I wish I could agree with that. Of all the friends and family I have that have HDTVs, I am the ONLY one that doesn't stretch the pic for SD material. I've pretty much at one time or another asked them all about it or even went as far as changing it for them (without them knowing it ;) ) and they all complain about the sidebars and don't want to see them. They always either tell me to leave it alone or switch it back. They don't care that the picture is distorted. They think it should fit the whole screen regardless since they have the wider screen. Wish it weren't true, but I'd guess that the average consumer goes the stretch route. Mostly it's folks like us that really care about quality that don't do that.


I for one stretch my 4:3 so I don't get uneven wear on my TV. I have fully calibrated CRT based RPTV. It has a superb picture but I don't want to chance getting burned in bars or uneven wear from viewing 4:3 in it's correct aspect ratio with the grey bars...

I for one stretch my 4:3 so I don't get uneven wear on my TV. I have fully calibrated CRT based RPTV. It has a superb picture but I don't want to chance getting burned in bars or uneven wear from viewing 4:3 in it's correct aspect ratio with the grey bars...
i don't like stretch, but probably would if I had a plasma (at least an older one). I have LCD so not worried about burn-in. I guess CRT RPTV are not using the whole CRT when partial screen. I would though consider gray pillars instead of stretch which the TWC boxes will do.
Dan

The channel *should* remain in the lineup, even if nothing's being broadcast. In San Diego, we have 4SD on channel 704. This is the channel the Padres home games (in HD) are shown on. The season is over, and for most part, there's a static picture announcing no HD programming at this time on this channel. The channel does not disappear during the off-season.

Caveat, 4SD does show other programming when it can get it. Also, (on the Time-Warner side of things) we have channels 713 (NBA TV-HD) and 731 (Fox Sports HD) that pretty much never have programming on them.

I agree it should be there still, but can easily see why it may have been removed for now. There will not be anything broadcast on there until(at earliest) spring training games begin.

i don't like stretch, but probably would if I had a plasma (at least an older one). I have LCD so not worried about burn-in. I guess CRT RPTV are not using the whole CRT when partial screen. I would though consider gray pillars instead of stretch which the TWC boxes will do.
Dan

Be careful what you wish for... until I found a trick, I had gray side pillars. One of the most god awful experiences in my life, 100% distracting. Black ones far better blend into my black bezel to almost disappear (dark room).

I had gray side pillars. One of the most god awful experiences in my life

Man, you've had a good life!

Man, you've had a good life!

HAHAHAHAHAHA

i don't like stretch, but probably would if I had a plasma (at least an older one). I have LCD so not worried about burn-in. I guess CRT RPTV are not using the whole CRT when partial screen. I would though consider gray pillars instead of stretch which the TWC boxes will do.
Dan

That's about the ONLY good thing about Navigator. There is a setting to change the color of the sidebars. Dark, medium or light. The Passport boxes are set on gray sidebars and can't be changed. As for the sidebars, I have a plasma that's about a year old and I use sidebars. The edges are slightly lighter than the 4:3 area. IMO, distort-o-vision looks worse than slightly lighter edges.

That's about the ONLY good thing about Navigator. There is a setting to change the color of the sidebars. Dark, medium or light. The Passport boxes are set on gray sidebars and can't be changed.FYI: Can change the sidebars on SARA too! :rolleyes:

FYI: Can change the sidebars on SARA too! :rolleyes:
I also don't like Passport only offering gray either. I had to turn off side bars on the box and let the TV add the black pillars for SD. I would not enjoy grey, but if it was only a choice of gray (for burn in reasons) or stretch, I would try gray and see if I could get used to it. Went LCD so don't plan on going through that choice. Dan

I also don't like Passport only offering gray either. I had to turn off side bars on the box and let the TV add the black pillars for SD. I would not enjoy grey, but if it was only a choice of gray (for burn in reasons) or stretch, I would try gray and see if I could get used to it. Went LCD so don't plan on going through that choice. Dan

Some users are able to get their 8300HD box running Passport to display black bars. The trick is to change the Aspect Ratio in "more settings" to 4:3 and then to letterbox 16:9 content. And I believe you must set the box to pass through 480i. Sounds totally irrational, and it is, but it does work in some instances.

The problem is that success is totally whimsical. It's reported to work with some TV's, not with others. I don't think it ever works with an HDMI connection, only component. For more details, check the 8300HD Passport thread in the Reception Hardware forum.

I can tell you that it worked for me on my Panny Plasma and it's made a huge difference in my quality of life.

The Passport boxes are set on gray sidebars and can't be changed.

Actually, they can (I haven't seen a gray side pillar in over a year). The "trick" is something that is 4,000% non-obvious. And is probably a function of how your STB and TV get along. My TV is set for 16:9 on all HD channels. My STB is set for... 4:3 as the primary interface, 16:9 as secondary.

You have nothing to lose to try it out.

NB, Ah, I see someone posted just above the same trick. I have a Samsung, I know this trick works on a Sony, now we see a Panny doing it. BUT I did forget something... it seems this ONLY works if one essentially passes all resolutions received by the STB on to the TV. The Sony I "fixed" didn't work at first, then I changed the previous setting that had the STB only sending 1080 and got black sidebars. This DID result in channel changes from one form at to another take more time. AND the Sony did take a lot more time than my Samsung.

I can tell you that it worked for me on my Panny Plasma and it's made a huge difference in my quality of life.

You need to get out more lol

Grey Bars

I have TWO connections to my TV from my 8300, HDMI and S-Video. The S-Video is fixed 480i output WITHOUT grey sidebars. So I watch SD through S when I don't want to see the sidebars. Simple. And I can tweak the picture adjustments seperately for HD and SD sources.

Well Oct. 1st has passed and Oct. 15th has passed. Some of us got 10 more HD channels, some of us got 2 more HD channels and some of us got none. Anyone know when the next "big" Time Warner HD expansion is going to happen?

Well Oct. 1st has passed and Oct. 15th has passed. Some of us got 10 more HD channels, some of us got 2 more HD channels and some of us got none. Anyone know when the next "big" Time Warner HD expansion is going to happen?


Speaking of new HD channels, we got TBS-HD, and what a rush. Seinfeld in streched "HD." On top of that, we lost Universal-HD today. One of the HD Channels that I actually watch with some regularity. So, I'd say we ended up getting less HD channels than before, not even an equal 1 for 1. Just less. Seems to me that TWC isn't even trying to keep their current HD lineup, much less adding new HD channels anytime soon. Did anyone else lose Universal-HD today or was it just here in NE Wisconsin?

If I lost Universal HD in order to add TBS HD - I'd be steaming.

Well Oct. 1st has passed and Oct. 15th has passed. Some of us got 10 more HD channels, some of us got 2 more HD channels and some of us got none. Anyone know when the next "big" Time Warner HD expansion is going to happen?
TWC in West Los Angeles, CA added VMe and FBN both in 480i. Wow. And they are promising CW and KOCE (a local PBS transmitting in 1080i) on December 15th. Both local stations. That's about it.

Rudy

Here in Dayton, OH 2 new HD channels were added today by Time Warner. Had no idea they were coming but on channel 750 is A&E HD and channel 751 is History Channel HD. A few weeks ago we got TBS HD, Food Channel HD and HGTV HD. So after years of getting pretty much no new HD channels we have had 5 new ones this month.

TWC in West Los Angeles, CA added VMe and FBN both in 480i. Wow. And they are promising CW and KOCE (a local PBS transmitting in 1080i) on December 15th. Both local stations. That's about it.

Rudy

they are also adding KNBC News Raw (again, SD channel) on 226 on or before December 15.

Wow. With KLTA-HD, KOCE-HD, VMe, FBN, and News Raw I may just NOT go to landlord to beg for them to allow us to get Direct TV. Hell, let them get the sat, and let us tap into it!!! :)

If I lost Universal HD in order to add TBS HD - I'd be steaming.

That's the thing. We've had both since TBS started Postseason baseball, now today they take away Universal HD. On their website Universal HD is listed in the "The following agreements with programmers are due to expire soon, and we may be required to cease carriage of one or more of these services in the near future." section, but I was under the impression that TWC negotiated carriage agreements on a nationwide basis, not on a system by system basis.

Called and talked to a CSR, set up a service appt for Saturday, 3-5. My box is on the fritz, apparently. So we still have U-HD, dodged a bullet there. I also asked them about new channels, but it doesn't sound like we'll see any here in NE Wisconsin soon. He also was very quick to attack D*, when I asked him why other TWC systems were adding new channels and we're left high and dry here. They must be feeling quite a bit of pressure from D* these days. Go figure.

they are also adding KNBC News Raw (again, SD channel) on 226 on or before December 15.

Wow. With KLTA-HD, KOCE-HD, VMe, FBN, and News Raw I may just NOT go to landlord to beg for them to allow us to get Direct TV. Hell, let them get the sat, and let us tap into it!!! :)
Ohhhh Noo. How could I possibly have forgotten KNBC News Raw. I feel horrrrible. I may not be able to sleep tonight.:p I suppose for completeness I'll note that channel 22 will also be added. It is a Spanish language channel that is owned by KNBC and transmits at 1080i.

I think at this point many people, myself included, are waiting for a sweet offer from DirecTV and as soon as it comes there will be a mass exodus from TWC. There is simply no reason to remain with cable. It's not really cheaper and the HD offerings are not anywhere on the horizon. I personally cannot watch SD content anymore.

Rudy

Well Oct. 1st has passed and Oct. 15th has passed. Some of us got 10 more HD channels, some of us got 2 more HD channels and some of us got none. Anyone know when the next "big" Time Warner HD expansion is going to happen?Albany Time Warner added (1) new HD channel: TNTHD, for a grand total of (22) HD channels. I see DirectTV has 70 HD channels. Can Time Warner catch up?

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/direct-tv-has-70-hd-channels.JPG

Ohhhh Noo. How could I possibly have forgotten KNBC News Raw. I feel horrrrible. I may not be able to sleep tonight.:p I suppose for completeness I'll note that channel 22 will also be added. It is a Spanish language channel that is owned by KNBC and transmits at 1080i.

