CONFIRMED NEWS:
- The NFL Network (both SD and HD channels) have been moved to a different tier of channels (Sports Entertainment Pack).
- We will not be receiving the new realligned channel lineup from Comcast until sometime Q4.

Any changes in the HD offerings will be noted here as soon as they are confirmed.

Here are the current HD offerings from Comcast (formerly TeleMedia/Adelphia) in the Seymour/Waterbury area:

HD Converter Boxes:
Scientific Atlanta 3250HD
Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR
CableCard is also available

HD Channel Lineup:
Local HD Channels - Free with HD Tuner (Converter Box, Cable Card, etc.)
Seymour & Waterbury Branches:
703 - WFSB (CBS)
707 - WABC (ABC)
718 - WNYW (FOX)
720 - WTXX (CW)
724 - WEDN (PBS/CPTV)
730 - WVIT (NBC)

Norwich Branch:
702 - WGBH (PBS)
703 - WFSB (CBS)
704 - WVIT (NBC)
708 - WTNH (ABC)
720 - WTXX (CW)
761 - WTIC (FOX)

Premium HD Channels - Free channel with corresponding Premium Package
750 - HBO HD
751 - Showtime HD
752 - Starz HD
753 - Cinemax HD

HD Plus Tier Channels - $7.95 or Free with any Digital Cable package
757 - Discovery HD (Will be added 12/18)
758 - National Geographic HD (Will be added 12/18)
759 - A&E HD (Will be added 12/18)
760 - History Channel HD (Will be added 12/18)
762 - HGTV HD (Will be added 12/18)
763 - USA HD (Will be added 12/18)
764 - TNT-HD
765 - CNN-HD
766 - TBS-HD
767 - MHD (Will be added 12/18)
768 - Universal HD (Will be added 12/18)
769 - Food HD (Will be added 12/18)
770 - Comcast Sports HD (Versus HD/Golf HD)
771 - YES-HD
772 - ESPNHD
773 - NESN HD (Except Shelton)
774 - InHD
776 - Discovery HD Theater
777 - NFL Network HD
778 - ESPN2HD
779 - Fox SportsNet HD - New England (Norwich Only)

I will update whenever new services are added. Please PM me for any changes you would like to make to this page.


-------------Original Post----------------

I got my cable bill in the mail today from TeleMedia Cable in Seymour, CT and in big bold letters on the envelope it reads, "HDTV Service Coming Fall 2003". Of course I called to find out more information. Unfortunately, the customer service rep did not have too many details. He did say that they have a new Digital HD Converter box (make unknown) that needed to be installed. Once the box was installed (and you subscribe to any digital cable service) you get the local network affiliate HD channels "free". They are in negotiations with many channels right now including Discovery-HD and ESPN-HD. HBO-HD was a definite. He was pretty vauge on specifics for channels aside from the locals. Note: If you are like me and have to have ESPN, please call TeleMedia and express to them your desire for this channel. If they see that this is what customers want then it should push them in the right direction.

The CSR said that they are expecting a launch date toward the end of November, around the Thanksgiving holiday. For those of us who did not have much faith in TeleMedia being able to deliver HD (myself included), this is a welcome surprise.

Please show your support by calling TeleMedia and telling them that you are looking forward to this service and what channels you would like. (203) 735-9504 For once they finally look like they are getting it right!

I just received my TeleMedia bill and saw the envelope labeled HD Service coming. My first response was to look on their web page but there is no information. My second thought was to look here!

If anyone has more information please posit it!

I will be among the first to subscribe if there box has DVI outputs for my projector and component for my upstairs TV and there is some way to switch between these two outputs. I only watch one set at a time. Any Info please?

Chuck

Some details are starting to come in about the new HD service from Telemedia. Here is what I know so far:

- The HD service will come with Dolby Digital Audio.

- The HD receiver can be leased for $7.95 per month.

- Customers will receive broadcast networks for free as the signal becomes available to Tele-Media.

- Customers that already subscribe to HBO or Showtime will receive the HD channel at no extra charge.

- Additional programming and services may also be offered in the future.

I have sent an e-mail to find out some more details. I will add to this thread when I find out more. If anyone else finds more information regarding HD on Tele-Media, please post in here.

Thanks!

I just found this on the CableWorld.com site:

Adelphia Communications will take over day-to-day operations of several cable systems currently managed by Tele-Media Corp. of Delaware when Tele-Media's operational contracts expire, according to an Adelphia announcement last week. Adelphia, which already owns a majority stake in these Tele-Media systems, found that it could improve operational efficiencies by assuming complete control over the systems serving 144,000 customers throughout five states: Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Adelphia expects to complete full operational integration by the end of next year.

Expect some changes in the near future for Tele-Media. Their service has been horrible for as long as I can remember (over 10 years). This is a welcome change. Their service can't get any worse....right?

The HD service will come with Dolby Digital Audio

HD has to have Dolby Digital audio as there is no option for any other.

Now here's the thing... What package are you forced into buying to get the HD channels? I am NEVER subscribing to their service full bore, since they are the worst cable company ever, not to mention I am deep into E* Sat service, which allows me to record HD (5000 owner).

Anyway, can we rent the digital box and get just the local Nets and that's that? I called Telemedia this morning and got a "Duhhh" answer from someone who just did not know anything. :(

Originally posted by Matt_Stevens
Now here's the thing... What package are you forced into buying to get the HD channels? I am NEVER subscribing to their service full bore, since they are the worst cable company ever, not to mention I am deep into E* Sat service, which allows me to record HD (5000 owner).

Anyway, can we rent the digital box and get just the local Nets and that's that? I called Telemedia this morning and got a "Duhhh" answer from someone who just did not know anything. :(

I totally agree with you about being the worst cable company ever. From what I understood with talking to people at Tele-Media, you will probably have to subscribe to any digital cable service (i.e. Digital Basic). They did not know for certain because the details were still being ironed out but this would make since.

Personally, I can not stand there digital service. I tried it for a couple weeks to see if I could get a better picture from the service and to use the on screen guide and was disappointed at the archaic feel to it (I guess I have been spoiled with DirecTV). I am hoping that they will have a free trial for their HD service to see if the pros outweigh the cons.

If they require any subscription, other than local channels, they kiss my rear tooty. Any likely they can just kidd is regardless, since they want $24 just for analog locals alone! Add a bunch more money with digital. Easily the most expensive in the state. No thanks.

I called Tele-Media today to get an update on the HDTV Service. The HD converter boxes are in (I did not ask what models). The only thing holding them back is that the engineers are having some trouble with the HD head equipment. Once that is resolved they will begin offering the service. The costumer service reps are updated every Friday in their company meeting. Feel free to call and let them know that you are interested and anxious for HD and maybe...just maybe...it will be here in time for the Superbowl.

A little motivation for the cable guys never hurt.

I have been calling them for 3 months now and they still know nothing.They say they are waiting on the networks.BillN96 what are you using to get HD.I would like to go DTV but the receiver is a little steep in price and you still dont get CT locals.I dont think a antenna will work where i live in white hills.Let me know what you did.Thanks

They still don't know anything. I asked about Firewire and they didn't have a clue what I was talking about. They don't even know when they are going to launch.

As of 3/01/2004, they still have no clue as to when it will become available....

I had to wait years for internet via cable with them... Now I am waiting years for HD over cable...

*I guess I should not even dream about a HD DVR option from these clowns...

Maybe it is time to switch to DirecTV... Too bad I still need them for net access, DSL is not available at my location.



-Patrick

Tele-Media's HD plan (from what I can gather) is on hold while the Adelphia takeover is in process. I have an e-mail to Adelphia asking about timelines, plans, location, and upgrades for Tele-Media. The only thing that I have heard is that the switch from Tele-Media to Adelphia will be completed sometime in 2004. I am extreamly frustrated with Tele-Media. Their quality of service in all aspects is horrible! If I was able to get any dish service I would switch in a heartbeat (stupid trees).

Side Note: Tele-Media is reminding me a lot of WFSB. You just can not get a straight answer from them and always moving there supposed deadlines.

Question, can you use a QAM STB to get digital cable from Telemedia if you receive their analog service already? I was looking at one of the LG models, but am not sure if I would be able to get any digital cable channels with it. Any info appreciated.

I came home from work today to find two messages on my answering machine from Tele-Media Cable. Both saying that HDTV is now avalible in my area and asking am I still interested. I have called them back and left messages but it is after 5:30pm so do not expect to hear anything until tomorrow. I will post again when I find out more.

Has HD finally come to the Valley???

Any updates on your tele-media messages?

Sorry for not replying sooner. Here is the deal. Right now they only ofter WTNH (ABC) in HD along with HBO, Starz, Showtime, and Cinimax. They told me they were waiting for WVIT's (NBC) tower to be completed to add them (which was completed late last week) and they said they were in negotiations with WFSB (CBS). Apparently, WFSB was making "unreasonable" requests to carry their digital channel. Tele-Media and WFSB had another meeting on Monday but I have not heard if anything came out of that. A little birdie told me that is WFSB is still making "unreasonable" demands that only Tele-Media in the Seymour area will talk to CBS in NYC about carrying them instead. They can do that because they service Fairfield County which is int he NYC market. There was no mention of WTIC (FOX).

The HD box rental is $7.95 and the local channels (when they get them) will be free with the box. If you have any of the premium services you will get the appropriate HD channels. I asked about HDNet and they confirmed that a deal has been made with Adelphia but they do not know when that will start. Also, I asked about ESPN-HD and they said that they were also in negotiations and could not comment further.

At least this is a step in the right direction. Please post any channel updates here when they become available.

Firewire? They didn't even know what that was when I talked to them last month and I talked to a higher up, not a service rep.

What are you REQUIRED to subscribe to in order to get the box?

I hope they realize WTNH's signal is always screwed up. The sound is never in sync with the picture.

Screw WFSB. God, how I hate them.

The box that are being used for HD (Scientific-Atlanta's Explorer 3250HD) is listed at their website at: http://www.tele-mediacable.com It has received good reviews in the hardware section of this forum.

While the CSR was pricing out the HD package to me she did not mention that I had to have the digital package. I made it a point to tell her that I did not have digital cable and she did not say anything additional costs or packages. Take that for what it is worth. We all know how Tele-Media can be...although they are not going through Tele-Media anymore. The customer support line switched to Adelphia on March 1st.

WTNH has had audio sync problems for 3 years now. You would think that they would have found a fix by now. But I really can't complain. WTNH, WCTX and PBS are the only channels I can pick up OTA in the valley.

I called again today and they said it is not yet available in my town (Wolcott,CT) - BUT I asked what boxes would be available...

Explorer 3200 - Digital Cable
Explorer 3250HD - HDTV box
Explorer 8000 - DVR Digitial Cable
AND
Exploere 8000HD - DVR HDTV Cable at the end of the month!!!!

SO, ONCE again I will be sitting here waiting to see what my Plasma looks like at high def... sigh.....

-Patrick

I picked up my SA 3250HD at the office in Seymore on Monday.I asked about the DVI hook up and if it was active they did not know what i was talking about.They give you composite cable but i will get my own.Any suggestions where on the web?Here's my ? When you watch tv on a different input say video 2 there is no menu.There is only a menu when you use HD input on your TV.The problem there is it just doesn't seem to be that clear.The channels look better on video 2 sharper.I did watch NYPD on tuesday in HD and it looked fantasic.Can someone offer any suggestions on what i should do.THanks

OK, I talked to them today and all I could do was laugh my ass off. Even the CSR agreed with me on this. The pricing is insane.

$23 for "Basic", which is their lowest price package. That's almost double other companies low end package.
$13 for HBO
$13 for Showtime
$3.5 for the Digital box (required)
$7.95 for the HD-DVR
--------
$61 a month + taxes. This is a ridiculous amount of money. The CSR couldn't believe it (I was the first TeleMedia area caller asking about service with just basic and some pay channels).

Now add on normal packages for ESPN, FOX News, TCM, MTV, etc and you have pricing that is way beyond what I'll pay if I stay with DISH.

I'll take my chances with the PVR921. I'd rather pay that $700 (I'm getting $300 for trading in my HD Modulator) and keep my current equipment and setup, vs. switching to the worst cable company in America, where my monthly costs will skyrocket, for LESS content.

should i leave TV on the HD input or keep switching back and forth.like i said in the above post.TV seems to come in better on S video cable if thats possable.

