I was watching the Oscars tonight on HKITV, which started in HD, but then it froze (during the Best Actress award), and continued in SD. Does this commonly happen?

So who should we hate more, Oceanic or the tv stations? I don't know much about this situation but I'll reserve my hate and complaints for the tv stations. Don't want to go on a rant but there seems to be more reasons to hate them for this.

KHNL is holding all the cards. They would sustain no viewership loss if their HD signal is not carried by Oceanic. With the addition of Sunday Night Football, their HD product has more value. With their 'HD one day, gone the next' Olympic tease, they've succeeded in getting local HD enthusiasts like us to call and complain to Oceanic. And besides, if KGMB and KHON are withholding their HD signal until Oceanic pays for it, why should they be any different.

If Oceanic continues to hold its ground (and I can't blame them for doing so), we might not see them on cable for a long time.

Oh... I'm really hating KHNL right now!!!

So who should we hate more, Oceanic or the tv stations? I don't know much about this situation but I'll reserve my hate and complaints for the tv stations. Don't want to go on a rant but there seems to be more reasons to hate them for this.

Interesting about KHNL and Oceanic...from what I heard NBC Weather Plus was part of the the package. Guess it wasn't. :(

SuperBob, is KHNL-DT multicasting Weather Plus(13.2)?

I guess I have 5 months to figure out how to get KHNL-DT.

Charles O -- I checked this morning and only saw 13.1 up, which is all my channel scan could find. I'm not familiar with the Weather Plus capability right now. But other messages do ponder if KHNL-DT is broadcasting any HD. I'll check tonight.

KHNL is holding all the cards. They would sustain no viewership loss if their HD signal is not carried by Oceanic. With the addition of Sunday Night Football, their HD product has more value. With their 'HD one day, gone the next' Olympic tease, they've succeeded in getting local HD enthusiasts like us to call and complain to Oceanic. And besides, if KGMB and KHON are withholding their HD signal until Oceanic pays for it, why should they be any different.

If Oceanic continues to hold its ground (and I can't blame them for doing so), we might not see them on cable for a long time.

Well, KHNL is already different. First, they already have invested in an HD video server... something KGMB and KHON haven't done, AFAIK. What's the point in having that expensive equipment if all of those HD shows won't have cable carriage? Most people who would watch in HD, won't. Second, KHNL and KFVE's owner Raycom has fairly close ties with Oceanic, which is their only UH sports PPV outlet. KHNL still holds the cards.

I won't bother complaining to Oceanic. It's probably Time Warner Cable's call. It looks like TWC has a policy to not pay extra for local HD. Countdown to early 2009. By then KHNL and every other local station's digital signal will be must-carry for Oceanic free of charge. And you do know who would end up paying for any fees until 2009, right? (we would)

OTA KGMB and KHON don't have anything other than live events in HD... we aficionados would be content to have just sporting events in HD, but that's not enough content for Oceanic to bother carrying an HD channel taking up room 24/7 on their bandwidth-starved system.

I'm pretty sure KGMB invested some $$ for their server too. Anyway, my friend was able to move up his cable installation to today so I went there to ask he cable guy about cable cards. According to him, he said he hasn't had any problems with it. Anyone out there currently using them? I want to stick one in my Sony but not if it's going to cause any trouble. Another thing I asked him about was KHNL-HD but he didn't even know it's been down.

I'm pretty sure KGMB invested some $$ for their server too. Anyway, my friend was able to move up his cable installation to today so I went there to ask he cable guy about cable cards. According to him, he said he hasn't had any problems with it. Anyone out there currently using them? I want to stick one in my Sony but not if it's going to cause any trouble. Another thing I asked him about was KHNL-HD but he didn't even know it's been down.
No cablecard here anymore, but it would be great if you could try it in your Sony. I'm still looking at a Sony Bravia LCD for my mom, the one with cablecard, and would love to know how it works in a Sony (assuming the cablecard circuitry is the same among all Sonys).

As far as KGMB, they were using a server a few months ago for a short time. Not sure how much money they invested in it, but I have it on good authority that the gerbil that ran the contraption passed away after a short illness.

938 is gone from Hilo. :(

OTA I saw WB channel 23 was in HD from 8 to 9pm. Is this old news that WB is starting to broadcast in HD over the air or are they just starting?

It was some show called Related. I don't know anything about it but Jennifer Esposito was in it. Checking the rest of the weeks primetime lineup there are UH baseball tournament games on Tues, Wed, & Fri and UH basketball on Thurs. So that means the WB primetime programming that might be in HD is pushed to Saturday. I'll have to remind myself to turn on the HD OTA tuner and see if Supernatural, Smallville or Gilmore Girls is in HD this weekend.

I noticed the local commercials were still streched SD while the mainland commercials were 4:3 with the black pillar boxes. After the show, the 9pm news and everything after that reverted back to being streched SD programming.

Related was on in HD again on KFVE-DT. This time I was home to catch if the 7pm show 7th Heaven was in HD. It wasn't. But at least it was in 4:3 with pollarboxes not stretched SD. It was also listed as a rerun. I don't know if that had anything to do with it not being HD.

None of the preempted WB primetime programs, due to last weeks baseball tournament, were in HD. Now that it's back to normal programming hopefully Supernatural will be in HD on Tuesday night.

Just made an appointment to get the cablecard installed on the 14th. I'll tell you how it goes.


No cablecard here anymore, but it would be great if you could try it in your Sony. I'm still looking at a Sony Bravia LCD for my mom, the one with cablecard, and would love to know how it works in a Sony (assuming the cablecard circuitry is the same among all Sonys).

As far as KGMB, they were using a server a few months ago for a short time. Not sure how much money they invested in it, but I have it on good authority that the gerbil that ran the contraption passed away after a short illness.

I was watching the Oscars tonight on HKITV, which started in HD, but then it froze (during the Best Actress award), and continued in SD. Does this commonly happen?

KITV screwed up last year's HD Oscar telecast even worse! I'd say the last HALF of the show was in SD.


Eric

HKNHL is gone from my lineup, too.

TJR, 7th Heaven is not produced in HD. Some WB shows in HD would be Smallville, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill, and Reba. Tomorrow they should have Gilmore Girls at 7 or 8 PM, before Supernatural, as you mentioned.

As far as KGMB, they were using a server a few months ago for a short time. Not sure how much money they invested in it, but I have it on good authority that the gerbil that ran the contraption passed away after a short illness.
I believe it died of a mysterious disease called "hardlyanyviewers" due to KGMB-HD's absence from cable or satellite lineups and unfortunately, they haven't been able to find another gerbil that could run fast enough to play back those 19 Mbps HD shows. :p So, that's basically why we don't get to watch CSI in HD here in Hawaii. :rolleyes:

Isn't there a US gov. mandate for HD and digital? We're a backwater, but still, last time I looked we were part of the US.

There's a government mandate for DTV - DTV does not mean HD - it means digital TV.


Countdown to early 2009. By then KHNL and every other local station's digital signal will be must-carry for Oceanic free of charge.

100% wrong.

KITV screwed up last year's HD Oscar telecast even worse! I'd say the last HALF of the show was in SD.


Eric

I'm glad it wasn't just me. Still, I guess they are getting better at this. Maybe next year they can actually transmit the whole show in HD (here's hoping).

to ask he cable guy about cable cards. According to him, he said he hasn't had any problems with it. Anyone out there currently using them? I want to stick one in my Sony but not if it's going to cause any trouble.

Which Sony do you have? Specific to the KDF-E _ _ A10/A20 RPTV line, I've read that the cable card can get funky (i.e. lose its memory) due to the proximity of the slot to the lamp. The card gets really hot and needs to be reset or swapped.

Which Sony do you have? Specific to the KDF-E _ _ A10/A20 RPTV line, I've read that the cable card can get funky (i.e. lose its memory) due to the proximity of the slot to the lamp. The card gets really hot and needs to be reset or swapped.

I have the 34XBR960. It's a direct view tube, so hopefully won't have problems with heat since there's no projection lamp (?) .

HKNHL is gone from my lineup, too.

TJR, 7th Heaven is not produced in HD. Some WB shows in HD would be Smallville, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill, and Reba. Tomorrow they should have Gilmore Girls at 7 or 8 PM, before Supernatural, as you mentioned.

You are right. Gilmore Girls is currently being broadcast in HD. Joey on NBC is as well.

Curious thing though, I notice CBS 9-1 is no longer an HD station. According to my tuner it's an SD signal! I hope that it's temporary because I was hoping to see the NCAA BBall tournament in HD. My wishful thinking is that they are currently installing a perminent HD system in time for the tournament just like KHNL did for the Olympics.

Also KHON which was on 8-1 is now back at 2-1.

Curious thing though, I notice CBS 9-1 is no longer an HD station. According to my tuner it's an SD signal! I hope that it's temporary because I was hoping to see the NCAA BBall tournament in HD. My wishful thinking is that they are currently installing a perminent HD system in time for the tournament just like KHNL did for the Olympics.

Also KHON which was on 8-1 is now back at 2-1.

Just checked my OTA reception - got KGMB on 22-1 and KHON is still on 8-1. No signal on either 9-1 or 2-1.

Funny thing about the KGMB 22-1 signal though - post-gerbil, picture has been 4:3 until tonite - now it's 4:3 -> stretched 16:9. Commercials and the CBS program (NCIS) are stretched. Thought I accidentally changed my OTA box or TV settings but 8-1 KHON is still in 4:3.

Just checked my OTA reception - got KGMB on 22-1 and KHON is still on 8-1. No signal on either 9-1 or 2-1.

Funny thing about the KGMB 22-1 signal though - post-gerbil, picture has been 4:3 until tonite - now it's 4:3 -> stretched 16:9. Commercials and the CBS program (NCIS) are stretched. Thought I accidentally changed my OTA box or TV settings but 8-1 KHON is still in 4:3.

Actually, if I tune into 22-1 my tuner automatically changes the station to 9-1. And as of tonight my KGMB 9-1 signal is SD. I have my tuner set not to stretch SD signals instead it has gray sidebars.
When I punch in 8-1 my tuner changes me over to 2-1. Originally KHON was on 2-1 then got transfered to 8-1 sometime last year. There is also 2-2 which is KHON's SD signal.

Countdown to early 2009. By then KHNL and every other local station's digital signal will be must-carry for Oceanic free of charge.100% wrong.
Could you put some more detail into your claim?

I recently bought Maxent 50X-3 Monitor. I have OTW 8300 HDVR. I live in Aiea Heights.
1. What OTA should I buy and from where?
2. How do I hook up OTA? My monitor does not have tuner.
Thanks H

Just also noticed that KGMB is now SD. Looks like it's e-mail time again. :confused:

As for KHON, both my PC tuner card and my Dish 811 have always had KHON as 2.1/2.2, only my old Samsung 151 had problems and listed them as 8.1/8.2. The only other change is that it would show up as "KHON2" and now is just "KHON".

Now to other news: :D

KFVE will be an affiliate of "My Network TV" the new Fox run telenovelas network.
http://starbulletin.com/2006/03/08/business/engle.html

This make some sense with all the UH telecast and pre-emptions of WB programming that it creates.
This also means the "CW" network may have no choice but KIKU as an affiliate.

I was watching Discovery HD last night and the picture went blank (Black, not blue screen) on my Plasma. Sound still continued. Changed channels, but that did not fix it. Turned TV off and back on, not fixed. Then the picture came back a few minutes later.

I posted this problem a few weeks ago on my in-laws Vizio L37 (with a SA 3100HD); this occured on my Maxent MX-50X3 (with 8300HD). Both cable boxes are hooked up through component. Therefore, it seems to be an Oceanic problem. Anyone else have this occur to them? It would be nice to know that it isn't the TV's fault.

From Honolulu Star-Bulletin (http://starbulletin.com/2006/02/16/business/engle.html)
Montecito is awaiting arrival of a system for KHON that will eliminate the jobs of several people who are now needed to put newscasts and live broadcasts on the air.

The new equipment is among a line of products manufactured by the Grass Valley division of France-based Thomson Multimedia -- a line that has been expanded, according to a statement released last week.

There are 270 Grass Valley high-definition switchers in use around the world. The equipment serves as a control-room hub that mixes video, audio and graphics for broadcasts of live, multicamera events.

"The majority of the film-based commercials seen during this year's Super Bowl, for example, were prepared for broadcast by Grass Valley post-production equipment," the statement continued.

In September, Grass Valley announced that ABC-owned and -operated stations KABC in Los Angeles and KGO in San Francisco, as well as Meredith Broadcasting Group's WSHM in Springfield, Mass., had purchased "Ignite" integrated production systems.

The system links the newsroom to the control room and lets stations "produce and broadcast live newscasts and other programs with only one or two operators," the statement said.

Grass Valley President Marc Valentin was quoted as saying, "The Grass Valley Ignite system is helping a wide range of broadcasters cost-effectively improve their operations and get more content on the air."

The article is from 2/16/2006, so about a month old.

Could you put some more detail into your claim?


Every station must negotiate a carriage deal with Oceanic. And that means that Oceanic IS NOT FREE to just rebroadcast it - nor do they have to give it away for free.

You have taken the must carry rule totally out of context.

Well, it was inevitable. As of this moment I am unable to stream HD to my PC from my 3250. This morning, as I was prepping for work, I noticed that my 3250 was going through some sort of firmware update process. This continued for some time and was still going on when I left for work. When I got home, I tried to stream an HD channel to my PC using VLC. I was able to do this last night. Not so tonight. VLC would not work like it did the night before. Neither would CapDVHS. I tested the firewire outputs of the 3250 by viewing an HD channel via the connection on my HDTV. It works. When I try any of the capture programs on my PC, it crashes and I have trouble rebooting. I'm afraid to do any more troubleshooting for fear of crashing my PC big time.

Is there anyone here that was streaming or capturing HD to their PC via the 3250 that can confirm that this is happening to them as well?

(Edited for spelling)

Well, it was inevitable. ...snip...

Is there anyone here that was streaming or capturing HD to their PC via the 3250 that can confirm that this is happening to them as well?

(Edited for spelling)

Aha! I left my Oceanic contact in Honolulu a voicemail two days ago because I can't get ANYTHING from my 3250HD to my JVC D-VHS player over firewire... this has been going on for at least a couple of weeks, I think. (I didn't make any exhaustive checks until recently).

The next day an Oceanic tech showed up. We shot the breeze for awhile and both came to the conclusion (without even looking at the equipment) that they must have "upgraded" firmware to the box, which broke it. He actually swung by again this morning with another box to try, but I wasn't able to accomodate him at the time. He's coming back tomorrow to try the other box. I will let you know what happens.


