was fine, except for the all too usual glitches.

-barry

-barry

Geez, I had ANOTHER dream about Navigator. I dreamed I came from work, and watched a little TV in the living room. After finding nothing to watch, I turned the TV off and was about to walk away, when I realized that something looked different. So I turned it back on, and sure enough, there was Navigator. It was slow and buggy. The TV for some reason was an old 19" SDTV, with so much overscan that I couldn't see anything on the sides, and everything was curving.

I ran into my bedroom to see how well it had turned out on my bedroom TV. My bedroom STB had been changed to a different version of Passport, with smooth graphics that transitioned on and off in a very graceful manner. There were all these indicator lights flashing, and I didn't know what they meant. Then I heard Steve Somers and woke up.

Hey Folks,

Please excuse my ignorance as some of this will sound redundant but I'm trying to setup my Samsung LN46a650 with my TWC cable box and had a few quick questions. Here are all the components being used:

HDTV - Samsung 6 Series TOC LN46A650
Blu-Ray - Panasonic DMPBD30K
Cable - Time Warner cable high def box - Scientific Atlanta 4250HD (with HDMI)
AVR - Denon 1909 7.1 dolby true HD
DVD Player
6 Disc CD Player
HiFi VCR
Tape Deck
7 Polk Audio speakers
1 JBL subwoofer

Questions:
----------

1. I've noticed many, many suggestions on the calibration settings for this TV but are there 2 or 3 undisputed champion settings (given that I'm using TWCNYC as my cable provider), agreed by most experts on this thread? If so, what are they? The TV room is quite bright during the days (windows) but dark at night. Most of the viewing is normal cable programs (though we do watch dvd/blu-ray movies occassionally).


2. What settings should I use for the cable box after deploying #1 above so that I get the maximum performance and best picture?

4. Anything else I need to know? If you have feedback on how best to use my AVR -Denon 1909- with this equipment (i.e. settings), I would also appreciate it.

PLEASE HELP.

Thanks in advance.

Hey Folks,
[snip]

Questions:
----------

1. I've noticed many, many suggestions on the calibration settings for this TV but are there 2 or 3 undisputed champion settings (given that I'm using TWCNYC as my cable provider), agreed by most experts on this thread? If so, what are they? The TV room is quite bright during the days (windows) but dark at night. Most of the viewing is normal cable programs (though we do watch dvd/blu-ray movies occassionally).


2. What settings should I use for the cable box after deploying #1 above so that I get the maximum performance and best picture?

4. Anything else I need to know? If you have feedback on how best to use my AVR -Denon 1909- with this equipment (i.e. settings), I would also appreciate it.

PLEASE HELP.

Thanks in advance.


For the TV, check out www.tweaktv.com.

Problem with new Sammy box...

I have it connected to my TV via HDMI and I am getting occasional occurrances of the screen going black/losing sound and my TV says "No Signal".

There is clearly something wrong with the HDMI connection and not the signal coming from TWC. If I rewind what I am watching, the part of the broadcast that I missed when I lost the signal was recorded by the DVR.

Has anyone experienced this with the Sammy or the Sci Atlanta boxes in the past?

I guess my next step is to try Component but I rather stick with HDMI (and yes, I checked the cable connection on both ends). Is it possible I have a crappy box?

Problem with new Sammy box...

I have it connected to my TV via HDMI and I am getting occasional occurrances of the screen going black/losing sound and my TV says "No Signal".

There is clearly something wrong with the HDMI connection and not the signal coming from TWC. If I rewind what I am watching, the part of the broadcast that I missed when I lost the signal was recorded by the DVR.

Has anyone experienced this with the Sammy or the Sci Atlanta boxes in the past?

I guess my next step is to try Component but I rather stick with HDMI (and yes, I checked the cable connection on both ends). Is it possible I have a crappy box?
Have you tried a different HDMI cable?

Its too fast!!!
And, when I hit play after forwarding, it takes a good 2 seconds to stop and play making it very difficult to forward to the right spot.

Anyone else have this problem?

Problem with new Sammy box...



I have it connected to my TV via HDMI and I am getting occasional occurrences of the screen going black/losing sound and my TV says "No Signal".

There is clearly something wrong with the HDMI connection and not the signal coming from TWC. If I rewind what I am watching, the part of the broadcast that I missed when I lost the signal was recorded by the DVR.

Has anyone experienced this with the Sammy or the Sci Atlanta boxes in the past?

I guess my next step is to try Component but I rather stick with HDMI (and yes, I checked the cable connection on both ends). Is it possible I have a crappy box?

Hi Corey,

In the past four months or so, I maybe have gotten a "No Signal" prompt when turning on my SA-8300HD twice. But a warm reboot always solved the problem. You could try that. If it happens more than twice, I would say you have a buggy or overly sensitive box, where it is an issue with the box and/or weak signal strength. I would take that as an issue over the problem with the cable. How old is the HDMI cable?

If the warm reboot does not solve the problem and it happens more than twice over 30 days, (following a reboot if it happens again,) the next step would be a service call to check signal strength, you'll likely get a new box anyway. (Request the new Samsung box, should you need to set up an appointment.) If that still doesn't work, step #3 would be to get a new HDMI cable.

I hope this helps!

Jack

Its too fast!!!
And, when I hit play after forwarding, it takes a good 2 seconds to stop and play making it very difficult to forward to the right spot.

Anyone else have this problem?

Yea, I've mentioned it before. The only thing I don't like about this box.

Problem with new Sammy box...

I have it connected to my TV via HDMI and I am getting occasional occurrances of the screen going black/losing sound and my TV says "No Signal".

There is clearly something wrong with the HDMI connection and not the signal coming from TWC. If I rewind what I am watching, the part of the broadcast that I missed when I lost the signal was recorded by the DVR.

Has anyone experienced this with the Sammy or the Sci Atlanta boxes in the past?

I guess my next step is to try Component but I rather stick with HDMI (and yes, I checked the cable connection on both ends). Is it possible I have a crappy box?

I had some handshaking issues when setting up Tivo HD and 8300 with a HDMI switcher. Got all sorts of error messages including HDCP and No Signal. Turning the TV off and on solved it permanently(We were just about to send switcher back!)

Try re-booting box, turning things on and off in different orders.

Last night HBO and Showtime OD were there (not subscribed) even though I pay for these premiums and other HBO and Showtime channels were working. Anyone else?

Picture Quality with Tivo HD seems much improved over SA 8300HD - richer colors, more detail. I don't get this - I use HDMI on both, isn't the signal all-digital from cable to HDTV, with no ADC or DAC. Why should 1s and 0s look different over different hardware?

So, my HDC was acting a bit funny a past 2 weeks, so I marched down to Queens Center and got a hold of the new Sammy.

The PQ and audio quality is superior to the HDC. Still working out a few kinks (smooth handshake, playing nicely with my home theatre unit), but, its a nice upgrade.

Yes, the box is more responsive - and that FF/REW is lightning fast.

So, my HDC was acting a bit funny a past 2 weeks, so I marched down to Queens Center and got a hold of the new Sammy.

The PQ and audio quality is superior to the HDC. Still working out a few kinks (smooth handshake, playing nicely with my home theatre unit), but, its a nice upgrade.

Yes, the box is more responsive - and that FF/REW is lightning fast.

Yes, the new Samsung is a sweet box. I hope the first patch fixes the issue with the aspect ratio settings using HDMI. This was the same issue that existed in the SA 8300HDC during the first month of release when members upgraded from the original SA 8300.

NAVIGATOR ALERT:

Received a Navigator "Quick Start Guide" in the mail today. Notable quotes:

When will you get this new guide? Over the next few weeks, you'll begin to notice the new Navigator on select HD boxes when you turn on your television. The change will occur in waves, depending on your cable box model.

A, B, and C buttons take you places you're never been. (Oh, really?)

Over the next few weeks, select Time Warner Cable HD boxes will be converted to the Navigator format. You don't have to do a thing. Please note that we will be updating different cable boxes at different times. As a result, you may have the Navigator on one cable box and your current guide on others.

No other program guide works like this. Instead of simply allowing you to scroll up or down, your new Navigator works on a biaxial, or in FOUR dirrections, up/down AND right/left, for even greater ease of navigation.

BULLSHIT

Then it goes on to explain what the A, B, and C buttons do, which is also bullshit, because they waste the ****ing C button as a "back button". Passport makes better use of the buttons.

Things to remember about the new Navigator:

-When your new Navigator is launched, most customers will not need to do anything. The new Navigator should be downloaded to your converter automatically and will keep your current settings and recordings. Please be aware that will be bringing the Navigator to different cable boxes at different times. As a result, you may have the Navigator on one TV and the current guide on others.

-The Navigator will transfer the recording settings list as it is on the transfer date from the old database to the new one. (Time Warner Cable Navigator needs to find at least one recording setting of a series on the transfer date.) If there is no recording setting of a series at that time, the Navigator will not be able to transfer the recording setting.

-Your previously set "adjusted start/end time" settings will transfer over to the new Navigator, but only if the adjusted time matches the exact time period that the new Navigator supports. The new Navigator uses slightly different time increments than the current guide. If a time setting does not match the time increments that Navigator supports, your Navigator will default to a nonadjusted start/end time. We advise you to reset any desired adjusted start/end times using the time increments offered by the Time Warner Cable Navigator after the transfer.

On the last page of the booklet is a checklist and spaces where they recommend you write down your current settings, such as Parental Control, Timers, Favorites, Future Series to record, HD Output Resolution, and HD Aspect Ratio, to make sure the same settings are there after the changeover.

I guess this is happening soon.

NAVIGATOR ALERT:

A, B, and C buttons take you places you're never been.[/B] (Oh, really?)


Yup. They will no longer be able to vote on NY1 Snap Polls. :rolleyes:

Can you use an external HD with the new Sammy boxes?
Thanks,
Jason

Have you tried a different HDMI cable?

Yes and the other one doesn't work at all, I get some sort of error message on the box. I'm starting to think the box is the issue.

Hi Corey,

In the past four months or so, I maybe have gotten a "No Signal" prompt when turning on my SA-8300HD twice. But a warm reboot always solved the problem. You could try that. If it happens more than twice, I would say you have a buggy or overly sensitive box, where it is an issue with the box and/or weak signal strength. I would take that as an issue over the problem with the cable. How old is the HDMI cable?

If the warm reboot does not solve the problem and it happens more than twice over 30 days, (following a reboot if it happens again,) the next step would be a service call to check signal strength, you'll likely get a new box anyway. (Request the new Samsung box, should you need to set up an appointment.) If that still doesn't work, step #3 would be to get a new HDMI cable.

I hope this helps!

Jack

How do I do a reboot on the Sammy? Holding down the power buitton doesn't do the trick like my old 8300HD

Has S.I. got the Samsung 3090 yet??

Jeez -- reading these instructions....were they written by someone who speaks English? The following is completely indecipherable to me:

If there is no recording setting of a series at that time, the Navigator will not be able to transfer the recording setting.

Huh? What does this mean?