What do you mean? Are you talking about non HD programming?

I talked to two reps. at Adelphia and they have absolutely NO idea what the status of Telemedia's HD offering is.

I would call the Telemedia office here in Seymour but they only list the Adelphia number on their website now. If they are truly trying to eventually get all of the locals in HD (from a few posts up) that's going to be the way to go until the other three majors (NBC-WVIT, FOX-WTIC and most importantly CBS-WFSB) finally go full-power with their OTA Antennas. Perhaps all will be by 2005. They are all on currently, but at various degrees of power and with temporary antennas.

Anyway, I suppose I'll go to their office at lunch and see what they know. Adelphia and Telemedia need to get their acts together.

I stopped by Telemedia Seymour office today. Guess what? They are as clueless as the CSR's at Adelphia.

They say they have the 3250 HD Box, but not the 8000HD DVR (they have the 8000SD DVR).

From a memo tacked to their board they read that the only local in HD is WTNH-ABC which most everyone can get OTA in this part of CT. However, they are in negotiations with others. No ETA's or any other info. I told them since they have a website perhaps they can diseminate some actual useful information to their customers. They said they'd look into it. They didn't even realize the website showed these two new HD boxes (3250 and 800HD) already.

I'm sorry but this whole situation is just REALLY pissing me off. <rant>I really don't get why if a Cable Co. has the analog station why must there be negotiations to re-broadcast the digital? Why do these local TV stations have to be such a-holes to deal with? The viewers just want the best available version of the channel, so what's the issue with giving to them, it's the same damned station? WTF!?!

Why must getting HD OTA locals be so hard when the FCC pretty much made it manditory by now? I think they need to start looking into some of these stations broadcasting with a 9 volt battery just to comply and start handing out daily fines until they broadcast a decent signal.

Perhaps we should all write letters to the FCC with this in mind. Maybe I'll draft something everyone can work from and research who this should be sent to at the FCC to get some action.</rant> Thoughts?

Money. The stations want money for the HD signal since they spent million upgrading.

My advice to anyone dealing with Telemedia: Switch to DISH or DircTV if you can. Yes, you pay for the equipment, but the montly costs are a lot less for MORE content and the picture quality of HD will be superior to the Sci-Atlantic boxes.

Matt I'm talking about non HD content.Right now there is only like 5 stations in HD that I'm getting when i change to stations that are not HD it doesnt seem to be as clear as there othere channels.But when i switch inputs on tv the non HD channels come in better.Now I am even more confused.LOL you are right this cable sysem sucks.the only thing stopping me from getting dtv is the locals.we cant get ct locals just ny.

Tele-Media now has WVIT in HD. Adelphia has struck a deal to carry HDNet and HDNet Movies but no date has been set to roll out in CT. There is a rumor that a deal is just about official with Adelphia and ESPN-HD.

I lived in the valley and boogied on to New Haven while "Valley Cable" was still running the show. Does it bother you to know that in a town roughly 6 miles from Derby and 3 miles from Ansonia we are watching ESPN,INHD,INHD2,WVIT,WTNH,WCBS and PBS for free?? Oh btw, we also get HBO,SHO,STARZ,CINEMAX --all in HD if we choose. Actually, I get every channel Comcast offers-all movie channels 12 HBO,13 MAX, 10 SHO, and 8 STARZ/TMC. The pic quality is really pretty good. Hopefully Adelphia will turn you guys around. Good Luck!! One last thing you valley folk. I worked for BFI/Archer ever summer and winter in HS and college AND 2 yrs full time. I have picked up the garbage at every single house in Ans,Derby,and Shelton. HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SAY THAT?????

SO anybody get their SA HD box yet.Just wanted to know if you tried out your DVI connection.When in the world are they going to get more HD channels.I am almost ready to go to dish.

re TELEMEDIA... They are installing Sci-Atlanta non PVR (also non Firewire) boxes in Waterbury. Soon in surrounding towns. Naugatuck is supposed to be next. They say they are offering the HD-PVR.

The problem is, no one there knows what 1394/Firewire is and getting above the standard CSR or CSR Supervisor is not possible. Telemedia is running a 3 month deal for new subscribers and the low price would make it worthwhile to try, but it's not worth my time if their HD-PVR box does not have enabled Firewire, which it should have as of this week, because of the FCC requirements.

Does anyone have any information on this situation?

Adelphia and ESPN just worked out a deal to carry ESPN-HD and ESPN Deportes. Waiting to hear of a timeline.

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20040405005844&newsLang=en

Tele-Media is slated to provide ESPN-HD, NESN-HD, InHD, InHD2, HDNet, and HDNet Movies in the very near future. Adelphia has 30 days from the agrrement to turn them on. (All of these agreements have already been signed.) ESPN and NESN are already on in the Boston and New Hampshire areas. These channels will be in the high 700's. Please post as soon as any one sees these channels.

No word yet on WTIC (Fox) and WFSB (CBS).

Bill, do you have any idea how I can talk to someone at TeleMedia who knows what Firewire is? I cannot get anyone who knows anything. It is becoming terribly frustrating.

They also cannot give me an ETA on when Naugatuck is going HD.

My advise is to call the Adelphia hotline and demand to talk to a manager. The do exist and I find that they are normally knowledgable with what is happening with HDTV. I understand your frustration with the people of Tele-Media. They don't seem to have a clue about anything except for taking your check and taking your converter box.

I think Adelphia isn't really sure about what's going on with Tele-Media right now. I called them this morning asking if NESN-HD was going to be offered on Tele-Media, and they said "yes, it will be available very shortly." Then I just called them back now and asked them if it was going to also be available on a standard non-HD channel, and the woman said that she has no information that shows her that they plan to offer NESN in any capacity at all in the Tele-Media area. She said that the standard NESN channel will not be added, and she said that NESN-HD is not planned on being added either. She even further said that High Definition will not be available on Tele-Media until June 1st, which I believe is not true, because people are claiming to already have it. She rattled off the same channel list as BillN96 did above, with the exception of NESN-HD. So I'm not feeling too optomistic about getting NESN right now. Anyone with anything else to contribute about NESN on Tele-Media, please do so. Thanks.

I was watching high definition on Adelphia last night and it has been up for awhile. Adelphia CSR's are not very bright when it comes to Tele-Media information. Basically, Tele-Media is Adelphia and what ever changes are made to Adelphia we will see also.

Last week I had a CSR try to tell me that I was able to get the Style Channel and the National Geographic channel in High Definition. And a couple weeks before that another CSR tried to tell me that that already offered ESPN-HD and I was able to get ESPN-HD on the regular ESPN channel. It will automatically switch when they broadcast in HD.

Take what the wonderful customer service representatives at Adelphia tell you with extreme caution. I am sure that all of the above metioned channels will be avalible shortly.

I just wish there was some way to get a real solid answer to these simple questions. You think that they would know whether or not they are getting a channel, it's a yes or no question. Too difficult for Adelphia to handle, I guess.

ESPN-HD is now live on channel 772!!! Great job Tele-Media...keep those new channels coming.

(Although this weekend would have been better for NESN to go live with the Yankees/Red Sox games but I can't complain.)

That is awesome news! Be sure to let us know as soon as NESN goes live, thanks!

Here is the official announcement about InHD & InHD2 coming to Adelphia.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3678352#post3678352

I'm definitely looking forward to some 24/7 HD channels.

Well, I went out and got myself an HDTV receiver from Tele-Media today, so the NESN watch is officially on. It will be like Christmas morning every single day now.

I noticed something, now that I have HDTV from Tele-Media. Seems like WVITHD has a problem, and it seems the problem is exclusevly with WVITHD. I was watching the Tonight Show in HD, and noticed that, in particular, Jay's grey jacket was a bit distorted. Not really distorted, but when he would move a little, it seemed like his jacket was blotchy. I then noticed this on other stuff during the show. Now, this could be a problem just with the Tonight Show, I don't know. I do know that I used to get WVIT in HD over my antenna and never noticed any blotchiness to the picture with that. If anyone else has seen this as well, and if they know if it's just the Tonight Show, or if it's all programming on WVITHD, leave info here. Thanks.

Yes, the two local stations being offered right now (WTNH and WVIT) seem to be both compressed quite a but with a lot of artifacting. However, ESPN-HD content is crystal clear. Obviously More bandwidth is being give to ESPN. Please call or e-mail Adelphia and let them know of the poor quality of our 2 local channels. (And ask where is CBS, Fox, and PBS!)

PaulieORF, is it Firewired? If not, can you ask them for a Firewire equipped box? They are required to give you one by the FCC. I'm trying to determine if TeleMedia even has a Firewire equipped box at all.

I'm assuming it's not firewired, its the SA3250HD. The woman just gave me the box and said "here ya go, but don't ask me any questions about it."

Okay, this is just plain stupid. I've decided that talkin to customer service, at both Adelphia and Tele-Media local offices, is pointless. I called Adelphia, to tell them about the poor quality of ABC and NBC HD channels. Her response was: "I don't see any problems reported in the area, or that they are doing any work in the area. I could set up an appointment to have someone come look at it on Tuesday". I then told her that doing that would be a waste of time, since it's not just me, and that people numerous towns away, are having the same issue, and that it must be originating from where they distribute the signal. She then repeated herself, and I told her this: "They could just walk into their sitting room at the local office and see it on the HDTV they have for themselves. Sending someone here would get us nowhere, the technician would say he sees no problems at my residence." She said that she can't even put in a complaint about the quality, that's just rediculous. So I told her that I would just stop in my local office to inquire about the problem, and she said: "They won't be able to do anything for you EITEHR" She actually said "either", admitting that she couldn't do ANYTHING for me. What a freaking goat rodeo this is. I then changed the subject, and asked about additional HD channels, such as WFSB 3 and WTIC 61, and she said: "I'm sorry, I have no information at this time on any additional HD channels in your area." Wow, I'm completely stunned. And just for fun, I asked her when ESPN-HD would be available, even though I know that it's already live, cuz I'm watching it right now, and she said "I'm sorry sir, but I have no information on any additional HD channels in your area." Now that there, is just rediculous. Everyone, please rant here, it's good for us.

This is what we are up against with cable, TeleMedia in particular. It's just a big fat cluster ****.

I talked to the Adelphia Northeast Regional office today. I told them that I wanted a list of HD channels that are going to be added to Tele-Media. They told me: INHD, INHD2, HDNet, HDNet Movies, NESN-HD, WTIC-DT, and WFSB-DT. The lady I spoke to said she did not have a specific time for these channels to go live, but said it should be very soon.

That is encouraging news that they are also looking to add some more locals....especially CBS. Fox will be nice in the fall with all of the football and baseball playoffs in HD. The 2 stations I am looking forward to the most are InHD and InHD2. These stations are being turned on in other areas so I guess we just have to be patient.

Great work Paulie on getting someone that has a clue!

Thanks. Yeah, I too am looking forward to these channels being added so I can have lots of HD sports at my disposal. Right now, I pretty much only have the ability to watch Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN, NHL Playoffs, as well as NBA Playoffs. **Note: I forgot to mention in my previous post... The lady whom I spoke to, when asked about NESN-HD, said "NESN-HD has been activated in your area on channel 773." When I told her that it wasn't on my program guide yet, she said, "If it's not available on your guide yet, it's just a matter of your local office turning on the channel." Uh oh, don't put it in the hands of the local office! hehe, don't want to go back in time with Tele-Media. Also, I'm really starting to get annoyed with WVIT-DT. I can't watch it, not even the HD shows. I have to put the analog channel on, because the flickering, or whatever you want to call it, choppy motion, is really bugging me.

I talked to a CSR today who seemed to be knowledgable. She said that from what she sees, INHD, INHD2, HDNet, and HDNet Movies are all scheduled to be up on June 1st. The only thing that it wrong with that, is she also had ESPN-HD as not being turned on until June 1st, and we all know that it is currently available. So, I've come to the conclusion that they are probably going to be adding all of the planned HD channels around the same time, with a target date of June 1st. Hopefully that includes FOX, CBS, and NESN-HD as well.