Eric

Well, it was inevitable. As of this moment I am unable to stream HD to my PC from my 3250. This morning, as I was prepping for work, I noticed that my 3250 was going through some sort of firmware update process. This continued for some time and was still going on when I left for work. When I got home, I tried to stream an HD channel to my PC using VLC. I was able to do this last night. Not so tonight. VLC would not work like it did the night before. Neither would CapDVHS. I tested the firewire outputs of the 3250 by viewing an HD channel via the connection on my HDTV. It works. When I try any of the capture programs on my PC, it crashes and I have trouble rebooting. I'm afraid to do any more troubleshooting for fear of crashing my PC big time.

Is there anyone here that was streaming or capturing HD to their PC via the 3250 that can confirm that this is happening to them as well?

(Edited for spelling)

Same problem here... It crashes the progarm then locks up the tuner. :/ Sound like the firmware upgrade really screwed things up. Though I always had problems when HKHNL was on to stream or record the channel via firewire as well. The whole image would break apart, but disaply fine when ran direct to the HDTV monitor.

Same problem here... It crashes the progarm then locks up the tuner. :/ Sound like the firmware upgrade really screwed things up. Though I always had problems when HKHNL was on to stream or record the channel via firewire as well. The whole image would break apart, but disaply fine when ran direct to the HDTV monitor.
I had the exact same problem with KHNL. Massive breakups.

Eric, I've tested the 3250 with my Mits DVHS and it works like it should. Like you said, it would seem the latest firmware upgrade broke something. I remember you mentioning having similar problems with your JVC and the 3250 some time ago, but it was fixed eventually. Looks like deja vu all over again.

I recently bought Maxent 50X-3 Monitor. I have OTW 8300 HDVR. I live in Aiea Heights.
1. What OTA should I buy and from where?
2. How do I hook up OTA? My monitor does not have tuner.
Thanks H

You need to get an HD Tuner. You can go to Circuit City or Best Buy. I think even WalMart sells them. It's been awhile since I looked but it think they run about $120. You live in Aiea so you don't need an outdoor antenna. I live up Kaahumanu St and I get all channels.

As far as the antenna, in the same area of the store that they sell the HD tuners, you should also see the antennas.

You need to get an HD Tuner. You can go to Circuit City or Best Buy. I think even WalMart sells them. It's been awhile since I looked but it think they run about $120. You live in Aiea so you don't need an outdoor antenna. I live up Kaahumanu St and I get all channels.

As far as the antenna, in the same area of the store that they sell the HD tuners, you should also see the antennas.

I live in Kalihi Valley, can I use an indoor HD atenna?

Anyone know if the Major League Baseball pass will be available on OTW in Honolulu? If so, will any of it be in HD? I've tried reaching OTW, but after spending nearly 2 hours on hold, I've given up!

BTW, this is a great forum. Just moved to Honolulu from LA and this is a great way to keep up on the local HDTV info.

Anyone know if the Major League Baseball pass will be available on OTW in Honolulu? If so, will any of it be in HD? I've tried reaching OTW, but after spending nearly 2 hours on hold, I've given up!

BTW, this is a great forum. Just moved to Honolulu from LA and this is a great way to keep up on the local HDTV info.

It's available, but not in HD. I had it the past two years but this year I'm going for mlb.tv so I can watch some at work.

Well, Oceanic is aware of the firewire problem. They have a trouble ticket open with Scientific Atlanta over the issue.

Eric

Kosmo,

MLB Extra Innings is available on Oahu only from Oceanic. It's not likely they will independently offer any HD games as part of the package. But be aware that all games involving the Dodgers, Angels, Giants, A's and Mariners will be blakced out, they all claim Hawaii as a "Home Market" area.
As for HD MLB games, Oceanic offers FSN-HD under the name "HD Sports" ch. 950, the Dodgers and Angels will each offer 40 games each in HD this season. Oceanic also offers InHD, they offer 3 MLB games in HD a week, but the same blackout rules apply.

Hope this helps,

Charles

Thanks guys. Fortunately, I'm a Cardinals fan so I don't have to worry about the blackouts too often!

Any idea on the price of MLB pass for the season?

Thanks again.

Well, Oceanic is aware of the firewire problem. They have a trouble ticket open with Scientific Atlanta over the issue.

Eric
Why the heck was the firmware upgraded in the first place? These boxes worked just fine the way they were. As it stands, Oceanic ought to revert the firmware back to the previous version until SA sorts out the problem.

Kosmo,

MLB Extra Innings is available on Oahu only from Oceanic. It's not likely they will independently offer any HD games as part of the package. But be aware that all games involving the Dodgers, Angels, Giants, A's and Mariners will be blakced out, they all claim Hawaii as a "Home Market" area.
As for HD MLB games, Oceanic offers FSN-HD under the name "HD Sports" ch. 950, the Dodgers and Angels will each offer 40 games each in HD this season. Oceanic also offers InHD, they offer 3 MLB games in HD a week, but the same blackout rules apply.

Hope this helps,

Charles
Cool. 40 games each in HD from the Dodgers and Angels. If Oceanic adds ESPN2, we'll have loads of baseball to watch in HD this season.

Cool. 40 games each in HD from the Dodgers and Angels. If Oceanic adds ESPN2, we'll have loads of baseball to watch in HD this season.

Channel 950 is useless. Last year there were 2 baseball games on it (Dodgers I think) and both times there were no sound. this is for the whole season now, 2 whole games.

I brought home a new 8300HD with firewire tonight but haven't set it up yet. Need to move some stuff around. Hopefully the firewire works with the DVHS.

Yeah, I sort of misread Charles' post and now understand what he meant. I agree that we will see but a fraction of the games FSN-HD is offering in HD. Does Oceanic pay extra for each game shown on 950, or is it indifference on the part of the Oceanic employee in charge of 'flipping the switch' to activate the game on that channel?

The firewire still works on the 8300HD, but I have similar problems when trying to record a show from the hard drive as Hiloboy. I think my results are actually worse than his; picture isn't even watchable, breaks up too often. Recording live material over the firewire works just as same as the 3250 so I will be returning the 3250.

One good thing I noticed now is the box doesn't react funny when using the HDMI output. On my other 8300HD, when using HDMI, if you change the video outputs on the tv, and then go back to the 8300, the box no longer can pause or rewind. You need to change the channel again and then back to activate it. Now when you change the video outputs, if you go back you will be able to rewind and see what you missed. This probably had something to do with the tv sending some kind of signal to the box that it was no longer displaying the HDMI output so the box would stop recording, or something like that.

Yeah, I sort of misread Charles' post and now understand what he meant. I agree that we will see but a fraction of the games FSN-HD is offering in HD. Does Oceanic pay extra for each game shown on 950, or is it indifference on the part of the Oceanic employee in charge of 'flipping the switch' to activate the game on that channel?

Wasn't ch 950's Sports HD replaced with PPV HD?????

Well hopefully a good sign. :)
KGMB-DT is back broadcasting in 1080i, currently airing C-USA championship in HD.

[QUOTE=TJR]FYI - I inquired about the HKHNL timeline for Oahu as well with the CSR dept and got this reply yesterday:

[I]From: csrsupport@twchawaii.net
Subject: Re: Help Desk
Date: March 4, 2006 10:54:38 PM HST
Reply-To: csrsupport@twchawaii.net

Aloha,

Thank you for your recent inquiry. We were unable to successfully
negotiate a contract with KHNL for carriage of the channel after the
Olympics. The neighbor islands should not be receiving the channel
either. It is an error that will be corrected as soon as
possible.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to e-mail us again
or contact our Customer Care Department at the appropriate number below.
When replying to this e-mail, please include this message as well as all
previous correspondence regarding this issue.

QUOTE]


I feel like when there was a baseball strike a few years ago. The public suffers because the two parties cannot settle their differences. Both sides have the capability to put out the product. Seems ridiculous huh?

Does anyone know if Oceanic's HDTV channels are available in Waimea (Kamuela) on the Big Island? I might be moving there soon and I know that Kohala doesn't get any HD...

Does Oceanic pay for KITV's HD signal?

Does Oceanic pay for KITV's HD signal?

Nope.

Eric

We should start griping more.

The firewire still works on the 8300HD, but I have similar problems when trying to record a show from the hard drive as Hiloboy.



My firewire didn't work at all. The 8300HD isn't seen by the DVHS player. The 3250HD no longer works. The player sees the box as always, but there's no picture any longer.


Eric

Delar,

Cablecard doesn't work too well in my Sony; I will be returning it. The cable guy said he never installed on a tv like mine, but he did do other Sony projection type tv's with no problems, so maybe your parents can still get it. I think the problem is my tv -- it is one of the first to have a cable card slot and maybe it just doesn't work as reliably as the newer models. It took him a while to get the thing working, and then it wouldn't keep the channels in tune. When he left, everything was ok, but now tonight some ofthe channels are not coming in. Don't know the reason why but sometimes it works and sometimes it don't.

Does anyone know if Oceanic's HDTV channels are available in Waimea (Kamuela) on the Big Island? I might be moving there soon and I know that Kohala doesn't get any HD...

I'm pretty sure that Waimea is not on the Kohala system (Hawi and Kapaau vicinity) and they have HD.

Eric

Does the DVI output work on the 3250HD?

Eric

I'm pretty sure that Waimea is not on the Kohala system (Hawi and Kapaau vicinity) and they have HD.

Eric


I know for sure, I've read that the Kohala system is not seperate from the
Kona system. HD is probably not available, but you can get Road Runner
and limited digital cable since Oceanic has connected both systems through
microwave (This according to the DCCA-CATV documents I've read).

Does the DVI output work on the 3250HD?

Eric

Mine does.

Delar,

Cablecard doesn't work too well in my Sony; I will be returning it. The cable guy said he never installed on a tv like mine, but he did do other Sony projection type tv's with no problems, so maybe your parents can still get it. I think the problem is my tv -- it is one of the first to have a cable card slot and maybe it just doesn't work as reliably as the newer models. It took him a while to get the thing working, and then it wouldn't keep the channels in tune. When he left, everything was ok, but now tonight some ofthe channels are not coming in. Don't know the reason why but sometimes it works and sometimes it don't.
That's unfortunate, as most current and former users (like myself) concur that HD looks best via cablecard. Your problem sounds vaguely like the one I had, but it was never determined if the problem was with my Mits TV, Oceanic headend or the SA cablecard itself....or a combination of the three. It made troubleshooting too frustrating.

Delar,

Cablecard doesn't work too well in my Sony; I will be returning it. The cable guy said he never installed on a tv like mine, but he did do other Sony projection type tv's with no problems, so maybe your parents can still get it. I think the problem is my tv -- it is one of the first to have a cable card slot and maybe it just doesn't work as reliably as the newer models. It took him a while to get the thing working, and then it wouldn't keep the channels in tune. When he left, everything was ok, but now tonight some ofthe channels are not coming in. Don't know the reason why but sometimes it works and sometimes it don't.

I have a Sony (34XBR960) that was close to the first for the SA CableCards. The first set of drivers only supported Panasonic HDTVs. The SA package supporting the first Sonys, including the 34XBR960, came about 5 weeks after the mandatory date for CableCard Support on the systems (7/1/2004).

Thus, you can see this was one of the first Sonys with CableCards built in. I am relatively sure they used the same circuits for all the early Sony CableCard designs.

While this is TV is not on Oceanic, it is on a Time Warner system and has actually give less problems than the Panasonics experienced. The MSO uses the Panasonics in their plant for testing, but given the stability of mine, they eventually switched over to Sony sets.

The worse problem I had was loosing authorization overnight the first weekend of every month for 5 months last year. That required a rehit from NOC.

Besides that, in 2004, I had a firmware update where the card just cycled and cycled, never finishing. I actually figured the way to break that cycle through some experimentation.

Outside of that, its been flawless.

Thus, I don't think your early Sony TV was the problem.

Is the KITV newscast being broadcast on Channel 936 in HD?

Is the KITV newscast being broadcast on Channel 936 in HD?

No.... It's not being broadcast in true-HD. Only a few newscast are broadcasting in HD in the US. I would be amazed if Hawaii becomes one of the first to have a newscast in HD

Every now and then it's probably good to have a positive post . . . so here goes.

Last night, I was about to turn off the HT, but decided to do one fast "surf" of the HD channels . . . and to my surprise and delight, I caught the very start of the San Francisco chase scene in "Bullit" with Steve McQueen in Hi Def. Watching the Mustang go after that black Dodge Charger (yeah, it's a Hemi) down those streets was great. The shots from inside the car, giving the driver's perspective as the cars fly off the intersections came pretty close to inducing air sickness.

Every now and then it's probably good to have a positive post . . . so here goes.

Last night, I was about to turn off the HT, but decided to do one fast "surf" of the HD channels . . . and to my surprise and delight, I caught the very start of the San Francisco chase scene in "Bullit" with Steve McQueen in Hi Def. Watching the Mustang go after that black Dodge Charger (yeah, it's a Hemi) down those streets was great. The shots from inside the car, giving the driver's perspective as the cars fly off the intersections came pretty close to inducing air sickness.


I love that movie - and muscle cars. But I believe that the Charger in the movie was a 440 Six Pack, not a Hemi. The outcome might have been a bit different if it was a Hemi.

And even HD couldn't stop the fact that you still saw that VW Beetle like 17 times ...

And even HD couldn't stop the fact that you still saw that VW Beetle like 17 times ...
I thought that was the number of hubcaps that flew off the Charger.

I thought that was the number of hubcaps that flew off the Charger.

True, several mistakes (mainly due to overly ambitious editing), but a great movie nevertheless.

I hear that MGM's "Grand Prix" may be released on a remastered DVD this year by Warner Brothers.

That would be a great 60's "Cinerama" film to see in HD

Does anyone know which stations are broadcasting OTA HD? I live across the Hilton Hawaiian Village and I am wondering if its worth trying an indoor ant?

Thanks ... brad

I hear that MGM's "Grand Prix" may be released on a remastered DVD this year by Warner Brothers.

That would be a great 60's "Cinerama" film to see in HD

OMG that is my favorite racing movie of all time. :)

Where did you hear about WB putting out a DVD? I've been googling like crazy to substantiate this, but even WB's own site makes no mention of this. :confused:

Brad,
KITV and KHNL broadcast in HD(live and Primetime)
KHON and KGMB only offer live programming in HD(No Primetime).

KITV, KHON and KGMB all transmit near Waikiki.
KHNL transmits from near Makakilo, you need a clear shot Ewa and the higher the better to receive them.

Charles

does anyone know if Oceanic is working to implement the Switched Digital Broadcast system that Time Warner Cable is starting to use in some places, like San Diego (http://hdtv.forsandiego.com/messages/2/4226.html#POST22373) to increase available bandwidth? I'm thinking we'll run into some pretty poor HD picture quality later this year if they don't do something about their bandwidth problems and then add ESPN2HD, TMC-HD, KHET-HD (crossed fingers) and whatever other HD channels come about.