Picture Quality with Tivo HD seems much improved over SA 8300HD - richer colors, more detail. I don't get this - I use HDMI on both, isn't the signal all-digital from cable to HDTV, with no ADC or DAC. Why should 1s and 0s look different over different hardware?

Interesting you would make that observation. A TWC installer once told me that the best HD picture quality he sees are from people with Tivo's.

Thing is, ANY service problem you have will be blamed on the Tivo and ignored by tech support.

A_C

Jeez -- reading these instructions....were they written by someone who speaks English? The following is completely indecipherable to me:

Huh? What does this mean?

It means you better set up a series to record daily between now and whenever the update happens - it needs to have a series recording set for that day - otherwise the list wont transfer

At least thats the way I interpreted it.

Jeez -- reading these instructions....were they written by someone who speaks English? The following is completely indecipherable to me:

Huh? What does this mean?

I think what they mean is:

It will carry over series recordings *only* if that series recording has actual scheduled episodes pending. If the series has no scheduled episodes, it won't carry over.

(e.g. my series recording of Californication won't survive the transfer, since the show is on hiatus and there are no new episodes scheduled in the next couple of weeks.)

I think what they mean is:

It will carry over series recordings *only* if that series recording has actual scheduled episodes pending. If the series has no scheduled episodes, it won't carry over.

(e.g. my series recording of Californication won't survive the transfer, since the show is on hiatus and there are no new episodes scheduled in the next couple of weeks.)

That makes more sense....

Which sucks... every single show we have set up that doesn't return until the Fall will have to be re-added

How do I do a reboot on the Sammy? Holding down the power buitton doesn't do the trick like my old 8300HD

Unplug the box, wait 15 seconds and plug back in.

Its too fast!!!
And, when I hit play after forwarding, it takes a good 2 seconds to stop and play making it very difficult to forward to the right spot.

Anyone else have this problem?

At least with my setup, if I timed hitting the play button during FF just right, I'd start the normal playback at some time before what I saw in FF... exactly at the poiint the show restarted from the commercial break. Didn't work perfectly all the time, but mostly was very, very close.

The question is, when doing FF on the Sammie, where do you end up starting from? WAS it the last point you spotted during FF?

Jeez -- reading these instructions....were they written by someone who speaks English? The following is completely indecipherable to me:

Huh? What does this mean?

All series recordings that do not have an actual program scheduled will get deleted. So, all your network series that aren't even being broadcast will get deleted.

Not only that, but as y'all know, you CAN turn your box on and have only 1-2 days of actual schedules. It's quite possible you may have NO scheduled series recordings. Consequently, all series will be deleted.

Frankly, I expect all my series will get deleted... maybe two may survive. That's why I have been maintaining a paper listing of what shows. Even so, it will take a LONG time to really replicate those series recordings as I'm assuming a show has to actually be on the echedule for one to set it up as a series recording.

There will be pain!

Hey Scott, have you noticed any increase in overall glitchage in the past 2-3 weeks?

At least with my setup, if I timed hitting the play button during FF just right, I'd start the normal playback at some time before what I saw in FF... exactly at the poiint the show restarted from the commercial break. Didn't work perfectly all the time, but mostly was very, very close.

The question is, when doing FF on the Sammie, where do you end up starting from? WAS it the last point you spotted during FF?


The FF and R functions differently on the Navigator system compared to the Passport. I don’t know if the SA8300HDC boxes are similar to the Sammy Navigators.

One of the differences between the Nav and PP is that on the Nav there is a “backup” or a “cue up” feature on both the FF and on the R.

All series recordings that do not have an actual program scheduled will get deleted. So, all your network series that aren't even being broadcast will get deleted.

Jeez.....and during the summertime when most of the series we watch are on hiatus? That's horrible!!!

Such is life. I can deal with it when it happens......

Hey Scott, have you noticed any increase in overall glitchage in the past 2-3 weeks?
Nope. In general I've seen less glitches in the last 3 months than I've ever seen in my entire HD-DVR history with TWC, which would indicate that at least in my hub/southern-Manhattan head-end something has been cleaned up.

BTW -- the wife & I have been looking at apartments to buy uptown so I may be joining you in the northern-Manhattan head-end at some point. :)

Scott

BTW -- the wife & I have been looking at apartments to buy uptown so I may be joining you in the northern-Manhattan head-end at some point. :)

Scott

And we just sold a 2 br, 1 bath apartment, closing is next week! Fell free to PM me with any questions about the nabe, I've been up here for over 35 years.

Yes and the other one doesn't work at all, I get some sort of error message on the box. I'm starting to think the box is the issue.



How do I do a reboot on the Sammy? Holding down the power button doesn't do the trick like my old 8300HD

On Navigator for my SA-8300HD it's hold down the Vol+/Vol- button together and press the INFO button. The reboot should be almost instantaneous. I am not sure if the Samsung use the same command. TWC had to change the old hold the power button in till the word "boot" appears, as well as pressing the "A button to scroll 100 channels at a time," because I heard that those commands were copyrighted by Passport. Let us know if the reboot using Vol+/Vol-/ and Info works on the Sammy. If not, and no one else on the board knows, you should call TWC to find out how to do a "Warm Reboot" on the Samsung. You can always do a "Cold Reboot." unplug the cord from the outlet or surge protector going to the box, wait 15-30 seconds, than plug it back in.

Jack

It means you better set up a series to record daily between now and whenever the update happens - it needs to have a series recording set for that day - otherwise the list wont transfer

At least thats the way I interpreted it.

Navigator scans programs for 7 days. (The 14-day thing in the guide never happened, or hasn't happened yet AFAIK.) On Series recordings, Navigator has to find either:

1.) The show scheduled anytime within 7 days after the change over to the new system. (I don't know how smart Navigator is with finding specific EPISODES of shows after the transfer.) If the episodes match, and Navigator can find one instance of them than, "knock on wood." you're probably safe that they will carry over.

2.) If Navigator CANNOT find any instance of a series from the old SARA or Passport Guide, it will NOT change over, and you will have to reprogram it in Navigator.

3.) If you have any series that you value, I would personally write them down, NOW, and than delete the old ones from before the change over, than reprogram them with Navigator after you get it.

4.) Individual recordings have shown a much better survival rate than series of shows.

5.) Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. I suspect that the changes will be somewhat above half with 60% having good experiences and 40% not so good experiences. You might get up to 75% or better chance of a good experience if you remember my instructions about:

1.) Writing down the names of you shows, series, and settings.

2.) Having good signal strength.

3.) Having AT LEAST an SA-8300 box for DVR users or the new Samsung models, Non-DVR users should have AT LEAST a 3000 series SA-box (4000 Series, recommended.) or the new Samsung box. Pioneer boxes (all models) SHOULD be SWAPPED for later versions. SA-boxes at 2000 or below SHOULD BE SWAPPED for later versions. Having a good box, wiring, and signal strength is critical to Navigator's success.

4.) If you have some other model box not talked about above you may want to wait to see how it works on Navigator. TWC did change some code to make the boxes run better on the old Pioneer boxes and SA-2000 and below units, but they still don't have the memory to handle the speed and new functions of Navigator. Strongly consider #3 above for best results.

5.) If your box generally is more than 5 years old, it is probably an older model and should be swapped out for best Navigator results. 5 years exactly, you are probably OK, 4 years or newer, providing that your wiring and signal strength are good, you should be fine.

Jack

I am so angry right now I can barely type.
Once again, I had a problem with my service, spoke to a customer representative and was given a credit (for UFC fight that I could not watch).
Jump ahead three weeks to get my bill, whatdya know? No credit.

I call TWC.
They have no record of the credit AND ZERO record that I ever called and complained in the first place! (mind you I called twice on the night of the fight and, spent two hours on the phone with various people the following day).

I am convinced these people couldnt give a **** about their customers in NYC due to their relative monopoly.

What recourse does someone like me now have?

I order UFC fight EVERY month!

I am so angry right now I can barely type.
Once again, I had a problem with my service, spoke to a customer representative and was given a credit (for UFC fight that I could not watch).
Jump ahead three weeks to get my bill, whatdya know? No credit.

I call TWC.
They have no record of the credit AND ZERO record that I ever called and complained in the first place! (mind you I called twice on the night of the fight and, spent two hours on the phone with various people the following day).

I am convinced these people couldnt give a **** about their customers in NYC due to their relative monopoly.

What recourse does someone like me now have?

I order UFC fight EVERY month! That sucks. I would be seething too.

I'd call back and try a new conversation with a different csr.

If that doesn't work...
Detail your situation in a complaint.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/consumer/consumer_cable_service_form.shtml

Have two dvrs with passport and my dvr expanders. When the navigator "upgrade" happens will I lose the recordings on the dvr expanders? I also have other boxes with navigator and do not care for it at all. Oh well.

Interesting you would make that observation. A TWC installer once told me that the best HD picture quality he sees are from people with Tivo's.

Thing is, ANY service problem you have will be blamed on the Tivo and ignored by tech support.

A_C

The TWC installer said the same thing to me - Tivo looks better than TWC boxes!

Last night HBO and Showtime OD were not there ("not subscribed") even though I pay for these premiums and other HBO and Showtime channels were working. Anyone else?

No one else has this problem? TWC said the "would look into it" a few days ago - nada.

When they "upgrade" my passport to navigator, will my recordings on my dvr expander be lost?
thanks

That sucks. I would be seething too.

I'd call back and try a new conversation with a different csr.

If that doesn't work...
Detail your situation in a complaint.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/consumer/consumer_cable_service_form.shtml

Call TWC back and request specifically to speak with a "BILLING SUPERVISOR for a problem that has not been resolved." They will transfer you to a department head, explain the issue with the problem you had getting the fight and have the supervisor give you a credit. My division was always very good with that. You should also ask the billing supervisor to please make note of the conversation on their computer system. They should be able to do that as well. Say to the supervisor, "I called several times when I couldn't get the fight, requesting a credit, got my bill three weeks later, with no credit, called back and the CSR's said they have no record of the credit for the fight on my account. What can I do about this?"

In the meantime, pay the parts of your bill that are not in question. Deduct the fee for the fight, sending a letter with your statement that the issue is being investigated. (Talk to the supervisor first.) This keeps your account in good standing. Include the dollar amount and the PPV event being investigated in your letter as well as, your name, phone-number, account#, and e-mail address in your letter.

If the conversation with the supervisor appears good, you may want to ask if there is a direct number where you can contact them with other billing concerns that may arise. If not, see if you can get their name and company ID# for reference for other billing questions in the future. Than if you have a problem in the future, you could contact the supervisor directly.

If that doesn't work, (it may take about 5 business days for the credit to appear on your statement,) you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau online. HOWEVER, DON'T SAY YOU PLAN TO DO THAT WHEN YOU CALL. This is only if you do not get a service credit for the fight on your bill. The supervisors have been very helpful, so hopefully this should take care of it.

Jack

That sucks. I would be seething too.

I'd call back and try a new conversation with a different csr.