For anyone still following this thread, I've got some news. I actually got ahold of someone at Tele-Media today, and they told me that negotiations are ongoing with CBS right now, she didn't have any news on FOX. She did tell me, unfortunately, that NESN will not be added to the Tele-Media lineup. Looks like the only chance we have of ever getting NESN is if Comcast buys Adelphia, since Comcast is partners with NESN. If people in Buffalo and Pittsburgh actually do end up getting NESN from Adelphia, as I've read in other threads, I'll probably just lose it.

April 29th I received a packet in the mail once again telling me that HDTV was now available in the Wolcott, CT (Waterbury) area. I called right away and was told AGAIN that it was not yet available in my area. I then did a little complaining forced the rep to let me read the letter to her and asked that they check again.

Then POOF!
The rep located it in their system! I am now signed up for an HDTV/DVR box install on May 6th. The call took a long time about 45 minutes for them to figure out what needed to be setup on their end. Due to that the rep waived the $50 activation fee :).

I'll report back on Thursday May 6th and let you know which box, which channels and how the whole thing looks and behaves...


-Patrick
http://www.razorthought.com - FREE --- Anonymous web browsing & web based newsgroup access!

Excellent. It will be good to have as many people as possible to see if they too have these problems with NBC and ABC. You know, if you wanted, you could have just gone to the Huntington Ave. office and picked up an HD box, like I did. But you won't be missing too much having to wait until May 6, since none of the promised channels have shown up yet.

OK, once again, guys, ask about Firewire! PLEASE!

Got my Tele-media HDTV Cable Box and DVR installed today!

I must say, HDTV is truly amazing! I did not expect it to look as good as it does.. This is my setup.

Harmon/Kardon DPR 1001
Pioneer 5030HD Plasma
3250HD Cable Box
Explorer 8000

HOWEVER!!! I am VERY disappointed with the tele-media offering! I can not believe I have to have to boxes! Why not ONE 8000HD instead of the 3250HD and an 8000 which will NOT even allow my to record HDTV!

I should have known better... Never count on Tele-media/Adelphia...

I beleive that at some point this year, they are going to be offering the 8000HD, which is the HDTV DVR. BTW nadeup, have you noticed that WTNH-HD and WVIT-HD lack the quality of ESPN-HD and the premium HD channels?

Yes... It seems close but not as good as the others...

FYI -- They did not have a clue about firewire. There is not firewire on the 3250HD but there is on the 8000.. Don't know if it works though...

I spent all day yesterday on the phone with TeleMedia. I was finally able to speak to a manager higher up who had a clue and she said that the TeleMedia area has no Firewire capable HD boxes and no current plans to add them. She very clearly understood the FCC ruling and actually provided me with the address to complain to at Adelphia.

I encourage all of you TeleMedia subscribers to write a letter to Adelphia and also complain to the FCC That is the only way the situation will change.

Here is the address:

Offices of the President of Adelphia
1 North Main St.
Coudersport, PA 16915

I will find the info on how to lodge a complain with the FCC and post it here tonight. Unless someone can beat me to it, of course.

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! Just write the letters.

OK folks, I was installed by TeleMedia Saturday the 15th. The installer was a contractor, former Marine and an all around good guy. While his HD knowledge was nowhere near mine (he never heard of Firewire, etc.) his install knowledge was great and he not only let me install my own box in my rack without trouble, he re-did the line coming to my house and replaced the splitter on the pole outside. He was exceptional at his job. Thank God!

The 3250 had no Firewire, which was no surprise. But the unit functions nicely, has a picture that is equal to or superior to DISH with both HD and SD content. The box runs very hot. And I do mean hot to the touch. I had to relocate it in my rack after the initial install because it would likely overheat. Apparently these 3250's are hot and need good ventilation.

Firmware is 1.50 from July of 2003. Way out of date. No idea if the DVI is enabled. Nowhere in the menu could I find settings to switch to 720p if need be.

Programming includes...

HBO-HD
SHO-HD
STARZ-HD
CINEMAX-HD
ESPN-HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies
WVIT-NBC-HD (sound out of sync)
WTNH-ABC-HD (sound out of sync)

So this week I make my FCC filing for the Firewired box. What amazes me is that the user manual for the 3250 clearly shows Firewire ports (2 of them) on the back.

Hey Matt, if you talk to anyone at Tele-Media, or write to them about firewire, also be sure to mention that you are extremely disappointed in the quality of WTNH-DT and WVIT-DT. I mentioned about firewire when I complained about these two channels as well. Hopefully they will address both issues.

I'll be sure to. The sound issues on those channels is just BS, but likely the problem of the stations. I know it is for ABC because I get their station via OTA.

WVIT out of sync is Tele-Media problem. It is perfect OTA and on Cox cable.

Wow, just got my cable bill. Ddin't realize all these extra charges. For one month of HDTV, plus partial month comes to $25.00. I don't even have regular digital cable, just HD. I may rethink keeping this, if it's gonna cost this much for a few channels. I though it was just the $7.95 a month for the receiver.

TeleMedia already has HDNet and HDNet Movies. ESPN-HD too. I've watched them all on my 3250HD.

I've realized that there aren't too many good shows on HDNet, not many very good movies on HDNet Movies also. I think there is some NASCAR on HDNet, so that might be nice. I'm not really interested in MLS too much. Can't wait for iNHD and iNHD2, sports sports sports! What HD was made for!

iNHD and iNHD2 are now live on Tele-Media, channels 774 and 775.

I find HDNet Movies has more interesting films than HBO or Showtime,

I hate to throw a wet blanket on everything (because I love all the new HD channels) but I have noticed more pixalization with HDNet, HDNet Movies, InHD, and InHD2 ever since the two new InHD channels came on-line. ( I do not know about ESPN-HD because they haven't shown any HD content yet.) Has anyone else noticed this?

Bill, I've noticed this too. I believe that it is either a result of the frequency sharing, which they are using, all cable companies do, or the easy answer: It's Tele-Media. My friend came over and put Law and Order on WVIT-DT, and laughed and said "You call this high def?" I laughed and said, "Dude, it's Tele-Media."

Wow, I'm really starting to notice the pixelization on the HD channels now. It seems like whenever there is quick movement, or change of camera during the Dodgers and Phillies game, that it becomes extremely evident. Boy I hope that Tele-Media fixes this. The sad thing is, I guarantee you that they are totally oblivious to all their HD problems, and won't fix it.

I reset my box last night by shutting it off, unplugging the pwer from the back of the box for about 10 seconds and then plugging it back in. I noticed a little better picture quality than before. Not much better but it helped a little (or maybe it was just my imagination).

I spoke to some of the guys in the New Hampshire Adelphia thread, and they say that they have also seen a reduction in picture quality on the HD channels, since the addition of INHD and INHD2. So maybe this is actually a problem with "Big Adelphia" and not Tele-Media. We'll see. Oh, and damnit Tele-Media, give me NESN or else.

I was checking out the Counting Crows concert this afternoon on HDNet and this picture was unwatchable. With all of the flashing lights and movement the entire picture was just pixelated.

I called Adelphia and filed a formal complaint letting them know that ever since InHD and InHD2 channels were added, the picture quality of 4 HD channels (HDNet, HDNet Movies, InHD, and InHD2) have been extremely poor. I suggest that you all do the same. These are new channels and are obviously working out the bugs. Let's make sure that Adelphia knows that poor picture quality on their HD channels will not be tolerated.

I called and was told, no surprise, that the problem "is with my TV or cables." After demanding to speak to a supervisor and being hung up on, I fiannly got someone who admitted the problem was not mine and documented it. Not that that will do any good. :mad:

A week ago I was floored by how my local cable Co's HD picture was as good as, if not better than DISH. Now... :rolleyes:

This is weird. When I tune to channel 708, WTNH-HD, my receiver freezes, and I am stuck with a black picture. Can't change the channel, and can't power off the unit, unless I unplug it. Even after I plug it back in, every time I do this and tune to 708, I freeze. Is this happening to anyone else?

Not here. The PQ has improved slightly from the other day. Still getting some dropouts though.

This morning, the picture quality of the HD channels has improved greatly, the best I've seen them since they rolled them out. I'm still having that problem with tuning to 708, it just freezes up my box. Matt, are you on the Seymoure system, or the Waterbury system? Maybe my problem is just the Waterbury system if you're on Seymour.

Well, I guess I spoke too soon. The HD channels are back to their usual crappiness now.

I checked out a couple channels last night and they were OK. It looks like they are tweaking things daily at this point.

I believe I am part of the Seymour line.

I was watching quite a bit of the HD channels today and it looked pretty good. They are MUCH better than they were a couple days ago. There is always room for improvement (especially when it comes to Tele-Media) but I have been pleased with the PQ today.

Just received a firmware update on my 3250HD box this morning, to version 5.2.9.1. The only big difference I've noticed so far is that you can stretch stuff on the HD channels, so you can fit WTNH-HD and WVIT-HD stuff that isn't in 16:9, into your whole screen. I hope that this update fixes the audio dropout issues.

Anyone having any luck getting a Firewire/1394 box from TeleMedia?

Well, no one has yet to respond about Firewire with TeleMedia, for reasons unknown.

But today I called and had them document my request for a Firewire enabled box. They claim they are going to try and get me one. We'll see.

Meanwhile, tomorrow I send my FCC complaint via registered mail.

I don't have any firewire devices, so I'm not in any rush to request a box from Tele-Media. Be sure to post if you can get one or not.

If you requested one anyway, it would help give TeleMedia that needed push. At least you'd be ready for when you have a Firewire device. :)

And actually, if they asked, you could say you are waiting to buy a Firewire device until TeleMedia provides you with a Firewire equipped cable box.

This is a little off-topic, not really HDTV related, but I'm trying to get as many people to sign this petition to persuade Tele-Media to add NESN to their channel lineup, so that Red Sox and Bruins fans can watch their teams play. You can sign the petition by going here: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/nesn .

Within 72 hours, the petition will be available at http://www.giveusnesn.com/

Thank you all!

I have also filed a complaint with Adelphia to carry NESN-HD. I asked an Adelphia representive call me back and explain why Tele-Media does not show NESN-HD and everyone else in the country gets it.

What really ticked my off is that I was planning on watching the Red Sox in InHD last week and it was blacked out. I can understanding blacking out the Mets and Yankees because they are on the local channels that we receive. We are not in the Boston market nor do we receive the Boston local channels.

I think if enough people complain to Adelphia that they will force Tele-Media to change their position.

Okay...so I talked to someone from Tele-Media that actually knew something. (She actually flew down from CT and was in Florida doing training with some of the help desk personal and she has been with Tele-Media for 20 years.) I got an explanation of the NESN situation as well as some new information about channels and equipment.

First the NESN story (as told by the Tele-Media Rep): Back in the day, NESN was available as an "al-la-cart" channel. Tele-Media had 260 or so subscribers to NESN out of 12,000+ cable subscribers. NESN changed their agreement stating that their channel must be available on the cable basic tier and raised the price to $5 per cable subscriber each month. Today that figure translates to over $100,000 a month to carry NESN and that cost would result in higher cable prices. The combination of the percentage of NESN viewers and a survey they conducted a couple years ago regarding local team broadcast led Tele-Media to the business decision not to carry that channel. Remember that they also have to pay similar (if not higher) fees for YES and MSG/Fox Sports Net. If I were the owner of a cable company in that situation, I think I would agree with the decision. I am sorry to the Red Sox fans out there. I will continue to sign your petitions and lend support but with the way that it was explained to me, I agree with the business decision that Tele-Media made.

Now for some more uplifting news:

The HD DVR boxes (SA Explorer 8000HD) should be at the main office early next week. I plan to stop by Tele-Media next week and picking one up. (Sorry Matt, no definitive word on Firewire.)

They are also looking to add The Discovery Channel to their HD lineup in the next couple months.

Negotiations with WFSB to carry CBS-HD are not going well. Tele-Media is currently trying to work out deals with NYC's CBS station and RI CBS station to carry those network in the appropriate parts on the state since the system also extends into their markets.

Negotiations with WTIC to carry FOX-HD are going much better and expect to see that channel to be added sometime late summer (hopefully before football season).

Finally, all tweaks are done with the cable system regarding the HD channels. For the past couple day my HD channels have been stunning. If you are still seeing excessive pixalations, call the the Adelphia help line and have someone come out and test the line signal. It may need to be boosted in your neighborhood. (She said they had to do this in several areas already.)

This is all what I have been able to find out in my limited conversation.

It's good to see that you got some information.