I think at this point many people, myself included, are waiting for a sweet offer from DirecTV and as soon as it comes there will be a mass exodus from TWC. There is simply no reason to remain with cable. It's not really cheaper and the HD offerings are not anywhere on the horizon. I personally cannot watch SD content anymore.

Rudy

The only thing I am waiting for is for Verizon to offer NHL Center Ice, then POOF I am off to FIOS. The Fibre is terminated in the master closet. It is just sitting there. I so want to use it, but I really need Center Ice.

Our landlord won't let us attach a dish to the roof.

That D* HD satellite looks more like it is designed to destroy your house than send television to it. :)

That D* HD satellite looks more like it is designed to destroy your house than send television to it. :)

What's the difference?

I think at this point many people, myself included, are waiting for a sweet offer from DirecTV and as soon as it comes there will be a mass exodus from TWC.
I'm leaving TWC (after 25 years). I signed up with DirecTV yesterday. I no longer believe that TWC has the capacity to add any considerable number of HD channels. I hope you get your sweet offer, but I understand that DTV has added a $4.99/mo fee as of Dec. 15 for 6 of their HD channels, so their rates may be trending up, not down.

I no longer believe that TWC has the capacity to add any considerable number of HD channels.

Have you heard of Switched Digital Video?

Have you heard of Switched Digital Video?

And how long are we supposed to wait for TWC to actually implement Switched Digital on ALL its systems and actually compete with the number of HD channels that DirecTV has? We've been hearing about how cable will compete with DirecTV, but so far its just talk in my markets.

Until they actually put their money where their mouth is, there WILL be defections to DirecTV. And honestly, I'm getting close to switching too. TWC here in Charlotte just added 4 HD channels to our system this month. I have lived in Charlotte for 2 years...want to know how many HD channels they added since I have lived here before this month? ZERO. And would TWC have added the 4 they did had DirecTV not flooded their systems with HD channels? NO. And I fear that those 4 channels will be enough for TWC and we won't see any further HD for months upon months. Yet at the same time I get emails every couple days with more announcements of new HD on DirecTV.

At some point, if this patterns continues, people like me who love HD have to make the change to a dish. I don't want to do it, since my house is fully integrated with TW cable, phone and internet. But theres a reason why I own 4 HD sets in my house and its not for more SD shopping channels.

And how long are we supposed to wait for TWC to actually implement Switched Digital on ALL its systems

I guess that's kind of up to you. I have had SDV for a year and now have 26 HD channels. Three and a half years ago I had four. To me any additional ones are going to be fringe channels. Weigh that against a pizza pan, overly compressed HD, rain fade, contracts and no good multi-room solutions and I don't feel an urge to switch.

Have you heard of Switched Digital Video?I believe that most Forum members have, but with only 22 HD channels now, can Time Warner ramp that up to 100, if so... when?

I guess that's kind of up to you. I have had SDV for a year and now have 26 HD channels. Three and a half years ago I had four. To me any additional ones are going to be fringe channels. Weigh that against a pizza pan, overly compressed HD, rain fade, contracts and no good multi-room solutions and I don't feel an urge to switch.

Gary, what you need to keep in mind is that SC and San Antonio are TWC's test markets so the technologies & channels that you get are not indicitive of what most TWC markets have. If I had the same channels and SDV as you I wouldnt be complaining like I am.

I believe that most Forum members have, but with only 22 HD channels now, can Time Warner ramp that up to 100, if so... when?

Now where is my crystal ball. That's why I said it's kind of up to you.

Gary, what you need to keep in mind is that SC and San Antonio are TWC's test markets so the technologies & channels that you get are not indicitive of what most TWC markets have. If I had the same channels and SDV as you I wouldnt be complaining like I am.Yes, and remember that SDV is more of a problem for TW in some markets (where they use Passport) than others (where they use SARA). Navigator is supposedly an answer for SDV in Passport systems, but that is running into lots of problems.

I guess that's kind of up to you. I have had SDV for a year and now have 26 HD channels. Three and a half years ago I had four. To me any additional ones are going to be fringe channels. Weigh that against a pizza pan, overly compressed HD, rain fade, contracts and no good multi-room solutions and I don't feel an urge to switch.It took Albany Time Warner six years to go from (2) to (22) HD channels. I don't know what you consider to be "fringe" TV, but I'd like to see channels like: Sci Fi, Bravo, CNBC, CNN, FX, The History Channel, National Geographic, Starz and Cinemax in HD, none being offered by my local cable provider.

Gary, what you need to keep in mind is that SC and San Antonio are TWC's test markets so the technologies & channels that you get are not indicitive of what most TWC markets have. If I had the same channels and SDV as you I wouldnt be complaining like I am.

San Antonio has added 3 channels today and has 3 more coming along with additional Starz HD channels.

10/19/07 - Food Network HD on digital channel 147, Standard Tier
10/19/07 - HGTV HD on digital channel 167, Standard Tier
10/19/07 - LMN HD on digital channel 166, Standard Tier
10/20/07 - The History Channel HD on digital channel 174, Standard Tier
11/16/07 - Disney Channel On Demand on digital channel 915
11/19/07 - Election 08 On Demand on digital channel 1308

Have you heard of Switched Digital Video?
I have. At one time I heard that the "start over" feature used SDV, and if that's so, my local TWC (Oceanic in Hawaii) must have SDV, since it does have start-over on several channels. But I also saw a report from some trade journal that a contract had been let for SDV in September, but the system hasn't yet been installed here. So I don't know. But however that may be, where's the HD? I'm starting to suspect the story about SDV giving lots more channel capacity is just PR to slow the rate of defectors to satellite.

Have you heard of Switched Digital Video?
How many markets is this available in? How many markets is TWC in? Even if SDV was fully implemented everywhere, which is a long long time away. The contracts still need to be negotiated to carry the HD content. I live in Los Angeles and we don't have CW network. The W in CW stands for Warner, as does the W in TWC.

Rudy

Kansas City HD lineup

1401 KCPT-DT
1402 PBS Kids HD
1403 KCPT CREATE HD
1404 KCPT 3 HD
1411 WDAF-DT
1421 KMBC-DT
1431 KCWE The CW HD
1441 KSHB-HD
1442 NBC Action Weather Plus
1451 KCTV
1460 TNT HD
1471 My KSMO TV HD
1497 ESPN HD
1498 ESPN2 HD
1499 A&E HD
1500 Discovery HD Theater
1501 MOJO
1503 HD Net
1504 HDNET Movies
1506 NBC Universal HD
1550 HD On Demand
1700 HBO HD
1720 Cinemax HD
1740 Showtime HD
1760 Starz! HD

Would like to have History Channel, National Geographic and the other Discovery. I'm getting ready to switch to satellite if there isn't significantly more HD channels by end of the year. Anyone know TWC timetable to add more?

Kansas City HD lineup

1401 KCPT-DT
1402 PBS Kids HD
1403 KCPT CREATE HD
1404 KCPT 3 HD
1411 WDAF-DT
1421 KMBC-DT
1431 KCWE The CW HD
1441 KSHB-HD
1442 NBC Action Weather Plus
1451 KCTV
1460 TNT HD
1471 My KSMO TV HD
1497 ESPN HD
1498 ESPN2 HD
1499 A&E HD
1500 Discovery HD Theater
1501 MOJO
1503 HD Net
1504 HDNET Movies
1506 NBC Universal HD
1550 HD On Demand
1700 HBO HD
1720 Cinemax HD
1740 Showtime HD
1760 Starz! HD

Would like to have History Channel, National Geographic and the other Discovery. I'm getting ready to switch to satellite if there isn't significantly more HD channels by end of the year. Anyone know TWC timetable to add more?

With all 4 of the major movie channels in HD plus HD on Demand ('Mad Men' in HD!), you've got the best TWC HD lineup I've seen anywhere. And they haven't yet wasted any of your bandwidth with the worthless TBS-HD or MTV-HD. In Charlotte, we'd kill to have your lineup. And you're thinking of switching? :eek:

With all 4 of the major movie channels in HD plus HD on Demand ('Mad Men' in HD!), you've got the best TWC HD lineup I've seen anywhere. And they haven't yet wasted any of your bandwidth with the worthless TBS-HD or MTV-HD. In Charlotte, we'd kill to have your lineup. And you're thinking of switching? :eek:

That's pretty sad if KC's lineup is better than other markets. With DirecTV getting up to 100 HD channels soon, I don't see how TWC could survive.

Looks like I may end up making the switch. I use EVDO so don't need cable modem and I only use cell so don't need VoIP. Goodbye TWC.

That's pretty sad if KC's lineup is better than other markets. With DirecTV getting up to 100 HD channels soon, I don't see how TWC could survive.

Looks like I may end up making the switch. I use EVDO so don't need cable modem and I only use cell so don't need VoIP. Goodbye TWC.

SDV.... dropping Analog channels....

there is still plenty of room for cable companies to work with.... they are just dragging their feet in doing so.....

SDV.... dropping Analog channels....

there is still plenty of room for cable companies to work with.... they are just dragging their feet in doing so.....Perhaps they will pick up the pace some if they start losing subscribers.

I have. At one time I heard that the "start over" feature used SDV, and if that's so, my local TWC (Oceanic in Hawaii) must have SDV, since it does have start-over on several channels.While SDV uses much of the same infrastructure as "Start-Over" and "On Demand", there are still some differences and additional equipment needs to be installed.

I have. At one time I heard that the "start over" feature used SDV, and if that's so, my local TWC (Oceanic in Hawaii) must have SDV, since it does have start-over on several channels. But I also saw a report from some trade journal that a contract had been let for SDV in September, but the system hasn't yet been installed here. So I don't know. But however that may be, where's the HD? I'm starting to suspect the story about SDV giving lots more channel capacity is just PR to slow the rate of defectors to satellite.