If that doesn't work...
Detail your situation in a complaint.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/consumer/consumer_cable_service_form.shtml

Perfect advice, although I'd go first to DOITT. Make sure to make it very simple, just state the facts with no vitriol... you'll get a much better response from them that way.

The TWC installer said the same thing to me - Tivo looks better than TWC boxes!

A fairly visually observant friend just got a HDC to replace his HD and he says PQ was slightly better with the HDC.

This is what the original poster did and it corrected the problem—sped up the channel changing process. However, I prefer to enable all signals and allow for either my display, or my receiver, to do all converting. It might be slower when changing channels but my equipment does a much better job than the STB, giving me a better picture. ;)

Normally I would set my 8300HD to output 1080i only, but on my 5-year old Panny Plasma, I get grey sidebars on 480i channels when fed a 1080i-only signal, and I prefer black sidebars. So, I've enabled 480i for that purpose. I'm still mostly in the 700+ channel range anyway, so the issue doesn't come up often.

Normally I would set my 8300HD to output 1080i only, but on my 5-year old Panny Plasma, I get grey sidebars on 480i channels when fed a 1080i-only signal, and I prefer black sidebars. So, I've enabled 480i for that purpose. I'm still mostly in the 700+ channel range anyway, so the issue doesn't come up often.

8300HD only has grey sidebars. The 8300HDC has three options, one being black, not sure about the new sammy but I assume it is the same navigator running on that box

8300HD only has grey sidebars. The 8300HDC has three options, one being black, not sure about the new sammy but I assume it is the same navigator running on that box

The sidebars are generated by the Panasonic Plasma, not the STB. The box, itself, is in pass-thru mode where 480i is concerned. Were I to put the 8300HD in 1080i output only, yes, I'd get faster channel changing between 480i and 1080i stations, but I'd be limited to grey sidebars on 4:3 formatting on the 480i channels. I've tested this every which way imaginable. Setting the 8300HD to output both 480i and 1080i lets the Panny's black sidebar options work.

Perfect advice, although I'd go first to DOITT. Make sure to make it very simple, just state the facts with no vitriol... you'll get a much better response from them that way.

What does DOITT stand for?

I am so angry right now I can barely type.
Once again, I had a problem with my service, spoke to a customer representative and was given a credit (for UFC fight that I could not watch).
Jump ahead three weeks to get my bill, whatdya know? No credit.

I call TWC.
They have no record of the credit AND ZERO record that I ever called and complained in the first place! (mind you I called twice on the night of the fight and, spent two hours on the phone with various people the following day).

I am convinced these people couldnt give a **** about their customers in NYC due to their relative monopoly.

What recourse does someone like me now have?

I order UFC fight EVERY month!

That sucks. I would be seething too.

I'd call back and try a new conversation with a different csr.

If that doesn't work...
Detail your situation in a complaint.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/consumer/consumer_cable_service_form.shtml

What does DOITT stand for?
Sometimes, I really think I'm on everyone's ignore list....
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/consumer/consumer_cable_service_form.shtml

The New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) oversees the City's use of existing and emerging technologies in government operations, and its delivery of services to the public. DoITT works to improve the government's efficiency through technology, and to make communication with the government straightforward and clear.

Sometimes, I really think I'm on everyone's ignore list....

By The way Riverside-Guy, I’ve noticed, in a couple of different threads, that you are curious about TCM HD. :p


Ah, first time I've read this. Makes 2 HD channels I REALLY want, BBC-A HD and TCM HD.

Check this thread out for up to the minute info regarding the launch of TCMHD ;)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1152849

;)

By The way Riverside-Guy, I’ve noticed, in a couple of different threads, that you are curious about TCM HD. :p

;)

Thanks... caught 2 posts, one saying Comcast-Seattle, the other TWC-Rochester NY launching in the first week of August. Nothing on our channel changes page. It'll probably hit SI by years end, then spaced 6 months apart, hit Brooklyn, the in Queens, then about 2+ years from now make it's way into Manhattan. Oh, probably south Manhattan followed 6 months later by northern Manhattan.

Thanks... caught 2 posts, one saying Comcast-Seattle, the other TWC-Rochester NY launching in the first week of August. Nothing on our channel changes page. It'll probably hit SI by years end, then spaced 6 months apart, hit Brooklyn, the in Queens, then about 2+ years from now make it's way into Manhattan. Oh, probably south Manhattan followed 6 months later by northern Manhattan.

:D At this rate, you and I will probably be watching it via FIOS.

TWCNY just posted another channel change update and still no word about any of the Viacom HD channels we been expecting for several months now.

TWCNY just posted another channel change update and still no word about any of the Viacom HD channels we been expecting for several months now.

It is a very interesting update though.

I didn't realize how different the Analog channel lineups were in the respective NYC regions.... that explains why so many analog channels are black screens (as indicated non my old trusty spreadsheet) - just about every single channel i have indicated as "black screen" is an active analog channel somewhere....

This may be leading to something.... can't believe it took this long to straighten out...

The following changes are planned:

Effective on or about August 19, 2009 we will no longer carry Azteca America (ch. 807). In Brooklyn and Queens it will no longer be carried on ch. 67 and 807.

Effective on or about August 19, 2009 in Southern Manhattan we will no longer carry UNTV on ch. 78. This service will remain on ch. 167 as a digital service and in Brooklyn and Queens Chinese Prime will move from 78 to 67.

Effective on or about August 19, 2009, for customers with cable ready TV’s and TV’s directly connected to cable without a cable box (“direct hookups”) we will make the following changes: In Southern Manhattan we will move WPXN from 3 to 31, WNJU from 8 to 47, WXTV from 12 to 41, Food Network from 14 to 50, TBS from 22 to 8, QVC from 55 to 60, WFUT from 57 to 68, WMBC from 65 to 63, WLNY from 68 to 55, and the leased access channel from 99 to 35. We will no longer carry CSPAN 2 (ch. 64) and UNTV (ch. 97) on the direct connect lineup. In Northern Manhattan we will move TBS from 22 to 8, WMBC from 65 to 63, and QVC from 69 to 60. We will no longer carry CSPAN 2 (ch. 39)) on the direct connect lineup. In Brooklyn, Woodside, Elmhurst, and Maspeth we will move NY1 from 3 to 10, WPXN from 8 to 31, WXTV from 10 to 41, WNJU from 12 to 47, ShopNBC from 34 to 70, WLNY from 62 to 55, TBS from 63 to 8, WFUT from 64 to 68, Food Network 67 to 50, TV Guide from 68 to 18, WMBC from 69 to 63 and CSPAN from 70 to 6. In Queens, including Jamaica we will move WLNY from 11 to 55, WNYW from 15 to 5, WABC from 17 to 7, TBS from 18 to 8, WPIX from 21 to 11, WNET from 23 to 13, ShopNBC from 45 to 70, CSPAN from 54 to 6, WPXN from 56 to 31, QVC from 57 to 60, WXTV from 59 to 41, WNJU from 60 to 47, TV Guide from 63 to 18, WLIW from 69 to 21 and Food Network from 78 to 50. In Mount Vernon we will move WFUT from 10 to 68, WLIW from 12 to 21, WPXN from 14 to 31, WEDW from 15 to 72, WXTV from 16 to 41, WNJU from 17 to 47, Food Network from 19 to 50, News12 from 20 to 12, WMBC from 21 to 63, WRNN from 23 to 19, QVC from 24 to 60, and EWTN from 95 to 35.

OT: Anybody know if the 23rd St store is open on Friday, July 3rd?

Thanks,
-barry

It is a very interesting update though.

I didn't realize how different the Analog channel lineups were in the respective NYC regions.... that explains why so many analog channels are black screens (as indicated non my old trusty spreadsheet) - just about every single channel i have indicated as "black screen" is an active analog channel somewhere....

This may be leading to something.... can't believe it took this long to straighten out...

What struck me is all of them are said to be on "direct hookup" sans cable STB.

Except most of them seem not to function on said "direct hookup." All I've ever seen is 2-13. BTW, I have raw cable hooked into an aux input on my TV... if the STB fails I'm ready for a few channels. Hmmmm, now that I think about it, maybe I should do another scan... could they have opened up all those channels which for sure were scrambled at one point?

What struck me is all of them are said to be on "direct hookup" sans cable STB.

Except most of them seem not to function on said "direct hookup." All I've ever seen is 2-13. BTW, I have raw cable hooked into an aux input on my TV... if the STB fails I'm ready for a few channels. Hmmmm, now that I think about it, maybe I should do another scan... could they have opened up all those channels which for sure were scrambled at one point?

you only get 2-13? then you may want o make sure your tv is set to "cable" instead of "antenna"

I currently have the 8300hdc was thinking of switching to the samsung 3090 but is it worth it? does the samsung have a bigger Hard drive to store Hd programming and by how much ...hrs?

From Fredfa's "Hot Off The Press" thread on the 'HDTV Programming' page:

HDTV Notes
Dish, Time Warner Cable In New York Next For MSNBC HD
Rollouts Will Continue In July For HD Version Of News Service
By Mike Reynolds, Multichannel News - July 3rd, 2009

MSNBC HD, which came out of the gate with launches on systems owned by 10 distributors on June 29, will debut on Dish Network and within Time Warner Cable's Big Apple footprint in July.

According to NBC Universal officials, Dish Network will extend the enhanced version of MSNBC nationally this month.

For its part, Time Warner Cable, which bowed the news service's HD feed on its systems serving Syracuse and Binghamton, N.Y. on June 29, is slated to open MSNBC HD to its customers in the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island on July 22.

Bend Broadband is among the other distributors scheduled to add MSNBC HD in August -- at which time it is expected to be available in 11 million homes -- and everything after.

MSNBC has been planning its migration to the high-definition since moving from Secaucus, N.J., into NBCU headquarters at 30 Rockefeller Plaza since October 2007.

Featuring new shows, The Meeting With Dylan Ratigan from 9-11 a.m., and an hour hosted by health guru Dr. Nancy Snyderman at noon, MSNBC HD, in addition to the aforementioned Time Warner Cable launches in upstate New York, rolled June 29 out on systems owned by distributors Armstrong (Ohio), Atlantic Telephone Membership Corp., Beld, Burlington Telecom, Click Network, Columbia Power & Water Systems, Horry Telephone Cooperative, Massillon Cable and Cablevision, throughout the New York DMA (where it holds exclusivity preventing Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-verse from offering the news service in either the standard- or high-definition format).

http://www.multichannel.com/article/307447-Dish_Time_Warner_Cable_In_New_York_Next_For_MSNBC_HD.php

Sometimes, I really think I'm on everyone's ignore list....
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doitt/html/consumer/consumer_cable_service_form.shtml

Nobody's ignoring you; what does this really do for me?
Go to the bottom of a list of another 100,000 complaints?

BTW-anyone having problems with Showtime?

Nobody's ignoring you; what does this really do for me?
Go to the bottom of a list of another 100,000 complaints?



