Bloomberg is not but i think Outdoor is HD, i am not 100% postive because there is no live feed yet.
What channel numbers?

Thanks

Ch.990 is the Outdoor channel
Ch.991 is Bloomberg
they are still in the testing area.

Cleveland got 3 new Fox Sports HD....but they are only on for Cavs and Blue Jackets games...and they all show the same thing

Possible testing for Fox sports to be rolled out with out of market teams?

Cleveland got 3 new Fox Sports HD....but they are only on for Cavs and Blue Jackets games...and they all show the same thing

Possible testing for Fox sports to be rolled out with out of market teams?

I know COx in New England usually rolls out an Extra Comcast Sports Network HD Channel during the year especially when there are going to be major conflics of schedules......I think this may be a normal practice and not something to look for, but I could be wrong.

Cleveland got 3 new Fox Sports HD....but they are only on for Cavs and Blue Jackets games...and they all show the same thing

Possible testing for Fox sports to be rolled out with out of market teams?

These are in addition to the Fox Sports Ohio (or maybe N.E.Ohio) that could be dark (show-less) for weeks at a time. Then it would occasionally run a show that was not listed in any of the program guides.

Cox Cleveland has some other stations in the HD tier (700's) that have never shown a HD program.

These are in addition to the Fox Sports Ohio (or maybe N.E.Ohio) that could be dark (show-less) for weeks at a time. Then it would occasionally run a show that was not listed in any of the program guides.

Cox Cleveland has some other stations in the HD tier (700's) that have never shown a HD program.

Usually FSN HD only shows cavs and blue jackets games, but lately they have been showing other programming on the HD channel. Just not in HD

Bloomberg is not but i think Outdoor is HD, i am not 100% postive because there is no live feed yet.

Both are live, neither are HD. Outdoor is 161, Bloomberg 189.

Both are live, neither are HD. Outdoor is 161, Bloomberg 189.

Strange still in the testing area here in QC most likely go live next week.

Omaha's still waiting we will probable be waiting for 2050 before we get more hd.

Omaha's still waiting we will probable be waiting for 2050 before we get more hd.

I know what you mean: here in Fairfax County, VA I can't remember the last time Cox added any HD channels. Between that and their world-beating screw up of game six of the World Series, they are on thin ice with me. The only reason the ice is still holding up is the inexplicably delayed roll out of FIOS in my area: it's been "coming" for at least two years. I get mailers asking me to switch only to learn that FIOS television isn't available yet.

Brand new HD channels for Cox Acadiana (Lafayette and greater area)

ESPNNews 734
Investigation Discovery HD 749
msnbc HD 764
Tennis Channel HD 784
Disney XD HD 786
BBC America HD 787

We're also getting MoreMax, The Movie Channel and Fuse HD.

That from this source. (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/69348102.html)

Baton Rouge already has msnbc HD, The Movie Channel and More Max.

-Ben

Anyone heard of any HD channel additions for the RI or southern New England market?

Anyone heard of any HD channel additions for the RI or southern New England market?

I havent heard anything as of yet, but you can probably expect the channels being added to the other areas minus the ones we already have. I also heard a rumor of us getting the HD Nets sometime at the end of this year early next year, but it looks like that may not come true.

MSNBCHD 723, ESPNUHD 737, NHLHD 741, NBATVHD 742,HBO2E 881, MoreMaxHD 886, TMCHD 894 Omaha adding the above on 12-16-09

Cox Topeka KS, today they rearranged their HD channels. They are now 2000 above their SD counterpart. HBO SD 401, HBO HD 2401.

The 13 new HD channels that are coming were not added this morning.

I wonder why cox is moving ondemand to 1000's in Omaha and HD to 2000's in some cox areas?

Cox Topeka KS, today they rearranged their HD channels. They are now 2000 above their SD counterpart. HBO SD 401, HBO HD 2401.

The 13 new HD channels that are coming were not added this morning.

They did that for all of Cox Kansas....the new HD channels are scheduled to come down next week........

I havent heard anything as of yet, but you can probably expect the channels being added to the other areas minus the ones we already have. I also heard a rumor of us getting the HD Nets sometime at the end of this year early next year, but it looks like that may not come true.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17532610#post17532610

According to tvpredictions.com Cox will add History International HD in Kansas and Arkansas.

According to tvpredictions.com Cox will add History International HD in Kansas and Arkansas.
Yes, this is one of the 13 HD channels being added next week, bringing the total HD channels up to 82.

Cox-Northern Virginia starting to play catch-up. Between 16-31 December, we'll finally get (per my latest bill):

777 msnbcHD
763 BET HD
774 ABC Family HD
775 Disney HD
787 HBO2 HD
788 More Max HD
789 TMC HD

-SUO

As of this morning Cox Kansas has added the promised new HD channels in Wichita:

Investigation Discovery HD
Independent Film Channel HD
BBC America HD
WE HD
G4 HD
FUSE HD
ESPNU HD
ESPNews HD
Tennis Channel HD
Starz Edge HD
History International HD
Disney XD HD.

As of this morning Cox Kansas has added the promised new HD channels in Wichita:

Investigation Discovery HD
Independent Film Channel HD
BBC America HD
WE HD
G4 HD
FUSE HD
ESPNU HD
ESPNews HD
Tennis Channel HD
Starz Edge HD
History International HD
Disney XD HD.COX Oklahoma is adding at least the three in bold by the end of the year. The ones underlined we have now. I hope we get the whole package. I'm still waiting and hoping for TCM-HD.

As of this morning Cox Kansas has added the promised new HD channels in Wichita:

Investigation Discovery HD
Independent Film Channel HD
BBC America HD
WE HD
G4 HD
FUSE HD
ESPNU HD
ESPNews HD
Tennis Channel HD
Starz Edge HD
History International HD
Disney XD HD.

These new channels were also added in Topeka.

These new channels were also added in Topeka.

Also added in western Arkansas.

Anyone have a list of Cox HD channels in the NE market in relationship to their native resolution? As in what is the feed coming in? I saw one for HD channels on the west coast, but not NE. If I find ones else where on the board I will come back and delete. Thanks
The native resolution is set by the content provider, not Cox. So any list you see is going to be correct for any cable company anywhere.

Cox-Northern Virginia starting to play catch-up. Between 16-31 December, we'll finally get (per my latest bill):

777 msnbcHD
763 BET HD
774 ABC Family HD
775 Disney HD
787 HBO2 HD
788 More Max HD
789 TMC HD

-SUO

That's good to know, thank you. Still, it's meager compared to what other areas are getting. Do they want us to switch to FIOS?

Can't broadcasters give different feeds to different providers? Also, don't certain local channels have different feeds depending on area? Is ABC out of Hartford CT the same native resolution as ABC out of LA CA? If it is, does anyone know where I can find the most up to date resolutions?

The networks set the resolution, not the local affiliate.
ABC – 720p
CBS – 1080i
Fox – 720p
NBC – 1080i
The CW – 1080i
My Network TV – 720p
PBS – 1080i

I am sure there is a list for cable networks, but I didn't find one with a quick Google.

More than a few local affiliates don't follow the network standard. In particular, WCVB in Boston, WFAA in Dallas, WTAE in Pittsburgh, KMBC in Kansas City, KETV in Omaha, WVEC in Norfolk, WHAS in Louisville, and KVUE in Austin are all ABC affiliates running at 1080i. There are even more PBS stations running in 720p, including some of the biggest stations in the country: KCET in Los Angeles, WTTW in Chicago, WETA in Washington DC, and KCTS in Seattle are just a few examples. For cable networks, see the Programming synopsis thread stickied at the top of this forum.

The networks set the resolution, not the local affiliate.
ABC – 720p
CBS – 1080i
Fox – 720p
NBC – 1080i
The CW – 1080i
My Network TV – 720p
PBS – 1080i

I am sure there is a list for cable networks, but I didn't find one with a quick Google.
If you have a transport stream capture program such as CapDVHS, you can hook it up to the firewire port of your settop box and get all the resolutions that way.

This might be off topic but Cox is close to agreement to carry Epix HD. Maybe Epix HD might be added to the Arizona line up in the near future.

HERNDON, Va., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Tis the season to give and Cox Communications Northern Virginia (NOVA) is doing its part. The company is adding 13 new high-definition (HD) channels to its lineup beginning tomorrow, Dec. 16, bringing Cox NOVA's total HD channel offering to 78, just in time for the holidays. Channels launching include msnbc HD, BET HD, ABC Family HD, Disney HD, HBO2 HD, More Max HD, TMC HD, Encore HD, Tennis Channel HD, Investigation Discovery HD, BBC America HD, Starz Edge HD and Disney XD HD.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cox-gives-northern-virginia-customers-the-gift-of-more-hd-79339147.html

Per the previous post and my original post:

Cox-Northern Virginia starting to play catch-up. Between 16-31 December, we'll finally get (per my latest bill):

777 msnbcHD
763 BET HD
774 ABC Family HD
775 Disney HD
787 HBO2 HD
788 More Max HD
789 TMC HD

I observed the following new offerings this morning:

763 BET HD
774 ABC Family HD (no picture)
775 Disney HD (no picture)
776 Dsney XD HD
777 msnbcHD (no picture)
778 BBC America HD
784 Tennis HD
787 HBO2 HD (no picture)
788 More Max HD (no picture)
789 TMC HD (no picture)
790 Encore HD
791 Starz! Edge HD
792 Investigation Discovery HD

Mind you, I don't have any tiers (beyond the basic HD package). Pleasantly surprised to see the premium and unannounced additions ... even if they are shortlived (for me).

I also think it's beyond time for Cox-NoVA to realign/regroup its HD channels. Oh well, we'll see.

-SUO (can't get FiOS in Annandale)

New channels available on Cox OKC today:

Investigation Discovery HD
Tennis Channel HD
BBC America HD

New channels available on Cox OKC today:

Investigation Discovery HD
Tennis Channel HD
BBC America HD
I think getting BBC America in HD could be a really good deal because a lot of those great old BBC series they carry were filmed in 16:9 format. My TiVo's guide doesn't have any program information up yet for BBC America HD. Is it available from Cox yet?

I think getting BBC America in HD could be a really good deal because a lot of those great old BBC series they carry were filmed in 16:9 format. My TiVo's guide doesn't have any program information up yet for BBC America HD. Is it available from Cox yet?

?? BBC America is up and running in the New England market. I havent caught any real HD programming yet though. The BBC WNA looks like an upconverted stretched mix of a mess (aspect ration wise), Its not 4:3 its some odd mix between 16:9 and 4:3.

anyone hear anymore on other cox areas getting HDnet?

anyone hear anymore on other cox areas getting HDnet?

Far as i know Cox has no plans right now to add HDNET to any other Cox areas. However with the new year coming up and Cox coming close to agreement with Epix HD, Cox might add both them together sometime after the new year.

anyone hear anymore on other cox areas getting HDnet?

that is up to each area..check with your areas video product team

I think getting BBC America in HD could be a really good deal because a lot of those great old BBC series they carry were filmed in 16:9 format. My TiVo's guide doesn't have any program information up yet for BBC America HD. Is it available from Cox yet?

yes cox has the channel in a few areas. more recently was added to 5 more cox service areas around dec 17th

Santa Barbara residents now have:

718 - ESPN News HD
719 - ESPN U HD
723 - Discovery ID HD
742 - MSNBC HD
743 - BBC America HD
744 - History International HD
753 - Disney XD HD
765 - WE HD
769 - Fuse HD
771 - Tennis Channel HD
772 - G4 HD
786 - IFC HD

FYI...
Viacom's Premium Movie Channel Epix Coming To Cox
http://www.businessinsider.com/viacoms-premium-movie-channel-epix-coming-to-cox-cable-2010-1

Jay Yarow | Jan. 9, 2010, 2:31 PM |
Cox Communications has reached a deal to carry Epix, the premium movie channel started by Viacom last year, according to a source familiar with the matter.

David Grabert, a spokesman for Cox, confirms this, but says Cox is "giving no further details at this time."

This is a much needed deal for Viacom's fledgling movie channel. Epix is only available to Verizon FiOs's 2.7 million subscribers now. Cox is the nation's third largest cable provider with 6 million subscribers.

Epix is a joint venture between Viacom, Paramount, Lions Gate and MGM. It also allows subscribers to stream thousands of movies from its site.

Epix is a money losing venture. In a November note, Pali analyst Rich Greenfield wrote "we believe EPIX is well below the revenue goal it needs to pay for the cost of the movies it is buying from its three studio partners."

Epix chief Mark Greenberg told the Wall Street Journal he expects the company to break even by 2011.

Our source didn't know the terms of the Cox deal.

News of a potential deal between the two companies was first reported by Bloomberg in December.

Bloomberg's report quotes Piper analyst, James Marsh who said more than 1,000 FiOs subscribers per day signed up for Epix in its first month. The channel costs $9.99 per month on FiOs.

vegggas

Another FYI...
Cox Las Vegas seems to be in employee testing of their new Passport Echo Interface. Other markets may be in employee testing stages too. I'm sure people can look up some of the Passport Echo features and decide how much better it is than the current SARA interface on their Scientific Atlanta boxes.

vegggas

It has been reported that Cox has completed it's Tru2Way installs and has enabled it in all of their headends. (see article and BOLD type).

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=186505&site=cdn&f_src=lightreading_gnews

Cable Digital News Analysis More Cable Digital News Analysis
Cable's Tru2way Build Continues
January 8, 2010 | Jeff Baumgartner | Post a comment
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The six largest "incumbent" U.S. cable MSOs report they are making progress with their tru2way network buildouts, but not all of them have managed to complete the job, roughly six months after they collectively missed an original, agreed upon deadline.

In 2008, as part of a binding "memorandum of understanding" negotiated with Sony Corp. (NYSE: SNE), those MSOs -- Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK), Charter Communications Inc. , Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC), Cox Communications Inc. , Bright House Networks , and Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC) -- agreed that by July 1, 2009, they would provide network support for tru2way middleware and also support tru2way in the headends serving all digital cable systems. Charter is the exception; it has until July 1, 2010, to fulfill its obligation. Those commitments emerged a few months after Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts became the first big cable exec to have a keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show. (See Revealed: The Tru2way MOU and CES: Roberts Declares Open Season.)

Despite a good-faith effort to do so, none of the MSO signatories hit the original headend piece of the tru2way MOU, citing slowdowns brought on by the rotten economy and a digital broadcast TV transition date that ended up becoming a moving target. (See MSOs to Miss Tru2way Date , No Penalties for Missing Tru2way Date, and Broadcasters Rally 'Round June 12 .)

The MSOs involved in the MOU have not set any new deadlines to complete the job, but responses from them this week indicate that at least one is done, while the rest are getting very close or have made substantial progress. Here's a roundup:

# Cox Communications – All done!
Cox has tru2way enabled in 100 percent of its headends, according to a company spokesman. Initially, Cox, which is getting ready to roll out a fancy tru2way-based interface developed with NDS Ltd. , said it expects to have all markets using leased tru2way boxes this year. (See Cox Gives Guide Guidance .) As for retail support for tru2way, the MSO said it has yet to see any of those deployed in any of its markets, "nor have we been asked to support one by a consumer or a CE company."

# Cablevision Systems – Done? Unclear
Cablevision didn't have a specific tru2way status update to share, but a recent filing at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) suggests the MSO is deploying the system in tandem with its rollout of a downloadable conditional access system, or may in fact be completely done from a network standpoint.

"Cablevision was the first cable operator in the nation to support separate, removable conditional access in all of its set top boxes, provides robust support for CableCARDs, and has deployed network support for Tru2Way throughout its service area," the MSO noted in the filing made on Dec. 22, 2009, in response to the FCC's call for comments on how the Commission can "encourage innovation" in the video device market.

However, if Cablevision is rolling out tru2way along with its downloadable security effort, it's making good progress, nonetheless. Earlier this week, the company stated that it had incorporated downloadable security in all boxes to be deployed in "Phase I" areas at the end of 2009.

Under Cablevision's original plan for that rollout, Phase I includes its service area on Long Island and parts of New Jersey. According to its commitment to the FCC, Cablevision must incorporate the new downloadable system in all new set-tops deployed in its footprint by the end of 2010. (See Cablevision Seeks Extended Security Waiver and Cablevision Scores Set-Top Waiver Extension .)

# Comcast – Major markets nearly done
Comcast said it has tru2way networks enabled in "nearly all major Comcast markets," citing its earlier retail partnerships in Chicago, Denver, and Atlanta, "with additional markets planned for 2010." (See Tru2Way in Atlanta and Denver, Chicago First to Get Tru2way TVs.) Comcast hasn't confirmed any others, but a Panasonic filing last month at the FCC indicated that Boston is one of the markets that's next in line.

Comcast hasn't set a new, hard deadline for the rest of its tru2way build, but said it intends to use the platform "to bring new services to our subscribers and to enable more choices in tru2way TVs and set-top boxes in 2010."

As that goes, TiVo Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVO) has announced that Comcast plans to offer TiVo as the "primary DVR option going forward" in a market yet-to-be-named, but the companies haven't released any detail on that. TiVo, which has complained that the cable industry discriminates against third-party retail box providers with unwieldy licensing and qualification requirements, has yet to announce a tru2way-based product. To date, not all of its other "primary DVR" deals with MSOs involve tru2way middleware. (See TiVo Covers Its Cable Bases , TiVo Gives Cable Both Barrels , RCN Makes TiVo Its Dominant DVR, and TVMax Taps TiVo as Primary HD-DVR.)