SDV is running in Hawaii. I think Golf/VS, FSNHD, and UniHD are on SDV. I do believe the HDPPV channel is also SDV. OTW also has a bunch of SD channels on SDV. I think the count is 42 SDV channels. Some where in that neighborhood.

I guess that's kind of up to you. I have had SDV for a year and now have 26 HD channels. Three and a half years ago I had four. To me any additional ones are going to be fringe channels. Weigh that against a pizza pan, overly compressed HD, rain fade, contracts and no good multi-room solutions and I don't feel an urge to switch.

SDV is nice and all, but one has to look at exactly what kinds of actions TWC actually does. We have one section of out city getting 6 more HD channels than the rest of us have AND getting a discount that we don't. Over a month ago, they dropped 4 analog channels throughout the whole city, meaning capacity for close to a dozen NEW HD channels... like maybe the ones SOME of us get. To date, nothing, nada, zip, and zilch.

They very much CAN give us those channels, they very much CAN offer us the same discount, but they don't. Why? Because in this city, they really have us by the balls, most of us can NOT get satellite or OTA.

I expect this to change in about 2 years when FIOS is actually available for purchase. At which time, I will dump them in a flash.

I do not use stretch but to call people who do wrong and stupid is wrong and stupid.

stupid is, is stupid does...
I think to have a TV picture stretched out of it's original aspect ratio is about the damn stupidest thing I've ever seen. Frankly, TVs shouldn't even be manufactured to do this, the option shouldn't even be available. Why would someone spend several thousand dollars on a TV, then watch the image on it distorted beyond all recongnition? If the concern is burning the screen of a plasma TV, the answer is simple, don't buy a plasma TV if this is a concern, there are plenty of other TV technologies available that won't suffer from this problem. Plasma is really suitable only for home theater use
(i.e. 16:9 images) not for constantly watching 4:3 TV.
I still don't understand why HDTVs are even equipped with this option, there was no "smash" option on my old 4:3 CRT to "smash" 16:9 onto the screen, why should there be a "stretch" feature on a 16:9 TV? :confused:

SDV is running in Hawaii. I think Golf/VS, FSNHD, and UniHD are on SDV. I do believe the HDPPV channel is also SDV. OTW also has a bunch of SD channels on SDV. I think the count is 42 SDV channels. Some where in that neighborhood.How do you know these are SDV? Have you checked the diagnostic screens? The reason I say that is that about a year ago someone started a rumor that we had SDV in Rochester. I, and others believed that rumor until someone at TW here set me straight. Now, there are diagnostic screens that show the status on SARA, so it can be checked out.

BTW: SDV Test channels just went up today in Rochester. Access to actual program is limited to TW employees, but the diagnostics do show they are switched.

stupid is, is stupid does...
I think to have a TV picture stretched out of it's original aspect ratio is about the damn stupidest thing I've ever seen. Frankly, TVs shouldn't even be manufactured to do this, the option shouldn't even be available. Why would someone spend several thousand dollars on a TV, then watch the image on it distorted beyond all recongnition? If the concern is burning the screen of a plasma TV, the answer is simple, don't buy a plasma TV if this is a concern, there are plenty of other TV technologies available that won't suffer from this problem. Plasma is really suitable only for home theater use
(i.e. 16:9 images) not for constantly watching 4:3 TV.
I still don't understand why HDTVs are even equipped with this option, there was no "smash" option on my old 4:3 CRT to "smash" 16:9 onto the screen, why should there be a "stretch" feature on a 16:9 TV? :confused:Well, by the same token there should not be Vivid, and Standard picture settings - they should all be "Cinema" (or whatever gives the most accurate picture). Yes, there should be no color temperature settings either (it should be fixed at 6500K). Everyone should be forced to watch the picture EXACTLY as the director intended! :D (Of course, I don't really mean that, but I don't really see why folks shouldn't be able to crank in their own preferances - and thinking that they should be denied that ability IS STUPID).

It's pretty funny this joker thinks movies are 16:9 too.

How do you know these are SDV? Have you checked the diagnostic screens? .

Yes Honolulu has SDV. I had this confirmed when I had a problem getting a particular channel. I had the supervisor and about 5 guys out to trouble shoot. The problem turned out to be the wiring in my wall need to be replaced. However we talked about SDV now in use.. and it so happened that the problem channel was switched channel. The funny thing was all the other switched channels were working, except this one. They are all working now.

Kansas City HD lineup
...........
Would like to have History Channel, National Geographic and the other Discovery. I'm getting ready to switch to satellite if there isn't significantly more HD channels by end of the year. Anyone know TWC timetable to add more?
TWC timetable is hard to discuss, because they roll things out locally not nationally. So even if they add several channels in some market that doesn't mean you and I will see those channels.
That said the latest rumor is that there will be some channels in the first part of 2008. Which channels and which markets is unknown. I'm guessing if there were a lot of new channels this would not have been a rumor or a secret that it is at the moment.

Rudy

Now where is my crystal ball. That's why I said it's kind of up to you.Thanks, that narrows things down to sometime between now & never. :D

When does Rochester, NY get SDV?

Have you tried asking them?

Yes Honolulu has SDV. I had this confirmed when I had a problem getting a particular channel. I had the supervisor and about 5 guys out to trouble shoot. The problem turned out to be the wiring in my wall need to be replaced. However we talked about SDV now in use.. and it so happened that the problem channel was switched channel. The funny thing was all the other switched channels were working, except this one. They are all working now.Still, have you checked the diagnostic screens? TW has had a lot of mis-information going around inside the company. Specifically, they have blocked several (mostly new) specific HD channels for CableCard use in "anticipation" of SDV. That way they won't have complaints when they switch these channels to SDV. This practice has led to a lot of misunderstanding internally.

There have been very few areas where SDV is actually functioning, but there are signs in several areas that this is changing. The best way to verify real SDV is to check the diagnostic screens that relate to SDV.

How do you know these are SDV? Have you checked the diagnostic screens? The reason I say that is that about a year ago someone started a rumor that we had SDV in Rochester. I, and others believed that rumor until someone at TW here set me straight. Now, there are diagnostic screens that show the status on SARA, so it can be checked out.

BTW: SDV Test channels just went up today in Rochester. Access to actual program is limited to TW employees, but the diagnostics do show they are switched.

Yup, I checked the diagnostic screens, that is how I find out if the channel I am watching is SDV or not.

I don't know if it is me, but once they activated the SDV channels, the HD channels look sharper.

How do you tell in the diagnostic screen if you have it? I'm on passport. On my 8300HD DVR I hit 999 and see a bunch of stuff but nothing that looks like it relates to or says SDV.

Yup, I checked the diagnostic screens, that is how I find out if the channel I am watching is SDV or not.

I don't know if it is me, but once they activated the SDV channels, the HD channels look sharper.Could you please list the HD channels that are SDV there?

Thanks

I've updated the "SDV Deployment for TWC" section.
And added a "OCAP Deployment for TWC" section.



Time Warner has deployed OpenCable-based set-tops in 13 divisions:

New York City and Northern New Jersey
Parts of Los Angeles (including Garden Grove, Chatsworth)
San Diego
Eastern North Carolina (Wilmington)
Raleigh, N.C.
Charlotte, N.C.
Lincoln, Neb.
Kansas City, Mo.
Milwaukee
Northeast Ohio
Cincinnati
Dayton, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio

I've updated the "SDV Deployment for TWC" section.
And added a "OCAP Deployment for TWC" section.



Time Warner has deployed OpenCable-based set-tops in 13 divisions:

New York City and Northern New Jersey
Parts of Los Angeles (including Garden Grove, Chatsworth)
San Diego
Eastern North Carolina (Wilmington)
Raleigh, N.C.
Charlotte, N.C.
Lincoln, Neb.
Kansas City, Mo.
Milwaukee
Northeast Ohio
Cincinnati
Dayton, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio

I realize that I should know this (and I did Google it), but what does an 'OpenCable- based set-top' mean to me as the end user?

OCAP Inches Closer to Reality
Interactive-software standard gains traction with operators and programmers
By Glen Dickson -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/14/2007

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6441452.html?q=OCAP&q=OpenCable%2D+based+set%2Dtop

HD Movies On Demand
104 WOAI-NBC HD
107 KMYS HD
108 KLRN-PBS HD
111 KABB-FOX HD
112 KSAT-ABC HD
113 TBS-HD
124 ESPN HD
125 ESPN2 High Definition
127 TNT HD
128 A&E HD*
130 Discovery HD Theater
134 MHD*
147 Food Network HD
150 Fox Sports Net HD/Special Events--Channel 150 is not a full-time channel. Programming will be televised as scheduled.
155 KENS-CBS HD
160 MOJO (NBA TV HD pre-empted on MOJO)
162 HDNet
163 HDNET Movies
164 NBC Universal High Definition
166 LMN HD
167 HGTV HD
168 Versus/Golf HD
170 - 179 HD Movies On Demand
174 History Channel HD
180 HBO HD
181 Showtime HD
182 Cinemax HD
183 Starz HDTV
184 TMC HD
185 HBO West HD
186 Showtime West HD
187 Cinemax West HD
188 Starz West HD


This just shows how ridiculous TWC is when it comes to service across the country. This is the lineup in San Antonio. They need to really get their act together.

This just shows how ridiculous TWC is when it comes to service across the country. This is the lineup in San Antonio. They need to really get their act together.

San Antonio and parts of South Carolina are TWC's test markets. If every TWC market had this lineup you would hear a LOT less griping from us.

Later this month, Time Warner Cable plans to add high-definition versions of the Food Network and HGTV to a lineup that already has 37 high-def channels, including video on demand. By early 2008, it plans to add 40 more.

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/technology/10/21/1021hdtv.html

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/technology/10/21/1021hdtv.html

LOL, not TWC Binghamton. Here's a recent email they sent another forum user.

