I am in Enfield, CT. New England region.

Your best option would be to call Omaha doesn't carry Comcast SportNet

A week or so ago, Fox SportsNet HD was changed to Comcast SportsNet HD, but is has been listed as "Off Air" all day ever since. The only thing that airs is a rotating logo. Can anyone tell me when they will start having programming on this channel, and what kind of programming to expect?

The station shows Boston Celtics games in HD.

http://newengland.comcastsportsnet.com/index.jsp

Does Cox plan on releasing a good amount of future HD channels in the near time or does Cox plan on just adding 1-2 every few months

Does Cox plan on releasing a good amount of future HD channels in the near time or does Cox plan on just adding 1-2 every few months

When they get contracts and have channel/bandwidth room you will see more channels.

Last I heard the plan is still for the 50 that Esser stated a few months back. All areas won't be at that number but some will.

Don't forget most of these channels are about 10% HD so don't believe the hype that there is so much more HD programming on other carriers. They might have channels called HD but most of them are not showing much HD programming yet.

In Phoenix, TBS-HD is now on Cox at 716.

Don't forget most of these channels are about 10% HD so don't believe the hype that there is so much more HD programming on other carriers. They might have channels called HD but most of them are not showing much HD programming yet.

Your right :rolleyes:, All the preminum channel packs are nothing but SD, also Smithsonian, Food and the like. Don't try to make excusses about HD content as to why channels are not being added. It does not matter whether there is 3 hours of HD content or 24 hours. If a network has an HD channel then they should add it.

Don't try to make excusses about HD content

Maybe you missed my signature. These are my opinions. I am privyed to more information than the average person and base my opinion on that. I personally could care less about alot of the HD & SD channels out there. I wish everything would be in HD but it isn't. Take TBS for instance. What's the point after the playoffs? To what the Tyler Perry garbage show or stuff from syndication?

Take TBS for instance. What's the point after the playoffs? To what the Tyler Perry garbage show or stuff from syndication?

I agree. If Cox (Fairfax, VA) takes any longer to add TBS-HD they should just wait until next October. Adding it next week will be a waste of bandwidth in my opinion -- it's even less attractive than A&E HD.

Last I heard the plan is still for the 50 that Esser stated a few months back. All areas won't be at that number but some will.

Don't forget most of these channels are about 10% HD so don't believe the hype that there is so much more HD programming on other carriers. They might have channels called HD but most of them are not showing much HD programming yet.

While I do agree about the amount of HD programming , I do think that we will see an increase in the amount of it in the future. As it becomes more common for people to have HD setups more channels will offer the HD programming. I am OK with waiting for the current channels to make the move to go Fully HD (I know it will take time).

For me right now if Cox added HDNet, HDNet Movies, FX, or SciFi Id be pretty happy especially with HDNet. Mojo and HDNet are a couple of the channels dedicated to HD programming and are able to show of the benefits.

Give me the selection that I want in HD and I am willing to wait for the channels to play catch up with me so that when they do go full HD I dont have to wait to get the channel I already have it and can enjoy the programming then and there.

Take TBS for instance. What's the point after the playoffs? To what the Tyler Perry garbage show or stuff from syndication?Interesting point. Cox Phoenix/Tucson is removing TBS HD after game 6 of the NLCS. They had to take down the recently-added HDPPV to make room for TBS HD in the first place, and still have no plans to add any permanent channels before 2008.

Take TBS for instance. What's the point after the playoffs? To what the Tyler Perry garbage show or stuff from syndication?

Well after the playoff, who knows what TBS will show in HD. By not having the channel Cox viewers will never know except for sat subs telling them.

any news on new hd channels?

did this cable co launch that NEW IN-demand HD GAME channel thing??
i saw a post about it sometime last week

i think it allows viewers with NHL CI, or NBA LP to view games in HD???

Interesting point. Cox Phoenix/Tucson is removing TBS HD after game 6 of the NLCS. They had to take down the recently-added HDPPV to make room for TBS HD in the first place, and still have no plans to add any permanent channels before 2008.

I recently spoke to the director of marketing in Phoenix & there are plans for more channels before 2008.

did this cable co launch that NEW IN-demand HD GAME channel thing??
i saw a post about it sometime last week

i think it allows viewers with NHL CI, or NBA LP to view games in HD???

Though in the consortium that can provide the channel we haven't released any dates as to when we will release that channel in each system.

so localy the Wizards will not YET be available in hd via cable??

Not today but ask me when the season starts. You probably would know as good as I do since it was just announced today.

Cox will add 4 HD channels in Hampton Roads on 11/15:

TBS 742

Discovery 731

History 759

HGTV 727

http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-now-cox-1031,0,649133.story

This is what I can find, additions and corrections are welcome. Of course, availability is limited.

HBO HD
Cinemax HD
Showtime HD
Starz! HD
MOJO
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
ABC HD
CBS HD
FOX HD
NBC HD
PBS Digital
The CW HD
National Geographic HD
Local sports net(s)
MHD
TNT HD
HD Theater
A&E HD
Universal HD
HD Movies VOD
TBS HD
Discovery HD
The History Channel HD
HGTV HD
CNN HD
The Learning Channel HD

Many Cox markets have an HD PPV/Special Events channel. Cox Phoenix also carries My Network TV HD.

Many Cox markets have an HD PPV/Special Events channel. Cox Phoenix also carries My Network TV HD.

Omaha does not have a HDPPV or My Nretwork TV in HD.

You are not missing much by not having MyNetwork TV HD. I am not sure that I have seen HD programming on that channel in Virginia.:confused:

Many Cox markets have an HD PPV/Special Events channel. Cox Phoenix also carries My Network TV HD.
Omaha does not have a HDPPV or My Nretwork TV in HD.
Hence the term MANY Cox markets have those services and it was not described as ALL Cox markets. Some markets don't even have all the main 4 HD networks due to local contract issues, but MANY have ALL the local channels in HD.
Ken and coyoteaz published a list of known national contracts for Cox, but they are dependant on local carriage.

I also want to add that Cox has agreed to carry the new InDemand Network's HD Sports channel packages (when launched) that will carry all the HD feeds of all the sports networks, including NHL Center Ice, NBA League Pass, ESPN GamePlan, ESPN FullCourt, MLB Extra Innings and MLS Direct Kick, etc. for those customers who order those packages.
It is also going to be available for HD feeds of the standard sports packages for NFL Network, NHLTV Channel, Tennis channel, NBATV, Golf, etc for those that have the sports tier.

vegggas

Cox New England added Discovery Science HD, Animal Planet HD, Food HD and HGTV HD today.

OMaha Cox just added CBS in HD today after a 2 year contract fight with the old owners of the CBS station (Emmis).

Omaha Lineup with rumors of more to come.

803 NET3
805 CBS
806 ABC
807 A&E
808 NBC
809 ESPN2
810 Fox
811 CW
812 NET
814 UHD
815 HBO
819 TNT
820 Discovery Theater
821 ESPN
823 Mojo
824 NGC
825 TLC
826 DSCV
827 TBS
828 Animal Planet
833 CNN
875 SHO

Omaha Lineup with rumors of more to come.

803 NET3
805 CBS
806 ABC
807 A&E
808 NBC
809 ESPN2
810 Fox
811 CW
812 NET
814 UHD
815 HBO
819 TNT
820 Discovery Theater
821 ESPN
823 Mojo
824 NGC
825 TLC
826 DSCV
827 TBS
828 Animal Planet
833 CNN
875 SHO

what have you heard? I haven't heard anything

The HD lineup in the OKC/Tulsa markets is getting a big shuffle in a week, as I'm sure many of you have heard. This question isn't about HD or the lineup itself, so I apologize in advance.

Does anyone know if the shows scheduled on my DVR will make the switch as well? Meaning, for instance, Chuck on ch. 719 will be on ch.709 after the switch. Will my record settings switch to 709 or will it still try and tape 719?

The HD lineup in the OKC/Tulsa markets is getting a big shuffle in a week, as I'm sure many of you have heard. This question isn't about HD or the lineup itself, so I apologize in advance.

Does anyone know if the shows scheduled on my DVR will make the switch as well? Meaning, for instance, Chuck on ch. 719 will be on ch.709 after the switch. Will my record settings switch to 709 or will it still try and tape 719?

It should carry over.

~Ben

Cox goes for 1 Ghz

November 13, 2007

Privately-held cable operator, Cox Communications is quietly rolling out a 1 Ghz offering to its entire customer base, with a plan to reduce customer nodes from 650 to 250 homes.

Chris Bowick, Cox's senior vice president of engineering and chief technology officer, told a briefing session last week that Cox's 2010 plan included an increase of standard definition channels from 110 to 200-plus and HD from 8 to 100, while scaling back its analog channel count from 74 to 68, and boosting data bandwidth to 25 Megabits per second downstream, 4 Mbps upstream. Bowick did not say how much it will cost to move to 1 Gigahertz across Cox's markets, but according to OneTrack he said it was "not as expensive as you might think it would be" and "wouldn't be even close" to the $800 FiOS per home expense.

The 1 Gigahertz upgrade has already been completed in 70 percent of Cox's markets, with almost no customer disruption, Bowick said.

http://www.fierceiptv.com/story/cox-goes-1-ghz/2007-11-13?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss

Chris Bowick, Cox's senior vice president of engineering and chief technology officer, told a briefing session last week that Cox's 2010 plan included an increase of standard definition channels from 110 to 200-plus and HD from 8 to 100



100 HD channels in.....2010?!?!?!?!?

100 HD channels in.....2010?!?!?!?!?

YES thats how the statement reads. :p

http://www.onetrak.com/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=2870

Cox ramps to 1 Ghz, revamps backbone under EON plan
Karen Brown
Friday, November 09, 2007


For Cox Communications Inc. bigger will be better for its core network infrastructure – and that includes a move already under way to raise plant bandwidth to 1 Gigahertz across the board, take over operation of its own backbone fiber network and consolidate linear TV and video-on-demand services in two national hubs.

The MSO revealed some details about this initiative – dubbed the Extendable Optical Network – at a media briefing Wednesday in Rhode Island.

Chris Bowick, Cox’s senior vice president of engineering and chief technology officer, said the ambitious plans was aimed at moving Cox into the 2010 service world, a place that will require far more bandwidth and diversity of content. Cox’s marching orders from now until 2010 include:
scale back the analog channel count from 74 to 68
increase standard definition channels from 110 to 200-plus
raise HD channels from just 8 in 2006 to 100-plus
boost data bandwidth to 25 Megabits per second downstream, 4 Mbps upstream.

Enter EON, to provide the bandwidth in backbone and last mile as well as a new, more flexible and agile architecture – which Bowick dubbed “flexiagile.”

Starting in the last mile, bigger bandwidth is in the offing by cutting down on the size of nodes serving individual homes and boosting the overall plant capacity to 1 Gigahertz. At present Cox’s node size is about 620 homes offering between 750 and 860 Megahertz of total bandwidth.

Cox’s plan is to move its plant nationwide to 1 Gigahertz capacity – the first major MSO to take that step – and cut node size down to 310 homes initially. Eventually, the node size will reach a maximum 250 homes, Bowick said.

Bowick would not reveal how much it will cost to move to 1 Gigahertz across Cox’s markets, but he did note it was “not as expensive as you might think it would be.”

He gave a further hint at the cost range by noting that in comparison to Verizon Inc.’s $750 to $800 per home expense to build the base FiOS fiber-to-the-home network, Cox’s 1 GHz upgrade “wouldn’t be even close to that."

The 1 Gigahertz upgrade has already been completed in 70% of Cox’s markets, with almost no customer disruption, Bowick said.

Switched digital video, meanwhile, has been launched in two systems, and a third will be added in 2008. Switched digital video’s biggest attraction is the fact that it can offer virtually unlimited channel capacity, given it delivers into the home only the channels being viewed, rather than the entire channel lineup.

“We have taken a tack with switched digital video of a look see,” Bowick said. With the three launched markets planned “we will see how it goes.”

Cox also plans to start trials of Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 3.0 in 2008. The new technology in its final iteration can deliver more than 160 Mbps downstream and 100 Mbps upstream.

Elsewhere, Cox also is eying the video bandwidth savings using MPEG-4. While the compression codec won’t be accessible to homes with older digital set-top boxes, MPEG-4 “plays beautifully in the 850 to 1 Gigahertz realm,” he noted.

Cox grows its own backbone

Nor is the capacity increase just to be found in the last mile. At present, Cox’s backbone network is operated by partner Level 3 Communications, with Cox paying on a per-bit basis. But in the past year traffic has doubled and the cost per bit for transport has dropped, Bowick said.

In response, Cox also has plans to up its national backbone game. It will create its own 18,000 mile backbone network using Level 3 dark fiber under a long-term indefeasible right to use (IRU) lease. That means hiring technicians to oversee the network and buying transmission gear to light it, but in the end Cox ends up with a network that costs less to run and is much more flexible – and using dense wave division multiplexing it can scale capacity on the backbone, Bowick said.

“Now we need to take a new look at the national infrastructure and own, if you will, that national infrastructure,” he said.

As with the 1 GHz upgrade, Bowick declined to offer any cost figures for the switch to a Cox-run fiber backbone. But he said the numbers did make sense given the projected expense under the managed fiber contract with Level 3.

“We looked at the OPEX verses CAPEX and it was a tremendous payback,” Bowick said.

Video delivery is also getting an architectural makeover, moving from a scheme whereby each Cox system manages and distributes linear and VOD content to a more central distribution, with two hubs delivering content to all markets.

Those two super hubs – the main one in Atlanta with a backup in San Diego – will be the aggregation points for the content. In doing so, Cox eliminates a lot of duplicate video processing and server storage for VOD content, Bowick said.

Plans are to turn up the super headends this month.

All in all, 50% of the EON upgrades have been completed, and Bowick said most of the rest of the work will be completed at the end of 2008.

Vegggas

100 HD channels in.....2010?!?!?!?!?

Wow, I thought they would be able to move a lot faster than that. It looks like I may have to take a long hard look at DirecTV. If they had our local stations in HD here I would jump in a heartbeat. Any contract I would sign for satellite would be expired by the time Cox catches up. I wonder if Cox will have any incentives to hang on to their loyal customers. Considering how far ahead DirecTV is in HD content and the slow pace at which Cox is adding HD channels, I would imagine that Cox will soon start losing significant numbers of subscribers.

re:100 hd Channels in 2010
That's an end game to the 1Ghz strategy, not the channel count.
The suoer headends will be turned on this month and all of those markets with a few unique HD channels will be combined to form a national channel package of around 50 "real" national HD channels before the end of the year. The 50 additional HD channels by end of 2007 was announced about 6 to 8 weeks ago, with the plan to offer up to 100 HD through 2009, or as channels become available as real time 24/7 HD or at least 50/50 HD channels. (not upscaled SD channels or single HD show channels)

vegggas

re:100 hd Channels in 2010
That's an end game to the 1Ghz strategy, not the channel count.
The suoer headends will be turned on this month and all of those markets with a few unique HD channels will be combined to form a national channel package of around 50 "real" national HD channels before the end of the year. The 50 additional HD channels by end of 2007 was announced about 6 to 8 weeks ago, with the plan to offer up to 100 HD through 2009, or as channels become available as real time 24/7 HD or at least 50/50 HD channels. (not upscaled SD channels or single HD show channels)

vegggas
I can live with that, it sounds great. Thanks for the info. I'd always heard them talk about adding "capacity" for 50 channels by the end of the year and 100 next year but haven't seen any comment on the approximate number of channels to be added until now.

re:100 hd Channels in 2010
That's an end game to the 1Ghz strategy, not the channel count.
The suoer headends will be turned on this month and all of those markets with a few unique HD channels will be combined to form a national channel package of around 50 "real" national HD channels before the end of the year. The 50 additional HD channels by end of 2007 was announced about 6 to 8 weeks ago, with the plan to offer up to 100 HD through 2009, or as channels become available as real time 24/7 HD or at least 50/50 hd channels.

vegggas

I would lean more to what you are saying as 8 is a low number I think in New England we are up to 33(CT)/31(RI).

