Los Angeles, CA - TWC [Text View] - Page 33

bgooch

11-04-11, 03:52 PM

November 4th, 2011 By: THN News

(The Hosting News) – Privately hosted clouds should soon see a boost. On Friday, cloud solutions provider Enteracloud revealed that it was partnering up with a pretty large provider, Time Warner Cable.

The two will work with Enteracloud and they’re focusing on one particular area: Enterprise customers and small businesses.

Intended for customers in Southern California, the companies will provide customized cloud solutions. Specifically, Enteracloud says it will use its cloud solutions along with “fiber interconnection services” from Time Warner Cable.

Commenting on the matter in a press release, Enteracloud CTO Tim Doscher stated, “We are very excited to announce our partnership with Time Warner Cable to deliver an enterprise class private hosted cloud offering that only a provider with such a high concentration of fiber connectivity to Southern California can provide.”

“This partnership presents an ideal solution for small businesses, small businesses and enterprises seeking faster and simpler ways to build premium, customized private clouds that maximize business value in the locations where they need them to be. As the cloud market continues to mature and more organizations look to strategically build and position clouds throughout the Southern California market, Time Warner offers the reliability of a high speed fiber network,” he continued.

Aside from its cloud solutions, Enteracloud provides services such as virtualization, IaaS, data center colocation, and more.

Meanwhile, Time Warner Cable’s Greg Wisniewski discussed the deal, saying “Time Warner Cable is working with Enteracloud to further advance our goal to become the destination for cloud enablement for our customers.”

Earlier this year in July, Enteracloud announced that it would be expanding its San Diego data center facility. The company has other data centers located in Los Angeles and Phoenix. For more information on Enteracloud, visit: http://www.enteracloud.com/

http://www.thehostingnews.com/private-cloud-enteracloud-time-warner-work-together-21394.html

WackyPacks

11-05-11, 04:44 PM

kevin120

11-05-11, 10:57 PM

TW has started dropping analog basic in another region of the country. In this area though, I have not seen anything mentioned yet. As far as unencrypted digital channels go, there is the silicondust listing though the numbering seems to be for tivos. Channels numbers are not universal on QAM tuners so it becomes annoying when the number is 6 digits long and you have to find it among hundreds of blank ones.

http://www.silicondust.com/support/channels/

TWC in my area has been removing analogs since 2008 at the begining of 2008 we had 80 analogs and during 2008 we had 81 and now we have 64 analogs. Also TWC has increased the amount of dedicated QAMs for SDV from 16 to 24 here in North Texas as well as open up about 11 QAMs for future use. we are an 860MHz Motorola system with Motorola line amps, and nodes.

WackyPacks

11-06-11, 01:31 AM

There is still about 64 or so analogs as well here in SoCal.

kevin120

11-06-11, 06:19 PM

There is still about 64 or so analogs as well here in SoCal.

Did socal ever get StartOver on the motorola boxes with iGuide A28?

JohninLA

11-07-11, 11:08 AM

fleaman

11-07-11, 12:43 PM

danki6x

11-07-11, 05:50 PM

Still wish there was a conversion list for all the SD digital stations, which are scattered all over the place.

Probably need to keep your own as someone else says, also I have seen different numbers for different brand TVs in the same house (my Viewsonic versus my Samsung). /Dan

fleaman

11-09-11, 01:24 PM

Ok, TWC has always gone overboard with their EAS's IMO,....amber alerts galore, etc.

Now today, with the 'national' EAS, TWC has the EAS screen up for a good 20+ minutes now or so (and still ongoing). The audio is now playing Bon Jovi (appears to be some radio station or cable radio feed).

I also have a small portable tv that's hooked up to my roof antenna, I watch the news on that and the ch 7 ABC (OTA) EAS ended a good 18 minutes ago!!!!

WTF :confused: :mad:

fleaman

11-09-11, 01:31 PM

Ok, it just ended. About 25 minutes long.

And on a side note>> I hate that any EAS wipes the buffer on my Moto DVR, so if I was watching a live program, but time delayed (due to long pauses, etc.), all of that is LOST once a EAS comes on. When the EAS ends the buffer is wiped clean :mad: :mad: :mad:

I see no reason for that other than incompetent DVR firmware/software.

bruce73

11-09-11, 01:32 PM

No kidding, fleaman. Looks like it's over now, but it wasn't the 30 seconds it was supposed to be. I was recording Vietnam in HD. Don't know yet if it's FU or not.

fleaman

11-09-11, 01:56 PM

I was recording Vietnam in HD. Don't know yet if it's FU or not.

Oh yeah it was. Been there....it only picks up where the EAS ends, and it takes a minute or so for the DVR to figure out it needs to record again (you'll see the recording is split into two 1/2's, with a missing hole that is the length of the EAS (+ a minute or 2).

bruce73

11-09-11, 02:33 PM

^^^ Did the test start exactly at 11am? If it did I might be OK, as the recording started at 10 for 1 hour. I don't see 2 entries in my list, so hopefully it finished.

This is the first EAS I've seen ( had to Google to find out what the hell it meant). Guess they usually happen at night (??), or I've been lucky.

fleaman

11-09-11, 03:11 PM

It started a few minutes after 11am, so it looks like your good :)

DiveFan

11-10-11, 07:51 PM

Just curious, what other channels did you get the national EAS test message on?
I didn't get it at all - listening to channel 216.

In recent weeks I've got the local TWC test msgs, usually after midnight but not always.
But Always with TERRIBLE, INEXCUSABLY BAD AUDIO QUALITY!!

DSperber

11-10-11, 08:02 PM

Just in passing, this EAS at 11AM was not something that TWC decided to throw out there. It was a NATIONAL test of the Emergency Alert System... first time.

===================================================

Mixed Reviews On National EAS Test
November 10, 2011

Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. ET, the first-ever national test of the Emergency Alert System took place, but a number of discrepancies were reported across the country. According to The New York Times, the issues primarily were reported by cable and satellite TV subscribers. Different cable subscribers reported hearing Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" play instead of the EAS test, or their cable box simply switched the channel to QVC, or the test never appeared at all. Others reported the test happening minutes after it was scheduled to, or lasting longer than it was slated for.

However, part of the reasoning behind the national test was to try out this very issue: to see how well the system would work when triggered nationwide at the same time. "We always knew that there would probably be some things that didn’t work and some things that did," a FEMA official told the Times.

A statement was released yesterday from the multiple government agencies overseeing the test, saying, "This initial test was the first time we have tested the reach and scope of this technology and additional improvements that should be made to the system as we move forward. Only through comprehensively testing, analyzing and improving these technologies can we ensure an effective and reliable national emergency alert and warning system."

The agencies added they are looking forward to working with media companies to "improve this current technology and build a robust, resilient and fully accessible next generation alerting system that can provide timely and accurate alerts to the American people."

NAB EVP of Communications Dennis Wharton said in a statement, "Our initial feedback is that most radio and television stations ran the Nationwide EAS test successfully, although some isolated glitches may have occurred. We look forward to continuing to work with our federal partners to diagnose and improve the EAS system."

=================================================

bruce73

11-10-11, 08:52 PM

All I had was "EAS" on the 3400's display and a black screen with no audio on my TV. I was unable to switch to any channel.

WackyPacks

11-27-11, 12:52 AM

Anybody else down for almost the whole day on Saturday? The outage was just more than my block because my local library maybe a mile away was down as was the TW wi-fi service that reached that area. I remember some story long ago saying that somebody deliberately sabotages cable lines during big events. Then I realized today was the USC/UCLA game. Of course it could have been just all a coincidence.

fleaman

11-27-11, 12:12 PM

No problems here in Silver Lake (griffith park area)

Mastaclocksetta

11-28-11, 12:18 AM

No problems here in Westwood, either.

bruce73

12-01-11, 09:04 AM

Cable is down here in Los Feliz (Eagle Rock) after a hellish night of Santa Anas. Just wondering how widespread it is.

bgooch

12-01-11, 12:39 PM

both cable & the interwebs down here in echo park

fleaman

12-01-11, 10:38 PM

Well, I got power back somewhere between 7pm and 8:10pm (when I arrived home from work). I called my land line from work @ 7pm and my answering machine didn't p/u, so I know there was no pwr then.

Been home for 30mins now and the DVR hasn't found a signal.

This blows (sorry for the pun :mad:)

bruce73

12-01-11, 10:49 PM

Still no Internet or DVR over here by Marshall, too. Power went off briefly a couple of times today, but at least that seems back to normal now.

fleaman

12-01-11, 11:18 PM

Yeah, I'm behind Barbrix.

I wouldn't be so mad if TWC's stupid DVR software would allow me to watch my already recorded programs. For whatever reason (as we all know), when the DVR doesn't see a cable signal, it won't allow you to access the recorded programs.
(if anyone knows a way around this, I'm all ears!)

So, when service ever does come back, I'm calling TWC to prorate my bill for the missing service period and I'm gonna make a point that I wouldn't have called for credit if their DVR would actually let me watch programs while the cable line service is down.

Not that they give a damn, but I'm still gonna make them note that.

Glad I have DSL :)

bruce73

12-01-11, 11:28 PM

Sounds like a plan. At least you have DSL. All I have is an iPhone. :)

WackyPacks

12-02-11, 01:49 AM

Weird as nobody else was down on Saturday (Eagle Rock territory). Yet today, I believe both cable & internet was up all day here. If it was down at all, it was only very briefly .

BondiBluey

12-02-11, 11:56 PM

We did not get TW internet back until after 2:00 p.m. Friday afternoon here in Highland Park south of Fig.

bruce73

12-03-11, 12:06 AM

I guess that's progress. Still waiting here in Los Feliz.

fleaman

12-03-11, 12:41 AM

Wow that sucks Bruce.

My DVR got a signal around 10:30pm yesterday, so other than it probably taking a week (as usual) to repopulate the guide :rolleyes:, at least I can watch stuff.

My DSL never went down AFAIK. Of course I couldn't check when the power was out, but when I had power, and I was here, DSL worked.

I drove by st.george and griffith park around 4:30p today and noticed the traffic light was out, did power go out again there?

bruce73

12-03-11, 05:51 AM

Yeah, it was out for a couple of hours. It was actually longer than the initial outage on Wednesday night. Truly frustrating when neighbors on the other side of St. George aren't affected. The power has gone off about 10 times in varying lengths since the storm. Then, ironically afterwards last night, the flood lights for the Marshall game blazed 'til 10pm or so. It's like living in the Land of the Midnight Sun.

fleaman

12-03-11, 11:41 AM

DWP trucks were at the rowena/g.p. intersection that night.

Marshall> Yeah, interesting they rent those huge flood-light trucks for games, they never used to do it:confused:, it can't be cheap.

bruce73

12-03-11, 11:48 AM

Now that they have that new field, there are a lot more night games. Also a new loudspeaker system. I wouldn't be surprised if you could hear it from your place. :D

bruce73

12-03-11, 09:59 PM

So just got off the phone with TWC, since we still don't have service. The girl confirmed that, yes, parts of the neighborhood had been restored. Just not here. Yet. And she had no way of predicting when we would be online. Lucky us.

She did say that "of course" TWC would credit the days lost. At $4/day, that's adding up.

BondiBluey

12-04-11, 06:12 PM

We did not get TW internet back until after 2:00 p.m. Friday afternoon here in Highland Park south of Fig.

UPDATE : It was out again Saturday. OK today.

bruce73

12-04-11, 06:28 PM

Still nothing here in Los Feliz. I know Pasadena got hit pretty hard, and Eagle Rock is close by, but this is getting ridiculous. Does anyone have any info on what the damage is?

WackyPacks

12-04-11, 08:28 PM

Wonder if the damage is that bad or maybe your area is just classified as being lower priority. If there are other areas still down, perhaps other outages are affecting more people. So, TW is fixing those first. I suspect you should be up by the end of Monday when the workweek starts. If not, be prepared for a few more days of credit.

bruce73

12-04-11, 11:01 PM

Hey, hey, hey. We're online. :D I feel like I'm back from the Dark Ages. Now about that credit ...

EDIT: True to their word, I'm getting $19.62 credit. :)

Mastaclocksetta

12-11-11, 02:16 AM

Just the other day, I noticed KHIZ is apparently no longer on the analog tier. (I discovered this when I was channel-surfing on one of my neighbors' cable box-less TVs and when I got to channel 32, where KHIZ is/was, I got snow; it still shows up on the digital box on channel 32.) I think that TWC should have posted on the programming alerts page on their SoCal website something along the lines of "On or after (insert date here), KHIZ will become available in a digital format only." No such announcement was made.

BTW, I'm not mad at them about this, since there is nothing I watch on that channel (it's mostly infomercials and foreign-language programming). I'm just kinda curious about it. (AFAIK, that might be why TWC chose this as one of the next channels to be digital-only, low viewership because of the aforementioned programming.)

I have the City of Los Angeles channel lineup (on a former Adelphia head-end).

Anyone else notice this?

WackyPacks

12-11-11, 03:28 AM

It is still on analog here (Eagle Rock territory). KHIZ is owned by Multicultural Broadcasting. Almost the whole day is infomercials. From 7-10pm, they air Mandarin Chinese programming. Usually news, a variety show, and of course a drama series.

bgooch

12-12-11, 04:35 PM

Mon, 12/12/2011 - 2:21pm

Mike Robuck

TWC Wi-Fi Finder appTime Warner Cable has launched a Wi-Fi Finder app for Android devices in its Los Angeles market which went live earlier this year.

The main benefit of using the app is it lets Wi-Fi users move from one hotspot to another without having to authenticate themselves each time. The app works with both Android-based tablets and smartphones.

more

http://www.cedmagazine.com/news/2011/12/time-warner-cable-plugs-in-wi-fi-finder-app-for-android

Tom Wellman

12-12-11, 05:40 PM

Is the TWC Wifi hotspot only available to people in the TWC SoCal division or is it available to all TWC subscribers? I find myself in Orange County quite a bit, visiting from San Diego.

bgooch

12-12-11, 05:51 PM

The service currently includes parts of Orange County. If you go to the first post of this thread you can follow the wifi links for more info.