TWC HD Lineup question posed today:
When will the channel lineup for HD stations match that of Albany or Syracuse?
Response from TWC Customer Service:

"Thank you for writing Time Warner Cable. Due to a confluence of contractual and technical issues, we are currently limited in our ability to offer additional HD content. We are looking forward to resolving those concerns in the coming months, which will allow us to offer additional HD content to our customers. Please know that our division of Time Warner Cable continues to dedicate itself to expanding our HD channel offerings. We will continue to negotiate in good faith with the owners the local affiliates, to upgrade our systems in order to expand our channel offerings, and work with the content providers to secure additional broadcast rights.

We hope to have new systems in place by the end of the first quarter of 2008 that will significantly improve our ability to offer HD content. Until the planned upgrades are completed, we will not (to the best of my understanding) be adding any additional HD channels.

If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact our office again. We can be reached by phone at 1-800-955-0750 from 7AM until 11PM daily, or by E-mail at "contact@twcstny.com". If you prefer, please respond with your telephone number along with the best time to call and we will be happy to contact you.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write us and thank you for being our customer."

I'm glad I ditched their piss poor HD lineup.

Yup, I checked the diagnostic screens, that is how I find out if the channel I am watching is SDV or not.

I don't know if it is me, but once they activated the SDV channels, the HD channels look sharper.Thanks for the tip. Curious what the diagnostic menu says indicating SDV. Most articles on SDV suggest rarely watched channels are 'SDVed' first, boosting bandwidth for added channels, but reads like that isn't the case here.

Boosted HD sharpness for channels, perhaps from cranking up (improving) the requantization (http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8011489&&#post8011489) levels for overall head-end rate shaping (http://broadcastengineering.com/aps/acquisition/broadcasting_dtv_digital_cable/index.html), might be confirmed more exactly by comparing new HDNet test-pattern resolution-wedge readings with what most have measured ( ~1300 lines (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5175424#post5175424) maximum effective horizontal resolution). -- John

Greensboro, NC HD Channels:

410-HBO HDTV East
411-HBO HDTV West
436-Showtime HDTV East
437-Showtime HDTV West
501-UNC HD (PBS)
510-WGHP HD (Fox)
520-WFMY HD (CBS)
530-WXLV HD (ABC)
531-WMYV HD (My48)
536-WCWG HD (CW)
540-WXII HD (NBC)
545-MHD (MTV)
550-Discovery HD Theatre
551-TNT HD
552-TBS HD
554-A&E HD
555-History Channel HD
556-ESPN2 HD
557-HGTV HD
558-Food Network HD
560-MOJO (previously INHD)*
561-Universal HD*
562-HDNet*
563-HDNet Movies*
564-ESPNHD
569-Golf Channel HD/Versus HD
575-CNN HD
581-Lifetime Movie Network HD
611-HD Movies On Demand

I talked to a TWC rep who seemed to know what he was talking about. I said I would be switching to satellite because TWC is dragging their feet with more HD channels.

He said they will be rolling out, I think he called it 'switched video' next year that sends only one HD channel and you choose which channel to watch, which will solve bandwidth issues. Sounds like IPTV to me. Anyone have more details? When it will rollout? Will it require a new cable box? He said it would not.

160 MOJO (NBA TV HD pre-empted on MOJO)


NBATVHD was actually a part of the regular INHD programming up until now (not preemption)

It doesn't seem like that will be the case anymore (according to the MOJO website schedule...) - so we don't yet know if cable companies will begin preempting any channel..... (DirecTV will have a separate HD channel)

I talked to a TWC rep who seemed to know what he was talking about. I said I would be switching to satellite because TWC is dragging their feet with more HD channels.

He said they will be rolling out, I think he called it 'switched video' next year that sends only one HD channel and you choose which channel to watch, which will solve bandwidth issues. Sounds like IPTV to me. Anyone have more details? When it will rollout? Will it require a new cable box? He said it would not.
Most cable companies are installing switched digital video (SDV). By putting rarely watched channels into SDV, so they're only sent when someone tunes them, there's more bandwidth for new channels and other services. IPTV, with data sent in packets as on the Internet, is only one form of SDV and not being used initially by most cable firms. Searches here and elsewhere for SDV (or earlier 'switched broadcasting') results in lots of hits. -- John

Hopefully they won't use as much compression with HD switched video. TWC sure does compress too much compared to OTA. Would love to see it use lossless MPEG4 if such a thing is possible.

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/technology/10/21/1021hdtv.html
I for one hope this is true, but at this point have to point out that this is pure speculation. With all the market specific rollouts and all. I guess we'll see if Food Network shows up and where.

Rudy

Hopefully they won't use as much compression with HD switched video. TWC sure does compress too much compared to OTA. Would love to see it use lossless MPEG4 if such a thing is possible.
1) In general (there are exceptions) TW does NOT compress any more than broadcast (in fact they are prohibited from materially degrading OTA HD broadcasts).
2) The SDV process can have more compression than normal. When SDV demands are heavy the equipment is set up to apply additional compression where needed to satisfy the requests for available channels.
3) MPEG-4 is a long way off. None of the current cable boxes are capable of it (though the next generation boxes are).

1) In general (there are exceptions) TW does NOT compress any more than broadcast (in fact they are prohibited from materially degrading OTA HD broadcasts).
Here in Manhattan, TWC is absolutely compressing the picture more than it was in the past. They are squeezing more channels per QAM frequency on our system, and I can see the results by the fact that the size of the files on the DVR that they provide has dropped dramatically (in some cases to 1/3 of what they were 6 months ago).

Scott

Here in Manhattan, TWC is absolutely compressing the picture more than it was in the past. They are squeezing more channels per QAM frequency on our system, and I can see the results by the fact that the size of the files on the DVR that they provide has dropped dramatically (in some cases to 1/3 of what they were 6 months ago).

ScottYes, and knowing TW was doing that in NYC is why I said: "there are exceptions". BTW, are they putting more than two local OTA HD on a QAM? I thought that they were only doing that on the "cable" HD channels.

Yes, and knowing TW was doing that in NYC is why I said: "there are exceptions". BTW, are they putting more than two local OTA HD on a QAM? I thought that they were only doing that on the "cable" HD channels.
In terms of the OTA broadcast channel simulcast, they are only doing 2 HD channels per QAM (though some have up to 4 SD channels also squeezed onto the same frequencies, which nearly adds up to a 3rd HD channel). Otherwise it's 3 HD channels (plus some number of SD channels) on most QAMs where the HD channels are found.

In terms of the OTA broadcast channel simulcast, they are only doing 2 HD channels per QAM (though some have up to 4 SD channels also squeezed onto the same frequencies, which nearly adds up to a 3rd HD channel). Otherwise it's 3 HD channels (plus some number of SD channels) on most QAMs where the HD channels are found.Thanks, that's what I thought.

...BTW, are they putting more than two local OTA HD on a QAM?...To add to Scott's response… here’s an interesting chart showing how our (TWCNY) channels are mapped out. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11871924&postcount=12881

To add to Scott's response… here’s an interesting chart showing how our (TWCNY) channels are mapped out. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11871924&postcount=12881

I gotta find some time and update that.

To add to Scott's response… here’s an interesting chart showing how our (TWCNY) channels are mapped out. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11871924&postcount=12881
Yes, it is interesting. Earlier this year I measured the average bit rate of all of our HD channels using the DVR technique. I found that HBO (which always looks great) typically running 13Mbps and UniversalHD (which usually doesn't look so great) at 8Mbps. TW here is only putting 2HD per QAM, so they apparently weren't applying additional rate limiting. So, if those are typical numbers for these channels, it makes sense to combine them.

I've understood that more efficient MPEG-2 compression can be obtained with stored programming (movies, etc.) and multi-pass compression. I've suspected that is why HBO's numbers are low, and that may also explain why UniversalHD is not worse than 8Mbps should be.

Could you please list the HD channels that are SDV there?

Thanks

Last time I checked it was Golf/VS, FSNHD, UniHD, and quite possibly the HDPPV channel. Oh yeah, quite possible the HD Movie Channels are SDV.

I realize that I should know this (and I did Google it), but what does an 'OpenCable- based set-top' mean to me as the end user?It means that "hopefully" someday, you will have a choice of using external equipment other than your cable provider's STB. But do not count on this occurring anytime soon.

I've understood that more efficient MPEG-2 compression can be obtained with stored programming (movies, etc.) and multi-pass compression. I've suspected that is why HBO's numbers are low, and that may also explain why UniversalHD is not worse than 8Mbps should be.
Some ancient posts indicated HBO also used MPEG-2 repeat flags, which if still done reduces bit rate demand considerably. (Rather than sending all 2-3 pulldown repeat TV fields, repeat-flag coding is a shorthand substitute.) More redundancy in 24p movie delivery, versus 1080/60i video from TV cameras (without pulldown), also contributes to more-condensed MPEG-2 coding. -- John

Yes, it is interesting. Earlier this year I measured the average bit rate of all of our HD channels using the DVR technique. I found that HBO (which always looks great) typically running 13Mbps and UniversalHD (which usually doesn't look so great) at 8Mbps. TW here is only putting 2HD per QAM, so they apparently weren't applying additional rate limiting. So, if those are typical numbers for these channels, it makes sense to combine them.

I've understood that more efficient MPEG-2 compression can be obtained with stored programming (movies, etc.) and multi-pass compression. I've suspected that is why HBO's numbers are low, and that may also explain why UniversalHD is not worse than 8Mbps should be.

Pretty sure that the Open Cable Labs has already said it should be at 15Mb/s to be real HD (words to that effect).

Just wish there were a direct listing of the bit rate in diagnostics, calculating it from a recording when you watch the time and disk space taken is SUCH a pain!

Yes, it is interesting. Earlier this year I measured the average bit rate of all of our HD channels using the DVR technique. I found that HBO (which always looks great) typically running 13Mbps and UniversalHD (which usually doesn't look so great) at 8Mbps. TW here is only putting 2HD per QAM, so they apparently weren't applying additional rate limiting. So, if those are typical numbers for these channels, it makes sense to combine them.