All locals (NBC,CBS,FOX,ABC,CW,PBS)
Discovery Home Theater
A&E
TNT
Universal
TBS
MOJO
CNNHD
HistoryHD
Discovery HD Theater
Science HD
Animal Planet HD
Discovery HD
TLC
National Geographic
NESN
NFL
NHL
ESPN
ESPN2
FSN
HBO
Cinemax
Showtime
Starz
MTVHD
YESHD (CT only except for Enfield)
MyTV9(CT only)

We also have HD OnDeamand (Movies, HBO, Cinemax)

Still waiting for Cox to cave in like Comcast and start negotiating with HDNet. Recently on a local talk show in RI, a Cox rep said that Cox wanted to offer HD quality to their customers, well HDNet is 100% HD, that along with the Mojo would make Cox have a very formidable lineup of HD Channels.

The 50 additional HD channels by end of 2007 was announced about 6 to 8 weeks ago.
vegggas

I think what was announced is that Cox would have the CAPACITY for 50 HD Channels by the end of 2007. I can't imagine we'll have that many channels in 6 weeks.

From my understanding many channels were already in negotiation so it is possible to actually have the 50 by then.

Any idea if Cox is negotiating for the Voom channel set, that would give them a big increase of channels? There are 14 or 15 in the Voom set I believe.

God I hope not. Those channels are a waste of electicity.

God I hope not. Those channels are a waste of electicity.

+1 there are other channels that I would hope would be added before those.

God I hope not. Those channels are a waste of electicity.

+2 I'd take one Sci Fi, Food Network or TLC in HD rather than the whole Voom package.

I'm assuming there's been no talk of Disney HD getting on Cox since it more than likely will be a couple of $ per customer like ESPN is....correct?

From what I understand, the SDV switch in Northern Virginia was supposed to be completed by September. I think they've added one channel (NFL-HD) since then here. What the heck is the holdup? At this point, I'm thinking seriously of switching to Directv.

+2 I'd take one Sci Fi, Food Network or TLC in HD rather than the whole Voom package.

The Food Channel and TLC are laready on Cox, its jsut a matter of time before it gets "pushed out" to the different regions. New England has had those channels as well as HGTVHD for weeks now. :)

I'm assuming there's been no talk of Disney HD getting on Cox since it more than likely will be a couple of $ per customer like ESPN is....correct?

I havent heard anything about that channel being released, but then again I didnt hear any rumors about some of the Channels they have released so far either.

The Food Channel and TLC are laready on Cox, its jsut a matter of time before it gets "pushed out" to the different regions. New England has had those channels as well as HGTVHD for weeks now. :)

Omaha only has TLCHD out of thoose three.

From what I understand, the SDV switch in Northern Virginia was supposed to be completed by September. I think they've added one channel (NFL-HD) since then here. What the heck is the holdup? At this point, I'm thinking seriously of switching to Directv.

Is FiOS available in your neighborhood? I live in Fairfax County (Franklin Glen) and have FiOS TV.

Omaha only has TLCHD out of thoose three.

Yeah as always since Cox seperates thier service into regions, SOme places will have channels otehrs will not. SOme are going to be slower in getting the HD channels and some will be quicker. New England is usually one of the last places to get new channels so it is kind of nice having the available channels. The big reason probably is that FIOS is pushing hard into our region and will be the 1st "official" competion Cox has had (There are others, but I dont count those).

Yeah as always since Cox seperates thier service into regions, SOme places will have channels otehrs will not. SOme are going to be slower in getting the HD channels and some will be quicker. New England is usually one of the last places to get new channels so it is kind of nice having the available channels. The big reason probably is that FIOS is pushing hard into our region and will be the 1st "official" competion Cox has had (There are others, but I dont count those).

I read somewhere that cox is going to consolidate the headends or something like that, so maybe some day we will see cox have a national HD lineup.

Is FiOS available in your neighborhood? I live in Fairfax County (Franklin Glen) and have FiOS TV.

Yes, but unless there's been a lot of additions recently FiOS HD choices aren't as good as Directv and only a little better than Cox.

Yes, but unless there's been a lot of additions recently FiOS HD choices aren't as good as Directv and only a little better than Cox.

I've had Cox, DirecTV, and now FiOS.

I had Cox in 1998. At that time they were horrible. I'm sure they must have improved or they wouldn't be in business now. As for their present HD selection, I can't comment. In 1998 their PQ was terrible. When a tech came out he fiddled with my connections both inside and outside the house. He eventually came back in and said proudly "how's that?". I said it really wasn't any better to which he responded "well, that's as good as it gets. With cable, you'll never get as good of a picture as you would with satellite". So I switched to DirecTV. :D

I had DirecTV from 1999 - 2005. In the beginning, I was very happy with D*. Their PQ was head and shoulders better than Cox. Then I got an HDTV. Wow! The HD PQ was astounding! As time passed I noticed the PQ degrade. I initially though it was my eyes, but then realized it wasn't. D* was introducing HD Lite. What a damn shame. But worse than the PQ degradation was D*'s continual DENIAL that their PQ was being compromised due to lack of bandwidth. "Our picture is 100% digital sir, it must be your TV". Yeah. :rolleyes:

Then FiOS became available, with promises of "unlimited bandwidth". I've had FiOS from February 2006 to now. I am happy with the SD PQ (although probably not as happy as some - I think my expectations were really high) and very happy with their HD PQ. Their HD channel selection is good (IMHO). Recently, with the new birds, D* has passed them in the number of HD channels. I also understand that people are very happy with the PQ of the new HD channels.

Right now, I get about 30 HD channels from FiOS. Their press announcement indicated that sometime in early-mid 2008, we would have double the amount (60), and 150 by the end of 2008. Not too shabby. Verizon is in the process of rolling HD VOD as well. Another thing to maybe consider is Verizon repeatedly states in their press announcements that they do not compress their HD channels - you get what they get from their source. AFAIK, neither D* nor Cox has ever made that statement.

Overall, I am happy with the choice I made switching from DirecTv to FiOS. The only thing I miss is NFL Sunday Ticket as I am a displaced Steeler fan.:(

Another thing to maybe consider is Verizon repeatedly states in their press announcements that they do not compress their HD channels - you get what they get from their source. AFAIK, neither D* nor Cox has ever made that statement.

.:(

Remember, E* also made that same statement about the Voom channels. They did, however, failed to mention they asked Vomm to reduce the resolution downt to 1440 x 1080 at the source. :cool:

From what I understand, the SDV switch in Northern Virginia was supposed to be completed by September. I think they've added one channel (NFL-HD) since then here. What the heck is the holdup? At this point, I'm thinking seriously of switching to Directv.

Ditto. At this point, if FIOS were to become available where I live (in the Kingstowne area), the only thing keeping me with Cox would be the hassle of switching email addresses and possibly phone numbers. Cox's delays on the HD front are becoming annoying.

Ditto. At this point, if FIOS were to become available where I live (in the Kingstowne area), the only thing keeping me with Cox would be the hassle of switching email addresses and possibly phone numbers. Cox's delays on the HD front are becoming annoying.Guess I need to check the latest FIOS HD lineup. Not sure what HD channel they offer that I want or that has any actual HD content, I generally don't watch sports. Also, did you hear that FIOS is raising their rates in January?

Looks like HDNET might finally be coming to Cox:
http://www.cox.com/ocpv/hdtv/new.asp

Looks like HDNET might finally be coming to Cox:
http://www.cox.com/ocpv/hdtv/new.asp

Strange considering they are suing DirecTV for putting them on a separate tier.

Cox New England added the Vs\Golf HD channel today current lineup is:

All locals (NBC,CBS,FOX,ABC,CW,PBS)
Discovery Home Theater
A&E
TNT
Universal
TBS
MOJO
CNNHD
HistoryHD
Discovery HD Theater
Science HD
Animal Planet HD
Discovery HD
TLC
HGTV
FOODTV
National Geographic
NESN
NFL
NHL
ESPN
ESPN2
FSN
Versus\Golf
HBO
Cinemax
Showtime
Starz
MTVHD
YESHD (CT only except for Enfield)
MyTV9(CT only)

We also have HD OnDeamand (Movies, HBO, Cinemax)

Strange considering they are suing DirecTV for putting them on a separate tier.

From what I can read HDNet is suing becasue of a contract breach. If Cox makes a contract that states that they are going to charge more then I dont think there will be an issue with it.

BTW for those of you in Cali I am jealous :p Ive wanted the HDNet channels for awhile now.

Cox New England added the Vs\Golf HD channel today current lineup is:

All locals (NBC,CBS,FOX,ABC,CW,PBS)
Discovery Home Theater
A&E
TNT
Universal
TBS
MOJO
CNNHD
HistoryHD
Discovery HD Theater
Science HD
Animal Planet HD
Discovery HD
TLC
National Geographic
NESN
NFL
NHL
ESPN
ESPN2
FSN
Versus\Golf
HBO
Cinemax
Showtime
Starz
MTVHD
YESHD (CT only except for Enfield)
MyTV9(CT only)

We also have HD OnDeamand (Movies, HBO, Cinemax)

You keep forgetting to add HGTV and Food Network, added about a week ago if memory serves. Channels 740 and 741, at least in RI.

Anyone know if there's any word on USA or SciFi?

You keep forgetting to add HGTV and Food Network, added about a week ago if memory serves. Channels 740 and 741, at least in RI.

Anyone know if there's any word on USA or SciFi?

:o :o :o shhhhhhh it wasnt on purpose: Edited the list and yes 740-741 in RI

Cox Communications Adds 11 New High-Definition Channels to Programming Lineup

Monday December 3, 1:57 pm ET

Cox now offers 31 HD channels; will launch dozens of additional high- definition channels in 2008

HERNDON, Va., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Northern Virginia announced today the launch of 11 new high-definition channels to its Fairfax County programming lineup, effective immediately. With these additions, Cox now offers a total of 31 high-definition channels, nearly double the amount of HD channels Cox offered at the beginning of 2007 and more than any local competitor.

"One of the things most important to our valued customers is the availability of compelling high-definition content," said Mark Snow, vice president of marketing for Cox Northern Virginia. "We are proud of the fact that we carry more HD channels than any of our local competitors here in Northern Virginia, and look forward to greatly expanding our high-definition offerings in 2008."

Effective immediately, Cox now offers the following new high-definition channels:

1. History Channel HD
2. The Science Channel HD
3. Animal Planet HD
4. CNN HD
5. Versus/Golf HD
6. TBS HD
7. Food Network HD
8. HGTV HD
9. TLC HD
10. Discovery HD
11. NHL Network HD

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/071203/nem100.html?.v=23

Omaha has some of those already.

We have 20 right know.

Cox Communications Adds 11 New High-Definition Channels to Programming Lineup

Monday December 3, 1:57 pm ET

Cox now offers 31 HD channels; will launch dozens of additional high- definition channels in 2008

HERNDON, Va., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Northern Virginia announced today the launch of 11 new high-definition channels to its Fairfax County programming lineup, effective immediately. With these additions, Cox now offers a total of 31 high-definition channels, nearly double the amount of HD channels Cox offered at the beginning of 2007 and more than any local competitor.

"One of the things most important to our valued customers is the availability of compelling high-definition content," said Mark Snow, vice president of marketing for Cox Northern Virginia. "We are proud of the fact that we carry more HD channels than any of our local competitors here in Northern Virginia, and look forward to greatly expanding our high-definition offerings in 2008."

Effective immediately, Cox now offers the following new high-definition channels:

1. History Channel HD
2. The Science Channel HD
3. Animal Planet HD
4. CNN HD
5. Versus/Golf HD
6. TBS HD
7. Food Network HD
8. HGTV HD
9. TLC HD
10. Discovery HD
11. NHL Network HD

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/071203/nem100.html?.v=23

Finally, that took a while. This brings the NoVA Cox lineup to 31 HD channels including locals(NBC, Fox, CBS, ABC, PBS, CW, MNTV), 22 without. Of course, these new HD channels are all on SDV for our system.

Finally, that took a while. This brings the NoVA Cox lineup to 31 HD channels including locals(NBC, Fox, CBS, ABC, PBS, CW, MNTV), 22 without. Of course, these new HD channels are all on SDV for our system.

There aren't that many channels that dont have SDTV counterparts. Cox new England most likely to counter the Fios rollout has had these channels for a few weeks now. We also have OnDemand HD for movies as well as Ondemand HD for HBO, Cinemax, Starz. Hopefully we can get HDNet like Orange County soon.

Cox Fredericksburg, VA has not yet added these channels, hopefully we will soon follow.

There aren't that many channels that dont have SDTV counterparts.I think you misread. He said SDV, switched digital video, not SDTV (as in standard defintion TV). :)

I think you misread. He said SDV, switched digital video, not SDTV (as in standard defintion TV). :)

Oppssss :o I did misread that.

I wonder if the addition in Northern Virginia also adds OnDemand HD for HBO, Starz, etc. The only HD OnDemand we have had were movies and a pretty limited selection of those.

Cox Communications Adds 11 New High-Definition Channels to Programming Lineup

Monday December 3, 1:57 pm ET

Cox now offers 31 HD channels; will launch dozens of additional high- definition channels in 2008

HERNDON, Va., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Northern Virginia announced today the launch of 11 new high-definition channels to its Fairfax County programming lineup, effective immediately. With these additions, Cox now offers a total of 31 high-definition channels, nearly double the amount of HD channels Cox offered at the beginning of 2007 and more than any local competitor.

"One of the things most important to our valued customers is the availability of compelling high-definition content," said Mark Snow, vice president of marketing for Cox Northern Virginia. "We are proud of the fact that we carry more HD channels than any of our local competitors here in Northern Virginia, and look forward to greatly expanding our high-definition offerings in 2008."

Effective immediately, Cox now offers the following new high-definition channels:

1. History Channel HD
2. The Science Channel HD
3. Animal Planet HD
4. CNN HD
5. Versus/Golf HD
6. TBS HD
7. Food Network HD
8. HGTV HD
9. TLC HD
10. Discovery HD
11. NHL Network HD

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/071203/nem100.html?.v=23

Noticed this last night when browsing my HD channels. It's about freakin' time.

Cox is set to add CNN HD, Discovery HD, Food Network HD, HGTV HD and Cinemax HD on tomorrow here in Baton Rouge. This will bring our total to 24.

Oklahoma CIty has over 30...some of the other forum members will be jealous that some here have Golf HD (not me!)!

Oklahoma CIty has over 30...some of the other forum members will be jealous that some here have Golf HD (not me!)!

We have it in New England, the sad part of it is I dont watch it. It will eb nice to see all of the tournaments next year that they carry in HD from the get go instead of dealing with SD for the first few days then getting HD on the weekend.

Cox is set to add CNN HD, Discovery HD, Food Network HD, HGTV HD and Cinemax HD on tomorrow here in Baton Rouge. This will bring our total to 24.

We got those today here in Lafayette. CNN HD is really well done, and it was a channel I had really wanted.

Enjoy!

-Ben

They turned them on a day early in Red Stick as well. It was a pleasant surprise when I got home last night.

I sent an email to Cox Fredericksburg to find out when we might be lucky enough to pick up the additional HD channels. Here is the response they gave me, they are pretty good about dancing around the questions and not really telling you anything.:(

Thank you for contacting our Cox Northern Virginia Online Customer Care

Team.

Cox is looking to extend the new line up into Fredericksburg as soon as

vital plant upgrades are completed. However at this time we do not have

a timeline that I can provide you. As for HDNet, we have provided the
request to our Marketing department for research in adding it to our
line up.

If you need additional information on other Cox products or services,
please visit our web site at http://www.cox.com/fairfax
We hope that we have been able to provide you with the information you
requested. If we have not, or if we can be of any additional service
to
you, please do not hesitate to contact us again.