A complaint to Doitt solved my problem. I had a problem with my premium onDemands and channel 699 not working. Had 2 technician visits, each resulting in "it's not your box" will refer to engineering. Problem was never referred or noted on my record. Each time technician closed out my problem, indicating "resolved". Finally, based on recommendation of this forum I made a Doitt complaint. That same afternoon, TWC agent to called me. Still took them a while to fix the problem, but DoItt got TWC to take ownership of my problem. Also got me a $75 credit on my bill. So as far as I'm concerned, DoiItt works.

you only get 2-13? then you may want o make sure your tv is set to "cable" instead of "antenna"

There are 2 inputs, they are marked "antenna 1" and "antenna 2." One is subtitled "cable" and the other "antenna." Far as I understand the manual, they both do exactly the same thing. Keep in mind, my TV tuner is NOT a QAM one. I'll do a new scan on both to see what's up...

A complaint to Doitt solved my problem. I had a problem with my premium onDemands and channel 699 not working. Had 2 technician visits, each resulting in "it's not your box" will refer to engineering. Problem was never referred or noted on my record. Each time technician closed out my problem, indicating "resolved". Finally, based on recommendation of this forum I made a Doitt complaint. That same afternoon, TWC agent to called me. Still took them a while to fix the problem, but DoItt got TWC to take ownership of my problem. Also got me a $75 credit on my bill. So as far as I'm concerned, DoiItt works.

Indeed it does... in large part because the complaints get routed to PR, not (non)customer service. Just be polite and to the point with no editorializing and that should get most issues resolved.

Just got a bill... no flyer or anything in it about the coming MDN upload, wondering what's up with that?

There was a new channel lineup brochure... interesting. HDXtra lists ONLY MGM and Smithsonian, not even MAV. No mention that it also includes the "Digital Sports" tier as Berk has told us... but that tier is worth 10 SD channels and 4 HD ones, and seems completely aimed at a real sports junkie who wants to see sports outside the local pro teams (mostly college anyway). Far as I can tell, most all out of market pro sports have their own pay channels (well, except for NFLN, and we all know about that saga).

There are 2 inputs, they are marked "antenna 1" and "antenna 2." One is subtitled "cable" and the other "antenna." Far as I understand the manual, they both do exactly the same thing. Keep in mind, my TV tuner is NOT a QAM one. I'll do a new scan on both to see what's up...

Well a QAM tuner has nothing to do with analog channels in this case.

http://www.jneuhaus.com/fccindex/cablech.html

Take a look at that chart.
('standard' = cable freqencies; 'broadcast' = OTA frequencies)

You may need to check a menu setting... but if you're tv is set to assume the channels coming in from the coax are "antenna" channels, it will only find channels 2-6 and 7-13 (since they are set at the same frequency range) - all other channels are at different frequencies.

So yes, there is a very big difference between "cable" and "antenna" (you may also notice that "cable" can go up to 125 on the tv, while "antenna" only goes to 80.

Just got a bill... no flyer or anything in it about the coming MDN upload, wondering what's up with that?

There was a new channel lineup brochure... interesting. HDXtra lists ONLY MGM and Smithsonian, not even MAV. No mention that it also includes the "Digital Sports" tier as Berk has told us... but that tier is worth 10 SD channels and 4 HD ones, and seems completely aimed at a real sports junkie who wants to see sports outside the local pro teams (mostly college anyway). Far as I can tell, most all out of market pro sports have their own pay channels (well, except for NFLN, and we all know about that saga).

sure its mostly college...

but it also includes Tennis Channel.... NBATV... NHL Network...
(and I'm still getting GAMEHD)

Perfect advice, although I'd go first to DOITT. Make sure to make it very simple, just state the facts with no vitriol... you'll get a much better response from them that way.

In my experience, if you talk to the CSRs with no vitriol, you have better chance at getting what you want.

For some reason when I turn my equipment on, the volume starts at a very high level and then within 2-5 seconds, drops down to the normal volume that I had previously left it at.

I am using an Onkyo SR304 receiver via Optical cables.
Never had this issue with my SA boxes; any idea what the culprit might be?

***(thanks to everyone for the responses regarding my issue with TWC and that UFC fight credit. Will use the DOITT and see what happens).

Can someone please post the best settings for the Scientific Atlanta 4250 HD box?

I'm using an HDMI connection from box to --> Denon AVR 1909 to --> HDMI to TV. The TV is Samsung LN46A650 1080P/120Hz.

Again, I'm trying to get the best possible performance given this equipment. Please be detailed as I'm not too technical.

Thanks in advance.

How does it work to get updated boxes there? Do you just bring your old ones to upgrade to the new boxes or do you need to call ahead? Do you have to provide some reason why you would like to exchange?

I had a new install but I got some really old beat up H3050's (non-dvr) that I would like to change out to whatever new box of the moment is. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Just take them in. They don't care. However, I noticed when I exchanged my SA8300HD for the Samsung 3090, that if someone didn't specify what box they wanted, the reps were handing out the SA8300HDC. They had plenty of 3090s in stock though.

Each day, there are periods of time when the audio is completely missing from the Tennis Channed HD, ie Channel 465. However, the audio is fine on their SD counterpart, Ch 455. Anyone have this problem too? Any ideas of the cause? I know if I call TWC, they'll send a tech and I won't be able to demonstrate, since the problem is intermittent. BTW, I have the 8300HDC.

Well, I'm finally ready to switch out my 8400HD for a new box. Been holding on to my Passport for as long as I could but with Navigator being forced upon us, it's time to do it. Had the HDC w/ Navigator for about a week a year and half ago and I...just...couldn't...deal. Anyway, a few questions for those of you who had switched out your box at 23rd...

1.) I live in Brooklyn - will they allow me to switch? (I've read customers in Queens weren't "allowed" in posts I've read about a month ago.. but don't know if this applies to Bklyn).

2.) Do I have to call and "set it up" first? I know some CSR's at the store get snippy if you haven't called in to the main center or whatever..

3.) How will I know if the 3090 I get is the 160gig or 320gig HDD? I'd like a 320 obviously. Is there something identifiable on the box/receiver that will help me walk out with the right box?

4.) I'm planning to do this today (7/8/09) - has anyone confirmed stock @ 23rd within the past week?


Thanks - austin

1) not sure
2) no
3) Just look through the top of the unit at the drive. Mine clearly says 160gb on top.
4) As of Monday am, there were plenty.

I have t he Samsung 3090. There is no display on the front of this box to tell you what output resolution you have on the box. The 8300HDC has it you can look on the front and see what resolution it is playing. How can you do this on 3090, with out going to the menus??. Can it be done???

Any?one?

What non DVR boxes are currently available? Any with firewire?

The Samsung 3050 is a non DVR cable box You can get it at 23st. I dont know if it has firewire

The 3050 does have firewire. What is it used for?

Picked up a 3090 today, 160gb...

Queens got MDN today which replaced Passport. This was only on the 3250HD so Navigator is going to eventually replace Passport.

Queens got MDN today which replaced Passport. This was only on the 3250HD so Navigator is going to eventually replace Passport.I’m not home; can anyone verify this sad news?

On another note, I don’t know if it has anything to do with the MDN switchover but my TW phone and internet has been crapping out the last few days. I have to constantly reboot the modem to get the phone up and running again. I have a tech call for Saturday.

I got this info from a TWC-NYC employee who works as a tech.

I got this info from a TWC-NYC employee who works as a tech. Not doubting you, just looking for feedback. :cool:

I used to have a 3250HD running MDN and it was pretty good but there were times when it got crabby and needed a reboot. Don't run it on an old Pioneer box, SA 2000-3100 or a 8000/8000HD DVR.

1.) I live in Brooklyn - will they allow me to switch? (I've read customers in Queens weren't "allowed" in posts I've read about a month ago.. but don't know if this applies to Bklyn).
Wait, I live in Queens. We aren't "allowed" to switch the boxes? Can somebody throw a link up to an explanation for this?

Wait, I live in Queens. We aren't "allowed" to switch the boxes? Can somebody throw a link up to an explanation for this?
You can go to the Queens Center and switch boxes, you're allowed, as long as they have them available.

TWC NYC is using v2.4.4-16 which is the latest stable version of MDN. San Diego and Charlotte are likely testing an even newer version that has less bugs and maybe new features.

i have a contact there that tells me there is major headend consolidation so a consistent frequency allocation is vital. there are "headends" thoughout the city which will serve as backups to each other. there are a lot of advantages to this operationally.


It is a very interesting update though.

I didn't realize how different the Analog channel lineups were in the respective NYC regions.... that explains why so many analog channels are black screens (as indicated non my old trusty spreadsheet) - just about every single channel i have indicated as "black screen" is an active analog channel somewhere....

This may be leading to something.... can't believe it took this long to straighten out...

i have a contact there that tells me there is major headend consolidation so a consistent frequency allocation is vital. there are "headends" thoughout the city which will serve as backups to each other. there are a lot of advantages to this operationally.

i figured that this is where they were heading....

I just cant believe it took this long...

I guess there were many old grandfathered contracts that had to be "sorted out" thanks to division takeovers over the last 15-20 years.

One person just got MDN on his 3250HD and he seems to think it's ok but just slower. It does have a few quirks.

I still have Passport. Will keep you informed over the next few days.

I just realized that my Sammy 3090 doesn't do on screen caller ID and I don't see where to activate it in the settings. Any thoughts on how I can turn it "on"?

I just realized that my Sammy 3090 doesn't do on screen caller ID and I don't see where to activate it in the settings. Any thoughts on how I can turn it "on"?

Far as I know, this is a function that needs to be "activated" by the head end before it works. Call them...

I still have Passport. Will keep you informed over the next few days.

Please everyone, when you say you have or don't have it, ya GHOTTA say what box you have! G1 says in his sig it's a 8300HD which means a DVR... it seems the non DVR boxes may be getting it first.

I’m not home; can anyone verify this sad news?

On another note, I don’t know if it has anything to do with the MDN switchover but my TW phone and internet has been crapping out the last few days. I have to constantly reboot the modem to get the phone up and running again. I have a tech call for Saturday.

Same here, going on for about 2-3 weeks now. I too have an appointment for tomorrow. I am in midtown east. On the rr website, S Nanhattan has been red for weeks now but the CSR said I should not be affected but you know how dumb they are :(

Same here, going on for about 2-3 weeks now. I too have an appointment for tomorrow. I am in midtown east. On the rr website, S Nanhattan has been red for weeks now but the CSR said I should not be affected but you know how dumb they are :(

FWIW, not seeing this issue out of Man North.

In Oct. 2007, I upgraded to HD service and got a SA 4250 with the MDN software, which at the time was new. Two months later, I had enough with this buggy piece of crap and had it swapped out for an older SA 3250 with Passport. Anyway, on Tuesday (July 7th) when I turned my HDTV on, the blue Mystro screen appeared and I knew I was about experience MDN, part II. However, it looks like my 3250 didn't want to go with the flow because it kept rebooting.