JohninLA

12-13-11, 10:54 AM

I just got a letter from TWC stating my "promotional" package has expired and my bill will now go up about $25 per month. I wasn't aware I was on any promo deal as I've been with TWC, and the previous companies they bought up, at this same address for over 20 years. I have phone, internet and cable with them. I guess they bundled these services at one time, but no longer.

I called and spoke with someone, apparently in India, that couldn't really answer the question other than to try to upsell me TWC's mobile service! He wouldn't stop! I tried to tell him I'm complaining about my bill going up $25 and you want me to buy MORE services? I am so fed up with this constantly with them, but have now backed myself into a corner with all their services. I currently spend $221 a month, and will now go up to $246 for the same services. I could drop some of my premium channels, but like Netflix, I'm paying more or the same, for less service!

Just venting!

As an update, I got ANOTHER letter from TWC reminding me of my NEW monthly fee. You were paying $104.99 per month, you are now paying $125.99. But "Since you are a valued customer, we will take $6 off and now you will only have to pay $119.99, or $15 more a month. I went online to see where the increase was, but I can't find any package information or breakdown of my services. I also couldn't get into the "Buy services" area, only a message saying I'd have to call them.

Then the letter goes on AGAIN to try and upsell me to their Whole House DVR, and to upgrade my Internet. I guess they thought I'd feel so good about saving that $6, I'd just want to add more services. :mad:

DSperber

12-21-11, 01:05 PM

Ok. I've reached my limit now with the upcoming 2012 price increases applicable to my service. After holding onto my DCH3416 so that I could be able to do firewire recording to DVHS if potentially there was actually something I wanted to archive "for posterity" in HD via firewire I've decided those days are probably past. I haven't actually copied copy-once HD content from DVR to DVHS since "The Sopranos" left TV, so who am I kidding? There's nothing now on cable that (a) I want to "copy for posterity" and that (b) isn't also now available on BluRay which is far more convenient than DVHS tape.

I've been holding onto the DCH3416 because it still has a working firewire interface, whereas the DCX hardware family still has a "broken" firewire interface that does not work. And neither Motorola/Google nor TWC nor Comcast nor anybody seems like they're ever going to get firewire working again... so screw them. Not to mention that TWC still has not given us a new updated/fixed version of the A28 software since Feb 2010 (which was an August 2009 software release), even though Comcast has given out several fixed A28 releases that have, for example, restored the 6-7 day Guide bug problem back up to 13-14 days where it belongs.

I'm really angry that we on TWC (nationally) are still running with that original A28 software release and have never seen any of the national updates provide to all other cable system subscribers around the country.

Anyway, the monthly rental for the DVR is going up from $8 to $10 (25%). Each of my two two digital tiers is going up from $6 to $8 (33%). My Surf N Talk is going up from $78 to $81 (4%).

And that doesn't count the increase for basic cable which is going up from $63 to $69 (about 10%) or Digital Video Package going from $55 to $59 (7%) or whatever the equivalent "bulk contract" rate is for my building. My homeowner's association has a "bulk contract" with TWC so we don't pay the "basic cable" charge ourselves, though the bulk rate allocation is obviously part of our monthly maintenance bill to HOA.

So, I've decided to finally give back my DCH3416 and say goodbye to firewire recording to DVHS. The only other thing I've ever really put on tape "for posterity" is possibly the Olympics, and that's copy-freely on NBC anyway (for the high-profile glamour events which is what would likely be wanted), so I can author my own much more useful BluRay HD versions for posterity using the TV tuner card and WMC in my PC. Looks like there will be no more new DVHS recordings ever coming out of my equipment.

So... I will save $10 for the DVR and $11 for "digital video recorder service". Also, the M-card for my PC which is currently $3.50 for "additional cablecard", since the DVR's cablecard counts as the "first cablecard") drops to the new 2012 rate of $2 (reduced from $2.50) for what now would be my "first cablecard".

Overall, I will be attempting to mitigate the other remaining $7 price increase I can't avoid with my own self-generated $22.50 savings from giving up my DCH3416 DVR.

My decision last year to go with a Ceton card and Windows Media Center in my Win7 PC as my own "whole house" solution is seeming smarter and smarter all the time. I used to use DVHS to offload content temporarily to DVHS, because of the limited 160GB capacity of the DVR's hard drive. Well with my 1TB drive for recordings with WMC on my PC, I simply don't have the need to use DVHS for temporary storage any longer, making its true future potential usefulness to me now exceedingly microscopic. And again, I can author BluRay from the PC for copy-freely content, which is far superior to DVHS anyway.

EvlAsh

12-28-11, 12:34 PM

I don't know when it happened, but in the ESFV, the SyfyHD and USAHD channels have been switched over to the West Coast feed. :mad:

Mastaclocksetta

12-29-11, 12:09 AM

I noticed this here in Westwood, too. I, personally, like the fact that the HD and SD versions now match. For some people, like my mom and aunt, it was confusing/annoying having the HD on the east feed and the SD on the west feed.

bruce73

12-31-11, 02:52 PM

Anyone else having problems watching the Laker game on FSN-HD? Lots of break-ups here in Los Feliz. FSN-SD is OK.

Eyecannon

01-03-12, 09:18 AM

Ugh... bill went from $92 to $102.

TheKing75

01-05-12, 08:03 PM

Anbody else in Orange having an outage?

Our cable went out completely at 4:03PM, nothing on the boxes, nothing through straight cable to the TV, zip.

bruce73

01-05-12, 08:47 PM

My reception is messed up here in Los Feliz. Some stations black, others breaking up, some OK. Both straight connection and through the 3400.

fleaman

01-05-12, 09:15 PM

Hmmmm, no problems here in silverlake near Trader Joes. Flicked through about 15 channels to check, all good.

bruce73

01-05-12, 09:24 PM

Ugh. Please don't tell me I need a service call. :mad: :rolleyes:

TheKing75

01-05-12, 09:35 PM

Ugh. Please don't tell me I need a service call. :mad: :rolleyes:

I hope you don't, it might be a while.

We just called TWC here and the earliest they can come to see why our cable went out is Saturday. That's just ridiculous. We were considering switching to TWC for internet and phone, but there is no way in hell that's gonna happen now.

On a side note, why the hell did they make these cable DVRs unbootable if there's no cable signal present? Jeez, if we weren't going to lose HD channels I'd finally make the switch to DTV.

fleaman

01-05-12, 09:54 PM

I know, it's stupid. The best time to watch recorded stuff off the DVR is WHEN THE CABLE IS DOWN!!!

leebo

01-05-12, 11:15 PM

I bought an HDHR Prime several months ago, now I'm starting to consider lowering to broadcast basic and going with HULU or HULU Plus.

Roku works great. Add PlayOn to your PC and it makes Roku even better. The HD quality of HULU Plus and Netflix isn't bad.

$16 a month or $85? Hmm...

leebo

01-05-12, 11:26 PM

On a side note, why the hell did they make these cable DVRs unbootable if there's no cable signal present? Jeez, if we weren't going to lose HD channels I'd finally make the switch to DTV.

I've disconnected the cable from my Motorola DVR recently (for testing) and was still able to access the recordings. Try rebooting several times until you can access your shows, or try hitting "exit" and "menu" several times.

bruce73

01-05-12, 11:33 PM

fleaman

01-05-12, 11:59 PM

TheKing75

01-06-12, 03:47 AM

I've disconnected the cable from my Motorola DVR recently (for testing) and was still able to access the recordings. Try rebooting several times until you can access your shows, or try hitting "exit" and "menu" several times.

That might work on Motos, but my SA/Cisco box will not boot. It looks for a signal from the cable company during the boot sequence, and it will not move past it if no signal is present.

Honestly my DVR has nothing unwatched on it right now. The first two recordings of the day were going on when the cable went out. The reason I would want the box working would be to see my scheduled recordings that I'm missing and move them to other time periods.

fleaman

01-06-12, 10:46 AM

That might work on Motos, but my SA/Cisco box will not boot. .

Well, it's never worked on any of the Moto's I've had (currently the DCX3400, before various ones like the 6416, 3416, etc.), hence the reason I asked.

bruce73

01-06-12, 04:14 PM

TheKing75

01-07-12, 04:35 PM

Well, I'm having my first service call in years (believe it or not) tomorrow. Haven't had a chance to talk to my neighbors to see if the problem is me, the building, block, whatever. I was surprised to get someone out here so fast. Hopefully he's over 18 and knows what he's doing. :p :)

We had our service call today, and as I suspected it was something in the junction box. He took care of the problem and we had signal right after that. The longest part was actually getting my DVR to boot.

I still think it took TWC too long to respond to the issue, but at least when the guy actually got here the problem was quickly solved.

bruce73

01-07-12, 05:38 PM

My service guy just left and, likewise, it was a low signal problem. He said the line from the pole to my apartment building needed to be upgraded, but in the meantime he was able to play with the splitter in the main box to cover me until the owner takes care of it (he recommended getting rid of the splitter I was using for both a DVR and direct connection to the TV, and just have the STB). I don't know why this setup has worked flawlessly for the past few years and just started acting up in the last 3 days, though.

I guess TWC is listening to customer complaints about service, because I had 2 automated calls reminding me of my appointment, plus the rep I talked to on the phone Thursday called me last night to find out if I still had the problem. Then when the guy came today, he put on booties before entering my apartment (my dirty rug doesn't deserve such consideration, believe me ... ), and really knew what he was he was doing. He explained everything in detail (almost too much so, until a few questions from me indicated I knew the basics ;) ). He took me outside to show me what he was doing with the main box, and gave me his card with a direct line in case I had any problems in the next 30 days. Oh, and he upgraded the 25' cable extension I had running from the main line in to my TV.

This is a helluva lot better than when I got my first HDTV in 2004 and the kid that hooked me up told me 720p wasn't hidef. :rolleyes:

fleaman

01-07-12, 06:20 PM

I don't know why this setup has worked flawlessly for the past few years and just started acting up in the last 3 days, though.

Probably more TWC customers signing up in your apt building than before?

bruce73

01-07-12, 07:07 PM

Probably more TWC customers signing up in your apt building than before?

Maybe. He said 6 of the 8 units were using, but I don't know if there's been any recent changes or not.

fleaman

01-07-12, 08:19 PM

Maybe. He said 6 of the 8 units were using, but I don't know if there's been any recent changes or not.

Maybe with just TV it could handle it, but everyone has been pushing the bundled deals so it wouldn't surprise me if many of those with TV also got high-speed and phone....that's gotta tax an older line that wasn't spec'd for that.

bruce73

01-07-12, 08:26 PM

Maybe with just TV it could handle it, but everyone has been pushing the bundled deals so it wouldn't surprise me if many of those with TV also got high-speed and phone....that's gotta tax an older line that wasn't spec'd for that.

Makes sense. Just spoke with the owner and the vacant apt. has already been rented, so that's probably it right there.

leebo

01-09-12, 10:08 PM

Is $16 the cost for the absolute bare minimum cable TV service (no STB)?

Ha! No, the charge for Broadcast Basic, at least in the West Hollywood area WAS something like $15. Now that they've raised prices, I have no idea. However, if you pay for Internet, basic broadcast comes through anyway. As for the question of whether it's legal, they're pumping it into my house, my personal opinion is that it's their responsibility to filter it out. If they're too cheap to put some kind of filter on it, that's their problem. I have other things to worry about (like how my bank is going to try to screw me next).

The $16 I was talking about is for Netflix streaming and Hulu Plus combined. In addition, I just read an article this weekend about how most local sports programming is available either live or within hours of the broadcast, IF YOU KNOW WHERE TO LOOK.

I only mention it because cable continues to shoot itself in the foot.

My $275 investment in the HDHR Prime is looking worse and worse every month. Check back with me in a couple of months and I'll be surprised if I'm still subscribing to their TV programming.

My PVR was an older Moto. I no longer have it and don't remember the model number (3416 I think), but it had a 160 gig hard drive and the older guide. It did let me access my recordings if the cable went out. Now my recordings are on my HTPC, so it's a moot point.

As for phone, I bought an Obi several months ago so now I pay zero for phone service. Bundles are for rich people or suckers, IMHO.

bruce73

01-09-12, 10:57 PM

^^^ It seems broadcast is $17. That includes all locals plus CNN and a couple of insignificant others. That may be what I end up with, as anything else I can find elsewhere.

fleaman

01-10-12, 12:25 AM

My PVR was an older Moto. I no longer have it and don't remember the model number (3416 I think), but it had a 160 gig hard drive and the older guide. It did let me access my recordings if the cable went out. Now my recordings are on my HTPC, so it's a moot point.
.

Yeah that's the one I had for years before I got the 3400 some months ago.

Neither allowed me to access my recordings when the cable when out. Weird.

bruce73

02-21-12, 05:04 PM

DCH-3200

I traded in my 3400 for this regular STB today to try to corral my ever-escalating cable bill and learned something in the process:

1) Broadcast cable does *not* include hidef versions of local stations, so there does not need to be a box, but...

2) in order to change over, a tech has to come out and flip a switch in the outside box -- for a one-time fee of $39.

3) and, in spite of what the website says, CNN is not included.

I swear, it's as if they want to gouge you one more time, just for old times sake.

So, this had the intended effect and I kept my bundled service. :rolleyes: But I dropped Turbo -- I'm still getting Turbo speeds but I bet I won't be tomorrow.

Anyway -- about the 3200. Anyone familiar with this box? When I set it up, I saw that it doesn't have Native output. They didn't have the smaller black box; this one is silver & black with a digital time/ channel face. So I'm wondering if it's an older model.

bgooch

02-21-12, 06:06 PM

In my experience TWC customer service gave false information.

I was told broadcast basic was not available in my area and the rep insisted that as fact until I asked to speak with a supervisor. Then the rep changed his story.

This is one reason I started this thread – so subscribers can be informed about cable company offerings before they make the call to order service.

The first post of this thread has a link for channel lineups. After entering your zip code you select the level of service you are interested in.

In my case I selected broadcast and as you will see below includes all local broadcast channels plus CNN, Discovery & NatGeo in HD – at the broadcast basic level for $17.00 per month (price effective as of January 2012).