On a positive note, HDNetMovies looks better now that HKHNL is gone. Okay... that was only half-positive. Can't say I didn't try! :(

Where did you hear about WB putting out a DVD? I've been googling like crazy to substantiate this, but even WB's own site makes no mention of this. :confused:

In the middle of January 2006, Warner Bros., which bought the rights to MGM's catalog, announced the 2006 release of several HD-DVD and reg def DVD sets. There's going to be a Stanley Kubrick set, a John Wayne set, some musicals and some Humphrey Bogart titles. The Frankenheimer "Grand Prix" is being released in a two disc "special edition" but there was no mention that it would be HD-DVD, so I must assume it's a regular DVD.

Press Release (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6303518.html)

Hello everyone,

I always wanted to see what the hype was about HDTV but I was not willing to pay for a new TV and subscribe to a few HD channels on Oceanic. Maybe in the future when it will become mandatory. So, I decided to try and see if I could get HD over-the-air.

I went to Compusa the other day and bought the HDTV Wonder video card from ATI for about $100. I know this is not the best system but that fitted my budget. Installation was a pain in the okole as it messed up the drivers for my regular video card. Eventually, after wiping out all the video drivers and re-installing everything, I was able to get HDTV on my computer.

I live in Kakaako in a condo so I have a somewhat clear path to most of the transmitters. After fiddling with the software that came in the box, I realize that I couldn't receive anything transmitted in 1080. So a quick look in the forum and I switched to WatchHDTV as my main software. That did the trick.

What am I able to receive? KHON, KITV, KGMB, KHNL, KIKU, KHET, and KFVE. For a while I couldn't get KFVE eventhough I had a strong signal (60-70%) but one day it showed up.

First reactions: I realized that not everything is broadcasted in HD. According to TitanTV website, only KITV broadcasts some programs in HD OTA? Nevertheless, the resolution is way better than on my regular TV and some shows are even in widescreen (too bad I don't have a widescreen monitor!). I cannot wait when all the TV station will broadcast in HD. And if it looks this good on a 19' monitor, it will look even better on a bigger TV (hopefully!).

I'm hooked. If the prices for the TV keep going down, I might buy a new one and finally be able to see a widescreen movie without those black bars.

Aloha.

I continue to have problems with my video (not audio) blacking out while watching Cable. It happened 3 times last night on HD Discovery between 11-11:30pm. It happens on my in-law's TV (different brand) as well on the SD channels. We can't be the only ones, right?

In the middle of January 2006, Warner Bros., which bought the rights to MGM's catalog, announced the 2006 release of several HD-DVD and reg def DVD sets. There's going to be a Stanley Kubrick set, a John Wayne set, some musicals and some Humphrey Bogart titles. The Frankenheimer "Grand Prix" is being released in a two disc "special edition" but there was no mention that it would be HD-DVD, so I must assume it's a regular DVD.

Press Release (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6303518.html)

Mahalo for the heads up.

Ever since seeing the movie on Speed channel several years ago, I've been googling it occasionally over the past couple of years and heard nothing. Even signed an online petition to WB. Glad to see they're finally gonna do it. :)

Wow, you're pretty lucky. I live in a condo in Makiki but can only get KHON, KGMB and KITV's digital channels. During the NFL season at least those are the two stations that show their games in HD. KGMB has the NCAA's in HD also. Are you getting prime time shows on NBC (KHNL) in HD? I bought an amplified antenna from Walmart hoping to pick up their signal but that antenna was actually worse than the one I already had. I can't pick up any kind of signal for KHNL's digital channel.


Hello everyone,

I always wanted to see what the hype was about HDTV but I was not willing to pay for a new TV and subscribe to a few HD channels on Oceanic. Maybe in the future when it will become mandatory. So, I decided to try and see if I could get HD over-the-air.

I went to Compusa the other day and bought the HDTV Wonder video card from ATI for about $100. I know this is not the best system but that fitted my budget. Installation was a pain in the okole as it messed up the drivers for my regular video card. Eventually, after wiping out all the video drivers and re-installing everything, I was able to get HDTV on my computer.

I live in Kakaako in a condo so I have a somewhat clear path to most of the transmitters. After fiddling with the software that came in the box, I realize that I couldn't receive anything transmitted in 1080. So a quick look in the forum and I switched to WatchHDTV as my main software. That did the trick.

What am I able to receive? KHON, KITV, KGMB, KHNL, KIKU, KHET, and KFVE. For a while I couldn't get KFVE eventhough I had a strong signal (60-70%) but one day it showed up.

First reactions: I realized that not everything is broadcasted in HD. According to TitanTV website, only KITV broadcasts some programs in HD OTA? Nevertheless, the resolution is way better than on my regular TV and some shows are even in widescreen (too bad I don't have a widescreen monitor!). I cannot wait when all the TV station will broadcast in HD. And if it looks this good on a 19' monitor, it will look even better on a bigger TV (hopefully!).

I'm hooked. If the prices for the TV keep going down, I might buy a new one and finally be able to see a widescreen movie without those black bars.

Aloha.

Very lucky indeed. I also live in the Kakaako area, but I face DH side of the building and low floor. Great for Sat TV service bad overall for OTA. I get KITV, KHON, KGMB, KIKU and if I fiddle enough with the indoor antenna KWHE and KBFD. KHNL "Lights Up" but can't get a Lock, get nothing for KFVE or KHET(???).

Jim,

A suggestion. Costco offers a 26" Widescreen LCD for under $700, it has a DVI port that you can connect to the PC and is a workaround that offers you HD.

Charles

My mistake. It's not KHET but KWHE (a religious channel, 14? on Oceanic cable).

Eventhough I can receive KHNL, I cannot watch it as the signal is not strong enough (around 60%). It sounds like that: the ..... sound ..... and ..... image ..... are ...... very .... choppy. KBFD is like that or worse. It could be because the KHNL transmitter is in Makakilo?

The reason I can get a lot of channels is because I live on a high floor.

There's also KAAH (TBN - a religious channel too).

Now, how do I know the program I am watching is transmitted in HD? Because it is shown in widdescreen?

"Good Morning America" is shown in widescreen and the ABC logo has HD next to it. Not sure about the rest.

Aloha.

My friend has an HDTV-ready unit. What kind of "box" is needed to receive and convert the HD OTA signal? He lives near Ft. Shafter, so I think that he can try to use an indoor antenna. Are both these things stocked locally? What's the recommended models for a startup unit and where are they available? Thanks!

-- Rob

I found my answer about the set top box. So my only question to anyone is do the local Walmarts and Best Buys carry these boxes? Thanks.

A suggestion. Costco offers a 26" Widescreen LCD for under $700, it has a DVI port that you can connect to the PC and is a workaround that offers you HD.
That's the screen I've had for 6 months, if you are referring to the Maxent 26" LCD monitor from Costco. Definitely recommended. Picture quality from DVDs and HD box through component is superb (I haven't tried DVI). It has 2 component, 1 RGB, 1 DVI, 2 AV inputs, and stereo speakers that sound pretty good.
I found my answer about the set top box. So my only question to anyone is do the local Walmarts and Best Buys carry these boxes? Thanks.
Walmart here on the Big Island had the USDTV boxes a couple of months ago... $150, I think. And that's the only set top box they carry, AFAIK. I'm not sure how good they are, either.

I have a 8300HD plugged into my Westinghouse LTV-32w1 via hdmi-DVI. Should I just setup my 8300HD to output at 720P only? I did not think that oceanic actually broadcasted anything at 1080i not sure though. Any other recommendations?

I have a 8300HD plugged into my Westinghouse LTV-32w1 via hdmi-DVI. Should I just setup my 8300HD to output at 720P only? I did not think that oceanic actually broadcasted anything at 1080i not sure though. Any other recommendations?

I would use PASSTHROUGH...let your display's scaler do the work. Probably better than the cable box. Most HD is at 1080i. ABC, ESPN and FOX (someday!) are 720p.


Eric

Thanks Eric, so bacically when I set up the 8300HD, and do the press the guide and info button and it brings up the setup. You recommend just 1080i? Don't select anything else, then since I am using the hmi port passthough is not an option, only auto or fixed.

Thanks Eric, so bacically when I set up the 8300HD, and do the press the guide and info button and it brings up the setup. You recommend just 1080i? Don't select anything else, then since I am using the hmi port passthough is not an option, only auto or fixed.


Just go through the advanced setup and select the various resolutions/ratios that you want to handle. if you choose 720p and 1080i then if a channel is being transmitted in 720p, that's what the 8300HD will give you. 1080i comes through as 1080i. Look at the DVR's display...it will indicate the current resolution.

Eric

Evening everyone,

First off, I just plunged into the HDTV market and wanted to thank all of you who contribute to this board for assisting me in my purchase. I've been scouring this board for about two weeks now and have learned a great deal from your postings.

Secondly, did anyone have any luck receiving the UCONN/WASH game in HD? The games yesterday and the first game today on KGMB (9-1) were all brodcast in HD. The last game...notta.

Also, has anyone from the Kaimuki area had any luck with KHNL in OTA digital?

Still fine tuning the system and basically making sure I'm not missing something fundamental with my OTA setup...

Thanks,
SB

Yeah, that last game didn't come in HD for me either. I live in Makiki (not facing makakilo) and I can't get any kind of signal from KHNL. My friend lives right by Longs in Kaimuki, and can't get a signal either. He said he doesn't have a clear line of sight toward Makakilo though, so that might be the problem.

Evening everyone,

First off, I just plunged into the HDTV market and wanted to thank all of you who contribute to this board for assisting me in my purchase. I've been scouring this board for about two weeks now and have learned a great deal from your postings.

Secondly, did anyone have any luck receiving the UCONN/WASH game in HD? The games yesterday and the first game today on KGMB (9-1) were all brodcast in HD. The last game...notta.

Also, has anyone from the Kaimuki area had any luck with KHNL in OTA digital?

Still fine tuning the system and basically making sure I'm not missing something fundamental with my OTA setup...

Thanks,
SB

I went and bought an indoor antenna at radio shack (good return policy). I have HD from Oceanic but I thought if I could get even one additional station it would be worth it. We live across the street from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in a high rise... I could not get even get a single digital signal OTA. I guess I'll be returning this antenna to the Shack. Now that we have a large screen TV, it's hard to watch non-HD programs (I'm spoiled). KHON is not even digital on cable, looks horrible blown up large. Would it help to organise among us to lobby for HD and digital?

Following the past advice on the thread, we switched our HD, DVR, Roadrunner package to the "Surf Pack" and got the cable bill lowered. Apparently there was a rate increase effective April 1st, so we wondered about the increase in charge.

The CS operator informed us about the rate increase, but then offered to see if there was a "promo" that we could use to get the rate lower. Apparently there is a promo that combines HD-DVR, Roadrunner and the HD Entertainment Pack for $99.95 plus tax/fees. Combined with the charge for our non-HD DVR and duplication of services, the bill is $126.25/mo., which is less than the current rate of $137.71.

You just gotta keep an eye on the billing and ask your friendly neighborhood CS rep.

Brad,

With all the highrises in Waikiki, multipath is a severe issue there. In some cases, it may also be too much signal versus not enough that is the problem. I live in Kakaako with a clear shot at KGMB/KHON and KITV's towers and use a silver sensor unamplified and get mid to high 90's, even KIKU which is "behind me" and also transmits from Makakilo, I get mid 60's. Your even closer to the big 3 than I am.
Suggestion: Next time at RatShack, get the cheap unamplified one($10), lay the rods(VHF) flat and use Quad shield RG6 coax to the TV.

Charles

According to a friend of mine who works for Oceanic, all of the KHNL HD Olympic content Oceanic carried was handled by Oceanic. He told me Oceanic was pulling the content down from the bird themselves and time-shifting it.

So this could indicate that KHNL does not have any HD recorders...anyone seeing OTA HD content from KHNL?

-Ken

[QUOTE=TJR]FYI - I inquired about the HKHNL timeline for Oahu as well with the CSR dept and got this reply yesterday:

[I]From: csrsupport@twchawaii.net
Subject: Re: Help Desk
Date: March 4, 2006 10:54:38 PM HST
Reply-To: csrsupport@twchawaii.net

Aloha,

Thank you for your recent inquiry. We were unable to successfully
negotiate a contract with KHNL for carriage of the channel after the
Olympics. The neighbor islands should not be receiving the channel
either. It is an error that will be corrected as soon as
possible.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to e-mail us again
or contact our Customer Care Department at the appropriate number below.
When replying to this e-mail, please include this message as well as all
previous correspondence regarding this issue.

QUOTE]


I feel like when there was a baseball strike a few years ago. The public suffers because the two parties cannot settle their differences. Both sides have the capability to put out the product. Seems ridiculous huh?

So that would mean Oceanic has the time shifting units? other people here said they were getting KHNL OTA in HD after the Olympics but don't know if they still are getting it.



According to a friend of mine who works for Oceanic, all of the KHNL HD Olympic content Oceanic carried was handled by Oceanic. He told me Oceanic was pulling the content down from the bird themselves and time-shifting it.

So this could indicate that KHNL does not have any HD recorders...anyone seeing OTA HD content from KHNL?

-Ken

[QUOTE=hawaiian2002]

Brad, check out Walmart and get the Silver Sensor indoor antenna. I llive in Makiki
surrounded by buildings and am able to at least get KGMB, KITV. and KHON's digital signal. I read someplace the design of this antenna works well with these types of conditions (multipath?). A week ago I bought a more expensive amplified antenna from there hoping to pick up KHNL's signal and it was much worse the the Silver Sensor. when i bought this antenna i did see they had the Sensor but you have to look at the back of the box where it shows what the antenna looks like snce it was convered in plastic or something. do a google picutre search on it to see what the design is like.




I went and bought an indoor antenna at radio shack (good return policy). I have HD from Oceanic but I thought if I could get even one additional station it would be worth it. We live across the street from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in a high rise... I could not get even get a single digital signal OTA. I guess I'll be returning this antenna to the Shack. Now that we have a large screen TV, it's hard to watch non-HD programs (I'm spoiled). KHON is not even digital on cable, looks horrible blown up large. Would it help to organise among us to lobby for HD and digital?

So this could indicate that KHNL does not have any HD recorders...anyone seeing OTA HD content from KHNL?


Yes just last night. KHNL is still in HD in primetime. Conviction and Law and Order were HD. So is KFVE.

For about a weeks since the Olymics they have been spotty with switching on the HD programming. For example the first half of ER would be in SD then the other half they would switch it on. The Office would start in HD then after the first commercial would be switched to SD. Now it's been consistent. Anything that should be in HD is broadcast in HD. The only show I haven't personally seen in HD so far that should be is SNL.

