Does anyone know if the HDMI cable TWC gives you with the box is 1.3?

The cable they brought out for me was a 8 foot composite cable. Big thick sucker. Replaced that with great cables from www.monoprice.com for less than $5.

I called TWC yesterday complaining about the DVR recording repeats to the point that my DVR is filling up, so aggravating. During this call, I asked whether Navigator arrived and maybe once the software is upgraded the problem will be solved. The lady said I should already have it, as should most of L.A. She told me to restart my DVR and see if the "Maestro" logo appears. I have no idea what she is talking about, but restarted the DVR and I never get got this "Maestro" thing.

A technician is coming out tomorrow, I am starting to think TWC has no idea what is going on with anything at this point. At least they can do evening service calls, that's the only bright side so far.

Hey WaxGrid, any resolution on this problem? I have been having exactly that happen for the last month, and it is driving me insane. Even if i look at the schedule in advance and kill the repeats, they still record! So irritating. Please let me know what you discovered; i'll be calling them tomorrow. Thanks.

Hey RudyG and rajuabju, hello neighbors! Nice to know that I am not the only one in my hood, dealing with these frustrations. Looks like I am in for the long haul on the FIOS.

Hey WaxGrid, any resolution on this problem? I have been having exactly that happen for the last month, and it is driving me insane. Even if i look at the schedule in advance and kill the repeats, they still record! So irritating. Please let me know what you discovered; i'll be calling them tomorrow. Thanks.

Mr. Punan, they stopped by my home to do some tests, but were not able to solve the problem, as it is obviously not from user-error or anything hardware based. I am guessing relates more to the software of the guide and how TWC is labeling their stations/ show's metadata.

I think the Navigator interface might solve some these problems, but who knows when they get around to deploying it in all their areas.

On a positive note, there is a new Motorola cable box that they are about to debut for beta-testing next week. I begged the technician to add to the list of beta-testers, so he scheduled to get me one of the new boxes next week. We'll see if TWC comes through on their offer. Holding my breath, as it might solves the recording problems I called them out for.

egads, beta testing? I feel like i have been beta testing already for years with all the bugs in my unit, not sure if i could stomach even more bugs. I look forward to hearing your experience, WaxGrid. Thanks for the info.

Hey RudyG and rajuabju, hello neighbors! Nice to know that I am not the only one in my hood, dealing with these frustrations. Looks like I am in for the long haul on the FIOS.



Mr. Punan, they stopped by my home to do some tests, but were not able to solve the problem, as it is obviously not from user-error or anything hardware based. I am guessing relates more to the software of the guide and how TWC is labeling their stations/ show's metadata.

I think the Navigator interface might solve some these problems, but who knows when they get around to deploying it in all their areas.

On a positive note, there is a new Motorola cable box that they are about to debut for beta-testing next week. I begged the technician to add to the list of beta-testers, so he scheduled to get me one of the new boxes next week. We'll see if TWC comes through on their offer. Holding my breath, as it might solves the recording problems I called them out for.

it is the DCX3432 with a 320GB harddrive I have 2 in the dallas market. It runs I-Guide with firmware 22.31 or 22.35(my division has not deployed it yet.)

I have not been checking in lately. What is navigator?

Hello. Anyone know what happened to Prime Ticket (Ch. 464)? Here in Hollywood Hills. Thanks! Dodgers were starting to look good again on HD!

Hello. Anyone know what happened to Prime Ticket (Ch. 464)? Here in Hollywood Hills. Thanks! Dodgers were starting to look good again on HD!

prime ticket hd disappeared for me today too (eagle rock)

it is the DCX3432 with a 320GB harddrive I have 2 in the dallas market. It runs I-Guide with firmware 22.31 or 22.35(my division has not deployed it yet.)

I vaguely recall the technician mentioning something like 6500 during our brief telephone conversation. Though, I checked the Motorola website and being that the DCX3432 is the newest model there, I would assume it is that model. Not sure though, I suppose I'll find out soon enough. I'll be bummed if it's still iGuide though, seems like iGuide is due for User interface overhaul. Seems like it has been years.

I have not been checking in lately. What is navigator?

Navigator is TimeWarners latest software or cable box guide. See here:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/MediaLibrary/4/23/Content%20Management/Support/Documents/TWLA-5014_ODN-MDN_ENGLISH.pdf

Navigator is TimeWarners latest software or cable box guide. See here:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/MediaLibrary/4/23/Content%20Management/Support/Documents/TWLA-5014_ODN-MDN_ENGLISH.pdf


So how do we know if our area should have this new Navigator software? I'm still trying to figure out if the DCH-3416 is any better than the garbage DCT-6412 III currently in my house. Even if it's better... I still don't know how to check to see if those boxes are even available to me.

With TWC's confusing districts, I'm still not sure what service area they consider me to be in.

So how do we know if our area should have this new Navigator software? I'm still trying to figure out if the DCH-3416 is any better than the garbage DCT-6412 III currently in my house. Even if it's better... I still don't know how to check to see if those boxes are even available to me.If you are in Hollywood, and you currently have a DCT6412, then you're probably "former Comcast" and on a Motorola infrastructure.

As I understand things, Navigator is new software currently available only in the Scientific Atlanta infrastructure world... i.e. the "former Adelphia" neighborhoods which use the SA family of STB/DVR boxes.

At the moment, the Motorola infrastructure world and Motorola hardware (including the DCH3416, which I have in my MDR former Comcast neighborhood) still uses the iGuide software, not SARA, Passport, or Navigator... all of which are SA-hardware related.

If there is a Navigator replacement for iGuide planned sometime down the road for the Motorola hardware, I don't think it's coming anytime soon.

And yes... the DCH3416 is faster and more stable than the older DCT6412/DCT6416 boxes. It should be available in any neighborhood that is Motorola infrastructure and currently has DCT64xx boxes implemented.

moto & moxi operate on former adelphia side & SA for the most part in other TWC service areas. See clarification by DSperber below.

Thank you for the replies. I'll take my box over this week and see if I can get a DCH-3416. This current box is driving me bonkers.

moto & moxi operate on former adelphia side & SA everywhere else that is TWCI'm not sure this is entirely accurate. Maybe it's just semantics.

I believe the old Moxi BMCxxx DVR was also a Motorola-family product. It was not available here in my "former Comcast" area here in but I have a friend in Oxnard who was "former Adelphia" who had one.

So former and current users of official DCT/DCH Moto boxes as well as the older Moxi boxes which were phased out, are part of the Motorola infrastructure areas of the city.

On the other hand, there are other "former Adelphia" areas (e.g. here in other parts of MDR) where SA equipment was used. SA boxes are incompatible with Moto infrastructure, and yet they were also part of the Adelphia system in the city.

In other words because of all of the consolidation and acquisition that's gone on throughout the many areas of the SoCal vicinity, I don't know that one can designate Moto/Moxi vs. SA hardware as from one cable company or another. I think it's more subtle than that.

What's true for sure is that if you currently have a DCTxxxx box you obviously are in a Moto infrastructure area (most if not all "former Comcast", plus some "former Adelphia") and can for sure upgrade to DCHxxxx and probably be happier.

If you currently have SA equipment you are not in a Moto area and have no access to DCT/DCH boxes.

thanks for the correction D. Navigator is rolling out first on the SA platform and at a time yet to be announced on Moto.

With TWC's confusing districts, I'm still not sure what service area they consider me to be in.

Purgatory? :)

I believe the old Moxi BMCxxx DVR was also a Motorola-family product. It was not available here in my "former Comcast" area here in but I have a friend in Oxnard who was "former Adelphia" who had one.


That's right. I'm in an old Adelphia area and I had Motorola's Moxi BMC-9012 for a while when they first came out. Got to be terribly buggy, though, and the CS reps and techs didn't know how to work with them, so I eventually gave up on it and resorted back to a regular Moto 6200 STB and invested in a media PC, which acts as my DVR now.

Speaking of the 6200, does anyone know if there is a more up-to-date STB available? I don't want DVR capabilities, but need to retain firewire output for recording and add an HDMI port (always like to ask here first before venturing into TWC's CS-Adventureland :rolleyes: ).

I'm considering completely eliminating my D* SD service, which consists of four Hughes E45 SD receivers (and four matching Hughes HDR-205 DVHS SD VCR's), costing me about $78/month, and replacing it with three or four TWC DVRs.

Turns out TWC wants $18.50 for each additional DVR (over the first one which I already have, which is $16.50). So four of these is not going to save me any money over D*, although there is considerably more convenience with DVRs. SD picture quality is comparable, so that's not really an issue. I might be able to get by with three DVRs instead of four, simply because of the location of TVs around my house, which would save me some money.

I can re-purpose the existing coax cables running to the D* receivers for TWC instead, so there's no need for TWC installation and I could just pick up the boxes at the local TWC office. In fact, TWC is currently offering no promotion whatsoever to induce me to convert... no discount on hardware rental, DVR service, or free installation! I guess that's what comes from monopoly.

So the decision is really up to me, to consider the pros and cons of each approach. But I'm currently used to recording content on several different DVHS VCRs and then taking the tapes to any other DVHS VCR for viewing. In other words, the tape approach does allow me to watch anything on any of my TVs... something the existing TWC equipment does not provide. Multiple DVRs, and recording duplicates of my shows on multiple machines, would effectively give me the same "watch anywhere" capability (and I would delete the extra duplicates as I got around to it).

Anyway, the real question concerns the additional splits on the coax, and whether I can just use splitters or whether I would need some kind of amplifier. Currently the coax comes into a downstairs closet and is split once... one side going to my current DVR (and HDTV) and the other side going to my computer. With the additional three or four target DVRs that would mean a total of five or six total coax runs from the single coax entering the closet.

Even if I decide I don't really need all of these DVRs and instead go with lesser expensive TWC STB's (although that really would cut down on my flexibility of record anywhere / watch anywhere which I currently have with my D* equipment) I still would need the same coax runs.

Is there any problem with splitting the single coax into six runs without amplification? Will the reduced signal strength to each box go below some threshold, or will it still be acceptable? Or will I need an amplifier or powered splitter of some kind to ensure picture quality? And if so, do I need to involve TWC installers for those amplifiers, or can just I get something at RS which will work?

thanks.

Is there any problem with splitting the single coax into six runs without amplification? Will the reduced signal strength to each box go below some threshold, or will it still be acceptable? Or will I need an amplifier or powered splitter of some kind to ensure picture quality? And if so, do I need to involve TWC installers for those amplifiers, or can just I get something at RS which will work?Anybody out there with five TVs in their home, plus a computer?

If so, how is your coax split... meaning is it just split multiple times with several 1-in/2-out splitters, or do you have amplifiers somewhere (from TWC)?

Thanks.

Anybody out there with five TVs in their home, plus a computer?

If so, how is your coax split... meaning is it just split multiple times with several 1-in/2-out splitters, or do you have amplifiers somewhere (from TWC)?

Thanks.

I did and then some and only one original drop in the living room. Which is why I'm now on D* & Verizon DSL. I still have TWC because it's in my carrying charges, can't drop it. I use it in the kitchen and for the rest as backup when DVR is recording 2 shows. I have an 8 way amp at the drop in the living room. Mine not TWC.

Channel Vision #CVT-2/8 PIA

Anybody out there with five TVs in their home, plus a computer?

If so, how is your coax split... meaning is it just split multiple times with several 1-in/2-out splitters, or do you have amplifiers somewhere (from TWC)?

Thanks.

This is what I had:

At entry point to the home, four way splitter - one to cable modem, one to a downstairs TV, one to another downstairs TV and one to upstairs. Cable modem feed was split again to feed a TV in the garage, upstairs feed was split to go to one bedroom, then to an amp (mine, Leviton 8-way) to feed the other three TVs upstairs. It worked fine, but it depends on how good a signal you have coming in.

I can sketch it up if it helps.

I just bought a $3000 HDTV, got a HD cable box, hooked everything up, and voila!! Cable sux. The HD channels look fantastic, the problem is there's only a few movie channels, and after about 11pm some of the non movie HD channels go off the air for paid advertisments. I checked DirecTV and i can get about 4 times more HD channels with most of them 24hr. Where do i find out if/when more HD channels are coming?

I just bought a $3000 HDTV, got a HD cable box, hooked everything up, and voila!! Cable sux. The HD channels look fantastic, the problem is there's only a few movie channels, and after about 11pm some of the non movie HD channels go off the air for paid advertisments. I checked DirecTV and i can get about 4 times more HD channels with most of them 24hr. Where do i find out if/when more HD channels are coming?
Don't waste your time. If you have the ability to switch to a competing service either FiOS or DirecTV do it. As everyone who has done it is absolutely ecstatic about their new service. Only those of us who have no other choice stay with TWC (With one or two people as a possible exception)

Rudy

I just bought a $3000 HDTV, got a HD cable box, hooked everything up, and voila!! Cable sux. The HD channels look fantastic, the problem is there's only a few movie channels, and after about 11pm some of the non movie HD channels go off the air for paid advertisments. I checked DirecTV and i can get about 4 times more HD channels with most of them 24hr. Where do i find out if/when more HD channels are coming?

October will be two years on DirecTV. While not perfect, it's quite good. Their DVR is quite advanced and getting better with firmware updates. It really helps to be able to hook it to an Ethernet connection to take advantage of On Demand and other network enabled features. I think the picture quality is quite good on my 65" 1080p Mits DLP. If you want more info join the forums at dbstalk dot com. They cover more in depth than AVS but AVS is invaluable too. FiOS would be a good choice too, but someone on that system needs to comment. My 2c.

No posts here in over 10 days. Everyone must be watching TV :)

No posts here in over 10 days. Everyone must be watching TV :)

Or on vacation, or given up on any hope that TW will add anymore HD channels this year.

anyone else having their picture break up (and sound) every 10 seconds or so? in eagle rock.

anyone else having their picture break up (and sound) every 10 seconds or so? in eagle rock.
Not seeing anything here @ 5:40pm. (Los Feliz out of Eagle Rock)

Could be some semantics here, and confusion caused by ambiguous terms being used. TWC doesn't have something called "broadcast basic" or "digital basic".

According to the "TWC Channel Lineup" there is a group called "Broadcast", which includes the local OTA channels in both SD and HD. These cannot be encrypted and must be provided by TWC "in the clear", meaning they do not need a STB to receive. The QAM tuner in your TV should work, just it would if you had an OTA antenna. Perhaps the channel assignments have changed recently. Have you tried re-scanning?

Then there's a separate group called "basic cable". These are the very common long-standing cable channels, many of which have been around for decades. Used to be what we now refer to as "analog" but now many of these have HD counterparts to their SD versions. By all accounts on this forum, many LA area users used to get these channels unencryted via QAM tuner on their TV's (myself included, for a while). And then they went away (actually, they got encrypted, making them untunable to those QAM tuners if no CableCard was in use).

Then there's something called "digital cable package", which appears to be the sum of "broadcast" and "basic cable". The "broadcast" channels would be unencrypted and accessible to QAM tuners without CableCard, but the "basic cable" channels should now be inaccessible to QAM tuners without CableCard.

Then there are optional "tiers", a choice of at least one of which along with "digital cable package" is part of what I think they might think of as about the closest thing to what's called "digital basic" in other parts of the country. Again, all of these tiers are encrypted and thus off-limits to QAM tuners without CableCard.

So, only the OTA networks (SD and HD) are absolutely available unencrypted in the minimum "broadcast" group, and should be available on your coax. As I understand the restrictions from the FCC, you shouldn't need to pay for a CableCard or STB or DVR to tune them with your QAM tuner in your TV because they are not allowed to be encrypted. At least I'm pretty sure that's the case.

Anything else... you need either CableCard or STB or DVR to tune encrypted channels, which is the rest of TWC's channel offerings.

I think that's the story.
yes, i got the regular minimum "Broadcast" package that is just the regular OTA channels for like $12/mo.

Again, I was able to pull the HD channels for about a year-and-a-half to two years without any problems and now they are gone.

I've tried to rescan the channels daily on both my QAM sources and still no luck.

TWC might have moved these streams to a different channel(s) on the cable; their STB will automatically map 'real' to 'virtual' channel numbers to keep the latter the same. Broadcast (OTA) locals must be unscrambled somewhere on the cable. Have you tried rescanning?

CS reps are Not Programmed To Respond in that area (direct connected DTVs with QAM tuners); TWC is keeping it simple for the Great Non-technical Masses.

OTOH your conversation with their field tech is disturbing but not unexpected - sounds like a recent grad from Matchbox Installer School. As a minimum they should be able to check your cabling, splitters and most importantly signal levels. Sometimes you only get 'the minimum'.
yeah, i've rescanned the channels daily and still no go.

yes, i could understand the CS not knowing the QAM stuff, but a supervising technician?

so disappointed. cancelled their service.

If so can you tell me if TWC here is setting the CCI byte to 0x02 on all but the broadcast channels?

I called and asked, but the TWC folks I spoke with didn't even understand the question, let alone know how to find the answer.

It is my understanding that in general TWC does this, but that it varies somewhat from region to region. Feedback from a real use would be very helpful to me.

Thanks in advance

TWC has restricted copying on all but the broadcast channels in their effort to make people use their DVR instead of TiVo.

TWC has restricted copying on all but the broadcast channels in their effort to make people use their DVR instead of TiVo.
But not on every head end, some are still open. Thus I ask about the one near me. I know they could wake up and close it down even if it is open now, but I would rather know the information than not before making any decisions whether to sign up with them or not. Hopefully someone local will read this, check their diagnostics and let me know.
Thank you for trying to help.

Where is local?

Local for me is Lancaster or Palmdale, also known as the Antelope Valley which is Time Warner North LA county, an area that was formerly served by Adelphia and before that it was Jones Cable. My original post on the subject listed the location in the Title, but I should have also included it in the text.

I am looking for anyone in my area who knows for sure whether TWC has set CCI=0x02 on the vast majority of digital cable channels coming from the head end on 10th St West, south of Avenue M.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to do a quick check and let me know the results.

I don't know about your area, but I believe TWC plans to set to copy once (which prevents transfers) in all areas. I plan to go back to DirecTV once the new TiVos are available.

they started doing copy once for all channels except locals like a week after the ESPYs in my area (eagle rock). now i need to buy an HD PVR to record to my laptop. :mad:

I will still keep this request alive for a few more days in hopes someone from the A.V. comes by and can answer.

I am well aware of TWCs corporate policy on this subject, but some systems don't have the equipment to support it, as a former Adelphia area, I am hoping mine is one of those.

Two reasons for me to care are that I want to get good cable based internet service to replace my 1.5mbps DSL and I am starting to get tired of waiting for DTV. If the answer comes back 0x02, then waiting for DTV will seem much more worthwhile :cool:

I am in a former Adelphia area and they managed to do it here.

anyone else having their picture break up (and sound) every 10 seconds or so? in eagle rock.

For me that's normal (West Hollywood). I attribute it to my wonderful Motorola DVR. I even watched my first PPV movie due to a .99 cent coupon. Picture kept breaking up and the sound kept cutting out.
I didn't call because I already did the un-plugging thing.