Broadcast
1 Video On Demand*
2 KCBS (CBS)
3 KLCS (PBS)
4 KNBC (NBC)
5 KTLA (CW)
6 KCET (IND)*
7 KABC (ABC)
8 KOCE (PBS)
9 KCAL (IND)
11 KTTV (FOX)
12 KMEX (UNI)
13 KCOP (My Network TV)
14 QVC
16 WGN
17 KTBN (TBN)
18 KSCI (IND)
19 KXLA (IND)
20 KBEH (IND)
21 KVEA (Telemundo)
22 KWHY (IND)*
23 KVMD (IND)
24 KRCA (IND)
25 Educational Access
26 KFTR (Telefutura)
27 KAZA (Azteca)
28 KJLA (IND)
29 KDOC (IND)
30 KPXN (ION)
31 Discovery Channel
32 KHIZ (IND)
33 CSPAN
35 LA City View
36 LA36
37 National Geographic
38 CNN
81 HSN*
82 Shop NBC*
98 Public Access
101 TWC SoCal 101
139 Antenna TV (KTLA DT2)*
141 Jewelry Television*
156 Sky Link
163 HSN*
164 Shop NBC*
165 Leased Access/GEMS
166 Daystar (KOCE DT3)*
192 KCET (Kids & Family DT2)*
201 C-SPAN
206 CNN
210 Discovery Channel
215 National Geographic
225 NBC California Nonstop (KNBC DT2)*
228 KABC DT3 Live Well*
235 OC Channel (KOCE DT2)*
236 Russia Today*
238 PBS World (KOCE - DT4)
239 MHz Worldview (KCET DT4)*
240 KOCE (PBS)*
335 KBEH
336 V-me
399 KFTR HD (Telefutura)
400 KMEX HD (Univision)
401 KVEA HD (Telemundo)
402 KCBS HD (CBS)
404 KNBC HD (NBC)
405 KTLA HD (CW)
406 KDOC HD (Ind)
407 KABC HD (ABC)
408 KOCE HD (PBS)
409 KCAL HD (Ind)
410 KPXN HD (ION)
411 KTTV HD (FOX)
412 KCET HD (IND)
413 KCOP HD (myNetworkTV)
418 Discovery Channel HD
432 CNN HD
440 National Geographic HD
445 KABC DT2 Live Well HD
458 WGN America HD
490 QVC HD
600 ARTN (KSCI DT7) (Armenian)
638 LA 18.8 KSCI DT8 (Mandarin)
658 CGN KSCI DT4 (Korean)
695 US Armenia (KSCI DT5) (Armenian)
800 Univision California Tiempo Este
801 Telefutura California Tiempo Este
802 KVEA (Telemundo)
803 KAZA (Azteca)
841 KBEH
851 V-me
858 TWC Special Programming*
901-946 music channels

My setup includes Tivo HD with a cable card. If you don't need a set top box and want to directly connect the cable to an HDTV without a box you'll find the broadcast channels in the clear. They just don't show up on my set as 2.1, 4.1 or 7.1 but after scanning the turner picks them up elsewhere. I read the clear channels appear on different tvs at different locations so you have to search them out after scanning.

bruce73

02-21-12, 07:01 PM

I did look up channels before I went to the office (Eagle Rock) and saw what you posted. So I was surprised when the rep said broadcast only included channels "up to 38." But I assumed I had either misread the website or the policy had changed.

My set up with the DVR included a split line directly to my TV, so I was familiar with what channels were available that way. But, after what the rep said, I thought that must have been the result of having hidef service.

Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll try again (and print out the channel list to take with me). I'd like to know for sure, though, before I fork over that $39.

kevin120

03-01-12, 12:42 PM

has startover been enabled on the iGuide boxes yet? Here in North Texas TWC just upped the number of VOD QAMs to 8 up from 4 that we have had since VOD became available under comcast.

bruce73

03-03-12, 07:07 PM

I've suspected for some time now that TWC throttles Roadrunner speed and it has gotten worse. Where it used to be only occasionally at night, for the past several months every day from 5-6pm or so until after midnight (earlier on weekends), speeds are *exactly* half what they should be with Turbo (and what I see in the mornings): ~7.5-8.0 Mbps. Like clockwork. At first I tried to believe if was Net traffic, but it's been too regular.

So I decided I'd had enough of throwing $$ at TWC for this and downgraded from Turbo to Standard. Gee, guess what? During those same hours, my speed is *exactly* half what it should be: ~4.7 - 5.2 Mbps. Hmmm.

I don't rely on speedtest sites, as they are ridiculously inaccurate. But the speeds shown on my newsreader coupled with the size of the files I download are a good indicator, I think, since a lot of those downloads are from East Coast and/or European servers.

Anyone else seeing similar results? I'm in Los Feliz (Eagle Rock).

kevin120

03-04-12, 03:50 PM

bruce73

03-04-12, 05:26 PM

I don't think it is throttling it is most likely capacity issues. Are you running on a DOCSIS 2.0 modem? if so likely the channel you are on is maxing out at 5pm when everyone gets on.

It is. It's hard to believe, though, everyone is on at exactly the same time even on Saturday and Sunday. This is the only modem I've had with TWC for the past 8 years or so. This started occurring regularly (and becoming more so) in the past year.

You're probably right. But it seems to me more like a scheduled change to accommodate a potential increase in traffic than a dynamic one reflecting such. Not only because you can set your watch to it, but because the slowdown is *always* by half, regardless if I have Turbo or Standard.

WackyPacks

03-04-12, 09:38 PM

kevin120

03-04-12, 10:29 PM

It is. It's hard to believe, though, everyone is on at exactly the same time even on Saturday and Sunday. This is the only modem I've had with TWC for the past 8 years or so. This started occurring regularly (and becoming more so) in the past year.

You're probably right. But it seems to me more like a scheduled change to accommodate a potential increase in traffic than a dynamic one reflecting such. Not only because you can set your watch to it, but because the slowdown is *always* by half, regardless if I have Turbo or Standard.

I would go out and buy a Surf Board 6121 or some other DOCSIS 3.0 modem and see if that fixes your issue. I would assume that adding 3 more channels available on your modem it would allow you to get full speeds as it spreads the data over 4 channels.

bruce73

03-05-12, 09:54 AM

How would you suggest we test the speed?

I do not subscribe to any news provider or even do much usenet nowadays. Now that you mention it, speeds to me do not seem that great even though it is supposed to be faster than when I previously had dsl.

Do you think the reduction of speed applies to everybody, or do you think TW throttles people after they use a certain amount of data?

That occurred to me at first, since I do a lot of downloading. But I couldn't see any overall pattern that would suggest cause and effect, whereas the nightly slowdown has become routine. As for monitoring speed, the only effective way I have is with my newsreader, since you can see over the course of several minutes (or hours) how a large download is handled. There's this FAQ (http://www.broadbandreports.com/faq/5542) at broadbandreports.com that suggest an alternate method (it appears the 64meg link is broken though).

I find this blog entry (http://www.ucan.org/blog/free_tagging/bandwidth/time_warner_roadrunner_turbo_broadband_internet_are_you_real ly_getting_what_you_paid) that's interesting, not for the entry itself, but for some of the comments (especially the "Smoking Gun" one).

I would go out and buy a Surf Board 6121 or some other DOCSIS 3.0 modem and see if that fixes your issue. I would assume that adding 3 more channels available on your modem it would allow you to get full speeds as it spreads the data over 4 channels.

But, if I can get full speeds at certain times of the day, wouldn't that suggest the modem is not at fault? At any rate, would this be a simple plug-n-play situation? Would my neighborhood have to already support this, or is that not a factor since we're not talking about really high bandwidth here?

phildaant

03-10-12, 01:54 PM

Hello.

I will be moving in a few months (summer) to a house, in La Habra Heights (90631), that cannot get OTA due to the giant hill/small mountain blocking the view. So it is either cable TV (TWC) or satellite TV service (Dish [already have a dish on the roof and coax cables connected]. I am definitely getting TWC's cable Internet service since Verizon DSL is too slow (1 Mb/sec max. download) or unavailable, no FIOS, etc.

My family and I are only interested in the local broadcast channels and possibly Chinese channels. We currently have old four CRT TVs, DTV Pal DVR (OTA only), a computer with very old two HDTV OTA tuners cards, and VCRs. We will replace the very old CRT SDTVs with HDTVs after the move (they die or start dying). I will have to get a hardware DVR (lease it or get my own?) for sure.

From my researches with TWC (http://www.timewarnerla.com/pricingguides/PDFs_2012/2008_PL-0112.pdf , web site, and e-mails) and comparing with other services, TWC's TV prices seems to cost more compared to satellite. Is that correct? Here is what I have down in my notes:
--

TWC (one bill and company, but most expensive and worst HD picture quality for TV service):

$52.99 (regular Internet package)
$24.50 (local analog broadcast TV channels + extras [mostly music])
$19.99 (whole house HD (backward compatible with 4 CRT TVs) DVR rental)
$44 (DVR service; 4 * $11 for each TV)
$49.99 for installation charge

Total per month = $141.48 without taxes and Chinese packages ($88.49 per month for TV service)
Notes: Prices are confusing from various sources. Also, ask for promotions that fit these when ordering.

--

DISH (house already has a Dish and coax cables from its previous owners; cheapest for SD four our old CRT TVs; $100 Amazon gift card):

Cheapest Packages (SD and HD packages):
Welcome (no free installation and no 24 Month Digital Home Advantage (DHA 24) contract like Family Pack) -- http://www.dish.com/entertainment/packages/welcome/
America's Top 120 -- http://www.dish.com/entertainment/packages/americas-top-120/

$14.99 (Welcome -- non-HD local broadcast channels + 40 extras; not shown when online ordering [have to ask for it and its difference would be credited with an active account on phone])
OR
$44.99 (America's Top 120 -- HD requires its addon; local broadcast channels + 120 extra; orderable online)

$14 = Two more receivers for the other TVs without DVRs
$6 = DVR Service (one DVR)

Total = $34.99 (SD)/$64.99 (HD) per month after promotion prices

Additionals If Needed:
$6 per month = Protection Plan (warranty)
$99 one time fee OR $10 per month = HD addon for future HDTVs with America's Top Pack
$10 - $27.99 per month = Chinese -- http://www.dish.com/entertainment/packages/international/

http://www.dish.com/redirects/partners/amazon/ for a $100 Amazon gift card (expires on 5/20/2012). 04AMZN for the code.
http://www.mydish.com/programmingGuides/

--

DirecTV (two years contract; cheapest for HD):

Entertainment Package (140+ HD channels) -- http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/new_customer/base_packages.jsp?footernavtype=-1&lpos=header :
$54.99 regular price per month after its $29.99 promotion.
$5.99 protection plan
Includes free 1 HD DVR + 3 HD receivers (advanced receiver service; $99 for another if needed), and 4,000+ VoD access.
Free installation.
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/international/overview for international channels ($19.99 to $39.99)

$120 ($10 credit per month for the year) off the service if calling in to mention an employee currently works at DirecTV) by 7/18/2012.
OR
$120 Costco Cash Card (expires on 7/18/2012): http://cw.directv.com/DTVAPP/index.jsp?CMP=LEC-Costco-1000

Total = $60.98 per month after promotion and referrals, and without Chinese.

--

Also, does TWC's basic TV service using "clear" QAM digital signals? According to two people, from los.support@twcable.com's e-mail replies, they say it does have unencrypted digital clear QAM digital signals for both SD and HD local broadcast channels. Is this true?

Thank you in advance. :)

P.S. I never had cable and satellte TV services, so I could be wrong with all this. ;)

phildaant

03-10-12, 02:02 PM

WackyPacks

03-10-12, 08:43 PM

phildaant

03-10-12, 08:50 PM

With just Broadcast Basic, can you even get these?

-$19.99 (whole house HD (backward compatible with 4 CRT TVs) DVR rental
-$43 ($10 + $33 ($11 extra for each additional) = 4 HD Box Receivers for 4
-TVs-Chinese packages (various): $11.95 - $29.99 per monthI assume so unless their los.support@twcable.com's e-mail people and http://www.timewarnerla.com/pricingguides/PDFs_2012/2008_PL-0112.pdf are wrong? I missed one according to the latest e-mail from TWC. I updated it. Yikes, now it is really expensive. :(

bruce73

03-10-12, 09:52 PM

Come over to http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cable,rr ... Have you tried pings and traceroutes yet?

I have done traceroutes in the past wrt news providers, not TWC per se. Not sure what that would tell me.

My understanding, btw, with the $19.99 Broadcast level is that it does *not* include any HD channels. This was told to me by two different reps, but we all know how seriously misinformed they can be. ;)

phildaant

03-10-12, 09:56 PM

I have done traceroutes in the past wrt news providers, not TWC per se. Not sure what that would tell me.

My understanding, btw, with the $19.99 Broadcast level is that it does *not* include any HD channels. This was told to me by two different reps, but we all know how seriously misinformed they can be. ;)Can you show us your traceroutes?

Hmm, I thought local broadcast did come with HD. Hmm!

Mastaclocksetta

03-11-12, 09:02 AM

I noticed last night that the L.A. County government access channel has been added in analog to previously-blank channel 97* on the City of Los Angeles lineup, and that former PBS station KCET has returned to the analog tier on channel 6 on that same lineup. (It had been available digital-only since soon after it disaffiliated from PBS over a year ago).

*For some weird reason, the L.A. County government access channel is only available in analog, meaning it cannot be viewed with a digital box. Weird, huh?

BTW, anyone on the City of Los Angeles lineup notice that the Public Access channel on 98 is also analog-only (again, does not show up on a digital box)? This has been the case for a few months now, anyone know what's up with that?

I think that for the growing number of subscribers upgrading to digital cable, they should make both these channels available in both analog and digital formats.

phildaant

03-11-12, 10:15 AM

... My understanding, btw, with the $19.99 Broadcast level is that it does *not* include any HD channels. This was told to me by two different reps, but we all know how seriously misinformed they can be. ;)I asked again through e-mail about HD in broadcast. Hannah, the random replier, told me:

"Please click on the link below in order to view the available channels in High Definition for your area:

http://www.timewarnercable.com/SoCal/support/clu/clu.ashx?ChannelFilter=All&CLUID=926&Zip=90631&SortByPackage=true

Also, please check the Sort By Package box under the Display tab and then uncheck the box All at the bottom. Then check the HD tier/ HD Channels box under the Package Filter tab and you will be able to view the available channels for HD tier/ HD Channels..."