My name is Margaret
Thank you for choosing Cox Communications, Your Friend in the Digital
Age!

Sincerely,
The Cox Northern Virginia Online Customer Care Team

You know, generally businesses have short and long term plans with dates attached to each project in the mix and I doubt Cox is any different. I'm quite sure that Cox-Fredericksburg, and other markets, know exactly when they plan on adding new HD channels. I understand why they don't release specific dates, but I can't think of any reason not to respond with at least a quarter (Q1, Q2, etc.) estimate. About the only thing all markets have in common is the canned response you got.

And, if the Cox-Fredericksburg Marketing Department doesn't already know that subs want HDNet and HDNet Movies, then they need to replace the department. Do they not understand We Want All HD Channels? :)

Cox Communications Adds 11 New High-Definition Channels to Programming Lineup

Monday December 3, 1:57 pm ET

Cox now offers 31 HD channels; will launch dozens of additional high- definition channels in 2008

HERNDON, Va., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Northern Virginia announced today the launch of 11 new high-definition channels to its Fairfax County programming lineup, effective immediately. With these additions, Cox now offers a total of 31 high-definition channels, nearly double the amount of HD channels Cox offered at the beginning of 2007 and more than any local competitor.

"One of the things most important to our valued customers is the availability of compelling high-definition content," said Mark Snow, vice president of marketing for Cox Northern Virginia. "We are proud of the fact that we carry more HD channels than any of our local competitors here in Northern Virginia, and look forward to greatly expanding our high-definition offerings in 2008."

Effective immediately, Cox now offers the following new high-definition channels:

1. History Channel HD
2. The Science Channel HD
3. Animal Planet HD
4. CNN HD
5. Versus/Golf HD
6. TBS HD
7. Food Network HD
8. HGTV HD
9. TLC HD
10. Discovery HD
11. NHL Network HD

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/071203/nem100.html?.v=23

Where I come from, 31 does not equal 50. So much for year end...

Where I come from, 31 does not equal 50. So much for year end...

Actually it was never said that there would be 50 channels. I think people took the statement that was made and made that assumption. What was said was that they would "like" there to be 50 and that was the plan. Things as we all know change and deals dont get made slowing down things. Right now we have about 33 not including HD OnDemand. Cox still has time to add channels before the end of the year as well. Also, when I was talking with a rep over the weekend when I ordered the fight over the phone and wanted it in HD they said HD PPV will be available hopefully by Spring 08 which is nice. Cox has been known to add channels 3-4 at a time and it wouldnt surprise me if they could add more. Right now though with the lack of HD programming I can see Cox not wanting to get the calls of "I have the HD channel where's the HD? Hopefully with the addition of the HDNet pair next week for Orange County this will mean that they get deployed sooner rather then later in the other Cox areas.

Honestly at this point its in the negotiations stage. Each area of Cox is tied together & independent.

Cox in Topeka Kansas has added CNN-HD, TBS-HD, TLC-HD and DISC-HD.

Looking over the Tulsa Cox lineup and noticed they don't list more than one channel available? OTA PBS has 4 HD channels but Cox is only showing one.

Looking over the Tulsa Cox lineup and noticed they don't list more than one channel available? OTA PBS has 4 HD channels but Cox is only showing one.

They couldn't have four HD channels, there simply isn't enough bandwidth to support that. More than likely they have one HD channel and three SD channels. In my market PBS has one HD channel and two SD sub-channels OTA.

Looking over the Tulsa Cox lineup and noticed they don't list more than one channel available? OTA PBS has 4 HD channels but Cox is only showing one.They have 4 digital channels, but digital does not equal HD. Only one will be HD and that's a big difference. In many cases, one of the 3 remaining channels is simply a copy of the HD channel. In any event, with 3 sub-channels, the HD channel can't have a very high bitrate either, though the latest technology may be still be able to produce a decent picture for what PBS tends to broadcast. I also believe all 4 channels are on cable, they just don't show up with the other HD channels if those are grouped together.

From their website:
OETA recently launched four standard definition digital channels in addition to its analog channel, including a high definition channel, providing a vast resource of noncommercial, educational and entertaining viewing options for Oklahomans - from the youngest to the oldest and everyone in between. Through its digital broadcasting abilities, OETA now provides a wealth of instructional programming on OETA YOU, the best in PBS children's programs on OETA KIDS, a rich resource of Oklahoma-specific films, public affairs shows and more on OETA OKLA and the best in PBS high definition programming on OETA HD. The digital revolution has enabled OETA to better serve Oklahomans and more completely fulfill the mission of public television statewide, truly providing something for everyone

Of all the channel lineups posted, I haven't seen mention of CST. Is this channel only available in the New Orleans area? I know they broadcast preseason New Orleans Saints games and many New Orleans Hornets games in HD on CST, so just wondering if that channel is distributed throughout the country.

Of all the channel lineups posted, I haven't seen mention of CST. Is this channel only available in the New Orleans area? I know they broadcast preseason New Orleans Saints games and many New Orleans Hornets games in HD on CST, so just wondering if that channel is distributed throughout the country.

It's not avalable in Omaha

Of all the channel lineups posted, I haven't seen mention of CST. Is this channel only available in the New Orleans area? I know they broadcast preseason New Orleans Saints games and many New Orleans Hornets games in HD on CST, so just wondering if that channel is distributed throughout the country.
We have that channel in the Pensacola/Fort Walton Beach Cox viewing area, but it is not in HD. I'm not a Saints or Hornets fan, so I don't watch it.

Of all the channel lineups posted, I haven't seen mention of CST. Is this channel only available in the New Orleans area? I know they broadcast preseason New Orleans Saints games and many New Orleans Hornets games in HD on CST, so just wondering if that channel is distributed throughout the country.

In New England I am guessing the equivalent would be the Comcast Sports Network. It shows the local sports sometimes, but from what I have seen most of the time it is off the air since we have other channels that over local sports.

CST is regional. They will show Hornets games in HD on Mojo-HD here in Baton Rouge.

I noticed there are a whole bunch of HD channels now on Sattelite and Cox still has not much more than they started with 3 or 4 years ago. Should I be switching to Satellite? Is Cox going to up the channels significantly? If so when?

Topics merged.

I noticed there are a whole bunch of HD channels now on Sattelite and Cox still has not much more than they started with 3 or 4 years ago. Should I be switching to Satellite? Is Cox going to up the channels significantly? If so when?Since this topic has been merged, you probably need to read back a couple of pages. You'll see that Cox is going to be adding ~12 more HD channels and VOD shortly with the goal of having over 80 by the end of the year. You can switch now if you want a bunch of channels with little or no actual HD, channels with yet more HD reruns, etc. To be sure, they do have channels with new HD stuff, but unless you are just unhappy with your current service, it doesn't seem prudent to switch just yet. Once you switch, you'll generally not be able to change your mind and go back without incurring a hefty fee. You can always cancel Cox if things don't pan out, but you can't just cancel DirecTV.

Thank you for the response--I like Cox--just been disappointed with a) there no increasing the size of the hard drives in the Motorola they use for DVR and b) the lack of HD programming.

Thank you for the response--I like Cox--just been disappointed with a) there no increasing the size of the hard drives in the Motorola they use for DVR and b) the lack of HD programming.

on the size of hard drive that's the only sizes they come in. If you want bigger let cox know to tell motorola. Scintific Atlanta also only use 120-160GB none bigger

on the size of hard drive that's the only sizes they come in. If you want bigger let cox know to tell motorola. Scintific Atlanta also only use 120-160GB none biggerI don't know about the Moto boxes, but at least the SA ones have SATA expansion to add external storage. It's still not as nice and useful as the Dish DVR way of doing it by offloading content via USB, but for those that need it, it's better than nothing. I record what I watch and watch what I record, so I have never filled my DVR in over 3 years of use. :)

I noticed there are a whole bunch of HD channels now on Sattelite and Cox still has not much more than they started with 3 or 4 years ago. Should I be switching to Satellite? Is Cox going to up the channels significantly? If so when?

I know some place in Orange county have more HD then the rest of the Cox Regions. I would love to have access to the HDnet duo, Ill even pay for it. Cox is usually VERY quiet about launching new HD channels, one day theyll just show up. I was thinking of switching, but changed my mind and decided to see what Cox does in the 1st half of the year. We already have VOD here in New England (HD Ondemand for HBO, Cinemax, Starz, and Movies) some of the pickings are slim, but its nice to have. My opinion would be to wait it out, see what they do.

EngadgetHD.com is reporting that Cox will be broadcasting Travel Channel HD. Does anyone have it yet? I haven't checked mine yet, the kids are busy playing Wii.

EngadgetHD.com is reporting that Cox will be broadcasting Travel Channel HD. Does anyone have it yet? I haven't checked mine yet, the kids are busy playing Wii.

Omaha customers recieved a postcard that said it's comming soon probably the same thing in your area.

With The WWE Going HD i just wonder how long Cox's will be with bringing USA, Sci-fi, in HD in the area just to say we still don't have CW in HD yet but go a few miles east in the franklin area its there. SMH

For some reason in the Louisiana area its real behind with HD (Lafayette, New Iberia area)

Yea, i was wondering the same thing. I see some people have USAHD and i was wondering if anyone had any info on when USAHD would be coming to the New England area. We already of the CW network, but not sci-fi, spike or USA.

Hampton Roads just announced 10 more channels but Sci-Fi & USA weren't in there.

Yea, i was wondering the same thing. I see some people have USAHD and i was wondering if anyone had any info on when USAHD would be coming to the New England area. We already of the CW network, but not sci-fi, spike or USA.

Youre not the only one waiting for those ;). Sci-Fi and the HDNets are the 3 most wanted channels in my book. Patiently waiting for those to go live. I hope COx gets Sci-Fi before BSG comes back for the final season.

One thing about Cox is that too much is left to local management. Cox makes all these nice sounding national announcements, but we are left with very little info on just what is happening in our little corners of the world, and more importantly, when. We are left to watch other markets get more channels and then to wonder when it will be our turn. Cox just doesn't realize that information, even information subject to change, breeds customer satisfaction and loyalty. :)

One thing about Cox is that too much is left to local management. Cox makes all these nice sounding national announcements, but we are left with very little info on just what is happening in our little corners of the world, and more importantly, when. We are left to watch other markets get more channels and then to wonder when it will be our turn. Cox just doesn't realize that information, even information subject to change, breeds customer satisfaction and loyalty. :)

I'm going to have to disagree DoubleDAZ. Most announcements are local, but people take them as National. When an announcement is made for NOVA for instance people think it means Hampton Roads as well.

I'm going to have to disagree DoubleDAZ. Most announcements are local, but people take them as National. When an announcement is made for NOVA for instance people think it means Hampton Roads as well.There are certainly those, but I'm talking more about announcements like the Gemstar/TVGuide press release awhile back, the Tivo press release quite awhile ago, and carriage agreements with various cablenets that don't immediately translate to those channels being carried nationwide. For example, it's great to know they reached an agreement with HGTV-HD, but how many Cox markets has it reached yet? Why announce it without some sort of timetable for carriage nationwide? Surely they have a schedule for those channels and all the other things they say are coming "in the digital age".

I realize too that some of these press releases do not originate with Cox, but certainly they can then add their own info to the Cox website, even if it's "Coming this year to a Cox market near you". I see all kinds of channels being added across the Cox landscape, but when I look at the Cox website, or the Cox-Phoenix website, there is just plain nothing other than the current "80 HD channels by the end of the year". Why don't they have a "Coming Soon" section that lists all the channels they have reached agreements with, what is included in the On-Demand rollout beginning next week here in Phoenix, a list of the 12 channels that are supposed to be added here in March, etc.? Even if the info is added by market, at least it's info we don't have now.

I'll give you another example of what I'm talking about. They are finally rolling out On-Demand here, Jan 31 starting in Scottsdale. However, there is no info on which area is next, what channels are included, etc. For all I know, I might not see it until December and that certainly doesn't keep folks from jumping ship. I try to tell folks stuff is coming, but that only goes so far without being able to link to some hard info.

I've been watching all this HD stuff with Cox for over 5 years now and there is absolutely nothing they have done over those 5 years that they couldn't have advertised in such a way as to keep customers informed without missing dates. In fact, the only implementation they missed in all that time is the digital simulcast. Fortunately, I was "in the loop" at the time, so people who read our local forum were kept up to date, but it is info that should have been readily available on their website IMHO. And, that's all it is, my opinion. :)

I noticed that "Generation Cox" is now advertising a wonderful new feature, "Cox Rhapsody". So now you can pay for Rhapsody on your Cox bill. Wow what a feature. The ad gave the url http://music.cox.net for more information. I went there and didn't find a thing for use Phoenix folks.

BTW I found this press release that says this was supposed to happen in 2006. I hope our other promised upgrades don't take so long.
http://www.realnetworks.com/company/press/releases/2006/real_cox.html

BTW I found this press release that says this was supposed to happen in 2006. I hope our other promised upgrades don't take so long.
http://www.realnetworks.com/company/press/releases/2006/real_cox.htmlTrouble is they technically meet the ETA if they release it to any Cox market. FWIW, I found this link for Cox-Rhode Island:

http://rhodeisland.cox.net/cci/entertainmentmusic/coxmain/entertainment/rhapsody/product_details.html

Trouble is they technically meet the ETA if they release it to any Cox market. FWIW, I found this link for Cox-Rhode Island
After I posted I saw several cities where it is available. Just another case of us residents of the Valley of the Sun getting things last from Cox.

kingpcgeek,
i'm in middle georgia and right there with you w/ the lacking HD on cox. we just got TBS HD about a month ago (which is a complete waste of an HD channel). i've emailed the cox people here and all i get are canned responses that they are always working to add more channels. we have a channel request form on the website, but i have never heard from any manager, who the messages are supposed to go to. i put in a request form every week for the last month or so. the cox website here is so pathetic the lineup still has INHD and INHD2 on it. it would be nice to at least here SOMETHING, like they are working to add some HD channels and maybe what ones they plan on adding. really sux, that we pay the same amount per month and yet get shafted in the HD area.

After I posted I saw several cities where it is available. Just another case of us residents of the Valley of the Sun getting things last from Cox.Yeah, it really sucks to be too big. :D

i'm in middle georgia and right there with you w/ the lacking HD on cox. we just got TBS HD about a month ago (which is a complete waste of an HD channel).I know we complain a lot here in Phoenix, but I just took a look at your HD lineup and I'm thankful I'm here. :)

I gave up emailing awhile ago until I hear Cox has a national agreemnt for something I really want in HD. So many channels are broadcasting in HD now, but they have virtually no HD content, so I really don't care to have them yet, and TBS-HD is one of those. We are due to get 12 more HD channels in March, so that will help, but I suspect SciFi won't be one of them and that's one I'd really like (for the next BSG season). Hopefully, all Cox markets will actually be up to 80 HD channels by the end of the year and we'll have something else to talk about. :)

double,
how did you find out that you were supposed to get more in March? i wish i knew when we were supposed to get some more. don't care what, just want more.

mchais1,

Our local Cox website had the date up at one time, but have since removed it in favor of advertising the 80 HD channels by year-end. AFAIK, the 12 are still supposed to come though. They are beginning to roll out OnDemand starting next week, so we shall see how all this really goes. It could be that they are hedging their bets in case something goes wrong with the OnDemand rollout. I guess it will roll out one head-end at a time until complete.

DoubleDAZ, Has OnDemand appeared for you yet? I am just curious because we are still waiting for it here in Santa Barbara, CA as well.

I have hoped for several months now that we would get ANY new HD channels, but I think the last one added was National Geographic.

DoubleDAZ, Has OnDemand appeared for you yet? I am just curious because we are still waiting for it here in Santa Barbara, CA as well.

