Well, in that other thread (that discussed the 3100 -> 3510 transition) a bunch of folks were saying we should do this, so here it is!

I haven't called yet to try to swap my box out. Reports from some about marginal PQ improvements are making me stay put for the moment...

Maybe I'll try to get one for my bedroom to replace the SD box in there...

TM

Nice move with the thread, TM. I've been considering adding a 3510HD, if I can get one, before returning my 3100HD and check if the image 'fog' really vanishes as a few have said. The faint haze doesn't really bother me since it's so subtle, but from earlier A-B comparisons with CBS OTA I know it's diminishing low-contrast hi-rez detail (faint-blue shirt pinstripes, for example). I'd add a SA8000 recorder/converter, too, if I didn't think TWC would announce the 8000HD version shortly, eliminating the need for both changes, and if there's a simple, practical way of operating two adjacent converters using the same remote codes.

Meanwhile, I see new channel 708 is working normally for USA Network's H/DTV tennis feeds. But it's totally blank for anything else here, other than a spectacular INHD demo loop last Friday. -- John

There are enough of us here to keep a thread alive.

John, I have to be honest, the Pioneer HD box is a lateral move at best. It's nice that the box can stretch the SD pictures, but the S-Video and Video feeds of SD pictures is not as good as the SA3100. As a result, I no longer use my TV's stretch mode, which I like better than the Pio HD stretch mode. The box is also a lot more jittery than the SA3100. It takes a little longer to change channels and the programming guide operates with a slight delay that I find annoying. The overall PQ is a bit nicer and the DVI connection is nice too. Overall, considering the effort I expended into getting the Pioneer, I wouldn't do it again. The SA worked with few operating flaws. The Pio is a better box, but it has operating flaws (i.e., jittery menu, stretch mode no good, HD/SD channel switching causes black screens..)

As for the SA8000 PVR. I did get it and it is awesome. Yes the HD version would be great too, but if you have a second TV, run out and get one. Actually they are running a promotion for free install, or first month free if you pick it up and do a self install, which requires no effort other than plugging it in to the wall and TV.

I'm underwhelmed by 708. The PQ was jumpy at times and didn't have the same wow factor as Monday Night Football. I missed the InHD loop. Can't wait.

Drew

Love this thread...We in NYC have more issues than just the new box. Here is what I am continually asking TWC-NYC(and of course getting no answer). 1. When will we get WPIX-DT back? We're missing Mets HD as well as regular WB prime time shows. 2. Will we EVER see ESPN-HD...Now that NFL has started you'ld think negotiations would heat up. 3. What ever happened to our getting Discovery-HD? So many other TWC systems nationwide have already added it. Why does the greatest city in the world always last?...4 will MSG-HD and FSNY-HD remain exclusive to Cablevision? and 5. When Bravo-HD and Cinemax-HD and Starz-HD comes alive in the next few months, will TWC-NYC add them immediately or will we once again watch the rest of the country addit first. I gave up on HDNet since we are getting the INHD stations. I hope everyone is putting pressure on TWC-NYC to make it the leader in HD in the nation as I would bet given the economic status of many NY'ers that there are as many or more HD ready TV's here than anywhere else in the US

I have just returned from the HD Hardware forum. Someone there said that TWC Albany has the SA3250 installed. From paper, the SA 3250 has very nice features. Like full time signal on all outputs. Will TWC NYC ever use the SA 3250?

Glad we got this going :)

I played with a friend's 8000 and it is VERY cool. I may get that for the bedroom to replace my SD box... But I agree with BelB64 in general - where/when are the other channels coming? I call the HD hotline every now and then to request new channels and groan at their absence.

BTW so far on 708 the tennis I've seen has looked decent, though 4:3, not HD. Not nearly as nice as the NBA all star stuff they used 708 for!

TM

Haven't heard anything on the SA HD Box.

As for the questions on channel line up, the two biggest questions listed above are where is WPIX-DT and Discovery HD. Adding chan 711 and then removing it was a cruel tease! Nobody has been able to ferret out an answer to this mystery. TWC has a national deal with Discovery-HD. Why it is not on the NYC network is mind-boggling.

As for MSG, FSNY, ESPN, Bravo, Cinemax, Starz and HD Net, I can see the political issues in getting them turned up. Even still, TWC NYC will need to remain competitive on the HD front with RCN on the doorstep. I already know 5 people that have switched to RCN for their HD service. I don't know the exact value of a subscriber these days, but it's somewhere between $2200 and $3500. The cost to re-acquire that sub is not cheap either.

Drew

Got my HD cable box couple days ago (I'm in bergen county, NJ). The box was 3100HD. So far, PBS looks incredible. So is InHD. I'm not a tennis fan, but I find myself watching US open. Jay Lenno also looked very good. Still, I could'nt bring my self to watch the show. The cable has over 300 channels and I'm reduced to flipping between 7 channels. I hope TWC will add more HD channels soon. By the way, does anyone know if CBS will broadcast their regular football games in HD?

Hey Drew, what's the RCN HD lineup? SOrry to be lazy, I guess I could go look at their site!
TM

I'm scheduled to get my HD STB swapped in on wednesday. From earlier posts in this thread, it sounds like there's a bunch of models floating around that TWCNYC uses for their HD boxes. Is there one in particular that I should request if that's even at all possible? I've been pretty happy with my SD box, and I'd be pretty aggravated if the HD box I receive on Wednesday doesn't work as smoothly with the channel guide/switching channels/OnDemand, etc. Any insight would be greatly appreciated...

Jason

Thx for creating the thread - Ive got an appointment tomorrow for a 3510 & later in the day my 34xbr910 is arriving... can hardly contain myself!

RCN's line up includes ESPN-HD and HD-Net, HD-Net MOvies, Discovery HD, plus the other standard channels. For some reason they don't carry one of the major Networks, I think CBS? They also charge a premium, but whatever, my cable bill is 130+ with RoadRunner, two boxes, PVR, etc.. A small premium for the channels I want isn't a big deal so long as its reasonable.

http://www.rcn.com/hdtv/hd-channels.php

I'm sure TWC will get their act together soon, but they better hurry because HD customers, I'm sure of this, are among the most valuable customers they have. This should be a no brainer for them!


Jason, as for cable box requests, you can see from my earlier post that the two boxes used in Manhattan are the SA3100 and the Pio 3510. A lot of people, myself included, went through hoops to get their box upgraded to the Pio. Upon further analysis, I wouldn't complain so long as the box gets a clean HD picture. I did have to go through 2 SA3100 boxes before I got one that worked. I then had the switch to the Pio box. In my opinion, the channel guide worked much better on the SA model, but you did have to switch video inputs, composite to component if you wanted to watch HD or SD. Wasn't a big deal in retrospect. Just make sure that your PQ on HD channels is clean. Watch each channel for a solid minute while the guy is there to make sure there is no pixelation or signal drops.

Drew

PS: I'm watching the INHD Demo on Ch 708 right now and it's pretty sweet! Some cool under water shots of fish, coral.

Having used the 3510 for a week or so, I find that, to me, the main benefit of this box vs. the 3000 is the way it recovers from glitches. The 3000 would freeze, then black out for a couple of seconds before recovering.
The 3510 just mutes the sound for a second, then continues without blacking the picture out.
Pix quality seems about equal.

FYI: Here is an excerpt from a recent article on TWC's HD situation.

Time Warner Cable has carriage agreements with ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, HBO, Showtime, Discovery Networks, In Demand, several of Fox Sports Net's regional sports networks and over 70 local broadcast stations for carriage of high definition signals. It provides HDTV set-top boxes to more than 120,000 customers.

Originally posted by bigd86
Having used the 3510 for a week or so, I find that, to me, the main benefit of this box vs. the 3000 is the way it recovers from glitches. The 3000 would freeze, then black out for a couple of seconds before recovering.
The 3510 just mutes the sound for a second, then continues without blacking the picture out.
Pix quality seems about equal.

Yeah, the SA3100HD was totally bothersome last night for MNF in this respect. Right when a play would be going off, blam! - blackout and no sound for a few seconds. Annoying.

Like Time Warner.

I gotta keep scanning to check for the InHD demo... which reminds me, when are we going to be able to watch HD flicks on demand?

TM

I don't think that INHD is related to In Demand insofaras PPV. I've posted this question on the programing board earlier today. From what I can gather, it's competition to HDNET??

Drew

I'm one of those who is ready to move to RCN once they are done working in my area. TWC is just not cutting it for me. I think what will really push me over is if they ask for more $$$ for INHD.

For RCN users: what stb do they provide?

I just had TWC replace the SA box and they brought out the Pioneer box. One question: because my TV has a DVI input should I use the DVI output? The tech from TWC said the component output is better but I don't think that's true.
Anyone with experience using DVI vs. component?
klick

Drew, thanks for all that info btw.

To all, re ch 708, twice now I've checked it when the guide bar specifically called out programming...one was Star 80 (yikes), the other the INHD Demo (I think that's what it was called). Both times though, nothing. No picture, no sound, no nothing. All my other HD channels work fine (using the 3100 box).

Any thoughts? Lingering blackout issues? Incorrect guide info? SHould I reset the box?

Thanks,
TM

Originally posted by anthonymoody
Drew, thanks for all that info btw.

To all, re ch 708, twice now I've checked it when the guide bar specifically called out programming...one was Star 80 (yikes), the other the INHD Demo (I think that's what it was called). Both times though, nothing. No picture, no sound, no nothing. All my other HD channels work fine (using the 3100 box).

Any thoughts? Lingering blackout issues? Incorrect guide info? SHould I reset the box?

Thanks,
TM

I believe, for us, anyway, that our regular INHD programming doesn't start until 9/15.
Anything we get now is basically just testing it out.

More info on INHD is available at http://www.inhd.com/

If INHD and TWC are still testing the 708 link I hope they perform more tweaking. Friday night's breakup/pixelation of the U.S. Open was bad from the S.Manhattan headend, with a complete signal loss just after midnight. Earlier games on 708 had numerous glitches, too. Someone in N.J. (programming thread for 9/5 tennis) said Comcast's INHD delivery was okay Friday night. Today's games from WCBS-DT via 702 were mostly fine, just a few video/audio dropouts here. -- John

Thanks bigd86.

Funny though John, I haven't found any tennis at all on 708. Only 702 as you say.

TM

My PQ of Tennis on 708 was OK, some pixelation. CBS coverage was awesome. Truly awesome. Too bad for Andre', nice play by Roddick. Other than the INHD Demo loop, I haven't seen any of the movies that the preview was supposed to demonstrate. I suspect that the US Open coverage on 708 caused TWC to re-prioritize what they showed.

I haven't heard that TWC is planning on charging for INHD (yet). But it is only a matter of time before TWC add's an HD Tier to the programming. My guess is that ESPN, as well as some other HD channels will be coming soon, but not without a premium. RCN charges extra, and others do too I think, so it's only a matter of time.

Klick, I recently bought a DVI-D cabe from http://www.pacificcable.com for about 28.00. I really like the difference in PQ. I have noticed that it takes a half second longer for the HD channels to tune in, I suspect some sort of delay while decoding the signal??? Just a guess. Ironically, I've found the HD channels to be about the same as the component, but the SD channels are much improved by the DVI connection. Go figure.