So, I unchecked all and only checked broadcast. I saw all the local channels in HD. Sweet. :)

HOWEVER, Dana (another replier) said: "... Broadcast and basic cable are not digital services. Both are analog services. If you want to go for digital services, you will need to add digital cable box (monthly rental is $10.00). Digital cable includes basic,
broadcast and one digital tier of your choice ($8.00 per month for a single tier)..."

I am SO confused. Don't I need digital to use its DVR to four TVs, HD, etc.?

bruce73

03-11-12, 05:38 PM

So, I unchecked all and only checked broadcast. I saw all the local channels in HD. Sweet. :)

Yep, this is what I did also before I went into the local office to exchange my DVR for a regular hidel box. I asked the rep if I even needed a STB if all I wanted was Broadcast. She said "No, but you will only get channels 1 - 38." She also said I would have to schedule a service call for the guy to "flip a switch" in my box" (@ $40). So I said forget it.

Later on, when I was having problems figuring out the new software on this box, the rep on the phone basically confirmed what the office rep had said -- Broadcast means no hidef, only analog. So I guess that's what "flipping a switch" accomplishes. I didn't think to ask (but maybe I will after the NBA finals) if I continue to lease the STB if I can order just Broadcast for a total of $19.99 + $10/mo for the box. That would suit me if I could get local channels in hidef as well as CNN, as it says online. But I don't know if you can do "a la carte" like this.

I am SO confused. Don't I need digital to use its DVR to four TVs, HD, etc.?

I would assume so.

phildaant

03-11-12, 05:58 PM

Yep, this is what I did also before I went into the local office to exchange my DVR for a regular hidel box. I asked the rep if I even needed a STB if all I wanted was Broadcast. She said "No, but you will only get channels 1 - 38." She also said I would have to schedule a service call for the guy to "flip a switch" in my box" (@ $40). So I said forget it.

Later on, when I was having problems figuring out the new software on this box, the rep on the phone basically confirmed what the office rep had said -- Broadcast means no hidef, only analog. So I guess that's what "flipping a switch" accomplishes. I didn't think to ask (but maybe I will after the NBA finals) if I continue to lease the STB if I can order just Broadcast for a total of $19.99 + $10/mo for the box. That would suit me if I could get local channels in hidef as well as CNN, as it says online. But I don't know if you can do "a la carte" like this.

I would assume so.Ugh, TWC is so confusing. Now, a latest reply said this is what I will pay for? "You can use the whole house DVR for broadcast HD channels." as well.

$52.99 (regular Internet package)
$24.50 (local analog broadcast TV channels + extras [mostly music])
$19.99 (whole house HD (backward compatible with 4 CRT TVs) DVR rental)
$44 (DVR service; 4 $11 for each TV)
$49.99 for installation charge

Total = $141.48 ($88.49 for its TV service) per month

I updated my original post with the latest finds.

DiveFan

03-11-12, 07:26 PM

Just entered the HDTV era after my 27" CRT boat anchor died. I'm noticing some real annoyances:

- Most (all?) SD widescreen content is letterboxed, probably at the source. I can understand why OTA providers did this in the analog days, but converters and cableco STBs have long been able to do this internally. C'mon providers, move that logo bug out of the crappy black border and give us our widescreen back!

- Some of my fav channels use the f***** East Coast feed for HD! No watching new shows after 9-11pm - we night owls are SOL.

WackyPacks

03-11-12, 08:10 PM

I checked on analog. There is nothing on channel 97 or 6.

For Broadcast Basic, it appears that TW is saying that you cannot get dvr service from them. I think that Whole House thingy might be an exclusive to SignatureHome anyway. Most likely, you cannot get premium channels either.

For those with Broadcast Basic, can you get anything with a qam tuner? For basic analog cable and above, channels like Animal Planet, Disney XD, WGN, and ESPN2 were previously in the clear (have not checked recently). Does TW block those if you only subscribe to Broadcast?

Mastaclocksetta

03-11-12, 10:29 PM

@WackyPacks: What lineup do you have?

DSperber

03-11-12, 11:50 PM

- Most (all?) SD widescreen content is letterboxed, probably at the source. I can understand why OTA providers did this in the analog days, but converters and cableco STBs have long been able to do this internally. C'mon providers, move that logo bug out of the crappy black border and give us our widescreen back!SD is 480i, which is 4:3 (640x480).

The fact that it is "letterboxed" into a 4:3 area inside of a 16:9 screen is simply the way a 16:9 image will be presented when you only have a 4:3 area to present it in, which is what 4:3 SD looks like when you show it in OAR (as opposed to ZOOM or stretch-o-vision or something else intended to fill your 16:9 screen).

In fact, the letterboxed image is the true original 16:9 image (when the HD channel is viewed on a 16:9 screen, thus filling the entire area available with the 16:9 picture), but it's simply been reduced (i.e. "letterboxed") so that it can be viewed on a conventional [e.g. kitchen] 4:3 CRT set. You're seeing the 16:9 HD channel picture, presented on your 4:3 set.

The fact that you choose to watch an SD channel on your 16:9 set is your choice. If the HD channel version is available, you should be tuned to that HD version of the channel and not the SD version of the channel. If it's an SD-only channel (4:3 480i 640x480) and you want to watch it on your 16:9 set, you'll have to "zoom" it using the TV's controls... else you'll see "postage stamp", which is letterboxed in a 4:3 area of 16:9 screen, meaning black bars all around.

Some of my fav channels use the f***** East Coast feed for HD! No watching new shows after 9-11pm - we night owls are SOL.It must be that these channels have no West Coast feed (e.g. E!) which are usually identified by a "P" (Pacific) at the end.

Your DVR (if you have one) should make it trivial for you to deal with this issue, and also to avoid commercials. Why watch "live" anyway?

danki6x

03-12-12, 06:03 PM

Ugh, TWC is so confusing. Now, a latest reply said this is what I will pay for? "You can use the whole house DVR for broadcast HD channels." as well.

$52.99 (regular Internet package)
$24.50 (local analog broadcast TV channels + extras [mostly music])
$19.99 (whole house HD (backward compatible with 4 CRT TVs) DVR rental)
$44 (DVR service; 4 $11 for each TV)
$49.99 for installation charge

Total = $141.48 ($88.49 for its TV service) per month

I updated my original post with the latest finds.
Some stuff wrong there. I would never accept any charge for the initial installation. I have always had that waved and never heard of anyone paying that. Also, you do not have the DVR rental which is $10 each.

Please compare apples to apples (best that can be done). You seem to be comparing Dish "new customer specials" to TWC regular rates. TWC has New Customer pricing too. Since you are only looking for Internet+TV (no phone) compare "two-play" here:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/SoCal/learn/bundles/newcustomers.html
$90/mo for one DVR. This is for new people so I assume installed. No talk about installation (free or otherwise). I have a digital TV hooked directly to the cable line and get local HD + analog 2-99 (and maybe a couple other HD channels). You can add digital boxes (non-DVR) at $10/each to other TVs. This is not "whole home" so if one DVR can only watch on that TV.

/Dan

phildaant

03-12-12, 06:19 PM

Some stuff wrong there. I would never accept any charge for the initial installation. I have always had that waved and never heard of anyone paying that. Also, you do not have the DVR rental which is $10 each.

Please compare apples to apples (best that can be done). You seem to be comparing Dish "new customer specials" to TWC regular rates. TWC has New Customer pricing too. Since you are only looking for Internet+TV (no phone) compare "two-play" here:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/SoCal/learn/bundles/newcustomers.html
$90/mo for one DVR. This is for new people so I assume installed. No talk about installation (free or otherwise). I have a digital TV hooked directly to the cable line and get local HD + analog 2-99 (and maybe a couple other HD channels). You can add digital boxes (non-DVR) at $10/each to other TVs. This is not "whole home" so if one DVR can only watch on that TV.

/DanI am already a TWC Internet subscriber, but I don't use its other services (e.g., TV and phone). Does TWC let me transfer and have the new customer pricings? Also, I am looking at the non-promotion prices since I know the promotion ones are cheap (will be expensive after the promotions end). I have to think of the future before I look at the promotions.

DiveFan

03-12-12, 11:08 PM

DSperber

03-13-12, 02:11 AM

@DSperber, I think you missed the point - technically I should have used the obscure term 'EDTV' which includes 480p/NTSC at 16:9 or 4:3. Of course I'm not including the 'broadcast basic' channels below 99 which are still transmitted in analog.

Aside from bandwidth issues, there should be nothing requiring letterboxing on a digital channel.What channel(s) are you specifically talking about? This would eliminate the ambiguity in our conversation.

It is only the channels in the 400-500 range (approximately) that are true TWC/LA 16x9 HD channels (720p or 1080i, making use of full-screen 16x9), although obviously other channels outside this range might still be called "digital".

Though they may be digital, those other channels are still broadcast in 640x480 480i (which IS a digital format, albeit SD digital 4:3) which requires that any 16:9 image be letterboxed for presentation if you're not going to cut off the left and right sides to at least fill the center 4:3 OAR area of the 16:9 screen.

I'm not trying to defend TWC/LA. I'm simply saying that only channels 400-500 are broadcast in 720p/1080i HD digital. Other channels are 480i SD digital which is 640x480, and that's why we see what we see on these other channels when presenting a 16:9 image

danki6x

03-13-12, 05:26 PM

I am already a TWC Internet subscriber, but I don't use its other services (e.g., TV and phone). Does TWC let me transfer and have the new customer pricings? Also, I am looking at the non-promotion prices since I know the promotion ones are cheap (will be expensive after the promotions end). I have to think of the future before I look at the promotions.

Ok, missed that you already had internet. I would try for the pricing anyway. Tell them you are thinking of adding TV and whether you can get the listed "new subscriber" price. I have gotten close even renewing what I already have had for years. I would think to add you can get at least the TV discount (maybe they will fight some on the internet reduction). There is a reduction just bundling from the list prices. Also, the Dish/etc. prices will go up and they have equipment costs up front (they mostly don't rent and replace when breaks). Definitely assume you will not pay for any installation. All you need to do is after you get a price, you just wrap it up with "now there is no installation fees, right?". Again, I have never heard anyone pay the installation fee. I have installed two houses and brother and parents and in-laws have not paid any. /Dan

phildaant

03-13-12, 05:32 PM

Ok, missed that you already had internet. I would try for the pricing anyway. Tell them you are thinking of adding TV and whether you can get the listed "new subscriber" price. I have gotten close even renewing what I already have had for years. I would think to add you can get at least the TV discount (maybe they will fight some on the internet reduction). There is a reduction just bundling from the list prices. Also, the Dish/etc. prices will go up and they have equipment costs up front (they mostly don't rent and replace when breaks). Definitely assume you will not pay for any installation. All you need to do is after you get a price, you just wrap it up with "now there is no installation fees, right?". Again, I have never heard anyone pay the installation fee. I have installed two houses and brother and parents and in-laws have not paid any. /DanAccording to http://www.timewarnerla.com/pricingguides/PDFs_2012/2008_PL-0112.pdf , there is an installation fee. TWC's 12/24/2011 e-mail reply said "... You can share the same cable TV feed with other TVs but there will be an installation charge of $49.99. This charge is a onetime charge..."

WackyPacks

03-16-12, 11:32 PM

SPDICKEY

03-18-12, 02:07 PM

Mastaclocksetta: I am in City of Los Angeles.

Anyway, how does Time Warner handle unencrypted digital channels?

Do they filter them based on what package you have. For instance if you just have internet or broadcast basic, are some in-the-clear channels missing? Reason for asking is that there seems to be a number of them avaiable. However, the channels sometimes move so it would seem like it would be too much of a hassle for Time Warner to block the unencrypted digital channels.

If the channel is sent in the clear via QAM then they cannot by definition have conditional access control over that channel. In order to prevent a subscriber from receiving a certain channel it must be "encrypted" to allow conditional access. They can block certain bandwidths from reaching a home by using a physical trap in the cable drop. That could remove a portion of or just one channel from the home. This is how pay-tv and tiering was done before addressable set-top boxes came into being.

WackyPacks

03-18-12, 03:04 PM

I know long ago, they used to have 1 trap for each premium movie channel. Thus on each line, there were 4 filters (HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and Movie Channel). After TW stopped using that method, the service guy over here dumped all the filters in a wastebasket that was next to the building's box.

Anyway, I was just curious to see what you can get via QAM with Internet-only and with Broadcast Basic. In other words, do you get anything "extra"?

phildaant

03-20-12, 08:50 AM

RandyWalters

03-20-12, 09:21 AM

Is it true that TWC's HD picture quality is worse than satellite services' (Dish and DirecTV)? Obviously, OTA beats all of them. Thank you in advance. FYI, I will be in La Habra Heights, CA 90631. Most of the new neighbors seem to have satellite dishes. :/TWC's picture quality/signal quality varies greatly around Southern California. Here in El Segundo (and Torrance) our TWC PQ is better than the TWC in other areas that i've set up TVs in (Orange County, West L.A., SF Valley etc) where their picture quality ranges from a little worse than mine to downright horrible and unacceptable (all viewed on very familiar plasma TVs).

I haven't seen Dish Network on a Plasma TV so i can't comment on their PQ, but i would rank Verizon FIOS TV as the best PQ of any provider, followed closely by DirecTV, with most cable divisions being a distant 3rd.

I always bring an antenna with me on my installs to demonstrate the difference in their provider's PQ compared to OTA if their new TV looks like crap. If you can get FIOS TV in your area i'd choose that over cable any day. AT&T U-Verse has horrible HD PQ so i never ever recommend them.

phildaant

03-20-12, 12:10 PM

TWC's picture quality/signal quality varies greatly around Southern California. Here in El Segundo (and Torrance) our TWC PQ is better than the TWC in other areas that i've set up TVs in (Orange County, West L.A., SF Valley etc) where their picture quality ranges from a little worse than mine to downright horrible and unacceptable (all viewed on very familiar plasma TVs).