Next day, the TW guy comes and swaps it out for the 4250 with MDN. Well, it's 2 days later and so far so good. While I'm not seeing "Please Wait" every time I try to change the channel like I did two years ago, it takes about a second longer to respond to my inputs that the Passport software. Two years ago it took several seconds to change and a few times the screen even froze. Anyway, I'm glad to get the better-looking, higher resolution guide back as well as the black sidebars on the SD channels as opposed to those ugly gray sidebars with the Passport software.

If anything changes, I'll post it.

To all you MDN users do you get the HD VOD channels?

FWIW, not seeing this issue out of Man North.

Service appointment fixed my problems. He got into some diagnostic on the hdc i never saw before using a combo of buttons on the front, anyone know how to get there? He would not tell me. They checked my signal and replaced my cable modem. Phone and internet are back to normal now. He even had a spare remote control to replace the one I keep dropping lol

One benefit of MDN is that you now get the HD VOD channels. Enjoy!

Service appointment fixed my problems.

The morons never showed up this morning for my service call. :mad: They said they cancelled it because it was an area problem and they fixed it. :rolleyes: I haven’t had a problem today, maybe everything is ok but I’m pretty pissed off that I wasted the morning waiting for them to show up. And I wanted them to check the modem and the signal strength regardless of the area problem. Typical.:rolleyes: Anyway, they took a couple of bucks (and I literally mean about $2) off my bill and gave me two premiums that I don’t already have (and probably won’t even watch) free for a month. They suck.

Sounds like the Navigator rollout for New Yorkers has begun,

Yea, I learned that on those SA boxes, the 4000 series do well with Navigator. It looks like they may be doing the non-DVR's first. 2.4.4-16 is a very stable MDN build. That's good. Have you noticed anything like a faster more smoother transition than what you had from Passport in terms of scrolling? On mine, I could go out to about 3-4 days and than their might be a half-second pause, but nothing major. Note that for me, I have an SA-8300 DVR box.

I assume that the conversions are happing in the wee hours of the morning. It seems that most people are sleeping when the change-over happens. I have no recollection of anyone getting Navigator downloaded during the daytime hours, but the local divisions as I understand make that call.

Jack

Far as I know, this is a function that needs to be "activated" by the head end before it works. Call them...

Correct,

You can either call TWC for Caller ID on TV activation or wait about 24 hours (on average) for it to appear on your box. Remember that in order to get Caller ID on TV, you must have BOTH TW-Digital Cable and TW-Digital Phone.

Jack

The morons never showed up this morning for my service call. :mad: They said they cancelled it because it was an area problem and they fixed it. :rolleyes: I haven’t had a problem today, maybe everything is ok but I’m pretty pissed off that I wasted the morning waiting for them to show up. And I wanted them to check the modem and the signal strength regardless of the area problem. Typical.:rolleyes: Anyway, they took a couple of bucks (and I literally mean about $2) off my bill and gave me two premiums that I don’t already have (and probably won’t even watch) free for a month. They suck.

Hmmm, I thought it was a free month on the whole bill if they missed a scheduled appointment? Of course, you HAD to call and complain to get it... yes it did happen to me once upon a time.

Correct,

You can either call TWC for Caller ID on TV activation or wait about 24 hours (on average) for it to appear on your box. Remember that in order to get Caller ID on TV, you must have BOTH TW-Digital Cable and TW-Digital Phone.

Jack

AND either MDN or ODN!

Hmmm, I thought it was a free month on the whole bill if they missed a scheduled appointment? Of course, you HAD to call and complain to get it... yes it did happen to me once upon a time.I had that argument with them. They told me that they “left a message” :rolleyes: on Friday regarding their cancellation. I gave them four numbers to find me. They never left a message.

I had that argument with them. They told me that they “left a message” :rolleyes: on Friday regarding their cancellation. I gave them four numbers to find me. They never left a message.

I'd file a DOITT complaint... whole you MAY not get the full month, they'll give you something more than what you already got.

If you don't have the triple play, they will try and give you "such a deal" you'll be almost forced into it. I got the phone service for, get this, 5 bucks over my double play price. Not only that, but they said I'd get it for 10 bucks the second year, so it was a 24 month deal.

I'd file a DOITT complaint... whole you MAY not get the full month, they'll give you something more than what you already got... I appreciate your good advice but I don’t think I’ll come at ‘em with all guns a-blazing for this situation. They made a fair restitution. However, if my phone/internet craps out in the near future, everything is on file, in their system—then I’ll hit them with the full arsenal.;)

When I called the other day to add a dvr box they gave me a free month of Cinemax, and a free year of showtime for some reason

Far as I know, this is a function that needs to be "activated" by the head end before it works. Call them...

Correct,

You can either call TWC for Caller ID on TV activation or wait about 24 hours (on average) for it to appear on your box. Remember that in order to get Caller ID on TV, you must have BOTH TW-Digital Cable and TW-Digital Phone.

Jack

Thanks, I'll give them a call.

When I called the other day to add a dvr box they gave me a free month of Cinemax, and a free year of showtime for some reason

Read about the free YEAR of SHO elsewhere. I see movie channel promotions at the heart of it all... I was paying 35 for 3, now I'm paying 30 for 4. There's a promotion of HBO and Cinemax for the price of HBO alone. All these promotions are great, but many do get suckered because at some point, the good prices go away. I think they are COUNTING that many will simply not call and stop service, having grown very used to it.

Hmmm, I thought it was a free month on the whole bill if they missed a scheduled appointment? Of course, you HAD to call and complain to get it... yes it did happen to me once upon a time.

They used to have it where if they didn't show up or were late for an appointment you got a $20 credit on your bill. You had to call to complain though. That was one of the big promotional things about cable 5-10 years ago. Other cable companies did it as well:

"We will be on time for your service appointment or we will credit your account $20."

Jack

Hi. First post. I'm in Manhattan, with TWCNYC running an 8300HDC box to an SD tv, and was wondering if anyone else was having problems getting the closed captioning running through the cable box (i.e. using their system, not your tv's). It does not work for me regardless of the output settings.

I had a tech come and look and he indicated it was a known software issue, but the central office claims up and down it is not so.

I was curious about your experiences. Thanks! I can't find anything on point in the forum search. (If it matters, ODN 3.1.0_11)

Hmmm, I thought it was a free month on the whole bill if they missed a scheduled appointment? Of course, you HAD to call and complain to get it... yes it did happen to me once upon a time.

It was until the Bloomberg administration wrote up the TV/internet franchise agreement for Verizon and reduced the penalty to the pittance that it is now. It cited "competition" as the reason why the month free penalty was no longer needed.:rolleyes:

The reduced penalty for Verizon then got carried over to all the other cable companies. You also have Bloomberg to thank for allowing TWC to charge you a fee every time you alter your service.

Hi. First post. I'm in Manhattan, with TWCNYC running an 8300HDC box to an SD tv, and was wondering if anyone else was having problems getting the closed captioning running through the cable box (i.e. using their system, not your tv's). It does not work for me regardless of the output settings.

I had a tech come and look and he indicated it was a known software issue, but the central office claims up and down it is not so.

I was curious about your experiences. Thanks! I can't find anything on point in the forum search. (If it matters, ODN 3.1.0_11)

I had a similar problem with an SA-8300 HD (MDN, NO C) box hooked up an SDTV as well, for years the HD did not work. We bought an HDMI cable for our HD set and with the HDMI cable, the box's CC worked great. The cable in the back was very outdated.

HDMI cable will not work with SD TV's, but I would look into getting some different cable back there. You might want to try some brand new component cable or S-video cable. Please note that IF YOU DO GET AN HD SET, you will need component cables or HDMI cable. HDMI cable is recommended for best quality.

S-VIDEO CABLE AND COAXIAL CABLE DO NOT WORK ON HD SETS. You have these choices to try:

1.) Get new COMPONENT CABLES (as in purchase new ones) They will still work with HD sets OR.

2.) Get new S-Video cable and hook it up to the box. Again S-Video will not work if you get an HDTV. If you get an HDTV, you MUST use component cables or switch to HDMI cable.

3.) Hook up the new cables and now reboot your box, if CC still does not work, with the new cables hooked up, call another TWC tech, it could be a box issue.

4.) On the other hand, you could save up for an HDTV, ($600-1200 on average) get the HDMI cable ($15-20 on average) hook up the HDTV to the HDMI cable and see if box CC works. (This happened to me, and like I said it did work.)

5.) What is the brand of TV you have? In very rare cases, the TV sometimes just does not pick up the CC signals from the box. My original SD TV was a Toshiba on my SA-8300HD Navigator box. I still have the same box, but now with HDMI cable hooked up to a 42" HDTV, a Samsung and CC works fine.

My first hunch is you need a better cable indicated above. Get that first, than if that doesn't work, another tech with a different box, if the tech visit and/or the different box with the new cable doesn't work. If that doesn't work, you have one of the #5 issues were your TV is the culprit. You would than have to use your factory TV remote to control the CC.

Does anyone else have an SDTV hooked up to an HDTV box where CC does not work?

Jack

Closed captions don't appear on an 480i CRT TV connected to the coax RF output of my 8300HD STB (Passport, NYC's TWC). The on-screen electronic program guide does appear. Captions appear, when selected, on my Panasonic TH-65VX100U (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16424503&highlight=th+65vx100#post16424503) plasma also connected, via YPbPr, to the 8300HD. Hooked the plasma up with high-end HDMI cable (~9') initially, but found component cable (~9') delivered slightly better measured resolution, (spelled out in a sublink within the informal review linked above). -- John

My 8300HD just powered down, and started counting down. Started at r44F and is still counting down. I have a feeling it might be the dreaded upgrade. Had to explain to my wife and hand her the pamphlet on what is going to happen. Anyone else seeing this?

Oh no!! Bye Bye Passport. 8300HD just finished downloading and rebooted and got the dreaded Mystro screen!!!! Weird they pushed this at 10AM here in Park Slope. Still waiting for cable box to come up. It's still at 4 squares on the screen with -- -- on the cable box.

Im getting MDN as well right now. I have an 8300hd... I'll miss you passport old buddy.

The front of the box has a code that started @ "r700" then counted down to 500 then added some letters to the countdown.
BTW I'm in Bayside, Queens.

Oh no!! Bye Bye Passport. 8300HD just finished downloading and rebooted and got the dreaded Mystro screen!!!! Weird they pushed this at 10AM here in Park Slope. Still waiting for cable box to come up. It's still at 4 squares on the screen with -- -- on the cable box.

Boy oh boy, it looks like it's finally started. I'd suggest everyone write down all their series recordings so at least you have a record.

Thought for sure it would be SI, then Brooklyn, then Queens, than Man No, then Man So, then the Bronx. Now I'm wondering if they'll hit Queens before Man??

Boy oh boy, it looks like it's finally started. I'd suggest everyone write down all their series recordings so at least you have a record.

Thought for sure it would be SI, then Brooklyn, then Queens, than Man No, then Man So, then the Bronx. Now I'm wondering if they'll hit Queens before Man??

To late we've already been hit. Already rebooting the box and saw a screen saying my recordings were being formatted to a new format.
Mystro's initalizing.
bleh.
Wait, do I get hd vod now?