Drew

Thanks Drew...I unhooked my DVI cable from my Bravo DVD player and hooked it into the set-top box but I received a message that said "please hook the set-top box to and HDTV set"...very strange as it was hooked up.

Anyone know why my Samsung DLP would be able to accept DVD through DVI but not the Pioneer set-top?
kk

Originally posted by klick
Anyone know why my Samsung DLP would be able to accept DVD through DVI but not the Pioneer set-top?
kk [/B]

The first question to ask is-does your DVI connection support HDCP (the HD encryption technology)

I took a quick look on the Samsung website, but they didn't make it very clear.

Is the cable system using HDCP? I didn't think that was deployed yet...

Originally posted by klick
Is the cable system using HDCP? I didn't think that was deployed yet...

While I use only the component output, according to our previous thread-"TWC NYC - 3100HD set top boxes"- on the Pioneer 3510HD "HDCP is active all the time, flag is always on, and the component outputs are disabled when using DVI. This is not the intention of HDCP"

I think it was on the Official Kansas City board where people with the Samsung DLP were having problems with the DVI port getting the same message as you Klick. Try a search on Samsung and Pioneer 3510 and see what you find, but I know I saw a discussion some were on this in this forum.

Also, are you sure that you are using a DVI-D cable? Don't know that the difference, but I read somewhere that the DVD-I cable wouldn't work?

Drew

Here is a Pioneer HD Box and Samsumg DLP Issue Link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=298950)

Anyone know when Cinemax HD is scheduled to launch? As a Time Warner company, I'm hopeful it will be on TWC from the start.

On the other hand, while there may not be shared ownership with WPIX (is it still owned by the Tribune Co?) it still seems odd that TWC doesn't carry it's own brand label (the WB).

I was really hoping that ESPN HD would be here when football season started. It's tough to go back to SD after seeing sports in HD... Looking forward to Monday Night Football in a few hours...

And yes, the US Open looked incredible yesterday. CBS is doing a good job thus far.

I too hope for WB, ESPN, Cinemax, and other channels soon. I'd happily pay a (modest) monthly premium for an HD tier if they included more channels...

TM

Originally posted by bigd86
The first question to ask is-does your DVI connection support HDCP (the HD encryption technology)

I took a quick look on the Samsung website, but they didn't make it very clear.

1. The Sammy tv's do support HDCP.

2. There is a known compatibility issue betwen the Pioneer 3510HD box and the Sammy DLPs. I believe all fixed pixel 720p-native TV's are having the same problem with the DVI port.

This issue has been discussed numerous places in this and in the RPTV forum.

How are you guys getting INHD/708 -- actually HDSpec/708 for me? I always get no signal when I check although the program guide says there should be content. I'm in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Thanks.

_Man_

Nothing from S.Manhattan's headend either, beyond USA's tennis coverage last week and a few preview loops. Perhaps on the 15th, when INHD2 kicks in nationwide, NYC TWC will at least crank up INHD on 708 full-schedule. -- John

I'm not sure I even got the tennis coverage and preview loops -- I did check once or twice when CBS was broadcasting the US Open.

Hopefully, you're right about the 15th date. I've been just waiting for ABC and NBC to get their OTA act together again before switching to DirecTV, but if they add more HD channels, then I might stick w/ TWC longer (perhaps until DirecTivo goes HD).

_Man_

Man,
I'm with you - zilch every time I've checked 708. Hopefully the 15th will be a good day :)

TM

I only saw the INHD loop once last week on Friday around noon. After that, nothing.

Drew

PS: I think its funny that no one even bothers to call the TWC NYC HD line as information from them can only serve to perpetuate rumors. I've fallen victim to the "ESPN-HD will begin before the end of August" line once. Once! Never again. :)

Originally posted by anthonymoody:

"- zilch every time I've checked 708. Hopefully the 15th will be a good day :"

Ditto here in northeast Queens. BUT, a southern California member reported elsewhere on this board that even the INHD menu has recently disappeared from the San Diego TWC system. Oh well... what Time Warner giveth, Time Warner taketh away. Thank you so very much. Ladies and Gentleman...here's what's not coming soon.

What is INHD anyway?

By the way, thanks Anthony for starting this thread...very handy way to get updates.

I'm not sure I even got the tennis coverage and preview loops -- I did check once or twice when CBS was broadcasting the US Open.
Yes, USA's INHD coverage was only when CBS wasn't providing HD (early US Open). But believe USA threw in some extra Friday coverage when the rain lifted.

Just getting it straight myself, but Ken's programming synopsis (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=164671)(about 1/2 down the page) 'defines' INHD/INHD2 and iN Demand and provides links.

Wouldn't be surprised to see TWC remove INHD. They removed WPIX-DT just as WB is promising much more 1080i this fall. UPN (WOR), on briefly, was never HDTV (it was even unwatchable for its final few weeks), but thought I'd read they were readying HD material, too. TWC, says its president here, has fiber links to the network studios, so if HD is going out nationally we should be getting it, too. -- John

Gary,
You're welcome! My pleasure - don't know why we didn't do it sooner! We are residents of the greatest city on earth...today of all days is a reminder of that...

And I'm with you guys. It's very frustrating to be teased by 709, have it look horrible, then removed. And the WB announcements about their upcoming lineup, ESPN, Disco, HDNet, InHD, Cinemax, etc...and no one at TWC can give us a clear, accurate answer. Argh!!

TM

Here's the link for INHD:

http://www.inhd.com/

Apparently there are two INHD channels.

So has anyone found out why we are not getting any of the previews for INHD yet? I check every night and I never see anything. No previews no tennis nothing...

Another question; does anyone else gets break ups when watching CBS? I always get like a few seconds of sound or image break up during a show and this is very annoying. I have the HD3100 converter.

Thanks

Have hopes INHD will deliver on the 15th, when INHD2 is slated to start; no indication we'll get INHD2. Some cable systems are showing the vintage movies, current tennis, etc. The tennis Open last week seemed to be a special arrangement with USA Network. I've caught only two preview cablecasts, early when INHD first began on 708, with no other programming since.

Get frequent, although not constant, CBS breakups in midtown from the S.Manhattan headend. Recall the same problem for a few years. It seems almost like multipath breakup, but it's hard to believe TWC isn't using its fiber CBS link they say they've got to the networks in the city, bypassing OTA interference. If NBC/ABC/PBS continues basically glitch-free, and enough complain, CBS/TWC may finally track down the problem.

CBS pioneered HD via TWC cable here. Don't recall having such glitches in 2000 when I used CBS's 8-VSB delivery on TWC, which like OTA required a full 6-MHz cable slot. Having switched all HD to cable's 256 QAM delivery, TWC may also be tinkering with the rate-shaping/statmuxing techniques they use for digital SDTV, referenced here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2663182#post2663182) and here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2658975#post2658975). The quote about rate shaping in the first link mentions how it can cause glitches, but there's not enough evidence yet to link data-rate 'shaping' to TWC's HD delivery or glitches. -- John

Don't know about the rest of you, but I get occasional-to-frequent breakups on most of my HD channels, including CBS, ever since my TWC installation back in the beginning of the year.

FWIW, I recently installed a Sammy T151 on my old 32" non-HD TV to see how well OTA reception will work for me (as I consider switching to DirecTV). Haven't done much viewing on it yet, but so far, I haven't noticed any breakups w/ CBS OTA.

_Man_

Even with the new box, I get some drop out and pixel freeze once and a while. The PBS channel, however, comes in crystal clear 24x7. Only the rare occasional signal glitch and always very minor.

Drew

I have frequent audio and video dropouts with the 3100 box. I am at the point where some HD programs are unwatchable since the dropouts cause you to lose crucial parts of the storyline. I often wondered if the problem was my particular box but it sounds as if it is more system-wide.

I am planning to get the new Pioneer box but was also concerned the picture quality on the SD channels was not as good as with the 3100.

Lisa: I've noticed that re-booting the 3100 box from time to time seems to mitigate, if not entirely eliminate dropouts. I wouldn't mind trying the Pioneer box, but it was a real adventure getting a 3100 originally that wasn't buggy. I went through a couple that, like a Mission Impossible episode, "timed out" or didn't pass 5.1. I would hate to go through that time consuming experimentation again. Are the Pioneer boxes readily available? Oddly, when I re-boot the 3100, the screen saver has a Pioneer logo.

Do you guys/gals also leave your 3100HD on 24/7? That's what I do, and it does get a bit warm. I wonder if the dropouts are not partially caused by the heat.

_Man_

I'll try rebooting from time to time and see if that helps. I, too, have noticed the Pioneer logo upon rebooting the 3100. I do leave the 3100HD on 24/7. I could certainly try shutting it off during the night and see if that helps. It is very difficult to try and show off HD to friends when it craps out so often.

The other reason I wanted to try the Pioneer was the idea of not having to change video inputs when switching between HD and SD. Am I correct in that SD watched thru component video with the Pioneer box stretches to fill more of the screen?

Okay, what's the deal here! No more 708 on my program guide. What could this possibly mean???

Paul

Still have a guide from S.Manhattan's headend on my 3100HD. Shows the variations between headends anyway. Might try a cold reboot, unplugging with a 30 minute wait for a fresh data download. Then again, could be I don't have the latest menu data.

BTW, wonder if anyone else gets a periodic click from their converter, like a VCR timer setting was triggering? Before the blackout my 3100HD clicked exactly on the half-hour. Now it clicks every 26 minutes. I've never set any timer modes and none indicate being set. -- John

Can anyone explain how to set up a regular VCR to record with the Pioneer 3500 box? I just had my old 3100 box swapped out this morning for the Pioneer but the tech forgot to set up the VCR to record from the new box. The 3100 displayed non-HD channels through ch. 3 and the the VCR was set up to record that channel. Now with the 3500, non-HD channels are no longer viewable on ch. 3; they're only available through the component video channel (along with the HD channels) but my VCR can't record the component video feed. Can any offer advice?

peter

I lost 708 from my channel guide also, not that it ever did anything for me except stare back at me w/ a blank/black look...

_Man_

Peter,
Check this TWC NYC hookup page (http://www3.twcnyc.com/NASApp/CS/ContentServer?pagename=twcnyc/dtv&mysect=dtv/equipment) for tips/diagrams. With one converter the options are recording the non-HD channel you're watching (routing the converter RF or video/audio-out cable(s) through your VCR), or using a 1-GHz splitter to your VCR for taping only TWC's ~30-odd analog-NTSC channels (here). If the new Pioneer downconverts H/DTV at its standard video-out jacks, that means you could tape H/DTV as SDTV while watching it. Or you could buy a HD VCR and record H/DTV directly from the Pioneer's YPbPr outputs (see HD recording forum). -- John

Edit: Jeez, sorry for this post. I see from your duplicate post in the other NYC TWC thread that someone already answered (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2668393#post2668393) you Saturday afternnon.