I have hoped for several months now that we would get ANY new HD channels, but I think the last one added was National Geographic.In a word, No. It appears that the much anticipated addition of OnDemand has been delayed, but we won't know for sure until Thursday/Friday when it was supposed to debut in Scottsdale. Someone got an email from Cox (responding to a question about OnDemand) saying the EON upgrade has been delayed, but we don't know yet if the CSR was confused and meant VOD or if the EON delay affects both OnDemand and the new channels we were supposed to get in March. I'll let you know if something turns up this weekend. As usual, getting accurate, concise info from Cox is worse than pulling teeth. :)

well i just signed up for Dish Network. Going to change my order to the HD standalone package on Friday once available. Tired of Cox dragging their feet in Middle Georgia. Dish maybe lower quality than Cox, but I calculated I will save $13/month, lose ALL SD channels, get all the channels I watch in HD (lite), and still be able to receive the sports packages (like Center Ice). If anyone else happened to be interested in doing this, I will post my findings once I get everything installed.

well i just signed up for Dish Network. Going to change my order to the HD standalone package on Friday once available. Tired of Cox dragging their feet in Middle Georgia. Dish maybe lower quality than Cox, but I calculated I will save $13/month, lose ALL SD channels, get all the channels I watch in HD (lite), and still be able to receive the sports packages (like Center Ice). If anyone else happened to be interested in doing this, I will post my findings once I get everything installed.

I'm curious what your experience will be. I used to have Cox in Middle Ga. I wasn't impressed by them. I have Cox Gulfcoast now and it is better than the GA one. We have History Channel HD, TLC HD and the other new ones that just came out. I really don't like how Cox won't tell you what their future plans are. Let us know about the Dish HD package

cerk,

I wish I could have cable with DirecTV channels and Dish's DVR. :) I expect to have the channels by the end of the year and, if Cox comes through with their Passport-based software by then, that will be a step in the right direction. The next step will be retail DVRs where one can opt for some bells and whistles, especially in the storage capacity arena. I haven't used a Dish DVR, but off-loading content via USB sounds much easier than SATA.

cerk,

I wish I could have cable with DirecTV channels and Dish's DVR. :) I expect to have the channels by the end of the year and, if Cox comes through with their Passport-based software by then, that will be a step in the right direction. The next step will be retail DVRs where one can opt for some bells and whistles, especially in the storage capacity arena. I haven't used a Dish DVR, but off-loading content via USB sounds much easier than SATA.

passport based? Hmmmmm isnt that what we (at least in New England) have now? When you reboot the DVR is has a "Passport" splash screen.

passport based? Hmmmmm isnt that what we (at least in New England) have now? When you reboot the DVR is has a "Passport" splash screen.Yes, some cableco's use today's version of Passport that was produced by Aptiv, but Aptiv was bought by Gemstar/TVGuide back in April 2007 and they have been working on a new tru2way (OCAP) version for Cox and Comcast (TWC is converting to their in-house Navigator). Also, since Cox has a license for it (vice just a lease), they willbe able to add to it. I have no idea what the new version will look like or if it will have more functionality than the current Passport. All the press releases say is "Passport-based" and that's why I used the term.

Yes, some cableco's use today's version of Passport that was produced by Aptiv, but Aptiv was bought by Gemstar/TVGuide back in April 2007 and they have been working on a new tru2way (OCAP) version for Cox and Comcast (TWC is converting to their in-house Navigator). Also, since Cox has a license for it (vice just a lease), they willbe able to add to it. I have no idea what the new version will look like or if it will have more functionality than the current Passport. All the press releases say is "Passport-based" and that's why I used the term.

Cool :) .....Ive had a few issues with the current software, but I think thats more related to the Box and not the software. Hopefully they do something special with the software. also, I thought Cox was going to use TiVO??? Did that deal fall through or would this be in addition to the Passport Software.

Cool :) .....Ive had a few issues with the current software, but I think thats more related to the Box and not the software. Hopefully they do something special with the software. also, I thought Cox was going to use TiVO??? Did that deal fall through or would this be in addition to the Passport Software.No, that deal did not fall through, but they did scrap plans for a non-tru2way version because the timing was too close and it took too long to finish the Moto port for Comcast. There is no sense in doing that same port for SA and then turn riight around to do a tru2way version. There is a Comcast/Tivo thread here if you want to read about the problems they have run into, etc. It does cost an extra $2.95, I believe, and remember, it uses Comcast's hardware/database, not Tivo's, so some functions are missing, though I don't think they are significant ones.

Also, when I say a new Passport-based version, I don't know if we will first get the current version with a new one to follow later. The press release could have just said Passport, but it went out of it's way to say Passport-based which would lead one to believe it will be a try2way version, hopefully with some enhancements, when we get it later this year. My understanding is that Passport actually already has an update (2.7), but no one seems to be using it. Passport is predominately used by TWC and they are moving to Navigator.

Cool :) .....Ive had a few issues with the current software, but I think thats more related to the Box and not the software. Hopefully they do something special with the software. also, I thought Cox was going to use TiVO??? Did that deal fall through or would this be in addition to the Passport Software.
Cox and TiVo made a deal in August 2006 for the deployment of TiVo software on Cox’s DVRs:

http://www.betanews.com/article/Cox_TiVo_Sign_Deployment_Agreement/1156441512

I haven’t been able to find another definitive word about it since, though.

TiVo announced in August 2007 that Comcast was funding TiVo's development efforts to provide TiVo software to run on Comcast’s Scientific Atlanta DVRs:

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6473092.html

Cox seems not to be involved in this, though.

There has been speculation that Cisco, who has acquired Scientific Atlanta, was working with TiVo on its development efforts for the SA boxes:

http://www.tivolovers.com/category/dvr/scientific-atlanta/

I have heard that the TiVo's development efforts for the SA boxes is progressing very slowly and that we won’t see TiVo software on SA DVRs until 2009, if then.

You may have seen that the rollout of the TiVo software onto Comcast’s Motorola boxes in New England has been a mess. The software is, apparently, unacceptably buggy, although the rollout came many months later than originally anticipated.

I am a Cox OKC subscriber and they use SA boxes exclusively. Because of the ongoing delays and problems with TiVo's development efforts for Comcast’s and Cox’s DVRs, I am not optimistic that I will be able to get the TiVo software through Cox anytime soon.

The SA Tivo port has always been intended as an OCAP based product. The main delays are now upgrades to headends running OCAP/tru2way systems. Cox and Comcast have announced over 80% penetration to OCAP/tru2way headends through the end of 2008 in their systems.
The Moto port for Comcast was the priority launch. Cox and Tivo are not allowed to use that port on their Moto STB's until Comcast reaches some amount of confidential penetration level based on a limited exclusivity clause. The SA port will be rolled out in the same manner once released.

vegggas

The SA Tivo port has always been intended as an OCAP based product. The main delays are now upgrades to headends running OCAP/tru2way systems. Cox and Comcast have announced over 80% penetration to OCAP/tru2way headends through the end of 2008 in their systems.
The Moto port for Comcast was the priority launch. Cox and Tivo are not allowed to use that port on their Moto STB's until Comcast reaches some amount of confidential penetration level based on a limited exclusivity clause. The SA port will be rolled out in the same manner once released.
Vegggas – Thanks for the additional background. Despite the priority being given to the Comcast Moto port of the TiVo software, the rollout in New England has apparently been hampered by a distressing number of bugs. It appears that it will be a looooong time before we Cox customers with SA boxes can get the TiVo software. Oh well, I’ll have my TiVo S3 in the meantime.

Speaking of the Tivo S3, rumor has it that Tivo is discontinuing it:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/31/tivo-killing-off-the-series3-focusing-on-tivo-hd/

No, that deal did not fall through, but they did scrap plans for a non-tru2way version because the timing was too close and it took too long to finish the Moto port for Comcast. There is no sense in doing that same port for SA and then turn riight around to do a tru2way version. There is a Comcast/Tivo thread here if you want to read about the problems they have run into, etc. It does cost an extra $2.95, I believe, and remember, it uses Comcast's hardware/database, not Tivo's, so some functions are missing, though I don't think they are significant ones.

Also, when I say a new Passport-based version, I don't know if we will first get the current version with a new one to follow later. The press release could have just said Passport, but it went out of it's way to say Passport-based which would lead one to believe it will be a try2way version, hopefully with some enhancements, when we get it later this year. My understanding is that Passport actually already has an update (2.7), but no one seems to be using it. Passport is predominately used by TWC and they are moving to Navigator.

Cox Omaha is using PassportPort Echo (DVR2.7 and Passport DCT2.7(NonDvr)

Speaking of the Tivo S3, rumor has it that Tivo is discontinuing it:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/31/tivo-killing-off-the-series3-focusing-on-tivo-hd/
That’s possible, of course, but the report was wildly speculative. As the guy who wrote it said, himself: “[W]e'd still take this with a (light) dose of salt for the time being.” Me, too. :)

Cox Omaha is using PassportPort Echo (DVR2.7 and Passport DCT2.7(NonDvr)Is 2.7 significantly different from 2.6 or just minor tweaks?

Is 2.7 significantly different from 2.6 or just minor tweaks?

there wasn't a 2.6 it went from 2.5 to 2.7 the biggest thing was a free space indicator.

Omaha is a motorola system.

Is 2.7 significantly different from 2.6 or just minor tweaks?

Is there a way I can check the software version of the Passport software that Cox New England uses? I think in new England we only use Moto Boxes, I think they "phased out" SA a long time ago (as far as dgital\HD boxes go), I could be wrong though.

I can say though that I am not upset with the software we have now, there are a few quirks here and there, but overall I am "satisfied". Sometimes the Menus dont appear with Ondemand and the box needs to be rest in order to view them. Again I think the Moto boxes could be at fault here though. The boxes can get very warm even with proper ventilation, I am about to return one this weekend, because due to the heat it is failing out constantly needs to be rebooted, the HD is always running load on this one as well. Hopefully the replacement works better then the 1st one.

Is there a way I can check the software version of the Passport software that Cox New England uses? I think in new England we only use Moto Boxes, I think they "phased out" SA a long time ago (as far as dgital\HD boxes go), I could be wrong though.

I can say though that I am not upset with the software we have now, there are a few quirks here and there, but overall I am "satisfied". Sometimes the Menus dont appear with Ondemand and the box needs to be rest in order to view them. Again I think the Moto boxes could be at fault here though. The boxes can get very warm even with proper ventilation, I am about to return one this weekend, because due to the heat it is failing out constantly needs to be rebooted, the HD is always running load on this one as well. Hopefully the replacement works better then the 1st one.


what box do you have dvr, or regular? if you have the dvr press menu on the remote to bring up the quick menu and press b,up,down,b and it should say what the versions are?

there wasn't a 2.6 it went from 2.5 to 2.7 the biggest thing was a free space indicator.Thanks.

Omaha is a motorola system.I already assumed that. :)

Most of the heat is caused by the return signal or upstream amplification required to get signals back to the node. Every 3 to 3.5db in signal strength is double the power output. The STB has to autorange up to the minimum level needed to talk back to the headend. A typical level should be between 37 to 44db. At 47.5 db it's doubled, then at 51 db, its then doubled again, etc. To put a STB in the same cabled environment will probably produce the same result. - Imagine an audio power amplifier, where 37db is relative to 50 Watts and the heat that it puts out. At 40.5=100W, 44=200W, 47.5=400W, 51=800W, 55=1600W - Now that's getting HOT - This is not exactly the same comparison (for all you RF experts ot there) but you get the idea.
Just as a 2-way splitter will halve the incoming power, it will require twice as much power to overcome that splitter to get back upsstream. RF Surge protectors are notorious for impeding the forward and return signals of cable paths as much as -10db.

vegggas

what box do you have dvr, or regular? if you have the dvr press menu on the remote to bring up the quick menu and press b,up,down,b and it should say what the versions are?

DVR...I will test that out when I get home, thank you for the help :)

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6529086.html

Q&A: Cox’s Steve Necessary (Cox Corporate VP of Video Product Development and Support)

George Winslow -- Multichannel News, 2/4/2008 4:12:00 PM
As the satellite operators and telcos tout their ability to deliver more HD tonnage than cable, major operators are scrambling to free up bandwidth for bulked-up HD packages. Cox Communications vice president of video product development and support Steve Necessary spoke to HD Update about the “tool box” Cox is using to free bandwidth for more high-def content. An edited transcript follows:

Q: We’ve seen a lot of very dramatic announcements about the amount of HD channels satellite and telcos will be offering this year. Is this marketing hype or does it mean that they are ahead of cable in terms of the amount of HD channels they can offer?

A: There is a lot of rhetoric. But I suspect that it is rhetoric that passes legal muster. We all have lawyers and they look at everything. So, one would have to assume that the tonnage claims are backed by fact.

That said, the fundamental question behind those claims is simple. How much of that tonnage does the consumer actually care about?

If 20 of those channels or some large number of the channels being offered are regional sports networks, what’s the value in that? Most of us are not very interested in out-of-market regional sports.

You can also make the same argument about some of the unbranded content or niche content that is part of those packages. The channels that have strong name appeal will have highest value for consumers. Having a large number of channels that no one knows about will have commensurately less value.

But when you peel that onion, you see that we are offering the same amount of high value content. Then, on top of that cable has the advantage of being able to augment its high-def offering by literally orders of magnitude with the choices you’ll find in our HD on-demand offering.

So we are not particularly worried about tonnage itself. Ultimately quality is what matters. We are confident that our variety of choices will ultimately dwarf the number of HD choices that satellite can offer.

Q: That will require a lot more bandwidth. What are you doing to get the capacity for more HD choices?

A: The good news is that we have a pretty good tool box. We basically are using all of the tools at our disposal.

A quick laundry list would be bandwidth expansion -- we’ve taken all of our markets or are in the process of taking all of our markets to at least 860MHz. We are deploying switched digital video in several markets. We are selectively and modestly looking to take away analogue channels, which frees up capacity.

We are also looking to increase our compression ratios, which you have to do carefully so it doesn’t have a negative impact on signal quality. But there are some things that can and are being done that yield great pictures with a little less bandwidth with MPEG-2, and in the future MPEG-4 will be another tool in that mix.

Last but not least, is the physical architecture of our systems. You can reduce node sizes so that your capacity -- particularly your on-demand capacity -- is shared over a smaller footprint, which effectively increases the capacity in that node.

So we have a pretty full tool box. We are very confident that with the number of tools we have available that we will be able to provide a superior HD experience for our customers.

Q: What is your timetable for switched digital?

A: We have it operational in our Northern Virginia system and then we have two other large markets in the deploying in the first half of this year, Phoenix Arizona and Orange County California.

Q: How much new HD content have you added as a result of switched digital in Virginia?

A: It will obviously allow us to add more. But, Cox has a very high emphasis on quality. So we have been and will continue to be very deliberate in assessing the utilization and how much bandwidth actually gets freed up by switched digital before we try to fill all that capacity back up.

Said differently, the last thing we want is for a customer to turn to a channel and get an error message that says that channel is not available. We have not had that scenario and hope to never have that scenario. It is working very well and we are very encouraged by that.

Q: What are you dong in the area of compression?

A: The typical implementation of high definition would mean that we would carry that content on a system at somewhere around 19 Mbps.

We have found that with improved MPEG-2 encoders, that we can get equally good pictures to the eye in the 13 Mbps to 14 Mbps. So basically, that means you can squeeze three high-definition channels into one of the 6 MHz blocks instead of 2 channels.

Q: With increasing broadband speeds, do you have plans to offer more HD content online?