# Time Warner Cable – Heavy on Cisco, Moto on deck
A spokesman confirmed that the MSO plans to have tru2way enabled in the "majority" of its Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO) markets by mid-2010, along with some of its bigger Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT)-based systems. The bulk of TWC's markets are Cisco, but candidates for the initial round of tru2way rollouts on Moto systems include parts of Los Angeles and Dallas.

TWC won't say when it expects to have all its networks equipped with the common platform, but notes that it has deployed 3 million tru2way-enabled boxes so far.

# Bright House Networks – Mostly done... since 2007
The company notes that it had tru2way deployed in most of its markets by the summer of 2007, but didn't say when it expects to have support across the board.

But, it's been buying and deploying tru2way-based boxes from Cisco and Samsung for the markets where the platform's currently available, and it's already deployed more than half a million of those devices, according to a company official.

# Charter Communications – We'll hit our deadline
Despite having an extra year to complete its obligation due to its financial situation (it emerged from bankruptcy last month), the MSO has been active on the tru2way front. Charter said it "is fully supportive of tru2way and plans to meet our July 2010 commitment." (See Charter Leaves Chapter 11 .)

The MSO also says it's "coordinating with consumer electronics companies to support the service" and expects to launch Enhanced TV Binary Interchange Format (EBIF) in most of its footprint this year, referring to a lighter interactive television platform that works on all boxes.

But what does it matter?
Although the MSOs are behind their original commitment, it still begs the question: Is this delay really a big deal?

From a near-term retail standpoint, probably not. So far, Comcast is the only MSO to support tru2way at retail, and consumers would be hard pressed to find these TVs at retail outlets. Most tru2way box makers, meanwhile, intend to sell their wares directly to MSOs rather than take the retail route. In these early days of tru2way implementation, the more immediate benefit will likely be the development of a common application platform that can handle the MSOs' native apps as well as those developed by third parties. (See Tru2way's Retail Forecast: Cloudy , Is Tru2way Ready to Grow Up? , and A Tru2way App Store? )

Moreover, the FCC call for comments on video device innovation could turn into a rule-making effort that could alter the existing separable security rules, and the mere specter of that could inhibit tru2way retail action in the short-term. (See Whither the CableCARD?)

Panasonic and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (Korea: SEC) have achieved tru2way certification from CableLabs for a handful of digital TVs between them, but the idea of a TV with integrated tru2way appears to be losing out in favor of a strategy centered on tru2way "set-back" boxes.

The idea there is to allow TV manufacturers flexibility in creating and selling TVs that aren't weighted down with the tru2way components (which add about $200 to the costs), but still have the option to sell those screens in tandem with digital cable TV boxes that can be mounted on the back and communicate through an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection. That will allow the box to operate and be out of view, though it'll be quite interesting to see how well one of them fares hanging off this bad boy. (See Cable's Got Ideas for a Universal Retail Box .)

Advanced Digital Broadcast (ADB) has already obtained certification for its set-back box, and Sony has shown some interest in selling them with its Bravia TVs. Panasonic also has a version in the works. (See Panasonic Appeals Over 'Set-Back' Ruling and Sony Drives ADB's Set-Back.)

— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Cable Digital News

Vegggas

I bet the D3 areas will see the tru2way before the rest of cox areas.

FYI...
Viacom's Premium Movie Channel Epix Coming To Cox
http://www.businessinsider.com/viacoms-premium-movie-channel-epix-coming-to-cox-cable-2010-1



vegggas

looks like cox get the whole package at the start

http://www.multichannel.com/article/443579-Epix_Gains_Multiplatform_Carriage_On_Cox_In_April.php?nid=22 26&source=link&rid=5412781

According to the press release EPIX to be distributed by Cox Communications

Pioneering Premium HD Entertainment Service from Viacom, Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM to be Launched on Television, On Demand and Online to Cox Customers in April 2010.

According to the press release EPIX to be distributed by Cox Communications

Pioneering Premium HD Entertainment Service from Viacom, Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM to be Launched on Television, On Demand and Online to Cox Customers in April 2010.

Cool channel. I checked it out online & watched Iron Man like 30 times.

COX HAMPTON ROADS new HD Feb 10th



On February 10th Cox will make the following channel additions and On Demand additions.



Launch msnbc HD on channel ((723)), More Max HD on channel ((862)), TMC HD on channel ((878)), Comcast SportsNet HD on channel ((735)) and Cox HD (MASN2 HD overflow) on channel ((737)).
Launch SWRV (Music Choice channel) on channel ((900)). This channel will require subscription to the Variety tier.
The Filipino Channel On Demand will be available, at no cost, to subscribers of the Filipino Channel.
Launch Shalom TV On Demand in the FreeZone/Faith and Values category
Launch two SVOD packages: The Jewish Channel ($6.99/month) and Bollywood Hits on Demand ($9.99/month).


Cox HD will start with only content from MASN overflow games – 100+ Nationals and Orioles games in HD, starting in April and it is likely to be dark outside of those games. Additional HD content for that channel will come soon, so tell folks not to worry if they don’t have anything on that channel:D right away.



Hobie

is HDNET comming any other cox areas soon?

I see that on April 1st. Cox Cleveland will add:

Hallmark HD
Disney XD HD
BBC America HD
Investigation HD
Tennis HD
Epix HD

As well as some standard definition shuffling.

Cox Cleveland has some stations in the high definition tier that have no intention or equipment to show a HD picture.

They also have 3 sports channels (Fox sports Ohio)
The first one seldom has any program content, save for pro basketball and a few hockey games.
The second one only duplicates the first.
The third has never had any program content.

Cox Phoenix
--- --------

Coming on April 1

Channel 795 Epix Channel (Epix HD is a premium movie channel from Viacom Inc., Paramount Pictures, MGM and Lionsgate)

OnDemand Vutopia (Vutopia is a new On Demand movie service available to digital movie tier subscribers at no additional charge)
at this time, it is expected that Vutopia will not provide High Definition programming.

I was also advised that Cox CSR's will be provided with updated information about the new IPG on 4/17. Check back then.

Cox is currently testing the following channels (in Scottsdale, Arizona):

641 - TEST (links to OnDemand - Eddie on Demand)
642 - TEST (links to OnDemand - Badger Springs)

831 - TEST (Infomercial channel)
861 - TEST (restricted)

I love to see testing, usually results in new channels

Interesting that they are playing around with OnDemand, any change to that menu system would be an improvement. Although this may simply be support for Vutopia.

Anyone hear if Cox is planning on adding any more HD channels to the Las Vegas lineup anytime soon? I'm really hoping to see FSW HD and FSC HD someday.

Cox PHOENIX and TUCSON

Per Cox CSR: While we plan on launching 25 channels in 2010, we do not have specific information yet on which channels will be added.

COX Hampton Roads Apr 1 ................... Launch of Epix included with Movie tier.(Channel 213), Epix HD (channel 785) and Disney XD HD (channel 726). Epix may be purchased as a premium channel for $11.99 per month and will allow access to the Epix SD, Epix HD and the Epix On Demand content.

April 1 – On Demand launch of Vutopia – 200 current and classic movie titles in SD an...d 80 – 100 in HD for $9.99 per month.

April 1st – The rate for most HD Movies on Demand will decrease from $5.99 to $4.99.

April 4 – 11th MLB Extra Innings Free Preview

Epix may be purchased as a premium channel for $11.99 per month and will allow access to the Epix SD, Epix HD and the Epix On Demand content.


I have always bought all of the premium movie channels, but I think I'm going to pass on Epix. It reminds me more of Encore then HBO. http://www.epixhd.com/

April 1 – On Demand launch of Vutopia – 200 current and classic movie titles in SD an...d 80 – 100 in HD for $9.99 per month.


The 9.99 price contradicts with this:
http://www.hd-report.com/2010/03/05/cox-to-launch-epix-hd-vutopia/

Update from Norfolk Thread
Epix a new movie channel offering Hollywood titles plus classic feature films original series and music and comedy specials will be available to subscribers of the digital movie tier at no additional charge. Epix will also be made available as a stand-alone purchase with Digital Cable ($11.99/mo).

That sounds more like it.

I have always bought all of the premium movie channels, but I think I'm going to pass on Epix. It reminds me more of Encore then HBO. http://www.epixhd.com/



The 9.99 price contradicts with this:
http://www.hd-report.com/2010/03/05/cox-to-launch-epix-hd-vutopia/

Update from Norfolk Thread
Epix a new movie channel offering Hollywood titles plus classic feature films original series and music and comedy specials will be available to subscribers of the digital movie tier at no additional charge. Epix will also be made available as a stand-alone purchase with Digital Cable ($11.99/mo).

That sounds more like it.

if youre refering to Epix its included with Movie tier thats with the encore channels my area its 3.99 the 11.99 is if someone wants it but doesnt get movie tier... the 9.99 is for Vutopia.. my source is Hobie Ritzel he's the video product mgr for Cox Hampton roads and sends me info before it goes public....I posted his email on cox Hampton roads thread on mar 2

I just turned my DVR off (just powered off, not rebooted) because the guide was impossibly sluggish and the display started flashing "cArd dnLd" over and over, and has been doing this for quite some time, I have never seen this message before. Should be interesting to see if there is anything new when it finishes.
And it just rebooted.

Well I got excited for nothing. Was hoping to find new software or new HD channels but everything seems the same.

Well, you weren't the only one. I got that message last night, hoping there would be new channels. Nope, nothing.

My box craps out every nigh at 4am. Never gives me an update other than program guides

I hope it doesn't ever update, I LOVE MY 2003 low def ugly dumb featured guide!

I just turned my DVR off (just powered off, not rebooted) because the guide was impossibly sluggish and the display started flashing "cArd dnLd" over and over, and has been doing this for quite some time, I have never seen this message before. Should be interesting to see if there is anything new when it finishes.
And it just rebooted.

Well I got excited for nothing. Was hoping to find new software or new HD channels but everything seems the same.
It was a firmware update that was the statement Cox made on their facebook account.
From Cox: The firmware update you received is, as you said, a behind the scenes update!

Has anyone seen a Cisco Explorer 8600HDC DVR Series Box in Phoenix yet?

Quick introduction to the general Passport Guide

http://www.rovicorp.com/products/service_providers/guide_sp/passport_guide.htm?link_id=rightnav


OVERVIEW:
Passport Guide

Rovi's Passport® Guide provides an advanced interactive program guide (IPG) for DVR and non DVR-enabled, digital cable TV set-tops. This digital cable TV guide fully supports analog, digital, and HD broadcast signals as well as integration with third-party applications.

Passport® Guide enables digital cable TV operators to:

Facilitate digital cable TV program search and navigation

* View digital cable TV program information in a variety of formats - from listings to detailed information about specific shows
* Search for digital cable TV programs by typing titles into an on-screen keyboard using your remote
* See what's happening on a specific digital cable TV program, and view in-depth TV program information at the same time
* List digital cable TV programs by "themes" or categories such as football, cooking, or Pay-Per-View

Simplify digital cable TV program recording and management

* Easily modify recording options for scheduled TV shows, including start and end times and save options
* Fine tune digital cable TV series recording options, including how many TV show episodes to keep, first run or repeats, and recording priorities

Deliver value-added services and increase business opportunities

* Display multiple thumbnail video streams on a single channel for faster recording and navigation of TV programs
* Create a QuickMenu™ as a promotion tool to showcase cable TV services
* Integrate an impulse subscription tool, enabling viewers to purchase service packages instantly with their remotes
* Provide informative content such as local weather updates and detailed instruction for programming multi-function remote controls

http://www.rovicorp.com/ipgresources/ipg/images/PassportGuide350.jpg

FEATURES:
Listings View
Displays 90 minutes and 5 channels of programming and has custom sorting, filtering and language options.

Theme View
Displays up to 7 days of data in nested categories that included recorded programs, ratings and options for custom sorting, displaying and hiding.

Banner Browsing
Banner area displays current programming along with program details, including time, title, channel information, and length of show; current position of show and how much has been recorded onto the DVR; as well as play, fast forward, rewind, and pause buttons.

Quick Info™
Detailed information for programs is displayed with scaled down video display for easier channel browsing.

QuickMenu™
Configurable menu allows viewers to launch cable TV services with a few remote clicks. Menus can be configured with services such as on-demand, Pay-Per-View, messages, and third-party games—as well as logos and descriptions.

Search
Use the innovative title and keyword search utilizing a virtual keyboard to search all available data in the set-top box.

Parental Controls
Parental Controls restrict viewing of specific programs by TV rating, TV content advisory rating, MPAA rating, program title or channel based on consumer's viewing preferences. Parents can secure television viewing by a specific range of time.

Pay-Per-View Purchase
Order PPV and/or on demand programming with impulse purchase.

DVR (Digital Video Recording)
Control live television with pause, rewind and fast-forward functionality, one-touch record a program, record an entire series, record from a keyword search. Replay an individual show, or group replay an entire series. Manage your DVR with individual or group deletion options.

ShowRunner VOD
Passport® Guide has a fully integrated On Demand client services feature that can be headend configured for a variety of On Demand services including SVOD. Typically genres or categories are menu scrollable on the horizontal plane menu and titles are vertically scrollable. The menu's intuitive nature easily walks a viewer through the On Demand purchase process.

Venue
Venue is a configurable and biaxial navigational interface with scrollable categories on the horizontal axis and scrollable listings on the vertical axis. Venue can be set as the default power-on channel to promote premium channels and to help guide subscribers to the most popular services. Venue can also be used to create an intuitive hierarchical interface seamlessly linking any navigational, informational or revenue generating services with multiple Venue virtual channels. Enrich the subscriber's interactive experience while driving revenue with Venue.

There is a 4 page 6Mb PDF about Passport and Rovi that can be found on the resources tab.

vegggas

Here is more information about the general Passport Guide Cox is launhing on SA STB's
Quick introduction to the general Passport Guide

http://www.rovicorp.com/products/service_providers/guide_sp/passport_guide.htm?link_id=rightnav
vegggas

vegggas, Where did you get your source? Is this for all markets? What happened to the NDS Interface? http://www.nds.com/press_releases/Cox_310309.html

Cox Communications Selects NDS as Prime Integrator to Manage the Deployment of its End-to-end tru2way™ System Highlights:

* Cox Communications chooses the NDS Professional Services team to manage and implement its end-to-end tru2way system deployment
* NDS also implementing next-generation user interface (UI), Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and various interactive applications for the Cox tru2way offering
* NDS experience with and understanding of tru2way and OCAP compliance and regulations were key factors in its selection by Cox

vegggas, Where did you get your source? Is this for all markets? What happened to the NDS Interface? http://www.nds.com/press_releases/Cox_310309.html

Cox Communications Selects NDS as Prime Integrator to Manage the Deployment of its End-to-end tru2way™ System Highlights:

* Cox Communications chooses the NDS Professional Services team to manage and implement its end-to-end tru2way system deployment
* NDS also implementing next-generation user interface (UI), Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and various interactive applications for the Cox tru2way offering
* NDS experience with and understanding of tru2way and OCAP compliance and regulations were key factors in its selection by Cox

The NDS guide is still coming.
There is a system wide change out to the Passport interface and guide for general use in all STBs to replace SARA interface and guide. This should be out in all markets as soon as possible. It is a direct replacement for whatever people are currently using on legacy devices.
The NDS guide is the tru2way interface for advanced HD STBs, TV's and other devices that will be out later this year. The NDS advanced guide will not run on all STBs and should be primarily be used on next gen STBs that are capable of displaying an HD guide interface. The past versions of SA STBs 8300 and below can only run 4x3 OSD guide and graphics.

vegggas

The NDS guide is still coming.
There is a system wide change out to the Passport interface and guide for general use in all STBs to replace SARA interface and guide. This should be out in all markets as soon as possible. It is a direct replacement for whatever people are currently using on legacy devices.
The NDS guide is the tru2way interface for advanced HD STBs, TV's and other devices that will be out later this year. The NDS advanced guide will not run on all STBs and should be primarily be used on next gen STBs that are capable of displaying an HD guide interface. The past versions of SA STBs 8300 and below can only run 4x3 OSD guide and graphics.
vegggas

Vegggas, Do You know if this Passport replacement will support our current external eSATA HDDs. I have heard nothing about this and I chat or email Cox Tech support at least once a week asking about updates and new equipment, they always say the same thing. Here is yesterdays response.

"Thank you for your recent e-mail to Cox Communications regarding our future services.
We are happy to assist you with your inquiry. Please know that we currently do not have any release information regarding the 8600 HDC receiver. Regrettably, we are unable to release any information regarding future services at this time. Our marketing team will advise customers of new features and services coming out closer to their release date. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Thank you again for contacting us via e-mail. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Mike
E-Care Specialist
Cox Communications - Arizona"

I just talked to tech support in Phoenix and it is TRUE, PASSPORT Very Soon.
Call Cox and express your concern over external eSATA HDDs
I sure hope our external eSATA HDDs will still work, the tech was not very informed and didn't even know what SARA was. He also said it would just be rolled out without notice. Possibly a note on the cable bill, just checked mine no note.

Vegggas, Do You know if this Passport replacement will support our current external eSATA HDDs. I have heard nothing about this and I chat or email Cox Tech support at least once a week asking about updates and new equipment, they always say the same thing. Here is yesterdays response.