As far as the NESN thing; I've been told this exact thing from them. And the survey from "a few years ago" is not that. I got the exact same response about the same survey in 1994. So it is AT LEAST from ten years ago. Oh, and I was never part of any survey, and I'm a Sox fan. Also, when I asked them for the exact numbers from the survey, or where I could get them from, they could not produce any information for me. Her numbers about subscribers to NESN when it was a-la-carte are incorrect as well. People from NESN and Tele-Media have both said that around 700 customers paid for NESN, not 260. Not to mention it was ONLY offered to the Seymour branch, the more Yankee-friendly area. If NESN was offered in the Waterbury branch, I can guarantee you there would have been at the very least double the number of people paying for NESN. Probably more like four times.

Here's another thing to think about. Do you think that only Red Sox fans want NESN? No. Even if they did a survey that showed there was a majority of Yankee fans, it still means absolutely nothing. Every single Yankee fan that I know, as well as ones I don't know who signed my petitoin, say they would love to have NESN so they can follow their closest rival. I know that I find myself following the Yankees on the YES network, and Yankee fans would do the same with NESN. I actually know people who live in Hartford and New Haven areas who are Yankees and Sox fans, who have two TVs in their living rooms, one with NESN on and one with YES on it, so they can follow both games. Tele-Media's survey that they speak of is absolutely meaningless, since they assume that only Red Sox fans would appreciate the addition of NESN.

Something else here, the cost. You said it yourself, that NESN would cost Tele-Media $100,000 a month to carry. First of all, I think there is a good chance that the woman probably rounded up the number to $100,000, but even if that is the exact cost, I can still prove my point here. Tele-Media serves over 87,000 customers. Simple math tells you that if you divide $100,000 by 87,000 customers, you come out to a monthly price hike of $1.15 per customer. The YES Network costs over $170,000 a month for Tele-Media to carry, and average of about $2.00 a month for each customer to pay, while MSG/Fox Sports Net costs around $130,000 a month to carry, at about $1.50 per customer, per month. Also let me point out that any survey will show you that there are less Mets fans than Sox fans in this area, probalby 2/3 less Mets fans than Sox fans. I'd also like to point out that the majority of cable systems in CT carry the YES network and NESN, many of these also carry MSG/FSN for Mets games as well. People in Eastern CT, who are within one hour driving distance from Boston, are getting YES and NESN. Seems to me if they are getting YES, then we should be getting NESN.

And here's another thing to think about. The Mets deal with MSG and Fox Sports Net is up after next year. The Mets are going to do like the Yankees, and start their own regional sports network, much like YES network, which will carry all their games. This will likely raise the per-customer rate for Mets games to $2.00 a month, like YES. We'll see what Tele-Media decides to do about that. Will they charge their customers $2.00 a month so that the small number of Mets fans can watch their team play? Or at that time, will they decide to stop carrying Mets and carry the Sox? Probably not, they will probably come up with some other excuse for not carrying NESN.

Tele-Media has always been a corrupt company, and they always will be. The acquisition by Adelphia has not changed a thing, and it won't. They are still run by the same suits, who take advice from the same poorly educated marketing team, who probably are way underpaid.

Oh, one last thing. Tele-Media tells us there aren't enough Red Sox fans in the area. How do you expect there to be new Sox fans in the area, when they aren't on freaking TV here??? They have never been on TV here. Kids have grown up watching the team that is on TV, and that team is the Yankees. Oh, and what about all the people who have left Tele-Media for DirecTV, so they can get NESN? There's a good chance that many would return to Tele-Media if they carried NESN. Many more are ready to jump ship to DirecTV, and leave Tele-Media. They have lost so many customers to DirecTV because of the NESN issue, and they will continue to lose out on tens of thousands of potential dollars each month because of this.

So, whose point sounds right now? The lady you talked to just fed you the same garbage they've been feeding everyone who calls about NESN for over ten years.

Originally posted by BillN96
...with the way that it was explained to me, I agree with the business decision that Tele-Media made.

I knew that the NESN comments would stir things up around here. :) (Please remember the top quote and don't kill the messenger.) I am sure that all of the facts and figures are very old by now. It would be responsible for Tele-Media to begin a new survey that includes all customers. Also, to look into contract negotiations with NESN again. The face of cable television has drastically changed in the past couple years as well as the expectations of the consumer with the additions of DBS to mainstream, digital cable, VOD, and HDTV. Remember...all of these things (and many more services) are still relatively new and would not show up in a 10 year old survey.

I just can't believe how stubborn Tele-Media is, and how they won't even think about exploring a new survey, or even consider anything that would possibly make a large number of their customers happy.

Well guys, today was an interesting. TeleMedia now has Scientific Atlanta 3250HD boxes with Firewire in stock, in addition to the HD-PVR's. which may have Firewire (disabled) on them.

I have had trouble here with certain HD channels and they sent someone out to check my equipment and the pole outside. Well, he had a brand new 3250HD with two Firewire ports in the back with him. He said he was told they are disabled (as is the DVI). He also said that just last week they received the HD PVR's, though they are not being distributed yet. He says they had the same "two strange ports that this 3250 had". I take that to mean it has Firewire (disabled).

The Firewired 3250 is now in my living room and as soon as they will allow, I will bring my old 3250 in to exchange for the HD-PVR.

The Firewire connections in the back is not like the JVC or Mits 4 pin connections.

Now the objective is to get the bloody Firmware upgraded on these boxes so that I can try recording! Not that the recordings will be any good. As you may know, Sci-Atlanta boxes are pretty, much crap when it comes to Firewire. I've yet to read any reports from any 3250 owners who can record HD without glitches. Hopefully that can be changed with Software. I have read about a higher end model (4300?) that is much more stable and produces clean recordings 90% of the time.

Matt,

Please let us know when they are going to start handing out the HD-DVR's. I can not wait to get my hands on one.

Hey Bill, when you were talking about that Tele-Media is working on possibly adding NY CBS-HD and RI CBS-HD to the appropriate areas, are you saying that they are going to add the NY feed to the Seymour branch, and the RI feed to the Waterbury branch? Seems like that would make more sense since the Seymour branch already receives WCBS on ch 22. Of course, if this were the case, people in the Seymour branch would not get Patriots games in HD. And what does this whole thing tell us about Tele-Media? Seems that most of the other cable companies in CT aren't having problems getting WFSB in HD on their lineups.

From what I understood from the conversation, on one of the Adelphia branches WFSB is not the CBS station that is carried. I think it is an area that serves the CT/RI border where Adelphia just carries the RI CBS station. WFSB thinks that they should also be on the system and they are not signing a new contract with Adelphia unless that system carries WFSB.

I do not know any details but that is what I understood the dispute to be. For me, I just want the national CBS feed. I don't care where it comes from.

I called the Seymour office and got a stupid moronic woman who said they had no HD-DVR's. period. Well, I know she's full of it so I reminded her that two techs were at my house this morning and they have held the DVR's in their bare hands just this week so DUH, they are there. :rolleyes:

She put me on hold and then came back and asked for my number.

I would again advise everyone here with TeleMedia who wants either Firewire or the DVR to CALL THEM and request it. The DVR has Firewire, so even if you do not want Firewire, ask for the HD DVR with Firewire. Make sure to say "1394 / Firewire port" or they will not understand what you mean.

If they receive requests, then this rollout will happen faster. The tech guys said one reason it hasn't been going quickly is because people have not requested the DVR box.

Boy oh boy, I really hope Comcast or Cox buys Adelphia.

Matt - What is the phone number for the Seymour office so I can call directly and ask about the availability of the HD-DVR box?

736-2692

Try x873 if you cannot get an operator.

Ok folks. BIG NEWS! My FCC complaint against TeleMedia for refusing to provide me with Firewire has had almost immediate results. This morning I received a call from a big wig at TeleMedia. I won't say who because I don't want a million people calling him. The short version...

They have been working with Scientific Atlanta on his issue and have received a shipment of 3250HD's with 1394 firewire ports. I am the first to receive one (got one by accident yesterday) as far as they know. The ports are disabled, but should be enabled very soon. As in, days. The DVI ports will also be enabled.

Your truly will be sort of a bets tester in all of this. :)

I expect a phone call tomorrow with an update. I have the gent's phone number, so I can deal directly with him from now on (which he would prefer).

The HD PVR's are due to go to customers starting after the July 4th holiday. Scientific Atlanta does not have firmware for those units that has support for Firewire. That is expected in the 4th quarter of this year.

NOTE: Those of you wanting Firewire 3250HD boxes, PM me your name, town where you reside and phone number and I will pass it on to my contact.

Hey Matt, that's great news. Good to hear that everything went very quickly.

On the NESN front:

I just noticed something. Classic cable in the Seymour area is $49.25 a month, while it is only $44.00 in the Waterbury area. Tele-Media (Adelphia of Western CT) is one company, but they are operating two seperate cable systems. Not sure exactly why it is over $5.00 more a month in Seymour, but I don't think that many in the Waterbury area would mind too much if Tele-Media adds NESN to the Waterbury area lineup only, raising their bill to $45.15 a month, which would still be noticibly less than the Seymour franchise, by $4.05. Just an idea, and I'd find it pretty hard to argue with. And if you say it's not right for the Waterbury area to have NESN and not the Seymour area, think about this. The Seymour area had MSG Network for many years before the Waterbury area did. You just have to think of the two areas as two completely seperate cable systems.

Thanks, Paulie. Personally, I HATE paying for all the SD stuff. All I want are the Networks and the HD Channels. That's it. I do not want any of the SD stuff, well, other than ESPN2 and Fox News. It kills me to pay all this money for stuff I do not watch. :(

Well, this morning the following channels are not coming in at all for me; HDNet, HDNet Movies, and INHD2. Anyone else having this problem?

**Tele-Media was supposed to be sending someone out on Thursday to put in a new drop from the pole, since my tap was struck by lightning. I don't think this has to do with that, but we'll see.**

Same here. They want to send someone out to my house, but I told them no, that the problem is not on my end.

Well, all the HD channels are coming in again, with the exception of INHD. I believe that INHD is not coming in as a result of the earler Red Sox game, which was blacked out. They seem to be very slow in returning the feed after blacked out Red Sox and Yankees games are aired on INHD.

As you may have read in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=416211&highlight=FCC) I filed a complaint against TeleMedia/Adelphia in regards to their refusal to provide me with a Firewire capable set top box. Once a copy of the complaint reached Adelphia's desk, suddenly I was receiving phone calls from TeleMedia and got the top dog their, who apologized for the situation.

I was immediately given a Scientific Atlanta 3250HD box that had Firewire ports, though they were disabled. I was promised they would be active within a week and that i would be kept posted on the situation.

Well, promised callbacks did not take place and this morning some lackey called on behalf of the aforementioned top dog to tell me Scientific Atlanta told them that the Firewire ports are active, but not for recording. "They are for viewing only."

No, we all know that is a load of bunk. I very calmly tried to explain to this person how that was not correct and attempted to tell him about the latest firmware, how 5C works, that sort of thing. This guy would not let me speak. He got more and more rude and finally told me that I would have to call Scientific Atlanta. The conversation ended there.

So, I called the FCC for an update on my complaint. They knew what I was talking about, but the attorney in charge was in a conference call. They promised a callback. We'll see.

Basically, I am being given the runaround by TeleMedia. Either they don't have any plans of turning Firewire on in the near future and are just buying time to blow me off, or Scientific Atlanta is blowing smoke up their arses.

Tele-Media sucks at everything they do / don't do.

Okay, it is July 6th so supposedly the HD-DVRs (SA 8000HD) boxes are ready to be picked up. I have my box with me and will be stopping by the office to swap after work (around 4:30pm). If anyone else gets this box, please post.

Remember there are several SA 8000HD threads in the HD Recorders area.

I'm not holding my breath. But I do want one. :)

I stoped by the Waterbury tele-media to trade my box in on Friday July 2nd. I called the adelphia 800 number and they said they had them and I go pick it up..

OF COURSE, THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT! They said they heard of it but new nothing about it. I told them the 800# said they had them in stock and they said "I don't know why...duuuuhhhh"

Needless to say, I went home and hooked my stuff backup cursing telemedia the entire time!!!