Boy oh boy, it looks like it's finally started. I'd suggest everyone write down all their series recordings so at least you have a record.

Thought for sure it would be SI, then Brooklyn, then Queens, than Man No, then Man So, then the Bronx. Now I'm wondering if they'll hit Queens before Man??JR is in Brooklyn and Chris is in Bayside.

Oh no!! Bye Bye Passport. 8300HD just finished downloading and rebooted and got the dreaded Mystro screen!!!! Weird they pushed this at 10AM here in Park Slope. Still waiting for cable box to come up. It's still at 4 squares on the screen with -- -- on the cable box.

Already annoyed. My wife and I were watching last nights Daily show/Colbert Report, and then the 8300HD rebooted. When the 8300HD came back up with Mystro, tried to fast forward using the jump 15 minutes, and it would not work. Anyone get this working on Mystro? Also noticed that some of my recordings didn't get transferred over. Will have to go over my series recordings.

Oh no!! Bye Bye Passport. 8300HD just finished downloading and rebooted and got the dreaded Mystro screen!!!! Weird they pushed this at 10AM here in Park Slope. Still waiting for cable box to come up. It's still at 4 squares on the screen with -- -- on the cable box.

Sorry to hear that. Hasn’t happened in my neighborhood yet (North Flushing).

Funny thing is, while I’m reading about this unfortunate invasion, I hear loud construction noises outside my house. It keeps getting louder as if it is slowly moving towards me. I look out my front door and there is a huge Verizon bucket truck creeping up the street with a spool of fiber on the back.:) There is a guy in the bucket running the fiber along the telephone lines from pole to pole. I asked them what’s’ up and they tell me that I am about a month or two away from full service. After they run this new fiber they will then splice us into the system. When I order FIOS they run the fiber right from the pole to my house. Woo Who! The sounds of TWC leaving the premises is emanating from my front door right now- what a great tune.

I’m a realist. I know I’ll be jumping from one horrible corporate monster to another but I’ve had enough of TW. It’s time to deal with a new villain.

Ugh, I got upgraded.

Is this normal or is something wrong?

I've already gone through the message that my settings and recordings are being converted 3-4 times, it keeps rebooting and doing the same thing!

I have an external hd connected to the box. Keeps on looping the same thing.

Turn off the external and reboot and assume I've lost everything on the drive?

Ugh, I got upgraded.

Everyone should list their location—for those of us keeping score.:D

Everyone should list their location—for those of us keeping score.:D

I'm in Fresh Meadows NY

Box has already rebooted about 6 times and still goes to the converting page until it reboots again.

Pull the plug on the external or is this rebooting normal?:mad:

Sorry to hear that. Hasn’t happened in my neighborhood yet (North Flushing).

Ugh, I got upgraded.

:eek::mad: The jokes on me. I’m sitting here with my box off (what a jerk) waiting for it to reboot. I decided to turn it on—It already happened. :rolleyes::mad:

Will these ever come in HD?

Also, anyone else have an audio issue when turning on their Sammy and related sound system?
My sound comes in super loud at first and then with in 2-3 seconds, drops down to normal levels.

Any fixes for this?

I'm in Fresh Meadows NY

Box has already rebooted about 6 times and still goes to the converting page until it reboots again.

Pull the plug on the external or is this rebooting normal?:mad:

KavMan, any luck? Luckily I didn't have much saved on the onboard HardDrive. My recordings converted ok. My series recordings got all fubarred. Any program that's not in the guide didn't get carried over, which sucks, ie. Big Love, NHL hockey, Ugly Betty, etc. Now I'll have to keep an eye out for these MIA shows, as well as tell my wife to keep an eye out too for her shows.

KavMan, any luck? Luckily I didn't have much saved on the onboard HardDrive. My recordings converted ok. My series recordings got all fubarred. Any program that's not in the guide didn't get carried over, which sucks, ie. Big Love, NHL hockey, Ugly Betty, etc. Now I'll have to keep an eye out for these MIA shows, as well as tell my wife to keep an eye out too for her shows.


I shut off the power to the external hd after it rebooted for god knows how many times, then it went back to the converting screen but once it rebooted it was cycling through all these numbers, that didn't happen while the external was connected.

Now it's cycling through the #'s for a second time, so I'm still waiting...

Was this normal for you?

Uneventful update to Navigator on my SA 8300HD this morning in Kew Gardens. All recorded programs and settings were carried over flawlessly. The software is much faster than I anticipated. I have none of the delays that my neighbors experience with this software on their newer Samsung non DVR boxes.

so do the shows that you have recorded on your box get transferred over or are they all erased? (i.e. True Blood that I recorded on Sunday)

So some users with the 8300HD already have Navigator. How does it run on the box? Is is slow to respond to commands or is everything as quick as it was with Passport?

Hmmm....this is not looking good for those of us who have external drives connected to our 8300HDs. :(

Will these ever come in HD?

Also, anyone else have an audio issue when turning on their Sammy and related sound system?
My sound comes in super loud at first and then with in 2-3 seconds, drops down to normal levels.

Any fixes for this?

You must have either MDN or ODN to access the HD VOD channels.

Forest Hills here, my 8300HD DVR got the new software. It did the conversion dance once, rebooted a couple of times, and the results are really freaky.

I have an external WD drive and a ton of season passes. All the season passes were retained, and all of the content on the external drive is still there and playable. BUT...somehow the new software managed to resurrect old programs that I had deleted ages ago! For example, I had recorded and then deleted an episode of the Office. The kicker is that that particular episode had been recorded back in 2007, because it has commercials for the upcoming release of The Bee Movie. Same thing for an episode of Dirty Sexy Money from the same era with a commercial for Michael Clayton. I seem to have about 103 recordings, all of which are labeled Unknown 33, Unknown 34, etc., in the playlist. I'll go through them and see if by any chance they were something I might still be glad of the opportunity to revisit, but geez, I feel a bit like my 8300HD has ghosts.

Other than those ghost programs, the other programs I expected to be there still are there.

One final observation, ymmv but I like the speed at which everything operates.

You must have either MDN or ODN to access the HD VOD channels.

Which means everyone will have access to them soon enough.

Even after taking off the external hd, the box is in a constant loop of the converting recordings screen, reboot, converting recordings screen reboot etc....

I was going to cancel TWC anyways after I was done grabbing the tons of stuff I still had on the externals. Looks like TWC made it easier for me and cheaper since I already had FIOS TV and phone.

Just got done getting the triple pack from FIOS, they'll be here tomorrow.

Wonder how many customers TWC pissed off with this upgrade? They should ask existing customers if they wanted this upgrade, instead of just ramming it down our throats and potentially effing up customers recordings.

S-VIDEO CABLE AND COAXIAL CABLE DO NOT WORK ON HD SETS. You have these choices to try:


5.) What is the brand of TV you have? In very rare cases, the TV sometimes just does not pick up the CC signals from the box. My original SD TV was a Toshiba on my SA-8300HD Navigator box. I still have the same box, but now with HDMI cable hooked up to a 42" HDTV, a Samsung and CC works fine.

My first hunch is you need a better cable indicated above. Get that first, than if that doesn't work, another tech with a different box, if the tech visit and/or the different box with the new cable doesn't work. If that doesn't work, you have one of the #5 issues were your TV is the culprit. You would than have to use your factory TV remote to control the CC.

Does anyone else have an SDTV hooked up to an HDTV box where CC does not work?

Jack

Thanks, Jack and John for your help:

I actually tested the SD hooked up via Component and S-video and still no captions but with video working fine. My CRT TV can handle the oversampling up to about 700 lines. The tech came in and swapped me out for the Sammy (SOOOOOO much faster), but still no captions on either component or svid. Guess I'll have to wait for the HDTV purchase and see if it works using hdmi.

To be clear, I can CC it to work using my TV's decoder, but was looking to have the box do it utilizing the digital captions stream (i.e. embedded in the box's video output stream), as it has the ability to do transparent backgrounds and cleaner fonts... It may just be an HDMI/RGB thing.

I'm currently being MDN'd as well.

Strange that it's happening in the late-morning/early afternoon, isn't it?

I just woke up at 1:40 PM, went to the bathroom, and when I came back, noticed that the time display on my cable box was just a bunch of lines. Sometimes bouncing up and down. OH ****, I thought to myself.

I turned my TV on, and was greeted by a blue screen with white lettering telling me that my settings and recordings were being transfered to a new format, and that if this screen remains for more than 30 minutes, to call Customer Service.

So the blue screen says Converting recordings and Converting settings, with the time displayed, then it goes to boot, I get the Mystro screen, it says it's loading, then after a few bars, it goes dark, the time goes away, I get the bouncing lines again, and I get the blue screen telling me it's transfering my recordings and settings. This has happened over and over again at least five times since I turned the TV on.

I'll let you know if it ever finishes.

Which means everyone will have access to them soon enough.


It's begun....

Soon, you will all be navigatored

http://rookery2.viary.com/storagev12/730000/730444_82ae_625x1000.jpg

Well, my box has failed me. It keeps cycling between the Mystro loading screen and the transferring settings and recordings. I just got off the phone with Customer Service. They tried sending a signal to my box to do...something, but didn't help. Their only response was to schedule an appointment to send a technician to my apartment....on SATURDAY.

On a whim, I asked the rep if it would hurt to unplug the box now and try a cold boot. She said sure, told me to unplug it, then she sent some more signals, told me to plug it back in, but got the same Mystro loading screen dancing with the transferring settings screen. It's on an endless loop.

I doubt they're going to be able to fix this on my box. They're probably just going to bring me another box. So now I lose Passport, my 8300HD, AND my recordings. Just wonderful.

Well, my box has failed me. It keeps cycling between the Mystro loading screen and the transferring settings and recordings. I just got off the phone with Customer Service. They tried sending a signal to my box to do...something, but didn't help. Their only response was to schedule an appointment to send a technician to my apartment....on SATURDAY.

On a whim, I asked the rep if it would hurt to unplug the box now and try a cold boot. She said sure, told me to unplug it, then she sent some more signals, told me to plug it back in, but got the same Mystro loading screen dancing with the transferring settings screen. It's on an endless loop.

I doubt they're going to be able to fix this on my box. They're probably just going to bring me another box. So now I lose Passport, my 8300HD, AND my recordings. Just wonderful.

They'll probably give you a SMT-H3090 and call it a day.

Came home from work this afternoon and my box was off. Turn it on and boom - navigator!

One weirdness is, my season pass for the Daily show was changed to 8pm only instead of 11pm. And I had the Price Is Right which i've never season passed. My Countdown with Olbermann season pass was changed to the 10pm and 12am showings instead of 8pm. Everyone check your series recordings!

It seems quick enough but other than that I'm not sure how I feel about this yet...

In Fort Greene Brooklyn BTW.

Which means everyone will have access to them soon enough.

Looks like both Brooklyn & Queens got hit (think I saw one post from Queens where it hadn't happened yet). So all that remains is will Man No and Man So be hit at the same time and when?