I did however, enclose a note when I sent in the coupon, thanking them for reminding me how much better DVD rentals are.:(

TWC has restricted copying on all but the broadcast channels in their effort to make people use their DVR instead of TiVo.

Do the HD TIVO's not work on TW? So there's no hope of me ever getting rid of this POS Motorola DVR? (I can't switch to satellite).:confused:

They work, but I can no longer transfer recordings from one TiVo to another or to a computer, other than those made on network channels.

What about the network HD channels?

You can transfer any network channels, and probably any other local channels as well.

Do the HD TIVO's not work on TW? So there's no hope of me ever getting rid of this POS Motorola DVR? (I can't switch to satellite).:confused:
They work and they work well. The issue only hits those of us with multiple TiVo DVRs who want to move shows between them. I can do that now no DTV and don't want to lose the ability if I switch to cable. Get rid of that POS, you will be glad you did.

Internet down in Camarillo. Getting in here via reliable Verizon aircard.

Hey folks - quick question -
I've tried 3 different DVRs & all of them are outputting a very green tinted image via the component output. HDMI works fine - colors are OK, but component has a green cast. Anyone else experiencing this? I haven't completely ruled out my component cable itself - checking that out - but I thought I'd see if this is a "known" issue with Motorola DVRs.

Also, I'm really tired of the heat this thing puts out - ridiculous! The latest one they gave me is worse than my old 6412. Anyone know of any way to mitigate the heat, other than the obvious fan. And is there a way to shut it down completely? That's the even more annoying thing - it runs all the time...

Thanks for any input!

Barry

sounds like the cable or TV. try swapping the colors, exactly the same way at both ends. If it now has a different color cast, it is the cable, if it has the same color cast, it is either the DVR output or the TV input that is failing.

So I know this is probably old news, but I'm curious - why do all TWC DVRs generate inordinate amounts of heat constantly? I have a Panasonic DVR that stays ice cold when not in use & gets (what I'd consider) normally warm in use. Does TWC have a DVR that actually cools down when you turn it "off"? This latest unit is worse than the previous 2 I've had - on the phone with TWC now to see what they can/will do about it.

What about satellite DVRs or TIVOs? Are they the same as these? Sorry, as I just told TWC, IMO these boxes are getting unacceptably hot. They're sending a guy out Mon to check it out & swap it again. Are the SA boxes any better? Time for satellite? Or maybe just OTA...

So I know this is probably old news, but I'm curious - why do all TWC DVRs generate inordinate amounts of heat constantly?

Sorry, as I just told TWC, IMO these boxes are getting unacceptably hot. They're sending a guy out Mon to check it out & swap it again.In passing, I mention that I have an "early release" of the DCX3400 which has not yet been officially rolled out in the LA metropolitan area (although other SoCal locations have seen them appear).

Anyway, this latest box is both smaller than any of its predecessors (I previously had the DCH-3416) and also apparently generates much less heat.

In fact, the case for the DCX3400 does not even have holes in the cover to allow heat to escape!!! That's right, it's a solid case, no holes, and as I touch it right now it is actually cool! It happens to be in standby right now, but even when it's on there is almost no change in temperature.

Again... solid case cover on this latest DCX3400 model. No holes required to improve ventilation, obviously because it's not generating any excessive heat to be of concern.

I suspect these new boxes will be available on a large scale to the general TWC/LA public within the next few months, but I don't know that for a fact.

In passing, I mention that I have an "early release" of the DCX3400 which has not yet been officially rolled out in the LA metropolitan area (although other SoCal locations have seen them appear).

Anyway, this latest box is both smaller than any of its predecessors (I previously had the DCH-3416) and also apparently generates much less heat.

In fact, the case for the DCX3400 does not even have holes in the cover to allow heat to escape!!! That's right, it's a solid case, no holes, and as I touch it right now it is actually cool! It happens to be in standby right now, but even when it's on there is almost no change in temperature.

Again... solid case cover on this latest DCX3400 model. No holes required to improve ventilation, obviously because it's not generating any excessive heat to be of concern.

I suspect these new boxes will be available on a large scale to the general TWC/LA public within the next few months, but I don't know that for a fact.

twc dallas had them full scale rollout since june(DCX3400) and may(DCX3200)

In passing, I mention that I have an "early release" of the DCX3400 which has not yet been officially rolled out in the LA metropolitan area (although other SoCal locations have seen them appear).

Anyway, this latest box is both smaller than any of its predecessors (I previously had the DCH-3416) and also apparently generates much less heat.

In fact, the case for the DCX3400 does not even have holes in the cover to allow heat to escape!!! That's right, it's a solid case, no holes, and as I touch it right now it is actually cool! It happens to be in standby right now, but even when it's on there is almost no change in temperature.

Again... solid case cover on this latest DCX3400 model. No holes required to improve ventilation, obviously because it's not generating any excessive heat to be of concern.

I suspect these new boxes will be available on a large scale to the general TWC/LA public within the next few months, but I don't know that for a fact.

Thanks! I think that's what the first replacement I got was - the one that died on me over about 10-15 minutes of use. I liked the form factor & I was hoping it would run cooler. Hopefully the guy who comes out Mon will have a few of these in his truck - seems like they have a very high failure/defect rate, which is why they gave me an "older" Motorola box on my 2nd replacement. So if I can get a good one of these new ones, maybe I'll be OK...

In the meantime, I'm just unplugging the box I have now to be safe - I'm not comfortable leaving it overnight, even in standby - I'll plug it in if/when I want to watch something...

twc dallas had them full scale rollout since june(DCX3400) and may(DCX3200)

Do you have one? If so, do you like it? Does it run cooler? And what, if anything, have you heard about reliability or failure rate?

In the meantime, I'm just unplugging the box I have now to be safe - I'm not comfortable leaving it overnight, even in standby - I'll plug it in if/when I want to watch something...This would be a totally unacceptable solution (or compromise) for me.

It takes about 3 days for the Guide to completely re-populate after pulling the power. That affects upcoming recordings and also inhibits the ability to set future recordings, until something other than "to be announced" appears in the proper cell.

Just put it in standby (i.e. power off) when you're not using it. Don't pull the plug. The hard drives are not being used for 30-minutes of buffering when the box is in standby. So while they're not spun-down, there's at least no actual arm/drive operation in this state. Actuator arms may even be parked (I'm not sure, though). I have not had any unusual heat problems with my past DVRs when just turning it off when not in use.

Do you have one? If so, do you like it? Does it run cooler? And what, if anything, have you heard about reliability or failure rate?

I have 1 DCX3200 and 2 DCX3400's

very reliable 3400's have 320GB harddrive

Im on a 870MHz system so the 1GHz turner is not needed. They have native pass through.

I have all qam256 digital channels no qam64 channels. All digital simulcast. 51HD still missing USA HD , BRAVO HD, SyFy HD , MSNBC HD, CNBC HD, PALLADIA, and the rest of the HD we dont have

HD MUXES

669MHz
HDT
MAX HD
STZ HD

675MHz
ktvt HD
ktxa HD

681MHz
kera HD
wfaa HD
wfaa 2

693MHz
kdfw HD
kxas HD
kxas DT2
kxas DT3

699MHz
HBO HD
SHO HD
MAV HD

705MHz
UHD
MGM HD
SMITHSONIAN HD

711MHz
kdaf HD
kdfi HD
kpxd HD

759MHz
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
TNT HD

807MHz
HISTORY HD
VS HD
GOLF HD

813MHz
FOOD HD
HGTV HD
FSN HD

819MHz
TBS HD
CNN HD
A&E HD

825MHz
DSC HD
APL HD
NGC HD

831MHz
HDPPV
FX HD
HALLMARK MOVIE HD

837MHz
DISNEY HD
DISNEY XD HD
ABC FAMILY HD

843MHz
TLC HD
PLANET GREEN HD
LMN HD

849MHz
SCI HD
TRAVEL HD
ESPNU HD

855MHz
SPEED HD
BIO HD
ESPNNEWS HD

861MHz
FNC HD
WEATHER CH HD
CBS COLLEGE SPORTS HD

can any one in a motorola 870MHz socal system post their HD frequencies?

This would be a totally unacceptable solution (or compromise) for me.

It takes about 3 days for the Guide to completely re-populate after pulling the power. That affects upcoming recordings and also inhibits the ability to set future recordings, until something other than "to be announced" appears in the proper cell.

Just put it in standby (i.e. power off) when you're not using it. Don't pull the plug. The hard drives are not being used for 30-minutes of buffering when the box is in standby. So while they're not spun-down, there's at least no actual arm/drive operation in this state. Actuator arms may even be parked (I'm not sure, though). I have not had any unusual heat problems with my past DVRs when just turning it off when not in use.

I agree - totally unacceptable! In addition to the time it takes to fully populate the Guide, it takes at least an hour to even get a signal through the thing. So I hate having to unplug it, but that's the only way to actually shut it down. Both my 6412 and this box absolutely DO NOT spin down the drive. It runs 24x7x365 - constantly spinning - whether in standby or actually on. Probably why it's hot all the time - even in "standby". So in addition to the heat, it's also noisy - again, TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!

I wish it would spin down - not sure why neither of mine do that. Hopefully the tech will have a good copy of the newer box on Mon, & that will solve my problem. I'll keep you posted...

Thanks for your reply!

I have 1 DCX3200 and 2 DCX3400's

very reliable 3400's have 320GB harddrive

Im on a 870MHz system so the 1GHz turner is not needed. They have native pass through.

I have all qam256 digital channels no qam64 channels. All digital simulcast. 51HD still missing USA HD , BRAVO HD, SyFy HD , MSNBC HD, CNBC HD, PALLADIA, and the rest of the HD we dont have

can any one in a motorola 870MHz socal system post their HD frequencies?

Thanks kevin120! That's good news - TWC is coming out Mon to check this out & replace the box again. Hopefully he'll have a good copy of a 3400 with him & I'll be good to go.

As for HD frequencies, I have no idea. We definitely get USA, Bravo, SyFy, MSNBC, CNBC & Palladia in HD. Interesting that you're missing several HD channels in your area - I wouldn't think there would be that much difference regionally...

We definitely get USA, Bravo, SyFy, MSNBC, CNBC & Palladia in HD.Huh? You have MSNBC-HD? Where are you, and what channel number is it on? I did not think it had been rolled out yet.

Complete list of HD channels available for me is:

Broadcast
-------------
401 KVEA HD (Telemundo)
402 KCBS HD (CBS)
404 KNBC HD (NBC)
405 KTLA HD (CW)
407 KABC HD (ABC)
408 KOCE HD (PBS)
409 KCAL HD (Ind)
410 KPXN (ION) HD
411 KTTV (FOX) HD
412 KCET HD (PBS)
413 KCOP HD (myNetworkTV)
445 Live Well HD (KABC-DT2)

HD Tier
------------
419 Universal HD
420 Smithsonian Channel HD
421 Crime & Investigation Network HD
422 MGM HD

Basic Cable
-------------
414 Palladia HD
415 TNT HD
416 HD Theater
417 TBS in HD
418 Discovery Channel HD
423 The Golf Channel HD
424 ESPN HD
425 ESPN2 HD
432 CNN HD
433 HGTV HD
434 Food Network HD
435 Disney Channel HD
436 ABC Family HD
437 TLC HD
438 A&E HD
439 History HD
441 USA HD
442 Bravo HD
443 Sci Fi HD
444 CNBC HD+
454 The Weather Channel HD
456 FX HD
462 Cartoon Network HD
463 FOX Sports West HD
464 Prime Ticket HD
465 Fox News HD

Variety Tier
-----------------
426 ESPNews HD
451 Animal Planet HD
452 Travel Channel HD
453 Planet Green HD
460 Science Channel HD
461 Toon Disney HD
466 Fox Business Network HD
467 ESPNU HD
468 Speed HD
469 Versus HD
470 MLB Network HD
475 Lifetime Movie Network HD

Choice Tier
-------------
440 National Geographic HD
457 BIO HD

Sports Tier
--------------
471 NHL Network HD
473 The Tennis Channel HD

Movie Tier
------------
476 Hallmark Movie Channel HD

Premium Channels
---------------------
427 HBO HD (West)
428 Showtime HD (West)
429 Starz HD (West)
430 Cinemax HD (West)
481 HBO HD (East)
482 Cinemax HD (East)
483 Showtime HD (East)
484 The Movie Channel HD
485 Starz HD (East)

Huh? You have MSNBC-HD? Where are you, and what channel number is it on? I did not think it had been rolled out yet.



Yeah - sorry about that. You're correct - I was mistaken. No MSNBC HD, AFAIK. I'm in Costa Mesa - pretty much same HD lineup as you...

I have 1 DCX3200 and 2 DCX3400's

very reliable 3400's have 320GB harddrive



OK - got a DCX3400 today. Haven't had it long enough to know how hot it's gonna get. But there is a problem. This unit is behaving the same as the first one I had - it will not sustain an image through my Onkyo Receiver via HDMI. Works fine directly to the TV via component, but the screen goes blank within a minute or so when I try to view the TV via HDMI through my receiver. Anyone have any idea what could be causing this? The cable tech said he's seen this a few times before, but couldn't really remember the exact conditions it occurred under nor what equipment was involved. It's an Onkyo 807, BTW - and everything else I've run through it via HDMI has worked just fine, including the 2 other Motorola cable boxes I've had - a 6412 & a 32xx...

Going downstairs to try HDMI directly to the TV to rule out an issue there.

TIA for any advice...

OK - got a DCX3400 today. Haven't had it long enough to know how hot it's gonna get. But there is a problem. This unit is behaving the same as the first one I had - it will not sustain an image through my Onkyo Receiver via HDMI. Works fine directly to the TV via component, but the screen goes blank within a minute or so when I try to view the TV via HDMI through my receiver. Anyone have any idea what could be causing this? If you check your firmware, you probably have the same as I do... 22.31. This firmware apparently has known HDMI issues.

My solution was the same as yours to the identical problem you cite... won't hold HDMI handshake through a receiver (mine is a Yamaha). I, too, have temporarily connected HDMI directly to my HDTV, bypassing the receiver.

According to my contacts, new firmware 22.37 rolls out October 4 and should resolve this HDMI stability issue.

If you check your firmware, you probably have the same as I do... 22.31. This firmware apparently has known HDMI issues.

My solution was the same as yours to the identical problem you cite... won't hold HDMI handshake through a receiver (mine is a Yamaha). I, too, have temporarily connected HDMI directly to my HDTV, bypassing the receiver.

According to my contacts, new firmware 22.37 rolls out October 4 and should resolve this HDMI stability issue.

Thanks! At least this gives me hope that it will be fixed soon. I can live with an extra cable hanging from the TV for a couple of weeks. I just hope the problem doesn't linger longer...

Other than this glitch, I think I like the box. Definitely runs much cooler - barely seems warm when it's on. So once the HDMI issue is fixed, I'm happy!

I'm with TWC out in Simi Valley (former Adelphia), and am still dealing with an old Moxi BMC9012 DVR. I'm finally starting to have dropout issues during playback, so I think it's not long for this world anymore.

What's the alternative now for DVR's in my area? Short of switching to D* ;-)

Hopefully I can sway it for something with more storage space and that actually has the external USB or eSATA jack enabled so I can add more. And hopefully they don't give me a ration of $**t about replacing my old Moxi.

If you check your firmware, you probably have the same as I do... 22.31. This firmware apparently has known HDMI issues.

My solution was the same as yours to the identical problem you cite... won't hold HDMI handshake through a receiver (mine is a Yamaha). I, too, have temporarily connected HDMI directly to my HDTV, bypassing the receiver.

According to my contacts, new firmware 22.37 rolls out October 4 and should resolve this HDMI stability issue.

Just got 22.37 at 2:00 am CDT Tuseday morning it has a build date of August 14th so it is the latest. It is on both of my DCX3400's and also on my DCX3200.

Just got 22.37 at 2:00 am CDT Tuseday morning it has a build date of August 14th so it is the latest. It is on both of my DCX3400's and also on my DCX3200.Where are you located? My information source had mentioned October 4 as the rollout date for 22.37, at least for my area.

I just looked and my DCX3400 is still 22.31.

I really do want the new firmware. I had two separate HDMI-related MAJOR AND COMPLETE box lockups this week (and frozen or oscillating image on HDTV via HDMI) which required pulling the power cord and re-booting as my only solution. And of course each one then required two days for the Guide to re-populate.

I've also noticed some odd color-related problems with the HDMI output (even though the cable is going straight from DVR to HDTV, not through a receiver).

(1) The "color" setting value in the USER MENU (of my Sony 34XBR960) actually changed from 31 (neutral default color value) to 41 (quite red-saturated) all by itself. I noticed that it looked so intensely red, and the "topaz blue" color of the Guide and other graphics was so wrong, that I checked the value and saw it had been changed! I certainly didn't change it, so it must have changed on its own (or because of something the DVR caused).

(2) I think the overall color has degraded of late, at least that's how "WSOP 2009" on ESPN looks to me. It may just be the filming this season, which doesn't look right, but I thought the episodes I'd watched last month (before swapping my DCH3416 for a DCX3400) had much more accurate color (i.e. typical of my HDTV settings). Again I'm wondering if it's the DVR, or if it's something harmful the DVR has done to my HDTV via the "flawed" HDMI connection and this weeks two serious HDMI lockups.

Anyway, my fingers are crossed that no permanent damage has been done to my XBR960, and/or that the picture will improve once 22.37 arrives.

Where are you located? My information source had mentioned October 4 as the rollout date for 22.37, at least for my area.

I just looked and my DCX3400 is still 22.31.

I really do want the new firmware. I had two separate HDMI-related MAJOR AND COMPLETE box lockups this week (and frozen or oscillating image on HDTV via HDMI) which required pulling the power cord and re-booting as my only solution. And of course each one then required two days for the Guide to re-populate.

I've also noticed some odd color-related problems with the HDMI output (even though the cable is going straight from DVR to HDTV, not through a receiver).

(1) The "color" setting value in the USER MENU (of my Sony 34XBR960) actually changed from 31 (neutral default color value) to 41 (quite red-saturated) all by itself. I noticed that it looked so intensely red, and the "topaz blue" color of the Guide and other graphics was so wrong, that I checked the value and saw it had been changed! I certainly didn't change it, so it must have changed on its own (or because of something the DVR caused).

(2) I think the overall color has degraded of late, at least that's how "WSOP 2009" on ESPN looks to me. It may just be the filming this season, which doesn't look right, but I thought the episodes I'd watched last month (before swapping my DCH3416 for a DCX3400) had much more accurate color (i.e. typical of my HDTV settings). Again I'm wondering if it's the DVR, or if it's something harmful the DVR has done to my HDTV via the "flawed" HDMI connection and this weeks two serious HDMI lockups.

Anyway, my fingers are crossed that no permanent damage has been done to my XBR960, and/or that the picture will improve once 22.37 arrives.

Im in north texas. BTW we just got HDPPV2 ,sur mexico ,Latele novela and Lo Mejor ondemand.