"Thank you for your recent e-mail to Cox Communications regarding our future services.
We are happy to assist you with your inquiry. Please know that we currently do not have any release information regarding the 8600 HDC receiver. Regrettably, we are unable to release any information regarding future services at this time. Our marketing team will advise customers of new features and services coming out closer to their release date. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Thank you again for contacting us via e-mail. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Mike
E-Care Specialist
Cox Communications - Arizona"

Passport (Passport Echo for DVR's according to the literature) doesn't seem to have any problem with external drives on existing equipment. It is intended to be a replacement of the SARA interface. It is a completely different interface that will require rescheduling of recordings because there are options that are unique to the Passport system and it's series recording priority and handling.
The next gen STB's you referenced to Cox may use either the Passport or enhanced HD guide that is developed by NDS. I do not have any information on those products because I have not had a chance to work with them yet.

vegggas

Passport (Passport Echo for DVR's according to the literature) doesn't seem to have any problem with external drives on existing equipment. It is intended to be a replacement of the SARA interface. It is a completely different interface that will require rescheduling of recordings because there are options that are unique to the Passport system and it's series recording priority and handling.

IIRC, early versions of Passport did not support external drives, but support did come to later versions. It's been a couple of years since I followed the Passport threads that were here. There is a database of compatible drives/enclosures here (http://www.baseportal.com/baseportal/xnappo/passport) though, so it's pretty obvious they work. ;)

Do you know if current recordings are safe or will they be lost? My guess is they might be lost.

Has anyone seen a Cisco Explorer 8600HDC DVR Series Box in Phoenix yet?

I wish and as soon as someone does, I'll be going to get two. Still Passport coming is very welcome news even with the 8240HDC.

IIRC, early versions of Passport did not support external drives, but support did come to later versions. It's been a couple of years since I followed the Passport threads that were here. There is a database of compatible drives/enclosures here (http://www.baseportal.com/baseportal/xnappo/passport) though, so it's pretty obvious they work. ;)

Do you know if current recordings are safe or will they be lost? My guess is they might be lost.

The database does not look very promising for external HDDs the last entry was 11/2/09. My guess is we will lose all recordings also, especially if they are on the ext HDD, which all of mine are, since it records to the drive with the most available space. Even if the ext drive works the new software will probably recognize it as a new drive and prompt a format.

Even if the ext drive works the new software will probably recognize it as a new drive and prompt a format.
Guess I better watch the entire season of Lost I have dvr'd so far!

Recordings on ext drives are not lost or deleted. Only the scheduled series recordings in the future need to be changed to be incorporated to the new format. The first recording may work if it's scheduled in the next week of data, but is still set to the old format with SARA. To get the new DVR features, you have to add it to a new series recording list to record it as a Passport saved program.

vegggas

Recordings on ext drives are not lost or deleted. Only the scheduled series recordings in the future need to be changed to be incorporated to the new format. The first recording may work if it's scheduled in the next week of data, but is still set to the old format with SARA. To get the new DVR features, you have to add it to a new series recording list to record it as a Passport saved program.

vegggas

vegggas: Do you have first hand experience with the new Passport UI, IPG? and know for a fact external HDDs are supported? I won't ask if you are a Cox employee but you can respond if you like.
I have lost a lot of respect for Cox, It's employees and it's general lack of communication with it's customers. Like I said, when I called Cox CS the rep did not even know what the SARA software was. They constantly act like they do not have a clue on the phone (Favorite saying "Have you tried rebooting?) and they never respond in writing when asked. The ones I have talked to don't even know you can attach an ext HDD to thier DVR's even their website explains the process, although they don't keep anything on their website up to date.

Most frontline techs don't know squat about the technical details of what they're supporting. Good help doesn't last long at $10/hr; the good ones either get promoted or hired into a better position elsewhere. That's the nature of any technical call center, whether it's a cable provider, ISP, or computer manufacturer.

The database does not look very promising for external HDDs the last entry was 11/2/09. My guess is we will lose all recordings also, especially if they are on the ext HDD, which all of mine are, since it records to the drive with the most available space. Even if the ext drive works the new software will probably recognize it as a new drive and prompt a format.

Don't get too concerned about the currency of the database. A lot of people lost Passport as TWC converted to Navigator, so the lack of current additions doesn't mean much. I have no idea who uses Passport these days, but the pool of those with external drives is much smaller than in the past.

vegggas: Do you have first hand experience with the new Passport UI, IPG? and know for a fact external HDDs are supported? I won't ask if you are a Cox employee but you can respond if you like.
I have lost a lot of respect for Cox, It's employees and it's general lack of communication with it's customers. Like I said, when I called Cox CS the rep did not even know what the SARA software was. They constantly act like they do not have a clue on the phone (Favorite saying "Have you tried rebooting?) and they never respond in writing when asked. The ones I have talked to don't even know you can attach an ext HDD to thier DVR's even their website explains the process, although they don't keep anything on their website up to date.

I have had first hand experience with Passport UI and IPG and an approved expansion kit. Approved External HDDs, such as the WD My DVR expander kits, are supported in the hardware when software allows. The Passport software does not disable the external drives, but the typical cable co's do not directly support them due to too many variables. If a customer wants to connect their own drives, they are free to do so, but at their own risk without support.
As for Cox in general, I have noted that they will never advertise anything internally or externally until they are sure it is ready to go to launch. A CSR would rarely ever know of upcoming tech or services, unless it was tied directly to a sales sheet in their hands.
As always, YMMV ;)

Vegggas: Thanks for the heads up. I possibly overreacted, But well see when they roll out Passport. An Authorized Cox Tech at DSLReports.com has also confirmed the change to Passport and is investigating the external HDD issue. He was not sure, but said it should be supported. As for the new guide it does look like an improvement especially the On Demand options and search functionality. Thanks again for all your great posts. :)

Really looking forward to the NDS HD UI and Cisco 8600HDC series.

3D Update:

Cox will be participating in the special 3D broadcast of The Masters.

There will be 3D content available 5 days, including the Par 3 game on Wednesday, and all 4 days of tournament play. Each day will see about 2 hours of 3D coverage, focusing on the back nine holes.

The signal will be transmitted in side by side 3D format, on a special channel, available from all Cox HD STBs with HDMI. To view it you'll need a '3D ready' HDTV with incorporated or external emitter to control the glasses, and the active stereo 3D LCD shutter glasses themselves. The TWC HD STB and 3D ready HDTV will need to be connected with HDMI.

Side Bar:
Unfortunately, it appears those with the previously sold '3D compatible' HDTV sets, primarily DLP sets from Mitsubishi and Samsung, will not be able to view these broadcasts. This is due to the necessary 3D format adapter (side by side to checkerboard needed for DLP) not being available as yet. Mitsubishi has said their version will be available this spring, but it looks like it won't be here in time for The Masters. It's expected the Mitsu adapter will also work with the Samsung 3D compatible DLP sets. When the adapter does show up, you'll still need an emitter to control the glasses and the glasses themselves. One can always hope.

Cox-Northern Virigina slated to get NBA TV, ESPNU HD, ESPN News HD, and Epix HD on April 1st, per my most recent bill. I could've sworn that NBA TV (SD) was already available here and this "new" offering is among the HD channel numbers.

-SUO

Don't get too concerned about the currency of the database. A lot of people lost Passport as TWC converted to Navigator, so the lack of current additions doesn't mean much. I have no idea who uses Passport these days, but the pool of those with external drives is much smaller than in the past.

Dave: Have you heard anything on the switch to Passport? Other than what was posted by vegggas and myself?

Dave: Have you heard anything on the switch to Passport? Other than what was posted by vegggas and myself?

You mean other than official reports a few years ago saying that Cox was moving to Passport as the universal IPG across its entire footprint?
There were a lot of delays as the Gemstar and TVGuide patents and other services went through ownership changes. It looks like the last company owning the Passport interface licensing is now called Rovi as I had posted a while back.
Really, I don't make this stuff up. ;) I just report what I hear about AFTER I can usually verify from other reputable sources. I work in an industry where I have to keep up with the technologies of multichannel providers of cable and sat technologies and frequently have to test things so that if any of my contracts are negatively affected, they can be addressed before a change is made. Sometimes things don't work out and a year or two of work (or more) doesn't pan out. Other times, and after several years, things take shape and finally come to fruition and everyone benefits.
This IPG upgrade process has taken many twists and turns over the last two years to get where it finally is close to a release to the public.

http://www.cedmagazine.com/News-Cox-gets-rights-for-Passport-soon-to-be-its-standard-IPG.aspx
Cox gets rights for Passport, soon to be its standard IPG
By Brian Santo
CedMagazine.com - December 19, 2007
With Cox Communications preparing to expand its use of Gemstar-TV Guide’s Passport interactive program guide (IPG) from its Motorola systems to its Scientific Atlanta systems next year, the MSO has negotiated a new multi-year deal with the IPG vendor.
The deal includes product agreements covering Gemstar-TV Guide’s native and OCAP versions of Passport . The contract also 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 OCAP (now “OpenCable,” and soon to be “Tru2way”) is the ability to support any software on any box. 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, and a consistent interface for common features and applications.

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

“We chose Gemstar's Passport and Echo IPG because it provides an excellent user interface for our customers' use, especially with video-on-demand,” said Steve Necessary, Cox’s VP of video strategy and product management. “This is critically important today and will be even more so in the future as our video services become increasingly interactive. 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.”

Tom Carson, president of the North American IPG Group at Gemstar-TV Guide, said: "We are happy to extend our long relationship with Cox through this new agreement. The Passport IPG solution makes sense for Cox, as it will allow them a seamless transition to a single-source IPG solution throughout their systems. We're also happy that our new agreement includes select My TV Guide features and services, like remote record, which Cox may begin to deploy in the months ahead."


http://www.multichannel.com/article/86540-Cox_Extends_Gemstar_TV_Guide_Deal.php

Cox Extends Gemstar-TV Guide Deal
Cable TV Operator to Use Gemstar’s Passport IPG, My TV Guide
By Steve Donohue -- Multichannel News, 12/19/2007 1:11:00 PM

Cox Communications signed a contract extension with Gemstar-TV Guide International giving the cable TV operator rights to distribute its Passport DCT interactive program guides, and certain features and services of My TV Guide.

The agreement will allow Cox subscribers to remotely record TV programs on digital video recorders through the My TV Guide product, which lets subscribers access DVRs located in their homes via an Internet connection.

Cox will also be able to deploy an Open Cable Applications Platform (OCAP) version of the Passport IPG.

Gemstar acquired former Passport owner Aptiv Digital – once known as Pioneer New Media – in May. The Passport guide is deployed in Cox homes running Motorola set-tops, and Cox said it expects to begin deploying Passport to subscribers that use Scientific Atlanta boxes in early 2008.

“We are happy to extend our long relationship with Cox through this new agreement. The Passport IPG solution makes sense for Cox as it will allow them a seamless transition to a single source IPG solution throughout their systems,” Tom Carson, president, North American Interactive Program Guide Group for Gemstar-TV Guide, said in Wednesday’s announcement. “We’re also happy that our new agreement includes select My TV Guide features and services, like remote record, which Cox may begin to deploy in the months ahead.”

Cox vice president of video strategy and product management Steve Necessary said the agreement will allow Cox to offer subscribers similar products to homes that rely on different cable hardware.

“This is critically important today and will be even more so in the future as our video services become increasingly interactive,” Necessary said. “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.”

vegggas

Also of note (full article in link, but interesting part quoted below)
http://www.cablefax.com/ct/news/ctreports/commentary/36825.html

July 23, 2009
Cox, TiVo, AP Execs Debate Channel Surfing —Steve Donohue
<snip>
Pickelsimer said "legacy issues and legal issues" have hampered improvement of the user interface that Cox and other cable operators use with their interactive program guides (IPGs).

"What has hampered us in terms of speed is we have this legacy technology where we have 30 different box types and every application we have has to be specifically ported to those box types. There's no such thing as rapid application development in that sort of environment," Pickelsimer said.
<snip>
Pickelsimer said Cox is in the process of transitioning systems that currently use SARA to the Passport IPG. She said the company is also developing its own tru2way IPG with technology from NDS, but she didn't say when that guide would be commercially deployed.


vegggas

Also of note (full article in link, but interesting part quoted below)
http://www.cablefax.com/ct/news/ctre...ary/36825.html
Quote:
July 23, 2009
Cox, TiVo, AP Execs Debate Channel Surfing —Steve Donohue
<snip>
Pickelsimer said "legacy issues and legal issues" have hampered improvement of the user interface that Cox and other cable operators use with their interactive program guides (IPGs).

"What has hampered us in terms of speed is we have this legacy technology where we have 30 different box types and every application we have has to be specifically ported to those box types. There's no such thing as rapid application development in that sort of environment," Pickelsimer said.
<snip>
Pickelsimer said Cox is in the process of transitioning systems that currently use SARA to the Passport IPG. She said the company is also developing its own tru2way IPG with technology from NDS, but she didn't say when that guide would be commercially deployed.
vegggass
I Posted this in the Las Vegas thread, But i think it's worth repeating here.


Originally Posted by vegas-steven View Post
At the same time the satellite providers have kept the pace in regards to updating hardware. They do not have as many subscribers though so I guess it costs them less... But it would have hurt cox to have said back in 2007 "well wenare promising an awful lot in 3 years, let's start a roll out of boxes to new subs now and swap old hardware in homes with new as we go along"

that would have over three years all but weeded out those legacy boxes.
Here, Here I agree totally, If Cox would communicate with their customers, then, even 6 months ago they could have said, This roll out is coming and you will need to be upgraded to a newer STB, (I assume most if not all DVRs are not a problem). The customers on "these" specific boxes will need to schedule a service call or go to a Cox store and exchange them. Cox has no problem running commercials at least once per hour on every channel telling us how wonderful they are, (Aren't we already subscribers????). Why then would it be so hard to communicate an important upcoming change to our service via these we're so wonderful commercials? Besides that, Cox already knows which customers have which exact STB. Cox could actually reach out to those customers with Old STBs (perhaps by carrier pigeon) or better yet a letter and phone calls, to let them know of the required changes.

Remember..We're Your Friend in the Digital Age®, More like the stone age.

Just like the switch to Digital TV people were given a warning long in advance and told what to do, If they choose to do nothing then, Lights Out until they got the proper equipment.

Cox could actually reach out to those customers with Old STBs (perhaps by carrier pigeon) or better yet a letter and phone calls, to let them know of the required changes.

And what makes you think they won't do that WHEN THEY ARE READY? Until they know what day they will release anything new, there is no reason for them to tell us any more than they have. We've known for a long time that Passport and the HD IPG from NDS were coming. Had they annouced a date back when they annouced those plans, they would have missed it several times. Depending on when you start the count, they are at least over 6 months late on when they expected to have tru2way out.

Also, the release of the new Passport IPG doesn't require a new box, so there is nothing to swap out. Passport has been running on Cisco boxes for several years, it is not new technology. The NDS IPG will reportably require a new box that is capable of displaying an HD IPG, but I've seen nothing specific that says that is the case. My guess is a new box (8600) will be required for multi-room capability, but the number of customers that will affect is relatively small (I will be one :)). The HD IPG may only work with try2way boxes, so anyone wanting that IPG will have to have a new box, but most customers do not keep up with this stuff like we do, so Cox will be able to upgrade folks like they have in the past, by area of town over several months.

I've been a critic of the lack of info from Cox in the past, but I've learned that they have their reasons. IMHO, they can't release a date yet because when the new IPG is rolled out, it will be by area, just like new HD channels, etc., have been the past couple of years. When they finish an area and have dealt with the problems, they move to the next area and so on. In the past, they have sent letters as the process progressed and I assume this will be no different. As long as there is nothing for me to do, stuff will get here when it gets here. Once the first area receives their letters, the word will spread and Cox may put a general notice on it's site. Until then, we're all just speculating. Based on the info I heard last year, I would have expected to already have Passport, but that has obviously not happened. :)

Cox-Northern Virigina slated to get NBA TV, ESPNU HD, ESPN News HD, and Epix HD on April 1st, per my most recent bill.
In our March bill (Kansas) there was this statement:

Epix Channel Launch
On April 1st, Epix and Epix HD, a new movie channel will be added to Cox Advanced TV in the Movie pak. It will also be made available on a stand-alone purchase basis with Starter TV Service and a digital receiver for $12. Please call (888) GET-MORE for more information.

Epix is Paramount / Viacom channel (yes!, another channel to show Top Gun in heavy Rotation, Im in Heaven!!)

as for Passport Echo... I HATE IT!!

The Passport Echo DVRs here have the USB 2.0 Ports Disabled, the IEE1394 is Enabled Though, so I back up .TS Streams to My 1TB Drive in my PC every few days and just watch on my PC, which is hooked via HDMI to my TV as well... so Bypassed the USB being disabled.

Epix is now testing in Cox Arizona
Ch.951 EpixSD
Ch.952 EpixHD

Also HBO2E is testing using SDV on Channel 870 in Phoenix AZ.

Epix is Paramount / Viacom channel (yes!, another channel to show Top Gun in heavy Rotation, Im in Heaven!!)

as for Passport Echo... I HATE IT!!

The Passport Echo DVRs here have the USB 2.0 Ports Disabled, the IEE1394 is Enabled Though, so I back up .TS Streams to My 1TB Drive in my PC every few days and just watch on my PC, which is hooked via HDMI to my TV as well... so Bypassed the USB being disabled.