Dave -- do you have a direct formula to convert Mbps to Gigabits per hour? That's what I can get from the DVR. (And I'm finding, under our current system that we're getting ~4G/hr when sharing 3 HD channels/QAM [though UHD goes as low as 2G/hr], and 6-7G/hr on the channels sharing 2 HD channels on a QAM.)

Scott

unlikely to be HD though....

In order to add the NHL Network to our Digital Sports Tier (channel 244 on December 1) it is necessary to move the following channels on Monday, November 26:

details here: http://www.timewarnercable.com/centralny/programming/programnews.html

TWC Southern California website says KOCE-HD (a PBS) and CW-HD (most areas) starting Dec 19. I am not on the CW list though, but KOCE-HD was on last night already (ch 408), but lots of glitches. Other HD channels were having problems too, but I know because of the fires some of the OTA digital are acting or out too.
Dan

Dave -- do you have a direct formula to convert Mbps to Gigabits per hour? That's what I can get from the DVR. (And I'm finding, under our current system that we're getting ~4G/hr when sharing 3 HD channels/QAM [though UHD goes as low as 2G/hr], and 6-7G/hr on the channels sharing 2 HD channels on a QAM.)

Scott
I would think that would be:
GB/hr x 8 bits/byte divided by 3600 sec/hr.

So for for 7G/hr that would be 15.6Mbps

I would think that would be:
GB/hr x 8 bits/byte divided by 3600 sec/hr.

So for for 7G/hr that would be 15.6Mbps

Thanks.

So for us in NYC, that would translate to (approx):
4 Mbps for UHD (which is only just about double what some of our SD channels are putting out)
nealy 9 Mbps for HBO/Cinemax
13 Mbps for most of our OTA network channels (though CBS often gives a bit more)

Thanks.

So for us in NYC, that would translate to (approx):
4 Mbps for UHD (which is only just about double what some of our SD channels are putting out)
nealy 9 Mbps for HBO/Cinemax
13 Mbps for most of our OTA network channels (though CBS often gives a bit more)I'm a little suspicious of your GB numbers. I'm on SARA, and only familiar with their diagnostic screens - but are you sure of your GB numbers? (Are you sure that they are GB, SARA showed sectors, so some translation was required for that)

I'm a little suspicious of your GB numbers. I'm on SARA, and only familiar with their diagnostic screens - but are you sure of your GB numbers? (Are you sure that they are GB, SARA showed sectors, so some translation was required for that)

100% sure. I get between 6-7G/hr on the broadcast networks, 4G/hr on the premiums, 2G/hr on UHD. It used to be about 6G/hr on all HD channels. This is since they started squeezing more channels into the same QAM frequencies.

100% sure. I get between 6-7G/hr on the broadcast networks, 4G/hr on the premiums, 2G/hr on UHD. It used to be about 6G/hr on all HD channels. This is since they started squeezing more channels into the same QAM frequencies.OK

It means that "hopefully" someday, you will have a choice of using external equipment other than your cable provider's STB. But do not count on this occurring anytime soon.

Thanks for your response.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6492776.html

In Demand Serves Up HD Pair
Channels House HD Games From NHL, NBA Out-Of-Market Packages
-- Multichannel News, 10/19/2007 8:39:00 AM
In Demand is offering two new high-definition sports package channels aimed at providing cable operators with more bandwidth options in their battle against satellite providers over enhanced signal products.

The company has bowed GameHD, which will air NHL Center Ice out-of-market action, and will soon tip off TeamHD, which will focus on HD games through the NBA League Pass pay-per-view package.

The new channels are positioned within the traditional sports package area of the cable systems’ lineups, according to In Demand vice president of business development Jason Patton.

Although consumers will perceive Team HD and Game HD, which in baseball season will become home to HD contests via the MLB Extra Innings package, to be separate channels, In Demand has designed transmission technology that will compress their signals, along with those of its extant HD PPV channel, into the bandwidth of one HD service.

For example, when an NHL Center Ice HD broadcast airs on GameHD, a slate will appear on both the TeamHD and HD PPV channels with upcoming schedule information. Similarly, when a boxing or UFC HD event is airing on HD PPV, slates will appear on the TeamHD and GameHD channels.

The technology, which In Demand is proffering complimentary, is completely automated on a national basis for cable operators to implement easily at their individual headends.There is no additional cost for consumers who already subscribe to the out-of-market sports packages.
-
-
-
-
Game & Team HD has been added to the "Known Deals Done With TWC" section

Andy,

Any idea when we'll see GameHD and TeamHD offered? I subscribe to the NHL and MLB packages. In fact I'm watching a NHL game right now. I would LOVE to start seeing both sports offered in HD.

Thanks for the info.

The company has bowed GameHD, which will air NHL Center Ice out-of-market action, and will soon tip off TeamHD, which will focus on HD games through the NBA League Pass pay-per-view package.



Andy,

Any idea when we'll see GameHD and TeamHD offered? I subscribe to the NHL and MLB packages. In fact I'm watching a NHL game right now. I would LOVE to start seeing both sports offered in HD.

Thanks for the info.

Out here in Huntington Beach, CA we've had GAMEHD and TEAMHD for a while now. (732 and 733)

in answer to awcward -- I live in Myrtle Beach. We get the hockey pack on 421 -435 but the HD channel is on 450 so you may have to look for it!

We had this feature with the baseball package this summer and now with the Hockey. There is usually one game an night in HD and sometimes two. It is a nice feature.

Austin Texas has both those channels as well.

And we don't have either at TW Desert Cities, which meant that we had no MLB Extra Innings HD games this year (last year we had them on the HD PPV channel).

News from the austin area:

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/technology/10/21/1021hdtv.html

Competitors aren't ceding territory without a fight. Later this month, Time Warner Cable plans to add high-definition versions of the Food Network and HGTV to a lineup that already has 37 high-def channels, including video on demand. By early 2008, it plans to add 40 more.

Pretty impressive if true. That's bring the channel total on TWC austin to 77 by early '08. We can only hope...

Bully for Austin, in TWC's HEADQUARTER city we get... 21 total. AND 8 of those are pay extra. In ALL of 2007, we have had a net addition of...TWO HD channels. And one of those has exactly 2 baseball games in HD, everything else is SD DISTORT-O-VISION, so it hardly qualifies as a real HD channel.

Don't know if I missed this someplace up-thread (or if perhaps there is a more appropriate thread for this question) but I am trying to figure out the situation with the TWC NYC (southern Manhattan) line-up. What new HD channels are expected 4Q this year and, at least as important, does anybody know what is going on with TWC NYC regarding switched digital video? I am trying to decide whether to purchase TiVo HD (while their current lifetime subscription transfer offer is pending). Customer service rep at TWC NYC was completely useless - no info on HD situation and had never even heard of SDV. Any/all help greatly appreciated.

News from the austin area:

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/technology/10/21/1021hdtv.html



Pretty impressive if true. That's bring the channel total on TWC austin to 77 by early '08. We can only hope...

While posted on the Austin Stateman website, this is an article from a Sacramento, CA paper...

xnappo

Don't know if I missed this someplace up-thread (or if perhaps there is a more appropriate thread for this question) but I am trying to figure out the situation with the TWC NYC (southern Manhattan) line-up. What new HD channels are expected 4Q this year and, at least as important, does anybody know what is going on with TWC NYC regarding switched digital video? I am trying to decide whether to purchase TiVo HD (while their current lifetime subscription transfer offer is pending). Customer service rep at TWC NYC was completely useless - no info on HD situation and had never even heard of SDV. Any/all help greatly appreciated.

Join us here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=297592&page=438

Right now - we're all waiting for any word for anything......

Berk32: Many thanks -- and on my way over to the other forum!

Does anyone if Bright House Networks is an affiliate of Time Warner? I had thought I read somewhere that they are. I have Bright House and have noticed on there website that HD channels are being added to other markets except mine.

Hi all:

I just sent this note to: melinda.witmer@twcable.com (thanks to the poster giving this info out):)

Hi Melinda, I have been a customer of TWC for quite some time and I am moving to my new house. I am using this opportunity to look at the programming options I have and I would like to stay a TWC customer. However in doing some research it seems that Directv offers and will continue to offer at least double the amount of HDTV channels than TWC which is very important to me since all of my TV's are HD. The only advantage I see to staying with TWC is the on demand functionality. I honestly would prefer more HD channels over on demand. Information is sparse on the TWC site for near term and long term plans for HD channel programming and this is very disappointing. Can you please share with me your plans for adding new HD channels in the next 12 to 18 months? If there are plans to add a substantial amount of channels, I will be happy to keep my service with you.

Thank you and I appreciatte your response.

Brace yourself for the canned response you're going to get. TW is working on Switched Digital which theoretically allows an unlimited number of channels. I think it's not rolling out as early as we would've hoped.

If they do and offer no real info, they will lose me as a customer. I will only keep road runner for a while and move to FIOS when it gets rolled out to my area.

Even On Demand is not a reason as DirecTV now offers it as well.

I didn't know Directv has on demand...I can't seem to find it on the directv site. How can I find out more official info? I did find a couple of forum listings.

Thanks

Check this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=927883) if you haven't found it already. Apparently, it is rolling out slowly and requires the box to be connected to the Internet.

Argh. Use a spell checker before e-mailing someone a letter like that.

I sent her a somewhat similar email about a month ago, and didn't even get a reply. :) So if you are bracing yourself, don't do it too hard. :)

Good Luck
Rudy

There's already a TWC HD thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=652328

Argh. Use a spell checker before e-mailing someone a letter like that.Do you think she would appreciatte correct speling?

From a canned response somewhere overseas, no.

in answer to awcward -- I live in Myrtle Beach. We get the hockey pack on 421 -435 but the HD channel is on 450 so you may have to look for it!

We had this feature with the baseball package this summer and now with the Hockey. There is usually one game an night in HD and sometimes two. It is a nice feature.