I had the most rude, hostile technical support agent I have *EVER* had at *any* company answer my call to TWC tonight. I won't get into the details, but within the first 10 seconds of the call, she interrupted me and said she wasn't going to help me and that I should call back, "get it?"

I'd never written a complaint letter based on customer service before, but I felt compelled this evening to send an email to TWC about the agent. You'd think with subpar products, they'd attempt to at least have stellar customer support.

I'm going to go over to my local office on Monday and swap out this box once and for all. It completely imploded on me this afternoon while trying to watch college football. Does anyone know which areas have started distributing the DCX-3400?

I had the most rude, hostile technical support agent I have *EVER* had at *any* company answer my call to TWC tonight. I won't get into the details, but within the first 10 seconds of the call, she interrupted me and said she wasn't going to help me and that I should call back, "get it?"

I'd never written a complaint letter based on customer service before, but I felt compelled this evening to send an email to TWC about the agent. You'd think with subpar products, they'd attempt to at least have stellar customer support.

I'm going to go over to my local office on Monday and swap out this box once and for all. It completely imploded on me this afternoon while trying to watch college football. Does anyone know which areas have started distributing the DCX-3400?

Which box did you have? I'm in Costa Mesa & they're distributing the DCX3400 here, but be careful what you wish for. I understand they're having lots of problems with these, including mine. There's definitely an issue with HDMI - currently it won't sync/handshake with my receiver. Others are having this problem as well. Supposedly a FW update is due to be pushed out in early Oct - we'll see. I'm also having random issues with the DVR functionality - haven't recorded a lot with it yet, but so far 1 program recorded OK & the 2nd was almost unwatchable - jumping, skipping frames, garbled audio. And when I tried to FF, RW, Pause, etc..., the box rebooted & reset - erasing the Guide in the process. So another day or 2 to repopulate the Guide...

So I'll give it another week or 2 - at least until they push out the FW update - to see if these problems are resolved. Then I'm not sure - I wasn't crazy about the old Motorola boxes either - maybe it's time for satellite. If only AT&T would hurry up and wire my area for U-Verse...

Just in passing...

The other day I received a solicitation in the mail from Verizon, touting an offer for a $24.99/month "non-promotional guaranteed no increase ever" price for a phone plan which includes unlimited nationwide long distance (plus Puerto Rico, Guam, and Canada).

Considering I currently pay $44.95 for this same phone service as part of my TWC Tripleplay I was quite amenable to the idea of changing back to Verizon, purely for economic reasons. Add to this justification the fact that I've had a few total phone+Internet TWC outages (since both services come through the same modem and use the same head-end servers) over the past year or so to annoy me, and it was time for a phone call to "retention". Note that even if you have "dial-up backup" for your Internet connection, without a working telephone line for your modem to use this backup service is 100% worthless.

Before I called Verizon I decided to call TWC to see if they could come up with a way to induce me to stay with them for telephone. After waiting on hold for quite some time to speak to "retention" I finally got to speak to a reasonable agent.

And after some discussion he was able to make the following non-promotional "permanent" change to my account: instead of paying $44.95 for phone and $56.95 for Turbo Internet (total price $101.90) as part of my Tripleplay for those two services, he would convert me to a "package" price of $82.95 for the same two services. No tricks, no magic... just a new price!

In other words, for the simple trouble of a phone call, I discovered that it apparently was currently possible (at least it was the other day) to have been saving $18.95/month off of my regular Tripleplay monthly bill.

So I decided to accept his offer and continue to stay with TWC for my phone service (and of course, still be exposed to possible phone outage when Internet goes out). At least the economic incentive to go with Verizon is essentially erased.

So... monthly bill reduced by $19/month, just from a phone call.

I'm just sayin'.

Which box did you have? I'm in Costa Mesa & they're distributing the DCX3400 here, but be careful what you wish for.

I had a 6412 III. I picked up a DCX3400 this evening. It's a lot smaller, lighter, and more attractive than the box it replaced. It seems far more responsive to remote commands, too. Picture quality and sound has been good so far.

The only thing I'm a little ticked about is anytime I go to a non-HD channel, my HDTV stutters for a second to adjust to the switch from 1080i to 480P. That said... I consider it a minor price to pay for getting rid of those horrible freezes my last box had.

Time will tell - so far I'm happy with the new box. I'm not sure what hard drive is in it, but from the label on the bottom, I think it may be 320gb. Not sure how to check for sure.

Is there a way to enable a 16:9 channel guide or to get it to output SD channels in 1080i?

I had a 6412 III. I picked up a DCX3400 this evening. It's a lot smaller, lighter, and more attractive than the box it replaced. It seems far more responsive to remote commands, too. Picture quality and sound has been good so far.

The only thing I'm a little ticked about is anytime I go to a non-HD channel, my HDTV stutters for a second to adjust to the switch from 1080i to 480P. That said... I consider it a minor price to pay for getting rid of those horrible freezes my last box had.

Time will tell - so far I'm happy with the new box. I'm not sure what hard drive is in it, but from the label on the bottom, I think it may be 320gb. Not sure how to check for sure.

Is there a way to enable a 16:9 channel guide or to get it to output SD channels in 1080i?

The 6412 was what I had originally & it did freeze up once in a while. It also generated lots of heat. The 2nd box they gave me was another version of the 6412 - worse than the first one. Finally I got the DCX3400. I agree - nicer package, runs fairly cool & quiet. But it's been non-responsive at times & will not sync HDMI through my (Onkyo) receiver. I've also had it record at least 1 program badly - virtually unwatchable - 2 other programs have been OK, so hopefully just an anomoly & not a long-term problem. And the HDMI issue seems to be a known bug - as has been posted here, TWC is supposedly pushing out an update in the next week or 2 that will (hopefully) resolve that.

I'd also like to know if/how to enable a 16:9 channel guide - I have no idea if you can...

I'm with TWC out in Simi Valley (former Adelphia), and am still dealing with an old Moxi BMC9012 DVR. I'm finally starting to have dropout issues during playback, so I think it's not long for this world anymore.

What's the alternative now for DVR's in my area? Short of switching to D* ;-)

Hopefully I can sway it for something with more storage space and that actually has the external USB or eSATA jack enabled so I can add more. And hopefully they don't give me a ration of $**t about replacing my old Moxi.

I'm in Moorpark but go to the TWC store in Simi. Let me know if they have the new boxes mentioned above.

Whats the major difference between the 3200 and 3400? Just the look of it?

Reports from NYC say that TCM-HD is now in TWC's lineup there. Anyone in the know heard if/when it will be added here?

Time Warner is compressing the OTA feeds again, aren't they?

How can TWC compress something that is transmitted through the air? :)

How can TWC compress something that is transmitted through the air? :)

They CAN and do RE-Compress any HD stream they want to.This was a huge problem about a year ago and has gotten a little better but as jsyoung said it seems that KCAL and ABC suffer from some recompression.

What TW does is to take a 15-17 mb/s stream down to around 11 mb/s so they can squeeze more channels in on the same bandwith.KNBC does look better than before though but the recompression is done with many HD cable stations also resulting in bit-starved poor PQ on for examle ESPN-HD,very noticeable during MNF.

They CAN and do RE-Compress any HD stream they want to.This was a huge problem about a year ago and has gotten a little better but as jsyoung said it seems that KCAL and ABC suffer from some recompression.

What TW does is to take a 15-17 mb/s stream down to around 11 mb/s so they can squeeze more channels in on the same bandwith.KNBC does look better than before though but the recompression is done with many HD cable stations also resulting in bit-starved poor PQ on for examle ESPN-HD,very noticeable during MNF.

Actually, I thought it was better in the summer as cable recordings seemed pretty close to the OTA recordings.

I haven't run a full blown comparison but Monday night, I recorded Heroes both from TWC and OTA.
The Time Warner recording was about 15-20% smaller than the OTA recording.

Recordings from TWC's KABC HD broadcast seem too small as well to be uncompressed and I believe I have seen some increased macro blocking there.

I'd say this started after the last channel realignment.

Whats the major difference between the 3200 and 3400? Just the look of it?

The 3200 is a non DVR box while the 3400 is a DVR.

Actually, I thought it was better in the summer as cable recordings seemed pretty close to the OTA recordings.

I haven't run a full blown comparison but Monday night, I recorded Heroes both from TWC and OTA.
The Time Warner recording was about 15-20% smaller than the OTA recording.

Recordings from TWC's KABC HD broadcast seem too small as well to be uncompressed and I believe I have seen some increased macro blocking there.

I'd say this started after the last channel realignment.

Actually,I meant last summer(2008) when compression done by TWC on most every HD channel was atrocious(remember the Beijing Olympics and 414 Palladia was a pixellated mess).Regarding the recent improvement in PQ on NBC in general I think it is because their distribution feed is now in H264 instead of mpeg 2 as it was before.Before,NBC was really bad to begin with and TWC made it even worse and now the original feed is much improved so even TWC can't mess it up to bad.

SNF is much improved this year and someone mentioned earlier in this thread that there is very little to no recompression on KCBS and KTTV done by TWC this season so that is good news for us football fans.

So anyone having problems with their DCX3400 DVR? Strange problem - seems to record most things OK, but for some reason, both times I've tried to record Fringe (on Fox), the picture is unstable - jumps/skips frames, garbled audio - barely watchable. And if I try almost any DVR function, the box reboots. Is there any reason why I'd only have this problem on 1 particular show? Very frustrating! Guess I'll get the box replaced AGAIN, but I'm not confident that the new one will be any better - anyone have any thoughts on this? Is this something that might be fixed by the alleged firmware update due in a week or so? Any advice is greatly appreciated...

I just got a new TV, and when I route the cable to it,
I'm getting a slew of what I'm guessing are digital channels,
like 87.2, 98.2, etc.


Is there a guide for these?

thanks,

fcd

Actually,I meant last summer(2008) when compression done by TWC on most every HD channel was atrocious(remember the Beijing Olympics and 414 Palladia was a pixellated mess).Regarding the recent improvement in PQ on NBC in general I think it is because their distribution feed is now in H264 instead of mpeg 2 as it was before.Before,NBC was really bad to begin with and TWC made it even worse and now the original feed is much improved so even TWC can't mess it up to bad.

SNF is much improved this year and someone mentioned earlier in this thread that there is very little to no recompression on KCBS and KTTV done by TWC this season so that is good news for us football fans.

Well it looks like they are not compressing KABC.
The two recordings of FlashForward were about the same size.

Still doesn't explain the discrepancy in Heroes though.

I must be the only one watching college football on the ESPN's tonight.ESPN2 HD is so pixellated,pulsating,smeary and full of artifacts as to make it unwatchable.ESPN HD is also really bad as is FNC HD.This is something that has happened in the last week or so and really is a shame because up until now the PQ on TWC HD channels had been improving.

TWC SoCal updated HDTV page with new channels coming soon:
KMEX HD (Univision)
KFTR HD (Telefutura)
AMC HD
WE HD
Fuse HD
IFC HD
E! HD
Style HD
MSNBC HD
BBC America HD
HSN HD
CBS College Sports HD
G4 HD
HLN HD (Headline News)
History International HD
NBA TV
Outdoor Channel HD
QVC HD
TCM HD
TV One HD
WGN America HD
Investigation Discovery HD

I guess these channels will be available once SDV is deployed and activated?

TWC SoCal updated HDTV page with new channels coming soon:
KMEX HD (Univision)
KFTR HD (Telefutura)
AMC HD
WE HD
Fuse HD
IFC HD
E! HD
Style HD
MSNBC HD
BBC America HD
HSN HD
CBS College Sports HD
G4 HD
HLN HD (Headline News)
History International HD
NBA TV
Outdoor Channel HD
QVC HD
TCM HD
TV One HD
WGN America HD
Investigation Discovery HD

I guess these channels will be available once SDV is deployed and activated?Where do you see this?

The Programming Alerts page (http://www.timewarnercable.com/SoCal/learn/programming/local/alerts.html) has zero on these new channels.

And the HD Channel lineup (http://www.timewarnercable.com/CustomerService/CLU/Clu.ashx?CLUID=904&Zip=90292&Image1.x=48&Image1.y=3&Image1=submit) still shows none of these new channels, at least not for my zip code.

Where did you see these new channels announced?

Oops, forgot to post the link, here ya go:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/SoCal/learn/cable/hdtv.html

at the bottom of the page.

Oops, forgot to post the link, here ya go:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/SoCal/learn/cable/hdtv.html

at the bottom of the page.I see.

I'm still going to guess these channels will be rolled out in November. Strange they wouldn't have yet announced it on the Programming Alerts page, if they go out of their way to announce it here as "coming soon".

Anyway, this is good news indeed.

Everything but KMEX and KFTR will be SDV. That means tuning resolvers to all the Tivo, UDCP PC owners, and Moxi DVR. The Adelphia Moxi's may have to be swapped for a Moto box if it doesn't support SDV.

Everything but KMEX and KFTR will be SDV. That means tuning resolvers to all the Tivo, UDCP PC owners, and Moxi DVR. The Adelphia Moxi's may have to be swapped for a Moto box if it doesn't support SDV.

moxi should support SDV as it is a two-way device.

The bad part about SDV is that these new HD channels can now work when they want to. SDV is reliable if your division has good engineering but there are times when it spazzes out and causes pixellation and channel outages.

moxi should support SDV as it is a two-way device.

I bet it would just be some minor RTOS code and some minor IPG code to add SDV. It wouldn't be difficult for them to add it.

September 28th, 2009, 8:35 am by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

It’s been nearly one year since I spoke to Time Warner’s local president to find out what it was doing in Orange County. Essentially, the company was merging three different cable systems into one after previously acquiring bits of Adelphia and Comcast.

Unfortunately, the president is no longer with the company and the three cable systems haven’t been completely merged. But Time Warner continues to plow away to unify the different platforms, said Darryl Ryan, director of media relations for Time Warner’s West region. He’s not sure how much progress the company has made since acquiring Adelphia three years ago.

The benefit of having one system, like Cox Communications does in Orange County, means one cable TV system, one lineup of channels, one type of software and one billing system. This helps customer service employees stay focused and learn one system instead of three. Without the unity, customers are treated differently. For example, customers in Costa Mesa, or former Comcast territory, get 72 HD channels, while everyone else in Orange County, including Huntington Beach, are at 60 HD channels (see charts below).

“Right now we generally have two HD lineups, former Comcast (customers some parts of Orange County the South Bay area, Santa Clarita and a portion of San Fernando) and everywhere else. In the former Comcast areas subscribers have a few more HD channels. We are working to get subscribers all of our subscribers up to the same number of HD channels,” Ryan said.

The company is testing ways to squeeze more channels into its system using switched digital video, which turns some regular channels into on-demand only. Time Warner has previously said it is planning to move the least popular channels to this technology and fill the opening with channels more people want. I’m fine with that because that’s good news for almost all customers, although TiVo users with CableCARDs will need to get an adapter.

Here are the available HD channels in Costa Mesa vs. rest of Orange County: (follow the following link to bottom of article)
http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/28/time-warner-continues-to-unify-oc-la-cable-tv-systems/22427/

September 23rd, 2009, 6:56 am · by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

News that Time Warner Cable picked BigBand Networks to provide switched digital video technology means one major thing for cable customers: More high definition channels are coming sooner than later.

The Redwood City-based BigBand announced its new cable customer in a press release. BigBand will handle Time Warner’s Los Angeles operation, which includes Orange County. BigBand is also deploying switched digital video in Time Warner’s New York and Dallas systems.

Cable TV companies have limited space to stream channels 24/7 in the cable line that feeds TV directly to a customer’s house. Switched digital video allows the cable company to turn some of those channel streams into a video-on-demand channel, which frees up space to add more HD channels or other new content.

Orange County’s former president of Time Warner operations mentioned this was coming last year. But so far, the technology has not been implemented here. Time Warner has been testing this in San Fernando Valley.

So far, the only customers that will be affected by the change are those with TiVos and CableCARDs. See my past stories about what to do if you’re in this situation.

In a press release, Time Warner says technology has allowed the company to offer over 100 HD channels to customers, plus more HD Video on demand, said Kevin Leddy, Time Warner Cable’s executive vice president of technology policy and product management.

“We have launched (switched digital video) in over 20 markets to date and know firsthand that, if we want to deploy new programming options for our customers, SDV is the fastest, most cost effective method for our existing network,” he said. ”With the bandwidth that has been reclaimed Time Warner Cable is able to offer over 100 high definition channels to our customers …” - more -
http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/23/time-warner-hints-at-100-hd-channels-coming-to-socal/22153/

Time Warner’s new feature: Watch movies before they hit theaters
August 13th, 2009, 6:39 pm by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Time Warner Cable adds "Early Screening on Demand" to show some movies on cable before TV.
Time Warner Cable has launched an interesting new twist to watching movies on TV: Subscribers can now watch a movie before it debuts in the theater.

Say what?

Well, I just took a look at the sample movies and based on release dates from IMDB.com, the movies mostly haven’t hit the big screen yet. But some have had a previous life in limited film festivals, overseas and even DVD. Still, even if these films target the indy-movie circuit, this genre could be the best films to debut at home where you don’t necessarily need the big screen screen just isn’t as large as theaters.

A list of movies that are now available include the following:

* “The Answer Man” starring Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham (opened July 26).
* “The World’s Greatest Dad” starring Robin Williams, Henry Simmons and Jermaine Williams (opens August 21).

Movies coming soon include:

* “The Burning Plain” starring Charlize Theron, Kim Basinger and Jennifer Lawrence (debuted last year but opens to a wider audience onSept. 18).
* “ONG BAK 2,” with limited U.S. debut in October.
* “The House of the Devil,” starring Jocelin Donahue, Greta Gerwig and Mary Woronov.

Time Warner’s new “Early Screening On Demand” will offer movies on demand for $9.99 to $10.99. Interestingly, after the movie does have its official theatrical release, Time Warner will drop the price to between $3.99 to $7.99.

This service is also separate from its prior announcement of IFC in Theaters, which lets users watch some movies the same day as their box-office debut (see “Time Warner offers movies on day of theatrical release“).

While Time Warner is playing off the angle that you can save money and avoid the crowds, I know plenty of people — mostly parents — who would prefer to go to a move to escape. We’ll have to see if the hotly anticipated movies show up on demand.

To get this service, go to Channel 1 (or main On Demand channel) ►Movies ►By Category ►Early Screening

http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2009/08/13/time-warners-new-feature-watch-movies-before-they-hit-theaters/18855/

I'm wondering why TWC is obsessed with on-demand video? I don't know any non-sports fan who orders it regularly. My movie freak brother/SIL are happy with Netflix (which should be kicking TWC's ass). I can rent a DVD much cheaper if I'm desparate, only a short drive away.

BTW what happened to all of the free on-demand channels? I just checked and there's almost Nothing left. Thanks for 'nothing', TWC. The Power of You. :rolleyes:

Wishful thinking, but I wish TWC had gone Comcast's route by aggressively migrating basic analog channels to digital and offering two free DTA boxes. :(

If you check your firmware, you probably have the same as I do... 22.31. This firmware apparently has known HDMI issues.