Well, at first they told me that the SA 8000HD's were not ready yet. I insisted that I was told that they would be made available after the July 4th weekend. The "converter box lady" made a couple calls and found out that they were being inputted into the system right then. I waited about 5 minutes and an engineer brought one to me to take home. The first 8000HD box given out by the Seymour office. Here are a couple observations about the box:

As I was plugging in the cables, I noticed that it had 2 firewire ports (not active yet), Coax and Optical digital audio outputs, 2 sets of RCA inputs and and set of RCA outputs for "VCR Archive".

While the unit was off I had to push the "Guide" and "Info" buttons together and then the "Select" button to configure the the HD output resolutions. (Those already with the 3250HD box should be familiar with this.) There were no settings saved by default.

When I first tried to access the HD channels with the new box they did not come in. I just got the screen telling me to call Customer Service. (I think the Tele-Media lady typed in the serial number of the box wrong on my account.) I called the Customer Service and they corrected whatever issue there was in 2 minutes.

The DVR controls lack the responsiveness of Tivo but you get used to them pretty quick. To record and rewind HD programming still amazes me when I see it.

I see no PQ loss. If fact, my wife and I both noticed a BETTER picture on the 8000HD than the 3250HD. I don't know if it was out imagination but the HD channels looked fantastic.

I really like how you can record two programs at the same time. Also, this box adds the PIP feature although it does not take advantage of the 16:9 screen.

All and all, I really like the box one day into it. I have been been waiting for an affordable HD-DVR and this is it. If you have any questions about this box, I will try to answer them as best I can.

I also have the 8000GD PVR. Got it yesterday. They gave it to me and a couple of other folks to Beta test. If all goes well, they will release them to the public starting next Monday or Tuesday.

So far so good. I also had to call to get the DVR service turned on, but it took about 30 minutes before it worked.

Features are pathetic, even compared to the DISH Network DVR's, but it's allowing me to time shift HD and that is what's important. I'll learn to deal with the clunky remote and guide.

SA is working on the first Firewire Firmware for a September release. Don't hold your breath. They have never been on time with that sort of thing and likely will be months late this time as well.

P.S. Don't bother trying to go over to TeleMedia and picking one up until next week. While I was there yesterday three people tried to get this box and were turned away.

UPDATE: They are releasing them now. I advise calling before you go to pick one up.

Anyone get one from the Waterbury Tele-Media branch? Or does anyone have a local number to that branch? The 203-755-xxxx number now roles over to Adelphia's 800 line that always tells me to swing by and pick it up "they have them there now". Which was not true when I showed up!

nadeup...I think it's pretty stupid that there is no direct line to the Waterbury office. How many people are going to waste a trip to the office? The Seymour office has a direct line, so Waterbury should as well.

On another subject:

Anyone with Tele-Media have a QAM receiver, or have it built into their HDTVs? I ask this, because I've heard, from people on other cable systems, that sometimes you can pick up HDTV channels with them, before the cable company actually adds the channel to their lineup, and makes it available to its customers. If anyone here has used a QAM receiver with Tele-Media, please post the channels you were able to receive. Thanks!

FCC rules require the Network feeds be unencrypted, so anyone with QAM can receive them. Unfortunately, there are no such rules for pay or package channels, so you get hooked into buying the packages. :mad: The only SD channels I ever watch are ESPN2 for boxing, and Fox News.

FCC requirements are out the window when it comes to Tele-Media, a.l.a. Firewire.

They are trying. I spoke with them Friday and we now know why they have been unable to get new firmware onto the boxes. I can't say why in an open forum, but their lack of funds plays into it.

However, they are working on the problem and have an ETA of Monday for the fix. They hope to have my box firmware updated by next Thursday so that I can beta test. If it works, then they will release it to all boxes, There IS big time movement here.

Filing that FCC complaint worked. It kicked everything into gear.

Note: I find it interesting that they are not offering the SA8000HD for Waterbury area customers, but are for Seymour area customers.

So far I am not happy with the 8000HD. Half of my recordings have problems. Sound dropouts. Stuttered image. Skipping.

It's a real letdown.

I have not seen any issues with my 8000HD. I have recorded and watched several HD and SD programs as well as time shifted a few programs as well. I have not seen any issue with any of them. Even though it is lacking a great user interface, my wife and I really like our box.

:( DOH! This totally sucks! Mine is garbage. I did three recordings over night and all of them have tons of sound dropouts and stuttering images.

Another reason why Tele-Media sucks:

You cannot speak to anyone who knows anything. If you call Adelphia customer service, you stay on hold only to find out that they know nothing beyond the fact that they offer service in your area.

If you call the local number for the Seymour office, they get extremely angry with you for calling their number when it's not supposed to be available to the public, and they will not answer your questions.

If you go to the local office, Waterbury at least, the people you speak to there don't know anything about pretty much anything, except for what they are fed. If you ask to speak to someone who knows more, you can't.

If you email anyone at the company, or write them a letter, or send them a fax, they do not respond, even after three weeks.

This company sucks, and I hope that when Adelphia is bought out, everyone at Tele-Media is fired, including the a-holes that run the joint.

Anyone getting a popping or clicking sound when watching HD.

I was not seeing (or hearing) anything last night while I was watching the HD channels.

I was getting lots of dropouts and freezes on HDNet last night.

I was getting a lot of dropouts and freezes on HDNet last night also. I unplugged my box and let it reset and everything was better. (That was about 10:15pm.) I don't know if that was just coincidence or if it actually fixed something.

I was watching HDNet and didn't expericence any dropouts. On another note, I can't believe that Tele-Media still beleives that their WVIT-DT feed is acceptable quality. I mean, WTNH-DT isn't that spectacular, but it is still much more watchable than WVIT-DT. Just have some consistancy for Christ's sake. I am all excited that they are adding WTIC-DT rather soon, but should I really be that excited when the quality of the channel will probably suck?

They refuse to talk to me now, obviously being afraid to admit they are not able to upgrade their boxes because they are incompetant, so I am going to have to call the FCC back for help.

Meanwhile my 8000HD PVR continues to work like crap. Every recording I made has audio dropouts during the first 5 to 10 minutes and then again during the last 5 to 10 minutes.

Update: TeleMedia called. They are replacing my 8000HD and waiting on SA to help them with the Firewire upgrade.

Ok, Believe it or not "Waterbury" tele-media called to let me know they now have the 8000hd available. I went down and picked one up.. It is now hookup and of course not working properly!!! The pr and pb of the componetn output do not work so the picture is all messed up!

I'll keep you all informed.

Make sure the unit is set to output HD. If you are getting anything from the S-Video output, your iunit is not set up correctly. All of the 8000HD's are being sent out in SD and not HD mode, so you have to make the change before using it.

Thanks!! That was it! I only have an HD set over here (Pinoeer 5030hd) SO I did not have the SD hooked up. That was it...

Still had to call them, they forgot to enable the DVR functions...

But as of now, all looks good!!

TeleMedia is trying to upload software to my box right now for the Firewire. I'll report back once it's completed.

Ok folks, today TeleMedia/Adelphia in Central/Southern CT updated my 3250HD to 1.56.4.1 SARA software and my Firewire is now activated.

However, it is all messed up. Here are the issues I am having...

1. JVC40K will try and sync up, but will fail and display a black screen with no sound.

2. JVC30K will receive all HD channels and record them, however, once I have the 30K on, if I shut it off, then turn it back on later, it gives me a 480i downconversion error and will not record content. I must unplug the 30K for a good 3 to 4 minutes and then turn it back on to get it to work. I have to do this every time the 30K is turned on, then off.

3. Any recordings made on the 30K will not play on the 40K.

4. All recordings suffer from random, non-repeatable sound dropouts.

5. My Mitsubishi 2000U D-VHS decks seems to have no problems with the 3250HD, but I have not done much testing with it yet.

So, where in the hell do I begin?! I know it is going to be difficult to explain this to the TeleMedia folks, who have struggled with this issue for months. How can I help them fix these issues, which are clearly on their end and not mine?

I have Firebus version 2.5.7.1. Is there a more recent version?

Wow, you gotta love this company. I've called them twice this morning, and both times they put me on hold, and then hang up on me. Screw you Tele-Media.

I just went to my program guide and saw the following channels there:

Mod 900
STZod 901
SHOod 903
HBOod 906

These look like on-demand channels to me. Right now, they just give you the "to order service..." message.

OK, for those guys asking about NESN, go complain to NESN and not TeleMedia. NESN wanted to charge every customer from TeleMedia, not every subscriber. This would have forced TeleMedia to raise rates, so they told NESN to go to hell.

CBS-HD: This is also due to money. WFSB wants far more money than the other locals are getting.

My 2nd 8000HD DVR sucks. Same problems as before. SD can record fine, but any HD with DD5.1 is a mess. Only HDNet Movies and HBO are recordable without constant problems.

Firewire: 1.56.4.1 has mismatched copy flags, causing 5C devices to shut down video and sound, so across the country SA has been issue a fix with 1.56.5.1. I informed TeleMedia this morning and they are going to get on this ASAP, as they were not having any luck fixing the wrong copy flags on their own.

Hey, as far as NESN goes, it's the same exact deal proposed to Tele-Media that every cable company in New England besides Tele-Media has agreed to. Tell me this: How can Adelphia in Norwich, all the way in Eastern CT, part of Red Sox country, offer YES, NESN, and MSG, and still have a monthly bill cheaper than us? Not to mention, they offer better services, and offer an overall better product. They are able to be less expensive because Tele-Media is a bunch of money grubbing bastards. And that's the truth. NESN is $1 less a month per customer than the YES network, and is $0.50 a month cheaper than MSG. Don't beleive the crap that Tele-Media feeds to you. In the past ten years, I've spoken to Tele-Media and NESN on numerous occasions on this, and I know the real deal.

TeleMedia is bankrupt. That's the reason. I have been down there, talked with the people, etc and they are not even close to a real operation. They need new management and an influx of cash.

I think that the best thing that could happen is if Comcast were the Adelphia buyer, and pretty much makes the Tele-Media branch an extension of their New Haven / Hamden system. I know first hand that it is a great cable system down there, and doing this, although costing people their jobs, would make for a much more pleasant cable experience for the customer.

BTW: Matt, do you subscribe to any of the premium channels like HB, Starz, or Cinemax? I know someone here does, and I was wondering if the On-Demand channels in the 900's are working for you. Please let me know. Thanks.

It would be a very happy day for many people if Comcast (or any other cable system) would put Tele-Media out of their misery. I am amazed how people just put up with the poor quality, extreme prices, and lack of customer service. I feel like I have been screaming until I was blue in the face for several years and it didn't resolve anything. So now I am just another follower hoping that Tele-Media will just go away.

Please Comcast...help us!!!

I have HBO, Starz, Cinemax and Showtime, but have never viewed the SD versions. Only the HD.

Hi guys. I finally decided to "tell on" Tele-Media. I emailed WVIT NBC 30, and alerted them to the fact that Tele-Media is butchering their product, WVIT-DT. I told them how everyone I know who has seen the channel on Tele-Media can hardly bare to watch anything on it, because of the horrible quality. Let's see if they can do anything about this.

**NEWS**

Here is an email I sent to WTIC FOX 61:

Hi. I have been trying to get a hold of my local cable company (Adelphia Company of Western CT d/b/a Tele-Media Cable of Western CT) to find out if they are close to, or have reached a deal to carry WTIC-DT. I cannot contact anyone because the national Adelphia Customer Service has no idea, and tells me to call the local office, but the local office does not accept phone calls. Also, Tele-Media's website is down, as well as their email. So I was wondering if I could find out from you guys about this.
I'm mainly interested in WTIC-DT being available in time for NFL in HD.
Thanks.
--------------------------------------
And here is the response I got:

I checked directly with the person handling our negotiations with cable companies on a national basis. Here's his suggestion:


"With some we have agreements and with others, we're negotiating. What they all have in common is that the cable operator gets to decide when to put on our DTV signal, even if we have a contract with a deadline. So you should urge all viewers to contact their cable operator directly (I don't know if the telephone customer service people relay messages -- e-mail might be
preferable) and tell them they want the operator to add our DTV signals now.
And they should feel free to keep badgering the cable company until they get results."



Sorry I don't have more specific information. You can also try getting our signal directly over the air.
------------------------------------------

Take that for what it's worth, I just hope they offer it by the time football season comes around, one month.