You guys in the coastal areas of South Carolina get far more than we do in Charlotte. That obviously has to do with you being a test market for TWC.

I have had the MLB Package and NHL Package for the last 2 years with ZERO hd games. I even contacted our local office and asked about it. And I was told basically "sorry but we offer no HD for the packages".

I ask myself weekly why I'm not a DirecTV customer...

There's already a TWC HD thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=652328

Merged.

Hi all:

I just sent this note to: melinda.witmer@twcable.com (thanks to the poster giving this info out):)

Hi Melinda, I have been a customer of TWC for quite some time and I am moving to my new house. I am using this opportunity to look at the programming options I have and I would like to stay a TWC customer. However in doing some research it seems that Directv offers and will continue to offer at least double the amount of HDTV channels than TWC which is very important to me since all of my TV's are HD. The only advantage I see to staying with TWC is the on demand functionality. I honestly would prefer more HD channels over on demand. Information is sparse on the TWC site for near term and long term plans for HD channel programming and this is very disappointing. Can you please share with me your plans for adding new HD channels in the next 12 to 18 months? If there are plans to add a substantial amount of channels, I will be happy to keep my service with you.

Thank you and I appreciatte your response.
I'm sure you'll let us know if you get a reply. Too bad you didn't mention where you are located. Different Each local TWC operations have different brands and models of equipment and levels of software, and each has its own schedule for upgrading. Without knowing where you are located she can only give you the vaguest of answers and she can't even forward your note to the right local operations team.

Thought you guys/gals might like to see this article:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071029/ap_on_hi_te/cable_competition_fcc_2

Rudy

Albany TWC added NHL HD channel this morning on channel 1875.

I cannot tune this channel from work using my Slingbox contolled TiVoHD. I get a "Channel Not Available" message, leading me to believe this new channel is using Switched Digital Video (SDV). When I get home this tonight, I'll go into the SA8300's diagnostic menu to check if it is, in fact, SDV.

No official announcement from Albany TWC yet concerning this new channel.

Man I'm jealous - we dont even have the SD version of the NHL channel, let alone the HD version. And when I talked to a local customer service rep, they didnt even know what the channel was.

Its sad when people like us know FAR more than the customer service personnel of TWC. Way to train your people!

While posted on the Austin Stateman website, this is an article from a Sacramento, CA paper...

xnappo

That's so dumb - why an austin paper would use a sacremento article is just beyond me...

TWC NYC announces new channel changes for month of November:

Effective November 15, 2007: Fox Sports Net NY HD will be launched on channel 748 (ch. 759 in Mt Vernon) and National Geographic HD will be launched on ch. 765 (ch. 766 in Mt Vernon). CSPAN2 will be added on channel 148 (except in Mt Vernon).

Effective December 13, 2007: Universal HD will move from ch. 740 to 734 (except in Mt Vernon).

Effective December 13, 2007 in Woodside, Queens (ACQ) only: We will launch M HD on ch. 720, History HD on ch. 740, A&E HD on ch. 746, Food HD on ch. 750, Lifetime Movies HD on ch. 762, HGTV on ch. 764, and TMC HD on ch. 778, VS HD on ch. 794 and NHL HD on ch. 795.

TWC NYC announces new channel changes for month of November:

Effective November 15, 2007: Fox Sports Net NY HD will be launched on channel 748 (ch. 759 in Mt Vernon) and National Geographic HD will be launched on ch. 765 (ch. 766 in Mt Vernon). CSPAN2 will be added on channel 148 (except in Mt Vernon).

Effective December 13, 2007: Universal HD will move from ch. 740 to 734 (except in Mt Vernon).

Undoubtedly, someone at TWC must have read my comments about how in ALL of 2007, us NYCers (outside Staten Island) got exactly 2 new HD channels added. AND one of them had HD for exactly 2 baseball games, with the rest of that channel being LABELED as HD, but all in DISTORT-O-VISION SD.

Undoubtedly, someone at TWC must have read my comments about how in ALL of 2007, us NYCers (outside Staten Island) got exactly 2 new HD channels added. AND one of them had HD for exactly 2 baseball games, with the rest of that channel being LABELED as HD, but all in DISTORT-O-VISION SD.

It was 2 weeks of baseball...... not just 2 games....

I'm happy for you folks in NYC. Our November/December changes coming here in Columbus, Ohio will make everyone jealous:

"In addition, from time to time we make certain changes in the services that we offer in order to better serve our customers. The following changes are planned:
On or after November 10th, AZN Television will move from channel 11 on the Basic tier to channel 134 on the Digital Variety tier."

I bet you all want to move here for that change! :)

Albany TWC added NHL HD channel this morning on channel 1875.

I cannot tune this channel from work using my Slingbox contolled TiVoHD. I get a "Channel Not Available" message, leading me to believe this new channel is using Switched Digital Video (SDV). When I get home this tonight, I'll go into the SA8300's diagnostic menu to check if it is, in fact, SDV.

No official announcement from Albany TWC yet concerning this new channel.

I believe you need the sports tier in order to receive this channel, so that may be why, and not SDV.

Oceanic Time Warner in Hawaii just added the following premium HD channels:

CinemaxHD, The Movie ChannelHD, and StarzHD.

I don't subscribe to any of these premiums but maybe I'll add Starz now that the HD channel is up.

Oceanic Time Warner in Hawaii just added the following premium HD channels:

CinemaxHD, The Movie ChannelHD, and StarzHD.

I don't subscribe to any of these premiums but maybe I'll add Starz now that the HD channel is up.

Just like to add on Nov. 5th, Oceanic Time Warner in Hawaii is adding Food HD, H&G HD, and MHD. On Nov. 12, A&E HD, History HD, Lifetime Movies HD, and CNN HD.

Got this info from the info channel 911.

Oceanic Time Warner in Hawaii just added the following premium HD channels:
CinemaxHD, The Movie ChannelHD, and StarzHD.
Just like to add on Nov. 5th, Oceanic Time Warner in Hawaii is adding Food HD, H&G HD, and MHD. On Nov. 12, A&E HD, History HD, Lifetime Movies HD, and CNN HD.
Isn't TWC in Hawaii is 100% SDV? I read somewhere that they refused to supply cable cards because of their intention to go 100% SDV.

That would explain how they are able to find the bandwidth for the huge addition of HD channels. Competition form D* might be another reason. ;)

It was 2 weeks of baseball...... not just 2 games....

Yes, but I'm only interested in the two! Still, after the second round, has there been ANY HD content on there? Far as I can tell, there lineup consists of 100% SD.

Still, I think them branding all their distorted SD shows as "HDTV" to be 100% false advertising. And for this crap we don't get something like VS HD???

Still I see the TWC-NYC has doubled there HD additions... from 2 this year to 4 (come mid November). As there seems to be a consensus the dropped analogs weren't actually dropped, I expect addition rate shaping to degrade out picture even further. Plus now I read that certain sections of Queens are getting a huge influx of HD channels.

Trust me, even if I was in a block that got such goodies, I would be just as upset at the inequity of it.

Oceanic Time Warner in Hawaii just added the following premium HD channels:

CinemaxHD, The Movie ChannelHD, and StarzHD.

I don't subscribe to any of these premiums but maybe I'll add Starz now that the HD channel is up.

Interestingly enough, it was on StarzHD that I first saw "widescreen SD." IMO of course, but this is far superior to pan and scanned SD. In my system, their signal is pretty clean so it isn't near as "bad" as some claim.

Isn't TWC in Hawaii is 100% SDV? I read somewhere that they refused to supply cable cards because of their intention to go 100% SDV.

That would explain how they are able to find the bandwidth for the huge addition of HD channels. Competition form D* might be another reason. ;)

i don't think we are at 100% SDV yet but that could be a plan. they tell cablecarders that not all programming may be available.

also directv probably is not as much of a concern here as in other markets (lower penetration due to many apartment dwellers, bigger dishes needed here, and mountains etc) but i'm sure it has something to do with it. our local phone company has also been buzzing about starting a tv service (with hd) but i'm not sure when that will hit the streets.

I'm on TWC in the Raleigh, NC area, and we don't have quite a few of those "done deal" channels yet.

I'm on TWC in the Raleigh, NC area, and we don't have quite a few of those "done deal" channels yet.

Don't worry - you are in the majority.

Isn't TWC in Hawaii is 100% SDV? I read somewhere that they refused to supply cable cards because of their intention to go 100% SDV.

That would explain how they are able to find the bandwidth for the huge addition of HD channels. Competition form D* might be another reason. ;)

As of a couple of months ago, here on Maui, we have no SDV.. The young ladie at the office stated that she did not have a time frame when they where going to start working on the switch over to SDV.

I received my cable bill from Brighthouse Networks in Bakersfield, CA, yesterday, with an announcement that ESPNHD and ESPN2HD will be moving to the standard HD lineup from the HD Tier lineup, at no charge to any customers, at the end of the year.

While this is good news for anyone not currently subscribing to the HD Tier, it makes me all the more likely to cancel HD Tier all together unless they are able to fill the void with additional channels. I was paying the $7 extra a month specifically for ESPN. With the departure of InHD2 earlier this year (and the subsequent rebranding of InHD to Mojo), we've now lost 3 channels and added none to this tier.

Current Hi-Def Tier:
60 Mojo
62 HDNet
63 HDNet 2
65 ESPN HD
65 ESPN2 HD
66 Universal HD

I received my cable bill from Brighthouse Networks in Bakersfield, CA, yesterday, with an announcement that ESPNHD and ESPN2HD will be moving to the standard HD lineup from the HD Tier lineup, at no charge to any customers, at the end of the year.

While this is good news for anyone not currently subscribing to the HD Tier, it makes me all the more likely to cancel HD Tier all together unless they are able to fill the void with additional channels. I was paying the $7 extra a month specifically for ESPN. With the departure of InHD2 earlier this year (and the subsequent rebranding of InHD to Mojo), we've now lost 3 channels and added none to this tier.