I still have 708 (17th st) FWIW...in the guide I mean. No programming though! We'll see tomorrow!

TM

Still have a [708 INHD] guide from S.Manhattan's headend on my 3100HD. Shows the variations between headends anyway. Then again, could be I don't have the latest menu data.
No longer. The guide's also vanished from S. Manhattan's headend Monday morning.

Wonder if the lack of new HD channels could be blamed on silly negotiating tactics between TWC and programmers--setting absurd high/low dollar demands and not budging? Maybe NYC TWC finds the new video-on-demand is a cash cow and it wants to save cable bandwidth for VOD. Also, don't see how AOL's current deficit, still astronomical, couldn't factor in. -- John

I just called TW's HD hotline and asked if we will be getting any new channels. The response was not until Nov or Dec, when we will get ESPN HD, Discovery HD, and MSG HD. We will not be getting InHD through TW, she said.

Looks like we'll miss most or all of football season with ESPN. Lame. Knicks in HD would be nice if the team were any good.

708 Gone in SoHo. What a let down. I was looking forward to INHD Reds Phillies game in HD later this month.

Drew

708 is gone here in uptown manhattan as well. I feel they should not have tease us this way. Man if it wasn't because of Road Runner I would give up on Time Warner and go with DirectTV. I hate Time Warner

I don't know where I've been looking and why it took me a week to find this thread... After reading through, most of the questions I was going to post about have already been asked. If I could get RCN in Queens I would switch or at least add the missing HD I do not have. It's ridiculous that we do not have all the HD offerings that TW is offering throughout the country. It astounds me how TWC-KC (http://www.twckc.com/services/HDTV/) and others like Austin Texas have a better website with more information and more programing than we do here in NYC.

Now this is starting to get even more ridiculous.

Press Release (http://www.timewarneraustin.com/news/press_releases1_55.asp)

Any ideas as to what to do?

Those able to install DBS or even BUD dishes locally sure have an advantage. Those in larger buildings have to convince management boards that satellite HDTV offers advantages over cable HDTV.

Perhaps, if Cablevision's/Rainbow/Voom/ (http://www.twice.com/index.asp?layout=story&doc_id=126209&display=breakingNews) DBS/cable HD coverage is even half that described (see program forum sticky note and thread) more multiple-dwelling buildings will supplement cable coverage with newer DBS HDTV services, bypassing local cable systems.

Haven't had much ammunition to convince folks in my 21-story building to add satellite coverage. But TWC's HD sluggishness and the potential Rainbow option for tremendous HD coverage may tip the balance. -- John

Phil, nice catch on the Austin Press Release. It seems that INHD will be an add on service for HDTV, $5.95 for both channels. This is actually pretty big news as it represents a shift in HD offering for TWC. Everything else is free so long as you subscribe (i.e., Sho, HBO, etc.). My guess is that this also a primer for ESPN-HD billling as a premium service once they get contract negotiations resolved.

Why NYC is so lacking in all areas related to other TWC divisions is beyond me! Website, programming, HD-offering are all sub-standard.

Drew

PS: Just fuond this on Multichannel.com. INHD Free on Comcast

----------------
Comcast to Carry INHD on Basic

-- Multichannel News, 9/15/2003 12:15:00 AM

In Demand will launch its new basic-cable HDTV service Sept. 15 with critical basic-tier carriage on co-owner Comcast Corp.’s systems.

Comcast subscribers will not have to pay an additional fee for INHD 1 and 2, which will also bow on Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Cox Communications Inc. systems, although it’s unclear whether the services will reside on basic or expanded-basic HD tiers.

Drew,

That $5.95 only appears to be for Austin. Take a look at the TWC KC link above and look at the HD offering there...Makes you wonder what the hell is going on. I for one would have no problem paying for HD services if they were offered. I'd rather have to pay than not have them.

Apologies if this is a repost; I see there's a lively discussion on Voom going on in the Programming room. And I know it's Cablevision, not TWC, but this is from today's NY Post:

CABLEVISION TRIES TO WOO VIEWERS WITH NEW HDTV SATELLITE SERVICE

By STEPHEN LYNCH September 15, 2003 -- Hoping to cherry-pick the high-end, high-definition television viewer, Cablevision Systems will reportedly launch an HDTV-intensive satellite TV service Oct. 1.

So far, HDTV has been a disappointing business, with compatible televisions in only about 2 million homes. But Cablevision hopes its service, to be called either Rainbow 1 DBS or Voom, will help energize couch potatoes, according to a report in Broadcasting & Cable Magazine.

Cablevision is trying to sign the rights to every high-definition channel, from sporting events on ESPN to movies on HBO. Some popular cable channels, like A&E and Bravo, broadcast high-definition versions, and the NBA offers its games in HDTV. Basic service would cost about $50 a month.

The company, which plans to sell its dishes in Sears and other retailers, wants to sign up 30,000 viewers by the end of the year. Its main competitive target will be DirecTV, which has about 10 million subscribers. News Corp., owner of The Post, is in the process of buying DirecTV.

For investors, the launch can't come a moment too soon. Cablevision officials have said the service could cost up to $2 billion, and many stockholders hope they spin off the satellite company after its premiere.

Link here, but I'm not sure if it'll be any good after today:
http://www.nypost.com/business/5772.htm

Anyway since it's in the Post, it's plausible this will roll out in NYC? Anyway, the Oct. 1 date beats out TWC's rumored Nov-Dec timeframe for ESPN-HD et. al.

No no no no no no NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I want more HD channels, and I want them NOW!!! Come ON TWC, get with it! I've been a supporter for a while b/c we've been pretty much spoiled...but now we're WAY behind. HURRY DAMN IT!

Sorry, had to get that out!

TM

Phil, I missed the KC link on free INHD. I can't believe that TWC would not be in synch on this one regarding pricing. The only thing that comes to mind is that their Billing systems might not be able to support an HD tier.

As for the Rainbow discussion, that is awesome news and if Cablevision get's it off the ground, then it will be successful. Actually, the satellite is already off the ground and in orbit. They are supposed to have some programming offered by the end of the year, which is the deal Cablevision has with the FCC.

So apex, yes, if launched, it should be available everywhere in the continental US. Of course, if you live in a NYC apt building you have to deal with the Dish issues. I actually live in a building where I can get a dish installed without much hassle. I haven't yet, but if I can downgrade my TWC service to basic with HD feeds, than get all my HD programming through Rainbow, it's a done deal! Unless TWC comes up with a compelling reaction.

Somehow, I feel that 2004 will be the year for HDTV to really break out. It's just now being recognized the power of HD as a differentiator and the price point is right for new TV buyers to consider for the fast approaching holiday season.

Drew

My building in Tribeca is wired both for TW cable and Direct TV, but I went with cable because I wanted the broadband net connection and because I didn't want to spend money on an HD box for Direct TV. Not sure how much these are now, but they were rather pricey last fall.

But I agree with others that TW's HD rollout is pretty lame. ESPN HD after football season ends doesn't do me much good.

Hmmm... I wonder how much the equipment will cost for this Rainbow system. Would be awesome if they only charge a very nominal rental fee like $5/month.

_Man_

Originally posted by alberich
708 is gone here in uptown manhattan as well. I feel they should not have tease us this way. Man if it wasn't because of Road Runner I would give up on Time Warner and go with DirectTV. I hate Time Warner
same here in north bergen, NJ. Living in an apartment, dish is not an option for me. I wonder if there are any way I can get out from under the twc. They su*k. If I can get another cable service, I would, in a hearbeat, change over to earthlink for broadband.

I called TWC in Manhattan to ask what happened to channel 708 and the INHD station and the supervisor didn't have a clue. He did say something very interesting however. He said " I do know thw we will have a new HD tier added sometime this fall". This leads me to believe that INHD and possibly Discovery and ESPN will be added in atier similar to what Comcast and DirecTV have, with INHD instead of HDNet.

Thanks for the info, BelB64. If TWC is committed to adding a special HD tier, ala NYC's RCN, someone there should have the common sense to add a one-sentence note to the list of current HDTV (http://www3.twcnyc.com/NASApp/CS/ContentServer?pagename=twcnyc/dtv&mysect=dtv/hdtv) at their website--maybe even issue a press release. Otherwise their flaky maneuvers seem to be angering many of us. -- John

To recap an earlier post, I called yesterday and was told that TW NYC was planning to add ESPN HD, Discovery HD, and MSG HD in Nov or Dec. The rep also said that InHD was not being added.

John, totally agree. What could be used as a marketing tool is rather turned into a total lack of information and a customer frustration tool. Thanks.

Also, not to be a pessimist, but TWC representatives tend to issue statements that turn out never to be true. Holding breath is not recommended. :)

Did anyone take advantage of TWC's offer to install the DVR at no charge during the initial promotion where they contacted customers about the DVR? If so, check your bill because I was charged the installation fee on my last bill.

The best part is that when I called to have the charge removed, I was told that no such promotion existed and that TWC would not remove the install charge. Quite naturally I wasn't pleased since THEY CALLED ME! They are researching the promotion now and plan to get back to me with an answer.

Drew

I have been recieving INHD since my 3100HD was installed on Saturday

Originally posted by drew138
Did anyone take advantage of TWC's offer to install the DVR at no charge during the initial promotion where they contacted customers about the DVR? If so, check your bill because I was charged the installation fee on my last bill.

The best part is that when I called to have the charge removed, I was told that no such promotion existed and that TWC would not remove the install charge. Quite naturally I wasn't pleased since THEY CALLED ME! They are researching the promotion now and plan to get back to me with an answer.

Drew

I received the promotion mailing after I had the box installed already so I called them and they agreed to remove the installation charge and the fee for the first month.

Originally posted by frankx99
I have been recieving INHD since my 3100HD was installed on Saturday

Can anyone else confirm this? If this is true, TWC is more screwed up than I thought.

Frank,

INHD wasn't supposed to go-live until the 15th. Do you actually have programming coming through the channel?

I just checked the website:

http://www.twcsi.com/index2.cfm?c=dtv/hdtv

and I didn't see INHD listed. Not that it means anything?

Also, what is Channel 709 WWOR? And why is 713 listed as an HD channel?

Thanks for posting the link.

Drew

drew,

Like I said, I have been recieving programming since I hooked up the 3100HD.

watched some of Full Metal Jacket last night and will check out at least some of the Yankee game tonight

I'll let you guys know how the pic quality is for the game

That's it! I'm moving back to Staten Island! (Grew up there...shhh!)

TM

I am also at a loss about INHD. No INHD here in Queens.

I think the Yankees game was supposed to be blacked out in New York.

The Yankee game was blacked out on INHD last night, sorry I couldn't review the pic quality

Scientific Atlanta 8000HD
For specs, go to
ww.scientificatlanta.com/customers/Source/4004400.pdf
(sorry, this site wouldn't let me post a link. just add a "w" to the beginning of that address)

The 160GB model allows up to 20 hours of HD programs or up to 90 hours of SD programs to be recorded and stored using DVR functions.