There are no USB ports enabled for archiving on any cable DVR's, so I don't know why you are so upset about Passport as an OS; It's a huge improvement over the SARA OS used on the SA equipment. Cox is moving entirely to Passport, which is new for SA hardware, and will still continue on Moto hardware. This way, the entire Cox footprint will be on one OS instead of multiple vendors. If you have SA hardware, the eSATA port works for expansion with both SARA and Passport, but Moto hardware has a problem with expansion in general.
The USB port on cable DVR's was designed for USB keyboards, not expansion Drives.

vegggas

Does anyone know specifically why Cox charges two separate fees for DVRs, One for the DVR service, (InPHX $10.00) and a separate fee for the DVR Receiver itself, (InPHX $8.50). Why don't they just charge $18.50. Just to drive my point home I asked if I could get a DVR receiver without DVR service.
BTW in PHX it is $10.00 DVR service fee per DVR receiver. If the recordings were stored on the network, I could understand the two fees, but I don't think the network sees the DVR any different than a standard HD receiver.

I asked Cox CS and here is what they said:
"Please note, the $10.00 DVR service fee is for access to be able to record your TV shows. The $8.50 receiver is for the receiver itself. You would not be able to use the DVR without the recording service."

That really didn't answer my question, sort of just repeated the question, didn't they?

Does anyone know specifically why Cox charges two separate fees for DVRs, One for the DVR service, (InPHX $10.00) and a separate fee for the DVR Receiver itself, (InPHX $8.50). Why don't they just charge $18.50. Just to drive my point home I asked if I could get a DVR receiver without DVR service.
BTW in PHX it is $10.00 DVR service fee per DVR receiver. If the recordings were stored on the network, I could understand the two fees, but I don't think the network sees the DVR any different than a standard HD receiver.

I asked Cox CS and here is what they said:
"Please note, the $10.00 DVR service fee is for access to be able to record your TV shows. The $8.50 receiver is for the receiver itself. You would not be able to use the DVR without the recording service."

That really didn't answer my question, sort of just repeated the question, didn't they?
They didn't repeat anything, they said two distinct statements.
The CS rep said it correctly by saying there is one fee to record your shows and another fee to lease the activated STB hardware.
Those are two separate functions. The hardware can be leased as a standard receiver with the DVR functions never enabled, and that is more common than you think. There are customers who can forgo the DVR service or drop it at a later date, and still keep the receiver as an HD STB (or SD if that's what they have) without needing to get a new STB.

Here's the first example I can think of. You can buy or lease a new car with sat radio as a feature, but you still have to pay a separate subscription to use the Sat radio, even though its built into the car and advertised as an included feature. You can opt out of not getting the service, but they are not going to remove the radio from the car.

vegggas

They didn't repeat anything, they said two distinct statements.
The CS rep said it correctly by saying there is one fee to record your shows and another fee to lease the activated STB hardware.
Those are two separate functions. The hardware can be leased as a standard receiver with the DVR functions never enabled, and that is more common than you think. There are customers who can forgo the DVR service or drop it at a later date, and still keep the receiver as an HD STB (or SD if that's what they have) without needing to get a new STB.

Here's the first example I can think of. You can buy or lease a new car with sat radio as a feature, but you still have to pay a separate subscription to use the Sat radio, even though its built into the car and advertised as an included feature. You can opt out of not getting the service, but they are not going to remove the radio from the car.

vegggas

I'm not complaining about the cost, I'm just trying to understand the logic.
I'm trying to follow your logic but having difficulty. So if your explanation is correct I should be able to cancel my DVR service and not have to return the DVR. I'll ask Cox that question and see what they say, I'll bet they tell me I need to exchange the DVR for a STB if I want to cancel my DVR service. Whether I record nothing or record 24/7 it does not cost Cox any more or less. If I get a CableCard and use a Moxi as my DVR, there is no DVR service fee. The ability to record is a function of the DVR, I find it hard to believe they have the ability to turn on or off the recording function. We'll see what they say.

Your comparison to Sat Radio, really doesn't hold water because the subscription to the programming on cable is already paid for.

There are no USB ports enabled for archiving on any cable DVR's, so I don't know why you are so upset about Passport as an OS; It's a huge improvement over the SARA OS used on the SA equipment. Cox is moving entirely to Passport, which is new for SA hardware, and will still continue on Moto hardware. This way, the entire Cox footprint will be on one OS instead of multiple vendors. If you have SA hardware, the eSATA port works for expansion with both SARA and Passport, but Moto hardware has a problem with expansion in general.
The USB port on cable DVR's was designed for USB keyboards, not expansion Drives.

vegggas

the eSATA was disabled the last time i checked my Moto Diag menu. will check again.

I'm not complaining about the cost, I'm just trying to understand the logic.
I'm trying to follow your logic but having difficulty. So if your explanation is correct I should be able to cancel my DVR service and not have to return the DVR. I'll ask Cox that question and see what they say, I'll bet they tell me I need to exchange the DVR for a STB if I want to cancel my DVR service. Whether I record nothing or record 24/7 it does not cost Cox any more or less. If I get a CableCard and use a Moxi as my DVR, there is no DVR service fee. The ability to record is a function of the DVR, I find it hard to believe they have the ability to turn on or off the recording function. We'll see what they say.

Your comparison to Sat Radio, really doesn't hold water because the subscription to the programming on cable is already paid for.

Cox can control channel permissions and set channels as unrecordable.

I'd compare it more to onstar, lol, buy a car iwth onstar and you have to pay for onstar features.

I realize all cable and Sat companies do this. But Still, my question is why do they break it into two fees? Is it an FCC regulation issue, a Local or Regional cable charter issue, does the service fee go to the networks (to make up for lost commercial revenues), Does it go to pay off a lawsuit from Tivo? Does it pay for a license from Cisco.

If On Demand does not have a service fee, (and I would understand if it did) then why does the ability to record programming you are already receiving require a separate fee.

If it weren't for SDV and On Demand, I would be buying a Moxi. Hopefully someday soon a Moxi will be Tru2Way and then I'll switch.

I found this thread and this seems most likely.
"The guide information is part of it (not the stuff you see but the stuff that is sent to the DVR to tell it if a program is new or not and when to start and stop recording). Also the fact that they have DRM on there so you cant copy it elsewhere will cost them a fee."

ON demand is live ish... DVR allows archiving...

dont you have an "FCC" tax on the bill somewhere?

Notice the New On Screen Guide link in the Quick Links right navigation, The link is not currently working. Is this a sign of the new Passport Guide, I'll have to keep checking.

http://ww2.cox.com/residential/orangecounty/tv.cox

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=171275&d=1269639998

Notice the New On Screen Guide link in the Quick Links right navigation, The link is not currently working. Is this a sign of the new Passport Guide, I'll have to keep checking.

http://ww2.cox.com/residential/orangecounty/tv.cox



This may have something to do with the new remote DVR scheduling coming soon.

edit: and is the new Passport Guide you refer to only for SA DVRs? We have Moto boxes in OC.

Were seeing Cox TV commercials here in the San Diego market advertising as coming soon:

New Program Guide
TV Caller ID
Multi-Room DVR

But then again they have been coming soon forever.

Is there any sense of when the new IPG will be implemented in Fairfax, VA?

Were seeing Cox TV commercials here in the San Diego market advertising as coming soon:

New Program Guide
TV Caller ID
Multi-Room DVR

But then again they have been coming soon forever.

they've been "coming sooning" the multi-room DVR here for the last 12 months..

nice to know i can still see my neighbors PPVs though.

This may have something to do with the new remote DVR scheduling coming soon.

edit: and is the new Passport Guide you refer to only for SA DVRs? We have Moto boxes in OC.

The new Passport Guide is supposed to replace all guides across all STBs, in all markets. (Moto, Cisco, or Other?) This is supposedly to act as a short term solution for current STBs which are limited by hardware to displaying the guide in 4:3 format. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18361119#post18361119

Also next down the pike, According to vegggas at avsforum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18329034#post18329034
The 16:9 all HD NDS tru2way guide and user interface will also roll out before the end of this year, he seems to have a source somewhere.

http://www.ctam.com/html/tru2way/commitment.htm

The new Passport Guide is supposed to replace all guides across all STBs, in all markets. (Moto, Cisco, or Other?) This is supposedly to act as a short term solution for current STBs which are limited by hardware to displaying the guide in 4:3 format. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18361119#post18361119

Also next down the pike, According to vegggas at avsforum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18329034#post18329034
The 16:9 all HD NDS tru2way guide and user interface will also roll out before the end of this year, he seems to have a source somewhere.

http://www.ctam.com/html/tru2way/commitment.htm

A Cox Tech Here said NDS is on the way this year, we've been on Passport Echo for a while, dont remember what it was before that.

I wouldnt mind having hte "start over" feature.

The new Passport Guide is supposed to replace all guides across all STBs, in all markets. (Moto, Cisco, or Other?) This is supposedly to act as a short term solution for current STBs which are limited by hardware to displaying the guide in 4:3 format. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18361119#post18361119

Also next down the pike, According to vegggas at avsforum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18329034#post18329034
The 16:9 all HD NDS tru2way guide and user interface will also roll out before the end of this year, he seems to have a source somewhere.

http://www.ctam.com/html/tru2way/commitment.htm

Thanks for the information. Sounds like some changes are a comin'.

A Cox Tech Here said NDS is on the way this year, we've been on Passport Echo for a while, dont remember what it was before that.

I wouldnt mind having hte "start over" feature.

we were supposed to have NDS guides in July 09

before passport cox used starsight they didn't have a dvr version

pioneer built Passport Echo for the dvrs

Quick notes.
The Passport IPG is now owned by Rovi, not Pioneer.
Passport is the new standard for all Cox STB's. Not just a short term solution.
An older version of Passport was available on Motorola equipment. This is a newer version coming up. Scientific Atalanta (SA) STBs will be moving to the new version of the Passport IPG with minor differences to the Moto launch.
The NDS IPG is an advanced guide for next-gen or full tru2way compatible STB's. It is not known which, if any, of current or existing STB's will run the NDS IPG. Memory and graphics limitations alone might indicate that only the HDC and newer boxes after the 7-07 mandate might be able to run the advanced guide.

vegggas

Quick notes.
The Passport IPG is now owned by Rovi, not Pioneer.
Passport is the new standard for all Cox STB's. Not just a short term solution.
An older version of Passport was available on Motorola equipment. This is a newer version coming up. Scientific Atalanta (SA) STBs will be moving to the new version of the Passport IPG with minor differences to the Moto launch.
The NDS IPG is an advanced guide for next-gen or full tru2way compatible STB's. It is not known which, if any, of current or existing STB's will run the NDS IPG. Memory and graphics limitations alone might indicate that only the HDC and newer boxes after the 7-07 mandate might be able to run the advanced guide.

vegggas


Thanks. I'm new to this particular thread, and certainly to these particular changes coming to Cox, so this helps put it all in perspective for me.

Quick notes.
The Passport IPG is now owned by Rovi, not Pioneer.
Passport is the new standard for all Cox STB's. Not just a short term solution.
An older version of Passport was available on Motorola equipment. This is a newer version coming up. Scientific Atalanta (SA) STBs will be moving to the new version of the Passport IPG with minor differences to the Moto launch.
The NDS IPG is an advanced guide for next-gen or full tru2way compatible STB's. It is not known which, if any, of current or existing STB's will run the NDS IPG. Memory and graphics limitations alone might indicate that only the HDC and newer boxes after the 7-07 mandate might be able to run the advanced guide.

vegggas

any pics of the new passport ipg for motorola the 3.5 version is boring

any pics of the new passport ipg for motorola the 3.5 version is boring

I posted links to rovi's website about two weeks ago. Full details are in those links and websites, including differences between Moto and SA interfaces, etc.

vegggas

<SNIP - original post deleted>


Dude, Chill.
You are going about this all wrong. If you wanted to send a letter, send it to Rovi, the people who actually make the various versions of passport. To further your reasoning, specify it goes to the people at Rovi who develop the Echo software that runs with Passport to provide DVR services (Passport is just the IPG) - Again, look at Rovi's website for more info. Cox is not writing or manipulating the Passport software, they are merely implementing an upgrade to an already established software Operating System across their footprint to have a common interface for all markets and hardware types. Having said that, it appears that Rovi has included software support within Passport and Echo for approved external DVR kits, just like SARA had done and previous versions of Passport. This has been seen in several markets where Passport was already in use on SA equipment and the Expansion drives worked there. It's those markets, where Passport was once common, and then switched to a cable companies own version of software, where the problems are now being seen.
For DVR expansion, Cox has never officially said they support external drives and probably never will. They do offer instructions from DVR Expander vendors describing the way to attach your own DVR kit, if you wanted to go that route at your own expense and without any technical support. To that case, if there is a lot of bad feedback, such as the form letter you posted, they may decide to officially not support expansion and ask the OS company Rovi to remove the function altogether so that tech support and troubleshooting can be done in a way that an external device is not causing a problem or is even a factor in a failure.
Scientific Atlanta (now Cisco) made a hardware interface that works with their own software (SARA) that allows for an "approved CE external drive kit" to be added to increase storage capacity. Scientific Atlanta has only supported approved devices, such as the WD, Seagate, and Apricorn DVR expander kits made specifically for the expansion of DVRs. Anything else is buy and use at your own risk.
I believe you are thinking of the TWC mess where they got rid of the SARA and Passport software to create their own interface called Navigator. That software doesn't specifically address the external drive expansion and has caused a lot of problems for those users. Yes, TWC, who once used Passport, with working external drive support on SA equipment, wrote their own code that no longer completely works with external drives. This is explicitly in the fault of TW and their versions of code, which vary depending on which SA hardware you have. There was some talk of WD saying that their DVR expansion product is not supported on HDC units, but that is caused again, by TWC's use of their own branded software, and not the hardware supplied by SA.

I have dozens of users, nearly 50 or so including good friends and family members that I have upgraded to the WD Expander kits (the only ones approved for use by the Tivo HD too) and they have been working fine on Cox systems using Sara and other markets where external drive support is also available. I am confident that a change from SARA to Passport will not adversely affect those drives and there use in any way. Of the examples of the users that I have seen that have already been upgraded to Passport, those with external drives have had no problems with their DVR expansion kits.

vegggas

vegggas,
as always thanks for your input, I do respect your opinions. I just have my concerns (valid considering my experience with Cox Support). If you feel I should pull my open letter post due to "if there is a lot of bad feedback, such as the form letter you posted" I will consider it.

I vote for pulling it. Too many letters will mean too much trouble for Cox. Instead of officially supporting it, they will turn off the external drive function completely.

I vote for pulling it. Too many letters will mean too much trouble for Cox. Instead of officially supporting it, they will turn off the external drive function completely.

Deleted---
But if it doesn't work You both get the blame.:)
If it is so certain eSATA will work, then why has no one at Cox even suggested it might work, they do admit the Passport change is coming but will not even respond regarding expansion.

I vote for pulling it. Too many letters will mean too much trouble for Cox. Instead of officially supporting it, they will turn off the external drive function completely.

Deleted---
But if it doesn't work You both get the blame.:)
If it is so certain eSATA will work, then why has no one at Cox even suggested it might work, they do admit the Passport change is coming but will not even respond regarding expansion.

Remember, Cox does not officially support or advertise external expansion drives. The DVR is leased as a temporary time shifting device, not as a long term storage device. It is specifically not to be used as an archival device.
Any information on any Cox website reflects the hardware manufacturers or third party suggested expansion.
Any calls to service will be logged as trouble calls and may result in someone making the decision to remove this unsupported function because it generates too many trouble calls. This will reduce their call volume and offer a better rating of fewer trouble calls or higher ratio of completed calls. Call centers in general, look at call history and try to reduce call volume and if this is on their radar, it may go away.
Passport is not a new OS, It has been around a while and in probably in use by millions of users for many years. They have a decent track record and no history of eliminating the expansion drive capability.

Enjoy what you have as a hidden feature and be grateful that many have contributed and experimented so that you and others can have expanded capacity. You have to remember that it's always a "use at your own risk" feature and at any time the STB, Internal drive, External drive or even a Power Supply can fail and any content used for storage will be gone.

vegggas

Cox PHX Channel Line Up Effective April 1, 2010, Switched Digital Video (SVD) is noted by an asterisk * : http://ww2.cox.com/wcm/en/residential/datasheet/arizona/channel-lineup/phoenixarea.pdf

Other than 795 Epix HD, I do not see any additional HD channels, Still no BBC America HD??? Anyone notice anything else?

Wow, I can't believe the number of new SDV channels, I sure wish they would just drop analog broadcast and offer one free SD STB to customers for one year, or the option to purchase at cost (about $50) an inexpensive STB like this one: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps10771/7016863.pdf
Switched Digital Video simply amounts to on-board conditional access which CableCards were Mandated to solve so Retail CE products could compete. Allegedly, the Cisco Tuning Adapter simply does not meet the needs and is reported to be unreliable. (source: Tivo Forums, Moxi Forums)
Ditch Tuning Adapters and let devices with Ethernet ports communicate upstream via IP to tune SDV channels. http://hd.engadget.com/2010/03/17/a-cablecard-replacement-is-due-by-december-2012-bandaids-by-thi/

FCC Grants DTA Waivers To Four Vendors: http://www.multichannel.com/article/328866-FCC_Grants_DTA_Waivers_To_Four_Vendors.php
"The FCC "concluded that such devices will serve the public interest by furthering cable operators' migrations to all-digital networks... and would not jeopardize the development of the competitive marketplace for navigation devices" from consumer-electronics companies, the Media Bureau said in the Aug. 24 ruling."