Current Hi-Def Tier:
60 Mojo
62 HDNet
63 HDNet 2
65 ESPN HD
65 ESPN2 HD
66 Universal HD

Yeeesh... thats kinda late.

Most Time Warner people had the ESPN shift happen months ago (you could see many people pondering the same thing in this thread a while back)

Yeeesh... thats kinda late.

Most Time Warner people had the ESPN shift happen months ago (you could see many people pondering the same thing in this thread a while back)

Yeah, exactly. I'm not too happy with that turn of events, especially since it leaves only 4 HD channels in the HD Tier, all of which are just old movie channels. I've been spending that extra $7 ever since I upgraded to Digital Cable, so that I could get ESPN. I will likely cancel the HD Tier as soon as this change takes place.

Yeah, exactly. I'm not too happy with that turn of events, especially since it leaves only 4 HD channels in the HD Tier, all of which are just old movie channels. I've been spending that extra $7 ever since I upgraded to Digital Cable, so that I could get ESPN. I will likely cancel the HD Tier as soon as this change takes place.


How will you know when a change takes place? I'm like you in that I pay the HD tier price because of ESPN and ESPN2. So far as I know it's still billed as part of the HD tier for and additional $6.95/mo. Their website is no help. It still lists channels like INHD1 and 2 as part of the HD tier.

How will you know when a change takes place? I'm like you in that I pay the HD tier price because of ESPN and ESPN2. So far as I know it's still billed as part of the HD tier for and additional $6.95/mo. Their website is no help. It still lists channels like INHD1 and 2 as part of the HD tier.
My bill just says "starting January 2008". So as far as I know, its still part of the tier until then.

I got a little ad mailer stuck in with last month's bill (TW Desert Cities). It indicated that ESPNHD and ESPN2HD (the deuce was added to our lineup only a couple of months ago) are part of the standard, free HD package. That was the first notice I'd had of it. There was nary a word on the website. At present, that leaves only MOJO (yuk), HDNet/HDNetMovies, and UniHD on the HD VIP Tier. By the way, the price of that tier on the website has always been $6.95, but when I ordered it, they tried to charge me $9.95. When I brought the discrepancy to their attention, they changed the price to $6.95. Now, every month on my bill, it shows up as $9.95 with a $3 "service discount". I wonder how many poor souls aren't getting that $3 discount.

I agree that the VIP Tier is not worth $7 a month (to me, worth about nothing). I assume that, with a reduction in analog channels and SDV coming soon, they'll put more channels into that tier, in order to make it worth purchasing.

Yeah, exactly. I'm not too happy with that turn of events, especially since it leaves only 4 HD channels in the HD Tier, all of which are just old movie channels. I've been spending that extra $7 ever since I upgraded to Digital Cable, so that I could get ESPN. I will likely cancel the HD Tier as soon as this change takes place.

You think that's "nasty?" Here, it was called HDXtra. 8 bucks/month although they did a bundle with DVR service that meant it cost 5 bucks. 5 ALL HD channels. It's now down to... 3. Oh, supposedly they threw in a few SD sports channels that "normally" cost and extra 2 bucks.

However, the other side of the coin is that 2 of the three are the 2 HDNets. As I have 3 premiums (each with a HD channel), each extra premium costs the same 5 bucks. I'd LOVE to drop HDXtra, but I think of it as paying for a 2 HD channel premium... kinda like I couldn't or wouldn't do without HDNet.

I wonder why they're changing the HD tier. I wonder if there's some rule about not being able to charge extra for a simulcast.

I wonder why they're changing the HD tier. I wonder if there's some rule about not being able to charge extra for a simulcast.

Or maybe they are losing subs to D* and E* and did price cuts instead of adding content.

Here, it was called HDXtra. 8 bucks/month although they did a bundle with DVR service that meant it cost 5 bucks.
Your DVR costs $3? Ours costs six bucks. Everytime I think about dropping a feature, I rationalize it by saying its the same cost as an extra beer or two at the bar. Especially since having the DVR allows me to go to the bar and not worry about missing a show.

Woke up yesterday morning and noticed that Time Warner had added Versus/Golf HD to our HD lineup. Will be nice to watch hockey every Monday and Tuesday in HD. So far it just seems to be SD Golf. This is in Allegany, NY 14706. Former Adelphia area

Our lineup now
700 MSGHD
702 WGRZ NBC
703 WNED PBS
704 WIVB CBS
706 WUTV FOX
707 WKBW ABC
708 WNLO MyNetwork TV
724 TNT HD
726 ESPN HD
727 ESPN2 HD
740 Discovery HD Theater
742 A&E HD
760 MHD
770 YES
771 Versus/Golf
780 HBO
781 Showtime
782 Starz
783 Cinemax
790 Universal HD
791 HDNet
792 HDNet Movies
793 MojoHD

UHD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, and Mojo are all in the "HD Tier" for an extra $4.99 each month.

Current HD programming on Time Warner Northeast Ohio:

508-WJW-HD(FOX)
521-WKYC-HD(NBC)
522-WKYC-DT2(Weather Plus)
531-FSN-HD(almost never anything on this channel)
538-Ohio Channel
540-WOIO-DT2(24x7 Weather)
541-WOIO-DT1(CBS)
544-WUAB-DT1(MyNet TV)
545-WUAB-DT2(former The Tube)
546-TBS-HD
547-TNT-HD
549-WNEO-HD(PBS-HD)
550-WNEO-DT2(PBS-SD upconvert)
551-WEW-HD(ABC)
552-WVIZ-HD(PBS HD)
553-HD Showcase on demand
554-HD Theater
559-ESPN-HD
560-ESPN2-HD

HD Tier($6.95 charge)
555-MOJO
556-Universal HD
557-HDNet
558-HDNet Movie

Premium Channels:
580-HBO HD East
581-HBO HD West
590-Showtime HD East
591-Showtime HD West

HD offerings are EXACTLY the same for Northeast Ohio as they were when I posted again a month ago. The only HD channel added this year is TBS-HD, which doesn't count since nothing on that channel is HD.

Still no CW HD, yet channel 545 that used to be "The Tube" has had a PowerPoint slide on screen for the last month saying the channel is no longer available. What a waste of bandwidth!

Current HD programming on Time Warner Northeast Ohio:

508-WJW-HD(FOX)
521-WKYC-HD(NBC)
522-WKYC-DT2(Weather Plus)
531-FSN-HD(almost never anything on this channel)
538-Ohio Channel
540-WOIO-DT2(24x7 Weather)
541-WOIO-DT1(CBS)
544-WUAB-DT1(MyNet TV)
545-WUAB-DT2(former The Tube)
546-TBS-HD
547-TNT-HD
549-WNEO-HD(PBS-HD)
550-WNEO-DT2(PBS-SD upconvert)
551-WEW-HD(ABC)
552-WVIZ-HD(PBS HD)
553-HD Showcase on demand
554-HD Theater
559-ESPN-HD
560-ESPN2-HD

HD Tier($6.95 charge)
555-MOJO
556-Universal HD
557-HDNet
558-HDNet Movie

Premium Channels:
580-HBO HD East
581-HBO HD West
590-Showtime HD East
591-Showtime HD West

HD offerings are EXACTLY the same for Northeast Ohio as they were when I posted again a month ago. The only HD channel added this year is TBS-HD, which doesn't count since nothing on that channel is HD.

Still no CW HD, yet channel 545 that used to be "The Tube" has had a PowerPoint slide on screen for the last month saying the channel is no longer available. What a waste of bandwidth!

545 is not an HD channel..... (same with all of the 'subchannels' 522, 540 and 550) you're not exactly 'wasting' much.....

I saw an announcement last week that some Time Warner cities were getting NHL Network in HD. I believe parts of NY were involved in that announcement.

Charlotte, NC area doesn't even have the SD version of NHL Network, let alone the HD version. Do most of you see either of the channels? I'm getting sick of my area being so far behind when it comes to new TWC channels.

Also, I'm irritated that some cities have TEAM-HD and GAME-HD channels that show HD content for the MLB Extra Innings, NHL Centre Ice and NBA Ticket packages, and of course, my city has neither channel.

Here's the official announcement from Albany TWC:

NHL Network and NHL Network HD on digital cable

Time Warner Cable is in the process of launching NHL Network and NHL Network HD. They will be available before the end of the year on channels 675 (digital cable) and 1875 (HD). Both of these channels are part of the Sports Tier.

If you have the Sports Tier and an HDTV converter, you can watch the HD version on channel 1875.

Home to everything hockey, NHL Network features live NHL games, daily highlights show "NHL on the Fly," live games from the NCAA and ECHL, international hockey, and vintage and amateur hockey games, along with hockey news/updates, extended game highlights, player profiles and interviews. Themed programming and original network productions round out NHL Network's 24-hour hockey schedule.

Live games in November:
11/7 Nashville at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
11/14 Edmonton at Vancouver, 10 p.m.
11/16 Montreal at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.
11/18 Detroit at Columbus, 5 p.m.
11/21 New Jersey at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.
11/30 Dallas at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.

Time Warner to carry RFD-TV HD:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/imus110507.htm

TWCSC now has an additional CinemaxHD channel (West feed) and StarzHD.

Time Warner to carry RFD-TV HD:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/imus110507.htm

wow, Out of all the HD channels that's out there. this is what they agree to?

wow, Out of all the HD channels that's out there. this is what they agree to?Imus will put them on the map big time with major ad revenue… at least major compared to the cash flow they’re accustomed to.

I have finally pulled the plug on TWC. I switched to D*. Thanks for all of the information in this thread over the years. The lack of the Big Ten Network was the final straw. I couldn't miss 20 Wisconsin Badger basketball games.

Thanks again for the info.
dlep

I have finally pulled the plug on TWC. I switched to D*. Thanks for all of the information in this thread over the years. The lack of the Big Ten Network was the final straw. I couldn't miss 20 Wisconsin Badger basketball games.