My solution was the same as yours to the identical problem you cite... won't hold HDMI handshake through a receiver (mine is a Yamaha). I, too, have temporarily connected HDMI directly to my HDTV, bypassing the receiver.

According to my contacts, new firmware 22.37 rolls out October 4 and should resolve this HDMI stability issue.

Thanks DSperber! FYI - I noticed tonight that I apparently received 22.37 sometime over the last 24 hrs & it seems to have fixed my HDMI problems. Working fine through my Onkyo receiver - locks in quickly & seems to be syncing well. So I'm a happy camper now. This unit is a big improvement over the 6412 - bigger HDD (320GB), smaller form factor, runs MUCH cooler/quieter, good picture, more responsive, etc.. So as long as HDMI keeps working, everything's cool!

I know some Comcast customers that have had HD Video On Demand for their premium channels for 2 years now while I'm stuck with TWC which still does not offer this!

Thanks DSperber! FYI - I noticed tonight that I apparently received 22.37 sometime over the last 24 hrs & it seems to have fixed my HDMI problems. Well that's good news. However I still have 22.31. No update yet in my area, which I had been told was scheduled for 10/4. So just a few more days to wait.

In the meantime I'm still going HDMI straight from DVR to HDTV, bypassing Yamaha receiver.

Well that's good news. However I still have 22.31. No update yet in my area, which I had been told was scheduled for 10/4. So just a few more days to wait.

In the meantime I'm still going HDMI straight from DVR to HDTV, bypassing Yamaha receiver.

Well hopefully your source was correct & you'll get the update any day now. I'm now happy with the box overall, but I do notice more (or at least it seems like more) artifacts than with previous boxes. It's hard to tell - not very scientific, but seems like more pixelization - or possibly I'm seeing macro-blocking (sp?) - but I'm not really sure what this is, so don't know if I'd recognize it if I saw it!

Anyway, working basically OK - hopefully it will now be stable...

Can someone tell me why the hell there are no premium HD movies on demand? I'm paying for the premium package but why don't they include them on demand? Who the hell wants to watch someone cooking meatloaf in HD whenever you want? I can't believe i can't watch a damn HD movie at my convenience.

Hey, does the ClearQAM channel at 118.204 have a name? All I see are infomercials. SiliconDust.com lists it as ShopNBC, but I have that at 101.223.

And what is the Asian channel at 122.525? SiliconDust says "Unknown."

BTW, my last scan picked up these channels I hadn't noticed before:

Mexico 22 at 91.309
Russia Today (The Putin Channel) at 97.382
BET Centric at 128.189
HSN at 129.211
PBS World at 135.711

I'm in former Adelphia territory.

Wishful thinking, but I wish TWC had gone Comcast's route by aggressively migrating basic analog channels to digital and offering two free DTA boxes. :(

You have other options for HD movies. Nobody else offers analog channels. Besides, SDV is being rolled out as I speak.

Hey, does the ClearQAM channel at 118.204 have a name? All I see are infomercials. SiliconDust.com lists it as ShopNBC, but I have that at 101.223.

And what is the Asian channel at 122.525? SiliconDust says "Unknown."

The first one is ch. 165 - leased access.

And the Asian channel is ch. 156 - Sky Link (http://www.skylinktv.us/Linkspages/English/linkpage/programming.htm)

:D More on the SDV front:

First they launch 100 HD channels in Buffalo, including MSNBC HD, Headline News HD, E! HD, TCM HD, MSG Plus HD and several HBO and Showtime channels to its high-def lineup.

Now its being reported that "Time Warner has said the new technology, called Switched Digital Video, will enable it to soon offer 100 high-def channels in Dallas and Southern California" at http://www.tvpredictions.com/twhd100100209.htm

I have 2 S-Cards in my tivoHD in westchester

TWC wants to change me $19.99 to come out and give me an M-Card. Any suggestions on getting one without the silly fee?

Hey, does the ClearQAM channel at 118.204 have a name? All I see are infomercials. SiliconDust.com lists it as ShopNBC, but I have that at 101.223.

And what is the Asian channel at 122.525? SiliconDust says "Unknown."

BTW, my last scan picked up these channels I hadn't noticed before:

Mexico 22 at 91.309
Russia Today (The Putin Channel) at 97.382
BET Centric at 128.189
HSN at 129.211
PBS World at 135.711

I'm in former Adelphia territory.In SoCal, these changes below were made and some must have happened in your area too. /Dan :

The following channels will be added to the Broadcast service level (digital equipment required): Jewelry Television, channel 141 and Russian Today, channel 236.

The following channel will be added to the Choice Tier: Jewish Life TV, channel 177.

HSN and ShopNBC will move from the Variety Tier to the Broadcast service level (digital equipment required).

As promised, firmware 22.37 rolled out to my DCX3400 late last night.

I'm happy to report that the HDMI issues all seem to have been resolved. I'm now once again connected HDMI from DCX through my Yamaha receiver and on to my HDTV.

Everything seems to work exactly as expected, and "native" now sticks across channel changes. And no more green screen symptom (i.e. HDCP handshake loss).

Case closed.

did anyone notice really bad audio distortions on Fox (411) last night during the animated comedies?

I'm in Sherman Oaks and the breaks up were quite often, and almost unbearable.

FCD

I heard it too. It was on the digital and analog channels, through my TiVo and through the TWC DVR. The video and audio were also out of synch on the news. I didn't check my OTA antenna.

I also heard the audio issues on 411 last night. I switched from my SA8300HD to directly into my TV (clear qam) and the issue went away. I am in Garden Grove.

would i be able to request a DCX3200 upgrade for free? i have 2 DCH3200 boxes right now.

:D More on the SDV front:

First they launch 100 HD channels in Buffalo, including MSNBC HD, Headline News HD, E! HD, TCM HD, MSG Plus HD and several HBO and Showtime channels to its high-def lineup.

Now its being reported that "Time Warner has said the new technology, called Switched Digital Video, will enable it to soon offer 100 high-def channels in Dallas and Southern California" at http://www.tvpredictions.com/twhd100100209.htm

Except that SDV has issues sometimes and it can cause outages. Now the channels will work when they want to. Tivo, Moxi and soon UDCP PC owners should be ready to use a TA so that they can view SDV channels. It's another box to deal with but it's not a gigantic box. It's fairly small and non invasive.

would i be able to request a DCX3200 upgrade for free? i have 2 DCH3200 boxes right now.I have no idea if these DCX boxes are now in "general availability" mode yet. I know there are some others in the SoCal area that have them (along with me), but beyond that I just don't know.

Call customer support and see if you can ask for one.

Remember that in the DCX DVR variants, the key improvement for the DCX3400 chosen by TWC/SoCal is the doubling of hard drive size up to 320GB from 160GB in the DCH boxes. You would not benefit from that with a STB.

The other improvement is "native" support (which is for both HDMI and component video outputs), that supports HDTVs that can receive any or all of the 480i, 480p, 720p and/or 1080i resolutions. Actually the hardware setup menu even includes support for specifying if the HDTV can accept 1080p (24fps and/or 30fps) and as part of "native" configuration. I would guess the DCX3200 provides this same improved capability, so if your HDTV supports these resolutions I would say you would benefit from a box upgrade.

Just remember that there is a brief delay when switching between 720p and 1080i (and 480i if you watch SD channels), as the box and display device (and A/V receiver, if you have it in between) need to renegotiate things on the HDMI connection and the display device needs to change its output resolution.

Also, if you turn things off when not in use, I think you'll find the best results when you turn them back on happens if you turn them on the "proper" sequence when HDMI connections are involved: DCX box first, A/V receiver second if you have one connected, and HDTV last.

I know this is one of the remaining nagging annoyances still present with HDMI, but I've already seen "native" on the DCX revert to "1080i" if the HDTV is turned on first, even with the latest 22.37 firmware. While this used to cause the infamous "green screen" symptom with 22.31 (forcing a DVR reboot as the only solution) so it's at least non-fatal now, it's still annoying to have to reconfigure "native".

===>> Best bet, either leave DCX box on always (which I don't like doing), or be sure to turn it on first before the other components are turned on. That seems to ensure that "native" is held.

Anyone know the status of the 'Chiller' network being added?

posted by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

CBS College SportsFor one week beginning Monday, Oct. 5, Time Warner Cable customers will get CBS College Sports Network free for the week. The network is on Channel 261.

This coincides with Armed Forces Appreciation Week and includes college football games Vanderbilt @ Army, Navy @ Rice and TCU @ Air Force. The free preview ends Sunday, Oct. 11.

Full TV schedule is available on CBS’ site, cbscollegesports.com/schedule

If you like the channel and want it in high-definition, it’s available. CBS says contact your cable provider and ask for it. Currently, only DirecTV and Dish Network subscribers can watch the channel in HD.

More details available from Time Warner’s site as follows:

TIME WARNER CABLE OFFERS CUSTOMERS FREE PREVIEW OF
CBS COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK -
THE HOME OF SERVICE ACADEMY FOOTBALL
CBS College Sports Network Available to Fans for
“ARMED FORCES APPRECIATION WEEK” from October 5th – October 11th on Channel 261

Time Warner Cable is offering customers a free preview of CBS College Sports Network, the home of service academy football, from October 5th through Sunday, October 11th, opening its signal to digital customers for the Network’s week of special programming saluting our nation’s armed forces and service academy football teams.

“ARMED FORCES APPRECIATION WEEK” is highlighted by a tripleheader of games on Saturday, October 10th, including Vanderbilt @ Army (NOON, PM, ET), Navy @ Rice (3:30 PM, ET) and TCU @ Air Force (7:30 PM, ET), as well as in-depth studio coverage throughout the day.

CBS College Sports Network is available on Time Warner Cable channel 261. The Network will feature additional “ARMED FORCES APPREICATION WEEK” programming leading up to the live game action on October 10th including classic games and original programming.

CBS College Sports Network, the original 24-hour college sports network, offers a comprehensive lineup of football programming during the 2009 season, including 50 live games, as well as studio shows and original programming. The schedule features the best of Conference USA, the Mountain West Conference, Navy, Army, NCAA Division II, and top high school football games. All college games are broadcast in high definition.

The Network’s regular season and championship event programming includes coverage of NCAA Division’s I, II, and III, showcasing over 25 men’s and women’s college sports, in addition to multiple NCAA championships. CBS College Sports Network is official cable home of the NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, and is a leading programmer of women’s sports.

http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/01/time-warner-offers-free-preview-to-cbs-college-sports-channel/22741/

would i be able to request a DCX3200 upgrade for free? i have 2 DCH3200 boxes right now.

I just walked into the cable store and asked for one. After a few days of "Please Wait" messages and no EPG, I took it back. The support people said it was super new, but they couldn't get it going. So I gave up.

CBS College Sports Network, the original 24-hour college sports network, offers a comprehensive lineup of football programming during the 2009 season

What do they do during the summer? Infomercials?

These niche sports channels should come up with a time-sharing arrangement to save everybody bandwidth.

I'd really like to see a confirmation on the proposed addition of HD channels to TWC's SoCal listings. Are the engineers waiting to test SDV live before making an announcment?

I'd really like to see a confirmation on the proposed addition of HD channels to TWC's SoCal listings. Are the engineers waiting to test SDV live before making an announcment?

Coming Soon!
AMC HD
BBC America HD
CBS College Sports HD
E! HD
Fuse HD
G4 HD
History International HD
HLN HD (Headline News)
HSN HD
IFC HD
Investigation Discovery HD
KFTR HD (Telefutura)
KMEX HD (Univision)
MSNBC HD
NBA TV
Outdoor Channel HD
QVC HD
Style HD
TCM HD
TV One HD
WE HD
WGN America HD

http://www.timewarnercable.com/SoCal/learn/cable/hdtv.html

I'd really like to see a confirmation on the proposed addition of HD channels to TWC's SoCal listings.You and me both. I was personally told "lots of new HDs in early November" by a reliable source, but still have yet to see the expected post on the Programming Alerts page.

This list of what's now on in TWC/Albany (Albany??!!) where they've just proudly announced passing the 100 HD channels level, along with the similarly huge list in TWC/NYC, makes it that much more aggravating to still be living with what we're living with out here.

Nevertheless, I'm sure that since it's clear TWC has now entered into carriage arrangements with all of these channels that it's really only a matter of time for us before the significant key ones (for me, anyway) get added:

BBCA-HD
E! HD
MSNBC-HD
AMC-HD (only for "Mad Men")
TCM-HD
IFC-HD

These are all on the "coming soon" list, so I'm confident.

More importantly, I wonder how TWC/SoCal will allocate their new channels to the irritating "tier" system. Will it be all in "Variety", or will they also use otherwise worthless "Choice" (except for NGCHD) and/or otherwise truly worthless "HD" in such a way as to seduce us into paying an extra $5 or $10 each month just to get one or two channels we really want?

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

1747 HLN HD
1748 MSNBC HD
1749 CNBC HD+
1750 Fox News Channel HD
1751 BBC America HD
1757 Fuse HD
1758 G4 HD
1759 Bravo HD
1760 Style HD
1761 Independent Film Channel HD
1762 E! HD
1765 We TV HD
1770 Big Ten Network HD
1775 Encore HD
1778 Showtime Extreme HD
1780 HBO Latino HD
1789 Big Ten Network HD On Demand
1800 HD Movies
1801 HD Showcase
1804 WNYA HD
1805 TBS in HD
1806 WRGBDT
1808 WXXADT
1810 WTENHD
1811 WMHTHD
1812 Movies On Demand
1813 WNYTHD
1815 WCWN HD
1821 HSN HD
1822 QVC HD
1823 The Weather Channel HD
1824 Crime & Investigation Network HD
1825 Science Channel HD
1826 BIO HD
1827 TNT HD
1828 USA HD
1829 FX HD
1830 SyFy HD
1831 Disney XD High Definition
1832 Cartoon Network HD
1833 ABC Family HD
1834 Disney HD
1835 Animal Planet HD
1836 Discovery Channel HD
1837 HD Theater
1838 A&E High Definition
1839 History in HD
1840 Palladia
1841 HGTV HD
1842 Food Network HD
1843 Travel Channel HD
1844 TLC HD
1845 TV One HD
1846 CNN HD
1847 MSG: Madison Square Garden
1849 MSG Plus HD
1851 Fox Business Network
1852 MGM HD
1854 Smithsonian HD On Demand
1855 Smithsonian Channel HD
1857 MavTV
1858 Rural TV HD
1859 NY1 HD
1860 Universal HD
1861 Hallmark Movie Channel HD
1862 AMC HD
1863 TCM HD
1864 LMNHD
1865 The Golf Channel HD
1866 SportsNet NY HD
1867 YES Network HD
1868 MLB Network HD
1869 ESPN-HD
1870 ESPN2 High Definition
1871 ESPNU HD
1872 ESPN News HD
1873 Versus HD
1874 Outdoor Channel HD
1875 NHL HD
1876 National Geographic HD
1877 SPEED HD
1878 CBS College Sports HD
1879 The Tennis Channel HD
1880 HBO East HD
1881 HBO 2 HD
1882 HBO West HD
1883 Cinemax HD East
1884 Cinemax HD West
1885 Showtime High Definition
1886 Showtime HD West
1887 Showtime Too East HD
1888 The Movie Channel HD
1889 Showtime Showcase HD
1890 Starz HD East
1891 Starz - West
1892 Starz Comedy HD
1893 Starz Kids and Family HD
1894 Starz Edge HD
1896 WRGB2
1897 Retro tv
1909 NBA League Pass HD
1910 - 1915 NBA League Pass
1916 NBA League Pass/MLS Direct Kick (06)
1917 NBA League Pass/MLS Direct Kick (07)
1918 NBA League Pass/MLS Direct Kick (08)
1919 NBA League Pass/MLS Direct Kick (09)
1920 NBA League Pass/MLS Direct Kick (10)
1921 - 1925 NBA League Pass
1929 MLB Extra Innings HD

I'd really like to see a confirmation on the proposed addition of HD channels to TWC's SoCal listings. Are the engineers waiting to test SDV live before making an announcement?SoCal TWC updates the announcments 1st and 3rd Tuesdays (or is it 2nd and 4th?). Usually need to wait a couple weeks for the next update. They update the newspaper announcement and the website the same time I think. So maybe tomorrow is the next update (if 2nd/4th) or next week. Hopefully they will have a date by then to put up. If they do not have a date they will wait until the next round to post (not when they know). Someone right after you posted the channels that have been announced (no dates yet). /Dan

More importantly, I wonder how TWC/SoCal will allocate their new channels to the irritating "tier" system. Will it be all in "Variety", or will they also use otherwise worthless "Choice" (except for NGCHD) and/or otherwise truly worthless "HD" in such a way as to seduce us into paying an extra $5 or $10 each month just to get one or two channels we really want?


I expect that they will place them in the same tier as their SD counterparts.

I expect that they will place them in the same tier as their SD counterparts.Right. I should have thought of that.

So that puts TCM-HD and IFC-HD in "Movie Tier" (which I don't subscribe to). The others are either in Basic or Variety Tier (which I do subscribe to).

Anyway, as of today there's still no announcement of anything HD-related on Programming Alerts.

Someone said November but is that for every area near Los Angeles?

glad to see tw fixed their screw-up and re-added nbatv this morning. it was down all day yesterday!!!

Anyone know how to make the backlight work on the DCH6416 remote? It used to work but now...nothing.

Anyone know how to make the backlight work on the DCH6416 remote?
What's the part number on the back?
Every UEI remote I've had toggles backlighting by pressing the Setup button twice.

What's the part number on the back?
Every UEI remote I've had toggles backlighting by pressing the Setup button twice.

Yes, that's the procedure to enable the automatic backlight feature on the remote that came with my DCH3416. Two quick presses of the setup button within one second.

And now I've got a pile of questions related to increasing storage capacity.

I'm finding that the 160 GB storage capacity of my dual tuner DVR is much smaller than I would like. I'm continually erasing HD programs to make room for new recordings.

So I'm looking into ways to increase storage capacity while staying with Time Warner.

One option I've considered it to just add a second DVR in another room but the cost is substantial at $19/month.

Are there any less expensive options for adding a second dual tuner DVR? Used dual tuner DVRs are available for sale on both eBay and Craigslist for under $100. But Time Warner tells me that they are not able to activate owner purchased DVRs.

(As a curious aside, I was told by at least two Time Warner phone reps that you could hook up a personally owned DVR. One told me that I just needed to call to activate it while a second rep told me that there would be a $14.95 charge for a service technician to hook it up. So you can get different answers depending on who you talk to. The third rep I talked to told me in no uncertain terms that you could not use a personally owen DVR. And email to Time Warner's technical support group generated a reply which confirmed this.)

And is it still the case that you can't store programs externally via the Firewire connection?