A: There is an opportunity to utilize the IP path as a means of delivering video. But our plans for it would at best be considered nascent. Frankly there are easier and more efficient ways to deliver HD content with MPEG-2 over QAM as opposed to MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 over an IP path. Yeah, it is ultimately another tool but it is a tool that we will leave at the bottom of the box for a while.

vegggas

I am seeing some of the national three HD per QAM testing channels and it looks on par or better than current encoding with 2 HD's per QAM. The new generation Mpeg2 encoders are surpassing early generation Mpeg4 encoders while maintaining mpeg2 compatibility.
The time is getting closer to a national distribution instead of individual upgrades.

vegggas

vegggas

Thanks for the info!

so is COX OKC using a newer DVR than the SA 8300 now?? Mine gets glitchy every 6 weeks or so!

Second article found here:
http://www.cedmagazine.com/Article-CED-Upfront-020108.aspx

Cox Communications is preparing to expand the use of Gemstar-TV Guide’s Passport interactive program guide (IPG) from its Motorola systems to its Scientific Atlanta systems this year, and in December, the MSO negotiated a new multi-year deal with the IPG vendor.

The deal includes product agreements covering Gemstar-TV Guide’s native and tru2way – formerly OpenCable Application Platform – versions of Passport. And the contract covers various features and services of My TV Guide, including remote record. Cox also negotiated for an IPG patent license.
Part of the promise of tru2way is the ability to support any software on any set-top box (STB). One of the most prominent examples envisioned by MSOs has been propagating a single IPG across their entire footprints to provide a consistent look-and-feel and brand identity, as well as a consistent interface for common features and applications.

Cox said that it selected Passport as the common IPG largely because of its performance as a gateway for on-demand services.

“This is critically important today and will be even more so in the future as our video services become increasingly interactive,” said Steve Necessary, Cox’s vice president of video strategy and product management. “This will enable all of our customers to benefit from the same user interface and take advantage of similar applications across disparate set-top box hardware environments.”

And in January, Cox chose NDS’ IEX system as the operator’s preferred automated STB testing solution, which will replace manual testing equipment.

After successfully testing an IEX server for the past year on the Scientific Atlanta platform, Cox decided to expand its automated testing program using IEX and to extend automation to include Motorola STBs, as well.

NDS’ solution combines hardware and software to automatically test all interactive applications on STBs operating in both cable and telecom environments. The system can test anything from changing the channel to launching an electronic program guide (EPG), ordering a PPV movie or playing an interactive game through the remote control.

“NDS’ automated IEX testing system turns around fast and accurate results, which we are using to increase our efficiency and to decrease turnaround time in launching new services,” said Bjorn Andersson, lead QA system engineer for Cox.
http://www.cedmagazine.com/uploadedImages/Ced/articles/0208-UPfront-2.jpg
vegggas

I think it will be 2009-2010 until Motorla areas see any upgraded features.

I have a SA Explorer 8240 HD DVR from Cox, and for some strange reason it will break up the Sarah Connor Chronicles into multiple recordings. These recordings will range from 1 - 26 minutes. Luckily the breaks always seem to happen on commercials. Does anyone have a similar problem with their DVRs? It only happens on this one show.

Cox in Western Arkansas recently added CNN HD, TBS HD, TLC HD, Discovery HD, NFL HD, HGTV HD, Food HD, History HD, Travel HD, Animal Planet HD, Science HD, and Versus/Golf HD.

Previously, we had TNT HD, A&E HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD Theater, Universal HD, Mojo, National Geo HD, and MHD.

Cox in Western Arkansas recently added TLC HD, , NFL HD, History HD, Travel HD, Animal Planet HD, Science HD, and Versus/Golf HD.


Cox is due to add these networks in early April '08 in Baton Rouge along with The Weather Channel and Cox Sports Television. We have the others you listed already.

What's the latest on the Gemstar/TV Guide IPG? Anyone heard anything new? Anyone seen it?

What's the latest on the Gemstar/TV Guide IPG? Anyone heard anything new? Anyone seen it?

cox is sticking with passport and passport echo and moving SA over also.

cox is sticking with passport and passport echo and moving SA over also.Thanks, I know that. I'm asking about this from vegggas' post back in Feb:
The deal includes product agreements covering Gemstar-TV Guide’s native and tru2way – formerly OpenCable Application Platform – versions of Passport. And the contract covers various features and services of My TV Guide, including remote record. Cox also negotiated for an IPG patent license.

Thanks, I know that. I'm asking about this from vegggas' post back in Feb:

I would think Motorola areas would see updates first since we use passport software already. The Passport software looks cool. The only thing I am woundering about is is Motorola areas use Passport DCT, not Plain passport that's for SA platform.

How to input channels that show up as 0-xxx ?
My TV has a dozen of channels that are below 1.
The display as 0-xxx, they should be at xxx.
My remote/TV cannot execute 0-xxx, although it can do eg. 35-1.

How to input channels that show up as 0-xxx ?
My TV has a dozen of channels that are below 1.
The display as 0-xxx, they should be at xxx.
My remote/TV cannot execute 0-xxx, although it can do eg. 35-1.

what happens if you enter the channel number and then press enter or select? what model of tv?

what happens if you enter the channel number and then press enter or select? what model of tv?Might want to give some specific examples too, 0-xxx doesn't say much.

Might want to give some specific examples too, 0-xxx doesn't say much.

I Think I get what he is trying to say....He is talking about what his QAM tuner "pulled" when he did a scan. He is saying that supposedly his TV picked up Channels that were in the following format "0-XXX(i.e. 0-014). I have never seen anything below 1, so this may jsut be a "fluke"of his scan. Sometimes the QAM will pick up channels that are "mapped" but will carry no signal. Usually and I think always Cox has all channels in the greater than 1 category(ie 85-11). IMO its probably jsut a fluke of the scan, and just to ignore those channels.

Ph8te,

That's my assumption as well and why I thought some specifics might help. I think he has Cox here in Phoenix, but this is the first time I've seen this issue mentioned. Usually it's that 1 or more channels in our list didn't get picked up by the scan, etc. :)

Cox Phoenix went to 0-xxx mappings for the local broadcast stations a few months ago. For example, CBS HD is on 705 using a set-top box, and maps to 0-705 when using a QAM tuner. All of my tuners can access them just like any other digital channel.

Cox Phoenix went to 0-xxx mappings for the local broadcast stations a few months ago. For example, CBS HD is on 705 using a set-top box, and maps to 0-705 when using a QAM tuner. All of my tuners can access them just like any other digital channel.So what do you enter when you want to tune CBS-HD; 0-705, 0.705, 0705, or just 705?

0-705 on my Samsung, 0.705 on my parents' Sharp, and 705 on my Cox-provided SA4240.

My Phillips DVDR refuses to tune a 0.xxx channel number.

My Phillips DVDR refuses to tune a 0.xxx channel number.So how do you tune CBS-HD? 106.2? Do the 0.xxx channels show up in a scan? I take it they don't?

Coming soon to Oklahoma City and Tulsa:

USA HD (732)
Sci-Fi HD (752)
Lifetime HD (759)
Bravo HD (763)
CNBC HD (784)
Weather Channel HD (785)

http://cox.com/oklahoma/hdtv/hdchannels.asp

Coming soon to Oklahoma City and Tulsa:

USA HD (732)
Sci-Fi HD (752)
Lifetime HD (759)
Bravo HD (763)
CNBC HD (784)
Weather Channel HD (785)

http://cox.com/oklahoma/hdtv/hdchannels.asp
That’s a start, anyway. I am particularly glad to see that Cox OKC is adding Sci-Fi HD, it’s been a long time coming. I am beginning to wonder whether they are going to pickup Golf HD in my lifetime. Oh, well, thank God for small favors.

Cox Turns To NDS For Guidance

Operator Expects Wide-Scale Launch Of New On-Screen Guide In 2009

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 5/13/2008 2:00:00 AM

Cox Communications has tapped NDS Group to create an on-screen guide that will merge all of its digital video services into a single, consistent interface designed for big-screen TVs.

The new guide, which Cox expects to begin widely deploying in 2009, will take the place of the Aptiv guide from Gemstar-TV Guide (now part of Macrovision) as the operator’s primary set-top application, running on Motorola and Cisco Systems' Scientific Atlanta set-tops. Cox currently has about 3.1 million digital cable customers.

“There’s no question that as the expansion of content offerings continues to grow geometrically, if not exponentially, there needed to be a better way to navigate that content,” said Steve Necessary, Cox’s vice president of video strategy and product management. “The reality is, that’s not an area where the industry has necessarily excelled.”

The new NDS guide, optimized for 16:9 high-definition screens, will integrate linear TV listings, video-on-demand services, digital video recorder (DVR) and interactive applications, into a centralized interface.

While the guide is still under development, Cox’s priority for the project is to improve basic video-navigation features. For example, it will include an integrated search function spanning a viewer’s DVR recordings, the on-demand library and live TV programs.

“The goal is to make is simple, consistent and intuitive,” Necessary said. “Those are easy words to say, but when you try to productize that it becomes amazingly challenging at times.”

Future elements Cox and NDS expect to add to the guide include enhanced personalization features, such as support for multiple users per household, as well as social networking features to let friends and family members recommend programs to each another.

“Part of the active debate for us internally is which [features] will make the first phase versus the second phase,” Necessary said. “We think the inherent navigation features of the new guide will be substantially better, so there’s a bit more urgency there.”

Under the multiyear agreement, Cox is providing input and overall direction but NDS is developing the actual lines of code. Cox is already using NDS’ IEX solution for automated set-top box testing.

Necessary said Cox chose to work with NDS because it is “skilled in execution,” especially with tru2way applications (the consumer brand of CableLabs’ OpenCable interactive TV specification). He noted that NDS has worked with South Korean cable operators to deploy tru2way-based guides.

Cox’s decision to outsource the development of its next guide differs from the paths picked by Comcast, which established a joint venture with Gemstar-TV Guide to create i-Guide, and Time Warner Cable, which handles guide development in-house.

“On this initiative, I’m actually quite happy that we’ve reached outside the company, not only for assistance on the science of user-interface design but also on the execution,” Necessary said.

On the other hand, DirecTV uses NDS-supplied set-top box software and on-screen guides. Did that give Cox executives pause?

That “was clearly a topic of conversation” internally at Cox, Necessary said. The company’s conclusion, though, was that NDS’ experience with the satellite operator was “a clear positive.”

“Suffice it to say, we got comfortable with the integrity of NDS being capable and willing to keep the intellectual property separate,” Necessary added.

With the new guide from NDS, Cox will pursue a “bifurcated” guide strategy. On standard-definition set-tops already in use, Cox will standardize on the Aptiv guide, phasing out the Scientific Atlanta Residential Application (SARA) guide in systems where that is still in use. Current HD boxes will be migrated to the NDS-developed guide.

Cox is also preparing to launch a TiVo-branded service in its New England market. “That’s marching forward,” Necessary said. Comcast launched its TiVo-based service in Boston and surrounding areas in the first quarter of the year.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6560249.html

Lifetime Links Cox HD Deal

Lifetime HD Becomes Available To Operator’s Subs In June

By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 5/14/2008 11:04:00 AM

Lifetime Networks has reached an agreement with Cox Communications to launch all of the company’s new multi-platform channels.

The deal, terms of which were not disclosed, encompasses Lifetime Television HD, Lifetime Movie Network HD, Lifetime On Demand and Lifetime Movie Network Espanol On Demand.

According to the parties, Cox will begin rolling out Lifetime HD to its subscribers next month, when the HD channel and Lifetime’s linear network will bow the second season of hit series Army Wives on June 8 and showcase original telefilm adaptation of Jodi Picoult’s best-seller The Tenth Circle June 28.

"This deal with Cox underscores the importance of offering women the products and services they want,” said Lifetime Networks executive vice president of distribution Lori Conkling. “Our recent research shows that many women want to add our popular channels to their high-definition package, with 85% of women 18 to 54 saying they are interested in watching movies in high-definition. We look forward to working with Cox as they make our new services available throughout the year to their customers.”

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6560971.html

My Phillips DVDR refuses to tune a 0.xxx channel number.

I bought a new Sharp LCD TV recently that can tune to these channels, but its very quirky. If I press the <Ch up> button, it will go to the next 0.xxx channel, but if I press <Ch down>, the tuner gets confused and exits out to analog channel 99. That's not too convenient since pressing <Ch up> from here takes me to 100.xx, a long way from the 0.xxx channels!

I bought a new Sharp LCD TV recently that can tune to these channels, but its very quirky. If I press the <Ch up> button, it will go to the next 0.xxx channel, but if I press <Ch down>, the tuner gets confused and exits out to analog channel 99. That's not too convenient since pressing <Ch up> from here takes me to 100.xx, a long way from the 0.xxx channels!

This doesn't sound like a Cox issue, it's probably an issue with your TVs QAM tuner. You may have more luck posting in a Sharp owners' thread.

Upon review of the PSIP standard, the problem is Cox's noncompliant use of major channel 0. The PSIP standard allows for major channels of 1-999 to be used for cable.
ATSC A/65C, Annex G, section 3.3:
[...] For terrestrial broadcast, the major channel number is limited to the range 1 to 99 for ATSC digital television or audio services. For cable, major channel numbers may range from 1 to 999.
For minor channel numbers, this Standard specifies that zero shall be used for NTSC analog television services, 1 to 99 for ATSC digital television or audio only services, or 1 to 999 for data services. Minor channel numbers for cable, on the other hand, have no restrictions on use: they can range from 0 to 999 for any type of service.
Guess I will have to email my contact who got Cox Phoenix to fix the PSIP in the first place and have him bug Cox again to get it fixed.

Cox Turns To NDS For Guidance

Operator Expects Wide-Scale Launch Of New On-Screen Guide In 2009

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 5/13/2008 2:00:00 AM

Cox Communications has tapped NDS Group to create an on-screen guide that will merge all of its digital video services into a single, consistent interface designed for big-screen TVs.

The new guide, which Cox expects to begin widely deploying in 2009, will take the place of the Aptiv guide from Gemstar-TV Guide (now part of Macrovision) as the operator’s primary set-top application, running on Motorola and Cisco Systems' Scientific Atlanta set-tops. Cox currently has about 3.1 million digital cable customers.

“There’s no question that as the expansion of content offerings continues to grow geometrically, if not exponentially, there needed to be a better way to navigate that content,” said Steve Necessary, Cox’s vice president of video strategy and product management. “The reality is, that’s not an area where the industry has necessarily excelled.”

The new NDS guide, optimized for 16:9 high-definition screens, will integrate linear TV listings, video-on-demand services, digital video recorder (DVR) and interactive applications, into a centralized interface.

While the guide is still under development, Cox’s priority for the project is to improve basic video-navigation features. For example, it will include an integrated search function spanning a viewer’s DVR recordings, the on-demand library and live TV programs.

“The goal is to make is simple, consistent and intuitive,” Necessary said. “Those are easy words to say, but when you try to productize that it becomes amazingly challenging at times.”

Future elements Cox and NDS expect to add to the guide include enhanced personalization features, such as support for multiple users per household, as well as social networking features to let friends and family members recommend programs to each another.

“Part of the active debate for us internally is which [features] will make the first phase versus the second phase,” Necessary said. “We think the inherent navigation features of the new guide will be substantially better, so there’s a bit more urgency there.”

Under the multiyear agreement, Cox is providing input and overall direction but NDS is developing the actual lines of code. Cox is already using NDS’ IEX solution for automated set-top box testing.

Necessary said Cox chose to work with NDS because it is “skilled in execution,” especially with tru2way applications (the consumer brand of CableLabs’ OpenCable interactive TV specification). He noted that NDS has worked with South Korean cable operators to deploy tru2way-based guides.

Cox’s decision to outsource the development of its next guide differs from the paths picked by Comcast, which established a joint venture with Gemstar-TV Guide to create i-Guide, and Time Warner Cable, which handles guide development in-house.

“On this initiative, I’m actually quite happy that we’ve reached outside the company, not only for assistance on the science of user-interface design but also on the execution,” Necessary said.

On the other hand, DirecTV uses NDS-supplied set-top box software and on-screen guides. Did that give Cox executives pause?