Does anybody know if/when this will be available in TWC NYC? It would be nice to not have to schedule my life around whats on in HDTV. :rolleyes:

Here's word (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HDTV-in-NYC/message/6022), indirectly from INHD, saying it'll be added to TWC by months end. Ah rumors. Wish they'd use their website.

Also, spotted a crawler on the weather channel from TWC saying they're finishing Manhattan's digital upgrade tonight (no PPV, VOD from 11-6). -- John

Also, spotted a crawler on the weather channel from TWC saying they're finishing Manhattan's digital upgrade tonight (no PPV, VOD from 11-6).
Well, at about 11 pm Wednesday, while on the HBO Comedy channel (205) I noticed some rare macroblocking developing.

Not sure what TWC did to complete its digital upgrade in Manhattan that required stopping PPV/VOD in the wee hours. Does anyone? Images don't look different Thursday. But I've noticed a small change in my 3100HD diagnostics mode that may have cropped up recently: you can now view HDTV channel data. Earlier I got an 'out of range' message.

To enter diagnostics with NYC's TWC (3100HD), you hold down both +(SELECT) and EXIT until 'diag' is displayed on the converter. Then enter 1999 with the remote. The diagnostic page shows data on the last channel tuned. You can tune new channels while in diagnostics by using UP/DWN/LFT/RT buttons around SELECT. Scroll to the TUNING> page, then to four-digit channel numbers, tap in a new channel, and press SELECT. Scroll left to select various data pages.

I notice channels 702 and 713 (1080i) share 713 MHz. But the MPEG-data page's fluctuating 'PCR Lock Status' numbers don't seem to differentiate between HDTV and SDTV channels. Channels 702/713 displayed lock numbers of 37410_ _ _ _ _, for example, while TWC's channel 1 news at 783 MHz (SDTV) showed 38860_ _ _ _ _ (the blank digits are fluctuating).

Today, channel 4 at 753 MHz, with 64 QAM delivery like some other local channels instead of 256 QAM, showed 390510_ _ _ _ _ PCR Lock, not that different from channel 2. Yesterday, though, I noted channel 2's PCR Lock was only 15050_ _ _ _ _. Curious to see if CBS's weekend golf and other sports feeds on channel 2 still look like they're being fed from a VHS deck in extended-play mode.

What doesn't seem to be reflected in diagnostic data is all the massaging and manipulation of digital cable data before it's delivered. This includes rate shaping (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2658975#post2658975) of data to remove null bits as well as requantization, plus statistical multiplexing to maximize bandwidth use between numerous channels with action/static scenes. -- John

John, some day we'll all have to get together for a lesson on the diagnostics mode of the 3100 and the finer points of QAM and PCR Locks. In the interim, any place I can learn more about this???

Thanks

Drew

PS: Nice find on the INHD rumor, didn't know abuot the HDTV in NYC yahoo group.

PSS: I clicked the link and found the broadcastingengineering web site. Thanks :)

The Time Warner Cable logo is still prominent on the INHD website and presumably an essential part of their business plan. This service is an exclusive of digital cable, so I'd be surprised if TWC didn't eventually carry it (unless the entire channel is aborted).

Does anyone know if the movies on INHD are commercial free?

I saw Full Metal Jacket the other night on INHD1 it was commercial free, uncut with 5.1 sound

Hopefully I will get a chance to check out a baseball game tonight and let you know how it looks.

Frank, the phillies play the reds tonight. I was really looking forward to seeing that game, but alas!, no such luck in NY, NY. Enjoy the game!

Drew

Drew, I post about diagnostic mode findings largely in hope others with expertise will add some useful tips. I'm just tinkering with it. If we had a breakdown of all channels and their frequencies we could tell how many programs TWC is MPEG-2-squeezing into each 6-MHz slot, and whether it changes. Found only one link on "PCR lock" yesterday with two search engines, and it said virtually nothing. But the fact that HD and SD numbers are similar suggests PCR lock isn't very usefull for consumer applications related to image quality. (Some DirecTV users noted this summer when their bit rates fell.)

Also, as mentioned, it appears rate-shaping and statistical-multiplexing operations, outlined in those sublinked Broadcast Engineering and Scientific Atlanta references, aren't reflected in the diagnostic data pages. Perhaps someone getting TV from both a BUD and NYC TWC could somehow compare data. (Better yet, perhaps some computer whiz out there can outline how we can add a card/software to a PC and perform spectrum analysis on HD and SD signals.) -- John

Found only one link on "PCR lock" yesterday with two search engines, and it said virtually nothing. But the fact that HD and SD numbers are similar suggests PCR lock isn't very usefull for consumer applications related to image quality.
On further thought, the fact these diagnostic-mode PCR lock readings have numbers like 38..., 39... (10 digits total) may indicate what they really are. With cable's typical 256 QAM modulation, each 6-MHz-wide cable frequency can carry about 38 Mbps (megabits/second). That's enough for two 'full' ~19-Mbps HD channels, although you might also squeeze in three 'rate-shaped' HD channels at 12 Mbps each. (Reportedly, few stations use a full 19 Mbps anyway; so-called null bits, stripped away during rate shaping, may be added to 'fill out' 19.39 Mbps.) So, this constantly fluctuating PCR-lock readout might be the combined MPEG-2 bitrate for each 6-MHz cable slot. Over in the HD recording forum there's been discussion on how to separate MPEG TS (transport streams) for individual channels in order to record just one program. -- John

FYI: My earlier disput with TWC regarding the install of the DVR w/ first month free and instal free: they researched the item and corrected my bill. I was very happy with the outcome, but it wasn't the easiest CSR dealing, quite frustrating at times.

Drew

Drew,

How did you manage to get the HD DVR? And w/out the promo(?) offer, how much is the upgrade cost?

Thanks.

_Man_

They dropped it off at my apt and installed it. However, you can go to one of their centers in NYC and pick one up on, but you have to exchange it with your old box. It's an extra 7.00 a month (maybe 7.95). I have to tell you, it's really awesome.

Good luck.

Drew

Originally posted by drew138
I have to tell you, it's really awesome.
Could you clarify what you mean by this? Thanks.

Are we sure we are talking about an HD DVR?

YEAH! That's what I was going to ask! Please confirm! I thought only the 8000 was shipping now in NYC (saw one at a friends), not the 8000HD...

TM

Sorry, not the HD DVR.

I have the 8000 on my SDTV in the bedroom. But it is still awesome. :-)

I hear that the HD verion is due to be released in the 4th Quarter. Don't know if NYC will be getting them though.

Drew.

Bummer. And what happened to our additional channels?!?

TM

I think the lack of postings reflects everyone's attitude on TWCNYC. Glad to have the new Pio box, but where are InHDs, WPIX, and Discovery.

Waiting to learn more about the Rainbow HD service from Cablevision (Voom).

Drew

After a very long wait, I finally got my plasma TV and Pio HD box from Time Warner, hooked it all up and realized how much I was missing... Then, I looked around at what other TWC affiliates are offering (not to mention RCN and the dish systems) and realized how much we (those on TWC-NYC) are STILL missing... There's been a number of rumors floating around about TWC-NYC plan's to add ESPN/Discovery/InHD sometime this fall, but so far those are just rumors. I figured, why not go to the source, and at the same time let them know our discontent. Here's the letter I emailed them:

What is the status of adding more HDTV channels to TWC's linup in NYC. It seems that other TWC affiliates (such as Kansas City and Austin) are offering a full gammut of Hi Def Channels (including ESPN-HD, Discovery-HD. INHD & INHD2, etc) while TWC-NYC has not made any indications of any future plans ( or at least none have been communicated to the public). It greatly suprises me that TWC would neglect a very rapidly growing group of subscribers (especially since most of the HDTV users are among the top revenue generating customers of TWC). Currently, all of the dish networks are offering a much broader range of HDTV channels and seem to be a lot quicker at adding new ones. The same goes for RCN-a direct competitor of TWC. Can we expect future expansions of HDTV services in NYC and if yes - when and which channels?

And a prompt reply I got:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your recent message to Time Warner Cable.

Currently HBO-HD can be found on Channel 701, WCBS-HD on Channel 702, Showtime-HD on Channel 703, NBC-HD on Channel 704, FOX-HD on Channel 705 ABC-HD on channel 707 PBS-HD on Channel 713,and Kids Thirteen –HD on channel 714.

Regrettably, at this time we have no additional information and apologize for any inconvenience.

We want to assure you that suggestions such as yours are not going unnoticed.

Please refer to our website @ www.twcnyc.com for any future plans, services and news updates.

If you have any further questions please contact us at support@twcnyc.com or call our 24 hour Customer Support XPRESSLINE at 212-674-9100 or 718-358-0900.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, they suck... we all knew that. what I think more people need to start doing is letting TWC know we need more HDTV. NOW!!! drop them a line at support@twcnyc.com. Squeaky wheels get heard (look at the California recall :)

Also, besides e-mail to Support, might try at note to the VP programming, Bob Watson, at: rwatson0405@aol.com (reached him a few months back). -- John

Well, I had a nice email exchange with Bob. That's the good news. The bad news is that the answer was disappointing. Bandwidth crunch now, and a scramble to get more channels (both free and tiered) coming, but not in the 'hold your breath' timeframe... I was reading b/t the lines, and maybe they're underpromising, but still, it was disappointing. I truly appreciate all Bob's done at TWC here in NYC to get HD going, but unfortunately they're falling behind.

TM

What about Voom? If this actually launches, this could push TWC. Anthony, did you you ask Bob why other TWC systems around the country are eclipsing what we have here in NYC?

I asked that in my original question, and he said they were bandwidth constrained. Not sure why they would be versus other TWC systems (perhaps the backbone size they're using?) but he didn't give details. I didn't really press him on it I guess.

TM

judging by the plethora of duplicate channels on TWC, bandwidth seems hardly the problem.

Yeah... TWC is really dropping the ball on this. I could have went with RCN... yet I wanted to stay with Time Warner.

If RCN offered HBO/Showtime/Cinemax/TMC on Demand... as well as CBS-HD... i'd switch tomorrow.

I could have went with RCN... yet I wanted to stay with Time Warner.

If RCN offered HBO/Showtime/Cinemax/TMC on Demand... as well as CBS-HD... i'd switch tomorrow.
I signed up for RCN (this Thursday) along with my long-running TWC subscription. That'll add RCN's 4-HD tier (Discovery, ESPN-HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies) to TWC's 6-HD lineup. Drastic solution costwise, but expect changes in both services will accelerate. RCN's sales guy hadn't heard of INHD (I urged him to check their site). He said they'd worked hard this summer upgrading NYC buildings for HD. -- John

The NY Post reported yesterday(pg 32 in the hd tv article) that TWC of NYC will be adding both INHD channels "sometime in the next two months". I'm giving TWC until the end of the year to add more HD stations or I too will do what John did and add RCN to my TWC subscription despite the cost. I have two HD boxes, so if I cancell one. maybe that will show TWC that we hd owners are serious about going to the hd provider that has the most hd programming.

Hey I'm in NYC and was wondering what SA or PIO boxes TW is using for HD. And what kind of outputs do they have. I'm getting a Sanyo PLV-70 LCD projector and I want to make sure everything is compatible.