Could you purchase a used DVR and replace the internal drive with something much larger and just use that modified DVR in place of the rented TW DVR? Then you could leave Time Warner's DVR untouched. 750 GB and 1 TB drives are dirt cheap these days.

Could a home theater PC be used with Time Warners service to record programs? I've built several PCs so the construction part is not a problem.

Thanks for any advice.

I was about the buy a TivoHD when I discovered that TWC isn't allowing Tivo-To-Go. Since the whole point was to copy video off the Tivo and strip out the commercials I'm rethinking my plan. If all I'm going to get are the local channels I'd like to find a way to do what I want (or as close to what I want) without paying any additional monthly fee. I'm thinking of getting an HDHomerun and recording the clear QAM signal to my PC. I've been into HTPCs for years so I know what I'm getting myself into technically, but I'm curious if anyone else using TWC in LA has any advice.

I am also looking forward to putting together an HTPC to get rid of the crappy SA HD-DVR box (8300HDC). I am waiting on the four tuner cable card that will be available in Q1 of 2010. You can read more about it over at thegreenbutton dot com.

I am also looking forward to putting together an HTPC to get rid of the crappy SA HD-DVR box (8300HDC). I am waiting on the four tuner cable card that will be available in Q1 of 2010. You can read more about it over at thegreenbutton dot com.

Woah, that's a beast! I'd like to have a dedicated HTPC again, but I'm waiting for the ion2 nettops and the next version of Flash.

Yes, that's the procedure to enable the automatic backlight feature on the remote that came with my DCH3416. Two quick presses of the setup button within one second.

And now I've got a pile of questions related to increasing storgae capacity.

I'm finding that the 160 GB storage capacity of my dual tuner DVR is much smaller than I would like. I'm continually erasing HD programs to make room for new recordings.

So I'm looking into ways to increase storage capacity while staying with Time Warner.

One option I've considered it to just add a second DVR in another room but the cost is substantial at $19/month.


Have you look into the DCX3400? It has a 320GB HDD. Just visit your local TWC store and switch the DCH3416 for DCX3400 box.

Well, I'm not sure where the source of this problem lies, so I'll start here. I'm planning on doing some further permutations and research to gather more clues and evidence, but for now here's the story.

(1) DCX3400 DVR acquired on September 8, replacing my previous DCH3416. I've never had a problem archiving from DVR to DVHS (at least with DCT6412 and DCH3416), but then I've actually never used the DCX3400 to try that until now. So this is the very first time I've tried to copy something from DCX3400 to JVC 40K DVHS VCR.

(2) Recently, local KTTV-DT changed their bug in the lower-right corner of the screen. From almost transparent previously it is now almost solid white. I only bring this up because this has occurred only recently, certainly sometime at or just after the start of the new Fall TV season.

I also bring this up, because they may have also made some other technical changes in their digital broadcast stream along with changing their bug, which might just be responsible for my current problem.

(3) I have a firewire connection between the DCX3400 and my JVC 40K DVHS VCR. The VCR is usually tuned to some other input, but last week I "tuned it" to I-1, my firewire source from the DVR.

Well, with the VCR tuned to I-1 and powered on all kinds of havoc broke loose when I was either (a) tuned to KTTV-DT (411) on the DVR, or (b) watching a recording that had been made on KTTV-DT, like SYTYCD.

Total digital picture breakup, audio "echoes" as if multiple channels were providing signal, picture dropouts, audio dropouts or disappearance, green screen, etc. 100% unwatchable... either live KTTV-DT or recorded KTTV-DT.

Same unwatchable picture and audio whether I'm monitoring the DVR output (both HDMI and component video) or monitoring the VCR (component video).

As soon as I powered off the VCR (and tuned to another channel and then came back to KTTV-DT, just to stabilize things) everything was now fine... both on live KTTV-DT and recorded KTTV-DT. Perfect picture and sound.

(4) I've tried disconnecting all HDMI cables and running only component video, but to no avail. Makes no difference. Seems to be 100% that it's something about the KTTV-DT digital broadcast stream that is unhappy when an outboard DVHS VCR (5C-compliant, mind you) is connected by firewire and powered on.

Kind of like they did something intentional to make archiving from DVR to DVHS impossible... like Macrovision or some equivalent in the digital age.

(5) I've double-checked lots of other channels, 720p and 1080i, OTA and cable and premium... and NO other channel makes this happen. I can watch all other channels live or recorded, through DVR or VCR, with the VCR tuned to I-1 and powered on... and 100% perfect.

It's only when watching KTTV-DT provided content that they seem to be somehow digitally scrambling things so that the presence of an active outboard firewire-connected recorder device triggers this apparent copy-protection.

I've even checked different programs on KTTV-DT, and see the same symptom with all of them. It's not just SYTYCD, it's everything on that channel... just impossible to watch KTTV-DT live or recorded when the VCR is tuned to I-1 and powered on.

(6) I have a second DVHS VCR (JVC DT100U) which has a built-in ATSC tuner. And since OTA channels are "copy always", there's no reason why I can't make a recording of KTTV-DT programs on that VCR.

I'm going to do that, and then bring that second VCR to the first VCR and connect them, and see if I can copy from DVHS1 to DVHS2 successfully, or whether I see the identical artifacts which for lack of a better term I'm going to call "KTTV-DT inserted digital copy-protection, which is not 5C-compliant HDCP".

(7) At first I suspected the DCX3400, but my various trials so far suggest that it is specifically something recently done to KTTV-DT's digital stream which is at fault here. I see the symptom with NO OTHER CHANNEL, OTA, basic cable, tier cable, or premium. Only with KTTV-DT.

My very last recording of something from KTTV-DT was the "Top 15 of All Time" episode of SYTYCD, back on Sept 2. I recorded that on my old DCH3416 and archived segments over to DVHS without a problem. Of course I don't think they'd updated their bug yet, so they just might not also have activated this "digital copy-protection" yet either.

Anyway, for now I'm bothered, because I was unable to archive any part of both last week's and this week's episodes of SYTYCD6.


So... anybody else notice this? Am I alone? DVHS users, if you still have a DCH3416 or DCT64xx box, can you try an experiment for me just to see if it's some interaction of KTTV-DT and the DCX3400 which is responsible?

So, any DVHS owners who have a DVR of any kind... please record some prime time show on KTTV-DT and see if you can copy it to DVHS. Or, even simpler just power your VCR on and tune it to I-1, and then tune your DVR to 411, and see if you have any problem (which might take a short time to develop). Then try to PLAY your KTTV-DT recording, and see if anything horrible happens.

I'm trying to figure out if it's tied to the DCX3400 and KTTV-DT, or just 100% entirely something that KTTV-DT's done lately.

Any input from TWC/DVR/DVHS owners will be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Have you look into the DCX3400? It has a 320GB HDD. Just visit your local TWC store and switch the DCH3416 for DCX3400 box.

Wow. I had no idea that was an option. I'll definitely check that out.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Is anyone else not receiving any of the NBA League Pass games right now? All of the channels just have the schedule of who's playing. I am in Garden Grove...

(Edit: I'm an idiot... no games that aren't blacked out are on today :-( )

Repeating my request for help, from any TWC DVR owner who also has a DVHS VCR used for archiving content from DVR to tape.

I don't care what kind of DVR you have, just tell me which one.

Please tune to KTTV-DT (411) and turn on your DVHS machine and tune it to I-n (i.e. whatever is the right ID number for firewire from the DVR). Any problem? Any breakup? Anything strange?

Then push the REC button on the DVR, and record about 5 minutes of that KTTV-DT program. Then go back and play that recording, with the DVHS VCR still powered on. Any problem? Everything normal... or not?

Hopefully there is at least one other DCX3400 user in LA that also has a DVHS VCR, and can thus duplicate my own configuration... which, hopefully, will fail just like mine does (or not, which would also be interesting).

I've been archiving from DVR to DVHS for many years, without a problem, including from KTTV-DT up to as recently as September 2 (with my previous DCH3416). The current problem is only since September 8, when I first got my DCX3400... which is why I really do think it's tied to the new DVR.

But input from ANY other TWC subscriber with a DVR of any kind and a DVHS VCR, if you can please just tell me (a) what your equipment is, and (b) if you have any problem watching, playing, or recording content (either live or previously recorded) from KTTV-DT to your DVHS VCR, that would be very helpful to me and very much appreciated.

Remember, the DVHS VCR must be powered on and tuned to I-n and the DVR either tuned to KTTV-DT (411) or playing a previous recording made from KTTV-DT, for the experiment to be of interest to me. And, if you could try both kinds of monitoring... either DVR to HDTV, or VCR to HDTV (while the firewire stream is active, whether or not you're recording or just watching)... that is also of interest, but I don't think should make a difference. You're either going to have failures all around or it will work all around.

I need to know your results.

Thanks.

Any input from TWC/DVR/DVHS owners will be much appreciated.


My setup is different from yours, as I don't have a DVR (I use my media PC for that), just a Moto 6200, but I can connect my HM-DH5U to it via firewire and used to record movies. Haven't had it plugged in for quite a while; with HDnet gone and MGM-HD only broadcasting in stereo, there's nothing I wish to archive with it (not to mention I don't want to invest in any more blank tapes).

I hooked it up to the 6200 this morning just to see if I could monitor 411 and see what you're seeing, but it comes in fine (at least in real time). What I've discovered, however, is that no hidef channel above the regular broadcast ones (i.e. above 413) will display video (I do get audio). I either get the "cannot decode" message box from the DH5U, or "No Signal" from my display. All 480i stuff comes in fine.

It sounds as if you're able to at least monitor all channels, is that right? I don't have the DH5U connected directly to the display. It runs via component to my Denon AVR which then sends the signal out via HDMI to my display. Since the analog -> digital conversion is being handled OK for the regular broadcast channels, it would seem that TWC is no longer sending unscrambled signals out via firewire (at least with the 6200). :confused:

As I said, this is probably not a lot of help for you. I can record a bit of 411 if you want, but I don't think that's going to prove anything, as far as your situation is concerned.

I hooked it up to the 6200 this morning just to see if I could monitor 411 and see what you're seeing, but it comes in fine (at least in real time). I had an interesting discovery last night, at 11:30PM.

I was just fooling around, wanting to re-confirm my previous observations. Well much to my surprise, the symptom had disappeared. I was now able to watch KTTV-DT (411) with no problem, even though DVHS VCR was powered on and tuned to I-1. Exactly the same setup as the previous night when trying to watch the World Series this way had produced the digital breakup symptom I'd initially reported, and exactly the same setup used for the past two weeks when SYTYCD was both unwatchable and un-copyable. Hmmm...

Well at 11:30PM last night, it was "TMZ" that was on, a locally provided program. Also, the bug in the lower right 4:3 corner was the ENORMOUS white 2-line "FOX 11" on line 1 and "myfoxla.com" on line 2. Again, a locally inserted logo. Non-primetime programming. Locally initiated and local bug.

In contrast, the World Series and SYTYCD are national FOX programming, in primetime. The bug is either the national "FOX" or the special "KTTV-DT HD" bug in the lower right 16:9 corner. But the "failing programs" are definitely not locally provided. They are nationally provided. Hmmm...

So today, I'm going to carefully track what's on KTTV-DT, what the program is, what/where the bug is, and whether or not I have my firewire-related problem or not. My hunch is that I will NOT have a problem all day, and up through local news late in the afternoon and early evening. But then "it" will appear in primetime, when national FOX programming airs. And then "it" should disappear at 10PM when programming returns to local origination.

That's my hunch. If this is true then it isn't related to my DCX3400 DVR, but rather something to do with FOX/KTTV itself... caused by something tied to national FOX programming.

Therefore it's not a surprise that you tell me you didn't have the symptom in the morning. I ask you to try it again tonight, in primetime, and see if anything odd shows up. It'll either be problem-free, or you'll know immediately that something is seriously wrong.

And it doesn't matter whether you're monitoring your DVHS VCR on your HDTV, or whether you're monitoring your 6200 on your HDTV. If the VCR is powered on and tuned to I-n, and if it's primetime (according to my hunch), you should see the symptom no matter which monitoring approach you use. It'll be unwatchable and unlistenable either way. Or... it'll be perfect either way.

I'm very interested in how this day's evidence gathering will go for me. And I'm curious as to what you see, running a parallel identical test as I'm running.

Thanks for being the "control".

Ok. The problem is NOT related specifically to KTTV-DT.

The problem is with the DCX3400. It simply is "broken" with respect to supporting recording to DVHS via firewire, either from live programming or from a previously recorded program.

It simply does not work... for EVERY channel! The digital breakup problems affecting both audio and video occur on EVERY attempt at recording, from EVERY channel. Powering the VCR off makes things return to normal. But power on the VCR and push REC... audio and video breakup beyond belief.


So, if there is another DVHS owner in LA who also has a DCX3400, I really would appreciate if you could duplicate my findings so that I can be absolutely sure of what I've learned. Please try and make a recording to DVHS, and then try and play it back.

I'm going to return my DCX3400 this week, and exchange it for a 100% perfectly functional DCH3416 as I had previously. As much as I like "native" and the 320GB hard drive, I cannot live without DVHS-via-firewire functionality. It's simply a deal breaker.

I actually don't know if it's just my DCX3400 which might be defective, or if it's something in the firmware (22.37) which will affect all DCX3400 boxes... which is why if there's anybody else who can duplicate my experiments I would appreciate it. I suppose I could first just trade my DCX3400 for another one, to try it out, and bring it right back for a DCH3416 if it still doesn't work.

Anyway, bottom line: my DCX3400 is the culprit here, and simply cannot support successful archiving from DVR to DVHS.

And I'm curious as to what you see, running a parallel identical test as I'm running.
And to confirm what you've learned, there were no problems with 411 (or any other channel -- now limited <grrr>) monitored via my DH5U last night during primetime.

And to confirm what you've learned, there were no problems with 411 (or any other channel -- now limited <grrr>) monitored via my DH5U last night during primetime.Yes, I watched FOX throughout the day yesterday, and saw no problem either.

I expected the excitement to start at 8PM, when "House" came on. But strangely, it was still fine.

Then I went back to see what logo was in the lower-right corner of my September 2 recording, and it definitely was a different one than the 2-line one they have now. The new white logo is "FOX 11" on the top line and "myfoxla.com" on the second line. It's either HUGE for non-HD 4:3 programs, or reasonably small for 16:9 programs. But it definitely is different than the one which was still in use back on September 2.

Anyway, I then decided to see what would happen if I actually recorded "House", and then played back that DVR recording and tried to copy the DVR recording to DVHS... which is the way I always do things.

And sure enough, now the digital breakup I was looking for finally occurred. Hmmm... the VCR had to be recording for the symptom to appear? When I pressed STOP the symptom "stuck", even though I was no longer recording. Before I'd pressed REC the symptom was not there, but once I started REC the symptom appeared and did not disappear even when I pressed STOP. But it did finally disappear when I powered off the VCR. Now things were back to normal. Hmmm...

So that's when I began to play around, and tried to repeat the experiment on other channels (still OTA, so there would absolutely be no 5C issues or questions). And sure enough, I was able to duplicate the problem on EVERY local network channel... just try to make a recording, and the problem appears! Play back that recording, and it's garbage. Press STOP and the breakup continues, until I power the VCR off.

Again, this is clearly a problem unique to the firewire interface on the DCX3400. Note that on all earlier Moto boxes there were TWO firewire ports (as is standard on all firewire-enabled devices I've seen, other than camcorders). On the DCX3400 there is only one port, probably for lack of space I guess or else maybe they felt there was no need for two.

Also, I have never had a firewire-archiving problem with my original DCT6200 back in 2004, then the DCT6412, and then the DCH3416. Only now with the DCX3400, which reflects very significant overall technical upgrades from previous generations of this product line.

Anyway... I'm still looking for at least one other DCX3400 user who's also got a DVHS VCR to duplicate my results (or not). That would tell us it's a truism (or not).

Today I've noticed that my 4250HDC was set to channels at unexpected times (I often just listen to music or wake up pgms via FM xmtr).

I just observed why - the PG timer changed at 9pm to a channel I had programmed at 10pm - OOPS! FYI the guide info looks 'normal'. BTW I'm in the South Bay district.

And now I've got a pile of questions related to increasing storage capacity.

I'm finding that the 160 GB storage capacity of my dual tuner DVR is much smaller than I would like. I'm continually erasing HD programs to make room for new recordings.

So I'm looking into ways to increase storage capacity while staying with Time Warner.

Go here for external drive information.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559
/Dan

Go here for external drive information.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559
/Dan

Thank you for the link. I will check that out.

Hello All, looking to replace my Motorola DCH3416...is the DCX3400 the best HDDVR model that is currently available is SoCal? If not, what's better based on your experience? Thanks in advance for any help!

Hello All, looking to replace my Motorola DCH3416...is the DCX3400 the best HDDVR model that is currently available is SoCal? If not, what's better based on your experience? Thanks in advance for any help!Where do you live???

I'm wanting to return my DCX3400 because its firewire functionality no longer works reliably. I want to get my previous DCH3416 back, but I'm afraid the Culver City office (or TWC, for that matter) may no longer have any DCH3416 boxes to give out. They're moving forward with the DCX3400 as the current equipment.

And yes... it is the "best" box currently available from Motorola. 320GB hard drive (twice the 160GB on the 3416), and "native" resolution support (i.e. 720p and 1080i both supported to your HDTV, rather than forcing you to choose just one and upconverting/downconverting the other resolution). Also, the internal tuner and other electronics are faster and stronger than those in the 3416.

Honestly, I would keep it were it not for the failing firewire functionality, which for me is a deal-breaker since I offload HD recordings from DVR to DVHS tape.

So... if firewire functionality is not important to you, and if your 3416 is in perfect working order, let's work out something that can work for both of us.

PM me.

I apologize in advance for posting in this thread, as I am no longer a TWC customer (I switched to Verizon FiOS earlier this year).

All of my HD locals come in great and I have no problems except with KNBC-4. With that channel, the picture macroblocks and pixelates every now and then (I'd say about 7 to 8 times during a one hour program). I had the problem with Time Warner, still have it with Verizon, and it also happens with Dish Network (cousin has that service).

So the problem is coming out of Burbank, and not with any of the providers. The SD version is fine. Anyone else with KNBC picture problems?

"I apologize in advance for posting in this thread, as I am no longer a TWC customer (I switched to Verizon FiOS earlier this year)."

Congratulations for making the smart choice.

I finally decided to upgrade my STB from the Moto 6200 to a DVR. Called CS and talked with a woman named Jennifer who seemed to know more than the usual reps I've dealt with; she got me all squared away to pick one up Saturday at the Eagle Rock office.

She said the DVR is the 6416-TC. Is this a DCH-6416 (newer model than the 3416??) or a DCT-6416, which I guess is an older model? She asked if I had an HDMI cable, so apparently it supports that. I found the specs/manual for the DCH-6416 online, but am now wondering if this is the one I'll be getting. I haven't seen mention of it anywhere in this thread.