That “was clearly a topic of conversation” internally at Cox, Necessary said. The company’s conclusion, though, was that NDS’ experience with the satellite operator was “a clear positive.”

“Suffice it to say, we got comfortable with the integrity of NDS being capable and willing to keep the intellectual property separate,” Necessary added.

With the new guide from NDS, Cox will pursue a “bifurcated” guide strategy. On standard-definition set-tops already in use, Cox will standardize on the Aptiv guide, phasing out the Scientific Atlanta Residential Application (SARA) guide in systems where that is still in use. Current HD boxes will be migrated to the NDS-developed guide.

Cox is also preparing to launch a TiVo-branded service in its New England market. “That’s marching forward,” Necessary said. Comcast launched its TiVo-based service in Boston and surrounding areas in the first quarter of the year.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6560249.html

Are they going to announce next month that they changed thier minds again about the onscreen guides. this is the 2nd or 3rd time they said they where changinging guides. First I heard they where going with Iguide then they switched to APtv 's passport suite for all boxes and know NDS.

Are they going to announce next month that they changed thier minds again about the onscreen guides. this is the 2nd or 3rd time they said they where changinging guides. First I heard they where going with Iguide then they switched to APtv 's passport suite for all boxes and know NDS.As vegggas pointed out to me in PM when someone in our local forum made similar comments:

There are three versions of the guide service being developed and changed out to remove SARA as a secondary license and service.
First, the Aptiv guide as reported earlier, based on Passport will be the standard across all hardware platforms to get rid of the SARA guide. This is supposed to be released in 2008 to drop SARA support and licensing fees by the end of the fiscal year.
Second, The NDS guide announced on Multichannel News will be a High Definition guide across all hardware platforms that is designed to be used for HD customers as an enhanced guide service.
Third, Tivo is developing their interface for the SA DVR platform as an extra charge premium service.
It is assumed that the Aptive guide will be "free" on all STB's, but the NDS and Tivo services will have an upgrade fee to use their services, although the NDS guide may also fall into the "free" catagory too.

As vegggas pointed out to me in PM when someone in our local forum made similar comments:

my point was they had info for three different guides all within a month saying this what cox will use. I thought they want to convert everyone over to passport based guides plus the Tivoport for the dvr's. They just recently signed nds. The only things I miss on the dvr software we use know is the channels in the guide aren't color coded like they are on the non dvr and plain digital boxes.

my point was they had info for three different guides all within a month saying this what cox will use. I thought they want to convert everyone over to passport based guides plus the Tivoport for the dvr's. They just recently signed nds. The only things I miss on the dvr software we use know is the channels in the guide aren't color coded like they are on the non dvr and plain digital boxes.NDS is the platform to go beyond just an IPG, something that probably can't be done, at least not cost-effectively, with Passport or the Tivo port. It is not just another IPG option. It will offer added value with internet, telephone and other applications. As vegggas said, everyone who wants just a basic/free IPG will get Passport. Others will have the Tivo option. HD users, and those who want more integrated services, will have the NGS option. From where I've been sitting, this has been their announced plan for at least the past 5 years and these announcements simply let us know the current status of those plans and who will be involved/when. I'm not sure though why it's taken so long to get to Passport. I believe Passport already runs on Moto and SA boxes, so it seems like they could do away with SARA long before the end of the year, sigh...

http://www.macrovision.com/products/system_operators/ipg_so/passport.htm

no pictures of guides yet.

http://www.pioneerdigital.com/passportecho/passportecho.asp

The old Pioneer/Aptiv/Gemstar-TVGuide links still work. I wonder how the Marcovision acquisition is going to affect the MyGuide service, if at all.

http://www.pioneerdigital.com/passportecho/passportecho.asp

The old Pioneer/Aptiv/Gemstar-TVGuide links still work. I wonder how the Marcovision acquisition is going to affect the MyGuide service, if at all.

I know I just saw that page that I linked. I hope even if the motorola users are stuck with passport echo we get up graded to the myguide interface.

the my guide that was linked to earlier made a mention of passport that runs on SA/cisco equipment, but not on passport dct that runs on Motorola.



http://www.cedmagazine.com/Article-CED-Upfront-020108.aspx

I know I just saw that page that I linked.Wasn't sure, so I thought I'd post the link just in case. ;)

Today Cox Cable added 12 new HD channels to our lineup in NW Arkansas (includes Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville areas). I contacted you earlier about a letter I received from Cox announcing the new channels. As promised Cox delivered today. The new channels are: CNN HD, TBS HD, TLC HD, DISC HD, NFL Net HD, HGTV HD, FOOD Net HD, TRAVEL HD, ANIMAL PLANET HD, SCIENCE HD, VERSES HD and CINEMAX HD. This brings our total HD lineup to 31 channels.

Just to give everyone some status updates:
Cox wants to get rid of SARA during 2008 and move to OCAP/tru2-way software in most markets by the end of the year. They want three guide options covering SD, HD, and DVR platforms that work across both Motorola and SA (Cisco) based headends.
Standard SD guides will be from the Gemstar/passport based interface.
Enhabced HD guides will be in 16x9 HD format and based on the NDS software and will only be in a widescreen format for HD STB's and HD DVR's.
The Tivo software will be another upgrade option for DVR users who want that interface instead of the other options.
Cox is rolling out a national footprint of about 50-60 national HD channels that are originating from two or more regions. Any new national channels are part of this rollout and part of their new structure. It is in their plan to offer the same channels across the nation to all their subscribers that have had their local area upgraded to handle the new streams. As the local areas are upgraded and can handle in increase in HD traffic, they can pick a few channels to add. Again, this is a continous work in progress and each area will be unique as to how many and which channels to display as they are working out the details.

vegggas

Just to give everyone some status updates:
Cox wants to get rid of SARA during 2008 and move to OCAP/tru2-way software in most markets by the end of the year. They want three guide options covering SD, HD, and DVR platforms that work across both Motorola and SA (Cisco) based headends.
Standard SD guides will be from the Gemstar/passport based interface.
Enhabced HD guides will be in 16x9 HD format and based on the NDS software and will only be in a widescreen format for HD STB's and HD DVR's.
The Tivo software will be another upgrade option for DVR users who want that interface instead of the other options.
Cox is rolling out a national footprint of about 50-60 national HD channels that are originating from two or more regions. Any new national channels are part of this rollout and part of their new structure. It is in their plan to offer the same channels across the nation to all their subscribers that have had their local area upgraded to handle the new streams. As the local areas are upgraded and can handle in increase in HD traffic, they can pick a few channels to add. Again, this is a continous work in progress and each area will be unique as to how many and which channels to display as they are working out the details.

vegggas

I am guessing part of the 50-60 national HD channels are some of what has already been released? I know in New England we have had many of the channels now just getting released to some markets, and are in the "hunt" for more :p........

I know we are about to get Lifetime, this week supposedly with another 5 in July...With heavy competition from FIOS in this market I know Cox usually tries to stay ahead of them though (as far as HD goes)....From what I have seen though it looks like for the 1st time since FIOS was introduced to the RI area COx may fall behind in the HD count....I saw that they may be introducing 26 new HD channels at the end of July.....

As far as the rest I cant wait to see what happens with it, I know that supposedly there was some testbeds for Tivo in New England, and I have been waiting to see what Cox can do with the software.

Great news for all though, as it looks like Cox is trying to step up to the plate...

Just to give everyone some status updates:
Cox wants to get rid of SARA during 2008 and move to OCAP/tru2-way software in most markets by the end of the year. They want three guide options covering SD, HD, and DVR platforms that work across both Motorola and SA (Cisco) based headends.
Standard SD guides will be from the Gemstar/passport based interface.
Enhabced HD guides will be in 16x9 HD format and based on the NDS software and will only be in a widescreen format for HD STB's and HD DVR's.
The Tivo software will be another upgrade option for DVR users who want that interface instead of the other options.
Cox is rolling out a national footprint of about 50-60 national HD channels that are originating from two or more regions. Any new national channels are part of this rollout and part of their new structure. It is in their plan to offer the same channels across the nation to all their subscribers that have had their local area upgraded to handle the new streams. As the local areas are upgraded and can handle in increase in HD traffic, they can pick a few channels to add. Again, this is a continous work in progress and each area will be unique as to how many and which channels to display as they are working out the details.

vegggas

I wonder if there will be a setting to crop the guides on motorla boxes for non hd tv's since they only make HD DVR's



Is there any differences between the current guides and there OCAP/tru2-way software counter parts?

COX better have the following channels by the end of summer or I'll permanently switch to satellite:

USA HD
Sci Fi HD
Lifetime HD
Lifetime Movie Network HD
Weather Channel HD
ESPNews HD
Smithsonian Channel HD
Outdoor Channel HD
Disney Channel HD
Toon Disney HD
FOX News Channel HD
FX HD
Speed HD
AMC HD
ESPN U HD
Planet Green HD
Spike HD

The standard rule to appease the loyal customer: give them what they want. COX needs to take these matters very seriously.

COX better have the following channels by the end of summer or I'll permanently switch to satellite:

USA HD
Sci Fi HD
Lifetime HD
Lifetime Movie Network HD
Weather Channel HD
ESPNews HD
Smithsonian Channel HD
Outdoor Channel HD
Disney Channel HD
Toon Disney HD
FOX News Channel HD
FX HD
Speed HD
AMC HD
ESPN U HD
Planet Green HD
Spike HD

The standard rule to appease the loyal customer: give them what they want. COX needs to take these matters very seriously.

Cox will but will your particular area?

USA HD
Sci Fi HD
Lifetime HD
Lifetime Movie Network HD
Weather Channel HD
ESPNews HD
Smithsonian Channel HD
Outdoor Channel HD
Disney Channel HD
Toon Disney HD
FOX News Channel HD
FX HD
Speed HD
AMC HD
ESPN U HD
Planet Green HD
Spike HD


Well, here in New England (RI) we just got Lifetime HD today. We know from a Cox press release they also have rights to Lifetime Movie Network HD, though the release at least implies that they're going to provide access to the limited HD content on LMN through onDemand.

Interestingly, onDemand HD has a handful of SPEED HD offerings, though we don't have the channel. This implies at least some level of existing agreement.

We also know, due to a memo sent to the Connecticut Utilities Department (http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/DPUCUndocketed.nsf/6e9beec82815c42f85256a61005a47fc/85256a63004def968525744900648278/$FILE/Cox%20Programming%20chart.PDF) (Cox CT and Cox RI have identical line up, except for locals... both considered Cox New England) that they intend to add the NBC-Universal suite (CNBC HD, Bravo HD, SciFi HD, USA HD) as well as AMC HD ("pending final agreement") effectively added to the line up by June 25.

We know that a couple of Cox affiliates (I believe Oklahoma being one if memory serves) are adding or have added Weather Channel HD...

As for Planet Green HD (which I don't think has even launched yet), we know that Cox was one of the first to add all the other Discovery networks, so I suspect we'll have that available very soon after it's launched.

As for the other others, no clues yet. Once the June slate comes out I'll be pretty happy... SciFi, USA, and AMC are the only ones I'm really irked we don't we have yet. I am a news junky, so the more news channels they add as they come out (even Fox) would also be nice.

It would be nice if my local area could get any of these channels you have all been talking about for the past several months, especially the ones dmix00 listed above. Here in Santa Barbara, CA, our current HD lineup still only consists of the following 15 channels:

ABC, NBC, PBS, FOX, CBS, Discovery HD Theater, National Geographic HD, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT HD, Universal HD, MHD, Mojo, HBO, and Showtime HD.

I can't imagine having any the channels yudaman33 listed. That just seems years away in this area. I'm glad I'm moving soon because hopefully then I'll be able to switch to satellite.

paperplanes, don't worry you are not the only one who cox ignores. in middle georgia we don't have much either. we do have TLC, HGTV, CNN, Discovery, A&E, FOOD, and TBS that you don't have. but we still don't have CW or PBS here in HD or any of the other bunch that the rest of the country apparently has. i ended up getting Dish's $30 HD package b/c cox sux so bad.

Yeah, even Phoenix, a large market, is behind, but they are making progress on the needed upgrades, so there is hope they will meet their end of year deadline of 80 HD channels. We currently have 30 (if you count Golf/VS separately), 31 if you also count On Demand. :)

Trouble is many of those don't mean a lot since they either don't have much HD content yet or the content they do have is all network reruns. :(

Well, here in New England (RI) we just got Lifetime HD today. We know from a Cox press release they also have rights to Lifetime Movie Network HD, though the release at least implies that they're going to provide access to the limited HD content on LMN through onDemand.

Interestingly, onDemand HD has a handful of SPEED HD offerings, though we don't have the channel. This implies at least some level of existing agreement.

We also know, due to a :Memo link was here: memo sent to the Connecticut Utilities Department (Cox CT and Cox RI have identical line up, except for locals... both considered Cox New England) that they intend to add the NBC-Universal suite (CNBC HD, Bravo HD, SciFi HD, USA HD) as well as AMC HD ("pending final agreement") effectively added to the line up by June 25.

We know that a couple of Cox affiliates (I believe Oklahoma being one if memory serves) are adding or have added Weather Channel HD...

As for Planet Green HD (which I don't think has even launched yet), we know that Cox was one of the first to add all the other Discovery networks, so I suspect we'll have that available very soon after it's launched.

As for the other others, no clues yet. Once the June slate comes out I'll be pretty happy... SciFi, USA, and AMC are the only ones I'm really irked we don't we have yet. I am a news junky, so the more news channels they add as they come out (even Fox) would also be nice.


I also live in the NE area, Rhode Island in fact and I'm looking forward to USA HD. However I wanna know if Cox is going to add the GAMEHD channels to its MLB Extra innings package or NHL Center Ice Package, ideally I'd like to see 3-5 GAMHEHD channels just so it can compete with Direct TV in some way but I'll settle for one at this rate. I'd also like to see ESPNEWS HD, along with all the discovery channels in HD (like Discovery home for example), Speed network in HD, more news channels in HD since CNN isn't that great. Why is it that they have the NHL Network in HD but not NBA TV in HD? Come on the NBA is more popular than the NHL even if I do prefer the NHL more personally.

Other then that Cox does a great job at bringing good quality into its HD channels. But the problem I've noticed now is most Standard Def. channels seem so poor in quality that I have a hard time watching them, is that a normal thing or is there something that I can do to fix that?

I also live in the NE area, Rhode Island in fact and I'm looking forward to USA HD. However I wanna know if Cox is going to add the GAMEHD channels to its MLB Extra innings package or NHL Center Ice Package, ideally I'd like to see 3-5 GAMHEHD channels just so it can compete with Direct TV in some way but I'll settle for one at this rate. I'd also like to see ESPNEWS HD, along with all the discovery channels in HD (like Discovery home for example), Speed network in HD, more news channels in HD since CNN isn't that great. Why is it that they have the NHL Network in HD but not NBA TV in HD? Come on the NBA is more popular than the NHL even if I do prefer the NHL more personally.

Other then that Cox does a great job at bringing good quality into its HD channels. But the problem I've noticed now is most Standard Def. channels seem so poor in quality that I have a hard time watching them, is that a normal thing or is there something that I can do to fix that?

Cox currently, in most markets, carries all the channels Discovery Networks carries in HD, (Discovery, Animal, Science, TLC) As far as I know those other Discovery Channels don't even have HD feeds to offer, and the next thing to come out of them will be Planet Green HD. And my guess on NBA HD is probably a cost issue as was NFL HD. And as far as news, the only other 24-Hour news network of the big three that have taken their channels HD is CNN and Fox so far, Fox and MSNBC took their Business Units HD first. I have been pretty happy with CNN HD, while I would like to see Fox HD, as it is more HD, I can't see myself watching it. :D

Anywho, I am a Cox subscriber in Wichita,KS, it appears we are doing pretty well as we have 33 Non-Premium channels, 37 with premium. Not far down the road Oklahoma City gets many channels before us, so we typically compare to them. Being a bit younger, the on channel I absolutely need and would like to see before the end of the month is Disney HD. Does any Cox market currently have Disney HD?