Switched Digital Video simply amounts to on-board conditional access which CableCards were Mandated to solve so Retail CE products could compete. Allegedly, the Cisco Tuning Adapter simply does not meet the needs and is reported to be unreliable.

SDV is certainly not on-board conditional access in any way, shape or form and I don't know where you get the idea that it is. It is simply a technology that allows a cableco to offer more channels with limited bandwidth. The fact that Cisco STBs tune such channels without problems shows that the technology exists and could have been added to Tivo's/Moxi's. I don't understand why that is so hard to understand. Why should cableco's do any more than they already do by offering free TAs? Should they delete enough channels to allow them to avoid using SDV? Maybe you'd rather they didn't offer any of those channels that are now SDV, is that it?

Why not beat up on Tivo and Moxi for being short-sighted and not including 2-way communications? Perhaps the technology is patented and they simply didn't want to pay for it. Tivo has a lot of experience with that, usually from the other side. Why should cable use large amounts of bandwidth to send all these channels out when surveys show that only around 40 or so channels are being watched at any given time on any node? If they can offer us more channels using SDV, I'm all for it. If Tivo and Moxi want my business, they'll add 2-way comm at some point, even if they have to license the technology.

I don't know about Moxi, but I have no sympathy for Tivo, they are the king of patent enforcement. Until someone shows me that Tivo/Moxi can't license the technology or include 2-way comm in their STBs for some bonafide reason, I have no sympathy. IMHO, you don't go out and buy a piece of 3rd-party gear knowing it has problems and then complain about the cableco. You and I haven't bought a Moxi yet, partly due to SDV. I don't watch any current SDV channels, but I don't know about tomorrow, so I'm still on the fence.

Oh, and I wouldn't bet on SDV going away even after cable gets rid of analog channels, sometime after 2012, if then. I'm hoping they quit packing 3 channels per QAM to give us better image quality before they abandon SDV. I will agree that Cox should offer a TA that supports more than 2 streams.

The fact that Cisco STBs tune such channels without problems shows that the technology exists and could have been added to Tivo's/Moxi's. I don't understand why that is so hard to understand.

Cisco/SA STBs use DAVIC to communicate to the cable head-end. It was once explained to me why 3rd-party boxes such as TiVo and Moxi do not support DAVIC, but I can't recall the explanation. ANYBODY?

Cox Phoenix Market

Although this isn't about HD, it is some new Cox Content (music channels)

Channels 991 - 996 will be providing CRN Talk Radio

CRN1: This channel is the flagship of the CRN network, and the most widely distributed. CRN1 features all of CRN's in-house programs, such as Barry Farber, Lee Klein, Chuck Wilder, What's Cookin', What's Cookin' On Wine, Les' Wines and Vines,The PM Show, Sports Corner, and several weekend programs, as well as syndicated programs, such as Doug Stephan and Dennis Prager.
CRN2: The feed used by Sports Byline USA.
CRN3: The feed used for Salem Radio Network's programming, which includes Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Hugh Hewitt and Michael Medved.
CRN4: The feed used by National Radio Network. John and Jeff and Thom Hartmann are the most notable hosts on this channel, with the rest of the content timeshifted from CRN1. This channel was on CRN6 until January 2010.
CRN5: The feed used primarily by Radio America, featuring Roger Hedgecock, G. Gordon Liddy, and Ben Ferguson. Mancow's Morning Madhouse, from Talk Radio Network, Bruce Williams and Lou Dobbs are also heard on this channel.
CRN6: Spanish language programming.

Cox Phoenix Market

Although this isn't about HD, it is some new Cox Content (music channels)

Channels 991 - 996 will be providing CRN Talk Radio



Are you sure those are new? We've had them in Cox - OC, CA for years.

Cisco/SA STBs use DAVIC to communicate to the cable head-end. It was once explained to me why 3rd-party boxes such as TiVo and Moxi do not support DAVIC, but I can't recall the explanation. ANYBODY?
There are something like 6 different, incompatible standards in use in the US for return-path communication. Consumer hardware has to support all of them in order to be certified. Far easier to let the cable provider deal with it using tuning adapters, which can be tailored to work only with the standard they actually use.

Are you sure those are new? We've had them in Cox - OC, CA for years.
New for us in AZ.

There are something like 6 different, incompatible standards in use in the US for return-path communication. Consumer hardware has to support all of them in order to be certified. Far easier to let the cable provider deal with it using tuning adapters, which can be tailored to work only with the standard they actually use.

Yeah, that's probably true and as good an excuse as any. I assume tru2way will standardize that too so TAs won't be needed for tru2way-compatible boxes. I guess maybe I'll have to let them off the hook for now. :)

As I understand it, the tru2way standard requires that all of those be supported by the hardware. Just another reason why tru2way has seen no significant adoption. The FCC's recent declaration that cable providers need to start accepting tuning requests via IP is a far better idea. Most people with Tivos, Moxis, and WMC PCs with CableCARD tuners have them connected to the Internet anyway, so piggybacking on that is just a matter of creating a standard and the companies involved implementing it in a software update.

There are something like 6 different, incompatible standards in use in the US for return-path communication. Consumer hardware has to support all of them in order to be certified. Far easier to let the cable provider deal with it using tuning adapters, which can be tailored to work only with the standard they actually use.

Ah, I remember the snafu now. Cable Labs certification! Thanks.

New for us in AZ.

bet they don't last long Omaha had those for about a year before they taken off

bet they don't last long Omaha had those for about a year before they taken off

Not in Orange County, CA. We've had them for years - not that I ever listen to any of 'em.:)

Vagggas am I correct that Cox is trying to switch most to the Passport system witch is now owned by Rovicorp?

I have heard Omaha will some day get the Multi Room Cox DVR. Is this it. I found the doc on the Rovi Web site the PDF details info about the Multi room and how you can watch a recording from a non DVR box.

What if I had TWO HD DVRs, would I be able to watch a recording from the other HD DVR?

Any one seen Multi Room working in person yet?

Click on this link then the Resources Tab for the PDF file.

http://www.rovicorp.com/products/service_providers/guide_sp/passport_guide.htm?link_id=rightnav


2nd Question

Is this the link to what the new HD Guide will look like? With the new HD Guide that is Tru2way based also have Multi Room Viewing ?

http://www.rovicorp.com/products/service_providers/guide_sp/passport_tru2way.htm?link_id=rightnav

Vagggas am I correct that Cox is trying to switch most to the Passport system witch is now owned by Rovicorp?

I have heard Omaha will some day get the Multi Room Cox DVR. Is this it. I found the doc on the Rovi Web site the PDF details info about the Multi room and how you can watch a recording from a non DVR box.

What if I had TWO HD DVRs, would I be able to watch a recording from the other HD DVR?

Any one seen Multi Room working in person yet?

Click on this link then the Resources Tab for the PDF file.

http://www.rovicorp.com/products/service_providers/guide_sp/passport_guide.htm?link_id=rightnav


2nd Question

Is this the link to what the new HD Guide will look like? With the new HD Guide that is Tru2way based also have Multi Room Viewing ?

http://www.rovicorp.com/products/service_providers/guide_sp/passport_tru2way.htm?link_id=rightnav

I can't do the links using my phone, but look back to the middle of the month and I posted full articles, complete with links and embedded pictures of what was coming. I also told everyone to download the PDF guide for more in-depth info.
Around the same time, I said that for the HD guide, that is not by Rovi, but by NDS and is completely different.

vegggas

Cox Has posted info regarding the new Guide on their website: http://ww2.cox.com/residential/arizona/tv/digital-guide.cox

Beginning on or after April 20, 2010, and continuing through June, Digital Cable customers will have their receivers upgraded with a New Interactive Guide, providing an enhanced user experience and improvements to OnDemand. Customers can learn more about the new Interactive Guide by visiting http://www.cox.com/cable/newguide after April 20,2010.

Cox Has posted info regarding the new Guide on their website: http://ww2.cox.com/residential/arizona/tv/digital-guide.cox

Beginning on or after April 20, 2010, and continuing through June, Digital Cable customers will have their receivers upgraded with a New Interactive Guide, providing an enhanced user experience and improvements to OnDemand. Customers can learn more about the new Interactive Guide by visiting http://www.cox.com/cable/newguide after April 20,2010.

it's not a whole new guide but a new ondemand interface no new guide

Cox Phoenix, AZ
No Vutopia OnDemand Yet
No Epix OnDemand Yet

I did notice the On Demand Button on the remote now takes you to Channel 1, not sure when that happened,

it's not a whole new guide but a new ondemand interface no new guide

For those of us not on a Motorola DVR/STB and/or not on Passport already it is an entirely new guide and OnDemand interface.

Cox Phoenix, AZ
No Vutopia OnDemand Yet
No Epix OnDemand Yet

I did notice the On Demand Button on the remote now takes you to Channel 1, not sure when that happened,
No Epix OnDemand or Vutopia probably until the new guide with the Showrunner VOD application is launched. Why overhaul an old interface that is going away within the month?
You did get the channels today though, right? We got them up here in Vegas

vegggas

I went to the NDS web site (the one you said is making the HD guide).

On this link there are several guides. One is an HD concept guide.

Click on the concept link top right then double click the picture to see the video.
I wonder if it will be something like this?

http://www.nds.com/solutions/epgs.php

I can't do the links using my phone, but look back to the middle of the month and I posted full articles, complete with links and embedded pictures of what was coming. I also told everyone to download the PDF guide for more in-depth info.
Around the same time, I said that for the HD guide, that is not by Rovi, but by NDS and is completely different.

vegggas

I went to the NDS web site (the one you said is making the HD guide).

On this link there are several guides. One is an HD concept guide.

Click on the concept link top right then double click the picture to see the video.
I wonder if it will be something like this?

http://www.nds.com/solutions/epgs.php

Nope.
I've posted pictures of it here in this thread. Go back and take a look at it within this thread.

vegggas

No Epix OnDemand or Vutopia probably until the new guide with the Showrunner VOD application is launched. Why overhaul an old interface that is going away within the month?
You did get the channels today though, right? We got them up here in Vegas

vegggas
Your probably right, currently I think we are running Seachange (seacodk)

Just EPIX SD and EPIX HD feeds here.
No new CRN Digital Talk Radio or CRN Radio Mujer

Thank you, I did not go back far enough.

For others looking for the HD guide here is the link to the Oct 09 link in the Cox Las Vegas forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17314951#post17314951

Here is the link to the PDF
http://www.ctam.com/html/tru2way/commitment.htm

Nope.
I've posted pictures of it here in this thread. Go back and take a look at it within this thread.

vegggas

Around the same time, I said that for the HD guide, that is not by Rovi, but by NDS and is completely different.

According to my conversation yesterday with Cox, both the SD and HD STBs would get the Rovi Passport guide, and all current SD and HD DVRs would get the Rovi Passport Echo guide. Only when the new multi-room HD DVR is released (later this summer) will the NDS guide see the light of day. Those with 8240HDC/8300HD DVRs will get the Echo IPG - not the NDS IGP.

Playing Devils Advocate Here, So feel free to beat up on my post. :)

From a marketing standpoint, Why would you show a date of December 31, 2008 on a New Guide you were planning on launching after April 20, 2010.

I know I would have showed that date a bit closer to it's release. Definitely no earlier than Dec 31, 2009. Is the Guide and Interface really that old already?
.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=171838&stc=1&d=1270240854

Playing Devils Advocate Here, So feel free to beat up on my post. :)

From a marketing standpoint, Why would you show a date of December 31, 2008 on a New Guide you were planning on launching after April 20, 2010.

I know I would have showed that date a bit closer to it's release. Definitely no earlier than Dec 31, 2009. Is the Guide and Interface really that old already?
.

No need to beat you up, but I'm not sure what you "think" you are seeing here. Your own post said to check that link AFTER Apr 20, so what is there today might have no relationship to what will be there then. For all I know this is the current OnDemand Guide used on Motorola boxes in Tucson. But, even if it's not, Passport is NOT a new IPG, it's simply new to Cox Cisco boxes. I assume this is the OnDemand Guide that has been used within Passport for quite some time. It probably would have been smart to use a more current image, but........... :)

It probably would have been smart to use a more current image, but........... :)

That is all I am saying. :rolleyes:

Playing Devils Advocate Here, So feel free to beat up on my post. :)

From a marketing standpoint, Why would you show a date of December 31, 2008 on a New Guide you were planning on launching after April 20, 2010.

I know I would have showed that date a bit closer to it's release. Definitely no earlier than Dec 31, 2009. Is the Guide and Interface really that old already?
.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=171838&stc=1&d=1270240854

Actually, the Showrunner VOD application has been launched in some markets for some time. This image was probably provided by the software creators for their first documentation when submitting the product.
Why do all of the work over again just to change a date?
vegggas

Actually, the Showrunner VOD application has been launched in some markets for some time. This image was probably provided by the software creators for their first documentation when submitting the product.
Why do all of the work over again just to change a date?
vegggas

PhotoShop...That's what it is for. At least give the used car a wash and wax before putting it up for sale. :confused:

Vagggas am I correct that Cox is trying to switch most to the Passport system witch is now owned by Rovicorp?

I have heard Omaha will some day get the Multi Room Cox DVR. Is this it. I found the doc on the Rovi Web site the PDF details info about the Multi room and how you can watch a recording from a non DVR box.

What if I had TWO HD DVRs, would I be able to watch a recording from the other HD DVR?

Any one seen Multi Room working in person yet?

Click on this link then the Resources Tab for the PDF file.

http://www.rovicorp.com/products/service_providers/guide_sp/passport_guide.htm?link_id=rightnav


2nd Question

Is this the link to what the new HD Guide will look like? With the new HD Guide that is Tru2way based also have Multi Room Viewing ?

http://www.rovicorp.com/products/service_providers/guide_sp/passport_tru2way.htm?link_id=rightnav

scott Omaha already using passport since we are motorola

Does anyone have this same problem or know a solution. I have tried different browsers, bypassed my router, disabled firewalls, used different OS's, and never able to access http://knowledgecenter.corp.cox.com/sdccommon/asp/contentredirect.asp?sprt_cid=73782671-8060-4185-bd95-eb8f2dd15afc from Cox's Support pages.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=172458&stc=1&d=1270777396

New Guide Demos shown on Cox Kansas: http://www.cox.com/support/gocox/digitalcable/dvr/default.asp, I realize this may not be new to current Passport Users.

Finding Programs
·Search by keyword: http://www.cox.com/support/images/digitalcable/aptiv27/player.htm?flcourseID=aptiv_13_search_keyword&playAudio=1&userid=guest&courseID=w.cox.com/support/gocox/digitalcable/dvr/default.asp
·Search by title: http://www.cox.com/support/images/digitalcable/aptiv27/player.htm?flcourseID=aptiv_14_search_title&playAudio=1&userid=guest&courseID=w.cox.com/support/gocox/digitalcable/dvr/default.asp
·Onscreen games: http://www.cox.com/support/images/digitalcable/aptiv27/player.htm?flcourseID=aptiv_02_games&playAudio=1&userid=guest&courseID=w.cox.com/support/gocox/digitalcable/dvr/default.asp
·More Demos Here (Making/Managing Recordings): http://www.cox.com/support/gocox/digitalcable/dvr_aptiv/dvrinteractivetutor_aptiv.asp
* Digital Receiver Connection Demos are for Motorola boxes

Telephone + Cable = TV Caller ID
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=172462&stc=1&d=1270779484
http://ww2.cox.com/residential/kansas/tv/cox-advanced-tv/features.cox#toggle=1-8
Because people do call during the big game... TV Caller ID let's you decide which calls to answer. From the comfort of your couch, you can enjoy your favorite show and see your Caller ID on the TV screen. Take the call or keep watching; now the choice is yours, right in front of your eyes.

TV Caller ID is as easy to use as your remote control:

* See on-screen Caller ID name and telephone number
* Avoid interruptions by choosing which calls to take
* Manage your incoming calls and access call history

TV Caller ID is a free service available to subscribers of both Cox Digital Telephone and Cox Advanced TV. Your selected phone service must have Caller ID to operate and access to some functions may require subscription to additional service features.

Does anyone have this same problem or know a solution. I have tried different browsers, bypassed my router, disabled firewalls, used different OS's, and never able to access http://knowledgecenter.corp.cox.com/sdccommon/asp/contentredirect.asp?sprt_cid=73782671-8060-4185-bd95-eb8f2dd15afc from Cox's Support pages.

Where are you seeing that link? I don't get anything for even the base url.

Where are you seeing that link? I don't get anything for even the base url.