She said the DVR is the 6416-TC. Is this a DCH-6416 (newer model than the 3416??) or a DCT-6416, which I guess is an older model? She asked if I had an HDMI cable, so apparently it supports that. I found the specs/manual for the DCH-6416 online, but am now wondering if this is the one I'll be getting. I haven't seen mention of it anywhere in this thread.Well, the DCTxxxx family is definitely the oldest DVR group. The DCHxxxx superseded it, and then currently it is the DCXxxxx family which is the most recent.

As I recall, the 64xx line supported both analog and digital channels, when analog channels were available on the cable system. For areas that were all-digital, the 34xx products were less expensive (for the cable companies to buy) since they only needed to provide digital tuners internally.

The DCT6412 was the first-generation DVR, and had a 120GB hard drive and component video as well as DVI output. The DCT6416 had a 160GB hard drive and replaced DVI with HDMI. All boxes since the DCT6416 have only had HDMI and component video output... no DVI ever again.

I've had experience with them all, aside from the DCH6416 which I've never seen. I've only had the DCH3416, which is what TWC gave out for the past year or two.

The DCH3416 is an excellent model (given its 160GB hard drive and fixed-1080i/fixed-720p output) and is faster and more reliable than the older predecessor DCTxxxx products.

The most recent DCX3400, which has only recently started to be available widely by TWC, contains a 320GB hard drive. Also, its HDMI/component video output now supports "native" (i.e. 720p or 1080i, depending on the resolution being broadcast by the channel you're tuned to), rather than having to pick just one resolution depending on what your HDTV can support and having the DVR down-convert or up-convert as needed. This "native" support is a little shaky when you go through an A/V receiver to your HDTV with HDMI. It's stable when going directly to the HDTV from DVR via HDMI, but if you insert an A/V receiver in the middle (as many of us do, for support of multiple HDMI source devices) you have some considerations to follow... else "native" reverts to "1080i" and you have to manually put it back to "native".

The very new DCX3400 also seems to have had some early firmware issues, specifically in support of HDMI in general... and in particular involving an A/V receiver and HDMI. These have mostly been addressed in the latest firmware upgrade automatically installed by TWC.

However the DCX3400 does seem to have some other signs of malfunction and instability, which hopefully will be addressed by upcoming firmware upgrades. In particular, the firewire interface is non-functional (well, actually it is "functional" but it doesn't work), which is a real surprise since every Motorola STB/DVR in the past five years has had a 100% perfect working firewire interface.

Also, some random behavioral anomalies seem to pop up on occasion, e.g. DVR claims 100% full and will not record, when only a fraction of the hard drive is actually in use... corrected by a re-boot of the box. Also, I've lost sound after pushing the "delete" button on a recorded program I've just finished watching (corrected by powering the box off and powering it on again).

All in all, I would say that the DCX3400 is the least stable of all the Moto DVRs I've used over the past 5 years... but I have confidence Motorola will fix these issues eventually. Mostly, however, the presence of a 320GB hard drive and "native" resolution makes this one very desirable if you can get one... as long as you don't need the firewire interface to copy HD content from DVR to DVHS tape. The other anomalies are quite minor, and while irritating all of them have workarounds or easy solutions.

^^^Thanks for the details, DSperber (I knew you'd know ;)). I may call TWC back today for clarification, as now I'm really curious what 6416 the CS was referring to. Actually what she said was there two DVRs: the 6416 and the 6416-TC, which was the better one. When I pressed her on what made it better, she mentioned something about reliability, but was kinda vague.

UPDATE: Well, so much for the knowledgeable CS rep. I picked up my DVR at the Eagle Rock office today and was told the only one they give out is the DCX-3400. So, I like the native rez and the large HD, but, yes, it's impossible to even monitor the TV signal through the DH5U via firewire, as you stated earlier. Also, I use my AVR as an HDMI switch, but it's a no go with this 3400, as I get an HDCP Authorization Failed error, which some have gotten around by using another HDMI port on this Denon AVR. I'll have to play around with that. So, for the meantime, I've just connected it directly to the TV via HDMI.

November 5th, 2009
Time Warner loses 84,000 customers .... made less money than a year ago ....

http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2009/11/05/time-warner-loses-84000-customers-makes-less-money/25341/

Considering moving to TWC. (I'm in Placentia) The offer is one HD DVR and one HD receiver for the package I'd be getting. I currently have a couple of HTPCs with Avermedia Duets, one of which I could use to record from the HD receiver. Since I get good OTA reception, I see no benefit to clear QAM. Is that a good assumption? And does anyone know of a way to record to Vista Media Center using a TWC receiver with firewire?

Considering moving to TWC. (I'm in Placentia) The offer is one HD DVR and one HD receiver for the package I'd be getting. I currently have a couple of HTPCs with Avermedia Duets, one of which I could use to record from the HD receiver. Since I get good OTA reception, I see no benefit to clear QAM. Is that a good assumption? And does anyone know of a way to record to Vista Media Center using a TWC receiver with firewire?

Did this for the last few years with a Moto 6200. There's a small app (MCE STB Controller) that allows firewire recording to VMC. Go here (http://home.comcast.net/~timmmoore/firewire/readme.htm).

Trouble is, since around July of this year, TWC has restricted recordings via firewire to only regular broadcast channels (CBS, ABC, etc.). Before that any hidef (and SD) channels could be recorded through VMC in their native resolutions. It was sweet while it lasted. :(

Did this for the last few years with a Moto 6200. There's a small app (MCE STB Controller) that allows firewire recording to VMC. Go here (http://home.comcast.net/~timmmoore/firewire/readme.htm).

Trouble is, since around July of this year, TWC has restricted recordings via firewire to only regular broadcast channels (CBS, ABC, etc.). Before that any hidef (and SD) channels could be recorded through VMC in their native resolutions. It was sweet while it lasted. :(

Thanks for the response. Too bad all these guys want to funnel you to their overpriced devices. The FCC has really let the consumer down allowing the cable companies to pull stuff like this.

If I end up with TWC (this kind of puts a dent into TWC for me) I'd have to use the Hauppauge HD PVR to capture the Component onto the HTPC.

But considering I get 30+ channels with an antenna, I may just stick with D* for SD "cable" type stuff, and use the antenna to give me my HD fix.

The very new DCX3400 also seems to have had some early firmware issues, specifically in support of HDMI in general... and in particular involving an A/V receiver and HDMI. These have mostly been addressed in the latest firmware upgrade automatically installed by TWC.

However the DCX3400 does seem to have some other signs of malfunction and instability, which hopefully will be addressed by upcoming firmware upgrades. In particular, the firewire interface is non-functional (well, actually it is "functional" but it doesn't work), which is a real surprise since every Motorola STB/DVR in the past five years has had a 100% perfect working firewire interface.

Also, some random behavioral anomalies seem to pop up on occasion, e.g. DVR claims 100% full and will not record, when only a fraction of the hard drive is actually in use... corrected by a re-boot of the box. Also, I've lost sound after pushing the "delete" button on a recorded program I've just finished watching (corrected by powering the box off and powering it on again).



UPDATE: Well, so much for the knowledgeable CS rep. I picked up my DVR at the Eagle Rock office today and was told the only one they give out is the DCX-3400. So, I like the native rez and the large HD, but, yes, it's impossible to even monitor the TV signal through the DH5U via firewire, as you stated earlier. Also, I use my AVR as an HDMI switch, but it's a no go with this 3400, as I get an HDCP Authorization Failed error, which some have gotten around by using another HDMI port on this Denon AVR. I'll have to play around with that. So, for the meantime, I've just connected it directly to the TV via HDMI.

I currently have the DCT3416 with 160g HD. My local office is Eagle Rock also, so it looks like I can swap for the DCX3400. Main reason for me would be the 320g HD of course.

My current DCT3416 always gets the 'HD is full' message when there is plenty of space available. I have to delete 1 program to clear this. I've had this bug since day one (about 1.5 years), and it is annoying as hell, especially when I miss recordings due to it. I have to record a minute of something insignificant just so I have something to delete and clear the message. I can't believe they haven't fixed this via firmware through the cable line, WTF? I also can't believe the new DCX3400 has a similar bug, yet it seems you have to reboot to clear it as oppose to deleted a program. How inane.

My receiver has no HDMI, so I'm about to get a dedicated HDMI switcher to switch between my projector (actually DVI) and my new LED LCD that's coming.

Firewire: I don't have a HD VHS, but can I hook up an external HD to the firewire?

Any other things I should consider?

My HD is basically full, so It will probably take me a long time to get through my recorded programs, which I'll have to do before I trade in for a DCX3400. Unless there is a way to transfer content from my DCT3416 to DCX3400?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Considering moving to TWC. (I'm in Placentia) The offer is one HD DVR and one HD receiver for the package I'd be getting. I currently have a couple of HTPCs with Avermedia Duets, one of which I could use to record from the HD receiver. Since I get good OTA reception, I see no benefit to clear QAM. Is that a good assumption? And does anyone know of a way to record to Vista Media Center using a TWC receiver with firewire?
Stay away from TWC. Lousy service. Lousy picture quality. Channels that pixxelate(USA-HD) in an entire county (Ventura) for almost one year without being fixed.

Stay away from TWC. Lousy service. Lousy picture quality. Channels that pixxelate(USA-HD) in an entire county (Ventura) for almost one year without being fixed.

So who has the best, least compressed SD and HD PQ?

So who has the best, least compressed SD and HD PQ?

1 word. FiOS

1 word. FiOS

Strange, my friend claims his Fios PQ is horrible....maybe a set up issue...

I have no issues at all with any of my SD or HD channels on Verizon, except KNBC-HD. Even a direct feed to my HDTV doesn't solve the problem.

But TWC leaves a lot to be desired. Once you have tasted Filet Mignon, you don't want to go back to regular steak. Time Warner's SD channels have mediocre picture quality. And their channel selection? They must still think it's 2002.

Coming Soon!
AMC HD
BBC America HD
CBS College Sports HD
E! HD
Fuse HD
G4 HD
History International HD
HLN HD (Headline News)
HSN HD
IFC HD
Investigation Discovery HD
KFTR HD (Telefutura)
KMEX HD (Univision)
MSNBC HD
NBA TV
Outdoor Channel HD
QVC HD
Style HD
TCM HD
TV One HD
WE HD
WGN America HD

http://www.timewarnercable.com/SoCal/learn/cable/hdtv.html

I received snail mail yesterday that these channels (the mail only listed some of the above) will be added sometime in December. They will belong to their SD tier conterparts for subscription purposes.

AMCHD, IFCHD, BBC America HD, NBAHD and TCMHD are of particular interest to me... so yippee! I'm hoping none are broadcast in stretch-o-vision.

This "native" support is a little shaky when you go through an A/V receiver to your HDTV with HDMI. It's stable when going directly to the HDTV from DVR via HDMI, but if you insert an A/V receiver in the middle (as many of us do, for support of multiple HDMI source devices) you have some considerations to follow... else "native" reverts to "1080i" and you have to manually put it back to "native".
Now that I have the 3400, I'm seeing this as well, as I'm running native from the Moto via HDMI through an AVR which converts to 1080p to send to my display. However, it reverts to 720p, not 1080i. Are these "considerations to follow" you mention some sort of workaround, or are we stuck constantly changing the setting back manually? That'll get old real quick.

Now that I have the 3400, I'm seeing this as well, as I'm running native from the Moto via HDMI through an AVR which converts to 1080p to send to my display. However, it reverts to 720p, not 1080i. Are these "considerations to follow" you mention some sort of workaround, or are we stuck constantly changing the setting back manually? That'll get old real quick.Well I don't know why your setup reverts to 720p. Mine reverts to 1080i. Probably has to do with the receiver you're using. I'm using a Yamaha RX-V863.

Anyway, the "considerations to follow" are simple, and intuitive. The receiver in the middle is what the DCX box sees primarily, and when you power the receiver off then the DCX cannot see the HDTV. And when the receiver is on then the DCX can theoretically see the HDTV, but only if the HDTV is already on as well.

This background is the basic premise which then defines the "workaround" trick, which a number of other users have confirmed WILL keep the DCX box in native mode.

The trick is:

(1) when all three devices are off, always power the receiver on LAST, having already powered on the DCX and HDTV (in any order, but both must be on before you power the receiver on)

(2) when all three devices are on, always power the receiver off FIRST, and then you can power the DCX and HDTV off next (again, in any order, but you should have the receiver powered off first before you power off either of these)

This method... receiver always on last and off first... should preserve your "native" setting. Again, the reason this will work is that when the receiver finally comes on the instant HDMI handshake from DCX-to-HDTV can take place successfully and "native" will be preserved. If the HDTV is not on when the DCX tries to reach it through the receiver and fails, it will decide that the receiver itself is incapable of handling "native" and will revert to 720p/1080i.

And the same thing happens in reverse, if you power off the HDTV when the receiver is still on so that the DCX can see the disappearance of the HDTV, it now is convinced that the receiver is the display device and is incapable of handling "native", and once again it will revert to 720p/1080i.

I'm convinced that this really is not the way it should work, if the "native" firmware were programmed properly. In my opinion it really shouldn't be necessary to hide the HDTV from the DCX when a receiver is involved, but for now that's just how it works. Better that than no HDMI support at all through a receiver, which is exactly what it was with the original 22.31 firmware.

^^^Thanks for the detailed explanation. Makes sense. I leave the DCX on all the time, so that's no problem. I use a Harmony One remote and can specify to power on the AVR last, but haven't found a way to power off in any particular order, although I believe it defaults to powering off the AVR first (since the default was to power it on first). There's also an option to have the HDMI circuit for any of the 5 HDMI ports on the AVR left on while the AVR is in Standby. I'm not sure it's necessary in this case; I'll have to experiment. And perhaps another, less elegant solution, WRT the Harmony, would be to only go to/leave the "Watch TV" activity from another activity, so that, as far as the DCX knows, the AVR would always be the last on/first off.

What I did discover is that it is necessary to turn off any HDMI conversion in the AVR and simply allow the signal to pass through to the TV. At first, I had the AVR converting everything to 1080p before sending the signal to the TV, and, invariably, the DCX kept reverting to 720p. And this was happening even if I set the DCX to 1080i exclusively, not just Native. Maybe somthing specific to the Denon, or perhaps it's just the nature of the HDMI handshake where the DCX needs to get display information directly from the TV.

As an aside, I will occasionally see on the DCX's display what looks like "dUI" -- can't figure out what that means? Any clue?

I received snail mail yesterday that these channels (the mail only listed some of the above) will be added sometime in December. They will belong to their SD tier conterparts for subscription purposes.

AMCHD, IFCHD, BBC America HD, NBAHD and TCMHD are of particular interest to me... so yippee! I'm hoping none are broadcast in stretch-o-vision.

IFC HD uses lots of stretch-o-vision while BBC America HD believes in OAR. Some shows have very narrow pillar bars while most are in 16:9 SD or HD.

As an aside, I will occasionally see on the DCX's display what looks like "dUI" -- can't figure out what that means? Any clue?I believe this is "digital user interface". My conjecture is that it appears when the HDMI handshake occurs, i.e. when the DCX senses that the HDTV digital display device has been located and it's now checking HDMI capabilities.

For example, in my setup with the HDTV and DCX now both powered on first, I then turn the receiver on.., which takes a few seconds for it to come out of standby. Once the receiver is finally "active" (you can hear the big relay inside click) almost immediately the "DUI" blinks on the DCX display.

This appears to be by design, and perfectly normal for the DCX.

dUI would either be driving under the influence (typo'd) or something to do with the User Interface.

I received snail mail yesterday that these channels (the mail only listed some of the above) will be added sometime in December. ....

We recieved our snail mail letter dated 11/6/09:

As early as next month, we are kicking off the rollout of delivering 100 High Definition channels with the addition of AMC HD, The Weather Channel HD, History International HD, ESPNU HD, and many more....

Starting on December 8th, 2009 digital equiptment will be needed to continue to viewing channels KHWY, Shop NBC, AMC, The Weather Channel, ABC Family, Oxygen, Tru TV and Style. ...

So I assume the week of December 8th, here in West Hollywood we should start seeing new HD channels. FINALLY!

I assumed we would see the rollout of new HD Channels here sooner than later, because AT&T has been installing those ATT Uverse cabinets these past couple of months. They are installing one right now a block away from me.

i have twc chatsworth, ca btw and am using windows 7 wce

i dont know if this is the appropriate place to ask this, but i was wondering if anyone knew the digital tv channels for FSW (30) and FSNPRIME (31)?
i dont see them on silicondust.com
how would i go about getting this information?

thanks

TWC is also going to bump up Roadrunner standard speed to 10 Mbps. With all those Internet website ads, this is a good deal.

And, according to CS, RoadRunner Extreme will be going up to 15 Mpbs.

j0105, try www.zap2it.com and type in your zip code.

arvy, thanks for the reply

i tried out zap2it, but it looks like titantv.com, which doesn't give digital tv channels in the following format: ESPN - channel 120-512

if you look at silicondust.com and put in your zip code, it gives channels in that format

so, does anyone know the digital tv channels for FSW (30) and FSNPRIME (31)?

thanks

I don't believe that TWC makes any channel not accessable over the air in the clear accessable using QAM. So, KABC you can get but FSW or ESPN you cannot get without a box.

Jeff

thanks for the reply jeffrey

thats strange because i get espn and espn2 without any problems...you have to manually enter the channels, they do not come up when you scan for channels

i believe i can get FSW (30) and FSNPRIME (31)...i just need their digital tv channel #s

thanks

Surprisingly, I just received all the new HD channels (G4-HD, AMC-HD, TCM-HD, HSN-HD, msnbc-HD, etc.) just now. I thought it will arrive early next month as TWC announced it. It seems like the PQ quality is fine.

I'm convinced that this really is not the way it should work, if the "native" firmware were programmed properly. In my opinion it really shouldn't be necessary to hide the HDTV from the DCX when a receiver is involved, but for now that's just how it works. Better that than no HDMI support at all through a receiver, which is exactly what it was with the original 22.31 firmware.
Continuing my saga with this unsolicited reversion thing: after trying every possible contingency, including manually starting up my display first (DCX is always on), then the Denon AVR, native resolution is simply not carried over. Works fine once I change the setting, but I can't be doing that each time I turn the system on.

So I'm back to doing the direct HDMI connect to the display. So be it. :( I'm a little curious to see if the problem persists with a component connection to the AVR, HDMI to the TV, but think I'll save that for another day when my patience threshold is a bit higher. ;) In the meantime, if you hear of a fix with firmware, etc. please give a heads up, since, if it is an automatic one, I probably won't know about it. Thanks.

Surprisingly, I just received all the new HD channels (G4-HD, AMC-HD, TCM-HD, HSN-HD, msnbc-HD, etc.) just now. I thought it will arrive early next month as TWC announced it. It seems like the PQ quality is fine.

Great news. Tivo just picked up the NASA channel here:)

Surprisingly, I just received all the new HD channels (G4-HD, AMC-HD, TCM-HD, HSN-HD, msnbc-HD, etc.) just now. I thought it will arrive early next month as TWC announced it. It seems like the PQ quality is fine.INDEED!!! For me as well, here in MDR (former Comcast), aka Hollywood/Westchester.