I think i'm going to get 1HD box and 2 8000 DVR boxes.

Just to reiterate for u guys, i get INHD1 on ch.708 here in staten island.....

signed
I WANT MY RANGER HOCKEY IN HD!!! MSGHD!!! (even though they suck.;-)

John, my god man, drastic measures for 4 addt'l HD channels. We all admire your courage and convicition. What will the addt'l monthly cost be for the basic services + HD Tier at RCN so others who might be considering this option have the details.

I have to imagine that the RCN installer will tell this story to more than a few people. Plus you will have to run the RCN box through separate inputs to switch them out (unless you are using an AV switcher).

I can't wait for an update, as well as HD channel PQ comparisons between TWC/RCN where they have the same channels.

Thanks,

Drew

PS: Is anyone else baffled that Fox 5 isn't broadcasting ALCS/NLCS games in their crummy widescreen format view?

RCN is charging $12.99 for 4 additional HDTV channel. Sounds like a rip-off to me.

Originally posted by drew138
John, my god man, drastic measures for 4 addt'l HD channels. We all admire your courage and convicition. What will the addt'l monthly cost be for the basic services + HD Tier at RCN so others who might be considering this option have the details.

I have to imagine that the RCN installer will tell this story to more than a few people. Plus you will have to run the RCN box through separate inputs to switch them out (unless you are using an AV switcher).

I can't wait for an update, as well as HD channel PQ comparisons between TWC/RCN where they have the same channels.
It'll be about $60, I guess, since RCN's 'basic' is ~$40 and there are tier/converter charges. Stretching it, of course, but just the HDNet movie channel, considering all their 1080i flicks, might be called economical on a monthly basis. If TWC coughs up more one of these months, essentially duplicating RCN, I'll just cancel. Besides the 4 special-tier channels mentioned above, there's ABC, PBS, and NBC at no charge,(no CBS yet), duplicating my TWC. Didn't subscribe to RCN premiums since, buying in 'bulk', I've subscribed to all of them in TWC's It's All Here package.

Just hooked up RCN's Motorola 5100 YPbPr up to my Zektor switch today to ensure 1080i was coming in. Need more time for comparison, but HDNet's Army/Navy game rerun this PM was fantastic! I see what all the HDNet raves have been about. Not sure, but it appears the 5100's output, avoiding my 3100HD's slight detail-spoiling 'fog', has significant video advantages. -- John

I can't wait for an update, as well as HD channel PQ comparisons between TWC/RCN where they have the same channels.
Here's one I made Friday, but outlined it today in a RCN NYC (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2780754#post2780754) thread. Awaiting the SA8000HD converter from TWC rather than trying the Pioneer unit as a 'fog' cure. -- John

No more INHD in Staten Island for me

Yes,

Gone for me as well... anyone know why ???

They saw your posts, that's why! ;)

TM

Mine is gone also. By the way, did anyone catch full metal jacket on thursday and notice how poor the quality was?

the full metal jacket DVD is not very good quality either. Doesn't surprise me that that would be poor as well. However i think the ocassional dust and grain give the movie the feeling of a classic.

"Awaiting the SA8000HD converter from TWC rather than trying the Pioneer unit as a 'fog' cure"

I feel the same way John, but does the Pioneer unit eliminate or reduce the frequency of dropouts? The number of dropouts on Road to Perdition last night (mainly audio) occurred often enough to ruin the movie.

It's a good thing I'm self-employed or I would have used up all of my "personal" days waiting for the TWC guys to trouble shoot problems or switch defective boxes. Is there a waiting list yet for the SA8000HD box?

SA8000HD is rumored to be late 4th quarther, but so is ESPN HD, Disc HD, INHD 1/2, blah blah..... Don't hold your breadth. After about two months with the Pio HD through DVI, I'm very happy with the signal and PQ. The 3100 was a little smoother on channel changes, but not having to switch inputs to watch HD/SD is a dream come true.

Drew

"Awaiting the SA8000HD converter from TWC rather than trying the Pioneer unit as a 'fog' cure"

I feel the same way John, but does the Pioneer unit eliminate or reduce the frequency of dropouts? The number of dropouts on Road to Perdition last night (mainly audio) occurred often enough to ruin the movie.

It's a good thing I'm self-employed or I would have used up all of my "personal" days waiting for the TWC guys to trouble shoot problems or switch defective boxes. Is there a waiting list yet for the SA8000HD box?
Can't say I noticed that many dropouts with "Perdition", but think I have a built-in mental filter that 'eliminates' glitches unless they're really bad. I watched via TWC and my 3100HD. Guess different headend feeds might account for glitch variations--in addition to different 3100HDs. I've thought of calling about a SA8000HD waiting list, but concluded a few years back that TWC's lists don't mean much.

Also found yesterday that while RCN's 5100 has huge advantages for blacker YPbPr blacks compared to my 3100HD from TWC, the 5100's 480i-to-480p conversion delivers noticeably poorer video than the Genesis chip in my year-2000 Philips RPTV. An A-B (RCN/TWC) comparison with Lord of the Rings showed my Genesis deinterlacing/scaling delivered crisper, more-artifact-free, better-scaled images than the 5100 conversion. -- John

DUMP.

Cauz dats wut we do here in da city.

So there is still a waiting list for the SA8000? I know its like $6.95 for the service...how much is the box? Is it the same price as a regular box?

I want to get one but don't want to be told it'll be here when its not going to be...

Any problems with the 8000? from the current user base?

Thanks,
Sonny

The SA8000 is great; the only problem is it is very slow at changing channels. It is no more expensive per month than the other boxes.

Don't think there's a waiting list for the SA8000 (non-HD), but the earlier waiting-list query was about the SA8000HD (view/record HD). -- John

Hi Guys,
I have TWC and a SA 3100HD box in upstate NY. The audio has been skipping like a broken record lately. Mainly on my HD channels. Channels 704 and 707. Is this the signal drops you're talking about? Are these drops caused by the 3100HD? Or is it an issue with TWC's signal?

Is anyone thinking of trying this new VOOM! Rainbow's new DBS service from Cablevision? Seems pretty pricy to me. I'm wondering if these 21 VOOM! exclusive channels will be something worth watching or just BS.

eddieb187, suggest unplugging your 3100HD about 30 minutes, then cold rebooting; that's cured similar problems. Also, make sure the bottom vents aren't blocked and there's a clear space above it for good ventilation. If this doesn't fix the problem, have your cable company check hi/low frequencies for adequate signal strength.

Voom's many channels sure gives HD investments more utility. Caught some comment on CNBC this morning that Time Warner Cable might still acquire Cablevision (Voom's parent firm), a possible deal mentioned here now for a few years. -- John

Thanks John, I'll try that. TWC buying Cablevision, that's interesting. First I've heard of that. Maybe we'll get some more HD channels.

TWC will not let Comcast be the big dog forever. In the end there will be 3. Comcast, Cox and TWC. Adelphia, Cablevision, Charter, etc.... will all be absorbed over time.

Drew

Found this on MultiChannel.com. Somewhere on the earlier pages of the 3100HD thread I posted a link to the Pace 550HD box specs. Sounds pretty awesome. Especially the remote IR sensor.

Time Warner, Bright House Set Pace


-- Multichannel News, 10/14/2003 5:15:00 PM

Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks have approved Pace Micro Technology Americas’ "DC-550 HD" high-definition set-top for use throughout their systems.

The DC-550 HD -- the world's smallest HD set-top, according to Pace, weighing in at less than four pounds -- boasts 260 MIPS (million instructions per second) processing power and 64 megabytes of memory.

FWIW, I changed from a 3100HD to the new Pioneer box about 1 month ago. While using the 3100, I had numerous audio and particularly video dropouts. Very annoying. Since I had the Pioneer installed, the frequency of dropouts has declined tremendously. Now, instead of complete video dropouts, I get a pixelation once in a while. I also get some audio dropouts. In short, I have had far fewer dropouts when using the Pioneer box than when using the 3100HD box.

In addition, I love being able to keep the tv on one input and to view all channels - HD (in letterbox) and SD (in full screen) - through that input. I think that my HD and SD picture is much better as well.

I currently have the 3100 on one 1 input (component) and the up-conversion of the SD channels really kill the image. SD looks better on S-video, but I really did not like switching between the inputs on my TV. Does the pioneer box up convert everything to 1080i like the 3100? OR does it display HD and SD material in its native format?

Thanks,

Dane

The Pioneer 3510HD will pass whatever it receives as long as you tell it to in setup. Options are 480i, 480p, 720p, & 1080i.

Thanks for the quick response pciav. I think I'll hassle time warner today for the pioneer box.

It's worth it for that alone. I have two here and not that there stil aren't problems, but it is head and shoulders better than the 3100HD. Don't give up so easy if they give you trouble, keep asking and if the tech shows up with the wrong box, a little green for incentive always seems to work with those guys. Last guy I had called his supervisor while I standing there and went back and got the box for me. Good Luck.

Thanks for the advice Phil. I just got off the phone with TWC and they said the boxes are scarce. However I still place an upgrade for next sat and crossing my fingers.

Help needed in Cincinnati:
Can somebody please tell me how to get into the setup menus on the Pioneer Voyager 3510HD? I would like to set the output of 16:9 material to have horizontal black bars to fit my 4:3 TV screen. Right now, all HD material is "squeezed" into the screen using the component outputs. But since this new box came without any type of user's manual, I don't know how to get into the setup menus. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

--Tim

Press settings on the remote. Here in NY you need to press A for more settings to get into the main setup area. Then all you need to do is go through the menus.

Perhaps writing VP programing Bob Watson at: mailto:bob.watson@twcable.com will prompt adding 1080i, 1080i UPCON, 720p, 480p EDTV (Fox) to all the details in each program description. Someone's chasing down similar info anyway to write it up. -- John

Someone posted that TWC Houston is officially getting INHD1&2 on Nov. 5. I wonder if that means NYC will FINALLY get these as well?

I have a sony stre895 receiver with a coax rca digital audio input, but i get no audio when i connect either the sa2100 or the sa3100hd digital audio rca out to it. If i connect my dvd rca digital audio out, i get sound. Any ideas?

thanks,

chris

Four times I have called for Service to replace the 3100HD with the Pioneer. Four times they brought the 3100HD instead of the Pioneer. I've offered food, money, my wife and kids, and bodily harm all to no avail. I've given up and will wait for the 8000HD DVR instead.

TWC Queens NY sux.

Originally posted by BelB64
Someone posted that TWC Houston is officially getting INHD1&2 on Nov. 5. I wonder if that means NYC will FINALLY get these as well?

"Don't hold your breath. Asphyxiation is a horrible way to go."

kilmar, i wouldn't hold your breath for the HD8000DVR either! ;)

I was just e-mailed by a VP of public affairs at TWC telling me that Discovery HD will be added this November, She said that's all she could say as other "programming issues" regarding other networks haven't been finalized enough to discuss. She "expects" further stations in hd to be added in "2004" A start?

Originally posted by kilmar
"Don't hold your breath. Asphyxiation is a horrible way to go."

How do you know?