I haven't seen Dish Network on a Plasma TV so i can't comment on their PQ, but i would rank Verizon FIOS TV as the best PQ of any provider, followed closely by DirecTV, with most cable divisions being a distant 3rd.

I always bring an antenna with me on my installs to demonstrate the difference in their provider's PQ compared to OTA if their new TV looks like crap. If you can get FIOS TV in your area i'd choose that over cable any day. AT&T U-Verse has horrible HD PQ so i never ever recommend them.Ahh, darn. I wished I could compare cable TV's HD quality with satellites in my area. As for Verzion, no DSL and FIOS in this area. It did offer DirecTV bundle though. :P

danki6x

03-20-12, 04:51 PM

Is it true that TWC's HD picture quality is worse than satellite services' (Dish and DirecTV)? Obviously, OTA beats all of them. Thank you in advance. FYI, I will be in La Habra Heights, CA 90631. Most of the new neighbors seem to have satellite dishes. :/

Do some Google searching using the terms "HD compression" and the like along with cable, TWC, satellit, DISH, etc. A couple year's ago on one of the AVS Forums, a few with computer receivers were checking it out. They got a mbps reading on the individual channels. Some vastly different than others with OTA running 19 mbps minimum (my recollection) to 25 mbps. Satellite 12, TWC 14-5 (again if I remember). When satellite added all the HD channels I seem to remember they dropped a little more worse (more compressed) than cable which was already compressed but did not have to compress more because broader 1 GHz systems and SDV came in. But, satellite is MP4 and TWC MP2 which needs less bandwidth for the equivalent signal [EDIT: poorly written, I did mean the new MP4 is better compression and needs less bandwidth for comparable picture]. I am barely a novice in what I am talking about, just adding with some recollection. /Dan

DSperber

03-20-12, 05:26 PM

Do some Google searching using the terms "HD compression" and the like along with cable, TWC, satellit, DISH, etc. A couple year's ago on one of the AVS Forums, a few with computer receivers were checking it out. They got a mbps reading on the individual channels.You might be thinking of my posts, back in December 2010. I had just replaced my TWC/LA DVR with an HTPC using a Ceton 4-tuner cablecard-enabled card along with an ATI TV Wonder 650 PCI OTA/ATSC tuner card, and was initially a non-believer that TWC/LA was recompressing the local OTA networks.

So I did do some research:

(a) Sample local OTA network comparison vs. TWC/LA version from one particular night:

(1) NBC - "SNL - A Very Gilly Christmas"

4.1 - 12.454GB, 13.184 Mbps bitrate
404 - 10.746GB, 11.380 Mbps bitrate

(2) ABC - "Skating With The Stars"

7.1 - 5.962GB, 12.534 Mbps bitrate
407 - 5.291GB, 11.300 Mbps bitrate

(3) CBS - "Late Show With David Letterman"

2.1 - 7.477GB, 15.211 Mbps bitrate
402 - 4.77GB, 9.705 Mbps bitrate

(b) the local networks were not entirely blameless either, with all but CBS doing multi-channel

2.1 KCBS-DT - 16.4Mbps

4.1 KNBC-4LA - 11.9Mbps
4.2 WX+NR - 1.4Mbps
4.4 USN - 3.0Mbps

7.1 KABC-DT - 9.8Mbps
7.2 LivWell - 7.5Mbps
7.3 KABC-WN - .85Mbps

Some vastly different than others with OTA running 19 mbps minimum (my recollection) to 25 mbps. Satellite 12, TWC 14-5 (again if I remember).I believe 19Mbps is the standard allocation for a network, based on what I've seen. Nothing higher. They can then choose to multi-channel within that or not.

With multi-channel splits, the actual bitrate used by a sub-channel at any moment is not a constant, as it's handled by statistical multiplexors. But it is probably within certain boundary constraints.

When satellite added all the HD channels I seem to remember they dropped a little more worse (more compressed) than cable which was already compressed but did not have to compress more because broader 1 GHz systems and SDV came in. But, satellite is MP4 and TWC MP2 which needs less bandwidth for the equivalent signal.I may be misinterpreting that last sentence of yours, but MPEG-4 is the new compression which uses less bandwidth than MPEG-2 for "equivalent or better quality".

In other words, MPEG-4 is a better compression method than MPEG-2 in that it produces smaller file sizes (and thus can be transmitted at lower bitrates) with no discernible image degradation from the MPEG-2 version. That's the theory.

kevin120

03-21-12, 02:33 AM

Does startover work on iGuide boxes yet in Socal? Still waiting on it in North Texas was told sometime this year. I remember that it popped up in the quick menu in socal did it ever become active?

SPDICKEY

03-22-12, 12:12 PM

Anyway, I was just curious to see what you can get via QAM with Internet-only and with Broadcast Basic. In other words, do you get anything "extra"?

It depends if they put in a physical trap in your drop that filters out all but the frequencies used for HSD. If they don't any proper receiver can pick up analogue and clear QAM channels. So YMMV depending on the trapping situation.

Here's what one customer reported via CNet.com

"I only get (basic) cable. I don't subscribe; it just comes to my house along with the cable modem signal," said Noah, who wished to keep his last name anonymous. He saves roughly $40 a month on cable but spends about $42 a month on Internet access.

"Lots of people do this if all you want is analog cable," he said. "All cable services are run through the same line; they can't just cut power to analog cable and still give you a cable modem."

Scouring the systems
Steve Effros, an attorney and analyst for the cable industry at Effros Communications, based in Fairfax, Va., said relatively few people subscribe only to high-speed Internet access and not cable TV. Those who do are a highly identifiable group to the cable operators, he said, making it easy to install a trap that allows only the amount of bandwidth necessary to provide high-speed Internet data.
"If it becomes an issue at all, it's very easy to stop it; they just install traps on the lines," he said. "No thief ought to rely on this one."
CNet.com | Broadband users cut into cable (http://news.cnet.com/2100-1023-930356.html)

phildaant

03-22-12, 01:02 PM

It depends if they put in a physical trap in your drop that filters out all but the frequencies used for HSD. If they don't any proper receiver can pick up analogue and clear QAM channels. So YMMV depending on the trapping situation.

Here's what one customer reported via CNet.comYeah, but that was from 2002 according to your link. I think my new home area is all digital now. :O

SPDICKEY

03-22-12, 06:33 PM

Yeah, but that was from 2002 according to your link. I think my new home area is all digital now. :O

Physical traps are still physical traps. And bandwidth is still bandwidth. It still requires a physical trap to keep non-scrambled, non-encrypted content from the home. If they don't but them in, then the home could watch any non-scrambled analog channel and clear QAM digital signal coming into the home. Cable operators MUST provide clear QAM signals to homes for non-premium content like local stations and PEG. And also most cable operators are still transmitting analog signals for households without digital set-top devices.

WackyPacks

03-23-12, 01:00 AM

In other forums, a few Comcast users who only get internet will always mention that they get some channels. Not everyone of course. That is why I asked about TW. I am sure someone here has only internet or Broadcast Basic and have tried scanning for unencrypted digital channels. Maybe they are trying keep the results hush-hush as it would have been easy just to say that they get nothing extra.

gonzoengineer

04-02-12, 06:18 PM

Tom Wellman

04-02-12, 08:19 PM

Any one else experiencing issues with Fox Sports Prime Ticket? I'm in the West Valley. When I tune to Prime Ticket HD I receive a message saying "Not available on this cable system". When I go to Prime Ticket SD, the picture appears letterboxed....

I can't reply on the message displaying "not avaialable on this cable system" part, but I can speak as to why Prime Ticket SD is in letterbox which has to do with the fact that RSNs owned by Fox present sporting events in 16:9/letterbox format. This was done so that they could frame the sporting event for 16:9 HDTVs and not have to sacrifice squeezing everything into the 4:3 safe zone. This also includes sporting events nationally televised on your local Fox station.

gonzoengineer

04-03-12, 03:11 PM

but I can speak as to why Prime Ticket SD is in letterbox which has to do with the fact that RSNs owned by Fox present sporting events in 16:9/letterbox format. This was done so that they could frame the sporting event for 16:9 HDTVs and not have to sacrifice squeezing everything into the 4:3 safe zone. This also includes sporting events nationally televised on your local Fox station.

You are right. I checked out a few other shows on Prime Ticket SD last night and they were occupying the entire 4:3.

Still having issues with Prime Ticket HD. Hopefully it's resolved in time for the Dodgers season opener this Thursday.

danki6x

04-05-12, 04:39 PM

You are right. I checked out a few other shows on Prime Ticket SD last night and they were occupying the entire 4:3.

Still having issues with Prime Ticket HD. Hopefully it's resolved in time for the Dodgers season opener this Thursday.

Call it in or try the over-the-phone "reauthorize" (with box reboot). Something is not right. No FSPT problems in city of Orange I have seen. /Dan

ronaldk988

04-07-12, 10:27 AM

Two quick questions
1- No center channel on Fox Sports HD -I am using a TWC Moto DCH 3416: watched the Angels opener last night - no center channel. on researching through the forum prior post suggest that some channels dont broadcast true 5.1 . So I can't fix this, correct?

2- There is a newer Motorola DVR what allows programing remotely over the network. Any experience with this box?
Thanks

fleaman

04-07-12, 06:33 PM

Two quick questions
1- No center channel on Fox Sports HD -I am using a TWC Moto DCH 3416: watched the Angels opener last night - no center channel. on researching through the forum prior post suggest that some channels dont broadcast true 5.1 . So I can't fix this, correct?

I remember watching a clippers game...my receiver had the 5.1 icon lit, but no center channel.

Thought that was so inane and annoying on a sports channel.

kevin120

04-21-12, 03:42 AM

fleaman

04-22-12, 03:33 PM

Anyone have the program instructions to add the 30 skip forward to the Black remote? I have the DCX3400 and none of the instructions I've found online work (i.e. http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip). Google wasn't helping either :(

When I had the DCT box I programmed the skip fw (forgot what instructions, it was years ago), then I got the Universal remote URC-R50 and copied that skip into it (via IR). When I turned the DCT box and remote in for the DCX3400, got a new TWC remote with it, but can't program the 30 skip forward into it for some reason.

My URC-R50 skip button is starting to become less sensitive so I wanna use my TWC remote for daily TV watching, but I need to program the 30 skip forward!

Help!

DSperber

04-22-12, 08:19 PM

Anyone have the program instructions to add the 30 skip forward to the Black remote? I have the DCX3400 and none of the instructions I've found online work (i.e. http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip). Google wasn't helping either :(Can you please provide the remote manufacturer and model number of this "black" remote? Should be on the back, or maybe inside the battery compartment.

The Wiki instructions are certainly usable on most remotes, including both (a) the original Comcast "silver" remote from my original DCT equpment that I kept after the TWC takeover, and (b) the Universal Electronics 1056B01 ("big black remote" as I used to call it) which I got when I went to the DCH3416 and kept when I subsequently upgraded to DCX3400, although I haven't had TWC hardware for a while now so I don't know what they're giving out now.

Some of the newer remotes are simply not programmable. For sure if they don't have a SETUP button you're probably doomed.

fleaman

04-23-12, 03:29 AM

and (b) the Universal Electronics 1056B01 ("big black remote" as I used to call it) which I got when I went to the DCH3416 and kept when I subsequently upgraded to DCX3400, although I haven't had TWC hardware for a while now so I don't know what they're giving out now.

Some of the newer remotes are simply not programmable. For sure if they don't have a SETUP button you're probably doomed.

It's the black one, URC 1056B03, it has the set up button but no 'AUX' button. It's what came with the DCX3400. The older black one I turned in (with the DCH3416 I think?) looked the same.

I had no problem programming the 30 skip forward on the previous black remote, but this one won't take the program directions from the wiki info page. for some reason. I think there I just have to find the right programing instructions?

fleaman

04-23-12, 03:31 AM

DSperber

04-23-12, 04:53 AM

I googled my 1056B03 remote and it appears they don't respond to the 994 code anymore :mad:, The older black remote I had was probably a 1056B01 like you had, which responded to that programming.

This blows.Buy yourself a 1056B01 (http://www.emtcompany.com/time-warner-1056b01-remote-control/1000975.html) for $15.

Slightly cheaper on eBay (http://compare.ebay.com/like/150719344051?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y&cbt=y).

fleaman

04-23-12, 01:57 PM

Buy yourself a 1056B01 (http://www.emtcompany.com/time-warner-1056b01-remote-control/1000975.html) for $15.

Slightly cheaper on eBay (http://compare.ebay.com/like/150719344051?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y&cbt=y).

That might be the most likely solution, Thanks much for your help DSperber! :)

fleaman

04-23-12, 03:38 PM

And I just wanted to state that it blows that TWC is making it harder for it's customers to use any kind of skip fw'd feature (to avoid commercials). It's bad enough that it's not automatically on their remotes, but now their (newer) remotes don't even allow a programming hack for it :mad:

Talk about giving customers more reasons to move onto another provider :rolleyes:

phildaant

04-24-12, 11:15 PM

Is it possible to share the same coax cable to use both OTA (for some channels that are possible to get that cable TV doesn't have) with cable TV (TWC)?

Thank you in advance. :)

DSperber

04-24-12, 11:31 PM

Is it possible to share the same coax cable to use both OTA (for some channels that are possible to get that cable TV doesn't have) with cable TV (TWC)?Not clear.

How can you have just one coax cable, if you obviously have a roof antenna (feeding one coax to... something?) and a TWC coax cable (going to... DVR? STB?)?

What exactly do you want to do? Please describe your setup... HDTV fed from BOTH (a) roof antenna and (b) DVR using two of its inputs?

Or do you want to somehow "combine" two coax cables (one from your roof antenna and the other from TWC) into the single coax connector on the back of the DVR?

Why not just feed your roof antenna's coax to the RF ATSC coax connector on your HDTV (assuming it has such an input) and switch to that "antenna" input when you want to watch something only available OTA to you? Then switch back to your HDMI input on the HDTV when you want to watch something from TWC, fed by the TWC coax to the DVR.