EDIT: Let me amend that. I'm seeing SNL in HD tonight.

This may be OT, but it does pertain to OTW.

Has anyone's Roadrunner connection been really flaky lately? I mean unreasonably flaky, like anywhere from every 5 to 15 minutes, the CABLE light on the cable modem goes off or flashes, indicating an interruption in the cable internet signal. However, the TV cable signal on the same line is uninterrupted. Normally this light is supposed to remain on 24/7. It had been fairly reliable for the past 5 years or so, but only recently has their signal been going on & off.

I joked with the wifely sort that OTW's customer base is so big now that they have resorted to "rolling ISP blackouts" to cope with the bandwidth demands. I know that is probably false, but it does sit in the back of my mind & make me wonder.

I will be calling OTW, but I wanted to get a consensus of what others have been experiencing, especially in the Waikele area.

This may be OT, but it does pertain to OTW.

Has anyone's Roadrunner connection been really flaky lately? I mean unreasonably flaky, like anywhere from every 5 to 15 minutes, the CABLE light on the cable modem goes off or flashes, indicating an interruption in the cable internet signal. However, the TV cable signal on the same line is uninterrupted. Normally this light is supposed to remain on 24/7. It had been fairly reliable for the past 5 years or so, but only recently has their signal been going on & off.

I joked with the wifely sort that OTW's customer base is so big now that they have resorted to "rolling ISP blackouts" to cope with the bandwidth demands. I know that is probably false, but it does sit in the back of my mind & make me wonder.

I will be calling OTW, but I wanted to get a consensus of what others have been experiencing, especially in the Waikele area.

Consider switching to Hawaiian Tel. It's only 29.99!!!

I just got my bill and noticed that Oceanic had charge me three times for HD Pak.

Apparently, without making an announcement, along with recent rate increases, Oceanic will no longer allow the HD pack to be a free duplicate service.

If you have more than one HD box on your account, Oceanic will charge $6.95 for each of those boxes. All your HD boxes will now have to subscribe to its individual HD Pak service.

Since I have three HD boxes that would have meant I would pay $21 for an HD line up that doesn't even have HKHNL or MHD. I was steaming mad, so I called Oceanic and demanded that I speak with a supervisor. The supervisor said since I had the boxes prior to the change in policy, they will only charge $6.95 for all the boxes.

I'm really pissed at Oceanic. I'm tired of their monopolistic practices. I will be switching my Road Runner to Hawaiian Telcom. I'd consider a switch to satellite, but I'm currently unable to get a signal.

Thank you for pointing that out. Just checked and I'm being charged the HD Pak for each of my two boxes. I'll be calling them tomorrow. Why is it just the HD Pak and not the premium packages? I'm guessing it probably would be asking too much of their best customers (us). Some accounting executive is probably in line for a small bonus for coming up with this new revenue stream.

In return for this slap in the face, I'll also be dropping their Digital Cable/Encore Service. They just lost $15.00 a month from me.

It's been hard for me to troubleshoot since I usually use a wireless connection to hook up to my RoadRunner and as we all know, wireless especially with encryption can be flaky at the best of times. But, yes, I have been having more issues with connection lately. Not entirely sure if it's RoadRunner or my wireless that's been giving me issues - I go away for a while and come back and it's working again. Never bothered to look at the cable light on the modem to figure out whether it's my cable connection versus the wireless issues though.

Spleen

I just got my bill and noticed that Oceanic had charge me three times for HD Pak.

Apparently, without making an announcement, along with recent rate increases, Oceanic will no longer allow the HD pack to be a free duplicate service.

If you have more than one HD box on your account, Oceanic will charge $6.95 for each of those boxes. All your HD boxes will now have to subscribe to its individual HD Pak service.

Since I have three HD boxes that would have meant I would pay $21 for an HD line up that doesn't even have HKHNL or MHD. I was steaming mad, so I called Oceanic and demanded that I speak with a supervisor. The supervisor said since I had the boxes prior to the change in policy, they will only charge $6.95 for all the boxes.



Is this for the HD Pack or an additional STB? Most cable companies charge for each additional digital STB (HD or not).

Is this for the HD Pack or an additional STB? Most cable companies charge for each additional digital STB (HD or not).


No, you'll pay the regural $8 dollars for each box then another $6.95 for the HD pak on each HD box.

Thank you for pointing that out. Just checked and I'm being charged the HD Pak for each of my two boxes. I'll be calling them tomorrow. Why is it just the HD Pak and not the premium packages? I'm guessing it probably would be asking too much of their best customers (us). Some accounting executive is probably in line for a small bonus for coming up with this new revenue stream.

In return for this slap in the face, I'll also be dropping their Digital Cable/Encore Service. They just lost $15.00 a month from me.

They're increasing rates and they'll also be moving channels from Standard to Digital; Digital Service to Encore Service on May!

Oceanic needs competitions. I'm sick and tired of them!

I live in Waikele and noticed over the past couple of months that my RR has been getting slower and slower. I haven't really checked out the modem lights, since I have Wi-Fi, and the modem is located in a room where I don't usually work on my laptop. However, it got to be so bad that it was slower than dial-up, and I finally called tech services and they recommended changing out my modem a few weeks ago. Since then things were working very well until this last weekend when the speed went back back to a crawl. I'm wondering if it's weather related at all? Problem with cable lines due to the rain? I'd appreciate hearing what Oceanic has to say if you call them (I don't have the time to try and diagnose anything right now).

FYI, I'm located at Highlands @Waikele.

I live in Waikiki and RR has been fine at the moment (knock on wood)... I have experienced a slow down in times past and learned that on occasions a restart of the modem, router and computer solved the problem. I have had months of no problems, so I have nothing to complain about. Of course there can be many reasons for a slow down, some not local.

A couple of months ago, in Kapolei, after a rain in January, we noticed that RR was either slow or non-existant. What was interesting was that it seemed to be related to the time of day, since it would be fine during certain hours, but really crappy at others. Tried rebooting, etc., but the problem persisted.

Service guy came, took signal strength readings and then replaced all the old coax splitters in the house. We're back to normal.

Update: Talked to OTW, but it was just my luck that it was during one of the "good connection" periods. So they were unable to detect any problems on my end. Also, no reported problems in my general neighborhood. So a tech guy is coming on April 6 (!!!).

DesmoBob,

Isn't that always the way it is when you're reporting a problem? My connection is slightly better tonight, but not by much.

FYI, I've rebooted my modem and my router numerous times to no available. Also, when I previously had the problem that got tracked down to my modem, the OTW person could not detect any cable signal problem. I spent an hour on the phone with a mainland RR person before they suggested changing the modem.

RR works well for me here in Waikiki. Good speeds all hours of the day. Only problem I remember having was for a short period when my IP address changed (that's only happened once) and when the lead in cable from the street chaffed against the building and had to be replaced. I see Time Warner is upgrading speeds in many places across the country to 7Mb/512Kb. Given the lack of broadband competition here, I'm wondering if we'll see that too.

No, you'll pay the regural $8 dollars for each box then another $6.95 for the HD pak on each HD box.
It's outrageous to charge for HD on each box. Oceanic's website says:
To duplicate "Optional Services" on each additional outlet (includes addressable box): $8
Below that you see "Optional Services", which includes "Digital Premium Packages" and "HD Entertainment Pak". Everyone who sees this HD duplication on their bill should complain. I may be getting a second HD box soon and I don't plan on paying more than $8 for it... no way!

They're increasing rates and they'll also be moving channels from Standard to Digital; Digital Service to Encore Service on May!
I noticed on channel 911 announcements that certain digital channels moving to encore only, but nothing about standard channels. It's about time they start dumping some analog cable channels to digital, though, to make room for more HD. Each analog channel they remove makes enough room to fit 2 or 3 HD channels. (I know I repeat myself...) Do you know which standard channels are going digital-only?

Sorry about that I misread the post on Ch. 911.

It's outrageous to charge for HD on each box. Oceanic's website says:

Below that you see "Optional Services", which includes "Digital Premium Packages" and "HD Entertainment Pak". Everyone who sees this HD duplication on their bill should complain. I may be getting a second HD box soon and I don't plan on paying more than $8 for it... no way!


I noticed on channel 911 announcements that certain digital channels moving to encore only, but nothing about standard channels. It's about time they start dumping some analog cable channels to digital, though, to make room for more HD. Each analog channel they remove makes enough room to fit 2 or 3 HD channels. (I know I repeat myself...) Do you know which standard channels are going digital-only?

I just got my bill and noticed that Oceanic had charge me three times for HD Pak.

Apparently, without making an announcement, along with recent rate increases, Oceanic will no longer allow the HD pack to be a free duplicate service.

If you have more than one HD box on your account, Oceanic will charge $6.95 for each of those boxes. All your HD boxes will now have to subscribe to its individual HD Pak service.

Since I have three HD boxes that would have meant I would pay $21 for an HD line up that doesn't even have HKHNL or MHD. I was steaming mad, so I called Oceanic and demanded that I speak with a supervisor. The supervisor said since I had the boxes prior to the change in policy, they will only charge $6.95 for all the boxes.


I just got off the phone (after only a 10 minute wait - hurray!) with OTW Customer Service. No luck in arguing against the extra HD Entertainment Pack charges for my two HD boxes. I don't want to pay another $6.95 for HD when the channels are barely worth one charge. I guess it's time to return one box for a regular digital box. If given an option, which regular (non-HD) digital box should I ask for?

Also, my in-laws still have a 3100HD for their HD box. Are the 3250HD's available and is it an even swap? Can I do the swap for them, or does the account holder have to be present? Thanks!

Hey all,

Speaking of cable boxes, has anyone had luck d/l'ing any content saved on the 8300 to a computer? INHD2 had a concert on a few nights ago that I would love to save on DVD, but, as I'm sure you all are aware, the user's guide OTW provides with the 8300 is useless. There is a firewire and USB connection on the 8300...but not sure if they're valid.

Also, as I am also currently waiting for OTW to stop by and run a signal check (9 day wait FYI), one note of warning: If you tell them you would like to be put on "standby" for your appointment and you miss their call when they are available, they will simply move on and disregard your appointment.

And with this signal issue that I just recently had popped up; is it possible that OTW is dialing back their signal in certain areas until someone complains? I've never had any issue until last week when I lost half of my HD channels and some random extended digital channels. I'm wondering if OTW is testing the minimum limits of their signals (kinda a "rob Peter to pay Paul" scenario).

I just got off the phone (after only a 10 minute wait - hurray!) with OTW Customer Service. No luck in arguing against the extra HD Entertainment Pack charges for my two HD boxes. I don't want to pay another $6.95 for HD when the channels are barely worth one charge.
I only have one HD box, so this isn't affecting me, but it still bothers me. I'm thinking the whistle needs to blow on Oceanic for this. They are duplicating charges for so-called optional services. Would complaining to the local franchising authority (http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/catv/) do anything? Or does the FCC need to hear about it?

Here's a link to Hawaii's Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Cable Television (CATV) Complaint Form (http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/catv/complaint/)

Hey all,

Speaking of cable boxes, has anyone had luck d/l'ing any content saved on the 8300 to a computer? INHD2 had a concert on a few nights ago that I would love to save on DVD, but, as I'm sure you all are aware, the user's guide OTW provides with the 8300 is useless. There is a firewire and USB connection on the 8300...but not sure if they're valid.

Nope, the files aren't in a compatible PC format. About the most you can do is add on SATA drives to increase storage.

Along those lines, has anyone tried to "capture" the HD playback in an MPEG-4 stream to a PC?

I just got off the phone (after only a 10 minute wait - hurray!) with OTW Customer Service. No luck in arguing against the extra HD Entertainment Pack charges for my two HD boxes. I don't want to pay another $6.95 for HD when the channels are barely worth one charge. I guess it's time to return one box for a regular digital box. If given an option, which regular (non-HD) digital box should I ask for?

Also, my in-laws still have a 3100HD for their HD box. Are the 3250HD's available and is it an even swap? Can I do the swap for them, or does the account holder have to be present? Thanks!

Did you talk to a supervisor?

I only have one HD box, so this isn't affecting me, but it still bothers me. I'm thinking the whistle needs to blow on Oceanic for this. They are duplicating charges for so-called optional services. Would complaining to the local franchising authority (http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/catv/) do anything? Or does the FCC need to hear about it?

Here's a link to Hawaii's Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Cable Television (CATV) Complaint Form (http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/catv/complaint/)

I've just printed the form.

Did you talk to a supervisor?


No, just the regular CSR. I figured I could make a stink and try to get it "grandfathered" in by arguing with a supervisor, but I figured that Oceanic would find a way to remove it if I ever swapped boxes. Since my second box is a 3100HD with no digital video out (just component), I figured I would need to swap the box out anyway at some point so no sense to argue.

Besides, I really want to dump Oceanic all together. I remember reading that Hawaiian Tel would begin to offer TV service, but I don't see anything on their website. Also waiting for either Direct TV or Dish to offer HD and local channels here in Hawaii. Any competition would be an improvement.

Live out in Ewa. Roadrunner very slow that past 2 weeks. OTW finally came out today to change modem. Roadrunner working again. Very frustrating.

Got rid of my cable a few weeks ago due to poor signals. Digital reception very weak, however HD was great. I also had problems in the past with over billing. Recently changed to Dish Network. Much greater reception on all four T.V's at a price better that OTW.

Just waiting for HD to be available in Hawaii.

Live out in Ewa. Roadrunner very slow that past 2 weeks. OTW finally came out today to change modem. Roadrunner working again. Very frustrating.

Got rid of my cable a few weeks ago due to poor signals. Digital reception very weak, however HD was great. I also had problems in the past with over billing. Recently changed to Dish Network. Much greater reception on all four T.V's at a price better that OTW.

Just waiting for HD to be available in Hawaii.

Good for you. Would have switched a long time ago were it not for the mountains blocking the satallites. Waiting for Hawaiian Telcom television service.

Have you considered switching to Hawaiian Telcom's DSL???

My RR is back to running fast again here in Waikele. No changes of any kind were made on my side, so it must be OTW....How long it will last is anyone's guess.

Out of curiosity, I looked at the frequencies for HD channels using the diagnostics mode in the 8300HD box. Keep in mind this is the Kona system. FWIW:

Discovery HD, HDNet, HDNetMovies are all in one QAM at 705 MHz. That's 3 channels at 1080i squeezed together, so what's the average maximum bitrate for each channel going to be? I'm guessing about 13 Mbps. If that's right, then it's too low and that's why the HDNets look pretty bad.

ESPNHD and TNTHD are in the 747 MHz slot, along with a couple of other digital channels (Great American Country, PBS Kids) and who knows what else.