I'm a TWC customer in upstate NY.

TWC is probably up to their usual end of year tricks to justify raising their rates by giving out a few more channels.

Maybe INHD and ESPNHD will be in their gift basket this year.

Anyone else have an opinion?

Maybe they made add something. If they do bring back INHD, lets hope there is some to watch other than a blank screen.

Thanks for all the info on this post. Sorry if this is a silly question but the Pioneer box I got today just says Voyager HDTV on the front. Is this the 3510 box?

Originally posted by BelB64
I was just e-mailed by a VP of public affairs at TWC telling me that Discovery HD will be added this November, She said that's all she could say as other "programming issues" regarding other networks haven't been finalized enough to discuss. She "expects" further stations in hd to be added in "2004" A start? Post the e-mail.

Originally posted by blackbody
How do you know?

If you are an X-Files fan then you would know that Auto-Erotic Asphyxiation is a a horrible way to die (at least to the person that finds the body).

I was told "Discovery HD in first quarter 2004 or sooner", from a friend of mine who works for TWC here in Staten Island. I hope he's right.

A little off topic.....Anyone else find themselves watching complete crap just because it's in HD? :D

Herm

Originally posted by Herman


A little off topic.....Anyone else find themselves watching complete crap just because it's in HD? :D

Herm

All the time my friend, all the time ... sigh

"A little off topic.....Anyone else find themselves watching complete crap just because it's in HD?"

I ended up watching Stuart Little. I had zero clue what was going since I was just gawking at the picture quality.

TWC in Binghamton just started to carry DiscoveryHD.

I've now become quite a bug aficionado after watching a lot of Insectia. Can't beat the photography.

TWC Manhattan will start Discovery HD on ch 706 Nov. 19, according to my bill.

Originally posted by kilmar
If you are an X-Files fan then you would know that Auto-Erotic Asphyxiation is a a horrible way to die (at least to the person that finds the body).

Or an INXS fan...

Sounds promissing on Disc-HD. Generally the bill inserts are accurate. Anyone else get their bill.

Drew

PS: I love the 0.3k Club.

Originally posted by Herman

A little off topic.....Anyone else find themselves watching complete crap just because it's in HD? :D

That's what Thirteen-HD is there for, a screen saver for HDTVs. Once in two blue moons they'll have something worthy to watch, but most of the times I just switch to Thirteen-HD to prevent burn-ins from watching SD.

Nothing about new HD adds on my latest bill, although someone at the TWC HD Hotline just said she'd heard about the mid-November Discovery addition. She mentioned ESPN-HD for Nov., too.

Are all the sports package adds, mentioned here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2834342#post2834342), just digital on-demand adds, not HD? -- John

They're not HD--but they are full-time subscription, not on-demand.

I looked quick at the bill this morning and saw that Discovery HD is being added on channel 706, WNJN is being added to 750, Anyone know if this going to HD? and What is the Digital Sports Package for $3.95/mo 451-456 inclcuding NBA-TV, Fox Sports, Digital Nets, The Tennis Channel and Fuel. I would pay the 3.95 if NBA and Fox Sports are HD, but will not if they aren't. Anybody have any info? Thanks

As I read my bill, only Discovery will be HD.

An antennaweb.org scan shows WNJN-DT (51, Monclair, N.J.) is HD (unless they're just digital, not HD). Since TWC is putting it on the HD-series section at 750, that implies it's another HD PBS to me.

I'd also buy the sports package(s) if it was partially HD, like ESPN-HD, but not otherwise. Thought I'd read The Tennis Channel, at least on INHD, was HD. -- John

I'm confused as well. I thought that TWC made a deal with the Fox Sports Nets to broadcast HD. Why wouldn't that go for NYC? The tennis channel is in HD on INHD. Charging for SD programming doesn't make sense.

Lots of comments here about Docovery channel and INHD. Anyone know when/if we'll be able to see UPN and the WB in HD? WB particularly aggravating as they start so many of their shows announcing they're being broadcast in HD, and I believe they broadcast OTA from the ESB? Anyone know why TWC isn't carrying them, or when they will?

Despite what Bob Watson emailed me, all this buzz has me very excited! :)

TM

Well I got my 3510HD on my first try, but I see something very strange on the HD channels. The image will tint from red to green about every 2 seconds or so. Its very faint, but still noticeable. I have it hook up to my Sony 34HS510 via DVI. I haven't really check on component, but will today. Anybody else have this problem?

EDIT: I just tested through component, but don't see anything so I'm guessing its the DVI. However I also see a faint white bar moving across the screen.

I guess I had the scrolling white bar problem. Service menu fix took care of it.

Problems aside, the Pioneer box is really good. Responsiveness is not as good as the 3100HD as some others have noted, but at least I have control over what its outputting. Now my SD channels look better than what they were. DVI is a plus also.

Just wanted to say hello. I've been searching for a TWCNYC thread for a while. I currently have the Pioneer 5010HD box which I requested when I ordered my service. Never have used any of the SA boxes b4 so I can't compare. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that thinks we here NYC should be leading the HD market instead of trying to keep up.

I'm using D* for ESPN-HD,Discovery-HD,HDNet & HDNetMovies & HD-PPV.

For all of you looking forward to ESPN-HD, you will be very disappointed. Not only are they using "Circle Surround", but the picture quality does not compare to CBS' & ABC's NFL Games. They also have very little HD programming.

I'm getting ready to order up an HD box from TWC (plasma on the way). Could some of you please confirm what I need to ask for?

1. Seems I need to insist on a Pioneer 3510. Someone mentioned using DVI out. Is the DVI out activated on this box? What audio outputs does it have?

2. Is it true I can't have the HD box AND the TWC pvr box? That's what they told me on the phone.

Thanks.

TWC will give you a hard time on getting the Pioneer 3510. Just keep harassing them and tell them that your TV has DVI. They should eventually get it to you. Also tell them that you know several people that have this box.

The Pioneer has Digital out.(coax, not optical), DVI connection and component. I have heard from several folks that the Component connection actually looks better than the DVI.

Hi guys... Driven to distraction by TWC and only found this board out of frustration...

You can - even though they tell you you can't - use the SA 8000 dvr box on the same television with an HD box. I've been using for some time now and no problems at all -- except that the remote will turn them both off or on at the same time -- i just turn the boxes off and on manually.

I was originally using the SA 3100HD, swapped for the Pioneer 3150HD - not much better... I'm told by an "elevated" technician that he installed a SA 3250HD just last week... He's working on having one for me by the end of the week... There hasn't been much written here about the 3250 -- does anyone have one or any comments...?

I actually showed the tech some of the various boards and postings about stupid technicians... He was howling! and agreed with all of it! It really is too bad that after upgrading the entire system in my building, TWC only connected one apartment to the new system and left... woops@! forgot something? It has taken two years to resolve this problem with them, and finally they "realized" the error and will now be wiring the rest of the building into all the new equipment designed to handle the needs of digital cable, road runner, etc.... Not to even mention the poor HDTV signal... The credit they offered? A free month of road runner!

I argued and got 2 months service credit... but a FREE MONTH OF ROAD RUNNER!!!

Just wanted to share w you all.... and thanks for all the valuable information!

Originally posted by irand
I'm told by an "elevated" technician that he installed a SA 3250HD just last week... He's working on having one for me by the end of the week...

In Manhattan?

yep... in manhattan. but his supervisor couldn't locate one last week, and no one seemed to know a thing about it... but this guy swears it was a 3250HD, and he's the only person from twc that i've ever believed...

this morning the supervisor told me that those boxes were only for upper Manhattan, but the guy said he installed on bank street... doubt i'll ever get a straight story, but hopefully the box will turn up... also read posts that twc is testing the SA 8000HD boxes in Manhattan and that they will be available soon... any news?

irand, to get the dvr and the hd boxes, did you have to tell TWC they were for different TVs?

i never specified... i think they did charge me for an additional install and when the guy got here, i just told him that i was cool installing -- no worries... he happily took off and left me with the box...

they did tell me it wouldn't work... but another technician had told me previously that lots of people do it, and that was how he had it hooked up in his own home....

That basically confirms why they wouldn't let pick up the box and do a self-install without bringing in my old box--they'll let you do a self-install if you're replacing an existing box, but they insist on sending someone out in order to get an additional box.

of course... $30 more for twc... i also just spent 40 mins on the phone trying to confirm what type of cable frequency (?) twc is broadcasting in nyc... samsung tv setup wants to know@! std, hrc or irc?

and the answer is std... but you should have heard some of the initial responses... anything from digital, no such thing and "you don't have an hdtv box."

a) i do have an hdtv box; and
b) that doesn't answer my question.

Originally posted by irand
yep... in manhattan. but his supervisor couldn't locate one last week, and no one seemed to know a thing about it...

Typical. You should only know what I went through to get my 3150HD-but I got 2 free months out of it, so I really can't complain!
Can't wait to hear of your success in getting a 3250HD-especially about its performance vs. the 3150HD.

Of course, judging from my personal use of the 8000, the 8000HD seems to be the Holy Grail of cable boxes....

Is anyone watching MNF? I have TWC (3100HD box) in upstate NY and it's not in HDTV. First time. Every other game has been broadcast it HD. Strange.

Originally posted by eddieb187
Is anyone watching MNF? I have TWC (3100HD box) in upstate NY and it's not in HDTV. First time. Every other game has been broadcast it HD. Strange.

It was only presented here in staten island in 4:3. But, it probably is due to the fact that they changed the venue due to the wildfires in CA.

They made an annoucement saying that it would not be in HD nationwide due to the fact that they did not have their regular equipment. They game was played in Arizona at a college field using the college equipment. It was then digitally upconverted at the main nyc office but no way to make it 16:9. It still looked a little better on the HD channel than the standard one.

Are we really getting Disc HD on the 19th? I didnt see anything on my bill in manhattan. That is definately one of the channels I am looking foward to.


- JB

It was on my bill (Manhattan). And it corroborates a release from Discovery about a big nationwide expansion on the 19th.

http://www.twmaine.com/diginets/default.aspx
Check out this link on TWC - Maine. It has info about what I think TWC NYC is offering for Nov 19th. I have the notice about the new channels on my bill also, and I live in Brooklyn.

From the website:

The New Digital Sports Pak!
Now available on Digital Cable for $2.95 per month
5 great channels, one low price!
Call now to order! 253-2222

Fox Sports Digital Nets - Level The Playing Field
Fox Sports En Espanol*
The Tennis Channel*
NBA TV*
FUEL*

More Games. More Action. More Coverage.

Fox Sports Digital Nets is changing the way sports fans follow their favorite teams. Now displaced sports fans and sports aficionados can catch hundreds of love collegiate games and exclusive professional sporting events in nearly every region of the country. Plus, with time-shifted regional sports news, you'll get in-depth coverage about the teams you care about most.