Please clarify.

phildaant

04-24-12, 11:36 PM

Not clear.

How can you have just one coax cable, if you obviously have a roof antenna (feeding one coax to... something?) and a TWC coax cable (going to... DVR? STB?)?

What exactly do you want to do? Please describe your setup... HDTV fed from BOTH (a) roof antenna and (b) DVR using two of its inputs?

Or do you want to somehow "combine" two coax cables (one from your roof antenna and the other from TWC) into the single coax connector on the back of the DVR?

Why not just feed your roof antenna's coax to the RF ATSC coax connector on your HDTV (assuming it has such an input) and switch to that "antenna" input when you want to watch something only available OTA to you? Then switch back to your HDMI input on the HDTV when you want to watch something from TWC, fed by the TWC coax to the DVR.

Please clarify.We don't have cable TV yet since we haven't moved in yet and remodelling the house, but we're planning to since OTA will not get all the channels because of a giant hill/small mountain blocking the Mt. Wilson transmitters. We used a portable DTV to test the OTA stuff. The previous house owners had Dish service so we used that coax cable for a huge attic antenna to a portable DTV downstair. We were wondering how we can use it with TWC setup. TWC doesn't carry some OTA channels like 31.x.

DSperber

04-24-12, 11:59 PM

We don't have cable TV yet since we haven't moved in yet and remodelling the house, but we're planning to since OTA will not get all the channels because of a giant hill/small mountain blocking the Mt. Wilson transmitters. We used a portable DTV to test the OTA stuff. The previous house owners had Dish service so we used that coax cable for a huge attic antenna to a portable DTV downstair. We were wondering how we can use it with TWC setup. TWC doesn't carry some OTA channels like 31.x.Well the coax from your attic antenna is now your OTA/ATSC antenna feed, providing OTA/ATSC capability to any location in your house you run the coax to. Splitting it once up in the attic should provide two reliable coax runs to two locations in the house without needing any other amplifier or booster. You might even get away with three if you need it.

But all it takes is a "cable runner" guy to run the coax through your ceilings and walls down to the [two] locations [family room and master bedroom?] you wish to make OTA/ATSC available, and terminate it with a standard 75ohm coax connector wall plate. Standard stuff. More runs may require an amplifier/splitter to feed all those legs, but again standard stuff. RG6 quad-shielded cable is the standard to use.

At the same time, you figure out where you're going to get your TWC coax coming into your house ("network room"), and have your cable runner guy run coax legs from there also to all of the rooms in your house where you have TV viewing locations planned. This will allow whole-house DVR setup putting the "server" in that "network room" and "satellite STBs" at each of the viewing locations, communicating through the coax runs. You can have your cable runner guy terminate the TWC coax legs in the same wall plate that you had your roof antenna coax legs terminated in (i.e. a 2-connector wall plate).

While you're running cables, you should think about running CAT6 ethernet cable from that same "network room" to all of your likely TV/hard-wired computer locations. It may be that "wireless" could work throughout your house for visitor laptops, but there's no question a wired ethernet CAT6 connection (to a router in the "network" room connected to the cable modem there) will give you absolutely the best Internet performance as well as PC-to-PC performance on your home LAN if you have multiple machines.

Note that running ethernet cable to the HDTV locations also provides support for streaming capability from the Internet, either to streaming-capable BluRay players or ethernet-capable HDTV's or similar services. Can't be wrong to have an Internet connection available at each HDTV (or in every room of your house), and wired is absolutely your best choice given this unique remodeling opportunity.

Also, some older homes have strange metal "shielding material" (or the functional equivalent) built into walls. So although you'd think wireless ethernet should work fine given the distances involved, it turns out there's just too much "interference" from the building materials used in the home. Again, wired ethernet is absolutely the 100% problem-free solution, if you have the opportunity. You will totally avoid any surprises or problems that are bound to occur when trying to use wireless to achieve reliable high-bitrate HDTV or Internet streaming.

Your cable runner guy can add an ethernet jack to that same wall plate in each TV room, or for other locations just have an ethernet jack wall plate.

Bottom line: when you're re-modeling your house that's the time to do future-proof wiring, even if you have no immediate plans to make use of it. The next owner might, and having this done is therefore to everyone's advantage.

(a) run roof antenna coax to every room from your attic. You can leave ends up there disconnected from a splitter until you need them, and you can always add a splitter/amplifier if necessary. But at least the OTA/ATSC antenna coax feeds to each of your possible TV viewing location rooms will allow you to connect any HDTV in that room to your roof antenna to get OTA/ATSC channels not provided by cable.

P.S. - TWC recompresses their channel content, so you'll find picture quality superior OTA/ATSC for local networks than the comparable channel carried by TWC. But of course, if you want to use a DVR you need to go with TWC's feed.

(b) run TWC coax legs from the "network room" to every room in your house. You'll eventually figure out the patch panel connections you need, and having everything in one place (coax entry, cable modem, gigabit router) will make it all possible to upgrade or modify without too terribly much inconvenience).

Note that having TWC coax legs going to each room also supports another TWC implementation option if you don't want to go whole-home (although I don't know why you wouldn't choose this clearly superior option). You can simply have a standalone TWC DVR in that particular TV location, fed by coax to that room from the "network room" patch panel where it is just a pure "split" off of the main incoming coax, having nothing to do with the whole-home DVR/server that is fed from the other side of the "split" which feeds satellite STB boxes around the house through TWC coax legs to those other rooms.

Having total TWC coax wiring to each room from the "network room" gives you all your configuration options and flexibility at each TV location.

(c) run CAT6 ethernet cable to every room in your house, from the "network room" where you plan to have the TWC coax arrive. CAT6 will support gigabit LAN, which is what you want for absolute best modern performance of a home LAN. The cable modem and whole-house DVR/server and gigabit router will live in this "network room", and you can plug in any computer (desktop or laptop) into the wall ethernet jack you will be installing on a wallplate in every room (looks good when the same single wallplate is used to hold the roof antenna coax and TWC coax connectors).

Don't forget to have your cable runner guy NUMBER each and every wall plate outlet and have matching numbers on the cable terminations down in the "network room" so you know what goes where in this "patch panel" environment involving many many coax and ethernet cable legs all terminating in that "network room". In fact, if possible I'd request DIFFERENT COLOR COAX CABLES to be used for the (a) attic antenna OTA/ATSC coax legs, and (b) TWC cable coax legs. Color-coding makes things easier to deal with, along with proper numbering tags at each end of each coax and ethernet leg and also on the wallplates themselves for complete organization and so that you can create your own "home wiring diagram" for reference.

It can never be wrong to wire your house properly (in advance) while you have that opportunity. You're very likely not ever going to do it again, and certainly will very likely not tear open wallpapered walls to add a cable run (WAF and all that). Might as well do it right the first (and hopefully only) time you do it. Just takes a little planning and thought.

Anyway, once your house is wired properly, you can do anything you want. You can put computers anywhere, HDTV's anywhere fed either by (a) TWC from whole-house DVR with a satellite STB at the TV location fed by TWC coax leg to that room, or (b) OTA/ATSC roof antenna feed for local channels not available from TWC but available OTA/ATSC. You'll simply feed the HDMI output from that room's DVR (or whole-home satellite STB) to your HDTV's HDMI input for TWC, and you'll feed the roof antenna OTA/ATSC coax from the connector in that room to the antenna input of your HDTV, and you'll switch inputs on your HDTV as you desire to allow you to watch either OTA/ATSC or TWC.

One other point... if you do have a 3-way split on the TWC coax coming into your house, with -3.5db loss on one output and -7db loss on each of the other two, be sure and send the lower-loss (-3.5db) output to the cable modem and the higher-loss (-7db) outputs to the DVRs (which are better able to deal with the lower signal strength). More splits may require TWC to install amplifier/boosters, but a simple system with just 2-splits (both feeding -3.5db outputs) for cable modem and one whole-home DVR should be no problem at all.

Of course that's just me. That's what I'd do if I were remodeling and had the opportunity to run cable throughout my house.

I'd plan for a "network room" as my home LAN/HDTV "hub", with patch panel and many coax and ethernet CAT6 runs to all rooms (even the kitchen!!), even if not yet currently implemented with hardware at the other end.

NOTE: if the "network room" is maybe in the basement or otherwise far away from some remote distant location in the house, having a wired ethernet run from the router in that "network room" to the remote location room provides yet another Internet option: "WI-FI access point" (i.e. a "wireless hot spot" in your home) just by connecting an inexpensive WI-FI broadcast access point device (say from Netgear or Linksys) to the wired ethernet connection available on the wallplate in that room. Now that far distant remote room has just become WI-FI-enabled (i.e. "hot spot") for wireless use by visitors or anyone or any device (e.g. Kindle, tablet, iPad, etc.), where it never really would have been usable that way since the real wired/wireless router is far away down in the "network room" dungeon at the other end of the house.

bruce73

04-26-12, 09:03 AM

has anyone with a : DCT6412, DCT6416, DCT3416, DCH3416, DCX3400, DCT6200, DCT3200, DCH3200 , DCX3200 been able to get Startover/Lookback to work on their DVR/HD boxes yet or did that disappear shortly after it popped up on the STBs?

I have a DCX3200-M which is relatively new (2-3 mos) and just noticed I have this feature. It appears to be only on local stations plus CNN. It works but I'm not sure the point at which it "starts over." Is it the beginning of the scheduled block or a matter of minutes? I see a progress bar that goes from 0:00 to 2:00, but as I flip stations it always seems to be at the same point, so I guess it's not station-dependent?

jeffcub

04-26-12, 04:06 PM

phildaant

04-26-12, 04:07 PM

I bought a Samsung 64e8000 and hooked up my roof antenna and had the tv search for digital channels and it found only 3 (52, 53 and 54). My previous set had all of them. These 3 channels come in perfectly but why only those 3?TWC is Time Warner Cable. I think you want to post in http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=21952570 for OTA antennae.

CaCHooKa Man

05-01-12, 02:50 PM

I just added internet to my cable package. I previously had AT&T DSL at 6 Mbps/512 kbps and I got the Road Runner Extreme package which turns out to be a little less than what I was paying monthly for the first 12 months. After that I'll just downgrade or something. I ordered the cable and internet bundle last night online and I got an e-mail within a few minutes saying I needed to call to verify some information. I called this morning during work and it took them 45 minutes to add the same exact package that I did online in 2 minutes last night. It came with free HD DVR service so I have to return one of my boxes so I don't get charged extra. I currently have two Motorola DCH-3200s that I've had for a few years now. Is there a newer/better box available these days? Should I exchange my other box too when I go to the Time Warner Store to give them my other one?

phildaant

05-01-12, 03:01 PM

Hi!

Does anyone know if there a limit on how long TWC's cable lines can be from its street cable box into a huge house's deep room? For example, is over 500 feet OK for TV, digital phone, and Internet?

Thank you in advance.

Tom Wellman

05-01-12, 06:03 PM

bruce73

05-01-12, 07:15 PM

AFAIK, the latest STBs//DVRs from Motorola are DCX 3200/3400 series boxes.

Yeah, I just replaced my DVR with the DCX3200 STB. Different software (which I prefer) and it has that "start over" feature on some channels. The biggest drawback is the boot up time. It takes freaking forever.

bruce73

05-02-12, 03:14 PM

TWC vs. AT&T U-verse

AT&T wants to sell me its TV/Internet package for $85 (6 mos.), which would be about a $30 savings/mo. with what I have now with TWC. My speed would drop from 15Mbps to 12Mbps, but I would gain a bunch of TV channels (that I probably wouldn't watch anyway). There's also a $49 installation charge.

But ... while it looks somewhat attractive on paper, I'm not so sure from comparison critiques I've been reading online -- the real world experience with AT&T doesn't seem to be all that rosy. Has anyone had any personal experience with U-verse, or have family/friends that do?

I don't have any major complaints with TWC, and it's easy enough for me to go to a local office to exchange equipment. I get a little tired of the speed throttling at night, but I've read that AT&T caps downloads. I've been with TWC for so long, I hate to leave for just the promise of a greater deal only to have to switch back. I sorta feel like I'm in a bad marriage, but at least I know what I've got. ;)

phildaant

05-02-12, 03:21 PM

kevin120

05-02-12, 03:22 PM

fleaman

05-02-12, 03:32 PM

DSperber

05-02-12, 03:33 PM

My nephew in Chicago went with u-Verse, whole-house. Five HDTV locations, lots of computers.

He said the installers were idiots.

After about 6 months he decided to ditch it, and went with Comcast for everything. Completely removed AT&T.

He was not impressed.

fleaman

05-02-12, 03:59 PM

I have AT&T DSL and what I REALLY hate is getting junk mail from them every week (sometimes 2x a week) trying to get me to sign up to their U-verse, combined packages, etc.

I swear that in a years time that amount of junk mail probably adds up to a 25 lbs or so :mad:
But I've been getting it for many years now, so probably 100 lbs or so of junk mail from just THEM :mad: :mad:

That being said, TWC also sends me a lot of junk mail too, but not nearly as much....

danki6x

05-02-12, 05:04 PM

TWC vs. AT&T U-verse

But ... while it looks somewhat attractive on paper, I'm not so sure from comparison critiques I've been reading online -- the real world experience with AT&T doesn't seem to be all that rosy. Has anyone had any personal experience with U-verse, or have family/friends that do?

We like to complain but I also see this as the "grass is not always greener". Two immediate neighbors went UVERSE because they saw the great "come-on" offer. One lasted a month (couldn't get past the way things worked differently than satellite). The other went from TWC and has had them out 3 times in about a year with 1-2 days of hours long visits each time plus few over the phone issues. Most of the problems have been with the phone, but the internet was the last one and the guy came and left multiple times over 2 days (I suspect running down to the "big box" that feeds the neighborhood). I also would like improvements in TWC but until better competition comes to my area we are all stuck. Since I am in an AT&T phone area, not much experience with Verizon FIOS, but that seems tempting if I could even consider. /Dan

danki6x

05-02-12, 05:06 PM

bruce73

05-02-12, 06:36 PM

Can't you try AT&T and keep TWC for a month to see how it is?