Select most any link within http://support.cox.com/sdccommon/asp/contentredirect.asp?sprt_cid=ba0d3e8d-b851-4bf1-a856-74efd008b25b

http://www.cox.com/support/arizona/digitalcable/dvr/useguide.asp > Remote Controls:
· Setup
OR
Connections:
· All Connection Diagrams > Any link on that page

Select most any link within http://support.cox.com/sdccommon/asp/contentredirect.asp?sprt_cid=ba0d3e8d-b851-4bf1-a856-74efd008b25b

http://www.cox.com/support/arizona/digitalcable/dvr/useguide.asp > Remote Controls:
· Setup
OR
Connections:
· All Connection Diagrams > Any link on that page

I was trying to get there from www.cox.com and couldn't figure out which selection took me there. I finally found one and see what you mean. My guess is they are in the middle of updating their site for the coming changes and they've gotten ahead of themselves. Don't know if they are aware of the broken links though.

I was trying to get there from www.cox.com and couldn't figure out which selection took me there. I finally found one and see what you mean. My guess is they are in the middle of updating their site for the coming changes and they've gotten ahead of themselves. Don't know if they are aware of the broken links though.

No, this has been going on for a year or so and emails to Cox have produced no results.

Dear Bryan:
Thank you for contacting our Online Customer Care Team.
A copy of your email has been forwarded to our Webmasters for correction.
If we can be of any additional service to you, please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Sincerely,
Chrissy
Cox Communications - Customer Care
Online Support Team

While on the phone with CS, I walk them through the navigation and they tell me the links work just fine and have no answer. It is like the webserver is behind Cox's DMZ or firewall.

New Guide Demos shown on Cox Kansas: http://www.cox.com/support/gocox/digitalcable/dvr/default.asp, I realize this may not be new to current Passport Users.

Thanks. What was not mentioned in those tutorials (or maybe I missed it) was whether or not one could set up timer recordings manually, such as channel 106 Thursday April 29 @ 7:30pm to 11pm. You can with SARA.

Thanks. What was not mentioned in those tutorials (or maybe I missed it) was whether or not one could set up timer recordings manually, such as channel 106 Thursday April 29 @ 7:30pm to 11pm. You can with SARA.

We have the Passport system in RI an you can not set up a "manual" time as you exampled above....

Thanks. What was not mentioned in those tutorials (or maybe I missed it) was whether or not one could set up timer recordings manually, such as channel 106 Thursday April 29 @ 7:30pm to 11pm. You can with SARA.

We have the Passport system in RI an you can not set up a "manual" time as you exampled above....

It works on SA/Cisco hardware.
Just press the record button, and it asks when, where, and how long in the same fashion as the SARA version.

vegggas

Thanks. What was not mentioned in those tutorials (or maybe I missed it) was whether or not one could set up timer recordings manually, such as channel 106 Thursday April 29 @ 7:30pm to 11pm. You can with SARA.

Another thing people are missing is the ability to EDIT your IPG. You can SKIP individual channels in your IPG, arrange them by number or channel, See just the HD channels or create your own IPG using your favorites as the guide.

vegggas

It works on SA/Cisco hardware.
Just press the record button, and it asks when, where, and how long in the same fashion as the SARA version.

vegggas
Thanks. Figures that Motorola and Cisco/SA DVRs would behave slightly differently.

Cox Phoenix, AZ
No Vutopia OnDemand Yet
No Epix OnDemand Yet

Now Available in Phoenix in your OnDemand Menu under Movie Pak and Movie Pak HD
Vutopia OnDemand
Epix OnDemand

Thanks. Figures that Motorola and Cisco/SA DVRs would behave slightly differently.

Correct we have the Motorola boxes here..

Actually nevermind if you hit the record button you can set up a manual recording like it was mentioned before with the Motorola boxes...Its under the create a Manual recording.....There are limitations (it seems to only allow you to select full hour increments), but you can set it up to record on a certain day\certain time as well as set it up for a single or recurring type......Ive never actually used this as I normally set up for full shows....

Rovi Passport Customer Service Guides for Cox Scientific Atlanta/Cisco DVR/STBs

SA/Cisco - IPG DVR service: Rovi Passport Echo Version 3.1 - http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/dvr/SA/Cisco%20for%20DVR.pdf (39.6MB/404pp)

SA/Cisco - IPG Non-DVR (SDTV or HDTV): Rovi Passport Guide Version 5.1 - http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/dvr/SA/Cisco%20for%20nonDVR.pdf (24.6MB/232pp)

IPG Flip Quick Tips Guide: http://www.cox.com/support/images/digitalcable/sa/FlipBook/Default.html (Flash Player)
DVR Recording Quick Reference Guide: http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/dvr/mot/aptiv/Rovi%20QRG%20for%20DVR%20recording_040810.pdf (705KB/2pp)
Parental Controls Quick Reference Guide: http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/dvr/mot/aptiv/Rovi%20QRG%20with%20parental%20controls_040810.pdf (724KB/2pp)

Rovi Passport Customer Service Guides for Cox Scientific Atlanta/Cisco STBs

SA/Cisco - IPG DVR service: Rovi Passport Echo Version 3.1 - http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/dvr/SA/Cisco%20for%20DVR.pdf

SA/Cisco - IPG Non-DVR (SDTV or HDTV): Rovi Passport Guide Version 5.1 - http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/dvr/SA/Cisco%20for%20nonDVR.pdf

DVR Recording Quick Reference Guide: http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/dvr/mot/aptiv/Rovi%20QRG%20for%20DVR%20recording_040810.pdf
Parental Controls Quick Reference Guide: http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/dvr/mot/aptiv/Rovi%20QRG%20with%20parental%20controls_040810.pdf

I have started a thread dedicated to the Upcoming Cox Passport change on SA equipment. See my sig for the link. Feel free to add those links threre.. You should also mention the size of those links to people who may click on them and not realize it's a 40Mb PDF file.

vegggas

Does anyone have this same problem or know a solution. I have tried different browsers, bypassed my router, disabled firewalls, used different OS's, and never able to access http://knowledgecenter.corp.cox.com/sdccommon/asp/contentredirect.asp?sprt_cid=73782671-8060-4185-bd95-eb8f2dd15afc from Cox's Support pages.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=172458&stc=1&d=1270777396

This is the latest response I have received from Cox. If this is true then why do they link to "http://knowledgecenter.corp.cox.com" from thier support webpages. (ie. http://support.cox.com/sdccommon/asp/contentredirect.asp?sprt_cid=ba0d3e8d-b851-4bf1-a856-74efd008b25b, almost all links on this page are to the server in question.)

Dear Bryan,

Thank you for your e-mail to Cox. I understand you are unable to access
specific URLs.

The "http://knowledgecenter.corp.cox.com" are Cox internaly used sites
to assist our customers and are not accesible over residential
connection. I truly apologize the misunderstanding. Please let us know
your specific problem, and we will send you pertinent information on the
subject.

Have you tried our customer support site? Visit

http://support.cox.com

to find answers to many of your Cox High Speed Internet questions FAST,
including "click to fix" automated solutions and LIVE online chat
support 24/7!


Thank you for choosing Cox as your friend in the digital age.

Sincerely, STP - Joe G.

With Cox's recent price reduction to their HD DVRs here in AZ and underwhelming reviews of the new Tivo Premiere STBs as well as certain missing caveats of the Moxi's- I have tentatively decided to go with Cox's HD DVR starting next month. This will be an additional $10 per month adding to my current bill and hopefully won't regret the experience. Yes, this will be my first ever DVR and would have probably held out for much longer for a more complete retail product if my trusted 27'' analog TV/VCR combo hadn't finally died on me. Watching taped SD versions of my favorite show was starting to gnaw on me and I guess you can say that this made my decision much easier. Bryan and Vegggas' recent constant update concerning future SA IPG upgrades and other nuggets of info here and there was also a great determining factor and I thank you for that.

I guess the only question I have is what precautions I need to take when picking up my first HD DVR from the nearest cox store here in phoenix. Should I ask for a new STB and a specific model number? Or would an upgrade just constitute a simple and free truck roll with a tech doing a quick exchange including setup and testing? I don't think the learning curve should be that much as I currently have had a SA 4240 HD Receiver for almost 2 years. Any advice, links and suggestions that you guys might provide me with would be a big help to this hopefully new to be DVR junkie :

I have been using an 8300 HD (not HDC) for a number of years, without any issues. It has been extremely reliable. I also have an Apricon DVR Extender connected to it, for an additional 1 TB of storage space. I currently have over 260 programs recorded on the box. I typically record about a dozen shows per week, mostly HD. I know of friends that have experienced some problems with various HDC boxes (8300 and other).

I guess the only question I have is what precautions I need to take when picking up my first HD DVR from the nearest cox store here in phoenix. Should I ask for a new STB and a specific model number? Or would an upgrade just constitute a simple and free truck roll with a tech doing a quick exchange including setup and testing? I don't think the learning curve should be that much as I currently have had a SA 4240 HD Receiver for almost 2 years. Any advice, links and suggestions that you guys might provide me with would be a big help to this hopefully new to be DVR junkie :

I don't think there's any particular caveats. I would probably try to get an analog legacy-free 8240HDC instead of an 8300HD/HDC, but both should work just fine.

If you were OK with connecting your VCR, you can handle installing the HDDVR without a truck roll. cable coax in, your choice of A/V output (component recommended if using a receiver to avoid HDMI handshake issues), apply power, review the setup guides available AVS for the model you get to setup video output resolutions and audio output. Q.E.D.

Understand that you will never not have a DVR after having one for any length of time.

With Cox's recent price reduction to their HD DVRs here in AZ...
<SNIP>
This will be an additional $10 per month adding to my current bill and hopefully won't regret the experience.:
FYI,
You should realize that the STB rental fee is a fee for leasing the hardware, just like your existing STB fee and covers the cost of the hardware. The DVR service is an Additional fee for the actual DVR service that allows for scheduling and recording of shows and channels on your account as well as being able to pause or time-shift live programming, etc. This is similar to DVR's such as Tivo where the cost of the hardware is separate from the cost of the service. The main difference is that a Cable Co supplied DVR will still work as a standard STB for programming without the DVR service, but a Tivo will not work at all without the monthly fee.

The only thing to consider between a DVR and a standard STB is that with the dual tuners in the DVR, your signal is split internally which decreases the available signal by -3 to -4 db. If your signal is weak to begin with or has problems, it will be halved by the split and magnify any minor problems you may already have. If you go into diagnostics and check your levels and they are good, you should be ok.
Diagnostic check - Walk up to the STB while it is on. Press and hold the "Select" button on the front of the STB until the "Mail Icon" comes on (5 sec). Press "Info" on the STB.
You should see the following:

Current tuner level of the program you are watching - Ideally should be -10 to + 10 or better at -5 to +5. Changing to a DVR will change those levels by -3 to -4 db and if that puts you within the -10 range, expect some problems locking onto a channel and possibly tiling and other random issues.
FDC - Forward Data Carrier - The signal from the cable co telling the box what to do. Ideally should be -10 to + 10 or better at -5 to +5. Changing to a DVR MAY change those levels by -3 to -4 db and if that puts you within the -10 range, expect some problems getting good downloads, getting IPG information, and other data services sent from the cable co., etc.
RDC -Return Data Carrier - The signal from the cable STB back to the Cable Co for any interactive services. Ideally should be +28 to +52 or better at around +36 to +48 . Changing to a DVR may change those levels by +3 to +4 db and if that puts you within the +54 range, expect some problems starting an IPG session, starting a VOD session, ordering PPV and the box will run HOT, etc. For every 3.5db the signal is increased it is approximately double the power. The more power it takes to get the signal back to the cable co, the hotter the box will run.

vegggas

FYI,
You should realize that the STB rental fee is a fee for leasing the hardware, just like your existing STB fee and covers the cost of the hardware. The DVR service is an Additional fee for the actual DVR service that allows for scheduling and recording of shows and channels on your account as well as being able to pause or time-shift live programming, etc.

Recent price changes here now have the DVR and HD receivers both costing $8.50 and the DVR service fee is another $10. Therefore, upgrading to an HD DVR is simply a matter of adding the $10 service fee and swapping boxes. In some cases, you don't even need to swap boxes dependiong on what they gave you as an HD receiver. It used to cost $6 more for the HD DVR and the fee was $5, but they recently increased the fee to $10 and priced the boxes the same, presummably in an effort to make the costs more understandable and get more subs to opt for the DVR.

Early this afternoon, both of my boxes rebooted, and two new stations appeared in the testing range.

970 FSPAZ - A Fox Sports Channel
971 FSPHD - A Fox Sports HD Channel

There can never be too much Sports, expecially when it's in HD

Anyone have an update on the deployment of the new IPG?

I guess the only question I have is what precautions I need to take when picking up my first HD DVR from the nearest cox store here in phoenix. Should I ask for a new STB and a specific model number? Or would an upgrade just constitute a simple and free truck roll with a tech doing a quick exchange including setup and testing? I don't think the learning curve should be that much as I currently have had a SA 4240 HD Receiver for almost 2 years. Any advice, links and suggestions that you guys might provide me with would be a big help to this hopefully new to be DVR junkie :

FWIW, I have had the SA8240HDC since Jan, 2010. I have seen the posts that the SA8300HD is better, but I haven't seen any problems with my 8240HDC. At the Cox store ask if they have an SA8600 series (It is black not silver, they probably won't, but it is worth asking), You can also check the date of manufacture on the bottom of the box before accepting. My 8240HDC was manufactured Dec. 2009. Also ask if they have any DVRs with a HDD larger than 160GB. Keep in mind you can always exchange the DVR at anytime for any reason, by simply taking it to a Cox Store.

I will switch to an SA8600 series Multi-Room DVR as soon as they are available.

Thanks everyone. I know I'm a little late to the party but look forward to a much more organized tv viewing starting in the near future :)

New HD Channels coming to Phoenix on June 1

Telefutura HD on 754 (Expanded HD / Latino Pak 323)
Investigation Discovery HD on 721 (Bonus Pak 329)
Disney XD HD on 773 (Variety Pak 328)
Starz Edge HD on 784 (Starz HD 298)
Hallmark Channel HD on 792 (Variety Pak 328)
WEtv HD on 793 (Variety Pak 328,)
BBC America HD on 794 (Variety Pak 328,)
The Tennis Channel HD on 797 (Sport & Info Pak 327)

All are SDV

New HD Channels coming to Phoenix on June 1

Telefutura HD on 754 (Expanded HD / Latino Pak 323)
Investigation Discovery HD on 721 (Bonus Pak 329)
Disney XD HD on 773 (Variety Pak 328)
Starz Edge HD on 784 (Starz HD 298)
Hallmark Channel HD on 792 (Variety Pak 328)
WEtv HD on 793 (Variety Pak 328,)
BBC America HD on 794 (Variety Pak 328,)
The Tennis Channel HD on 797 (Sport & Info Pak 327)

All are SDV

Thanks, No additional HBOs? Can you quote a source, or is it insider info?
BBC America HD, just in time to miss most of Doctor Who, But Being Human will be starting.

The info was provided On The Record by a Cox CSR.

Sorry if you guys already know this, but I asked Cox about when they would be rolling out the SA8600 and also the new GUI. Here is what I got:

"Thank you for your inquiry. Cox is committed to providing the best customer service possible.

As to when we will be getting the multi-room DVR, they have not given us a date as of yet. Once they are going to be available, they will let us know and also notification will be sent out as to what date they will be made available. We are going to be updating the Interactive Guide, we are hoping around mid June end of July."

Finally picked up my first ever HD DVR and am in the process of setting it up right now. It's the SA Explorer 8240 HDC manufactured 02/2010. I did ask for the 8600 series DVR initially but after the cox CSR helping me looked at his whole HD DVR inventory stock for the phoenix metro area- I was told that they have yet to receive them for our market.

I don't know how to put this delicately so i'll say it outright. The thing is butt ugly. I have never seen anything this BIG including some of the older VCRs from back in the day. You can probably fit in 3 STBs within this one DVR itself.

I just tweaked some of the menu settings and will start experimenting with the recording functions a little later on tonite. It seems to run pretty quitely and apart from some lag while scrolling through the guide, it has been working like a charm.

Veggas- I went ahead and made a note of the RF Parameters as you suggested above and here are the readings I got-

Tuner 1: 549.000 MHz
7/8 dBmV

FDC: 75.500 MHz
0/1 dBmV

RDC: 25.750 MHz
38 dBmv


What do you think?

I don't know how to put this delicately so i'll say it outright. The thing is butt ugly. I have never seen anything this BIG including some of the older VCRs from back in the day. You can probably fit in 3 STBs within this one DVR itself.

I don't know if it's "butt" ugly, but it sure is huge and mu silver model is ugly. The fact that is was produced in Feb 2010 means little because the design is pre-2005 and nothing has change since then. And, if you think the 8600 is going to be any better, I think you are in for a surprise. Just some numbers for comparison:

Cisco 8240/8300/8640 DVR - 15.6x11.2x3.25
DirecTV HD DVR - 15.1x12.2x2.8
TIVO HD DVR - 16.5x12.6x3.4

So, the Cisco units are certainly no worse as far as size goes.

I don't know if it's "butt" ugly, but it sure is huge and mu silver model is ugly. The fact that is was produced in Feb 2010 means little because the design is pre-2005 and nothing has change since then. And, if you think the 8600 is going to be any better, I think you are in for a surprise. Just some numbers for comparison:

Cisco 8240/8300/8640 DVR - 15.6x11.2x3.25
DirecTV HD DVR - 15.1x12.2x2.8
TIVO HD DVR - 16.5x12.6x3.4

So, the Cisco units are certainly no worse as far as size goes.
My 8240HDC built Dec. 2009 actual has a PATA EIDE drive, Western Digital 160 GB EIDE WD1600AAJB. Go figure,

Another size comparison.
Moxi - 17”W x 3”H x 10.5”D

At least the New 8600 looks better in Black, of course everything looks better in Black (just my opinion). Glad Black is Back. I never liked silver AV Equipment or computers.