Universal HD is at 543 MHz, presumably alone, and it looks great. inHD, inHD2 at 711 MHz - I could not find any other channels at 711, but there could be VOD or premium stuff on it -- the diagnostics don't show frequency when the channel is not subscribed to.

There are a couple of analog channels being simulcast in digital QAM, like HGTV (785) and Food network (786). If you tune to those instead of the analog versions, you will notice a slight difference in picture quality. Time Warner Cable is planning to have all its systems simulcasting the analog lineup as digital channels by the end of this year. Supposedly the change allows for cheaper DVRs without MPEG2 encoders and marketing their service as "all digital". Maybe Oceanic is starting to test this?

Roadrunner update:

The OTW tech guy finally came today. He took one look at my modem and said WHOA THAT'S AN OLD ONE! and swapped it out. Just to be sure he also tested my signal strength but it was strong. The new modem seems to be working fine now, tapping on wood.

The guy was super cool and we talked a little bit. Apparently the old Toshiba I had isn't even installed for new customers anymore. Even on the mainland people are beginning to have problems with those. He gave me a newer model Toshiba. If it'll last another couple of years like the previous one, I'll be happy because it's basically like getting "free upgrades" at the end of its life cycle. But the abolute newest model at OTW is Webstar (made by SA I believe), but he didn't have any of those handy at the moment. He also said that I'll be pro-rated on my Roadrunner bill for the period from when I first reported the problem to when he came to fix it... he brought it up even before I did! :)

Anyway with the new modem, my bandwidth speed tests have actcually surpassed what they were even when the old modem was working. I'd say I'm a satisfied customer.

My bad...should have clarified. As of Feb. 1st, Dish will no longer activate for new customers the old HD package at 110 only(2 dish setup). All new HD services are the "Dish HD" bundles, on the mainland either using the "Dish 1000" 3 LNB dish or a "Dish 500" and an additional dish at either 129 or 61.5, which in Hawaii would require 3 dishes(110, 119 and 129).
So, in a round about way, Dish isn't offering the HD package in Hawaii until the issue with the AK/HI beam at 129 is resolved.

Any updates on this? I'm planning a move to hawaii in a few months and would like to get Dish HD if possible.

"Time Warner Cable is planning to have all its systems simulcasting the analog lineup as digital channels by the end of this year. Supposedly the change allows for cheaper DVRs without MPEG2 encoders and marketing their service as "all digital". Maybe Oceanic is starting to test this?"

How did you come by this information?

Multichannel News - Driving Time Warner Cable’s Future (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6297547.html)
MCN: To what extent are you doing digital simulcast and how does that interrelate with switched digital?

ML: We did 14 systems in 2005 and we’ll roll out digital simulcast pretty much everywhere else in ’06. In order to switch, you only can switch digital program streams. The more streams you’re switching, the more efficient you are. You do digital simulcast first.

With switched digital, it takes only 40% of the bandwidth that the channel lineup takes to broadcast. Once you have the switching fabric in, you can have as many new program channels as you want, the workload doesn’t change.

One note: the digital channels 780 thru 793 are actually part of new "Family Choice Tier". Oceanic have done digital simulcast of some local channels for a while now, so my questioning if they're "starting" to test it is... silly.

Hi everyone, I just took the plunge and bought a 50' SXRD the other day. I'm hoping to pick it up today. I've been reading through some of the posts in this forum, and theres a lot of good information. I have a few questions regarding HD programing. I'm a noob to these things so I apologize if these are stupid questions.

1. I haven't swapped my digital box for the HD box from time warner yet. Is there a certain model that I should ask for?

2. What type of connection does the box use to hook to the TV (component, HDMI, etc.)? Are there any wires I will need to purchase on my own, or does Oceanic provide it?

3. Regarding receiving HD programming via an antenna. I believe the SXRD comes with a HD tuner, so do I just need to get an antenna? I live in kailua, any idea of how the reception will be out there?

4. How many/what additional stations will be available to me through the antenna, compared to Time Warner cable?

5. I think I saw that fox and NBC were mentioned, will NFL games be available in HD?

Thank you for your help people.

Aloha.

Really the only thing to tell them is if you want the added DVR capability, in which case they'll give you the 8300HD. Otherwise, without DVR they'll give you the 3250HD.

Not sure about the 3250HD, but for the 8300HD it has both options--HDMI and component. The unit comes bundled with nice thick component cables, but I can't remember if it also included the audio cables, although I'm pretty sure it did, I have to look again. If you want HDMI you have to buy a cable separately.

Re: NFL and all other OTA programming
For OTA reception, I'm not sure what is offered. I do believe KGMB/CBS airs the live NFL games in HD. I haven't been following the OTA discussion since I can't catch jack diddley in Waikele :(
But for OTWC, KITV/ABC and ESPN are the only HD NFL options at the moment. Well since ABC ended their MNF coverage, I guess it's only ESPN for now. You can check out OTW's channel offerings here (http://www.oceanic.com/page_server/Oceanic/Television/Digital+Services/3D03CA15138E124BF690E1D165.html).

Really the only thing to tell them is if you want the added DVR capability, in which case they'll give you the 8300HD. Otherwise, without DVR they'll give you the 3250HD.

Not sure about the 3250HD, but for the 8300HD it has both options--HDMI and component. The unit comes bundled with nice thick component cables, but I can't remember if it also included the audio cables, although I'm pretty sure it did, I have to look again. If you want HDMI you have to buy a cable separately.


When I got my 2 HD Boxes in early February, they gave me a 8300HD (DVR) and a 3100HD. The 8300HD and 3100HD both came with component video AND audio cables. The 8300HD supports HDMI, but does not come with the cable. The 3100HD does not support HDMI, does the new 3250HD and can I exchange mine?

If I drop my 2nd HD Pack (see my rant a few posts earlier), what digital (non-HD) box should I request to replace my 3100HD?

Thanks for the responses. A couple more questions =).

Anyone from Kailua using an antenna to get HD stations?
Is there a noticable picture quality difference between using component and HDMI inputs?
Any additional answers to my previous post would be appreciated. Thank you

When I got my 2 HD Boxes in early February, they gave me a 8300HD (DVR) and a 3100HD. The 8300HD and 3100HD both came with component video AND audio cables. The 8300HD supports HDMI, but does not come with the cable. The 3100HD does not support HDMI, does the new 3250HD and can I exchange mine?

If I drop my 2nd HD Pack (see my rant a few posts earlier), what digital (non-HD) box should I request to replace my 3100HD?

The 3250HD does not support HDMI.

The 3250HD does not support HDMI.

The DVI output from my 3250HD was working fine for the last month until I came home today. Now all I have being output from the DVI is a message saying that HDMI/DVI outputs are being blocked due to copy protection! WTF? Is this being done with the 8300 too?

The 3250HD does not support HDMI.

I guess the 3250HD is DVI only. Seems like only the 8300HD has HDMI.

DeathRay,

The issue was brought up by a local retailer to Echostar in the last month, Dish said that it will now authorize the "DishHD" packages in Hawaii. But Dish will not do any rebates or lease programs for either the Vip211 or the Vip622 receivers. Basically you pay for the dishes, multiswitches and receivers.


sofa_king_great,

OTA Digital reception in Kailua is problematic, all of the Honolulu stations are using either low power transmitters and/or directional signals(east to west orient). The Maui stations are not transmitting OTA Digital, transmitter location issues.
IF...IF...IF you decide to at least give it a try, other than the Koolaus(and the farther you are from them the better) there should be no other mountains(hills) in the way and the utility lines are underground. The bigger(yagi style) and higher you can mount the antenna(outdoor) the better. Use RG-6 Quad Shield coax, use a pre-amp as a last resort and avoid special "Digital" antennas(they suck and are way over-priced).

Best of luck,

Charles

DeathRay,

The issue was brought up by a local retailer to Echostar in the last month, Dish said that it will now authorize the "DishHD" packages in Hawaii. But Dish will not do any rebates or lease programs for either the Vip211 or the Vip622 receivers. Basically you pay for the dishes, multiswitches and receivers.


Charles

Thanks. I have just ordered the ViP622 lease here in Detroit. I guess they will let me just bring it with me when i move if i pay for the dish setup.

I ordered from Amazon the Maxtor QuickView Expander for DVR SA 8300. It came yesterday and took less than 5 minutes to set up. About as easy as plugging it in and powering up the DVR. It then ask if you want to setup your external drive, you press yes... and a moment later you have added from 160-300 gigs of new storage.

So far so good... HD content takes up so much more room I was feeling limited by the size of the 8300's internal drive. ... brad

The DVI output from my 3250HD was working fine for the last month until I came home today. Now all I have being output from the DVI is a message saying that HDMI/DVI outputs are being blocked due to copy protection! WTF? Is this being done with the 8300 too?
Heh. Maybe I can now archive to the PC once again. That ability has been broke for about a month. Perhaps SA is unable to write code to make everything work at once.

You'll need to pick up your own HDMI cable if you want the 8300HD (HD DVR recorder), Oceanic just gives component cables with their boxes. But then again you could just use the component cables. All the live games on Fox and CBS comes in HD-- hopefully you'll be able to catch something in Kailua.

Hi everyone, I just took the plunge and bought a 50' SXRD the other day. I'm hoping to pick it up today. I've been reading through some of the posts in this forum, and theres a lot of good information. I have a few questions regarding HD programing. I'm a noob to these things so I apologize if these are stupid questions.

1. I haven't swapped my digital box for the HD box from time warner yet. Is there a certain model that I should ask for?

2. What type of connection does the box use to hook to the TV (component, HDMI, etc.)? Are there any wires I will need to purchase on my own, or does Oceanic provide it?

3. Regarding receiving HD programming via an antenna. I believe the SXRD comes with a HD tuner, so do I just need to get an antenna? I live in kailua, any idea of how the reception will be out there?

4. How many/what additional stations will be available to me through the antenna, compared to Time Warner cable?

5. I think I saw that fox and NBC were mentioned, will NFL games be available in HD?

Thank you for your help people.

Aloha.

You'll need to pick up your own HDMI cable if you want the 8300HD (HD DVR recorder), Oceanic just gives component cables with their boxes. But then again you could just use the component cables. All the live games on Fox and CBS comes in HD-- hopefully you'll be able to catch something in Kailua.

Hi everyone, I just took the plunge and bought a 50' SXRD the other day. I'm hoping to pick it up today. I've been reading through some of the posts in this forum, and theres a lot of good information. I have a few questions regarding HD programing. I'm a noob to these things so I apologize if these are stupid questions.

1. I haven't swapped my digital box for the HD box from time warner yet. Is there a certain model that I should ask for?

2. What type of connection does the box use to hook to the TV (component, HDMI, etc.)? Are there any wires I will need to purchase on my own, or does Oceanic provide it?

3. Regarding receiving HD programming via an antenna. I believe the SXRD comes with a HD tuner, so do I just need to get an antenna? I live in kailua, any idea of how the reception will be out there?

4. How many/what additional stations will be available to me through the antenna, compared to Time Warner cable?

5. I think I saw that fox and NBC were mentioned, will NFL games be available in HD?

Thank you for your help people.

Aloha.

I still have the HDMI port working on my 8300HD. Hope they don't disable it.

The DVI output from my 3250HD was working fine for the last month until I came home today. Now all I have being output from the DVI is a message saying that HDMI/DVI outputs are being blocked due to copy protection! WTF? Is this being done with the 8300 too?

JUst checked. My 8300HD is working fine. Is your TV HTCP compliant?

AP
Cable Providers Aim to Add More Services
Saturday April 8, 5:29 pm ET
By Seth Sutel, AP Business Writer
Cable Providers Aim to Add More Services in Hopes of Keeping Customers From Moving to Satellite

NEW YORK (AP) -- In the world of cable television, the real excitement these days has more to do with what comes over the cable lines than what shows are on the schedule.
Rolling out high-tech offerings like digital phone, high-speed Internet and video recorders is where the real money is being made. Now, the cable guys are racing to add even more fancy services in hopes of keeping customers from switching to satellite or the emerging video services being offered by phone companies.

As they gear up for their annual convention this weekend in Atlanta, big cable companies like Comcast Corp., Time Warner Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp. are taking a hard look at ramping up new products like video-on-demand, high-definition channels and next-generation video recorders that run off a network instead of a hard drive contained in the set-top box.

Cablevision, a Long Island-based cable company, has already led the pack in getting subscribers to sign up for digital phone service that runs over cable lines -- a so-called "triple play" when bundled together with video and high-speed Internet access.

Now, Cablevision says it will make a trial run for a networked digital video recorder, a product that cable companies have wanted badly because it could drastically lower the costs of offering DVR services by storing the recorded shows on its own network instead of on the more expensive set-top boxes.

Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett said in a report to investors Friday that the network DVRs are sure to be a hot topic at the convention but are too new to have been incorporated into the formal agency.

Cablevision announced its network DVR test in late March, and Time Warner and Comcast quickly endorsed the idea. However, programming providers are sure to have concerns about copyrights as well as the likelihood that even more ads could be skipped over.

For the moment, selling voice services remains a top priority for cable companies. Not only does it make more money for them, but it also helps keep customers around.

Not all companies are faring equally, however. Cablevision has been way ahead in signing up phone customers, but Comcast has a "long way to go," UBS analyst Aryeh Bourkoff said on a conference call Friday.

Oppenheimer & Co. analyst Tom Eagan calls the uptake of voice service the "big question" for the cable industry this year, which he estimates could go from 3 million people at the end of 2005 to 6 million by the end of 2006.

For the stock market, however, the big fear is the looming challenge from phone companies as they ramp up offerings of video and high-speed Internet. Cable stocks have been sluggish over the past year in good part out of those concerns, but Eagan called those worries overblown.

"They have to take it seriously, because they have to take any competitive threat seriously," Eagan said. "The question is, will this technology finally work? The telcos have been trying to get into video for 10 years. We'll have to see if they have budgeted for the costs of acquiring and servicing all those customers."

Telecommunications company RCN Corp., for example, was forced into bankruptcy protection two years ago as it struggled with costs to build out a network offering video and phone services. RCN is back on its feet, but the challenges to these new competitors remain significant.

Executives from Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc., two of the major telecom companies that are starting up video, were cautious in interviews Friday about revealing details of their plans, citing the extremely competitive environment.

"We're not ready to tip our hand yet as to how many customers are on the network or what they're buying today," said Michael Grasso, assistant vice president of consumer marketing at AT&T.

Grasso said AT&T is spending about $4.4 billion over three years to upgrade its networks, and hopes to have the bundled video-phone-Internet service available to 18 million people, or about half of its customer base, by the end of 2008.