Here (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040810/sftu027_1.html) is an article about Adelphia's new Video On Demand technology.... Notice is mentions it's coming to Waterbury!

The Video On-Demand channels have shown up on my channel list a couple days ago.

900 - Mod
901 - STZod
903 - SHOod
906 - HBOod

I noticed there are gaps in the channel numbers. I wonder if there are more channels planned or just not carried by Tele-Media?

I have spoken to someone in New Hampshire who said that their VOD channels just went live last week. I guess the way you know that they are up and running is there will be a software update to your box. And when you hit the guide button, you don't go straight to the normal guide. You get a new screen with options for VOD. As far as the gaps in the channels, I'm not sure why they are there, but I do know that in New Hampshire, they have a VOD channel 910, which is the free VOD channel. I called Adelphia and asked them when on demand would be available here, and they had no clue what I was talking about first. She put me on hold to ask someone about it. Ten minutes later, she comes on and says "HDTV is available in your area." Ummm, that's not what I was calling for, wake up Adelphia! She then realized what I was talking about, after I had to explain it in great detail. She said "there are no plans to offer VOD in my area." I then just said thanks and bye. Can't stand Adelphia CSRs. We'll just have to wait and see I guess.

Also, has anyone noticed that channel 708 and 730 have been going black during portions of the last 2 days? I was hoping that they were fixing the terrible compression on the channels, but now that they are back on, they look the same.

8000HD DVR: Nothing new to report. They don't know what to do about the problems i and others are having and SA is not helping.

Firewire & 5C copy flag errors: Once again, SA is not helping them. TeleMedia needs SA to help them fix the issues and SA has no interest in getting back to them.

The Olympics start next week and I will not be able to record to D-VHS. That royally pisses me off.

On a positive note, looks like Tele-Media's moving closer to getting the VOD up and running. Channel 910 is showing up as _GUID. I believe that this is just what happened in NH before VOD went live. Also, I forgot to mention that when I called Adelphia about VOD, they mentioned that HD Pay Per View should be launched here very soon.

Wow, the Olympics look like total CRAP on WVIT-DT. There is the same old problem that has always been on Tele-Media, plus now there is breakup in the picture every once in a while. I guess my email to WVIT fell on deaf ears.

Sometimes it looks very good, but as soon as the camera moves, or if there is moving colors, it goes to hell.

Hey guys. Tonight, I went to go watch TV, and I first noticed that my 3250HD was not displaying the time as it usually does, it was instead showing me the channel number, 02. I turned the receiver on, and I had a all my basic analog channels, but nothing else. Also, there as no program info for anything, just the channel number. Nothing happened when I pushed the Guide button, and when I pushed the Info button, I got a screen saying "Advanced features are still unavailable." I called Adelphia and they told me to wait and it would eventually work, ugh. Well, it's been quite a few hours now, and still getting the same thing. Is this happening for any of you, or is it just me? Thanks.

No idea. I'll check. What's yours doing this morning?

It still wasn't working this morning. Then I got a call from Tele-Media. The person told me it should be working now. Sure enough, it was. Everything is back up and running. Not really sure what caused this though.

I have not looked at mine yet, but was over a friend's place in Waterbury and was stunned at how terrible his HD was. Softer than mine, with constant pixel breakup during fast motion and sometimes no motion.

Matt...especially WVIT-DT, absolutely terrible. And the pixelation has been an issue as of late with both WTNH-DT and WVIT-DT. Of course, if you call and to tell them that THEY are having a problem, all they want to do is send someone over to your house, because according to them there is no problem on their end. Bite me, Tele-Media. Your ass is outta here this Fall when you get bought. Buh-bye.

Well my channels look much better than my friend's in Waterbury. Amazing. Same Cable Co, different quality.

WVIT still looks like @ss. However, the NBC feed DISH Network has is stunning. Other than the flickering in some shots from the 50hz to 60hz conversion, it's some of the very best HD I have ever seen. Knock your socks of quality. This is how HD should look every time.

Does TeleMedia have Fox Sports Net? I can't find it in the channel guide and Adelphia's stupid ****ing website has no channel listings for TeleMedia.

No, Tele-Media does not carry Fox Sports Net. They do however, carry any New York Mets games that are carried by Fox Sports Net. These games are shown on channel 40, MSG. As far as any other Fox Sports Net programming, if you subscribe to the Digital Plus package, you can see regular programming, minus actual games, on the three FSN channels they offer, FSN Atlantic, Central, and Pacific. Not sure what the channel numbers are for those though.

Bummer. I'm going to miss out on the James Toney fight this September. :(

The fight might possibly be on the above mentioned 3 distant FSN channels.

I'll check that out tonight. Thanks.

By the way, they continue to deny the ability to fix their DHCP/5C copy flags, which means Firewire continues to be useless. I am the only person complaining, so they have no insentive to do anything yet.

BIG NEWS! FIREWIRE is now working properly. Read about it here...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=437835

Any 3250HD users have VCR Commander abilities? My 3250 has no VCR Commander/IR Blaster setup in the menu.

Matt. I don't beleive I have VCR Commander abilities on my 3250HD.

On a side note: Things don't look very good for having FOX and/or CBS in HD for the start of football season. Numerous calls placed to Adelphia have only yielded information that shows that the only channels they have coming soon is the HD-PPV channel. That's it, and I can't get any information from the local office, because they hang up on me every time i call them.

Who do you call? Do you have a name? Ask for Ray Cenicola. He's the VP there.

I don't have the number on-hand at this time, but it is the number that is floating around somewhere in this thread.

Do you think that the VP would be bothered by a measly customer asking about new channels?

No, but he might be interested in hearing about people hanging up on you. Just don't mention I told you his name. Tell him you called your Town Hall and they gave you the name (Town Halls have him as the contact).

UPDATE ON 5C FIREWIRE PROBLEMS: They claim they looked at their Head End settings with Firewire and nothing is out of the ordinary. They are stumped. One problem is the 3250HD STB apparently won't pull up Page 19 without a Firewire hookup first initializing the page, so they cannot even see what I am seeing. They have zero firewire devices at their facility. They claim they are going to buy a JVC 40K.

Okay, I just spoke to Ray at Tele-Media, like you told me to Matt. He gave me nothing but good news, actually. He said that they are getting close to an agreement with WFSB to carry their HD signal. He said that there is a zero chance of them carrying WCBS out of New York, he said it cannot happen, period. So that puts that to rest. He also said they are even closer to an agreement with WTIC for their HD signal. He said they are actually planning on having both WFSB-DT and WTIC-DT in their lineup before the start of football season, which is a little more than 2 weeks away. He said that's a big deal with them, having Patriots and Giants games in HD. I then asked about VOD. He said that they are just working on getting all the content they need, and that VOD will be available in mid-September. I then asked him if there was any news as far as NESN, and he answered me with "Nothing new, just yet" which is much more positive an answer than what I was getting from other people at Tele-Media in the past. So, nothing but good news there.

Excellent. I had not asked him about CBS since I first talked with him and at that time, he was quite discouraged. Progress is good. :)

Now if they could just figure out the Firewire 5C issues!!

In the last 6 hours my box has been updated three times. The third is still going on as I type this. At first they mistakenly sent me back to the old non-firewire supporting firewire, then to 1.56.3.1, which was below the 1.56.4.1 I had yesterday. Now who know what they are updating my 3250HD to.

My 8000HD was moved from version a3 to a4, though that likely won't do a damn thing, since it's a8 that is supposed to fix the HD recording problems.

My 3250HD hasn't received any updates today... hmm...

I talked to an engineer about the pixilating problems on the local stations (708 & 730). He said that he saw the same issue on the monitor of the head end unit and could be a problem with the satellite uplink. I have an open ticket and he was going to begin work on it. He will give me a call as soon as something is resolved.

He also said that the awful picture on the CBS stations (especially WFSB) is due to "atmospheric conditions" and is something normally seen in the summer months. They are the only stations still picked up by their big OTA antenna and not fiber or satellite. I hope the report on the digital station is true because WFSB is unwatchable.

Hopefully when WFSB goes full-power, WFSB will be a lot easier to pick up at a high quality. Hopefully this problem with WFSB doesn't affect the ability of Tele-Media to offer WFSB-DT, when they do sign the deal, although the VP told me that as soon as a deal is reached, the channel will be live. So you could take that as they are ready to go, and don't have any problems, signal-wise.

Only my 3250HD received the updates. I am Beta testing. Well, I guess that's what you could call it.

Anyone else here have a 3250HD with Firewire ports?

No firewire here. The updates must only be for the firewire version of the 3250. Just curious, what is the SARA version that they updated your box to?

1.56.4.1. They targeted my box only. I worked with them all day on it. Glad I work from home!

They are trying to get 1.56.5.1 from SA for Beta testing purposes on my box.

hmmm... Interesting. That is far above the 1.52.9.1, that I currently have on mine, at least version-wise. Are there any new improvements to the firmware that you have noticed, other than firewire active?

None. Going through the Guide is actually slower with this firmware, but I don't care about that.

I have successfully made half a dozen timered recordings using those Radio Shack remotes you can buy for $8. They are a pain in the @ss, but they are working.

Most of the tapes I have checked have one or two glitches where the picture will freeze and the sound drop out for 2 to 6 seconds. My recording of UNDERWORLD was perfect.

I expect a phone call today asking my my progress on the Firewire and with the 8000HD.

Well, I sent my big, fat NESN letter to Ray, the VP of Tele-Media back on Friday of last week, and as usual, I've received no type of response. I did fax it to him, so I can't say for certain that he actually received it. I would just like to have someone who matters read this letter, and then give me a response. It's very frustrating when you can't get someone to read your letter, after you've been trying for over 2 months. Even the chairman of the Cable Advisory Council hasn't replied since getting the letter over a month ago.

INHD is impossible to record. The copy flags are wrong on the channel, causing my 40K to give me a blank screen.

It's fixed.

Matt,
Was it an InHD problem or an Adelphia problem?

I called Adelphia trying to find the status of when WFSB-DT and WTIC-DT will be added but of course she did not have a clue. However, she did say that the PBS-HD was available out of the Seymour office on channel number 711. I am at work so I can not confirm. Anyone else getting this channel? Also, has anyone heard anything new regarding CBS and FOX being added to the lineup? I know WFSB is probably waiting on their antenna completion and contract stuff but there should be no excuse for WTIC. If it is not up this weekend please call Adelphia and voice your displeasure.

Unrelated news: I read that Time Warner Cable may be interested in buying out Adelphia. http://news.com.com/Time+Warner+opens+path+to+Adelphia+buy/2100-1036_3-5360125.html?tag=cd.top

I called Tele-Media yesterday and left a message for Ray Cenicola. I asked him for an update on the WFSB and WTIC situation. He did not call me back, so I'm guessing that there is nothing new, and we probably won't have any HD football this weekend.

No PBS-HD here on the Waterbury branch.

So, are any of you guys on the Seymour branch getting PBS-HD?

Have yet to check it out. Will do so today.

I have no idea if the 5C glitch with INHD was Adelphia or TeleMedia's fault. I just know it is fixced. :)

That's good to hear about INHD!

I don't see PBS. Maybe I need to reboot the STB's?

I called Tele-Media to ask why PBS-HD is not showing up and they said that channel is not offered at this time. I wish these people would get their stories straight. So either we will be getting this channel soon or the Adelphia people are just morons. (I bet you know what my vote is.)

It pisses me off to see all of these other cable companies in CT adding new channels all the time. Comcast has just added WTIC-DT, so now their customers are getting all of the major CT locals in HD. Not only this, but they have added the NFL Network, with NFL on-demand, as well as 2 NFL High Definition channels for the 2 NFL Games of the Week. All of these people have more HD football than they know what to do with, while we on the other hand are just hopiong for even PBS in HD. Tele-Media and Adelphia just don't deliver, plain and simple.

TeleMedia is broke. Adelphia is broke. No surprise. They are currently setting up all that VOD crap and it will just lose them money. Hell, certain people in the company told me they know it's going to be a total wash.

Does TeleMedia have PPV? I am trying to order the Bernard Hopkins/Oscar Delahoya fight and cannot find a way to do it. I called the 800 number and got a girl who didn't know how to speak, let alone help me.

Yes, Tele-Media has PPV. They start at channel 300 and end at 330'ish, if you don't count porn.

Can you order simply using the box? Will the fight come in on only the box the order was placed on?