Hadn't thought of that. But that kinda defeats the purpose of trying to economize. And it's a 6-mos. contract, so if it sucks, I'm stuck (maybe if AT&T had like a 30-day cancellation window, but I didn't think to ask).

Isn't that just a promotional period? Does the price go up after a year, etc.?

No personal experience, but I've read (and 1 friend) that U-verse picture quality is sub-par, lots of compression. May not be noticeable if you have a small TV, but if you have a big TV, and or sit close (or a projector), it would probably be noticeable.

Yes, 6 mos. promotion. It was like pulling teeth with this guy, lol. He said after 6 mos. there would be "other promotions," but he was a little vague on what might be available, for how long, etc. He just said "most customers" don't see their rates increase. Hmmm. OK ...

I've heard about the compression issue before. I don't have a projector-sized display -- I sit 9' from a 67" DLP -- but decreased quality I think would certainly read.

The other went from TWC and has had them out 3 times in about a year with 1-2 days of hours long visits each time plus few over the phone issues. Most of the problems have been with the phone, but the internet was the last one and the guy came and left multiple times over 2 days (I suspect running down to the "big box" that feeds the neighborhood).

This made me think -- I've only had one service call in the past 7 years. There have been the occasional outages, but all in all that's a pretty good record, you gotta admit.

But, for me, this is the dealbreaker --I read that in the NYC area downloads are capped at 250GB/mo. before AT&T starts charging extra. I couldn't find out if it happens here, and I wonder if a rep would even confirm it if it does. But that's a "gotcha" I can do without. At least throttling, however annoying, only tests your patience; you can still get what you want. ;)

Anyway, thanks guys, you've all pretty much confirmed what I've been reading online.

bruce73

05-02-12, 07:22 PM

Junk mail is the only thing keeping the Post Office going. Try to look at the bright side.:p /Dan

This never occurred to me until one day I was talking to my mailman as he was stuffing our boxes with all of this crap. I said it must drive him nuts to have to do it. He said, "Not at all. It's our bread and butter."

WackyPacks

05-02-12, 08:01 PM

The junk mail sent in this area to everybody is for DirectTV, Dish, TW, and sometimes Clear. Ads come in usually with the weekly supermarket circulars. There is no At&t likely because U-Verse is not available here. For the mail addressed specifically to me, TW sends the most even though I already have tv + internet with them. At&t never sends anything to me even though I was a dsl customer for a long time. My promo pricing with TW is ending soon, so I actually want At&t to tempt me with some offers.

fleaman

05-02-12, 08:51 PM

Junk mail is the only thing keeping the Post Office going. Try to look at the bright side.:p /Dan

I suppose....'cept I'd rather have the postage/mailers/printing costs credited to my AT&T DSL account instead ;)

fleaman

05-02-12, 08:54 PM

Yes, 6 mos. promotion. It was like pulling teeth with this guy, lol. He said after 6 mos. there would be "other promotions," but he was a little vague on what might be available, for how long, etc. He just said "most customers" don't see their rates increase. Hmmm. OK ...

Yeah, that's salesman talk for 'your screwed' after that promo period.

Unless it's in writing (his vague 'promotions' after the fact), I'd avoid. Red flag all over the place.

phildaant

05-05-12, 03:53 PM

Yeah, that's salesman talk for 'your screwed' after that promo period.

Unless it's in writing (his vague 'promotions' after the fact), I'd avoid. Red flag all over the place.So, where can we get the written prices after promotions? Its e-mail support also told me that there would be special promotions after the original ones end, but not that cheap like the original prices. I also was told about the regular non-promotional prices at http://www.timewarnerla.com/pricingguides/PDFs_2012/2008_PL-0312.pdf ... Dang, so expensive for those when I calculated all together! I really wished they would tell us the answers! They're so incompetent. :(

CaCHooKa Man

05-05-12, 04:11 PM

DSperber

05-05-12, 04:44 PM

I got the regular Turbo instead and I'm getting 29 Mbps/1.8 Mbps so I guess I'm fine with that.That download speed is not eternal. It's a "turbo boost" quick shot when you first connect to something, to maybe get you in and done quickly.

But if you do an extended download for any period of time, your speed will drop down to the standard 15Mb/s for the duration, which is what Turbo is throttled at for normal use.

2Mb/s upload is essentially a constant with Turbo.

bruce73

05-05-12, 04:55 PM

I just got back from the Eagle Rock cable store and they said that I couldn't pick up my self-installation kit if I still wanted Extreme internet. I got the regular Turbo instead and I'm getting 29 Mbps/1.8 Mbps so I guess I'm fine with that. I don't understand why that's the case since I ordered over the phone and they said they'd send me a self-installation kit by the end of next week. Since I live close to the Eagle Rock location I just decided to pick it one up today with an HD DVR too.

You get 29 Mbps with regular Turbo? Really? I thought it maxed out at 15. It does for me. I'd be more than happy with that. ;-)

I, too, was led to believe I could do a self-install for Extreme when I talked to a rep over the phone. But when I went to the office for the new modem, I was told the same as you -- no self-install and $50 to boot. So I told them to forget it.

phildaant

05-05-12, 05:09 PM

You get 29 Mbps with regular Turbo? Really? I thought it maxed out at 15. It does for me. I'd be more than happy with that. ;-)

I, too, was led to believe I could do a self-install for Extreme when I talked to a rep over the phone. But when I went to the office for the new modem, I was told the same as you -- no self-install and $50 to boot. So I told them to forget it.Is there a reason why no self install for extreme package?

CaCHooKa Man

05-05-12, 05:33 PM

Yeah they told me that there would be an installation fee for Turbo Plus or Extreme, which I wasn't told about when I ordered over the phone. They said a technician had to install it but I wasn't given any further explanation beyond that. I tested downloading a 1 GB file and it took about 8 minutes to download. The download speed was around 1.9 MB/s with occasional bursts to 2.3 MB/s so I'm getting around 15 Mbps on average which I'm suposed to get. The 29 Mbps/1.8 Mbps was from speedtest.net. I'm happy so far since I had 6 Mbps/768 kbps for the past 8 years with AT&T DSL. I'll probably upgrade to Turbo Plus or Elite in the future but for now it's fine.

bruce73

05-05-12, 06:31 PM

Is there a reason why no self install for extreme package?
I can't remember if I asked, since they weren't budging on that. I know there's a different modem, so I'm sure they'd say that's the reason. But I think it's just another chance to make a few bucks.

Yeah they told me that there would be an installation fee for Turbo Plus or Extreme, which I wasn't told about when I ordered over the phone. They said a technician had to install it but I wasn't given any further explanation beyond that. I tested downloading a 1 GB file and it took about 8 minutes to download. The download speed was around 1.9 MB/s with occasional bursts to 2.3 MB/s so I'm getting around 15 Mbps on average which I'm suposed to get. The 29 Mbps/1.8 Mbps was from speedtest.net. I'm happy so far since I had 6 Mbps/768 kbps for the past 8 years with AT&T DSL. I'll probably upgrade to Turbo Plus or Elite in the future but for now it's fine.
Those speed test sites are worthless, IMO. The network paths are generally dedicated, so it's not a "real world" scenario. As DSperber noted, there's a speed "bump" right at the beginning of a download. I'm convinced the purpose of this is to artificially skew speed test results. The only reasonably accurate measure is to download a large file and do the math, like you did, or to monitor with a newsreader.

I've brought this up before (and don't mean to harp ...), but I'd be curious to know if you see a cut in speed at night or on weekends. I do a lot of downloading and am constantly monitoring speeds with my newsreader and I sure do. I don't believe it's dynamic, based on increased neighborhood usage, for a couple of reasons: 1) the cut is *always* by half, and 2) it always occurs at the same times (~5-11pm, starting earlier on weekends). Of course, this is just conjecture on my part, but it sure smells like scheduled throttling.

DSperber

05-05-12, 10:30 PM

I tested downloading a 1 GB file and it took about 8 minutes to download. The download speed was around 1.9 MB/s with occasional bursts to 2.3 MB/s so I'm getting around 15 Mbps on average which I'm suposed to get. The 29 Mbps/1.8 Mbps was from speedtest.net.I repeat... Turbo is 15Mb/sec.

But when you first connect to someplace, there is a special "TurboBoost" throttle that opens up for you briefly, allowing you up to double (or maybe even more) speeds. So if you use Speedtest to check your speeds, you will be provided with what is really "false" information that shows much higher speeds than what will actually be experienced for sustained long-lasting downloads. For just a few seconds, TurboBoost will have kicked in and it looks like you've got double what you're entitled to.

Believe me... Turbo is 15Mb/sec, and once TurboBoost goes away that's what you'll be limited to. But of course even that is subject to the capabilities of the web site you've connected to, with many sites providing much lower speeds. Your experience will vary by web site, no matter what your internet connection package is.

But for sure, TurboBoost is something TWC implemented a few years back, hoping that if they gave you double-speed for a quick link or download, you'd be happier. However for long downloads, 15MB/sec throttle is strict.

phildaant

05-05-12, 10:35 PM

... But for sure, TurboBoost is something TWC implemented a few years back, hoping that if they gave you double-speed for a quick link or download, you'd be happier. However for long downloads, 15MB/sec throttle is strict.Before TWC, I had Adelphia and IIRC, it was called PowerBoost. Did TWC have this feature before Adelphia died or did they take it from Adelphia?

DSperber

05-06-12, 12:05 AM

Before TWC, I had Adelphia and IIRC, it was called PowerBoost. Did TWC have this feature before Adelphia died or did they take it from Adelphia?I think TurboBoost was a national TWC RoadRunner thing. It may have been called PowerBoost, or TurboBoost.

But it's been around for at least 2-3 years, and it had nothing to do with Adelphia. It's a few seconds (maybe up to 10?) of super download speed depending on current network conditions and bandwidth availability. For sure it times out and you're just at your basic Turbo 15Mb/s performance (which is still terrific, and I'm happy paying for it).

phildaant

05-06-12, 12:16 AM

I think TurboBoost was a national TWC RoadRunner thing. It may have been called PowerBoost, or TurboBoost.

But it's been around for at least 2-3 years, and it had nothing to do with Adelphia. It's a few seconds (maybe up to 10?) of super download speed depending on current network conditions and bandwidth availability. For sure it times out and you're just at your basic Turbo 15Mb/s performance (which is still terrific, and I'm happy paying for it).Ah OK. I thought only Adelphia had it and TWC got it when it died.

Mastaclocksetta

05-07-12, 03:03 PM

I saw my Motorola DCH3200 updating its software around 1:00 this morning. Among the new features: Start Over, Look Back, Caller ID on TV (all three of which have been available for quite a while on Scientific Atlanta boxes running the Navigator software), ability to turn on closed captioning through the regular on-screen menu (instead of turning off the box and pressing the Menu key and going into the box's user settings). Just thought you guys would be interested!

kevin120

05-07-12, 05:31 PM

Mastaclocksetta

05-07-12, 06:55 PM

Here they are for all to see! (I can't do Start Over or Look Back because I don't have DVR service. Sorry about that.)

kevin120

05-07-12, 07:02 PM

Here they are for all to see! (I can't do Start Over or Look Back because I don't have DVR service. Sorry about that.)

you should be able to do startover and lookback they are not DVR related.

bruce73

05-07-12, 10:03 PM

you should be able to do startover and lookback they are not DVR related.

Correct. Here are a few quick shots from a Moto DCX3200-M STB:

Mastaclocksetta

05-08-12, 01:21 AM

you should be able to do startover and lookback they are not DVR related.

I tried it and a message popped up on my screen saying "ATTENTION You are not authorized for this feature." That's what led me to believe it was for DVR users only. What's up with this?

LionelLines

05-09-12, 07:29 PM

"Since I am in an AT&T phone area, not much experience with Verizon FIOS, but that seems tempting if I could even consider. /Dan"

Does anyone know if Verizon can go ahead and build in an AT&T area--or vice versa??? Interesting question to me because I live in a city with distinct "old" phone areas.

phildaant

05-09-12, 07:36 PM

fleaman

05-09-12, 08:23 PM

fleaman

05-09-12, 08:25 PM

I am pretty sure they can't. :(

I wish I could get fios. But for the longest time they're not in my area and perhaps as you say, maybe they never will be. Seems like an anti-trust issue here, but I guess not :confused:

I have AT&T DSL, but TWC for tv (don't want u-verse)

phildaant

05-09-12, 08:35 PM

I wish I could get fios. But for the longest time they're not in my area and perhaps as you say, maybe they never will be. Seems like an anti-trust issue here, but I guess not :confused:

I have AT&T DSL, but TWC for tv (don't want u-verse)You know what's worse? Where I live in two Verizon areas, I can't get FIOS at all even if they are available in the city! They're just not in the neighborhood. Same for DSL (too far to the CO like 20K ft.). :(

fleaman

05-09-12, 09:43 PM

I tried it and a message popped up on my screen saying "ATTENTION You are not authorized for this feature." That's what led me to believe it was for DVR users only. What's up with this?

Well I have a DVR (moto DCX3400) and I get the same message as you.

Scratch that. What actually comes up when I hit that button is a 'enhanced menu', but in that enhanced menu box it says 'no Enhanced programs are currently available'.

So far every channel I've tried the 'start over and look back' feature I've got the same message.

DSperber

05-09-12, 10:07 PM

Just out of curiosity, what is the current A28 iGuide software running in the Motorola DCH/DCX boxes (all model numbers) in TWC/LA? I've given back my own DCH3416 so I can't look for myself.

The original A28 version pushed out in Feb. 2010 was the 78.44-A28p0-2.0908.r-4. It had all the original A28 bugs subsequently fixed in several later updated software versions (delivered nationally to Comcast users of Moto boxes, but not by TWC users of Moto boxes)... most notoriously the 5-7 day Guide bug (instead of the 12-14 day Guide which is what it should have).

Is this STILL the A28 software version which is running here in TWC/LA on Moto boxes?