Marilyn O'Connell, who is in charge of marketing Verizon's video offerings, declined to disclose several key details such as how many customers had signed up to receive TV from Verizon so far. However, she did say the response so far from consumers has been "very, very favorable."

Verizon, which uses a more expensive method of wiring homes directly to fiber optic cable, rather than connecting fiber as far as a neighborhood "node," as AT&T is doing, says it expects to have its video services available to 15 to 20 million homes by 2008 or 2009.

JUst checked. My 8300HD is working fine. Is your TV HTCP compliant?

Yes, I had no changes to my setup and the DVI was working perfectly up till last night. Maybe OWC wants us to upgrade to a 8300HD if you want this feature...Why is cable TV not regulated? :mad:

In the latest edition of Hawaiian Island Journal, there was a very interesting
article on the chronically bad service Dish Network provides here in Hawaii.
I guess you know the saying the grass isn't always greener on the other side ?

I know folks who love their DISH service here in HI. HD and all...

Eric

I know folks who love their DISH service here in HI. HD and all...

Eric


It didn't sound very sweet according to article. Missed appointments, paying for channels and not receiving them, shady business practices of the local installer,
hidden charges etc. It was very eye opening indeed...I read it while I was on
break at work.Anyone considering Dish should read it.It sounded like the Dish customer service folks make the OTW folks look like Gods.

It didn't sound very sweet according to article. Missed appointments, paying for channels and not receiving them, shady business practices of the local installer,
hidden charges etc. It was very eye opening indeed...I read it while I was on
break at work.Anyone considering Dish should read it.It sounded like the Dish customer service folks make the OTW folks look like Gods.

Haven't heard of anything bad about Dish Network from my brother who has Dish Network!

What's the deal with Oceanic's pre-recorded message: "We are experiencing unusual number of calls." I've called them a few times this month about them delaying the launch "GMA Pinoy TV" and that message always puts up. When does unusual become the norm? For as long I as I know, they’ve always had “Unusual number of calls” …I think it’s time to increase their staff!

I don't think their half-an-hour wait for a representative is anything unusual at Oceanic!

I know folks who love their DISH service here in HI. HD and all...

Eric

Can you get all the HD channels in hawaii? Including the Voom channels? And do you know how many/what size dishes you need?

I've had Dish in Hawaii since 1998, I'll admit that I am a rare bird in that I imported all the equipment and installed it myself. But the times that I have talked to the dealers/installers they have been great as well as when I have dealt with Dish directly. That said, Dish isn't for everyone. How many people want multiple dishes rigged up with multiswitches to feed several TV's around the house, in the end thats why over 90% of the installs in Hawaii are 24" "Dish300" style systems, but that subjects them to "limited" service. Hawaii is just too small for Dish(or Directv) to invest in custom dishes to ease the process.

DeathRay,

Currently for all the programming in the "DishHD" bundles requires 3 dishes. A 24" for 119, 30" for 110 and 30-36" for 129. However, once EchoX goes into service later in April the size for 110 may decrease. 110 has the "old" HD channels(ESPN/TNT/DiscHD/HDnet and Movies)plus HBO and SHO. 129 has ESPN2, UniversalHD and the VoOm channels.

Okay, the DVI output from my 3250HD is back again today. The strange thing is that the component output will not work if the DVI cable is plugged into the 3250HD too.

DeathRay,

Currently for all the programming in the "DishHD" bundles requires 3 dishes. A 24" for 119, 30" for 110 and 30-36" for 129. However, once EchoX goes into service later in April the size for 110 may decrease. 110 has the "old" HD channels(ESPN/TNT/DiscHD/HDnet and Movies)plus HBO and SHO. 129 has ESPN2, UniversalHD and the VoOm channels.

Great, thanks for the info!

Konaguy, I think that's a Big Island-only paper you were reading. On the Big Island there is a single Echostar dealer... I believe it's Microcom, an Alaska based company. The non-competition means they can have awful, awful service and stay in business. Most if not all of the other dealers on the island have gone out of business.

When I was trying to get an international channel from 121, first I was told it was impossible a few times. Then, I finally talked to someone who knew a little more and they said they would have to install a 1.2m dish and it would cost hundreds and need to be put in a concrete, blah blah blah. I looked online and got the name of an Oahu-based dealer from Charles O. The dealer sent me a 34" dish for about $100 and gave me all the necessary instructions to point it.

Konaguy, I think that's a Big Island-only paper you were reading. On the Big Island there is a single Echostar dealer... I believe it's Microcom, an Alaska based company. The non-competition means they can have awful, awful service and stay in business. Most if not all of the other dealers on the island have gone out of business.


Yes that is correct HIJ is a Big Island only paper. But they do have their
articles archived on their website http://www.hawaiiislandjournal.com/.
Usually two to three weeks after the recent publication. For me it
was an eye opening experience reading the article. Yes a lot of the
issues raised are probably only here on the Big Island.But it seemed
there was a lot of issues raised that go beyond our island. When the article
gets archived online you can formulate your own opinion. (As soon as it
is posted, I'll post the link here).

Has anyone been successful in getting OTA HD signals in Mililani? If so, what antenna was used?

My friend who lives on the Ewa side of Ft. Shafter was unable to get decent signals with the Terk HDTVi indoor antenna. He said that only KIKU came in with a clear signal. He'll be trying an outdoor antenna next.

Hey folks,

Recently I picked up the 8300hd, I almost cried the first time I was an NBA game, it was so beautiful. But when basketball wasn't playing I surfed thru all the channels and noticed that the local digital channels don't look as good as the normal local channels, but the sound is digital. And later I hooked the box up my receiver and noticed that the HD channels only play sound in the center speaker in 5.1, like it's in MONO mode.

Do I have it set up wrong, or does anyone else notice this?
thanks in advance

Tony

My friend who lives on the Ewa side of Ft. Shafter was unable to get decent signals with the Terk HDTVi indoor antenna. He said that only KIKU came in with a clear signal. He'll be trying an outdoor antenna next.

Hhhm, I live on the ewa side of Ft. Shafter and I get 2.1(KHONDT), 4.1(KITVDT), 9.1(KGMBDT) and 33.1(KBFDDT) along with other channels like KIKUDT (have to move my antenna to get this)... The channel that I don't get which frustrates me is 35.1(KHNLDT).

I'm getting these with a philips antenna that I bought from Walmart on someone's advice last year I think it was RobertCEO. I spent less than $15...

I'm assuming your friend tried moving the antenna around, although an outdoor antenna would be optimal... Good luck...

-DaBuggah

Hey guys. I just got my 50" SXRD set up last friday. I love it so far. I had a question regarding watching SD channels from Time Warner Cable. When I don't "stretch" the picture and leave it in its 4:3 form. I get two light grey colored bars on the side of the screen. Is there a way to change this color to black? Is this a setting of my TV, or a setting adjustable through the cable box? Any help will be appreciated.

Hey guys. I just got my 50" SXRD set up last friday. I love it so far. I had a question regarding watching SD channels from Time Warner Cable. When I don't "stretch" the picture and leave it in its 4:3 form. I get two light grey colored bars on the side of the screen. Is there a way to change this color to black? Is this a setting of my TV, or a setting adjustable through the cable box? Any help will be appreciated.

You can change it to black through the settings menu in the box. I use to have it in black too, but I read someplace on these forums that the light grey is preferred by most because it's better to avoid burn in. If your tv is an LCD projection you probably don't have to worry about this.

Hey folks,

Recently I picked up the 8300hd, I almost cried the first time I was an NBA game, it was so beautiful. But when basketball wasn't playing I surfed thru all the channels and noticed that the local digital channels don't look as good as the normal local channels, but the sound is digital. And later I hooked the box up my receiver and noticed that the HD channels only play sound in the center speaker in 5.1, like it's in MONO mode.

Do I have it set up wrong, or does anyone else notice this?
thanks in advance

Tony

Try pressing the settings button TWICE. The first time will take you to a short feature menu and pressing it a second time shoud take you to an expanded menu. Look for a sound output option. It should have three settings: Dolby Digital, HDMI, Other. See which one its set to. NOTE: HDMI option is only an option if HDMI is plugged in.

I record Nightline every night on my 8300HD to watch the next morning. Last night, my DVR recorded a half hour of a still picture from the cartoon "Peanuts" with a few local commercials, no Nightline.

Did anyone else experience this? I'm wondering if it was KITV or Warner. It can't be my 8300, can it?

That's strange.

You can change it to black through the settings menu in the box. I use to have it in black too, but I read someplace on these forums that the light grey is preferred by most because it's better to avoid burn in. If your tv is an LCD projection you probably don't have to worry about this.


From what I understand, gray bars can still cause burn in on Plasma and CRT based displays. Just to a lesser degree than black bars (although black bars "look" better to my eyes). Of course, what little SD I watch, I just stretch on my Plasma.

I noticed this a few nights ago. On a Pioneer panel and the 8300HD DVR box, in SD mode, there's a horizontal "line" that travels from the bottom of the image to the top, as if there's an out of sync scan. Anybody else seeing that?

I noticed this a few nights ago. On a Pioneer panel and the 8300HD DVR box, in SD mode, there's a horizontal "line" that travels from the bottom of the image to the top, as if there's an out of sync scan. Anybody else seeing that?


You have a ground loop issue.

You have a ground loop issue.

Tonight, the line appeared on the SD channel of CBS (KGMB) but when switched to the "Digital" channel (87) of the same local channel, there was no line. PIP confirmed that it was on the SD channel and not the digital channel. Likewise, there was no line on any of the HD channels.

I have had a problem with a horizontal ghost line going up the screen on CBS analog channel 7. Used to be real bad, but now it's very subtle. Here's a 5 second mpeg2 file of it:
http://s35.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=13XINNCAECK7N2EM4N4BKPC96B (.mpg 768 KB)

Anyone planning on purchasing Toshiba's HD-DVD?

I think I will wait on Sony's Blu-ray. I read somewhere that the early Toshiba's will not do 1080p.

Does anyone else foresee this Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD situation turning into a new version of the VHS vs. Betamax issue?

Does anyone else foresee this Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD situation turning into a new version of the VHS vs. Betamax issue?

I'm more worried that it's going to turn into the DVD-Audio vs. SACD debate. Admittedly, less likely to happen (think people are more willing to pay more for HDTV versus high quality sound), especially with the PS3 coming out at some point and bundling a Blu-Ray drive, but still, worried ...

Spleen

I think I will wait on Sony's Blu-ray. I read somewhere that the early Toshiba's will not do 1080p.


Do you have a 1080p display? If so, a good scaler (including that within your display) will give you perfect 1080p.

The HD-DVD software is mastered at 1080p.

Eric

Does anyone else foresee this Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD situation turning into a new version of the VHS vs. Betamax issue?

I think we'll end up with two formats equally being supported. Just like recordable DVD's DVD-R and DVD+R!

I think we'll end up with two formats equally being supported. Just like recordable DVD's DVD-R and DVD+R!

In my opinion, both recordable DVD standards are supported because the combo drives are so cheap. I don't think HD-DVD / Blu-Ray combo players will ever drop down to the "affordable" level (less than $200) - the standalone ones probably won't for at least a few years. Who knows what the future holds, but this will probably end up more like VHS vs. Beta, and we know where Sony ended up on that one. I will definitely wait this one out for awhile.

... the local digital channels don't look as good as the normal local channels, but the sound is digital. And later I hooked the box up my receiver and noticed that the HD channels only play sound in the center speaker in 5.1, like it's in MONO mode.

Do I have it set up wrong, or does anyone else notice this?

I get sound from all 5 channels in the DD5.1 that accompanies HD channels other than KITVHD (which seems to have only DD 2.0). (I'm on Oahu, TWC.) So you probably have it set up wrong. What receiver are you using and do the receiver's indicators say it is getting a DD 5.1 signal?

... that's right. I just got my cable bill in the mail and it came with a yellow brochure including the channel lineups and other information. The digital lineup says:

938 > KHNL (NBC) HD (coming soon)

Could it be coming sometime in the next few months? Of course I thought maybe this was printed a long time ago, as in before the Winter Olympics. But, the brochure is dated 4/06.

Also, the Kona office is moving to another location in July.

... that's right. I just got my cable bill in the mail and it came with a yellow brochure including the channel lineups and other information. The digital lineup says:

938 > KHNL (NBC) HD (coming soon)

Could it be coming sometime in the next few months? Of course I thought maybe this was printed a long time ago, as in before the Winter Olympics. But, the brochure is dated 4/06.

Also, the Kona office is moving to another location in July.

They also announced that GMA PTV would start on March 31.... it still hasn't launched. This is welcomed news, but I'll wait and see!!!!

I saw that too but some of the other info in that brochure is old as well so I think it was printed with older info.

The Kona Oceanic Time Warner Cable office is moving to the old perfume factory
building in Kaloko Light Industrial park.They are renovating the old perfume
factory and building a new headend building currently.

I spoke to both KHNL and the Administration at Oceanic... the deal has not been worked out as of yet. KHNL is not yet broadcasting true HD and does not have the dish needed, so they are upconverting. During the Olympics the signal was handled by Oceanic's dish at Hickam and transfered by fiber to Sand Island... Oceanic had hoped to continue this arrangement but things have not been worked out. Though people are optomistic of reaching an agreement this year. I was also told that talks have begun with KHON Fox and maybe we'll see an announcement on that if things go well.

Anyone else having trouble getting iNHD and iNHD2 to come in tonight? All my other OTW HD channels are coming in no problem...

Yeah, no INHD or INHD2 here either. At first I thought that the Padres-Mets game on INHD was being blacked out for us viewers in Hawaii, which would have been outrageous, but then I noticed that INHD2 was out as well.

Yeah, they were showing the Padres/Mets game, then all of a sudden the screen went blank. I thought they mistakingly blacked out the game too. I believe SD is the the one west coast team that isn't blacked out for us, right? Anyway, I was bummed since I wanted to see my man Kaz Matsui play, who by the way is gonna win comeback player of the year.


Yeah, no INHD or INHD2 here either. At first I thought that the Padres-Mets game on INHD was being blacked out for us viewers in Hawaii, which would have been outrageous, but then I noticed that INHD2 was out as well.

I spoke to both KHNL and the Administration at Oceanic... the deal has not been worked out as of yet. KHNL is not yet broadcasting true HD and does not have the dish needed, so they are upconverting. During the Olympics the signal was handled by Oceanic's dish at Hickam and transfered by fiber to Sand Island... Oceanic had hoped to continue this arrangement but things have not been worked out. Though people are optomistic of reaching an agreement this year. I was also told that talks have begun with KHON Fox and maybe we'll see an announcement on that if things go well.
That's very interesting. Did you get this info from Oceanic, KHNL or both? It sounds like KHNL needs Oceanic's equipment. Maybe KHNL is not comfortable giving Oceanic a free HD feed and letting them handle the signal? At this point I wonder if KHNL even has an HD video server.