You can order PPV by using the converter box. I do not know about multiple boxes.

I don't see the fight listed. :mad: This is getting to be very annoying.

Originally posted by Matt_Stevens
I don't see the fight listed. :mad: This is getting to be very annoying.

The fight shows up in my gude beginning on Saturday night at 9:00 on channel 301. It is giving me the option of purchasing it now. Not sure why it's not showing up for you...

Having trouble getting a hold of Ray Cenicola at Tele-Media. I've been trying to reach him to see if there's any news on WFSB-DT and WTIC-DT. Been getting his answering machine a lot lately, so hopefully he's busy working on getting these channels. It's very frustrating to read all the rave reviews of the HD football on FOX and CBS in the programming forum, and only being able to see highlights of the games on ESPN-HD.

Ahhhh, I did not realize I have to go forward to Saturday. I'll try that now. Thanks!

I just got a little insert in my Tele-Media bill that advertises HDTV. It shows that Tele-Media HD includes CBS in HD. Damn it, I'm frustrated! Why are they showing that they offer CBS in HD but they don't!!! FALSE ADVERTISING!!!

They have been doing that for six months. They never updated the marketing stuff after CBS pulled out of the initial deal (demanding more money).

Man, Tele-Media sure does suck. Have I said that enough times already?

Never can say it enough. ;) But I think WFSB CBS sucks too. WFSB has been playing major hard ball with every cable co in the state and they are way out of line in doing so.

F'm TeleMedia nearly ruined my night last night. I had family and friends over for the Hopkins/Delahoya fught. At 9 I tried ordering it and it asked for a PIN. What PIN!? I never chose a pin! So I call and after 10 minutes of busy signals, I get through. After 2 minutes, a voice comes on saying they cannot take my call at this time. Sorry for the inconvenience and disconnect me!

I continue to try and the same thing keeps happening.

So we all had to jump in our cars and go to my father's house and watch it their, via DISH, on a much smaller setup (47" TV vs. my 95" projector).

I HATE TELEMEDIA!

Matt, the default PIN for all customers who haven't requested a specific pin is "0000". You should have tried to order it ahead of time, so you could have come on here and someone could have helped you with this.

I did try to order it ahead of time. I got a message saying it was not available. I called TeleMedia a few days ago and they told me to order it at 9pm, when the actual event starts. They never mentioned a pin to me.

You can check if your pin is indeed 0000 by going to the change pin option under the settings menu. It will ask you to enter your current pin, so enter 0000. It will then ask you to enter a new pin. That is how you will know if 0000 is indeed your pin.

That is good to know about the PIN. I had no idea about the default PIN. Thanks PaulieORF for the heads up.

I find it ridiculous that WTIC has not been added to the line up yet. I can see WFSB taking some time because of contracts and it is still the only channel that Tele-Media picks up through their OTA antenna so they may have to wait until WFSB's antenna project is completed anyway. But WTIC should have been added already for the start of the football season. Football is a great way to promote their HDTV service. WTIC better be added soon. Remember FOX has the Super Bowl and the MLB post-season. What is the hold up???

Originally posted by BillN96
That is good to know about the PIN. I had no idea about the default PIN. Thanks PaulieORF for the heads up.

I find it ridiculous that WTIC has not been added to the line up yet. I can see WFSB taking some time because of contracts and it is still the only channel that Tele-Media picks up through their OTA antenna so they may have to wait until WFSB's antenna project is completed anyway. But WTIC should have been added already for the start of the football season. Football is a great way to promote their HDTV service. WTIC better be added soon. Remember FOX has the Super Bowl and the MLB post-season. What is the hold up???

First of all, you're welcome Bill.

Secondly... I'm hoping that Tele-Media is trying their hardest to get WFSB-DT and/or WTIC-DT as soon as possible. A few weeks ago when I spoke to Ray Cenicola at Tele-Media, he told me that they were planning (or hoping) to have WFSB-DT and WTIC-DT up and running in our lineup for the start of football season. Well, it's pretty much the end of week two, and still neither channel is available. I'm getting annoyed...

Originally posted by PaulieORF
I'm getting annoyed...

That is a severe understatement when dealing with Tele-Media.

Bad news out of today's Republican American newspaper....



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

Adelphia split won't affect Connecticut

Thursday, September 23, 2004

By Marc Silvestrini


Copyright © 2004 Republican-American

Cable giant Adelphia Communications Corp.'s plan to sell off its Connecticut territory will hardly create a ripple in western Connecticut.

The 84,000 Tele-Media of Western Connecticut customers in Greater Waterbury and the Naugatuck River Valley will not be affected by Adelphia's decison Wednesday to sell its assets in seven geographic clusters, a company spokeswoman said. Adelphia, based in Greenwood Village, Colo., owns a majority stake in the western Connecticut cable provider; Tele-Media Corp. of Delaware is the minority owner.

"This will have no impact at all on our customers in Connecticut," said Erica Stull, director of external communications for Adelphia. "They will see absolutely no changes in the quality of the product or service we offer."

Tele-Media of Western Connecticut operates two systems -- Tele-Media/Waterbury, which serves about 44,000 customers in Middlebury, Plymouth, Prospect, Waterbury and Wolcott; and Tele-Media/ Seymour, which has about 40,000 customers in Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton, said Ernest Magaro Jr., the company's assistant general manager. The company employs about 100 people, Magaro said.

I found an article that was more optimistic in the Connecticut Post:

Adelphia selling 4 state cable systems

Bankrupt Adelphia Communications Corp. on Wednesday launched efforts to sell its cable systems, including four in Connecticut.

Adelphia announced plans to sell off all or part of its business in April. Wednesday, the Greenwood Village, Colo.-based company said potential buyers can bid on any or all of seven clusters of cable systems, including one that encompasses Western New York and Connecticut.

In addition to Adelphia/Lyme and Adelphia/Norwich, which are the cable franchises for 12 municipalities in eastern Connecticut, Adelphia owns a 75 percent share of Tele-Media Cable/Waterbury and Tele-Media Cable/Seymour, which operates in Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Oxford, Naugatuck, Seymour and Shelton.

"The Tele-Media systems are included for sale in these clusters, said Adelphia spokeswoman Erica Stull.

The company formed the clusters, said Stull, based on "geography and the ability of that group of systems to operate as a single functioning group.

Adelphia, she said, is working on a two-track process. Its reorganization plan, announced in February, called for the company to either emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as an independent or to be sold.

Adelphia filed bankruptcy two years ago. Its founder, John W. Rigas, and others were accused of looting the company and cheating investors out of billions of dollars.

Rigas and his son, Timothy, later were convicted of conspiracy, bank fraud and securities fraud. Another Rigas son, Michael, was acquitted of conspiracy charges but the case ended in a mistrial with jurors deadlocked on 17 counts against him. A fourth executive was found not guilty of conspiracy and securities fraud.

Stull said the results of the bidding, which Adelphia expects to be done by the end of the year, will determine which course the company takes.

"Our obligation is to get the greatest value for the bankruptcy constituents, said Stull, who expects the company to announce a decision early in 2005.

"We've had quite a few inquiries and expressions of interest, said Stull, who would not speculate on which companies are likely bidders.

However, one industry analyst believes Comcast and TimeWarner are on the short list, with Charter Communications also a possibility.

Comcast operates 10 Connecticut franchises serving 58 municipalities, including New Haven, Bethel and Ridgefield. Charter's two state franchises serve 37 municipalities, including Monroe, Newtown and Trumbull.

For a company like Comcast, said the analyst, it would be very cost-effective to operate geographically contiguous footprints.

When asked if Cablevision - with three state franchises serving 24 cities and towns, including Litchfield and lower Fairfield counties, as well as Bridgeport, Fairfield, Milford, Orange, Stratford and part of Woodbridge - is a possible buyer, the analyst said the company has a lot on its plate already, due to its own restructuring.

Neither Comcast nor Cablevision responded to messages asking for comment.

However, Beverly Levy, a spokeswoman for communications company SBC's New Haven office, said, "SBC won't comment on speculation, when asked if her company might be interested.

Securities and Exchange Commission regulations prohibit companies from commenting on mergers and acquisitions, whether the company has plans or not.

The industry analyst said he's heard the figure of $17 billion thrown around in talks about Adelphia's sale, but Stull said the company has no idea how much it can get for the clusters.

"That's what this [sale process] is designed to discover, she said.

http://www.connpost.com/Stories/0,1413,96%257E3784%257E2420861,00.html?search=filter#

I get pretty much the same thing out of both articles, with the exception of the Republican American article in which it is stated clearly that Tele-Media customers will notice no difference in service or quality of service after the sale. So what I get from that is that the only possible change could be that instead of being "Tele-Media, an Adelphia Company", it would be "Tele-Media, a Comcast Company", or something like that. I was really hoping that if Comcast or someone else bought Tele-Media, that maybe we would end up benefiting from service imporovements and additions. Perhaps if Comcast does buy Adelphia's 75% stake in Tele-Media, maybe they will offer to buy the other 25%, therefore they have complete ownership of the system, just like in Hartford, New Haven, etc, where we would then benefit from completely new ownership, and would benefit as customers.

Originally posted by PaulieORF
Perhaps if Comcast does buy Adelphia's 75% stake in Tele-Media, maybe they will offer to buy the other 25%, therefore they have complete ownership of the system, just like in Hartford, New Haven, etc, where we would then benefit from completely new ownership, and would benefit as customers.

We can only hope that is the case.

Comcast certainly is a better company, with better offerings. We'll see.

Thank you Tele-Media! We now have WFSB-DT on channel 703, in time for NFL football. I haven't really had time to examine the picture quality of it yet, however. Hopefully WTIC-DT will come along soon.

Well, I guess I spoke too soon by saying thanks to Tele-Media. WFSB-DT looks like absolute CRAP, just like WVIT-DT. Do they really think that this level of quality is even acceptable? I can get a better looking picture streaming video in Windows Media Player on my computer, geez Tele-Media, get your $%!# together!!!!

Not that I am ungreatful or anything but where is WTIC-DT???

Getting WFSB-DT in the lineup is fantastic. I am very excited. The PQ can always be fixed down the road. The biggest hurdle has been overcome. It is about time.

Good point about WTIC-DT. Ray Cenicola did tell me that WTIC-DT would either be on at the same time, or before WFSB-DT. Maybe getting WFSB-DT started the ball rolling, so hopefully by next Sunday, WTIC-DT will be up as well.

As far as the picture quality being fixed, I'm not so optomistic. I mean, WTNH-DT has what I consider acceptable PQ, that's great, that's how it's been since day one. But WVIT-DT's PQ is horrendous, and it's been like that since its inception on Tele-Media, even after my numerous complaints about it. So this worries me, as I think that Tele-Media is intending on the PQ being the way it is, they must think that it's acceptable. I'm going to call Ray when I get a chance this week, and either speak to him about WTIC and the PQ on WFSB and WVIT, or leave him a message about it. I mean, it's great to have WFSB-DT now, but watching the Giants game on it was painful today.

Agreed.

Okay, wow, I just got a call from Tim Burt at Tele-Media. He had all kinds of information for me that I had no idea about. I talked to him for over half an hour about this stuff, but here is the gist of it:

1 - The reason we don't have WTIC-DT yet is because they have hit a snag in negotiations with Tribune, the owner of WTIC. Tribune is trying to get Tele-Media to also pick up WGN Superstation (UPN) out of Chicago. But he said that he expects a deal to be done for at least WTIC-DT, some sort of interim deal to have it in a few weeks hopefully.

2 - He said that he was not aware of any picture quality issues with WFSB-DT and WVIT-DT. But I made sure that I let him know that we (on this forum) plus others, are not very happy with the quality of WFSB-DT and WVIT-DT. He thinks that it might be that they are squeezing WFSB-DT and WVIT-DT through at only 7 MB/s, compared to WTNH-DT's 10 MB/s. He said that he's definitely going to have engineering check it out tomorrow.

3 - They have struck a deal for Discovery HD. He said that once the paperwork and signatures are sorted through, that we will see Discovery HD in our lineup, probably within a few weeks.

4 - NFL Network. He said that they are very close to an agreement to give us the NFL Network. This would include the NFL Network, the only 24 hour network dedicated to the NFL, NFL On-Demand, which would give us an NFL Films library, as well as 13 minute long game highlights for each game every week. This also would include the NFL Network in HD, which would provide 2 "NFL Game of the Week in HD" programs each week. For details of what the deal would be, just check out the deal that Comcast has with NFL Network.