Today in Lafayette LA, Cox added:

726 Lifetime HD
727 USA HD
744 CNBC HD
750 Bravo HD
759 SciFi Channel HD

Cox currently, in most markets, carries all the channels Discovery Networks carries in HD, (Discovery, Animal, Science, TLC) As far as I know those other Discovery Channels don't even have HD feeds to offer, and the next thing to come out of them will be Planet Green HD. And my guess on NBA HD is probably a cost issue as was NFL HD. And as far as news, the only other 24-Hour news network of the big three that have taken their channels HD is CNN and Fox so far, Fox and MSNBC took their Business Units HD first. I have been pretty happy with CNN HD, while I would like to see Fox HD, as it is more HD, I can't see myself watching it. :D

Anywho, I am a Cox subscriber in Wichita,KS, it appears we are doing pretty well as we have 33 Non-Premium channels, 37 with premium. Not far down the road Oklahoma City gets many channels before us, so we typically compare to them. Being a bit younger, the on channel I absolutely need and would like to see before the end of the month is Disney HD. Does any Cox market currently have Disney HD?

Not that I am aware of no........I havent even heard any rumors about this channel for COx....

Today in Lafayette LA, Cox added:

726 Lifetime HD
727 USA HD
744 CNBC HD
750 Bravo HD
759 SciFi Channel HD

SOB!!!!!!! :p;)

Cox New England where r u :P.....I need the end of June to come sooner rather than later.....I want to watch the end of BSG in HD :(

BTW I cant wait for Cox to start expanding the HDnets to the other markets ;)

SOB!!!!!!! :p;)
I want to watch the end of BSG in HD :(


Having caught up with the last 3 seasons on DVD, I actually refuse to watch it on Cox's horrendous SD. As you know from the RI thread, I was also very disappointed SciFi HD didn't arrive in time.

The 4th season is debuting on Universal HD in the middle of July... I'm waiting for that.

Is the fourth season still being split in two (10 eps now, 10 eps in Jan 2009) as they were talking about back in February during the strikes? Hard to find clear information on that since I avoid spoilers like the plague :)

Having caught up with the last 3 seasons on DVD, I actually refuse to watch it on Cox's horrendous SD. As you know from the RI thread, I was also very disappointed SciFi HD didn't arrive in time.

The 4th season is debuting on Universal HD in the middle of July... I'm waiting for that.

Is the fourth season still being split in two (10 eps now, 10 eps in Jan 2009) as they were talking about back in February during the strikes? Hard to find clear information on that since I avoid spoilers like the plague :)

Yeah 4th season is still being split....The 1st half ends this month I believe and then it will start up at the end of 08, or sometime in 09 :eek: .....Dang Sci-Fi....and they wonder why the viewship drops so much.....

Yeah 4th season is still being split....The 1st half ends this month I believe and then it will start up at the end of 08, or sometime in 09 :eek: .....Dang Sci-Fi....and they wonder why the viewship drops so much.....

Well... I guess the silver lining is we should definitely have SciFi HD by the time the real final episodes air ;)

Well... I guess the silver lining is we should definitely have SciFi HD by the time the real final episodes air ;)

Who cares about BSG SD or HD! (And don't bother flaming me!)

After a great start, BSG has gone totally downhill IMO. All they do is glare at each other, act like lunies, talk about worshipping their gods, and say FRAK! all the time. Get a real plot and some real dialog for change!

Today in Lafayette LA, Cox added:

726 Lifetime HD
727 USA HD
744 CNBC HD
750 Bravo HD
759 SciFi Channel HD

Same for Baton Rouge, LA.

Just to give everyone some status updates:
Cox wants to get rid of SARA during 2008 and move to OCAP/tru2-way software in most markets by the end of the year. They want three guide options covering SD, HD, and DVR platforms that work across both Motorola and SA (Cisco) based headends.
Standard SD guides will be from the Gemstar/passport based interface.
Enhabced HD guides will be in 16x9 HD format and based on the NDS software and will only be in a widescreen format for HD STB's and HD DVR's.
The Tivo software will be another upgrade option for DVR users who want that interface instead of the other options.
Cox is rolling out a national footprint of about 50-60 national HD channels that are originating from two or more regions. Any new national channels are part of this rollout and part of their new structure. It is in their plan to offer the same channels across the nation to all their subscribers that have had their local area upgraded to handle the new streams. As the local areas are upgraded and can handle in increase in HD traffic, they can pick a few channels to add. Again, this is a continous work in progress and each area will be unique as to how many and which channels to display as they are working out the details.

vegggas

veggas I was rereading your post do you mean cox wants to launch ocap by the end of 2008, or 2009 in select areas? Will the Motorola DCT 2000 run ocap?

NDS is the platform to go beyond just an IPG, something that probably can't be done, at least not cost-effectively, with Passport or the Tivo port. It is not just another IPG option. It will offer added value with internet, telephone and other applications. As vegggas said, everyone who wants just a basic/free IPG will get Passport. Others will have the Tivo option. HD users, and those who want more integrated services, will have the NGS option. From where I've been sitting, this has been their announced plan for at least the past 5 years and these announcements simply let us know the current status of those plans and who will be involved/when. I'm not sure though why it's taken so long to get to Passport. I believe Passport already runs on Moto and SA boxes, so it seems like they could do away with SARA long before the end of the year, sigh...

http://www.nds.com/solutions/epgs.html nds video

The Tivo software will be another upgrade option for DVR users who want that interface instead of the other options.
I had missed this, so I apologize for coming back to it so late. I believe that TiVo's deals with Cox and Comcast are the key to its future so this is potentially very good news for those of us who believe that TiVo's software is in a class by itself. My only reservation is that Comcast’s implementation of the TiVo software in New England seems not to have gone very well.

http://www.nds.com/solutions/epgs.html nds videoCool, thanks for the link.

Hallmark Movie Channel HD Cinches Cox Deal

Operator Strikes Multiyear Carriage Contract For Enhanced Service

By Linda Moss -- Multichannel News, 6/23/2008 9:17:00 AM

Cox Communications has entered into a multi-year carriage agreement for Hallmark Movie Channel HD, officials said Monday.

The cable operator struck the deal with Crown Media Holdings, owner and operator of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel and its HDTV service.

Cox currently distributes Hallmark Channel and the standard-definition version of Hallmark Movie Channel.

“We are pleased to announce this new agreement with Cox, one of Crown Media’s most important partners in supporting our efforts to provide the very best in quality, family-friendly programming,” Crown Media CEO Henry Schleiff said in a statement. “Hallmark Movie Channel offers audiences the greatest family movies of all time and we are happy to be presenting this wonderful programming in a vivid and compelling new HD format at a time when there is a growing demand for family-friendly programming.”

Hallmark Movie Channel HD launched in April, and is already being carried by Dish Network.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6572347.html

Well, if I have them all, this appears to be a list of HD channels that Cox currently has carriage agreements with. I'm also adding a link to the thread that tracks HD channels for all providers, cable and sat (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14422029#post14422029).

A&E
ABC
AMC
Animal Planet
BET
Bravo
Cartoon
CBS
Cinemax
CMT
CNBC
CNN
Comedy
CW
Discovery
E!
ESPN
ESPN2
Food Network
Fox
Fox Business
Fox News
FX
Game (NHL/MLB)
Hallmark Movies
HBO
HD On Demand
HD Theater
**HDNet
**HDNet Movies
HGTV
History
IFC
Lifetime
Lifetime Movie Network
MHD
MOJO
MTV
National Geographic
NBC
NFL Network
NHL Network
Nickelodeon
Palladia
Pay-Per-View
PBS HD
Planet Green
Science
SCI-FI
Showtime
Showtime On Demand
Speed
Spike
Starz
Starz On Demand
TBS
Team (NBA)
TLC
TNT
Travel
Universal
USA
Versus/Golf
VH1
WE
Weather
WGN

** might be local agreement only in Orange County

DoubleDAZ -- That's interesting. I wish I understood what Cox considers in deciding which HD channels to make available in which markets. Although Phoenix is a considerably bigger market than OKC, it appears to me upon quick examination that we have all of the listed channels, with the exception of the two Hallmark channels and Game HD. Go figure.

DoubleDAZ -- That's interesting. I wish I understood what Cox considers in deciding which HD channels to make available in which markets. Although Phoenix is a considerably bigger market than OKC, it appears to me upon quick examination that we have all of the listed channels, with the exception of the two Hallmark channels and Game HD. Go figure.From what I've been told, it has to do with the fact that it generally takes longer to upgrade the system here due to size (60 miles square or more) and, more so, we also have a higher shortage of bandwidth. We are the #2 market in BOTH telcon and internet. This means they devote more of our bandwidth to those services than any other Cox market. We will be getting SDV shortly and at least 3 more HD channels next month (Lifetime-HD, USA-HD, and CNBC-HD+). Assuming SDV works, we should get the rest fairly quickly. The stated goal is all markets the same by the end of the year. I'm more concerned about the channels Cox doesn't have agreements with, especially HDNet/HD Net Movies, and I'd really love to see an HD-only package become available.

From what I've been told, it has to do with the fact that it generally takes longer to upgrade the system here due to size (60 miles square or more) and, more so, we also have a higher shortage of bandwidth. We are the #2 market in BOTH telcon and internet. This means they devote more of our bandwidth to those services than any other Cox market. We will be getting SDV shortly and at least 3 more HD channels next month (Lifetime-HD, USA-HD, and CNBC-HD+). Assuming SDV works, we should get the rest fairly quickly. The stated goal is all markets the same by the end of the year. I'm more concerned about the channels Cox doesn't have agreements with, especially HDNet/HD Net Movies, and I'd really love to see an HD-only package become available.

I thought orange County California cox carries HDnet's?

Omaha is only adding HD channels that have close to if not all the programs in HD.

I'm more concerned about the channels Cox doesn't have agreements with, especially HDNet/HD Net Movies, and I'd really love to see an HD-only package become available.

Like ajwees41 stated some areas of Cox do have those channels but I'm more apt for the HD package monster to not show his face because he might be harder to contain and start gobbling up some of our now free HD channels.

I thought orange County California cox carries HDnet's?They do and my post has been updated. Thanks.

Omaha is only adding HD channels that have close to if not all the programs in HD.Phoenix has been doing the same, but hopefully that will change soon.

Like ajwees41 stated some areas of Cox do have those channels but I'm more apt for the HD package monster to not show his face because he might be harder to contain and start gobbling up some of our now free HD channels.I don't see how, but it's probably moot anyway since it won't be that long before every channel will be digital and we'll see new pricing stradegies.

They do and my post has been updated. Thanks.

Phoenix has been doing the same, but hopefully that will change soon.

isn't phoenix completed or close to being done with the 1Ghz upgrade? Omaha is about done and a big announcement is supposed to be made soon after.

isn't phoenix completed or close to being done with the 1Ghz upgrade? Omaha is about done and a big announce is supposed to be made soon after.Yes, they are. I believe part of the delay was the result of buying out a 550 Mhz system. But 1 Ghz doesn't really do much without other upgrades to take advantage of the extra bandwidth. Current user hardware can't use it. And EON, where they add nodes, etc., and SDV are really what will help. I believe Phoenix will be done with all that in late July or early August. That is when the last of the Valley gets VOD and July is when we are supposed to get the HD channels I mentioned and I don't know if those 3 are a complete list.

Yes, they are. I believe part of the delay was the result of buying out a 550 Mhz system. But 1 Ghz doesn't really do much without other upgrades to take advantage of the extra bandwidth. Current user hardware can't use it. And EON, where they add nodes, etc., and SDV are really what will help. I believe Phoenix will be done with all that in late July or early August. That is when the last of the Valley gets VOD and July is when we are supposed to get the HD channels I mentioned and I don't know if those 3 are a complete list.

but can't they also move around frequncies used by digital phone and HSI to the higher frequncies until SA/Cisco and Motorola have a 1Ghz tuner which they have, but I don't think any cox area is using them yet.

Cox Omaha to launch LifetimeHD, StarzHD,CinemaxHD,TravelHD and MTVU and MTV Tr3́s by the End of June

*Hallmark Channel HD


Don't think there is such a thing; just the Hallmark Movie Channel HD.


HDNet
HDNet Movies


Let me add some nuance here. As I understand Cox's business model (and I could be wrong!), you have franchises in different locations that are free to tap into Cox "corporate" agreements, but may also negotiate independently. As I thought I understood the HDNet/Orange County carriage, it was a local agreement, not a national carriage agreement. If Cox had a national agreement, I'd bet you'd already see those rolled out in places like New England.

You also missed a few:

CNBC HD+ (launched here in RI last week)
Bravo HD (launched here in RI last week)
Lifetime Movie Network HD (announced national agreement with Lifetime HD)
Weather Channel HD (several affiliates have announced or added it)

Don't think there is such a thing; just the Hallmark Movie Channel HD.Right, misread the article.

Let me add some nuance here. As I understand Cox's business model (and I could be wrong!), you have franchises in different locations that are free to tap into Cox "corporate" agreements, but may also negotiate independently. As I thought I understood the HDNet/Orange County carriage, it was a local agreement, not a national carriage agreement. If Cox had a national agreement, I'd bet you'd already see those rolled out in places like New England.Probably right. Cox natioanlly doesn't want to charge extra for HD, but since they do that with VOD now who knows?

You also missed a few:Thanks. I didn't take the time to go through all markets. I just took San Diego and figured the good folks here would help me add those that were missing.

but can't they also move around frequncies used by digital phone and HSI to the higher frequncies until SA/Cisco and Motorola have a 1Ghz tuner which they have, but I don't think any cox area is using them yet.AFAIK none of the current user cable/internet hardware can go beyond 860 Mhz, I'm not sure about the phone system. I don't know if internet simply needs DOCSIS 3.0 or if it will also require new modems, but I'll bet someone will let us know. :)

AFAIK none of the current user cable/internet hardware can go beyond 860 Mhz, I'm not sure about the phone system. I don't know if internet simply needs DOCSIS 3.0 or if it will also require new modems, but I'll bet someone will let us know. :)

From my understanding DOCSIS 3.0 is backward compatible so unless you are moving up to these faster speeds you won't need the new modem.

From my understanding DOCSIS 3.0 is backward compatible so unless you are moving up to these faster speeds you won't need the new modem.I'm not sure what the reference to "faster speeds" means. I'm only concerned with accessing bandwidth above 860 Mhz (assuming they want to move internet service to free up bandwidth for TV). I don't know if that is a modem hardware limitation or if DOCSIS 3.0 will allow current modems to access that bandwidth.

New modems are required to go above 860MHz or use more than the 38Mbit/s available in a single 256QAM channel.

New modems are required to go above 860MHz or use more than the 38Mbit/s available in a single 256QAM channel.That's what I thought you or someone had said once before, but I couldn't find it. Thanks for commenting.

Omaha is only adding HD channels that have close to if not all the programs in HD.

Phoenix has been doing the same, but hopefully that will change soon.

I'm a tad late to the party on replying to this. But come on DoubleDAZ, you know it's going to change on the 9th when PHX gets CNBC HD+. The sad truth is so many people will believe it's an HD broadcast.

Why can't we have the cheapo programming fees all-fishing HD channel out of Canada that DISH just picked up? :) See EngadgetHD (http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/16/world-fishing-network-hd-officially-on-dish-network/) article.