Honestly, at this point I'd say "get it the frak over with already?"

Of course, they COULD have given us BBC-A HD along with the wrenching change... oh wait they CAN still do that, it launches on Monday.

Looks like both Brooklyn & Queens got hit (think I saw one post from Queens where it hadn't happened yet). So all that remains is will Man No and Man So be hit at the same time and when?

Honestly, at this point I'd say "get it the frak over with already?"

Of course, they COULD have given us BBC-A HD along with the wrenching change... oh wait they CAN still do that, it launches on Monday.

I'm here in Jackson Hts...definitely not =thrilled= with the new format, but, i guess it will take some getting used to. :confused:

I got hit today, my HD channels are fine but the SD channels are coming in in a box format, a SQUARE box that I need to press the # button on the remote to expand them to the proper size EVERY TIME. I don't normally watch SD channels but my wife and kid do, and this is a little annoying.

I have an external WD drive and a ton of season passes. All the season passes were retained, and all of the content on the external drive is still there and playable. BUT...somehow the new software managed to resurrect old programs that I had deleted ages ago! For example, I had recorded and then deleted an episode of the Office. The kicker is that that particular episode had been recorded back in 2007, because it has commercials for the upcoming release of The Bee Movie. Same thing for an episode of Dirty Sexy Money from the same era with a commercial for Michael Clayton. I seem to have about 103 recordings, all of which are labeled Unknown 33, Unknown 34, etc., in the playlist. I'll go through them and see if by any chance they were something I might still be glad of the opportunity to revisit, but geez, I feel a bit like my 8300HD has ghosts.


I have an external drive, and I'm seeing the same thing. Stuff that I deleted last year reappeared with "Unknown" labels in the Show List screen. I guess this means that Passport was wasting space on the drive the whole time, since the drive was supposedly almost full before the update.

...somehow the new software managed to resurrect old programs that I had deleted ages ago! For example, I had recorded and then deleted an episode of the Office. The kicker is that that particular episode had been recorded back in 2007, because it has commercials for the upcoming release of The Bee Movie. Same thing for an episode of Dirty Sexy Money from the same era with a commercial for Michael Clayton. I seem to have about 103 recordings, all of which are labeled Unknown 33, Unknown 34, etc., in the playlist. I'll go through them and see if by any chance they were something I might still be glad of the opportunity to revisit, but geez, I feel a bit like my 8300HD has ghosts.
Whew -- I'd take that situation any day (resurrected old programs + A WORKING EXTERNAL DRIVE) over losing everything on the drive! 8)

You can easily re-delete the old stuff!!!

Just discovered this by accident, not sure if it's posted:

If you hold down OK/Select on the remote for 8 seconds, then press the up arrow, it pops up a diagnostic overlay over whatever you're watching.

The diagnostics are complete, from HDD partitions and size to cable card serials to time on the current channel-- much more than on 996.

Tested on Sammy H-3090 with V2.4.9.2 software

Honestly, at this point I'd say "get it the frak over with already?"
100% with you on this one!

You know, Navigator on the 8300HD is visually more appealing then the one on the 3090. I like how the guide and info bar fades in and out rather then just appearing and disappearing. My mom seems to like the DVR functions.

I got hit today, my HD channels are fine but the SD channels are coming in in a box format, a SQUARE box that I need to press the # button on the remote to expand them to the proper size EVERY TIME. I don't normally watch SD channels but my wife and kid do, and this is a little annoying.

Mr. Retro,

Check the Aspect Ratio on your box. Press Settings on your Remote and than left-right arrow key to the word "Display" and than select the proper output for your TV. For HD sets, it should be set to 16:9. Than on that some screen, you should be able to find a setting called "Picture Size" Select that to "Stretch" and this will allow SD channels to be rid of the side-bars.

Jack

I've been "navigatored," it looks like TWC has taken away The N!

I had one show programmed to record on it, Degrassi, and the scheduled recordings are gone, and the TV channel seems to have been erased from the lineup.

The show is still being shown on On Demand, strange!

Bye bye Passport.

Navigator on the 8300HD looks a little odd (fonts and what not), but seems pretty snappy. Feels much quicker and more responsive than the 8300HDC.

They have some 'smooth transitions' effect on the various screens - when you turn the guide on, for example, it fades in rather than just coming on. Not bad, actually.

Switched over some time in the last couple days without me noticing. Everything seems to be working with Navigator but I really dislike the new UI.

There is so much wasted space, it seems like the majority of the programs on the "recorded" list have their titles shortened and the font on the regular guide is large enough to cause the same problem. Is there any way to get the menus in 16:9? It seems like they are stuck in 4:3 *and* waste a good deal of space for no apparent reason (other than to make of for the curved edges of tube televisions?)

I don't like it and I miss passport. :(

so do the shows that you have recorded on your box get transferred over or are they all erased?

Can anyone who had the switch happen answer this for me?

Switched over some time in the last couple days without me noticing. Everything seems to be working with Navigator but I really dislike the new UI.

There is so much wasted space, it seems like the majority of the programs on the "recorded" list have their titles shortened and the font on the regular guide is large enough to cause the same problem. Is there any way to get the menus in 16:9? It seems like they are stuck in 4:3 *and* waste a good deal of space for no apparent reason (other than to make of for the curved edges of tube televisions?)

I don't like it and I miss passport. :(

No you can't get a 16:9 UI. The Samsung boxes will stretch it to 16:9. That feature is a hardware limitation. The 8300 boxes don't support 16:9 graphics rendering.

Switched over some time in the last couple days without me noticing. Everything seems to be working with Navigator but I really dislike the new UI.

There is so much wasted space, it seems like the majority of the programs on the "recorded" list have their titles shortened and the font on the regular guide is large enough to cause the same problem. Is there any way to get the menus in 16:9? It seems like they are stuck in 4:3 *and* waste a good deal of space for no apparent reason (other than to make of for the curved edges of tube televisions?)

I don't like it and I miss passport. :(

Unfortunately, all MDN boxes display Navigator's IPG in a 4:3 setting, REGARDLESS of aspect ratio settings. Aspect Ratio settings will change the TV picture accordingly, but Navigator displays in 4:3 for all its menus.

The new Samsung boxes with Navigator cover the whole screen for the guide. However, the resolution is 4:3 STRETCHED to fill the screen. It is not true 16:9.

It is believed (although not proven) that the Navigator Guide's setting at 4:3 on MDN boxes is a function of the box hardware preventing an update of the IPG in 16:9 Aspect Ratio.

It is believed that the stretched limitation of the IPG on the Samsung boxes will be solved with a future software update, But this also has not been verified.

The top priorities for Navigator are the following:

Keyword Search
Expanded Program Listings
Remote DVR Management
Manual Recording

Jack

Can anyone who had the switch happen answer this for me?

All my saved recordings were transferred over. I didn't have an external Hard drive though. After the software was downloaded and installed, the screen went blue and had a message saying that recordings were being transferred over, do not power down cable box during this procedure. It also stated that if the screen didn't clear up after 30 minutes to call TW.

Concerning series recordings, any shows that are not on the guide didn't get carried over. For example, Big Love, Ugly Betty, NHL hockey, etc These shows do not appear on the guide, so they didn't get transferred over. Now I'll have to keep an eye out for them, and manually add them.

Annoyed that Navigator doesn't have the 15 minute fast fwd skip, or manual recordings. I haven't played with PIP, and buffered recordings.

Conversion complete. All recordings were transferred. But I'm not liking it.
1) The "Guide" seems to be messed up. Multiple shows like Entourage are coming up as NEW over and over again, so the DVR keeps trying to record them. Even when I "cancel recording"... 10 minutes later it shows up again.
2) I don't like the "first in, first out" nature of the recorded list. I liked it a lot better when I could put shows at the bottom of my list if I wanted them to be the first to be deleted
3) you can't have the "clock displayed" only with power-on. Its either on all the time, or off all the time
4) When you do a search in the guide by show title it doesn't find them all. Just tried to find "Three Sheets" which is coming back next Monday. It didn't find it. But if I went to FLN and looked at 9pm on Monday... there it was.

Anybody else?

Anybody else?It sucks.

back to the sammy boxes if you dont mind.

anyone have a pic of the stretched guides? want to see how it looks.

for those who have sammies, how is PIP. is the little pip in the middle of the screen, like the 8300hds? on my 8300hds, pip is basically useless. if you pause and swap pics, the show un pauses. and if you switch back and forth, you might get a black screen, or a frozen screen.

do the sammies pip work any better than the 8300hds?

are the sammies available at the brooklyn store front?

thanks.

Conversion complete. All recordings were transferred. But I'm not liking it.
1) The "Guide" seems to be messed up. Multiple shows like Entourage are coming up as NEW over and over again, so the DVR keeps trying to record them. Even when I "cancel recording"... 10 minutes later it shows up again.
2) I don't like the "first in, first out" nature of the recorded list. I liked it a lot better when I could put shows at the bottom of my list if I wanted them to be the first to be deleted
3) you can't have the "clock displayed" only with power-on. Its either on all the time, or off all the time
4) When you do a search in the guide by show title it doesn't find them all. Just tried to find "Three Sheets" which is coming back next Monday. It didn't find it. But if I went to FLN and looked at 9pm on Monday... there it was.

Anybody else?I’m getting tremendous audio drop outs. Before I go to sleep, I’m going to reboot.

I do notice one positive thing—I see a buffer working with both tuners. Never had this before with Nav.

There is a quirky thing going on with the two tuners. When I change the channel the other tuner changes, not the main one. However, the other tuner does not change if the PIP box is displayed. This is important--I may not be explaining this clearly but play around and you will understand.

I hate the fact that there is no time stamp on the “buffer bar” -- and that if I hit the play button, the “buffer bar” is not displayed. To see this, I have to hit pause.

I hate that if I turn on a program and want to see when it’s on again, I can’t just hit search. Before, just click on search and all the future show times were displayed. Not anymore.

The guide info is still incomplete.

You must have either MDN or ODN to access the HD VOD channels.

I was referring to HBO/Cinemax/SHO/TMC on Demand in HD.

Will we be getting these any time soon?

I think Starz and Showtime have HD VOD content. HBO had an HD VOD channel but pulled it due to piracy concerns. They'll consider it if TWC disables the component outs on the STB's.

I think Starz and Showtime have HD VOD content. HBO had an HD VOD channel but pulled it due to piracy concerns. They'll consider it if TWC disables the component outs on the STB's.

Do you know what channel(s) Starz and Showtime ODHD can be found on?

I think it exists but not for TWC subscribers.

Annoyed that Navigator doesn't have the 15 minute fast fwd skip, or manual recordings. I haven't played with PIP, and buffered recordings.

I think there is a way to do the 15-minute jump ahead. Try pressing and holding the FF button down. Although some users have said it only goes ahead to about 10 minutes.

Jack

3) you can't have the "clock displayed" only with power-on. Its either on all the time, or off all the time

Did you try pressing Settings on the remote and than if it's not under "Quick Settings" it should be under "Display" Look for something called "Clock Options" and when you highlight it it should be something like:

Show time of day always

Show channel always

show channel when tuning.