It's best not to think about KHON HD on cable, yet. Just wait for a surprise.

How about KHET? I'm surprised I haven't seen anything about their digital broadcasts in awhile. KHET the only Honolulu market station without any digital signal on air at all. Probably short on funds?

On a different subject, there's an announcement on channel 911 that Oceanic is kicking GSN (Game Show Network) out of analog on May 1st. Hopefully that'll free up an extra 6 MHz of bandwidth for more digital/HD stuff.

I did extensive phone calling... cust service was a waste of time, I had so many different answers from them and could not validate their sources. Finally I called the admin of Oceanic and called the engineers at KHNL. I did receive call backs from both, which was very nice. I told them of the disscusion we have been having and asked for more details. It is a local issue and it seems the KHNL station manager has to make the decision. The dish issue was brought up by both. Oceanic very much wants to carry the signal. What the exact considerations are that are slowing things up, I don't know. The fellow from Oceanic did give me his personal phone and email to get in touch as needed. It's matter of time I guess.

On a different subject, there's an announcement on channel 911 that Oceanic is kicking GSN (Game Show Network) out of analog on May 1st. Hopefully that'll free up an extra 6 MHz of bandwidth for more digital/HD stuff.

Replay, or anyone who knows about this stuff, does one analog channel take up more space than one HD channel? I was just curious, don't fully understand this part. Or do they have to clear several analog channels to make room for 1 HD? And does 1 HD channel take up the same bandwith as several regular digital channels, or is it the same?

Analog takes up more bandwidth than both HD and/or SD digital channels.

RobertCEO, if you search back on this thread a few months, I asked about the same question you're asking. As it turns out, one analog cable (or over-the-air) channel takes up 6 MHz of the spectrum. With QAM256 digital modulation, which Oceanic already uses, those same 6 MHz can transmit about 38 Mbps (megabits per second) digitally. That is enough for 2 1080i HD channels at excellent quality or 12 SD digital channels at good quality or a mix of HD + SD channels.

So, one HD channel at excellent quality (18-19 Mbps) takes up the same bandwidth as several digital SD channels, but only half the bandwidth of one analog SD channel. It's almost strange to think that you can get two channels of HD in place of one SD channel with lame analog picture, huh?

Replay, or anyone who knows about this stuff, does one analog channel take up more space than one HD channel? I was just curious, don't fully understand this part. Or do they have to clear several analog channels to make room for 1 HD? And does 1 HD channel take up the same bandwith as several regular digital channels, or is it the same?

One reply I received from Oceanic when I emailed them about adding HD channels said:
We either do not have agreements with the HD networks you mention, or
some broadcasters do not transmit at least 50% of their programming in
HD (our minimum for consideration). We are also running out of digital
bandwidth and HD networks require a tremendous amount. For example, we
can normally carry 12 standard channels in one slot on digital. In that
same space we can only fit 2 HD channels.


EDIT: Replay beat me to it... :cool:

Yeah, but they are squeezing 3 1080i channels, HDNet, HDNetMovies, and Discovery HD, all in one 6 MHz slot. That's why those three channels don't look so hot.

The 50% HD programming requirement is interesting. It pretty much means the local stations have to have their primetime in HD or we won't see them on cable. By that rule, I guess we won't see ESPN2HD for awhile, either.

Do any of you know if TWC will be carrying NFL Ticket this year??? I have heard that dish network and Direct TV both carry this service. Do any of you have either of these services? Do people think it would be worthwhile to switch, or does TWC still the best option for hawaii? Also, does NFL Ticket broadcast games in HD??? Lots of questions, but responses would be appreciated.

Sofa_King:

NFL Sunday ticket is exclusively licened by DirecTV (and its international partners). This is unlike the NBA, MLB and NHL deals...where TWC has a share in the licensing deals. I fear DirecTV will never give up Sunday Ticket...it's their bread and butter.

Being that DirecTV relies on Sunday Ticket for so much of their revenue, I don't see them being outbid on the contract anytime soon (and if they were, God knows how much TWC would then want for the package to offset the cost.)

And about games (be it MLB, NHL or NBA) via a sports package being in HD, right now we all know OTC is having issues with their bare-bones HD selection. As the previous threads spoke about bandwidth issues, I couldn't forsee them being able to provide the games in HD (esp. Football Sundays). Just not enough bandwidth.

Also:

Check out this article from 2002:
http://money.cnn.com/2002/12/11/news/companies/direcTV_nfl

Everybody here please email TWC and share your thoughts on new HD channels.
We all have a couple minutes to spare to post here so please Email Corporate.

Fred.Dressler@twcable.com

Let's be civilized.

Thanks for the info essbee.

Has anyone in here subscribed to Direct TV and NFL Ticket??
Are the games filmed in HD broadcast in HD?
Is the price difference huge between Direct TV and OTC?

If it is too much of a hassle/expensive, I was considering just trying to set up a good antenna to see if I could catch Fox, CBS and NBC in HD. I'm not sure if all of those stations are available OTA (Kailua, Oahu). I saw some OTA antennas at BB the other day.
Is the powered version of the Antenna's the best for reception?
Even though its cheap are the HD stations you can get worth the time/money?
Its a lots of questions again, sorry I'm a noob to all these things. Any help is appreciated.

Here is the Hawaiian Island Journal article in regards to Dish Network problems in hawaii.


http://www.hawaiiislandjournal.com/2006/0408a.html

I'm honestly wondering what the point was of the HIJ article. Was it simply to vent? Seemed awfully one sided. There was no comparison made with the experiences of cable installations.

My friend has Dish and he was satisfied with the experience and the current service.

Does anyone know what clear QAM channels are available on Oceanic Cable?

I have an MYHD 130 card and cannot seem to pick many up.

Konaguy, I think that's a Big Island-only paper you were reading. On the Big Island there is a single Echostar dealer... I believe it's Microcom, an Alaska based company. The non-competition means they can have awful, awful service and stay in business. Most if not all of the other dealers on the island have gone out of business.




Not true. There are several Echostar dealers here on the Big Island. Pahoa Satellite, Clear Light, Microcom, Radio Shack, Sears...

Eric

I noticed a couple of weeks ago that KITV's HD feed does not have any closed captioning, at least not on cable. Does anyone know what is going on with that? Even though I'm not hearing impaired, I do like to have CC on when I mute or when someone with a difficult accent is on.

I'm pretty sure 90% of you probally are aware of this, but I figured I'd share my recent discovery with everyone in case someone else did not know this. If you have a 8300HD box, you can switch picture size (Normal, Stretch, Zoom1 and Zoom2) simply by pressing the "#" button. Up until about an hour ago, I though you had to go to the first page of settings to change the picture size...

Probally not new news, but just in case...

After emailing Erika (Star Bulletin columnist) a few weeks ago requesting that she write an article on the local HD issue... the article now appears in print today.



Please email her and thank her for the article. She’d really appreciate it.


http://starbulletin.com/2006/05/07/business/story01.html

I need help from the people who receive OTA HD:

I cannot receive KITV-DT anymore since last Monday. It seems like they just stopped transmitting. Can anyone confirm? I will try and call them Monday.

Jim,

KITV-DT OTA is working fine in Kaimuki. I'm using a Trek TV5 Indoor Antenna...

Where are you located? Are you using an Indoor or Outdoor antenna?

After emailing Erika (Star Bulletin columnist) a few weeks ago requesting that she write an article on the local HD issue... the article now appears in print today.
http://starbulletin.com/2006/05/07/business/story01.html

She definitely succeeded in making it clear,concise and easy to understand.
My dad was inquiring with me about HDTV,and I told him to wait essentially.
As there is not a lot of channels available.Especially on the neighbor islands
as I don't believe HDTV is available OTA on Maui and the Big Island ? Sure
there is OTW and DirecTV, but there still isn't a lot of channels..her article
pretty much firmed up what I told my dad.

I need help from the people who receive OTA HD:

I cannot receive KITV-DT anymore since last Monday. It seems like they just stopped transmitting. Can anyone confirm? I will try and call them Monday.

Comes in fine for me; I live in Makiki.

emailed Erika thanking her. :)

Spleen

Anyone know if there are specific hard drives that are compatible with the 8300 HD box? I was wondering if I could use an external enclosure with a sata drive for additional space for recording. Anyone have any info on using the SATA port? Thanks

I finally found out why I wasn't receiving KITV-DT: antenna position.

I have an ATI HDTV Wonder connected to the antenna that came with it (so indoor).

I guess I never realized that the position of the antenna is very important: a few degrees off and I can go from 0% reception to 80%. With that, if the antenna is pointing at the KITV transmitter, I cannot get KHNL and KFVE since they are on the opposite side and vice-versa. I'm going to try to buy a better antenna cable to see if that improves the reception.

I just hope that us viewers will not have to pay premium prices for HDTV just because the local TV stations don't want to give Oceanic "free" HDTV feed. I look forward to 2009 when everything should be in HDTV (hopefully!). Sure blows away analog TV.

Thanks for your help guys.

After emailing Erika (Star Bulletin columnist) a few weeks ago requesting that she write an article on the local HD issue... the article now appears in print today.

Please email her and thank her for the article. She’d really appreciate it.

http://starbulletin.com/2006/05/07/business/story01.html
Nice! Great idea, sending her that e-mail. I've sent one thanking her and sent a link to the article to HDTV owners in Hawaii that I know.

KHET-HD sounds very, very good. But there's no mention of it being on cable. If it's not, then it's meaningless to all of us on the outer islands. Fingers crossed! The other local channels sound like they'll drag on and on in negotiations with Oceanic. At least KHNL and KFVE have been "assigned" HD channel numbers, already.

Nice! Great idea, sending her that e-mail. I've sent one thanking her and sent a link to the article to HDTV owners in Hawaii that I know.

KHET-HD sounds very, very good. But there's no mention of it being on cable. If it's not, then it's meaningless to all of us on the outer islands. Fingers crossed! The other local channels sound like they'll drag on and on in negotiations with Oceanic. At least KHNL and KFVE have been "assigned" HD channel numbers, already.

I don't think PBS will be as hard as the other networks when it comes to allowing their signal to be carried on cable. It is public television! I don't think they're as business oriented as the others.

I sure can't wait to watch Frontline on HD!!!

I look forward to 2009 when everything should be in HDTV (hopefully!).

Just a point of clarification here - the mandatory conversion to digital TV in 2009 does NOT necessarily mean that everything will be in HDTV - in fact, it probably won't. Digital TV can be SDTV as well - the majority of it probably will be SDTV resolution.

Spleen

Maxtor QuickView Expander
I purchased (from Amazon) the Maxtor QuickView Expander for DVR SA 8300. It was as easy as plugging it in and powering up the DVR. A moment later you have added from 160-300 gigs of new storage.

HD content takes up so much more room I was feeling limited by the size of the 8300's internal drive. I have had no problems with it since I got it a month or so ago. A happy customer.. brad

I believe it is time to go another route.

George.Bodenheimer@ESPN.com
VP of Programming at ESPN

After emailing Erika (Star Bulletin columnist) a few weeks ago requesting that she write an article on the local HD issue... the article now appears in print today.



Please email her and thank her for the article. She’d really appreciate it.


http://starbulletin.com/2006/05/07/business/story01.html


From the article:

HDTV viewers who subscribe to Oceanic, for instance, must pay for digital cable service and for an additional HD programming package each month. HD programming via satellite provider also costs more.
"What we do, as a cable company, if you're a digital cable customer and you buy a high-definition TV, we will give you an HD box at no extra charge. It is our contribution to the advancement of the technology," said Alan Pollock, vice president of marketing.

"We tell the broadcasters that as the cable operator, that is our responsibility, but what you need to do, is provide us the HD signal. Some do it and others don't because they don't want to incur the expense," he said.


If a customer gets a HD box at no extra charge, why do I have to pay an HD fee for each HD box I own? Sounds like a pretty misleading statement to me.

Tigershark,

The HD box has no premium in price over a non-HD digital box. You pay that $6.95 charge for that HD programming package.

You could get an HD box for an SD TV if you wish. Same price.

Note that Oceanic does not charge for the local channels in HD. KITV is not part of that package, and as soon as the other local stations ante up, they will be available to Oceanic subscribers in HD without having to purchase that HD package.

Eric

Note that Oceanic does not charge for the local channels in HD. KITV is not part of that package, and as soon as the other local stations ante up, they will be available to Oceanic subscribers in HD without having to purchase that HD package.

Eric


Are any other HD channels 'free', like KITV's HD? TNT-HD, DiscoveryHD? I've been wondering about that... :cool:

Thanks

Are any other HD channels 'free', like KITV's HD? TNT-HD, DiscoveryHD? I've been wondering about that... :cool:

Thanks

Actually, I think TNT-HD and ESPN-HD maybe "free", not sure about UHD.


Eric

Actually, I think TNT-HD and ESPN-HD maybe "free", not sure about UHD.


Eric


Nice. I know a couple of people with HD (ready) TVs, but don't have one of Oceanic's HD boxes and don't really want to pay for the HD package. I keep trying to convince them to get a new box, at least... ;)

The brochure that came with my bill states that ESPN, TNT, KHNL, and KITV are not part of the HD package. That means you'll get these HD channels free.

I did call some time back and was told if I cancel HD Pak, I would need to exchange my HD-DVR back for a regular DVR. The only way to get an HD-DVR is to also subscribe to the HD Pak.

I could, however, keep my regular non-DVR HD boxes without the HD Pak.

P.S… when I noticed that I was being charged $6.95 for each HD boxes, I called and complained to Oceanic and they’ve since given me a waiver on the fees. I was told since I had subscribed to HD Pak prior to the change, I didn’t have to pay for the additional charges.

Dear *******,

Thank you for your email and support of PBS Hawaii. We are still in
negotiations with Oceanic Cable regarding carrying our HD broadcast. At
this time no date has been set due to equipment upgrades that need to be
in place before we can transfer our signal to Oceanic.

Please feel free to give me a call if you have further questions.

Sincerely,
Christina Kanemoto
PBS Hawaii
Membership/Viewer Services Specialist

The brochure that came with my bill states that ESPN, TNT, KHNL, and KITV are not part of the HD package. That means you'll get these HD channels free.
Thanks.

I did call some time back and was told if I cancel HD Pak, I would need to exchange my HD-DVR back for a regular DVR. The only way to get an HD-DVR is to also subscribe to the HD Pak.
Gee, that doesn't seem fair. Sounds a bit greedy, on Oceanic's part, to me... :mad:

Does anyone know which shows are in true-HD on PBS?

Does anyone know which shows are in true-HD on PBS?