Programming Highlights:

Three digital networks programmed 24-hours-a-day

No blackouts or program duplication

Live out-of-market events and news from nearly every regional sports network in the United States

Time-shifted news programming twice-a-day so you never miss a beat

Check out these three distinct super regional channels:

Fox Sports Digital Atlantic Channel 460

Fox Sports Digital Central Channel 461

Fox Sports Digital Pacific Channel 462

Plus, add in the only 24-hour Spanish-language sports network in the United States:

Fox Sports en Español Channel 463

AND, just when you thought it couldn't get any better...The Tennis Channel has been added! This 24-hour cable network is devoted to providing comprehensive coverage of tennis and other racquet sports!

The Tennis Channel Channel 465

We've added two new channels! That's right! NBA TV and FUEL are now available in Cumberland and York Counties!

NBA TV Channel 466

You've got all sports, all the time. Fox Sports Digital Nets and Time Warner's Digital Sports Pak are changing the way you follow your favorite teams.

FUEL TV Channel 464

Fuel's on 24/7. Because when you're not riding you should have access to television that showcases the best in action sports culture. Fuel's into promoting emerging talent, not exploiting it.

addendum to last post:

More info on fox sports digital nets:

http://www.foxsports.com/named/FS/FSDN/Front

The fact that it's $1.00 a month more expensive in NYC than Maine does not surprise me. But what does surprise me is that the NYC package doesn't include Fox Sports en Español--unless they are planning on adding it to their Spanish package here.

From Multi-Channel..... Note that David Stern says that NBA TV will cary 95 NBA games this season, including 50 in HDTV. So will this be on the HDTV teir also?

-----------------------------------

Time Warner NYC Deals with Sports Tier


By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 10/27/2003 5:10:00 PM

NBA TV will be part of the digital-sports-tier roster Time Warner Cable of New York City and New Jersey plans to launch next month.

The operator will position the National Basketball Association’s network alongside The Tennis Channel, extreme-sports proponent Fuel and a trio of Fox Sports Digital Networks (Fox Sports Atlantic, Fox Sports Central and Fox Sports Pacific) on the digital-sports tier, which will tip off Nov. 19.

The tier will be available to Time Warner New York and New Jersey digital customers for an additional $3.95 per month.

Barry Rosenblum, president of Time Warner of New York and New Jersey, speaking after a press conference held Monday morning at the NBA Store on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, also said it was the MSO’s intent to migrate local regional sports channels Madison Square Garden Network, Fox Sports New York and Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network to the digital sports tier.

Rosenblum noted, "Contracts are up" with MSGN and FSNY at year-end. And as of July 29, the MSO began offering its customers the option of disconnecting YES and receiving $1 per month off their cable bill.

When asked how many defectors there had been from YES -- which presents New York Yankees regular-season Major League Baseball games and also carries the NBA’s New Jersey Nets -- Rosenblum said, "Not many."

Meanwhile, litigation brought by YES against Time Warner Cable in late August continues.

Filed in the Supreme Court of New York County, the suit seeks a permanent injunction prohibiting the "negative repositioning" of YES, and it would make Time Warner live up to its obligations under its affiliation agreement to continue to distribute the network on "standard" expanded basic, as opposed to "standard plus," which costs $1 extra per month with the "à la carte addition of YES."

YES spokesman Bob Davis said the suit remains "live," but he did not provide an update about where it stands on the court docket.

Davis also agreed with Rosenblum’s characterization about the number of subscribers that have dropped YES since late July.

Rosenblum said the MSO currently counts some 600,000 digital subscribers in its footprint encompassing the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and Brooklyn, as well as communities in Bergen and Hudson counties in New Jersey; the mid-Hudson counties in New York; and the Westchester County, N.Y., city of Mount Vernon, which abuts the Bronx.

Prior to moving to channel 451 on Time Warner’s digital-sports tier, NBA TV will be available on as a free preview from Oct. 28 -- the night the NBA tips off its 2003-04 season -- through Nov. 18.

NBA commissioner David Stern said the network will air 95 regular-season NBA games this season, including 50 in high-definition, beginning with the Cleveland Cavaliers and heavily hyped rookie LeBron James against the Portland Trail Blazers Nov. 1.

Stern noted that NBA TV would air at least a pair of playoff contests, and it could run as many as seven, depending on the length of opening-round series and the schedules of cable carriers Turner Network Television and ESPN.

After the press conference, Stern -- who said NBA TV expects to have all of its games available in high-definition format next season -- added that negotiations with MSOs for the service continue.

He said the network met twice with Comcast Corp. last week, and it remains confident that it will gain carriage with the nation’s leading MSO and other operators. "Every MSO is different," Stern added. "They are all at different places and have different issues about digital tiering."

From Mediaweek. Barry Rosenblum seems to indicate that 25k HDTV subscribers will have access. It's still not clear.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Time Warner Offers Trial of NBA TV

John Consoli

OCTOBER 27, 2003 -

Time Warner Cable of New York and New Jersey will offer an 18-day free preview of NBA TV for its 600,000 digital customers.

Beginning Nov.1, the cable system will air 50 regular season games in high definition, along with other NBA TV programming. Following the free preview period, Time Warner will offer its New York and New Jersey subscribers a new sports tier for $3.95 a month that will include NBA TV, Fuel (Fox?s digital action sports network), the Tennis Channel and three Fox regional sports networks (Atlantic, South and West).

According to Barry Rosenblum, president of Time Warner of New York and New Jersey, of the company 600,000 digital customers, 25,000 subscribers have HDTV sets. The other 600,000 analog customers cannot take advantage of the sport tier package, which is only available on digital.

Time Warner is one of three cable operators that have signed deals with the NBA to carry NBA TV. The others are Cablevision and Cox Comunications.

NBA Commissioner David Stern said he expects the 24-hour, NBA TV to be profitable by next fall. Stern announced several advertisers for NBA TV games and programming, including Anheuser Bush, American Express, Gatorade, Hyundai, Reebok, Addidas, and Verizon Wireless. All are NBA league sponsors.

Stern said eventually the NBA Entertainment sales staff will begin selling time to non NBA sponsors. The NBA has also entered into a deal with the regional sports networks to allow NBA TV to use their local cable feeds for its games.

"We will be co-producers of the games," Stern said. NBA TV will air its games on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights, when games do not air on either ESPN or TNT. In exchange for using the production of the games by the sports nets, NBA will lift its blackout rules in the local market of the sports net whose feed it uses on that night.

NBA TV will air its own commercial spots, promos and add its own on-air graphics. He said there will be some NBA technical people on sight during each telecast.

anyone getting anything on channel 708? As I was flipping thru channels, it started to tune into 708 but I get no picture or sound. Channel guide is indicating it is playing Terror Train ...

VERY VERY VERY cool stat...that 25,000 number. Obviously (to me anyway!*) many more than 25,000 of their digital customers have HD sets...many of them probably don't realize they can get an HD box though!

In any case, I'm going to give this a look! THANK YOU Drew! (of, and TWC too!)

TM



* My math. 110 million households in the US. 7 million HD ready sets sold to date = 6.4%. 600,000 customers (their figure) *6.4% = 38,400. I'd take the # even higher since the concentration of wealth (and therefore HD sets...) is high in the NYC area.

Hey guys, noticed last night that the 708 guide info was showing up again, though no picture or sound. Maybe another harbinger?

TM

The 708 on-screen program listings (not programs) appear similar to those from INHD just after the U.S. Open tennis matches. NYC TWC had INHD tennis coverage briefly. A TWC HDTV Hotline (718 670 0265) CS rep said today "that channel is no longer available." -- John

I'm getting the 708 HDspec channel it's a black screen but it says something like NBA TV game on at 10pm... so I'm assuming they are showing the HD games from NBATV on this channel... I'm in Queens.

I was getting the nba message here in staten island, but now i am getting indh.

Originally posted by Excandide
I'm getting the 708 HDspec channel it's a black screen but it says something like NBA TV game on at 10pm... so I'm assuming they are showing the HD games from NBATV on this channel... I'm in Queens.

Check out inhd's website, they are talking about the same game that will be on InHD1 at that time.
I bet this is the same BS as the US Open, where they will carry it only for that one stupid program that I don't care about, and not carry the other 99% of their content, that I might care about.

I personally don't care at all about any sports, all I want are films, which I haven't seen any of InHD's films on TWC yet.

Really annoying.

I just noticed 708 today. It says to tune to a NBA game on 11/1 at 10pm. really pointless...

Originally posted by pciav
The Pioneer 3510HD will pass whatever it receives as long as you tell it to in setup. Options are 480i, 480p, 720p, & 1080i.

I found this to be true except for 480p.

It will output 480i for 480p unless you disable 480i, then it will do 720p, if yuo disable that, it will go to 1080i, if you disable that, it will fail to 480p.

It really doesn't want to do 480p, I guess...
It will output 720p on ABC, 1080i on HBO, NBC, etc, and 480i on nonhd channels. Fox Widescreen goes to 480i unless i disable everything other than 480p...

Originally posted by irand
I was originally using the SA 3100HD, swapped for the Pioneer 3150HD - not much better... I'm told by an "elevated" technician that he installed a SA 3250HD just last week... He's working on having one for me by the end of the week... There hasn't been much written here about the 3250 -- does anyone have one or any comments...?
Little help please:

1. Do I want the SA 3250 (if I can get it) or the Pioneer 3150?
2. I've seen the Pioneer referred to as both "3150" and "3510". Which is correct?
3. Do both the Pioneer and the SA have DVI out?

Thanks.

It doesn't do 480p unless forced as nothing on TWC is broadcast 480p. Fox Widescreen is broadcast as 480i. It would do 480p if it received a 480p signal. You can force 480i to 480p, but whether or not that is desirable is up to your individual setup.

Sickman,
It's the Pioneer 3510. Also, regarding output. Through component, the box was outputting whatever I set it to, but when I kept the same settings and switched to DVI, for some reason it only output 480p, no matter whether I was watching SD or HD. I changed the setting just to 1080i, and now it outputs at 480p for SD and Fox (705) and 1080i for the HD stations. (My TV doesn't accept 720p.) Strange, but looks good.

480i is not part of the DVI spec so the minimum output would be 480p.

It doesn't do 480p unless forced as nothing on TWC is broadcast 480p. Fox Widescreen is broadcast as 480i.
News here. All those lengthy Fox threads indicate Fox stations are downlinked 480i, but upconvert to 480p (NYC), 720p, or even 1080i. I've assumed TWC is getting 480p, most likely via a fiber link. Then my TWC 3100HD upconverts to 1080i (no option), and other converters handle 480p according to how they're set up. (I've set my RCN DCT5100 to output only 480p via YPrPb from 480 inputs.) -- John

I've read thru most of this post.

I'm in Brooklyn and going to go the TWCNYC route, which cable box shoud I ask for if I have a DVI/HDCP capable display? 3250 or 3510 (both Pioneer, right?). I'm hooking it up to a Panasonic HD plasma.

Thanks!