5 - They're in talks to carry TNT-HD and Bravo HD+.

6 - They aren't negotiating for NESN right now because baseball season is almost over, as well as the fact that the Bruins aren't going to be on NESN for this year because of the NHL lockout. He did say that he is going to approach NESN in January and is going to try to hammer out some kind of deal to give us NESN, which would include NESN-HD of course. Reason to be hopeful here is because Tim was the guy who helped get a deal for NESN on Comcast in New Haven. He left Comcast shortly after that happened to join Adelphia.

7 - On Demand services will be available very shortly.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head, but if I can remember anything else, I will surely post it.

Well, I talked to Ray and he kind of gave me excuses, that it is not official yet, that is has the same bandwidth as the other channels, so what's the truth?

13 mb/ps is low. 10mb is too low. 7mb is a joke. That's DVD level bandwidth for 1080i and that means PQ is going to be murdered.

Wow! Great job PaulieORF in obtaining that information and posting it for us. I am excited to hear that things are not remaining stagnant with Adelphia. I got a little nervous that projects would be put on hold now that they are looking to be sold.

Tele-Media finally sounds like they have someone that cares about their product and will get things accomplished in Tim Burton. The picture quality for WFSB and WVIT is definitely something that needs to be addressed and Tim seems to know what he is talking about and has the power to make some changes. If you talk to him again, let him know how much we appreciate someone from Tele-Media actually calling back and listening to our concerns. Maybe he would want to post insider updates to this thread. ;)

All of the other extra HD channels are a real surprise. I don't know of any other provider in CT that provides WGN-HD. (I don't know what I would watch on that channel except for some Cub games.) DiscoveryHD would be absolutely fantastic. I hope they save some room to add ESPN2-HD in January 2005!

Now, he didn't say that Tribune was trying to make them carry WGN-HD, he just told me WGN. My guess is that WGN-HD would not be a part of the deal. I do remember some other stuff now:

ESPN2-HD: The current agreements that cable companies have with ESPN and ESPN-HD will not grant them permission to broadcast ESPN2-HD. They will need to work out another agreement in order to air ESPN2-HD. Tim did say that he's confident that they will have an agreement for ESPN2-HD when it does become available.

YES-HD: He said that there is a good chance that they will be offering YES-HD next year, which will broadcast all Yankees home games in HD.

More on NESN: Different things could change between now and the start of the 2005 Red Sox season begins. Tim says that the Red Sox are talking to Comcast about forming "Comcast SportsNet New England" which would be a new partnership network between the Red Sox and Comcast, and would replace NESN. If this occurs, the negotiations would most likely be different, possibly for the better, possibly for the worse. Another thing that could happen is if Comcast buys this cluster of Adelphia systems. If Comcast buys the Tele-Media area, Tim says that it increases the chances of them adding NESN and NESN-HD to our lineup. Also, if both of the above happen, you can almost count on having all Red Sox games next year on Tele-Media.

That's it. I plan on calling him up in a few days to check on the WFSB-DT and WVIT-DT PQ issue. I'll let him know that his information is much appreciated here.

Here is a DPUC filing from Adelphia of Western CT (Tele-Media that was posted today. It gives us a little more info on the upcoming VOD service, and mentions WFSB-DT.

Thanks to all for your investigative work. I have recently moved to Bethany and my question is, do you think it is worth it at this point to take a chance with TeleMedia given the past history I have been reading on this thread?

Currently I am satisfied with my satellite service except for the usual weather probs (Hurricane Jeanne last week for example) and I would really like the locals in HD without having to put up another antenna. NESN HD would be a selling point as well.

So, is the service improving to the point where in good conscience you could reccommend TeleMedia?

The service is definitely improving. They have had more improvement with their service this year since they first introduced high speed internet and digital cable. The only negative with their service right now is whatever the problem is with the poor picture quality on WFSB-DT, WTNH-DT, and WVIT-DT.

You mentioned that NESN-HD would be a good selling point for you. Are you a Red Sox fan? If so, you can still go with Tele-Media now, and hope that Tele-Media can get a deal done with NESN before the start of next season. If not, you can always just dump Tele-Media and sign up for Dish Network, which I believe does not make you sign a one year contract, so that if and when Tele-Media adds NESN, you can jump back to Tele-Media. And of course, if you're not a die-hard Red Sox fan and don't care to see their games, then you won't have any problem.

caw13:

Local HD without having to adjust an antenna is a big plus for my wife and I. We also like being able to record HD using the HD DVR (SA 8000HD). For those two reasons, it would be tough (as much as I hate to say it) to leave Tele-Media. Tele-Media does have its issues but their cable service has been better the past year than it has ever been before.

The choice would really depend on what is more important to you. DirecTV/Dish is cheaper with better picture quality on the SD channels. And you get many more channels for the money. With Tele-Media you pay more but there is no upfront costs for HD equipment or a HD DVR. You also get locals in HD and a pretty good extended HD lineup. So you have to decide what is more important: price/convenience/equipment.

Hope this helps and welcome to the forum! :)

Thanks for your replies. We currently have Dish and have been fairly satisfied with it, but I would really like the locals in HD. When we signed up they gave us a free HD receiver (no DVR), but in return we had to sign a contract for a specified length of time. Ironically, it would be cheaper to cancel the Dish and pay the early termination penalty than it would be to buy an OTA for local HD and have it installed.

When I compared the channel offerings, you are right, that you get more with the Dish, but I don't watch 85% of them anyways, so what is the difference? The price as quoted to me by a Tele-Media rep is within a dollar of what I currently pay for comparable service with the Dish, plus the HD-DVR as you mentioned. The HD lineup is definitely better with Tele-Media.

I'm glad to hear that the service has been better over the past year, hopefully they have turned the corner. I think I will take a chance, as PaulieORF said, it should be no problem quitting Tele-Media if it doesn't work out.

I've come up with a new way to describe the problems with WFSB-DT and WVIT-DT on Tele-Media..."Jittery." Watching the Patriots game, and then the Jets game, that's what my new-to-HD friends described the picture as, jittery. I agree with them, and this proves that it's not just me being a picky HD fanatic. I'm a little disappointed that A.) They haven't fixed the jittery picture problem yet, and B.) Tim Burt did not get back to me after leaving him a message Friday morning about this. This is my ONLY complaint about Tele-Media's HD, and to me it seems like something they should be able to fix easily. Just ticks me off that getting this done seems to be taking so long.

Holy crap. I come home and turn on my TV and it seems that WFSB-DT and WVIT-DT look even worse than before! Is it just me? Maybe it's just because I'm so disgusted with the PQ that I'm seeing it worse. Either way, I still can't get a hold of Tim Burt. I've called every day, and only gotten his voicemail, to which he has not called back.

Probably because he ws told to shut up.

Tim called me back today. He said that as far as what he has on record, WFSB-DT, WTNH-DT, and WVIT-DT are all using the same exact method of compression. I told him all about different programs that I've watched on all of the local HD channels, and how they differ in quality from WTNH-DT. So, it turns out that the problem must be something they aren't aware of. In other words, the engineers just do their job; setup the channel, apply compression, and then they never look at it again. He said that he's going to go directly to engineering very soon about this, and is going to have someone watch and compare the PQ of the channels, hopefully tonight when they have primetime in HD, because that's really when you start to notice the poor picture quality.

Side note: He said that Video On Demand will be launched on Monday or Tuesday of next week. Also, nothing new on the WTIC-DT front. Their offer is on the table with Tribune, but Tribune hasn't looked at it yet, because they are a huge nationwide company, and have other things to worry about.

For two days now the Firewire stream has been screwed up, forcing my equipment to downconvert the signal to 480i and not allowing my D-VHS decks to record HD. I was unable to get ahold of anyone all day yesterday, even after the operator pages them repeatedly.

So this sucks. :mad

Matt, that sucks.

Seems that everyone I talk to at Tele-Media doesn't think there's a problem with the HD locals' picture quality. Well, I just had a thought. Everyone I've talked to at Tele-Media is in Seymour, on that branch of the system, not the Waterbury system. Although some of you on the Seymour system have complained about the PQ on the HD locals, perhaps it's only as bad as I'm seeing on the Waterbury branch. Maybe that's why they think there's no problem. I'll have to bring this up with Tim when I speak to him next, hopefully Monday.

Recording is back.

WFSB didn't look to bad the other night. Not nearly as much blocking.

The Waternbury line is absolutely inferior to the Seymour. A friend of mine has HD through them and he has the same exact projector and large screen as I and his 3250HD via Component PQ sucks compared to mine on all the channels. It's sh!t and if I had it, I'd be demanding a refund every month. No joke.

Well, I have seen INHD and INHD2, as well as all of the HD locals on Comcast in New Haven. I can tell you that INHD and INHD2 in Waterbury pretty much looks like it's the same quality as they are on Comcast. But the locals, it's absolutely terrible! The locals can't even compare. You pretty much can't tell that Comcast is compressing the locals at all, but on Tele-Media in Waterbury, it's like comparing surfing the internet on a 56k modem, compared to high speed cable internet. It's like comparing a video tape that has been eaten by a VCR to a DVD. They REALLY need to do something about this, their product sucks! Each time I talk to Tim at Tele-Media about this, he tells me he's going to get to Engineering that day, and then call me right back with the results. Hasn't happened yet. Ugh....

I am getting very nervous. Baseball's LCS starts tomorrow and the World Series is right around the corner and still no WTIC-DT. I would like to think that the Yankees/Red Sox series is big enough to help push this contract through faster (but I doubt it).

FYI: ESPN2-HD begins broadcasting Jan. 6th, 2005.

Hey guys. I turned my 3250HD on this morning, and it was back to channel 02, as if an update had taken place. I figured it was the on-demand. So I hit the Guide button, but just got the regular program guide. I looked, and the On demand channels in the 900's all had their actual titles now. If I tried to turn to them, I got the not authorized message. Then, I saw a commercial for Tele-Media saying that On demand is now available. Is On demand working for anyone else here? Thanks.

Well, my On Demand started working tonight. I've tried out quite a bit of the stuff on there, and so far so good. No problems at all. The only thing they need is Sports On Demand. I know that my friend in Boston has Comcast with On Demand, and she gets sports highlights, and all of the games shown on cable from the previous few days. HD On Demand would be great too, but I'm not gonna push it right now, hehe.

The HD problem I was having keep coming back each time these damn 3250's recycle. They are recycling each night and TeleMedia says they don't know why. It's created chaos for me, as I cannot record any HD during the night and during the day, the boxes are screwed up in regards to copy flags and I have to keep rebooting them to get them fixed.

FOr the umpteenth day in a row, HD via Firewire is screwed up and only coming out 480i. Doesn't anyone else use Firewire with these bozos?

My 3250 has not been recycling every night, as you have described yours doing. It has got to be a problem with your firmware, since I beleive you said they gave you a specail version for firewire.

Last night I noticed a couple issues on the SA 8000HD that have apparently been fixed with the latest firmware upgrade. Actually they are big fixes in my opinion.

If you are watching a program that is scheduled to record and the recording ends before you are done watching the program, the box used to just end the recording. Then you would have to call up the program again and fast forward to where you left off. Well, that has been fixed! Last night while I was in the middle of a program when the recording stopped and the only thing that happened was the red light went off. I was pleasantly surprised. (This is a BIG fix IMO.)

Another I noticed is that the pause, fast forward, and rewind buttons seem to be more responsive. Maybe I am just getting used to it and this could just be in my head but I found I am not yelling at the box as much as I used to.

The last I found (and you all have probably noticed it too) is that when you press stop during a recorded program it no longer brings up the little menu asking if you want to delete, skip to beginning, or skip to end. You have to go to the list of programs and delete the program from there.

For me, this has been the most useful update so far. Thank you SA and thank you Tele-Media for pushing it so quickly.

(Now where is WTIC-DT?!?)

You guys having problems with pixelation and breakup on 703, 708, and 730? Last night I noticed it during the heavy weather, and accepted it as a result of that. But this morning, I'm still seeing all the problems with the HD locals. I called Adelphia Customer Service, and they insist on sending someone out to my house. It's not just me, right?