When we got Navigator on our box the default was set to "Show channel when tuning" we changed this to "show time of day always." What happens if you select that prompt?

Jack

Knowing full well Navigator was only days away, I snapped some pictures of my Passport menus and banners so I will always remember what they looked like.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5913/transformerskittensandp.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/5913/transformerskittensandp.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3230/transformerskittensandpwec.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/8317/transformerskittensandpm.jpg

RIP <3
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7306/transformerskittensandpvzt.jpg

Knowing full well Navigator was only days away, I snapped some pictures of my Passport menus and banners so I will always remember what they looked like.


Can we have a tribute just like MJ had one at MSG for Passport. :)

Very snappy performance. In fact it is faster than Passport on my 8300HD box

Did you try pressing Settings on the remote and than if it's not under "Quick Settings" it should be under "Display" Look for something called "Clock Options" and when you highlight it it should be something like:

Show time of day always

Show channel always

show channel when tuning.

When we got Navigator on our box the default was set to "Show channel when tuning" we changed this to "show time of day always." What happens if you select that prompt?

Jack
Yeah, I know about these options. But I prefer to have the clock off when the box is off, and on when the box is on (I have 2 boxes on top of each other, in the same room, for recording purposes. So seeing only 1 clock at a time assured me I only had one box on at a time. The power on light is small and not easy to distinguish across teh room). The old software had that option, something like "clock on, with set-top on", but that option is gone. Yes, I know its a minor gripe, but I still wish I could do it.

Glad I got the HDC like a year ago and avoided the trouble this is causing.

Got navigatored yesterday. I have an external (Antec MX-1 cant remember which drive though), all my shows transferred which we recorded on it, got my buffer back:D (We weren't able to have this while using an external with Passport.) & no more grey bars on SD 4:3. I like the fade in fade out guides and menus, very smooth transitions. All in all I think I am liking this. Only 2 problems I had were the shows I subscribed to that are not on TV now are missing and I had to change some shows from do not delete to delete when space is needed. If my external failed I wouldnt be this happy but all is well so far. I also noticed that the buffer records to my external.

Is anyone else seeing multiple scheduled recordings of the same show (Entourage, True Blood, Weeds, Rescus Me, etc) due to repeats being coded as "NEW"

Tested on Sammy H-3090 with V2.4.9.2 software

Hmmm, you are listed what looks like a MDN version number on a box that takes ODN, not MDN. Are you sure it's the Samsung DVR?

Unfortunately, all MDN boxes display Navigator's IPG in a 4:3 setting, REGARDLESS of aspect ratio settings...

I should point out that there are 2 separate ways to control what is happening on your screen, one from the cable STB, the other from your TV. Sometimes you can't do what you want from one device, but you MAY bed able to by using the other device. One example... SD channels with black all 4 sides. Using Zoom on the STB doesn't work because the TV is still putting it into a 4:3 box. So use the TV's zoom and you get an non distorted enlargement that fills the screen.

The same black bars 4 sides happening on a HD channel and you CAN use the STBs zoom function.

I’m getting tremendous audio drop outs. Before I go to sleep, I’m going to reboot.
I do notice one positive thing—I see a buffer working with both tuners. Never had this before with Nav.

There is a quirky thing going on with the two tuners. When I change the channel the other tuner changes, not the main one. However, the other tuner does not change if the PIP box is displayed. This is important--I may not be explaining this clearly but play around and you will understand.

I hate the fact that there is no time stamp on the “buffer bar” -- and that if I hit the play button, the “buffer bar” is not displayed. To see this, I have to hit pause.

I hate that if I turn on a program and want to see when it’s on again, I can’t just hit search. Before, just click on search and all the future show times were displayed. Not anymore.

The guide info is still incomplete.
The CSR :rolleyes:fix all end all world problems-- hard reboot appears to have eliminated the audio dropouts. I’d suggest, to all those getting the switch over, do a reboot. This also cleared up the available space indicator. I’ll check it out tonight to see if it’s ok but last night the audio glitches were unbearable.

I was referring to HBO/Cinemax/SHO/TMC on Demand in HD.

Will we be getting these any time soon?

None of them have HD VOD channels in NYC. Matter of fact, while Starz has long had a SD VOD channel, it has never been on TWC's NYC system. It's just another thing that we actually pay for that we never actually get.

Is anyone else seeing multiple scheduled recordings of the same show (Entourage, True Blood, Weeds, Rescus Me, etc) due to repeats being coded as "NEW"

Funny, the one thing I've read that has Nav. ahead of Passport is it will automatically only record one "new" version of a series. And that if the first viewing conflicted, it automatically picks the next instance of that episode.

Maybe what some are seeing are the inevitable teething issues?

None of them have HD VOD channels in NYC. Matter of fact, while Starz has long had a SD VOD channel, it has never been on TWC's NYC system. It's just another thing that we actually pay for that we never actually get.

We've had Starz onDemand (SD) for a few months.

Got the Navigator on my 8300HD in Whitestone yesterday. Initial issues were that some channels did not display in the guide, but could be tuned. Once tuned, they showed in the guide OK. A cold boot will probably take care of that, and I have not done that yet.

A more annoying issue is that the audio level output is much lower now than on Passport. I did see that there are now "Wide/Narrow/Normal" audio range settings, but none of them give me the level of audio I used to get via the Passport firmware. I'm using HDMI for audio to the TV. Yes, I did check the volume on the box itself, and it was down to about 3/4's of the bars, so I maxed that out. But even so, I have to really crank the audio on the TV almost to the max to get a halfway decent level out of it, and no headroom for more. Not pleased.

Anyone else with this issue? I'll check later and do a cold boot to see what, if anything, will change audio-wise. But for now, I'm annoyed.

I'm in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, and turned on my TV yesterday to find I now have Navigator...well, I will say that it seems to respond to the button presses on my Harmony One a little faster. But the rewinding/fast forwarding max speed seems to be much slower now. And I too am getting the issue with repeat shows being recorded as "new."

Other than that, I'll give myself some time to get used to it before I pass judgment. So far I'm not seeing the need for the switch. Are we even getting Start Over to go along with this?

Minor nitpick, but does anyone know if I can turn off the resolution indicator lights right above where it displays the time? I liked it before when it would only show the time when the box was off; the little "720p" above it keeps making me think the box is still on.

Got the Navigator on my 8300HD in Whitestone yesterday. Initial issues were that some channels did not display in the guide, but could be tuned. Once tuned, they showed in the guide OK. A cold boot will probably take care of that, and I have not done that yet.

A more annoying issue is that the audio level output is much lower now than on Passport. I did see that there are now "Wide/Narrow/Normal" audio range settings, but none of them give me the level of audio I used to get via the Passport firmware. I'm using HDMI for audio to the TV. Yes, I did check the volume on the box itself, and it was down to about 3/4's of the bars, so I maxed that out. But even so, I have to really crank the audio on the TV almost to the max to get a halfway decent level out of it, and no headroom for more. Not pleased.

Anyone else with this issue? I'll check later and do a cold boot to see what, if anything, will change audio-wise. But for now, I'm annoyed.

Not having any of the issues you’re experiencing. I would guess that the reboot will get the kinks out as it did for me. I noticed those additional audio settings.

The other problem I had was when I was enabling the video settings (1080,720 etc.). I prefer to click on everything , This caused the box to skitz out. It took some blind flying to reset the video and correct the train wreck but it finally did settle down

The CSR fix all end all world problems-- hard reboot

LOL!!! I love that, along with the "Special" signals that they can send to your box! Hahaha. Customers can try to get regular signals, but if you call a cable CSR, she/he will take you to a magical, mystical land where cable problems are solved through cold boots of boxes and "Special" signals that will magically cure anyone of their cable or worldly woes that bother than. But, you have to be really nice to them, if you want the "SPECIAL" signal. If you complain, you just get the regular signal! (or maybe no signal at all!) ARRGGHHHHH!

It's sort of like when Video on Demand doesn't come in and on Navigator you see the A symbol that says, "Try Again." well that does absolutely nothing when VOD goes out, the little "A" on the screen prompt should say, "Press this if you like pressing buttons, even though it won't do anything!"

Actually, my VOD works great and I like the VOD menus better than Passport. I just wanted to point out the example above with the "A" (try again) button.

There are really only three things a cable CSR (level 1 phone person) can do:

1.) Tell you to reboot the box.

2.) Schedule service appointments.

3.) Send magical "Special Signals" to your boxes. (But only for "good" customers!)

Jack

PS. For newbies just a heads-up. Seriosuly there's nothing special about the "Special Signal." It's just the CSR rebooting the box from the office instead of doing it at home.

Most of you may know how to reboot, but here it is again:

The cold reboot is unplugging the box for about 15-30 seconds and plugging it in. On Navigator SA-boxes, (and I think it is the same on the Samsungs,) a warm reboot is:

Hold down the Vol+ and Vol- buttons together and press Info. The reboot process will be instantanious or close to it. TWC could not use the "Hold Power Button in" to reboot," nor the "Press A on the remote to scroll 100 channels at a time in the time grid," because those features were copyritten by Passport.

TWC could not use the "Hold Power Button in" to reboot," nor the "Press A on the remote to scroll 100 channels at a time in the time grid," because those features were copyritten by Passport.

All the more reason for them to continue to use Passport. :p

At precisely 7:15 PM this evening, I returned home, unplugged my HDMI cable from the cable box just to be safe, and then plugged in my cable box for the first time since 1:00 AM last night.

Judging solely by the reactions on the display (since I can't see anything else), nothing has changed. It says Boot, then goes to dancing lines, then goes to four solid lines, then goes to the correct time for a minute or two, then gibberish, then back to Boot, and this happens over and over and over again. I find it interesting that it manages to get the correct time out of Time Warner, but that's it.

I have noticed some minor changes, though. Compared to what was happening yesterday, the lines are not dancing for as long as they previously were, and the correct time is staying on for longer before it reboots. In fact, it seems to be keeping the time longer as I sit here. The time stayed on for three minutes just now, before going to gibberish and then Boot. Now I have dancing lines. Now they're solid. Lines danced for maybe ten seconds.

Satch Man suggested I give it 30 minutes. I'm going to leave it alone until maybe 8:30 PM, then plug the HDMI cable back in see what comes up on the screen.

I am meeting with Verizon FIOS on Tuesday about coming into my condominium. Can anyone with FIOS in Manhattan comment as to the picture quality and the internet speed? Is there a better place to post this question at AVS or is this the right place? I've heard that the pq is much better than TWC and that the internet speed is faster but these could just be anecdotes.

Thanks!

Can anyone get their "start over" feature to work? I keep getting an error:
"We were unable to process your purchase of The Transporter.. Please call customer service at 718 3580900" Any help is appreciated. I have the new navigator upgrade to my SA8300HD box from this week.

Is there a better place to post this question at AVS or is this the right place? I've
Thanks!http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=656287
or
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=590208