Originally posted by John Mason
News here. All those lengthy Fox threads indicate Fox stations are downlinked 480i, but upconvert to 480p (NYC), 720p, or even 1080i. I've assumed TWC is getting 480p, most likely via a fiber link. Then my TWC 3100HD upconverts to 1080i (no option), and other converters handle 480p according to how they're set up. (I've set my RCN DCT5100 to output only 480p via YPrPb from 480 inputs.) -- John

John,

When tuning to channel 705 my Pioneer Plasma reports the signal received from the 3510HD as 525i (480i). When I watch ABC ie MNF or NYPD Blue it reports 750p (720p), CBS, NBC, HBO, SHO, PBS all report 1125i (1080i). I am not sure what is going on with Fox, but here in Queens it is definitely being broadcast at 480i and not 480p. With my setup native 480i looks better processed by my Pioneer 503 Plasma than letting the box deinterlace to 480p. Different setups, different equipment, it will all look different. We have the option to experiment, so my only suggestion is try them all and see what works best for you. Keep up the good work.

Regards,
Phil C.

Appreciate the additional details, Phil. When I added RCN with a Motorola 5100 converter to my TWC subscription recently the 5100 spit out 480i on YPbPr for all 480 inputs until I performed an initial format setup, changing 480i to 480p. The 480i output wouldn't sync at all into my RPTVs HD component input. Now the 5100 deinterlaces 480i to 480p, and I presume feeds Fox's 480p straight through. My RPTV also does a superior job at deinterlacing/stretching 480i for S-video or other non-YPbPr inputs, but I'm using the 5100 only for its HDTV sources since TWC provides all the 480 sources.

While perhaps Fox broadcasts 480i during the day (I seldom watch it), I understood its EDTV WS primetime broadcast here was 480p. Wonder if your 3510 has a 480i-only output or 480 options can be set up initially like the 5100. Assume the 525i reading your getting is for both daytime and primetime Fox (UHF 44, OTA, or TWC 705). Broadcast, of course, means over the air, and I doubt TWC is converting Fox primetime 480p into 480i. TWC's delivery might be called cablecasting, and perhaps differences exist between my S.Manhattan TWC headend and yours. Ah, a mystery. :). -- John

HEY! Last night on 708 they were showing InHD "Terror Train" an AWFUL movie with Jamie Lee Curtis from her bad horror movie days (which some would say never really ended).

In any case, the PQ was nice except for looking very washed out. No color saturation at all. Anyone else catch this?

TM

I did'nt catch the terror train but I watched some twilight zone. The show was horrible and PQ was just ok. If these shows are indicative of their content, then I say don't bother.

John,

I've run through all the setup screens on the 3510 box and in the output selection I've selected 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. The theory being whatever it receives it outputs. The nice thing is that it is all done via component, so no more S-video hook-up. If Fox 705 was broadcasting at 480p, it would seem that the box would output 480p as the function holds true for auto switching between SD and HD and the signal is recognized. I can force 480p like I said earlier, but the quality suffers. Enjoy the weekend.

Caught a bit of whatever they were showing on 708 last night. Trying to figure out what those responsible for the 708 mixup are smoking. Might be wrong, but believe they've only run the INHD menu and last night's movie.

Meanwhile, I've been trying to tune in the new ABC HD site, with no signal detected yet. Others have, so I assume I've tried at the wrong times. Interested in making an OTA-RCN-TWC comparison of a live 720p broadcast to see if 'tinkering' such as rate shaping by the cable firms (current programming thread) creates any differences. Found earlier that RCN's 5100 converter, which lacks the faint 'fog' of my TWC 3100HD, delivers markedly better YPbPr images (blacker blacks=better contrast=better detail). Hope to minimize 3100HD update hassles by changing to a SA8000HD one of these months. -- John

Originally posted by pciav
I can force 480p like I said earlier, but the quality suffers.
So, if TWC is delivering Fox at 480p, which I believe it does (for its EDTV shows, anyway), your 3510 must be converting it into 480i, then the plasma is deinterlacing it back to progressive. Hmm. -- John

John, if they are delivering EDTV shows, like 24, at 480p, I wonder why the 3510 does not pass them natively like it does with 480i, 720p, or 1080i, this is a mystery. If I were using the DVI out, I would have no choice as 480p is the minimum output level, but then I am back to the same situation of allowing the box to deinterlace 480i instead of the plasma... I'll try and do some further research.

For those interested the basketball game is on INHD. Looks pretty pretty good, audio is a little wacked though well up here in northern manhattan at least.

Weird. Last night I had the NBA game on, and while PQ was decent (though short of the best I've seen), the motion was AWFUL - very jerky! As if they were skipping frames! Audio was fine fwiw. Anyone else? I'm on 17th St...

TM

Originally posted by anthonymoody
Weird. Last night I had the NBA game on, and while PQ was decent (though short of the best I've seen), the motion was AWFUL - very jerky! As if they were skipping frames! Audio was fine fwiw. Anyone else? I'm on 17th St...

TM


Quality seemed very nice here in Staten Island. Didn't see any jerkyness, although I did not watch the whole game.

I'm in Uptown Manhattan and did notice that picture was very jerky. SOmetimes to the point where it was unwatchable. The sound was fine. Anyone know when the hell we getting MSG-HD ?.

I agree it was completely unwatchable. And where I was, not just sometimes! I watched for a few minutes to see if they'd fix it, to check out the other PQ aspects, and the sound, but couldn't watch for long.

As for MSG, no clue, but here's hoping!

TM

the jerkyness (if thats a word) was a problem with the broadcast, not the hi def, because when i checked the analog broadcast of the game, it also was having the same problem.

I'm watching Nature on channel 713 on my new Panasonic 50LC13. Can anyone tell me why there's no narration? It's not the SAP narration I'm missing -- if I turn to 13 and turn on SAP I get additional narration. It's the main narration that's missing. The PBS HD Loop is like this too, but I just assumed that there was no narration for it. Now I'm wondering. I have sound and music, but no speech. I've looked at the settings on my Pioneer 3510 cable box and on my TV, but don't see anything that helps. Is Nature in HD not transmitted with narration?

Can someone offer me insight? I think nature is the greatest show on television, but I want the narration!

rcianche@hotmail.com

Are the rest of the boroughs still receiving 708? I no longer get in on Staten Island. I lost it before the basketball game even aired.

Welcome to the forums, rcianche. Next time that happens (no audio), if you're set up only for digital audio reception, you might try just stereo out. Several TWC cable channels don't have digital sound, but all should deliver audio via the stereo out jacks of the various converters. (Believe C-SPAN is one of those.) Could have been a one-time audio glitch, too, of course. A while back some ABC 720p shows had a digital Dolby 5.1 problem where the dialog was missing but you heard other audio. But don't believe Nature is Dolby 5.1. -- John

I was just checking out the Scientific Atlanta site to see if there was any press on the SA8000HD DVR. Found two interesting things. First was a general update on the availability of the HD DVR and found conflicting release dates on their web site. One date said to be shipping in the Oct-Nov timeframe, and the other data said to be shipping in late December. So it seems that no one is getting their HD DVR fix just yet.

The other cool fact is that SA is working on a way to allow other SA cable boxes in the home to access the SA8000 server to view DVR content. This way you can use a single DVR to capture all of your programs, but watch those programs from any set with a SA Cable Box.

There was no specific release date, however, there was a white paper published on the demand and potential issues (copyrights, transmission quality, etc..). It seemed pretty high level, but this would be a great feature as I now have a fairly crazy set-up involving IR repeaters, splitters and 20 ft of Coax in order to get my DVR content from my bedroom to play back on my living room set. ;)

Drew

Ugh... when is TWCNYC getting the new channels? Hopefully soon.

Nov. 19. See

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=317249

Originally posted by rgrossman
Nov. 19. See

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=317249

Yuck! Of all the things they can add... they add the channel that leasts interest me. Where are the hi-def in demand movie channels? Where are the hi-def sports channels like ESPN, MSG, FoxSports, etc.

Im quite dissapointed.

what happened to channel 708? I thought we were supposed to get this for 18 days? They showed one game and now its gone.

Can you use your own STB with Time Warner Cable (i.e. LG3510a)?

thanks!

DrewZ, have to use a box from TWC.

Drew

Hi Guys,
I'm getting itchy to trade out my DVD player for one with a DVI out. If/when I do, I'd also like to swap my 3100 for the 3150 (?) with the DVI output. To refresh (and sorry for being lazy and not re reading the entire thread!), the 3150 has a DVI output which is active? What do people think of the PQ?

THANKS!

TM

If Cablevision was available here in Staten Island I would get rid of TWC in a heartbeat to get MSG HD. It's a joke that more than 1/2 the city can't get the Knicks and Ranger games in HD.

This one of the reasons I still have CV. but if the metro area will provide all local ota dt ch. I'll dump there money grubbing @$$


Originally posted by beatles6
If Cablevision was available here in Staten Island I would get rid of TWC in a heartbeat to get MSG HD. It's a joke that more than 1/2 the city can't get the Knicks and Ranger games in HD.

TM, I use the DVI out on the Pioneer HD box (it is active) and I like the picture. I find it's a bit more vibrant and the drop outs are less frequent. I don't know how you would hook up both the DVD and the Pio unless you have two DVI inputs on your set. I only have one input on my set.

Drew

Thanks Drew! I only have 1 input, so for now may hold off on the DVD player or purchase a switcher if I get the DVD player too.

TM

Has anyone heard anything from TWC regarding MSG-HD? . Are they even trying to negotiate or is this just plain hopeless. . It's such a shame living in Manhattan and not being able to watch your local teams in HD. MSG has been broadcasting in HD for years.

I've heard nothing re: MSG-HD at TWC. As far as I know, there are no regional HD deals sealed at any TWC division. It doesn't help that Cablevision owns MSG network either. The best option for us would be for a Voom spinoff followed by TWC acquisition of the Cablevision systems and networks.

Drew

Ahhh if only Cablevision was offered in Queens... i'd hit it in a hearbeat. My fiancee works as a CSR for Cablevision... which equals FREE CABLE. :D

Oh well.

Has anyone been able to get any information on the HD PVR's? We've kept hearting 4th Q, Nov/Dec timeframe. Anything?

Actually, what I heard was "next year." SA won't start to ship them anywhere until December, I believe.

Has Cinemax HD launched yet? I would think this service would be mandatory for Time Warner systems as both fall under the same corporate umbrella.

Not that I've found as late as last night :(
It's funny...scanning from 701-714 has become a sort of routine for me...just in case there's a new channel added or some special programming...I guess at this point I'm looking forward to CBS on the 19th...the VS show, supposedly in HD this year...

TM

I'm with all you guys who want MSG HD!!! what a disgrace that cable viewers in NJ can see knicks/rangers in HD and NY'ers cant!!! JEEEEZ

HEY HEY HEY HEY HEY!!!

In yesterday's mail was a glossy flyer from TWC announcing the Discovery HD would start for free in HD on channel 706 on the 19th...just like the press release says on the AVS home page!!! I know we've speculated about this alot, and there was that line in the bill insert, but this is really exciting to me - dedicated marketing of HD products. This was the *only* thing marketed by the flyer. I hope this is a harbinger of things to come.

TM

Yes, GOod news indeed. I will now be able to compare the picture quality between TWC and D*.


Where is MSG-HD ? Damm dirty Apes !

What about INHD1 and INHD2....?
Any news yet?