A real surprise, that it's available today. It was just yesterday that I received the mail announcement of what was coming, but I thought it would start in December. Certainly can't complain!

The new HD channels now on my Favorites list are AMC-HD, MSNBC-HD, E!-HD, and BBCAM-HD. Also added is TCM-HD.

Interestingly, TCM-HD was added (478) but they mistakenly have it identified as TMC-HD, with Guide info actually from The Movie Channel... not Turner Classic Movies! I'm going to call them about it.

So it looks like there are two TMC-HD channels, although the second one (484) is the real one.

Also, though I don't subscribe to The Movie Channel, I'm currently getting it (and in HD). I suspect when they get this all new rollout corrected and sorted out with the other TCM-HD I will lose The Movie Channel.

Unfortunately, there's no AMC-HD On Demand (in HD Showcase), so I will not be able to watch Season 3 of "Mad Men" in HD unless AMC repeats the entire season sometime in the future.

INDEED!!! For me as well, here in MDR (former Comcast), aka Hollywood/Westchester.

A real surprise, that it's available today. It was just yesterday that I received the mail announcement of what was coming, but I thought it would start in December. Certainly can't complain!

The new HD channels now on my Favorites list are AMC-HD, MSNBC-HD, E!-HD, and BBCAM-HD. Also added is TCM-HD.

Interestingly, TCM-HD was added (478) but they mistakenly have it identified as TMC-HD, with Guide info actually from The Movie Channel... not Turner Classic Movies! I'm going to call them about it.

So it looks like there are two TMC-HD channels, although the second one (484) is the real one.

Also, though I don't subscribe to The Movie Channel, I'm currently getting it (and in HD). I suspect when they get this all new rollout corrected and sorted out with the other TCM-HD I will lose The Movie Channel.

Unfortunately, there's no AMC-HD On Demand (in HD Showcase), so I will not be able to watch Season 3 of "Mad Men" in HD unless AMC repeats the entire season sometime in the future.

do you have folders on the my recordings list on the DVR.

If so you might have SDV now.

Nothing new here in 90272 (former Adelphia). But it looks like the new dig streams are moving around the system. Some ex-Comcast (Hollywood-Wilshire), some ex-Adelphia (Eagle Rock). Perhaps later today?

do you have folders on the my recordings list on the DVR.

If so you might have SDV now.
I dont think SDV is enable yet. Shouldnt the iguide be updated to a28 if SDV is enabled? I'm in the former Comcast area.

do you have folders on the my recordings list on the DVR.

If so you might have SDV now.I don't follow.

Exactly what buttons am I supposed to press or do differently than before, and what am I looking for?

I certainly don't see anything different in appearance when I push the normal button to present my current list of recorded programs.

In other words, if "folders" are just automatically supposed to be visible when looking at my existing recordings list, they're definitely not there. But if there's something else I need to do to see them, please advise.

I dont think SDV is enable yet. Shouldnt the iguide be updated to a28 if SDV is enabled? I'm in the former Comcast area.Where/how is iGuide level displayed? Or are you just supposed to notice that it's somewhat different because we do?

Where/how is iGuide level displayed? Or are you just supposed to notice that it's somewhat different because we do?

go to main menu -> setup -> cable box setup -> select to display it should start with 78.xx if it is A28 if not it will start with 74.xx or 75.xx. 74 is A24 and 75 is A25.

go to main menu -> setup -> cable box setup -> select to display it should start with 78.xx if it is A28 if not it will start with 74.xx or 75.xx. 74 is A24 and 75 is A25.Thanks.

It's still 74.54, so it's clearly not SDV-ready yet.

Interestingly, TCM-HD was added (478) but they mistakenly have it identified as TMC-HD, with Guide info actually from The Movie Channel... not Turner Classic Movies! So it looks like there are two TMC-HD channels, although the second one (484) is the real one.Actually, the Guide info on 478 (mistakenly named TMCHD) is for The Movie Channel (Eastern), though the content is actually from Turner Classic Movies (TCMHD).

The other TMCHD (484) is truly The Movie Channel (Western), and its Guide info is correct.

Thanks.

It's still 74.54, so it's clearly not SDV-ready yet.

still on 74.54 in dallas also.

So who has the best, least compressed SD and HD PQ?

I've complained until I'm blue in the face regarding the pixelization on USA-HD and a couple of other channels. TW-CS says that it's USA's fault!!! Can't figure that one out. The good news for me is that the FiOS guys are spraypainting my street to start trenching soon. Can't wait. :)

Sherman Oaks got NASA yesterday, as well as a slew of new foreign language channels.

Has anyone else with a TIVO series 3 / Tivo HD gotten more details/pricing info on the tuning adapters?

thanks,

FCD

thanks for the reply jeffrey

thats strange because i get espn and espn2 without any problems...you have to manually enter the channels, they do not come up when you scan for channels

i believe i can get FSW (30) and FSNPRIME (31)...i just need their digital tv channel #s

thanks


In my area (formerly Adelphia) FSW is 463 & PRIME is 464.

Hope that helps.

Fred
there is no charge for tuning adapters according to customer service.
More information about tuning adapters check out the first post of this thread for several links.

Programming Alerts have been updated on the company website including the following:

From December 16, 2009 through December 20, 2009 Showtime channel 552, Showtime HD channel 553 and Showtime On Demand on channel 1 will be viewable by all customers through a free preview. Showtime On Demand is also carried on channel 1006 in some areas. Some programs have adult content.

Sherman Oaks got NASA yesterday, as well as a slew of new foreign language channels.
FCD


Was the foreign stuff just KSCI 18 subchannels? Because those are now showing up unencrypted over here. Anyway, does anybody know if over-the-air subchannels now fall under the category of must-carry?

Over-the-air subchannels are not must-carry although TWC have some. For example:

225 NBC Plus (KNBC D2)
226 Universal Sports (KNBC D4)
228 ABC7 Weather Now
445 Live Well HD (KABC-DT2)
237 KCET Orange (28.2)*
238 KCET World (28.4)*
336 V-me

For a complete (and, for me, thoroughly confusing) list of recent and upcoming channel lineup changes, check out: http://www.timewarnercable.com/SoCal/learn/programming/local/alerts.html

Well the additions of this week brings us up to 93 HD channels out here in TWC/LA land (though a few premiums are dups, on two channels). Too bad there's still no resolution on the HDNet/HDNMV issue, but I certainly can't complain.

Nearing the magic 100...

401 KVEA HD (Telemundo)
402 KCBS HD (CBS)
404 KNBC HD (NBC)
405 KTLA HD (CW)
407 KABC HD (ABC)
408 KOCE HD (PBS)
409 KCAL HD (Ind)
410 KPXN (ION) HD
411 KTTV (FOX) HD
412 KCET HD (PBS)

413 KCOP HD (myNetworkTV)
414 Palladia HD
415 TNT HD
416 HD Theater
417 TBS in HD
418 Discovery Channel HD
419 Universal HD
420 Smithsonian Channel HD
421 Crime & Investigation Network HD
422 MGM HD

423 The Golf Channel HD
424 ESPN HD
425 ESPN2 HD
426 ESPNews HD
427 HBO HD (West)
428 Showtime HD (West)
429 Starz HD (West)
430 Cinemax HD (West)
431 HD (Pay-per-view)
432 CNN HD

433 HGTV HD
434 Food Network HD
435 Disney Channel HD
436 ABC Family HD
437 TLC HD
438 A&E HD
439 History HD
440 National Geographic HD
441 USA HD
442 Bravo HD

443 Sci Fi HD
444 CNBC HD+
445 Live Well HD (KABC-DT2)
446 MSNBC HD
447 HLN HD
448 BBC America HD
449 Investigation Discovery HD
451 Animal Planet HD
452 Travel Channel HD
453 Planet Green HD

454 The Weather Channel HD
455 History International HD
456 FX HD
457 BIO HD
458 WGN America HD
460 Science Channel HD
461 Toon Disney HD
462 Cartoon Network HD
463 FOX Sports West HD
464 Prime Ticket HD

465 Fox News HD
466 Fox Business Network HD
467 ESPNU HD
468 Speed HD
469 Versus HD
470 MLB Network HD
471 NHL Network HD
472 NBA TV HD
473 The Tennis Channel HD
474 CBS College Sports HD

475 Lifetime Movie Network HD
476 Hallmark Movie Channel HD
478 TCM HD
479 AMC HD
480 Independent Film Channel
481 HBO HD (East)
482 Cinemax HD (East)
483 Showtime HD (East)
484 The Movie Channel HD
485 Starz HD (East)

486 We TV HD
487 E! HD
488 Style HD
489 HSN HD
490 QVC HD
494 Fuse HD
495 G4 HD
498 TV One HD
499 Outdoor Channel HD
502 HBO HD

522 Cinemax HD
552 Showtime HD
572 Starz HD

Those channels "ain't" here yet....

Sherman Oaks got NASA yesterday, as well as a slew of new foreign language channels.

Has anyone else with a TIVO series 3 / Tivo HD gotten more details/pricing info on the tuning adapters?

thanks,

FCD

When I called about the tuning adapter the other day I was told to go to the local office to pick one up or schedule an installation. I haven't had a chance to go to the office yet.

I noticed the NASA channel last night and I also noticed I now get Music Choice, but the sound breaks up a lot.

Too bad there's still no resolution on the HDNet/HDNMV issue, but I certainly can't complain.

Apparently it was resolved back in May in the mind of TWC, much to the chagrin of Mark Cuban. TWC thinks "HDNet's programming (lacks) appeal."


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

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

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

...

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

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

Soon with the addition on new hd channels I'll have the choice between QVC-HD and HSN-HD. Looking forward to TWC offering more choices like these.

Bring back HDNET Movies.

Soon with the addition on new hd channels I'll have the choice between QVC-HD and HSN-HD. Looking forward to TWC offering more choices like these.

Bring back HDNET Movies.

If Cuban paid TWC as much as the shoppers do for carriage, I'm sure they can find a slot for it.

I've complained until I'm blue in the face regarding the pixelization on USA-HD and a couple of other channels. TW-CS says that it's USA's fault!!! Can't figure that one out. The good news for me is that the FiOS guys are spraypainting my street to start trenching soon. Can't wait. :)
USA-HD pixellation has been occuring in Ventura County for almost a year and TWC has done NOTHING to fix it. Channels 441, 442, and 443 all pixellate at the same time. That proves there is nothing wrong with the USA-HD feed.

USA-HD pixellation has been occuring in Ventura County for almost a year and TWC has done NOTHING to fix it. Channels 441, 442, and 443 all pixellate at the same time. That proves there is nothing wrong with the USA-HD feed.
And yes USA-HD works fine on FIOS.

I'm in the Tujunga area and I got a letter saying Tivos with cable cards would need the tuning adapter. I talked to TW for about a hour on Wednesday trying to either order one or find out if I could pick one up. After first saying that it would cost $20 for a service call to deliver it and xx amount per month. I said they were supposed to be free and could I pick one up. The first rep finally said that tuning adapters were not available for my area, I asked to speak to a supervisor, told her about the letter, faxed the letter to her. She called back an hour later and said the letter was in error, SDV was not going to be switched on in my area yet. I'm just waiting for the date in the letter December 8 to find that I can't access the channels. At least I have an older tivo and a digital box, so in a pinch I can just program both Tivos for the same channel. I've been doing that anyway since they turned on the no copy flag, since I'm never sure where I want to watch a program.

According to Programming Alerts on December 10th, 24 channels will be added in So Cal but 14 will not be available in all areas. Is this correct?

BBC America HD 448
Disney XD HD 461
ESPNU HD 467
HSN HD 489
Investigation Discovery HD 449
Outdoor Channel HD 499
QVC HD 490
Speed HD 468
Style HD 488
TCM HD 478
The Weather Channel HD 454
TV One HD 498
WE HD 486
WGN America HD 458

That's about right. What bothers me most is missing BBC America and TCM.

So how do you know which group your area is in? :confused:

So how do you know which group your area is in? :confused:

Click on Programming Alerts found in the 1st post of this thread. There are several announcements and the December 10th changes are the ones singled out here:

Group One
AMC HD 480, WE HD 486, E! HD 487, History International HD 455, IFC HD 480, Fuse HD 494, MSNBC HD 446, HLN HD 447, CBS College Sports HD 474, NBA TV HD 472, Outdoor Channel HD 499, G4 HD 495, TV One HD 498, Investigation Discovery HD 449, BBC America HD 448, WGN America HD 458, TCM HD 478, Style HD 488, HSN HD 489 and QVC HD 490 will be launched on the same service level as the standard definition version of each respective channel in Artesia, Bell & Cudahy, Carson, Claremont, Compton, Athens, East Compton, Florence, Willowbrook, Corona, Covina, Pomona, California Oaks, Canyon Lake, Corona, El Cerrito, Glenn Ivy, Horsethief Canyon, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs, Riverside County, The Farm, Wild Rose, Costa Mesa, Cypress & La Palma, Harbor, Lomita, Harbor City, San Pedro, Wilmington, Hawaiian Gardens, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Downey, La Mirada, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, Santa Fe Springs, Hollywood, Westchester: Baldwin Hills, Culver City, Hollywood, Hawthorne, Ladera Heights, Lennox, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Westchester, West LA, Westside, Westwood, Wilshire, Windsor Hills, Homeland, Romoland, Inglewood, Lakewood, South El Monte, Santa Clarita, Tujunga, North Valley: Castaic, Kagel Canyon, Newhall, Saugus, Valencia, Sunland, Sylmar, South Los Angeles and Tustin.

Group Two
Speed HD 468, ESPNU HD 467, Disney XD HD 461, The Weather Channel HD 454, AMC HD 480, E! HD 487, History International HD 455, IFC HD 480, Fuse HD 494, MSNBC HD 446, HLN HD 447, CBS College Sports HD 474, NBA TV HD 472, G4 HD 495 and TV One HD 498 will be launched on the same service level as the standard definition version of each respective channel in Buena Park, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Placentia, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Alta Loma, Bloomington, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernadino, San Antonio Heights, Upland, San Gabriel Valley (Arcadia, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, El Monte, Diamond Bar, Glendora, Hacienda Heights, La Verne, La Puente, Monrovia, Pico Rivera, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, Sierra Madre, South Gate, South Whittier), March Air Force Base, Moreno Valley, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Rialto, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach & Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Anaheim, Beverly Hills, Brea, La Habra, La Habra Heights, Yorba Linda, Calabasas, City of Chino, Chino Hills, Pomona, San Bernardino County, Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, East San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley / Edwards Air Force Base, Hemet, Idyllwild, Murrieta, San Jacinto, Temecula, Winchester, City of Los Angeles, Marina Del Rey, Agoura Hills, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oak Park, Oak View, Ojai, Westlake Village, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Air Force Village West, Perris, Lake Matthews, Lakeview, Nuevo, Woodcrest, Beaumont, Calimesa, Colton, Highgrove, Highland, Mentone, Muscoy, Redlands, San Bernardino, Yucaipa, Ventura, West Hollywood, Canyon Country, San Fernando, Orange County, Santa Clarita & Stevenson Ranch, South Bay, South Pasadena & San Marino, Torrance and West Valley. They will remain in all the areas where they are already carried.

Click on Programming Alerts found in the 1st post of this thread. There are several announcements and the December 10th changes are the ones singled out here:


Thanks. So, like you, I'm out of Eagle Rock (Los Feliz), which is not listed. What's your best guess: are we Hollywood (I hope -- TCM-HD) or City of Los Angeles (The Weather Channel - HD -- oh, spare me...)?

City of Los Angeles

Nooooooooo...:eek::mad:

Oh well. Looks like no TCM or BBC for us unsophisticates in Sherman Oaks.

Bring on the Weather channel. Perfect for a region of the country that has no weather.

Speed might be fun, because of the way traffic is here - we'd like to see what it's like to drive more than 40.


And of course we need two home shopping networks.

Great. I'm in Silverlake, so probably City of LA too.

Can't believe I'm not gonna get BBC-HD. No Top Gear in HD, what a buzz-kill.

This sucks.

Why do they have these different groups? I don't get the rational :confused: It's not like the difference between viewers in SLC Utah vs. LA, it's friggin Silverlake/Los Feliz next door to Hollywood!

i hope eagle rock is included in "city of los angeles." ive been waiting to get ESPNU HD for such a long time. im also glad that NBA TV is being moved to the variety tier.

i hope eagle rock is included in "city of los angeles." ive been waiting to get ESPNU HD for such a long time. im also glad that NBA TV is being moved to the variety tier.

Seems to be answered, post #6963

Why do they have these different groups? I don't get the rational :confused: It's not like the difference between viewers in SLC Utah vs. LA, it's friggin Silverlake/Los Feliz next door to Hollywood!Looks like system capabilities. One group appears to always have been TWC and one group was someone else. Give or take some due to area upgrading. /Dan

Looks like system capabilities. One group appears to always have been TWC and one group was someone else. Give or take some due to area upgrading. /Dan

I don't understand how say group 1 can handle BBC-HD while group 2 can't?

Now if it was a contractual issue (outstanding contracts with media groups, etc.), then I can somewhat maybe understand. But then again, I get Std def BBC America already, so that wouldn't make much sense either.

I don't understand how say group 1 can handle BBC-HD while group 2 can't?
The former Comcast areas have a bit more bandwidth due to moving the expanded basic to digital only. A box was required to view the expanded basic analog prior to dropping it. I hope the other areas get all the HD channels soon.

The former Comcast areas have a bit more bandwidth due to moving the expanded basic to digital only. A box was required to view the expanded basic analog prior to dropping it. I hope the other areas get all the HD channels soon.

That would explain the number of channels/HD they can offer, as opposed to what they can offer. And in that case, i'd gladly exchange the weather ch HD for BBC-HD!

Is anyone having problems with Video on Demand? On my HD Motorola receiver box I get pixellation or jerky video sometimes when playing back content. On my Motorola 3416 HD DVR I never have any problems. I had a technician out to measure signal levels and he could find no problem. He said it was happening because TWC is in the process of implementing SDV. I am not so sure. Why would the HD DVR box work great then? I think there is something wrong with the 6200 HD box or its firmware. I live in Camarillo.

Is anyone having problems with Video on Demand?
Checked this morning with my 6200 and I did see some serious pixelation on the first thing I selected (AMC - "Mad Men"). I randomly chose other selections from several different categories and didn't see any breakup. I then went back to my first selection and it played fine. :confused: I'm in Los Feliz (Eagle Rock).

I am seeing the same thing. I will often select something and it will pixellate. Go to something else and it will work fine. Then go back to the original and it plays back fine.
I switched the 6200 box out with a replacement and get the same problem. Yet the 3410 HD DVR works fine with everything . Very strange. There seems to be some kind of incompatibility with the current 6200 firmware and On Demand.

Yet the 3410 HD DVR works fine with everything .
Interesting. I seldom take advantage of VOD so this is the first I've seen of it. I have a new 3400 in the living room now and will check that out when I get home from work.