The sad truth is so many people will believe it's an HD broadcast. The sad truth is that many people already believe that with all the HD channels out there and many switch to DirecTV just for the quantity not realizing (or caring) that there is little HD content. Quantity sells, simple as that. My comment though was directed at the fact that with SDV now here, there should be no reason not to add more HD channels regardless of the percentage of HD content. That has always been a reason, however bogus I might think it is, for not adding some channels and that reason no longer holds up to scrutinity. :)

Why can't we have the cheapo programming fees all-fishing HD channel out of Canada that DISH just picked up? :) See EngadgetHD (http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/16/world-fishing-network-hd-officially-on-dish-network/) article.Even I'd be interested in that, but I suspect it's not high on the list of desired channels around here. Fishing in AZ pretty much stinks IMHO, so maybe the desire to see someone actually catch a fish, even on TV, is greater than I think. :)

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6514432.html

anyone hear anymore on cox using mytvguide features on the dvr's?

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6514432.html

anyone hear anymore on cox using mytvguide features on the dvr's?
I have been wondering about that, too. So far Cox OKC still uses the execrable SARA software on its SA HD DVRs. I have been hoping that they would at least deploy a version of the Passport software for them or, even better, offer TiVo's software, as Comcast has done in New England. There’s apparently no recent news about that, either.

I have been wondering about that, too. So far Cox OKC still uses the execrable SARA software on its SA HD DVRs. I have been hoping that they would at least deploy a version of the Passport software for them or, even better, offer TiVo's software, as Comcast has done in New England. There’s apparently no recent news about that, either.

well Moto areas will see tivo before you since it's still not writeen for the SA yet.

I could be wrong, but I don't think you will see any new IPG software until tru2way.

I could be wrong, but I don't think you will see any new IPG software until tru2way.

Will there be any annoucements of truway launches. Going by what vegggas postsed on May 28

Just to give everyone some status updates:
Cox wants to get rid of SARA during 2008 and move to OCAP/tru2-way software in most markets by the end of the year. They want three guide options covering SD, HD, and DVR platforms that work across both Motorola and SA (Cisco) based headends.
Standard SD guides will be from the Gemstar/passport based interface.
Enhabced HD guides will be in 16x9 HD format and based on the NDS software and will only be in a widescreen format for HD STB's and HD DVR's.
The Tivo software will be another upgrade option for DVR users who want that interface instead of the other options.


Doesn't look like cox will make the date if SARA is still being used.

Will there be any annoucements of truway launches.........Doesn't look like cox will make the date if SARA is still being used.I'm sure we'll hear as markets start implementing tru2way, but with only 5 months left in the year, I'm a bit concerned that they will miss their target date. I sent off an email asking this and a couple of other questions specific to Phoenix. If I get any response I can post I will certainly do so. Maybe vegggas has some more current info, if he's got tme to read this thread, that is.

I'm sure we'll hear as markets start implementing tru2way, but with only 5 months left in the year, I'm a bit concerned that they will miss their target date. I sent off an email asking this and a couple of other questions specific to Phoenix. If I get any response I can post I will certainly do so. Maybe vegggas has some more current info, if he's got tme to read this thread, that is.

i know cox was also planning to upgrade the Motorola areas with PassportDCT and Passport Echo 3.0. I wonder if those plans have been scraped.

First of all I'm relatively new to HD cable. I've had HD Cox Cable in San Diego since March 2008 and have recently noticed my once favorite and reliable channel HD Theater channel become the worst due to floating blacks (blacks noticeably dropping in changing shadows and colors). I notice it on every show now, and it can't be ignored. I don't see it on any other channel (even the really bad channels), blu-ray, or HD gaming, so it's hard to believe it would be the tv (Panasonic 50px80u). HD Theater was the best channel when I first got HD Cox Cable, so I'm pretty confused (unless this happened all along and I just didn't notice). Anyone else get this?

Cox upgrades HD lineup in time for Olympics

Phoenix Business Journal

Cox Communications Inc. will be launching four new high-definition channels ahead of the Olympics, three of which will have a bearing on viewing the games.

The company will launch USA HD, CNBC HD+ and NBC Olympic Soccer Channel HD along with Lifetime HD on July 21.

The three sports channels will provide more than 750 hours of high-definition Olympics coverage. The soccer channel, however, will have only Olympics programming.

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2008/07/14/daily48.html

Cox Communications Inc. will be launching four new high-definition channels ahead of the Olympics, three of which will have a bearing on viewing the games.

The company will launch USA HD, CNBC HD+ and NBC Olympic Soccer Channel HD along with Lifetime HD on July 21.


But no mention of the Olympic basketball channel. http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/04/nbc-plans-new-olympic-tv-channels/

Individual markets may vary. There is the possibility that the two 12 hour soccer/basketball feeds could be combined into one full time channel instead of looping too.

vegggas

Will there be any annoucements of truway launches. <snip> Doesn't look like cox will make the date if SARA is still being used.

I'm sure we'll hear as markets start implementing tru2way, but with only 5 months left in the year, I'm a bit concerned that they will miss their target date. I sent off an email asking this and a couple of other questions specific to Phoenix. If I get any response I can post I will certainly do so. Maybe vegggas has some more current info, if he's got tme to read this thread, that is.
The tru2way ocap applications servers will ride on top of the existing platforms and allow for testing and deployment of those applications while still using existing legacy systems in the homes. They have already paid for the licensing of existing STB's and want to have a solution in place before commiting to another license period or having to create more licenses for new STB's. Testing is going on behind the scenes and will not have any impact on your current setup until they officially announce a specific date for STB software changes. More likely, it will roll out to testers and employees first for a few weeks to get feedback, then maybe a few areas at a time to make sure the transition is smooth.

vegggas

Individual markets may vary. There is the possibility that the two 12 hour soccer/basketball feeds could be combined into one full time channel instead of looping too.

vegggas

Since the article was in the Phoenix Business Journal I would assume that it applies to Cox in Arizona. We were supposed to get the new channels minus the Olympic channel on July 7th but they delayed it until the 21st. The popular opinion for the delay is the delay in SDV which was supposed to start on July 1.

Does any Cox customer get the 1 or 2 per night MLB Extra innings games in HD?

I've asked Cox-RI the question and the best answer I get is they "may" dedicate some MOJO time (similar to what they do with NBA games) to it, but this has never happened?

September is coming and Cox is making the Direct TV option look highly attractive due to their inability to deliver competitive sports packages.

Does any Cox customer get the 1 or 2 per night MLB Extra innings games in HD?

I've asked Cox-RI the question and the best answer I get is they "may" dedicate some MOJO time (similar to what they do with NBA games) to it, but this has never happened?

September is coming and Cox is making the Direct TV option look highly attractive due to their inability to deliver competitive sports packages.

I don't know what calendar you use, but August is comming before september.

Cox can't add the sports packackages because they aren't avalable. If you can't wait for the contracts to be renewed switch.-

Thanks for the reply.

I believe Cox has agreements in place already, but have left it up to the local regions to dedicate the bandwidth (see below).

***

Washington, D.C. (March 26, 2008) -- Cox Communications says it will provide some games in Major League Baseball's 'Extra Innings' package in High-Definition.

However, the cable operator offers no details such as how many games or even which local Cox systems will provide high-def coverage.

"We will offer those games in HD in select markets," Cox spokeswoman Erin Lambermont tells TVPredictions.com. "It's up to each market to determine whether to carry (games in HD)."

***

I had heard that some regions (San Diego?) had implemented the HD games and am looking for confirmation from any Cox customer if this is the case.

Thanks for the reply.

I believe Cox has agreements in place already, but have left it up to the local regions to dedicate the bandwidth (see below).

***

Washington, D.C. (March 26, 2008) -- Cox Communications says it will provide some games in Major League Baseball's 'Extra Innings' package in High-Definition.

However, the cable operator offers no details such as how many games or even which local Cox systems will provide high-def coverage.

"We will offer those games in HD in select markets," Cox spokeswoman Erin Lambermont tells TVPredictions.com. "It's up to each market to determine whether to carry (games in HD)."

***

I had heard that some regions (San Diego?) had implemented the HD games and am looking for confirmation from any Cox customer if this is the case.

Cox in Omaha Ne, does not carry the MLB Extra Innings Hd games. Cable wonders why customers are switching to Directv or Dish its customers want Hd now!!! not waiting til late 2008 or 2009.

Cox in Omaha Ne, does not carry the MLB Extra Innings Hd games. Cable wonders why customers are switching to Directv or Dish its customers want Hd now!!! not waiting til late 2008 or 2009.Cable knows exactly why folks switch, but since they are more than a little late getting things (SDV, 1 GHz, etc.) in place to be able to compete, they don't have much choice in the matter. There is only so much bandwidth and for every sub who wants games in HD, there are plenty of subs who would rather have something else in HD, me included. I get my local games in HD and I don't care about a bunch of out-of-market games. That's not to say your complaint is not legitimate, it certainly is, but they have to strike a balance with all their customers and you are simply the out-of-luck minority until they catch up, simple economics. Most sports fans tend to go with DirecTV anyway since cable will never fully compete in overall sports programming.

Does any Cox customer get the 1 or 2 per night MLB Extra innings games in HD?

I've asked Cox-RI the question and the best answer I get is they "may" dedicate some MOJO time (similar to what they do with NBA games) to it, but this has never happened?

September is coming and Cox is making the Direct TV option look highly attractive due to their inability to deliver competitive sports packages.If I recall, at the beginning of the season we got a couple games a night in HD, but it only lasted for a week or so.

BTW... I'm in the San Diego market.

If I recall, at the beginning of the season we got a couple games a night in HD, but it only lasted for a week or so.

BTW... I'm in the San Diego market.I could be wrong, but didn't they have a freeview for a bit to try to get folks to subscribe?

First of all, I don't want to turn this into a political thread, but I was wondering if anyone else had the same experience.

I live in Las Vegas, and I get Music Choice through Cox. I get the channel "View from the Left" on channel 949.

This is supposed to be a progressive talk station, but I notice conservatives such as Rusty Humphries, Lou Dobbs and Michael Savage are played regularly.

I would be nice to at least have one progressive station to balance out the two conservative channels "Talk on the Right" and "America's Talk Radio" on channels 948 and 950 respectively.

Is it like this in other cities, or are these channels separate from the typical Music Choice offering? I don't see these on their website.

First of all, I don't want to turn this into a political thread, but I was wondering if anyone else had the same experience.

I live in Las Vegas, and I get Music Choice through Cox. I get the channel "View from the Left" on channel 949.

This is supposed to be a progressive talk station, but I notice conservatives such as Rusty Humphries, Lou Dobbs and Michael Savage are played regularly.

I would be nice to at least have one progressive station to balance out the two conservative channels "Talk on the Right" and "America's Talk Radio" on channels 948 and 950 respectively.

Is it like this in other cities, or are these channels separate from the typical Music Choice offering? I don't see these on their website.

Omaha used to get those no they aren't part of music choice, but called Cable Radio Network. Omaha dropped those when they added more HD.

Is it like this in other cities, or are these channels separate from the typical Music Choice offering? I don't see these on their website.We don't have them in Phoenix either and never did AFAIK.

So far, COX communications in my area has a total of 47 HD channels. FOr the record, that's not a bad number. But there are still a plethora of HD channels COX needs to obtain in order to fulfill not only my wishes but other HDTV fanatics. Based on their carriage agreements, I expect channels such as Weather Channel HD, Lifetime Movie Network HD, Hallmark Movie Channel HD, and Planet Green HD to make their way through soon. But why stop at the aforementioned when there are several more channels worthy of being in the COX lineup. I'd love to see the following channels added:

ESPNews HD
Smithsonian Channel HD
Outdoor Channel HD
Wealth HD
Speed HD
FOX News Channel HD
FX HD
Spike HD
Disney Channel HD
Toon Disney HD
ABC Family HD
Biography HD
AMC HD
MGM HD
ESPN U HD
Big Ten Network HD (probably not likely since I live in California)
FOX Business Channel HD

Personally, I'd like to see COX hit around at least 80-85 HD channels by the end of the year.

I would expect if the local cox doesn't carry the standard digital network you will not see the HD version. Is Wealth and MGM even carried on cable anywhere?

Personally, I'd like to see COX hit around at least 80-85 HD channels by the end of the year.AFAIK, Cox's stated goal is just that and to standardize channel lineups thoughout it's network. I don't know though if that includes some or all of the channels you mentioned. I can't imagine what the Wealth Channel could possibly offer in HD that would constitute compelling TV, but MGM certainly has a plethora of movies, assuming they actually convert them to HD and not just call their channel HD. I'm getting kind of tired of digital channels adding the HD moniker and offering very little HD. Simply broadcastig in 720p or 1080i does not make the content HD. :)

I also heard they want two national headends feeding the whole cox network. I wounder if we wll see any service outages when then switch to the 2 headends.

I'm getting kind of tired of digital channels adding the HD moniker and offering very little HD. Simply broadcastig in 720p or 1080i does not make the content HD. :)

Or a channel that has to do Strech-O-Vision on every show and commercial. We got another one of those when Lifetime HD was added last week here in AZ

Cox Scores 2010, 2012 Olympics Carriage Pact

Operator Is First To Confirm Broad Distribution Deal With NBCU Beyond Beijing Games

By R. Thomas Umstead -- Multichannel News, 7/30/2008 1:03:00 PM

A little more than a week before the start of NBC Universal’s 2008 Olympic coverage, Cox Communications has confirmed that it has reached a distribution deal with the programmer for the 2010 Winter and 2012 Summer Games.

Terms of the agreement are unclear, but the MSO – which also said it will distribute NBC’s enhanced 2008 Olympics video-on-demand, broadband and linear channel package – is the first MSO to officially confirm an extension of the current NBCU Olympics deal, which expires at the end of this year. NBC has the U.S. television and digital rights to the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and the 2012 Summer Games in London.

NBCU is said to have been seeking “a premium fee” from distributors for digital and TV rights to the 2010 and 2012 Olympics, packages that included additional high-definition, video-on-demand, broadband and interactive content.

Cox officials would not comment on the financial details of the agreement. NBC Universal declined comment.

Cox announced Wednesday that several of its systems will provide enhanced coverage of the 2008 Olympics, including its 1.6 million-subscriber Hampton Roads, Va. unit. In upgraded areas of the system, Cox will offer more than 800 hours of high-definition Olympics coverage, including dedicated NBC Olympic soccer and basketball channels.

A Cox spokesman said not every Cox system will offer the enhanced HD and linear channels, declining to identify the markets.

Verizon’s FiOS TV last week also announced a deal with NBC Universal for the enhanced HD package, although it’s still unclear whether that package includes the 2010 and 2012 games

“Through our bundle of services, including high-speed Internet, digital cable and on demand, Cox is clearly the best place to go for Olympics coverage,” said senior vice president and general manager Gary McCollum said in a statement. “Our technology allows customers to have a complete Olympics experience from the comfort of their home. The Olympics on Cox is the next best thing to being in Beijing for the Games.”

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6583083.html?desc=topstory

Maybe its just me, but Id rather hear more about Carriage agreements for new channels. Cox is about to be over taken in my neck of the woods, and may be "buried" as far as HD listings go. At the end of August, FIOS will have about 54, if not more channels available in HD for RI\MA, Cox I believe still is in the high 30's. HD content is a huge deciding factor for me, I am just hoping Cox comes through or its bye bye......

Maybe its just me, but Id rather hear more about Carriage agreements for new channels.

Agreed. Cox seems to be slipping, while the competition is moving forward. I called yesterday to negotiate a renewal one year agreement and all they did was "slam" Verizon and tell me that I had to pay ~$30 more a month then Verizon (and what I pay today with Cox) for the same service that I have currently. When did Cox get so "cocky"?

Direct TV is announcing strong results and FIOS is expanding (more houses and more HD channels come 8/21...) Doesn't sound like a good time to be messing with your long term customers?

Last year when I renewed they were helpful and matched Verizon's plans.

Why wouldn't one switch? I hear Verizon's customer service is weaker then Cox (not sure if this is true), but I do not hear any differences in terms of their TV, internet, and phone service. My understanding is TV and internet is good to better. They are definitely more aggressive in the newer HD rollouts.

Does anyone have good reasons to stay with Cox? Was I just talking to the wrong people? I tried calling twice and got the same results?