Too many to count! PBS went HD before the other networks.

Eric

Too many to count! PBS went HD before the other networks.

Eric

So it would exceed Oceanic's 50% percent minimum HD content requirement.

Tigershark,

The HD box has no premium in price over a non-HD digital box. You pay that $6.95 charge for that HD programming package.

You could get an HD box for an SD TV if you wish. Same price.

Note that Oceanic does not charge for the local channels in HD. KITV is not part of that package, and as soon as the other local stations ante up, they will be available to Oceanic subscribers in HD without having to purchase that HD package.

Eric

I realize that Oceanic doesn't charge for the HD box, per se, but that is what is misleading - they charge the HD pack fee for EACH HD box you have. I have 2 HD boxes (8300HD & 3100HD) and they charge me the HD pack fee twice. Although I had both before the pricing change, unlike BongNpinoy, they refused to grandfather me in (waive the 2nd charge), and I didn't really feel like arguing with the so-called "customer service" rep.

Since Oceanic charges a "HD pack" charge for each HD box, it is the same thing as charging for each HD box. That is what is misleading. If you take the Oceanic statement at face value, I should be able to get a HD box, without having to get the HD pack. But evidently, according to BongNpinoy, if you drop the HD pack, you have to return all your HD boxes, including your DVR. So it doesn't look like the HD box is the same price as a SD box.

TigerShark,

That's news to me that you are required to take the HD Pack with an HD box. Are u sure about that? AFAIK, it's totally optional. Unless they changed those rules, too.

Eric

From the article:
"What we do, as a cable company, if you're a digital cable customer and you buy a high-definition TV, we will give you an HD box at no extra charge. It is our contribution to the advancement of the technology," said Alan Pollock, vice president of marketing.

If a customer gets a HD box at no extra charge, why do I have to pay an HD fee for each HD box I own? Sounds like a pretty misleading statement to me.

I'm calling bull$hit on what Mr. Alan Pollock said. When I called to request an HD box, I was told specifically that "in order to get an HD box, you must subscribe to the HD Entertainment Pak". There is no charge on the statement that says "HD cable box", but you still have to pay $7 for the HD Pak, which is only half of the HD channels OTWC offers. In other words, there is a hidden fee required to get an HD box from Oceanic.

I think how it works is if you want the HD DVR, then you have to take the HD pack. If you just get a regular HD cable box like the 3250HD, you don't have to get the HD pack.



I'm calling bull$hit on what Mr. Alan Pollock said. When I called to request an HD box, I was told specifically that "in order to get an HD box, you must subscribe to the HD Entertainment Pak". There is no charge on the statement that says "HD cable box", but you still have to pay $7 for the HD Pak, which is only half of the HD channels OTWC offers. In other words, there is a hidden fee required to get an HD box from Oceanic.

I think how it works is if you want the HD DVR, then you have to take the HD pack. If you just get a regular HD cable box like the 3250HD, you don't have to get the HD pack.


Maybe you can get a HD box without the HD pack (why you would is another story). But if you get the HD pack, you definitely pay PER HD box. This change went into effect April 1, 2006. My April bill looks like this:

Standard DVR Pac (8300HD): $56.95
Duplicate Services (3100HD): $8.00
HD Entertainment Pak: $6.95
HD Entertainment Pak: $6.95

Yes, the HD Pak charge is actually broken out on 2 separate lines. Previous bills (before April 1) had just one charge for my 2 HD boxes.

ut evidently, according to BongNpinoy, if you drop the HD pack, you have to return all your HD boxes, including your DVR. So it doesn't look like the HD box is the same price as a SD box.

I was told if I drop the HD pack... I would have to exchange the HD-DVR for a regular non-HD DVR. I could, however, keep the regular HD box (non DVR).

I was told if I drop the HD pack... I would have to exchange the HD-DVR for a regular non-HD DVR. I could, however, keep the regular HD box (non DVR).

What does that say about the quality of the non-DVR HD box if they let you keep it for SD? Seriously, they know that no one will trade in their HD DVR with all their recordings on it, so we will continue to keep paying for the HD Pak to keep our HD DVR.

What does that say about the quality of the non-DVR HD box if they let you keep it for SD? Seriously, they know that no one will trade in their HD DVR with all their recordings on it, so we will continue to keep paying for the HD Pak to keep our HD DVR.

Well, that's what I ended up doing!

I think how it works is if you want the HD DVR, then you have to take the HD pack. If you just get a regular HD cable box like the 3250HD, you don't have to get the HD pack.

i'm new to hdtv and just signed up for the hd pak today. i asked if i could just get the hd box without signing up for the hd pak so i can play around with the box and it's connections so i can order longer cables as needed. they said i couldn't do it that way. this puts my cable bill over $100 per month. oh well, just $7 more.

i would have signed up for the surf pak but found out it's only good for 1 year.

i'm new to hdtv and just signed up for the hd pak today. i asked if i could just get the hd box without signing up for the hd pak so i can play around with the box and it's connections so i can order longer cables as needed. they said i couldn't do it that way. this puts my cable bill over $100 per month. oh well, just $7 more.

i would have signed up for the surf pak but found out it's only good for 1 year.

The surf pak is only good for one year? After one year they'll start charging the regular rate?

Is anyone else getting HKNHL on cable? I found it the other night. I accidentally went backwards from cable 3 (C3 on my TV) then 2 (C2) then there was a C0 Then it went to C795. This was not using a box but just from the TV. The C0 was HKNHL. It looked great. I can't get it on any other TV Just my new Sony E42A10

Channel 443 (PBSKids) ,on cable, went HD this week? I cannot receive it anymore on my regular TV and has a little HD icon on the left in the TV guide.

The surf pak is only good for one year? After one year they'll start charging the regular rate?

that's what i was told.

that's what i was told.
That's correct.

Is anyone else getting HKNHL on cable? I found it the other night. I accidentally went backwards from cable 3 (C3 on my TV) then 2 (C2) then there was a C0 Then it went to C795. This was not using a box but just from the TV. The C0 was HKNHL. It looked great. I can't get it on any other TV Just my new Sony E42A10
I am not seeing any new HD channels with my cable box. From your description, it sounds like they have HKHNL on the system QAM in the clear, which your digital TV picks up, but it's not on the programming guide that the set-top boxes use to pick it up. Maybe Oceanic and KHNL have a deal?

I am not seeing any new HD channels with my cable box. From your description, it sounds like they have HKHNL on the system QAM in the clear, which your digital TV picks up, but it's not on the programming guide that the set-top boxes use to pick it up. Maybe Oceanic and KHNL have a deal?


I can't get it through my box either. But its out there. I didn't know my TV went over 795 channels.

that's what i was told.

Why don't you take advantage of the surf pak even if it only last a year?!

I called Oceanic and I was told that they usually roll the pak to a new promotion after the end of the promotion.

But if they don't, make sure you call in ask for the latest promotion.

Television via phone on O'ahu a step closer

By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060513/BUSINESS13/605130305/1071

Hawaiian Telcom has taken a step closer to offering television service on O'ahu.

This month Hawai'i's major phone company applied for a cable franchise license from the state, which would give Hawaiian Telcom the right to offer video service over its phone lines in competition with Time Warner Oceanic Cable.

"There will be some trials first," said Hawaiian Telcom chief executive Mike Ruley. "Our hope initially is to launch the service this year."

Ruley stressed that the company's immediate concern is fixing lingering customer service problems and other glitches resulting from a recent change in ownership. Longer term, the company plans to position itself as a major alternative to cable television.

For Hawaiian Telcom, which has 1,800 employees, the drive to offer video comes amid increasing competition from wireless and cable companies. Last year Oceanic began offering telephone service.

To get into the video business Hawaiian Telcom not only needs state permission. The company also needs to upgrade its Digital Subscriber Line network to second-generation speeds, which are about three times faster than current DSL speeds.

The new technology uses the Internet to send video to customers, who would receive TV service via a special set-top box. The service will be available only to Hawaiian Telcom's DSL customers.

If Hawaiian Telcom succeeds in offering television services, the dividend for consumers could be lower prices. Competition from telephone companies has helped push the cost of TV services down 28 percent to 48 percent in markets where both are available, according to a study by the Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal & Economic Public Policy in Washington, D.C.

Hawaiian Telcom is not yet discussing details such as channel line-ups and rates.

"Because we still have important details to address and for competitive reasons, we're not providing extensive details at this time," said company spokeswoman Ann Nishida. "We are excited about the possibilities for IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) in Hawai'i and will provide more details when we are closer to a launch."

In its filing with the state Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Hawaiian Telcom said the new service will be comparable with those offered by telephone company SureWest in Sacramento, Calif. The department has about 120 days to act on Hawaiian Telcom's application.

SureWest offers a bundled package of local phone, television and broadband Internet service for $100 a month, according to company spokesman Ron Rogers. The service has more than 17,000 subscribers, out of a potential total base of 89,000, he said.

SureWest's IPTV service offers more than 260 channels including HBO, Showtime and Starz and high-definition TV, which are provided over a fiber-optic network that extends to the home.

Hawaiian Telcom's network also uses fiber, but will connect to homes using traditional copper wire, which could result in a more limited channel line-up.

The key challenges for IPTV providers is competition from companies such as cable TV providers and overcoming the public's lack of awareness of the new service, said Jimmy Schaeffler, a senior analyst at telecommunications consultant with The Carmel Group, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif.

Phone companies have long sought to offer TV services but have been slow to do so because of high costs and technical challenges.

Oceanic said it isn't too concerned about a potential new competitor.

"It was easy for cable to get into the phone business," said Alan Pollock, vice president of marketing for Oceanic.

"Fortunately for us, it's not easy for phone companies to get into the cable business. They (Mainland phone companies that have gone into the television business) really have been having a lot of problems and for the most part they haven't been successful."

Channel 443 (PBSKids) ,on cable, went HD this week? I cannot receive it anymore on my regular TV and has a little HD icon on the left in the TV guide.

Sorry guys. It's back to normal. Must have been a test.

i'm new to hdtv and just signed up for the hd pak today. i asked if i could just get the hd box without signing up for the hd pak so i can play around with the box and it's connections so i can order longer cables as needed. they said i couldn't do it that way. this puts my cable bill over $100 per month. oh well, just $7 more.

i would have signed up for the surf pak but found out it's only good for 1 year.

I took advantage of a year special and at the end when I went to cancel, the special package promotion, they only raised my rate $1.

So I would take advantage of it and deal with whatever happens 12 months down the road then.

Hopefully there will be more competition and they will be forced to step up.

Just my 2 cents.

Why don't you take advantage of the surf pak even if it only last a year?!

I called Oceanic and I was told that they usually roll the pak to a new promotion after the end of the promotion.

But if they don't, make sure you call in ask for the latest promotion.

oh, i didn't know that. thanks for the advise.

I took advantage of a year special and at the end when I went to cancel, the special package promotion, they only raised my rate $1.

So I would take advantage of it and deal with whatever happens 12 months down the road then.

Hopefully there will be more competition and they will be forced to step up.

Just my 2 cents.

yeah, a dvr would be a nice addition.

Sorry guys. It's back to normal. Must have been a test.

Weird!!! The HD icon is still shown, but the picture is not in HD.

Weird!!! The HD icon is still shown, but the picture is not in HD.

Now back to normal - no HD icon, and not HD.

I'm thinking about getting a 5.1 surround sound system. But first I want to know, which channels on Oceanic are broadcasting in 5.1 and which HD channels are not? I've read here that KITV HD only has 2.0, is it always 2.0 or just certain shows?

DVI disabled?

I got a message that the DVI port has been disabled. Stating my tv doesn't support HDCP. I am pretty sure my Sony HDTV doesn't support HDCP.

Unattached the cable and connected with RCA cables and every time I change the channel I am still getting the message. I have to hit exit three times to get video back.

Anyone else have this issue?

Thanks

I was watching the NBA playoffs this weekend. And on the HD ABC station, I noticed there was a 1-2 second lag between the sound and picture. When I watched grey's anatomy later that nite (same station) the lag was not noticable.
Is this problem correctable from my end? or is it a problem with OTW?
Thank you for your help.

Now back to normal - no HD icon, and not HD.
A couple of shows on channel 443 show the HD icon in the guide. I believe they are "Jankers!" and "It's A Big Big World". But, when I tuned in and went to the diagnostics of the 8300HD, it's not HD, but 720x480 SD. While I was on those screens, I noticed that channel 443 is in the same QAM frequency as ESPNHD and TNTHD. Kind of strange.

Is KHET-DT on OTA, yet?

I'm thinking about getting a 5.1 surround sound system. But first I want to know, which channels on Oceanic are broadcasting in 5.1 and which HD channels are not? I've read here that KITV HD only has 2.0, is it always 2.0 or just certain shows?

So far as I've seen, KITV is always 2.0. Guess they don't have the equipment needed for 5.1 yet. I think the rest of the HD Pak is 5.1, might depend on the programming though. Encore (666) is also pretty much 5.1, some stuff isn't. The rest of the Encore pak is not. Don't have HBO or anything else so I don't know.

BTW, for anyone still wondering about which HD channels are 'free', I sent Oceanic an email and received the following reply:
If you subscribe to HBO or Showtime HD you also get KITVHD. Otherwise,
you have to subscribe to HD Entertainment to get iNHD, InHD2, Discovery
HD, ND Nets, HD Movies, ESPN HD, TNT HD, HD Universal and KITV HD
So I guess that means none... :eek: And I guess you do have to get the HD Pak to get an HD box... :mad: Bunch of crooks..

... which channels on Oceanic are broadcasting in 5.1 and which HD channels are not? I've read here that KITV HD only has 2.0, is it always 2.0 or just certain shows?
All the HD channels have DD 5.1 other than KITV HD. Occasionally HDHBO has a movie in DD 2.0. I don't get HDSHO, and I don't know about the pay-per-view and on-demand channels. (I once noticed a concert on HDDSC in 2.0, but it must have been a mistake.)

Usually DD 5.1 sounds much like Dolby ProLogic, but sometimes it sounds really good.

Something to look for is an AV receiver which automatically switches back and forth between analog and digital sound and uses the last mode you selected for each. My receiver, a Kenwood, doesn't always get this right, and it's rather irritating. For instance, listening to analog stereo, I want to use Neo surround mode, and listening to digital DD 2.0, I want to use Dolby PLII surround mode, but when my receiver switches to analog for some non-digital channel, then switches to DD 2.0 when I tune to a digital channel, it usually forgets to switch into Dolby PLII mode. I have to select that manually. A bit of a pain, since this happens so frequently.

The remote supplied with the 8300HD DVR can be set so its volume control controls the AV receiver volume regardless of what device mode the remote is in. This is a really convenient feature.