Silver was very 1990's to early 2000's

My 8240HDC built Dec. 2009 actual has a PATA EIDE drive, Western Digital 160 GB EIDE WD1600AAJB. Go figure,

What is really odd is that they have IDE drives, but an eSata port.

At least the New 8600 looks better in Black, of course everything looks better in Black (just my opinion). Glad Black is Back. I never liked silver AV Equipment or computers.

No argument for me, that silver 8300 sticks out like a sore thumb in my cabinet. However, in the big scheme of things it's such a minor player, isn't it? :)

No argument for me, that silver 8300 sticks out like a sore thumb in my cabinet. However, in the big scheme of things it's such a minor player, isn't it? :)

I will be first in line for an 8600HDC, I just wish I could use my current Ext HDD with the new DVR, without a reformat. Hasn't anyone ever figured a way around this? It's not like you are changing the file format to something transferable, So Copyright issues are not really an issue.

I don't know if it's "butt" ugly, but it sure is huge and mu silver model is ugly. The fact that is was produced in Feb 2010 means little because the design is pre-2005 and nothing has change since then. And, if you think the 8600 is going to be any better, I think you are in for a surprise. Just some numbers for comparison:

Cisco 8240/8300/8640 DVR - 15.6x11.2x3.25
DirecTV HD DVR - 15.1x12.2x2.8
TIVO HD DVR - 16.5x12.6x3.4

So, the Cisco units are certainly no worse as far as size goes.

Go figure. I guess We're no better or worse than the others. I agree with the silver color too. Black looks much better if not the best. Although I'm very partial to samsung's touch of color design on most of their equipments. They all look absolutely amazing :)

Go figure. I guess We're no better or worse than the others. I agree with the silver color too. Black looks much better if not the best. Although I'm very partial to samsung's touch of color design on most of their equipments. They all look absolutely amazing :)
Ha, Yes the reddish pink fade to black...

I will be first in line for an 8600HDC, I just wish I could use my current Ext HDD with the new DVR, without a reformat. Hasn't anyone ever figured a way around this? It's not like you are changing the file format to something transferable, So Copyright issues are not really an issue.

I will never understand the need to tie recordings to a box instead of an account. I suspect some of this is because they want you to rent multiple boxes for multiple rooms, etc. I also assume it's just the way Cisco programmed it. We'll see if Passport or multi-room changes anything in this regard.

With all the traveling we are doing, I am getting the urge to get some expanded storage. The 20 hours has worked fine for us until now and I've been able to use the internet when we've been gone for many primetime shows. I generally delete my season passes for news programs, etc,. when we are gone and during the summer there are only a few shows I really care about. However, I would like to let my daughter start recording/watching more stuff in her room. I've been holding off though until I see what multi-room offers and decide whether or not to stick with a Cox DVR or Cox at all.

The stream is encrypted between the cable provider and the CableCARD using one set of keys. The CableCARD decrypts it, and re-encrypts it using different encryption keys obtained from the host device, whether it's a box from the provider, Tivo, CableCARD tuner in a PC, or TV with a CableCARD slot. This is the stream that gets recorded to the disk, and since it uses the keys from the box it is tied to the box. It can then be decrypted and re-encrypted again using something else like DTCP or Microsoft's WMDRM for streaming to another device like a DVHS recorder or PC.

Thanks, coyoteaz for that explanation, just wish it weren't true. :mad:

Thanks, coyoteaz for that explanation, just wish it weren't true. :mad:

Doesn't have to be that way, but then they (Hollywood) don't want you using a DVR for archiving in the first place. They weren't happy that they could never come up with an effective method to thwart VCRs either, so they've dumped as many rules on digital as possible. And, I guess that is their right, they own the content. :)

i just transfer the saved .ts stream via Firewire to my PC's external HDD and play it back using my PC.

Doesn't have to be that way, but then they (Hollywood) don't want you using a DVR for archiving in the first place. They weren't happy that they could never come up with an effective method to thwart VCRs either, so they've dumped as many rules on digital as possible. And, I guess that is their right, they own the content. :)

Most DVR have firewire out which gives a almost perfect copy for archiving. The security on cable cards are more about keeping you from getting encrypted content without paying your provider. Which is some reason accepted by Dish users, but scorned by cable users. Not sure why.

Now if were talking about eSata, that is considered beyond what is needed for archiving, because it actually duplicates the file as apposed to recording something broadcasting. Its "some what" like the difference between making a CD-R out of your CD and "archiving" your CD to a folder on your computer called Torrent Seed. Granted the intention is different, but the practicality is the same. The reason the HD is tied to the DVR is the drive is actually set in RAID, so the drive can't read easily without the other internal drive. This isn't entirely accurate of course, but you see my point.

Cox Phoenix has almost every HD channel flagged as copy protected, so Firewire isn't really an option for anyone there.

The security on CableCards is as much about content restriction as it is about authorization. You can't just plug a CableCard into any random piece of hardware; it has to be certified by CableLabs, which runs $200,000+. The hardware is required to enforce copy protection flags in the stream, and the security keys in the hardware can be revoked if someone figures out how to exploit it. Compare this to the Common Interface system widely used in Europe, which uses physically similar cards, except they output an unencrypted stream, and will work in pretty much anything that meets the standard. There's no protection of the stream once it leaves the card since they're only interested in making sure people pay for their TV and don't care what happens with it after that.

Most DVR have firewire out which gives a almost perfect copy for archiving. The security on cable cards are more about keeping you from getting encrypted content without paying your provider. Which is some reason accepted by Dish users, but scorned by cable users. Not sure why.

Now if were talking about eSata, that is considered beyond what is needed for archiving, because it actually duplicates the file as apposed to recording something broadcasting. Its "some what" like the difference between making a CD-R out of your CD and "archiving" your CD to a folder on your computer called Torrent Seed. Granted the intention is different, but the practicality is the same. The reason the HD is tied to the DVR is the drive is actually set in RAID, so the drive can't read easily without the other internal drive. This isn't entirely accurate of course, but you see my point.

Pardon me, but we ARE talking eSata and I fully understand the why and how of DVR, Firewire, etc. The point is they COULD encrypt recordings, especially those on an eSata HDD, so they couldn't be copied without rendering them useless when the DVR has to be replaced. However, they CHOOSE to tie them to the serial number of the DVR, they don't HAVE to do that.

In order to not tie recordings to the box, they would have to reinvent the entire DRM scheme in use, which is based on security keys specific to the hardware. Either that or the $120 eSATA box and drive would have to become a $250 cable box with a full DRM implementation and take a year to get to market while waiting on certification, if the manufacturer even decided there was enough money to be made to recoup their costs and the time involved and make a profit (there isn't).

This is all just so much baloney. All they have to do is tie it to an account number, they don't have to tie it to a receiver serial number. They are just so hung up on over-securing their content and don't care about the consumer. I can bank securely from any computer anywhere in the world, yet I lose all my recordings if my DVR fails, that's really high tech. :(

It isn't tied to a receiver serial number, it's tied to a security certificate within the box. This is similar to the security certificate your bank's website uses. If the private portion of that certificate were to become accessible, then anyone or anything else could impersonate the bank, or the box, and then the world as we know it would come to an end.

I'm not arguing in favor of the system or claiming that it is anything more than a power grab by a bunch of a-holes in Hollywood. Just explaining how it works and why the way you want it to work is incompatible with reality. Personally I'm in favor of being able to do anything you want with the content that you paid for, but in a country where the content producers own every major media outlet and use this power to control the political process, we're not likely to see anything different without a fundamental shift in the way things work. And I'll stop there lest this comment get too political and find its way to the bin.

Can someone tell me what the output for ESPN HD is if your HD DVR is seleted to Auto DVI/ HDMI? It's reading 1280x720 on my new HDTV on sportscenter. I thought it was supposed to be 1920x720.

Actually since getting my new HD DVR, picture quality has suffered on my set with a lot of noise and soft picture. I posted the signal strength on the last page and I thought that I had good readings. I've also tried all the other picture formatting options on my DVR and still no difference :confused:

Can someone tell me what the output for ESPN HD is if your HD DVR is seleted to Auto DVI/ HDMI? It's reading 1280x720 on my new HDTV on sportscenter. I thought it was supposed to be 1920x720.

Actually since getting my new HD DVR, picture quality has suffered on my set with a lot of noise and soft picture. I posted the signal strength on the last page and I thought that I had good readings. I've also tried all the other picture formatting options on my DVR and still no difference :confused:

ESPNHD and ESPN2HD are both 720p on my set w/ Auto Selected

From Wikipedia
"720p has a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, a vertical resolution of 720 pixels and a horizontal resolution of 1280 pixels, that is 1280×720, for a total of 921,600 pixels. The 1280×720 format is always progressive scan, there is no interlace version of 1280×720.

1080i is the shorthand name for a format of high-definition video modes. 1080 denotes the number of horizontal scan lines—also known as vertical resolution—and the letter i stands for interlaced. In the alternate format of high-definition video mode, known as 1080p, the p would stand for progressive scan."

"1080i is a high-definition television (HDTV) video mode. The term usually assumes a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, implying a horizontal resolution of 1920 pixels and a frame resolution of 1920×1080 or about 2.07 million pixels."

Your signal: Tuner 1: @ 7/8 dBmV, is a little high, (is it displayed in orange or green? orange denotes out of ideal range), ideally it should be as close to 0dBmV as possible.

1280x720 is correct for 720p. 1080i is 1920x1080. Picture quality is not directly affected by signal strength unless there's so little that it causes errors, which would show as breakups in the picture.

What cables are you using? If you're using the Cox-provided component cables, try using HDMI instead.

I'm using HDMI. I have a brand new Samsung PN50C6500 and that might be the problem. I've tweaked it's picture settings and everything else and there's no change at all. I'll try it with a blu ray disc and see if I can pin it down to the set itself.

Can someone tell me what the output for ESPN HD is if your HD DVR is seleted to Auto DVI/ HDMI? It's reading 1280x720 on my new HDTV on sportscenter. I thought it was supposed to be 1920x720.

Actually since getting my new HD DVR, picture quality has suffered on my set with a lot of noise and soft picture. I posted the signal strength on the last page and I thought that I had good readings. I've also tried all the other picture formatting options on my DVR and still no difference :confused:

For linear 24/7 HD networks, 1920x1080i and 1280x720p are the only HD formats used.

As noted, ESPN HD is 1280x720p.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/cox-plus-package-brings-advanced-trio-ui-500gb-multiroom-dvr

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/cox-plus-package-brings-advanced-trio-ui-500gb-multiroom-dvr

Good:
They seem to have chosen the 500GB variant of the 8642.
The Trio guide is quite nice.
The new black hardware is a must have.
MOCA networking for the Whole Home DVR and endpoints.

Bad:
I bet it'll be more expensive than my current two room HD/HDVR solution
It isn't here yet.

Still upgrading as soon as possible. Might as well push the Cox payment over $200/mo.:o

Good:
They seem to have chosen the 500GB variant of the 8642.
The Trio guide is quite nice.
The new black hardware is a must have.
MOCA networking for the Whole Home DVR and endpoints.

Bad:
I bet it'll be more expensive than my current two room HD/HDVR solution
It isn't here yet.

Still upgrading as soon as possible. Might as well push the Cox payment over $200/mo.:o

I suspect it will require a receiver in each room and MoCA adapters that will also probably cost a few dollars per month. I wonder how much functionality it will provide. With a 3-tuner Moxi you can view 4 separate programs at the same time; 3 recorded and 1 live. I guess I need to check the Cisco site.

I suspect it will require a receiver in each room and MoCA adapters that will also probably cost a few dollars per month. I wonder how much functionality it will provide. With a 3-tuner Moxi you can view 4 separate programs at the same time; 3 recorded and 1 live. I guess I need to check the Cisco site.

I could be wrong, but I believe the MoCA capability is built in to the new receivers/DVRs. I'm sure they'll charge more, but you shouldn't need an additional MoCA device.

I could be wrong, but I believe the MoCA capability is built in to the new receivers/DVRs. I'm sure they'll charge more, but you shouldn't need an additional MoCA device.

I also got that idea when I saw how they referred to the 1642 receiver needed in each room. That sure would be a nice way if that is the case.

Edit: I checked the Cisco site and both the 8642 and 1642 have Cable-In w/MoCA, so it should all be plug & play.

Good:

Still upgrading as soon as possible. Might as well push the Cox payment over $200/mo.:o


Yeap ill be there too. $200+

Anyone know how many tuners it's gonna have?

Anyone know how many tuners it's gonna have?

Two. All Cisco/SA DVRs are 2-tuner models. It will tune up to 1GHz, so hello SDV.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps8613/7015625A.pdf

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps8638/7014685.pdf

The bigger question for me is how many different programs (recorded or live) can be watched at the same time throughout the home? The Moxi supports at least 2 Mates and I know the Moxi setup can deliver at least 4 separate programs. That means people in 4 separate rooms can all watch something different, 3 recorded and 1 live program. DirecTV's new MR DVR is said to support up to 8 clients, but I don't know if that means 8 different recorded/live programs can be watched in 8 separate rooms. The way I read the literature for the 8642, you can only control it from different rooms, not watch something different. In other words, you can start to watch a recording in the family room and then move to the bedroom to finish it or everyone can watch the same recording at the same time. Of course, they can watch something live on the 1642, but that isn't even close to the Moxi in fiunctionality.

The bigger question for me is how many different programs (recorded or live) can be watched at the same time throughout the home? The Moxi supports at least 2 Mates and I know the Moxi setup can deliver at least 4 separate programs. That means people in 4 separate rooms can all watch something different, 3 recorded and 1 live program. DirecTV's new MR DVR is said to support up to 8 clients, but I don't know if that means 8 different recorded/live programs can be watched in 8 separate rooms. The way I read the literature for the 8642, you can only control it from different rooms, not watch something different. In other words, you can start to watch a recording in the family room and then move to the bedroom to finish it or everyone can watch the same recording at the same time. Of course, they can watch something live on the 1642, but that isn't even close to the Moxi in fiunctionality.

Since they are 2-tuner boxes, then one could assume only two shows throughout the house may be recorded at one time. I'm not sure if multiple DVRs can be used throughout the house and still offer the MRV. Of course, that could get expensive.

Since they are 2-tuner boxes, then one could assume only two shows throughout the house may be recorded at one time. I'm not sure if multiple DVRs can be used throughout the house and still offer the MRV. Of course, that could get expensive.

No question about that. However, the question is how many recordings can be viewed at a time. With a 3 tuner Moxi, 3 different recordings can be viewed in 3 different rooms at the same time from a single DVR. The key is that with the Moxi I could be watching one recording and my daughter watching another recording while my wife watches a 3rd recording or live TV. With the 8642 (or DirecTV's version of MR), my daughter and I would have to watch the same recording while my wife watches that recording or live TV and I'm not even sure about the live part.

Good:
They seem to have chosen the 500GB variant of the 8642.
The Trio guide is quite nice.
The new black hardware is a must have.
MOCA networking for the Whole Home DVR and endpoints.

It's not "Whole Home." Two additional rooms, only. And they need Explorer 1642 rentals.

It's not "Whole Home." Two additional rooms, only. And they need Explorer 1642 rentals.

That depends on the "home." My home needs only one additional room and this solution is therefore "whole home," ymmv.
And I don't think anyone is expecting any (legal) multi-room solution to exist without an endpoint to do decryption of the secured stream.

It's not "Whole Home." Two additional rooms, only. And they need Explorer 1642 rentals.

Where are you reading that? There does have to be a 1642 on the other end, but I've seen nothing that says only two 1642's can be used.

No question about that. However, the question is how many recordings can be viewed at a time. With a 3 tuner Moxi, 3 different recordings can be viewed in 3 different rooms at the same time from a single DVR. The key is that with the Moxi I could be watching one recording and my daughter watching another recording while my wife watches a 3rd recording or live TV. With the 8642 (or DirecTV's version of MR), my daughter and I would have to watch the same recording while my wife watches that recording or live TV and I'm not even sure about the live part.

Sorry about that; misread your post. As per the press release:


Up to three different recordings can be viewed simultaneously on different televisions throughout the home.

Where are you reading that? There does have to be a 1642 on the other end, but I've seen nothing that says only two 1642's can be used.

Per this article (http://www.multichannel.com/article/452387-Cox_Rigs_Trio_Big_Screen_Guide.php):

Multiroom DVR support is provided via the Multimedia over Coax Alliance specification, to up to *two* Explorer 1642 HD set-tops.


Hardly "whole house" but that's what Cox calls it.


edit: the two 1642 limitation is not mentioned on the Cisco data sheets (warning: pdf links):

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps8613/7015625A.pdf

http://cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps8638/7014685.pdf


this statement from the 8642 data sheet is troubling:


...Record one program while viewing or recording another...

Per this article (http://www.multichannel.com/article/452387-Cox_Rigs_Trio_Big_Screen_Guide.php):

That'll do it alright, thanks.

Hardly "whole house" but that's what Cox calls it.