Interesting. I seldom take advantage of VOD so this is the first I've seen of it. I have a new 3400 in the living room now and will check that out when I get home from work.

Not related to VOD, but did you have a DCT3416 before? That's what i have now and am considering swapping for the bigger HD 3400. Any thoughts for me? I'm in Silverlake (eagle rock) too, so I assume I can get it from that office, hook it up myself and call in for the authorization (what I did with my DCT3416).

>Right now the most annoying trait of my 3416 is how slow reacting it is, especially when I'm watching HD.
>That and no large 'skip' (beyond the 15sec), makes going back an hour during a live feed a wait (can only rewind).
>Also can't record a live show if it passed it's 'end' time, even though it's in the live feed buffer (so my only choice is to RW and watch it now).

Wondering if the live feed buffer is bigger on the 3400 for HD content? On the 3416 is seems like only 30 mins of live feed is buffered with HD content.

I'm thinking of getting the Moxi HD-DVR now that it has come down in price. I miss the old Moxi I used to have back in the Adelphia days. Now, the 6416 they replaced it with keeps queuing up my remote control commands. Plus, I'm sick and tired of the interface.

My only hesitation is that I subscribe to NHL Center Ice and I seem to remember reading somewhere that NHL Center Ice/MLB Extra Innings etc... do not work on Cable Card devices. Can someone confirm this? Also, if they do not work, will the new adapters for SDV remedy this in any way?

My only hesitation is that I subscribe to NHL Center Ice and I seem to remember reading somewhere that NHL Center Ice/MLB Extra Innings etc... do not work on Cable Card devices. Can someone confirm this? Also, if they do not work, will the new adapters for SDV remedy this in any way?

VOD content can't be tuned with one way cable card devices (except for the TIVO that has a special adapter available).

Thanks. So, like you, I'm out of Eagle Rock (Los Feliz), which is not listed. What's your best guess: are we Hollywood (I hope -- TCM-HD) or City of Los Angeles (The Weather Channel - HD -- oh, spare me...)?

Seems like the cut off is the ex-Adelphia, ex-Comcast line. Adelphia had Hollywood from about Hollywood Blvd, North and Eagle Rock. Comcast was Hollywood Blvd. South (the line was very jumbled there).

Comcast had a newer system than Adelphia's at takeover, but things have changed and been rebuilt since then.

Not related to VOD, but did you have a DCT3416 before? That's what i have now and am considering swapping for the bigger HD 3400. Any thoughts for me? I'm in Silverlake (eagle rock) too, so I assume I can get it from that office, hook it up myself and call in for the authorization (what I did with my DCT3416).
No, I just added the 3400 and moved the 6200 to the bedroom; I've only had it for a couple of weeks. I called to set up an installation, but the CR rep said I could just order it from her and pick it up at the Eagle Rock office myself, which I did the next day. She ordered the 6416 for me ("It's the best one..." she said), but the woman at the office couldn't understand why she said that as the 3400 is the only one they're giving out. After hooking it up, I called in for authorization/initialization which didn't take at first; had to reboot the box a couple of times. But, all and all, a simple process and, mercifully, didn't have to have a service call (at $30) in order to set it up.

Haven't had a DVR since the nightmare MOXI a few years back, as I've been using my media PC to record. It appears the buffer is 30 min, but the skip looks to be 30 secs. The one major issue it has is, with its being routed via HDMI through my AVR to my TV, unless the AVR is turned on after the TV and turned off before, it reverts back to 720p/override OFF output (1080i for some) no matter if it's set to Native or 1080i. I'm hoping this will be fixed in a future firmware upgrade; since the TV I generally watch is 720p based anyway, it's something I can live with for now. I just wish it had a ZOOM function for letterboxed SD material.

I'm trying to get a simple answer out of TWC. If there are any company lurkers here - or those who have had a similar question answered.

I have an old (3 years) SA 8300 HD DVR. It's slow and clunky. I'm trying to get the latest and greatest box from TWC. Contacted support four times and got four different answers.

1. I needed to have someone come to the house. House call is $19.95 and there's no guaruntee that the box the tech brings will be any different than what I have. If it's the same or worse I can refuse installation and still be charged the fee.

2. I should unhook everything and bring the box to the local store. They'll swap it out and give me a new one, but it's only limited to what's in stock. I most likely would receive something worse than I have. There is no way to contact the local store to check inventory. (conflicts with answer #1).

3. Online support says to call support and they would check local stock. They're the only ones that can check stock. I tried and they wouldn't do it. (conflicts with answer #2).

4. Unplug the box and take it to the store. It's 100% guarunteed that they have brand new DCX 3400's. I can exchange for free (conflicts with all other answers).

Last time I had a house call, they blew me off for two appointments and showed up for the 3rd with the wrong equipment - even though it said what I needed on the work order.

Don't really want to unplug everything to take the box down if I'm not sure it will be worth my while.

Anyone have a similar experience - or a right answer?

Thinking of going to TiVO. At least I wouldn't have lowest common denominator support and equipment.

^ I exchanged my dvr for a new one a few months ago at the office in culver city. I had tried at the beginning of the year and by the time I got to the office late in the morning they were out of new boxes and recommended coming earlier in the day.

I let some time pass to let their backlog ease and went in midmorning, successfully leaving with a new box at no charge.

2. I should unhook everything and bring the box to the local store. They'll swap it out and give me a new one, but it's only limited to what's in stock. I most likely would receive something worse than I have. There is no way to contact the local store to check inventory. (conflicts with answer #1).

4. Unplug the box and take it to the store. It's 100% guarunteed that they have brand new DCX 3400's. I can exchange for free (conflicts with all other answers).

Don't really want to unplug everything to take the box down if I'm not sure it will be worth my while.

Anyone have a similar experience - or a right answer?



I can't speak for the new 3400 box, or what their policy might be now (or differences between office areas), but I went to the Eagle Rock office about 1.5 years ago to get my current 3416 DVR. I didn't want to turn in my old moxi box yet as it I wasn't sure I'd like the 3416, so I just got the 3416 and paid for the extra box 'service', as though you'd have an additional box (in a different room), $10-$15 extra a month? Then I'd return my old moxi box when I wanted to, and they'd cancel the second 'service'. I believe they just pro-rate the difference.

Just a note: I think my old Moxi box wouldn't play pre-recorded shows unless it was hooked into the cable line and registered. Dunno if that is the case with any of the newer boxes...

Don't really want to unplug everything to take the box down if I'm not sure it will be worth my while.

Anyone have a similar experience - or a right answer?



You forgot another alternative, drive to store without equipment, ask to see what they have, if you like the answer, drive home, unhook everything and drive back, pray they still have what you want when you get there.

Or, drive down to cable store, order additional box for your account if you like what they have, drive home, hook it up, unhook other box, drive it back to cable store. Cost is two round trips plus the daily charge for the second box.

Click on Programming Alerts found in the 1st post of this thread. There are several announcements and the December 10th changes are the ones singled out here:


Hope this makes the list easier to read

GROUP 1
AMC HD 480
CBS College Sports HD 474
Disney XD HD 461
E! HD 487
ESPNU HD 467
Fuse HD 494
G4 HD 495
History International HD 455
HLN HD 447
IFC HD 480
MSNBC HD 446
NBA TV HD 472
TV One HD 498
Speed HD 468
The Weather Channel HD 454

GROUP 2
AMC HD 480
BBC America HD 448
CBS College Sports HD 474
E! HD 487
Fuse HD 494
G4 HD 495
History International HD 455
HLN HD 447
HSN HD 489
IFC HD 480
Investigation Discovery HD 449
MSNBC HD 446
NBA TV HD 472
Outdoor Channel HD 499
QVC HD 490
Style HD 488
TCM HD 478
TV One HD 498
WE HD 486
WGN America HD 458

Oh well. Looks like no TCM or BBC for us unsophisticates in Sherman Oaks.



It depends if you live North or South of Ventura Blvd. That's the old line between Theta/Century/Group W/Adelphia/TWC (South) and United/TCI/Adelphia/TWC (North).

"It depends if you live North or South of Ventura Blvd. That's the old line between Theta/Century/Group W/Adelphia/TWC (South) and United/TCI/Adelphia/TWC (North)."

I'm south of Ventura. Used to be Adelphia. Am I in the good part of Sherman Oaks? Do I get TCM? Pretty Please!

Both are on 480.

Long ago they tried this with comedy central (sd - this was way before hd). Seemed to switch to the other channnel everytime MST3K came on. Had to have friends tape the show for me every week.

I can imagine expecting to watch Mad Men and instead seeing one of those 'woe is me and my trust fund' indie films instead.

North of the Blvd, is "East Valley" (east of the 405) in Sherman Oaks, South is "West LA/Hollywood" from the old Theta system built in the Santa Monica Mountains back in the 1960s.

When United Cable build the East Valley system in the early 80s it had a higher capacity than the Theta/Group W system at the time. Things have been rebuilt since, so now the older systems have more bandwidth than the newer ones. Things will even out eventually.

Arghhhh....when are they giving us Big Ten Network? I'm dying here.

Cable Industry Joins MPAA In Asking FCC To Allow Them To Stop Your DVR From Recording Movies | Techdirt
from the without-any-reason dept

Ars Technica has allowed the cable industry lobbyists' top lawyer to explain why the cable industry supports breaking your DVR in a misguided effort to add more windows to movie releases. Not surprisingly, he simply repeats the MPAA's flat out lies and misrepresentations on this particular issue. For example, he claims that the movie studios need this or they won't get content out to the industry early enough. But that's wrong. There is nothing stopping the movie studios from releasing content whenever they would like. In fact, we've already seen that some of the major studios are releasing movies in exactly this manner (prior to DVD release), despite claiming that it's impossible to do so without enabling this form of DRM.

If the movie industry wants to add a new window where they release movies for pay-per-view offerings before they come out on DVD, there is nothing stopping them from doing so today. Nothing.

The claim that this is about preventing "piracy" is flat out bogus. Even the movie studios themselves claim that nearly every movie is already "pirated" by the time the movies hit the theaters. And these pay-per-view offerings (they like to call them video on demand, but it's really pay per view) are for a window later than the theater release. So the movies will already be available via unauthorized channels. That won't change at all.

So, what are we left with? The two main arguments simply don't make sense at all. There's nothing stopping the studios from adding this window now. And enabling selectable output control (SOC) to stop your DVR from recording these movies won't do a damn thing to reduce unauthorized file sharing of the same content. The only thing it will serve to do is make legitimate customers pissed off, because they'll be confused and annoyed when the DVR they purchased to record what comes out of their TV sets refuses to record this movie that they legally are accessing, but want to time shift (which, again, is perfectly legal).

Contrary to the MPAA and the NCTA's bogus claims, this has nothing to do with enabling some "awesome" new service. This has everything to do with trying to lock down your TV and DVR in an age when consumers are finally getting back some control. What's amusing, of course, is that this comes just as the TV industry is finally realizing that letting consumers do what they wanted with DVRs didn't harm the TV industry, but helped it. One of these days, maybe the MPAA and the NCTA will come to that realization as well. In the meantime, though, they want to get a foot in the door to let them stop your DVR from working as advertised, in the misguided belief that they need to push back on what legitimate consumers want to do with the content they watch.

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20091118/0740516984.shtml#comments

I'm contemplating the exchange of my old Moto/Moxi box with a newer DVR. What would be the best DVR offered by TWC at this point?
I'm using a simple setup, DVR>HDTV.
I'm pretty sure the menu on the newer Moto/SA boxes is not that great, but I'm kind of tired of the old Moxi box with all it's constant noise and lack of HD space.
TIA

I'm trying to get a simple answer out of TWC. If there are any company lurkers here - or those who have had a similar question answered.

I have an old (3 years) SA 8300 HD DVR. It's slow and clunky. I'm trying to get the latest and greatest box from TWC. Contacted support four times and got four different answers.

I may have missed it, but your location would help. I think many cities do not even have DCX3400 as a choice yet (only SA items). Actually surprised you are unhappy with the 8300 HD (I have one), and some like it better than the 8300 HDC. /Dan

I may have missed it, but your location would help. I think many cities do not even have DCX3400 as a choice yet (only SA items). Actually surprised you are unhappy with the 8300 HD (I have one), and some like it better than the 8300 HDC. /Dan

I'm in Sherman Oaks, South of Valley Vista near Sepulveda. I'm not even sure what 'district' I'm in. I seem to be right on the border of East/West Valley and some say I might even be on the old system that's in the hills which would put me on the Hollywood system.

yes you would be in the adelphia/comcast system or to be technical; the old theta system

In the meantime, though, they want to get a foot in the door to let them stop your DVR from working as advertised, in the misguided belief that they need to push back on what legitimate consumers want to do with the content they watch.


Like TWC did in voluntarily setting the copy flag to disable the MVR feature on TiVos.

SignOnSanDiego.com
SPORTS MEDIA / JAY POSNER

By Jay Posner

Friday, November 20, 2009 at midnight

For the fourth straight year, the NFL will present a Thanksgiving television tripleheader ... to about half the country.

The rest of us will watch the first two games, as unappealing as they are — Packers-Lions and Raiders-Cowboys — and then be forced to scramble among some hoops and a college football game between really good Texas and really mediocre Texas A&M. (Well, either that or actually talk to our family and guests.)

Meanwhile, Giants-Broncos, a game of great interest in many markets, including San Diego, will be on NFL Network, seen locally only in those homes with Cox Cable's Sports & Information Package, DirecTV, Dish Network or AT&T U-Verse.

If you have Time Warner Cable, you won't see Thursday's game. Just like you didn't see last night's game ... or last week's game ... or last year's games ... or the rest of this year's games, except for Chargers-Titans on Dec. 25, which will be simulcast on KFMB Channel 8.

It just goes on and on and on.

The NFL this week cranked up the propaganda machine, placing an ad in Politico, a Washington publication read by members of Congress and other insiders. The thrust of the ad: Time Warner is the only TV provider among the top five in the U.S. that does not carry NFL Network.

The league also released some quotes from Commissioner Roger Goodell, speaking in Charlotte:

“We have 53 million homes and more than 300 distributors. ... It's pretty clear that a market has been established, that there is a clear demand for the product. It's gotten a tremendous reaction, and this year we've added the NFL RedZone (which takes viewers to different games without having to change the channel).”

Time Warner's argument is familiar — that the NFL wants too much money for eight regular-season games.

“We remain open to a deal under fair and reasonable terms — however, we believe they are currently demanding an excessive amount of money for eight regular season games,” Marc Farrar, a spokesman for Time Warner Cable in San Diego, said via e-mail. “Our customers already spend hundreds of millions of dollars per year to watch the vast majority of available NFL games and football-related content on broadcast stations and ESPN.”

It's true that fans already spend a great deal of money to watch the NFL — but many would spend more (just look at sales of NFL Sunday Ticket). And it's also true that NFL Network offers more than eight regular-season games, especially with the RedZone channel, which the league will allow to be placed on a sports tier. In theory, that would permit the cable operator to recoup some of its money.

Farrar wrote that “spending so much on NFLN might keep us from making other investments that would better serve our customers' needs 365 days/year. We feel it is a better choice to add other great programming — like the lineup of new HD sports channels we have, new on demand content and other programming features, rather than the NFLN.”

But we want it all. It's the same reason I'm always asking Farrar when TWC is going to add The Mtn. (which Cox Cable has), or Cox officials when they're going to add Fox College Sports or Big Ten Network (which TWC has). Or both operators when they're going to pick up FSN Prime Ticket.

The bottom line: If it's out there, we want it. Especially on Thanksgiving. Don't make us talk to our guests.

more:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/20/nfl-network-still-not-included-on-time-warners/

06:55 PM CST on Friday, November 20, 2009

For every action in the television football world, there is a reaction:

(edited)

Action: Thanksgiving appears to be offering three lousy TV games. CBS has the Packers and morbid Lions, Fox has the horrible Raiders and ESPN has the Texas Longhorns and the lame Texas A&M Aggies. The best game of the day may be Giants-Broncos, the third game of the NFL tripleheader. But it's on the viewer-challenged NFL Network, which is available in only 53 million homes, less than half the homes in the country.

Reaction: The big national outcry will come before NFLN's Dec. 19th game. That's the Saturday night of the Cowboys-Saints game. The game will be available on over-the-air television in Dallas-Fort Worth and New Orleans, but that's all.

more
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/columnists/bhorn/stories/112109dnspohorn.2f7105f.html

By PETER LAURIA

Last Updated: 1:33 PM, November 19, 2009

After years of fruitlessly trying to get subscribers to demand it be carried on their cable systems, the NFL Network is once again courting lawmakers. The fledgling network yesterday went after Time Warner Cable with an ad in Politico, the Washington, DC, daily that is widely read by Beltway insiders. "A primetime game each week on the NFL Network, but not for Time Warner Cable customers," reads the ad, which notes that Time Warner Cable is the only distributor among the nation's top five not to carry the channel. The other distributors -- Comcast, DirecTV, Dish Network and Cox Communications -- carry the network on a digital-service tier. "With regards to their top-five comment, actually, the NFL Network still hasn't reached an agreement with the majority of the top-10 cable operators," shot back a Time Warner Cable representative in a statement to The Post. Launched in November 2003, the NFL Network is available in 53 million US homes, or just over half of the pay-television households in the country. Every year around this time, when the channel's schedule of eight Thursday night games kicks in, the network mounts a campaign to pressure holdout distributors like Time Warner Cable and Cablevision in New York. The NFL Network wants to be distributed on an expanded basic tier like networks such as MTV, so that it can attract the widest possible audience and charge higher fees for advertising and carriage.

After years of fruitlessly trying to get subscribers to demand it be carried on their cable systems, the NFL Network is once again courting lawmakers.

The fledgling network yesterday went after Time Warner Cable with an ad in Politico, the Washington, DC, daily that is widely read by Beltway insiders.

"A primetime game each week on the NFL Network, but not for Time Warner Cable customers," reads the ad, which notes that Time Warner Cable is the only distributor among the nation's top five not to carry the channel.

The other distributors -- Comcast, DirecTV, Dish Network and Cox Communications -- carry the network on a digital-service tier.

It’s second down for the NFL Network, which — after first urging Time Warner Cable customers to complain — is now targeting lawmakers to have the cable system carry the channel.

"With regards to their top-five comment, actually, the NFL Network still hasn't reached an agreement with the majority of the top-10 cable operators," shot back a Time Warner Cable representative in a statement to The Post.

Launched in November 2003, the NFL Network is available in 53 million US homes, or just over half of the pay-television households in the country. Every year around this time, when the channel's schedule of eight Thursday night games kicks in, the network mounts a campaign to pressure holdout distributors like Time Warner Cable and Cablevision in New York.

The NFL Network wants to be distributed on an expanded basic tier like networks such as MTV, so that it can attract the widest possible audience and charge higher fees for advertising and carriage.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/nfl_network_attempts_to_huddle_with_ncSQTK5qWxjqBipYbX8QqK