Mastaclocksetta

05-10-12, 02:22 AM

kevin120

05-10-12, 01:40 PM

Expanding on the message I posted that originally tipped you guys off to this software update, the new version on the DCH3200 is 79.41 - R29.0.r-4.

does the guide go out to 14 days again?

kevin120

05-10-12, 01:58 PM

Scratch that. What actually comes up when I hit that button is a 'enhanced menu', but in that enhanced menu box it says 'no Enhanced programs are currently available'.

So far every channel I've tried the 'start over and look back' feature I've got the same message.

can you post a picture of that menu? I am wondering if it looks similar to Navigator's lookback and Startover menus?

what is the firmware on the DCX3400s now?

kevin120

05-10-12, 03:54 PM

Expanding on the message I posted that originally tipped you guys off to this software update, the new version on the DCH3200 is 79.41 - R29.0.r-4.

What is the firmware version for DCH series?

kevin120

05-10-12, 04:45 PM

Scratch that. What actually comes up when I hit that button is a 'enhanced menu', but in that enhanced menu box it says 'no Enhanced programs are currently available'.

So far every channel I've tried the 'start over and look back' feature I've got the same message.

here are the startover channels in LA:

402 KCBS HD (CBS)
404 KNBC HD (NBC)
407 KABC HD (ABC)
415 TNT HD
418 Discovery Channel 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
440 National Geographic HD
441 USA Network HD
442 Bravo HD
443 Syfy HD
444 CNBC HD
446 MSNBC HD
451 Animal Planet HD
456 FX HD
459 Nick HD
462 Cartoon Network HD
465 Fox News Channel HD
468 Speed HD
491 VH1 HD
493 MTV HD
497 Comedy Central HD
500 BET HD

Lookback Channels in your area:

404 KNBC HD (NBC)
407 KABC HD (ABC)
418 Discovery Channel 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 Network HD
442 Bravo HD
443 Syfy HD
444 CNBC HD
446 MSNBC HD
451 Animal Planet HD

see what you get on these channels and can you post an image of what it says for one of these channels.

Mastaclocksetta

05-11-12, 01:03 AM

What is the firmware version for DCH series?

That would be 18.90.

Mastaclocksetta

05-11-12, 01:04 AM

does the guide go out to 14 days again?

Yes.

kevin120

05-11-12, 10:00 AM

I am pretty sure they can't. :(

Yes they can Verizon did a small test pilot of this in North Texas and it is a very small area did get Fios in an At&t Uverse area. The thing is that the areas that have overlaps had already had Fios in that city but not in the part that was At&t. So since fios is not expanding into cities where they have no presence I will say no.

phildaant

05-11-12, 10:26 AM

Mastaclocksetta

05-11-12, 04:54 PM

@kevin120: Here is a picture of the diagnostics screen.

kevin120

05-11-12, 05:32 PM

@kevin120: Here is a picture of the diagnostics screen.

I was asking about the iGuide diagnostics which is accessed when the box is powered on.

to get to the iGuide Diagnostics:
go to:
1. Main menu
2. setup
3. cable box setup
4. hit select to display
5. hit the favorites button on the remote to display the various iGuide Diagnostics pages.

I was wanting pictures of these diagnostics menu pages to see if they have changed since A28.

also can you post the various pages of iGuide Diagnostics including the one with the firmware and software versions and then the pages after that are accessed by pressing the Fav button on the remote.

Also fleaman or anybody else it will be helpful in getting pictures of the menu that popups when accessing startover/lookback in the quick menu posted on this forum. I am trying to update the wiki page about how to use the motorola DVR with the latest version of iGuide information on features enabled in this version of iGuide such as the closed captioning features. So any pictures of the iGuide diagnostics and the guide itself will be appreciated.

LionelLines

05-12-12, 02:28 AM

Yes they can Verizon did a small test pilot of this in North Texas and it is a very small area did get Fios in an At&t Uverse area. The thing is that the areas that have overlaps had already had Fios in that city but not in the part that was At&t. So since fios is not expanding into cities where they have no presence I will say no.

I started with this question & I'll add a little more info...I'm in a city that has the historic AT&T and Verizon (GTE originally) areas. I'm in the AT&T "legacy" area--which is a small part of the city. Verizon has put in FIOS in all the old GTE/Verizon areas. AT&T will not put in Uverse, apparently, since our area is a relatively small area and is far (~4-5 miles) from existing Uverse service areas (in this area, our cities are separated by designated open space).

We'll see what the city/telcoms say. I will dutifully report....:cool:

It's an interesting question that I've never read/heard discussed....

LionelLines

05-12-12, 02:31 AM

For the time being (since TWC no longer offers "contracts"), I'm signing up for the TWC Signature Home Premium to be installed the week of 5/21. I'm anxious to see how it all works.

If it doesn't "work" as promoted, it's off to DirecTV for video....

:D

phildaant

05-12-12, 02:44 AM

LionelLines

05-12-12, 05:45 PM

Did TWC ever have contracts? I don't remember seeing it ever before.

Two-year "agreements". There was a penalty for not completing the contracted period--a la DirecTV. :eek:

So, yes, TWC/SoCal did offer contracts in the past.

phildaant

05-12-12, 05:54 PM

Two-year "agreements". There was a penalty for not completing the contracted period--a la DirecTV. :eek:

So, yes, TWC/SoCal did offer contracts in the past.Weird, I never saw those. Were they rare or something?

WackyPacks

05-12-12, 07:59 PM

I thought contracts still exist if you sign up for one of those promotional deals. If you do not stay the length of time, then you are required to pay some sort of early termination fee depending on when you cancel. I am still on a 2 year Price Guarantee and that is what TW told me when I signed up.

phildaant

05-12-12, 08:15 PM

WackyPacks

05-12-12, 11:31 PM

About a year and a half ago.

phildaant

05-12-12, 11:54 PM

About a year and a half ago.Interesting. I wonder why not lately.

WackyPacks

05-13-12, 12:25 AM

Either:

1. The 2-year Price Guarantee offer was not popular as compared to the 1-year Price Guarantee, so it was discontinued.

2. TW does not want to guarantee a rate for 2 years.

Maybe it was both.

bruce73

05-13-12, 09:13 AM

LionelLines

05-13-12, 11:18 AM

Weird, I never saw those. Were they rare or something?

A couple of days ago, I was told by a CSR that "price locks", contracts (or whatever name) were no longer offered by TWC. My price lock of 24 months expires this month. TWC is slow to offer anything new...until the last week. I have Signature Home Premium beginning next week at a "reasonable" (pft! yeah, sure!) cost.... :D

phildaant

05-13-12, 11:23 AM

A couple of days ago, I was told by a CSR that "price locks", contracts (or whatever name) were no longer offered by TWC. My price lock of 24 months expires this month. TWC is slow to offer anything new...until the last week. I have Signature Home Premium beginning next week at a "reasonable" (pft! yeah, sure!) cost.... :DSo the expired promotion prices are regular prices shown in those PDFs files (e.g., http://www.timewarnerla.com/pricingguides/PDFs_2012/2008_PL-0312.pdf -- so expensive!) or the actual discounts (how much different?), but not cheap as the promotional prices?

LionelLines

05-13-12, 05:45 PM

So the expired promotion prices are regular prices shown in those PDFs files (e.g., http://www.timewarnerla.com/pricingguides/PDFs_2012/2008_PL-0312.pdf -- so expensive!) or the actual discounts (how much different?), but not cheap as the promotional prices?

Not understanding your question...but TWC's price sheet (expensive, yes) is open for negotiation--or specials. TWC just doesn't guarantee rates for xx months (at least to on-going customers).

CaCHooKa Man

05-13-12, 08:34 PM

this is what i get when i try start over or look back on both my DCX3200 and DCX3400

http://i.imgur.com/UkJCt.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/rWQoN.jpg

Mastaclocksetta

05-14-12, 01:43 AM

I was asking about the iGuide diagnostics which is accessed when the box is powered on.

to get to the iGuide Diagnostics:
go to:
1. Main menu
2. setup
3. cable box setup
4. hit select to display
5. hit the favorites button on the remote to display the various iGuide Diagnostics pages.

I was wanting pictures of these diagnostics menu pages to see if they have changed since A28.

also can you post the various pages of iGuide Diagnostics including the one with the firmware and software versions and then the pages after that are accessed by pressing the Fav button on the remote.

Also fleaman or anybody else it will be helpful in getting pictures of the menu that popups when accessing startover/lookback in the quick menu posted on this forum. I am trying to update the wiki page about how to use the motorola DVR with the latest version of iGuide information on features enabled in this version of iGuide such as the closed captioning features. So any pictures of the iGuide diagnostics and the guide itself will be appreciated.

I didn't even know that this iGuide diagnostics thingie even existed! You learn something new every day!

SPDICKEY

05-14-12, 07:35 PM

phildaant

05-14-12, 07:38 PM

My "contract" ended last month. The bill went from about $130 to over $200! I had free Showtime, two DVRs, phone, data with $10 turbo. When the lock ended they offered $10 off for another year. Instead I dropped Showtime, returned the two DVRs and switched to a cable card powered Windows Media Center with four channel recording capability. Only problem its not as bullet proof as the Motorola DVR, but the interface is much nicer, and I can record four things at a time!$10 off? LOL! I am planning to order TWC soon at the new place since OTA is very weak due to the small mountain/giant hill blocking Mt. Wilson so I am trying to avoid paying too much for broadcast channels with non-promotional prices.

kevin120

05-14-12, 07:40 PM

I didn't even know that this iGuide diagnostics thingie even existed! You learn something new every day!

can you post screenshots of the various iGuide Diagnostics menu screens?

bruce73

05-14-12, 07:48 PM

... and switched to a cable card powered Windows Media Center with four channel recording capability. Only problem its not as bullet proof as the Motorola DVR, but the interface is much nicer, and I can record four things at a time!
Is this with a Ceton card or similar? Does it replace a regular STB as well? Sounds very interesting, but I know virtually nothing about it or how to proceed. Do you have any links to FAQs or tutorials? Thx.

SPDICKEY

05-15-12, 08:11 PM

Is this with a Ceton card or similar? Does it replace a regular STB as well? Sounds very interesting, but I know virtually nothing about it or how to proceed. Do you have any links to FAQs or tutorials? Thx.

Yes it is a Ceton card. No I do not have a cable TV supplied box anymore. Go to cetoncorp.com for info on the cards. Google Windows Media Center for info on the system I am using. And I bought a Lenovo IdeaCentre Q180 as the PC to power the whole thing.

SPDICKEY

05-15-12, 08:13 PM

Is this with a Ceton card or similar? Does it replace a regular STB as well? Sounds very interesting, but I know virtually nothing about it or how to proceed. Do you have any links to FAQs or tutorials? Thx.

$10 off? LOL! I am planning to order TWC soon at the new place since OTA is very weak due to the small mountain/giant hill blocking Mt. Wilson so I am trying to avoid paying too much for broadcast channels with non-promotional prices.

The $10 off is on an "All The Best" package of video/telephone/internet at $129 that does not include a digital tuner. The cheapest monthly rate is for broadcast only cable.

DSperber

05-16-12, 01:47 AM

Is this with a Ceton card or similar? Does it replace a regular STB as well? Sounds very interesting, but I know virtually nothing about it or how to proceed. Do you have any links to FAQs or tutorials? Thx.This is based on Windows 7 and Windows Media Center as your DVR software. You do NOT need a regular STB/DVR, so you return all of that equipment to TWC.

Instead you rent an M-Card from TWC, because the Ceton card requires an M-Card to enable access to encrypted program content (i.e. 99% of TWC's cable channel content) on its four tuners. And you feed the TWC coax to the RF connector on the Ceton card. There is a built-in 4-way splitter in the card, to feed the four tuners simultaneously.

You must have a home LAN, because live/recorded HDTV from your WMC machine (aka HTPC) to the HDTV's around your house is distributed via ethernet cable from your router. So you have to have a fairly decent home network to deliver TV content to TV's around the house.

Because of digital rights protections, you can only deliver encrypted program content to remote TV's through a "media center extender". This is a small box that is at the end of an ethernet cable near the TV, and then it feeds the TV via HDMI. It can be an xBox (which I call an "active extender" since it has a hard drive that spins and makes noise and generates heat) or something like a Linksys DMA2100 (which I call a "passive extender" since it is 100% silent and uses almost no electricity).

Ceton actually is developing its own media center extender, named Echo. It's not available for purchase yet but sometime in 2012 it should be.

Windows Media Center is supported by Microsoft and Zap2it for the Guide data (which provides 11 days of advance information). Most people leave their HTPC on 24/7, but you can let it go into hybrid sleep if you want since it will wake up automatically to perform scheduled recordings.

You can have as large a hard drive in the HTPC as you care to have. Most people opt for a 1Tb or 2TB drive (of course you can partition those drives if you want to use part of it for ordinary computer folders).

There are significant restrictions on any copy-once encrypted content once it's been recorded by a specific Windows 7 system. It can then only be played back by that very Windows 7 system that did the recording, and it can only be played to a TV via a media center extender. You cannot view those copy-once programs using any program other than Windows Media Center, even on the same PC. So you can't use Windows Media Player, nor can you use Windows Media Center on a second PC on your home network to play recordings made on your HTPC. This is all part of the DRM arrangement Microsoft made with Cablelabs that then allowed Windows 7 and Ceton to do what they did.

That's the basic lay of the land if you want to build your own whole-home setup. There's an initial hardware outlay, and possibly home network cabling.

But after that it's just $2.50/month for the M-Card. Won't take long to recoup your hardware outlay with monthly STB/DVR hardware/service savings.

Note that with a strong enough PC and adequate hard drive space, you can actually install up to three Ceton cards in one machine, meaning you could theoretically have 12 tuners... all recording independently and/or feeding "live" view to TV's around your house. Feeding recorded programs does not use a tuner. You can have up to five media center extenders.

Ceton also offers an external box with the tuner card in it, which connects to your PC via USB, if you don't want to install the internal tuner card. Same capabilities.

The Ceton 4-tuner card also supports "network tuner sharing", where the 4 tuners of the card can be allocated to multiple Windows 7 machines around your house (across the home network), if that provides some advantage to you.