Yeah, just like our "friend int he digital age" several years late.

edit: the two 1642 limitation is not mentioned on the Cisco data sheets:

Possibly a limitation of the Trio software, though I suppose it might be hard for the hardware to produce more than 3 streams at the same time. Even so, I'm not sure one can watch different recordings at the same time in different rooms, so that still gives Moxi a big edge in my book.

this statement from the 8642 data sheet is troubling:

I suppose it could be the way it is phrased, but I seem to recall that phrase early on for the 8300 too. If the statement is literally true, that is a real deal-breaker for me, a big step backwards. The only saving grace might be how they revamp their OnDemand service. If they add significantly more network primetime content, I might not even need a DVR. :)

Sorry about that; misread your post. As per the press release:

Gosh, I feel stupid, I didn't even notice the press release button in the egadget link. :o

This seems to make it better than DirecTV's MRV setup.

BTW, pulled this out of the spec sheet for the 8642:
Dual tuning, Dual Record, Pause, Rewind, Fast-Forward, Record one program while viewing or recording another, software controlled

So, seems like it might do okay since I too only need the 3 room capability. Of course, I'll wait to see what the cost is for the new software, the higher price package and the needed 1642s.

It looks like this also ushers in paying higher prices for a package with additional HD channels. No longer are they going to be able to claim HD is free. Of course, DirecTV and others already do this, so they are just catching up.

BTW, pulled this out of the spec sheet for the 8642:

Dual tuning, Dual Record, Pause, Rewind, Fast-Forward, Record one program while viewing or recording another, software controlled
So, seems like it might do okay since I too only need the 3 room capability. Of course, I'll wait to see what the cost is for the new software, the higher price package and the needed 1642s.
It looks like this also ushers in paying higher prices for a package with additional HD channels. No longer are they going to be able to claim HD is free. Of course, DirecTV and others already do this, so they are just catching up.


Yes, but that doesn't explicitly state it can dual record and watch another channel simultaneously. If you take another look at the 8642 data sheet (http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps8613/7015625A.pdf), you'll notice is does state it will dual record; however, there is an operative word there, namely the "or."

Dual tuning, Dual Record, Pause, Rewind, Fast-Forward, Record one program while viewing *or recording* another, software controlled.
Let's just hope that is not a literal feature.

Where are you reading that? There does have to be a 1642 on the other end, but I've seen nothing that says only two 1642's can be used.

Multichannel News article.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/452387-Cox_Rigs_Trio_Big_Screen_Guide.php

On a simpler note, will this upgrade be free from my current HD DVR to the new one if I'm just doing a swap and not interested in multi room viewing functionality?

On a simpler note, will this upgrade be free from my current HD DVR to the new one if I'm just doing a swap and not interested in multi room viewing functionality?

It's hard to say. Since your current DVR is not broken, they could charge you an install fee for the new 8642. When I exchanged my 3270 for the 8300 over 6 years ago, I still had to pay the install fee (though I did get it refunded-long story). At a minimum, you will have to pay the higher price they are going to charge for the 8642 and the new Plus Package. The way I read things, the Plus Package will include the Trio IPG, additional HD channels (yet to be named), and the MRV capability (even if you don't use it), but it will cost more. I'm sure we'll know more once they release it in the first markets.

On a simpler note, will this upgrade be free from my current HD DVR to the new one if I'm just doing a swap and not interested in multi room viewing functionality?

It's hard to say. Since your current DVR is not broken, they could charge you an install fee for the new 8642. When I exchanged my 3270 for the 8300 over 6 years ago, I still had to pay the install fee (though I did get it refunded-long story). At a minimum, you will have to pay the higher price they are going to charge for the 8642 and the new Plus Package. The way I read things, the Plus Package will include the Trio IPG, additional HD channels (yet to be named), and the MRV capability (even if you don't use it), but it will cost more. I'm sure we'll know more once they release it in the first markets.

My guess is to get the new 8642 DVR, you *must upgrade* to the Plus package which will come at a premium per this excerpt from the Cox press release (http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/cox-plus-package-brings-advanced-trio-ui-500gb-multiroom-dvr):


Customers can add the Plus Package to any level of Cox Advanced TV (digital video service) for a small monthly fee.


And this from the Multichannel News article (http://www.multichannel.com/article/452387-Cox_Rigs_Trio_Big_Screen_Guide.php):


The Trio guide will be available to Cox customers as part of the "Plus Package," which includes multiroom DVR service, *additional DVR storage* space and additional high-definition channels. Cox hasn't announced pricing but Necessary said the new Trio HD DVR will be offered at a premium.

It's hard to say. Since your current DVR is not broken, they could charge you an install fee for the new 8642. When I exchanged my 3270 for the 8300 over 6 years ago, I still had to pay the install fee (though I did get it refunded-long story). At a minimum, you will have to pay the higher price they are going to charge for the 8642 and the new Plus Package. The way I read things, the Plus Package will include the Trio IPG, additional HD channels (yet to be named), and the MRV capability (even if you don't use it), but it will cost more. I'm sure we'll know more once they release it in the first markets.

My guess is to get the new 8642 DVR, you *must upgrade* to the Plus package which will come at a premium

I thought that's what I said. :)

I thought that's what I said. :)

Okay, then. I emphasized for dramatic effect. :)

I guess this will effectively start a two tier system on future additional HD programming. Anyone worried that this will eventually force customers to the latter if they reduce/ slow down the expansion of their HD channels as they are currently while expanding them to their new premiere HD DVR customers?

Okay, then. I emphasized for dramatic effect. :)

It's probably good that you did, I believe some folks may still not have made the connection.

I guess this will effectively start a two tier system on future additional HD programming. Anyone worried that this will eventually force customers to the latter if they reduce/ slow down the expansion of their HD channels as they are currently while expanding them to their new premiere HD DVR customers?

Perhaps, but Cox will likely expand lesser-watched HD channels to the new tier, much like they've done with SDV. To do otherwise would risk disenfranchising so much of their installed base.

I guess this will effectively start a two tier system on future additional HD programming. Anyone worried that this will eventually force customers to the latter if they reduce/ slow down the expansion of their HD channels as they are currently while expanding them to their new premiere HD DVR customers?

Well, it certainly does that, but over time all boxes will be able to receive channels in the expanded zone as they upgreade everyone. It's also a way to limit the number of new receivers they have to order until those who want the MRV functionality get theirs, otherwise everyone would want a new receiver just for the additional storage capacity.

We already have multiple tiers when you consider the Premium channels. And, with HDNet still trying to get more cable carriage, it was only a matter of time before they had to start charging extra for some, assuming HDNet will finally be offered as part of the Plus Package. Still a lot of info missing, but I'm sure we'll start hearing more.

Edit: I should note I'm just guessing about all this.

The new HD tier is most likely SDV content in the new 860Mhz to 1Ghz band that was being built for the last few years during the project EON push. All the older equipment doesn't tune in that range and only the new STBs will go that high. For capacity, according to some Cisco notes I've seen somewhere in my travels, the usable drive size is supposedly configurable on the account, so that a base box can go out, but with only 160GB usable space unless upgraded to the advanced services. Not saying how Cox will use that tech, but it would make sense to offer varying levels of service to fit the needs of many customers at varying price points.
Just my $.02 worth...

vegggas

Here is a decent demo and pictures. http://multivu.prnewswire.com/player/43772-cox-announces-plus-package/#

It seems like they have already updated their website to include the "Advanced TV" packages but there is no mention of the new HD DVR Settop Boxes.

I called my local Cox in NOVA to find details on roll out etc. and they seemed clueless except for saying the new guide/interface will be out june/july time frame. He seemed to think that the Trio guide will be released to everyone no matter which box you had. . . . from what i am reading you guys think otherwise?

FYI i have been waiting for this forever, its is about damn time for an update.

Here is a decent demo and pictures. http://multivu.prnewswire.com/player/43772-cox-announces-plus-package/#

It seems like they have already updated their website to include the "Advanced TV" packages but there is no mention of the new HD DVR Settop Boxes.

I called my local Cox in NOVA to find details on roll out etc. and they seemed clueless except for saying the new guide/interface will be out june/july time frame. He seemed to think that the Trio guide will be released to everyone no matter which box you had. . . . from what i am reading you guys think otherwise.

FYI i have been waiting for this forever, its is about damn time for an update.

Thanks for the link.

As for working with Moto boxes, too, this (http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/cox-plus-package-brings-advanced-trio-ui-500gb-multiroom-dvr) tends to agree with what you heard:

Cox is using tru2way-based Cisco 8642 HD/DVR and 1642 HD receivers to deploy Plus Package and these will be used in all Cox markets, including Cox's Motorola environments.

Thanks for the link.

As for working with Moto boxes, too, this (http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/cox-plus-package-brings-advanced-trio-ui-500gb-multiroom-dvr) tends to agree with what you heard:

From everything I've read, the only "customer" difference between Cisco and Moto markets in the near future will be cablecards and tuning adapters.

From everything I've read, the only "customer" difference between Cisco and Moto markets in the near future will be cablecards and tuning adapters.

Sorry I'm a little confused as to what you are saying. :o

Are you saying they'll both have the same (Cisco) DVRs and only the CC and TA will differ, or are you saying they'll both have the same software (Trio) but on their respective (Cisco, Moto) DVRs?

Sorry I'm a little confused as to what you are saying. :o

Are you saying they'll both have the same (Cisco) DVRs and only the CC and TA will differ, or are you saying they'll both have the same software (Trio) but on their respective (Cisco, Moto) DVRs?

AFAIK, Cox is moving to all Cisco customer hardware, except for the CC and TA. Because some stuff at the head-end, in Tucson for example, is Motorola, they need to use Motorola branded CCs and, I assume, TAs. The software will be compatible across platforms. That part of why it's taken this whole process so long.

Here is the applicable quote from the MultiChannel News link someone posted earlier. I know it only talks to Trio at the moment, but I believe it's to Cox goal to go all Cisco STBs at some point.

The Trio guide runs on Cisco's Axiom OCAP middleware. Necessary said it was "unlikely" Cox would port the guide to the Motorola set-top platform this year. Cox is about 55% Cisco and 45% Motorola. In Moto systems, the Trio guide will be deployed on the Explorer boxes using a Motorola-based CableCard.

Of course, I may be reading too much in to this, but I believe other sources have stated the same goal. You have to admit, the current hardware has been around a long time. :)

AFAIK, Cox is moving to all Cisco customer hardware, except for the CC and TA. Because some stuff at the head-end, in Tucson for example, is Motorola, they need to use Motorola branded CCs and, I assume, TAs. The software will be compatible across platforms. That part of why it's taken this whole process so long.

Here is the applicable quote from the MultiChannel News link someone posted earlier. I know it only talks to Trio at the moment, but I believe it's to Cox goal to go all Cisco STBs at some point.



Of course, I may be reading too much in to this, but I believe other sources have stated the same goal. You have to admit, the current hardware has been around a long time. :)

Okay, that makes sense. That was my understanding, too. Knowing Cox it will take much longer than they are anticipating.

If anyone was curious to know if the current SA 8300 legacy STBs will be getting future 3D upgrades, HDGURU has a current article (http://hdguru.com/)saying otherwise. The 8652 HDC series boxes though will get future firmware upgrades enabling 3D playback. I wonder which markets currently have these STBs as we can't even sniff out one here in AZ.

I have a couple questions regarding the Cisco 8642 HD/DVR and 1642 HD and Multi-Room DVR options, should anyone be in the know.

1) Does the Cisco 1642HD have a separate tuner of it's own? Or, does it rely on one of the tuners on the 8642?

3) If the 1642HD does not have it's own tuner, will Cox offer a STB w/ a separate tuner that can act as a client to access the 8642 DVR?

2) Are any existing STBs such as the 4240HDC capable (w/ software or firmware updates) to act as a client to the 8642 DVR?

I have a couple questions regarding the Cisco 8642 HD/DVR and 1642 HD and Multi-Room DVR options, should anyone be in the know.

1) Does the Cisco 1642HD have a separate tuner of it's own? Or, does it rely on one of the tuners on the 8642?

1) YES.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps8638/7016187.pdf

Rest of questions moot.

1) YES.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps8638/7016187.pdf

Rest of questions moot.

A bit brief, but thanks.
So the 1640HD does have it's own separate tuner. But no CableCard, display or clock. How is onboard Conditional Access allowed? Is the Embedded PowerKEY essentually a CableCard?

And no other STB's can act as a client to the 8642? What about two 8642s can they act as clients to one another?

Central Fla. 8300HD. Still no passport.

Central Fla. 8300HD. Still no passport.
Has Cox announced the dates yet for Florida? No notice in Phoenix Yet.

San Diego has started and someone reported Las Vegas will start next week into June, Also Northern Virginia got notice for June.

San Diego Update:
4240s and 2xxx boxes are still scheduled for the 1st week in June. 8300s are done, but 8240s are moving to the end of the schedule in June to avoid a number of conflicts the last week in May.
Source SDKiwi: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r24252963-

A bit brief, but thanks.
So the 1640HD does have it's own separate tuner. But no CableCard, display or clock. How is onboard Conditional Access allowed? Is the Embedded PowerKEY essentually a CableCard?

Not sure where exactly the M-Card slot is in the photos, but the pdf says:
M-Card Interface uses a Multi-Stream CableCARD (M-Card) for separable security

And no other STB's can act as a client to the 8642? What about two 8642s can they act as clients to one another?[/QUOTE]

As for this "moot" question :), client STBs need MoCA in order to interface with the 8642. I don't know if non-MoCA-enabled STBs, including the 1640 (same as 1642, but without MoCA) can be interfaced using separate MoCA adapters or not, but I suspect the software will not run on older, less powerfull STBs. Besides, why would you want to use an older, less capable STB that will be slower and not able to tune the new HD channels in the 1Ghz range?

As far as using multiple 8642's, I suspect this will work and provide a true whole-house solution, but I have no direct knowledge of this. Cisco is pretty short on information beyond the pdf's that have been posted.

A bit brief, but thanks.
So the 1640HD does have it's own separate tuner. But no CableCard, display or clock. How is onboard Conditional Access allowed? Is the Embedded PowerKEY essentually a CableCard?

The 1640/1642 usually is distributed in a "HDC" (with CableCARD) configuration, rather than it their naked "HD" configuration. Conditional Access and other aspects of the products are explained at the website. MoCa ability is needed for the "multi-room" configuration, and 1GHz capability is needed for upcoming HD SDV additions. The earlier Cisco STBs won't fulfill these requirements. As far as using MoCa from one 8642 to another, off-hand I don't know.

Will the Trio IPG allow the 1642HD/C to manage and start recordings on the 8642 HD DVR?

I will miss the channel and clock display on the 1642, creature of habit!

Will the Trio IPG allow the 1642HD/C to manage and start recordings on the 8642 HD DVR?

I don't know. I thought I read somewhere that it wouldn't in the initial release, but now I can't find what I read. The only thing I can find now is that it won't allow recordings to be managed via the web, cellphone, etc., in the initial release.

I will miss the channel and clock display on the 1642, creature of habit!

I used to think that too until I started noticing how little I actually use either once I saw the 1642 won't have them. :)

Will the Trio IPG allow the 1642HD/C to manage and start recordings on the 8642 HD DVR?

I will miss the channel and clock display on the 1642, creature of habit!

Not exactly sure what Trio will and won't do.

The Cisco 4642 and 4652 also support MoCa and 1GHz. They also have a four digit display on the front panel. I don't know if it is configurable to show time or channel, though.

This is awesome news. I will be moving to Las Vegas in August, so all this is truly fantastic for someone coming from a Dumbcast system! :D

Warning!
Breaking Bad is NOT listed as New on AMC SD or HD for Sunday May 23rd in the IPG for Las Vegas. If you record Breaking Bad on AMC and use the Only Record "NEW" Episodes logic, then you will miss this episode.
This may also affect other Cox markets if the data from Tribune is the same.

vegggas

Warning!
Breaking Bad is NOT listed as New on AMC SD or HD for Sunday May 23rd in the IPG for Las Vegas. If you record Breaking Bad on AMC and use the Only Record "NEW" Episodes logic, then you will miss this episode.
This may also affect other Cox markets if the data from Tribune is the same.

vegggas

Good catch. I saw this last night and figured it was the DVR lapsing again.

So with this new COX update, I cannot seem to find the setting that tells the box what channel I want to tune to when the box is turned on. The old format I had my box automatically start at channel 707 when the power was turned on.

Does anyone know how to fix this?

So with this new COX update, I cannot seem to find the setting that tells the box what channel I want to tune to when the box is turned on. The old format I had my box automatically start at channel 707 when the power was turned on.

Does anyone know how to fix this?

If you are talking about Passport, it's on Page 120 of the UG, Setting the Power On Channel. Basically, it's in the General Settings/My Preferences area.

Also, be advised that there is a new thread for Cox Passport here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1241913).

Notices should be rolling out soon. It is now September and no Official word from Cox. :confused:
Cox Phoenix will be updating DVR/STBs IPGs from SARA to Rovi Passport beginning sometime in Mid to late June into July, (depending upon testing and how smoothly the first roll-out goes).

Schedules can be fluid, currently scheduled with a North Phoenix area being the first to convert.

See the following threads:
SA/Cisco 8*** series DVR's Tips and tricks using Cox's Passport Echo software: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18464630#post18464630

Rovi Passport IPG User Guides for Cox SA/Cisco DVR/STB: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18480844#post18480844