Thanks again for the info.
dlep


Did the same thing two months ago. As a college sports fan, the lack of the Big Ten Network is unacceptable. Plus, TWC killed the one advantage it had for me -- the use of a cablecard, rather than a clunky box, to receive HD programming. The paltry additions TWC has made are all sdv, hence unwatchable with a cablecard. Oh, forgot to mention that D* is cheaper, even with all of the additional HD programming. It was really a no brainer.

Plus, TWC killed the one advantage it had for me -- the use of a cablecard, rather than a clunky box, to receive HD programming.So rather than clunky cable box you now have a clunky satellite box plus a clunky satellite dish! :rolleyes:

But I do understand your motivation for more HD programming, particularly sports. Just pulling your chain on the "clunky box" thing.

hey, If you have the ability to defect to DirecTV by all means go right ahead. I'm here cheering you on. Unfortunately I cannot due to my landlord not allowing the dish on the roof.

hey, If you have the ability to defect to DirecTV by all means go right ahead. I'm here cheering you on. Unfortunately I cannot due to my landlord not allowing the dish on the roof.

Pretty sure he can NOT prevent you from putting the disk inside your apartment. I think the big issue is the elevation, I read it was about 30 degrees (less than a third from the horizon to the top of the sky directly overhead).

Pretty sure he can NOT prevent you from putting the disk inside your apartment. I think the big issue is the elevation, I read it was about 30 degrees (less than a third from the horizon to the top of the sky directly overhead).


unfortunately my apt is not facing the street, it's in the back. and I don't even have a line of sight with the southern sky cause of a tall condo across the street.

oh well.

but i do live right next to a verizon building so i will be hopeing for a lil compitition soon

but i do live right next to a verizon building so i will be hopeing for a lil compitition soon

Assuming TWC does NOT successfully block Verizon from getting a franchise agreement. So far, the are doing an EXCELLENT job of subverting Verizon, WHILE hedging their bets by showering certain neighborhoods with cheaper rates and substantially more HD (think about this, we get 16 HD channels that are NOT extra pay, and Woodside just got 9 extra, a 57% INCREASE in available HD channels).

BTW, I man absolutely NO slam to my Woodside/SI cousins... I'm sure they have suffered some indignities that us Manhattan folks haven't suffered through and would justifiably think they are getting their just rewards.

AT&T Wins Statewide Ohio Franchise

compitition is coming soon

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6498908.html

AT&T Invades Time Warner Cable In Austin

compitition is coming on 11/19/2007

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6498838.html

Thank you for your email. We are anticipating adding at least 9 new HD channels by year's end. These are set to include HGTV, Food Network, VS, CNN, Lifetime Movie Network, History, NHL, Fox Business News, and MyTV. We do have additional channels that are in the planning stages right now, and we hope to have more information regarding their addition very soon. Talks with WABI continue, and as of right now, they have not granted us the broadcast rights for their HD signal. As you have noticed, WABI is the only local channel not available in HD in the Bangor system. This is not due to Time Warner not wanting to show CBS programing in HD, but due to the fact that we do not have legal permission to show the signal. As soon as WABI grants that permission, we will begin broadcasting. Updates to both of these HD questions will be posted on our website http://www.timewarnercable.com/newengland as they become available. Thank you for contacting Time Warne! r Cable of New England. Please contact us if we may be of assistance in the future.

Just like to add on Nov. 5th, Oceanic Time Warner in Hawaii is adding Food HD, H&G HD, and MHD. On Nov. 12, A&E HD, History HD, Lifetime Movies HD, and CNN HD.

Got this info from the info channel 911.

These channels are now all live on Oceanic Time Warner. Nice.

What are the chances of FX and Cartoon Network getting some HD glory with Time Warner before the end of this year? :D

What are the chances of FX and Cartoon Network getting some HD glory with Time Warner before the end of this year? :D

In the "test markets," I'd say there's a minute chance. For the rest of us, I'd say no chance.

I posted this in the local forum already, but thought that I'd share it here too....

Here in Appleton, WI we got a nifty "Important Pricing & Programming Information 2008" guide in the mail today. One of the front page information titles read "Free On Demand, new HD channels and more". Very excited about the new HD, I opened the brochure up only to read that the new HD channels are TBS HD and ESPN2 HD, yawn! I've had TWC's HD since mid summer now, and ESPN2 is nothing new to me. (I can MAYBE see TBS being new) I honestly don't see us getting any new HD before spring. I truly believe that TWC does not care or value HD television.

the new HD channels are TBS HD and ESPN2 HD, yawn!

Do you think maybe some people are happy to get them?

Do you think maybe some people are happy to get them?

TBS.... we were all happy for 2 weeks.... but since the NLCS ended......................

TBS.... we were all happy for 2 weeks.... but since the NLCS ended......................

The point is personal preferences are irrelevant. Recent posts indicate they seem to be adding new HD channels at at a pretty good clip now in many markets.

they seem to be adding new HD channels at at a pretty good clip now in many markets.What, 20 HD channels? :rolleyes:

What, 20 HD channels? :rolleyes:

I said "adding" not total. Do you know the difference?

Two new channels in seven or so months isn't a fast enough clip for me. I'm very happy with ESPN2, I'm just saying I don't view it as a "new" channel anymore, and they shouldn't be advertising it as one just to show that they are committed to HD. I guess I was looking for more forward information about the future of HD on TWC, not what was released in past months.

I was looking for more forward information about the future of HD on TWC, not what was released in past months.

That is all laid out very nicely in the first post of this thread.

New channels being added in Austin:

11/16

* Add Disney Channel On Demand to Channel 1125
* Add HGTV HD to Channel 1611
* Add FOOD HD to Channel 1612
* Add Gospel Music Channel to Channel 290

xnappo

That is all laid out very nicely in the first post of this thread.


Sorry, I was talking about the brochure I got in the mail that exclaimed 'new HD channels'. I'd for sure like to see Food HD added to our line up though!

I'm waiting for Verizon FiOS TV (http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv) & then it's adiós to Time Warner. :)

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6499346.html

SA to Take SDV Platform Into Motorola Shops

Switched Digital Video Manager With Support for Motorola Set-Tops to Begin Deployments by Early 2008
By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 11/9/2007 7:46:00 AM
Scientific Atlanta is extending its switched digital video platform to support digital set-top boxes from its No. 1 competitor, Motorola.

Greg Hardy, vice president of business development for Scientific Atlanta’s transmission network systems group, said the Motorola solution is “in our labs now, and we’ll begin installing and shipping that late this year or early next year.”

Historically, both Motorola and Scientific Atlanta video headend and set-top solutions have been largely proprietary, providing tight integration among their own components.

The component of SA’s SDV solution that would communicate with Motorola set-tops is the Universal Session and Resource Manager. The USRM allows applications, including switched digital video and video-on-demand, to access the network; it then delivers the requested content to edge devices under its control.

The USRM “allows us to break out of the SA-only world, if you will,” Hardy said, by handling additional monitoring and provisioning capabilities that would normally be handled by SA's Digital Network Control System.

Switched digital video lets cable operators free up bandwidth (or deliver more programming in the same amount of bandwidth), by delivering less-frequently viewed channels only when subscribers tune to them.

Scientific Atlanta, a subsidiary of Cisco Systems, announced USRM in January and released the software as an upgrade to its SDV servers in June.

Time Warner Cable, one of SA’s SDV customers, expects to roll out the solution in Motorola-based systems, Hardy said. The operator currently is deploying the vendor’s SDV platform in systems in Ohio and the Carolinas, among other locations.

Overall, SA’s switched digital video customers are in the process of deploying the technology in systems representing more than 7 million homes passed, according to Hardy.

So rather than clunky cable box you now have a clunky satellite box plus a clunky satellite dish! :rolleyes:

But I do understand your motivation for more HD programming, particularly sports. Just pulling your chain on the "clunky box" thing.

Dave, have you ever been tempted to jump away from TWC?

So rather than clunky cable box you now have a clunky satellite box plus a clunky satellite dish! :rolleyes:
The D* boxes are a great deal better than the SA8300HD.

The D* boxes are a great deal better than the SA8300HD.

Can it be rented monthly? Is there a commitment? What happens when there is a newer model?

Dave, have you ever been tempted to jump away from TWC?Oh sure. I jumped once from DirecTV to TW and periodically I check what the equivalent DirecTV costs for my needs would be. Between the Roadrunner (10MHz here BTW), Digital Phone and 8 TVs it usually comes out in favor of TW. Particularly when upfront costs and/or long-term commitments are involved.

But you never know: 53 HD channels vs 14 can be persuasive! :cool:

Current Hawaii lineup

The current line-up of HD channels is as follows:

1003 FOX
1006 ABC
1008 NBC
1010 PBS
1113 CNN (11/8)
1216 GOLF & VS
1222 ESPN
1224 ESPN II
1226 FSN (part time)
1321 FOOD (11/5)
1323 HOME & GARDEN (11/5)
1327 HISTORY CHANNEL (11/8)
1333 HD DISCOVERY
1347 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
1355 HDNET
1449 LIFETIME MOVIE (11/8)
1547 A&E (11/8)
1551 TBS
1553 TNT
1561 MOJO
1593 MHD (11/5)
1603 HD MOVIES
1605 UNIVERSAL
1611 HBO
1622 MAX
1633 SHOWTIME
1644 TMC
1655 STARZ
1700 HDPPV
1900 HD SHOWCASE
1980-1990 HD MOVIES ON DEMAND

But you never know: 53 HD channels vs 14 can be persuasive! :cool:

Holy smokes, you only get 14? Is that "part of the package" and any premiums you subscribe to?

Us downstate folk just got RR up to 10 Mb/s down.

Might want to check out:

http://www.thehdweb.com/

My monitor is 1280, so I went for the 720 streams as they match my native resolution. At 10 Mb, they played just fine... and looked damn good. I still think IP delivery will be a factor in the various distribution schemes...

Sure does sound like a move to satellite might be in order.

Holy smokes, you only get 14? Is that "part of the package" and any premiums you subscribe to?I wasn't including the local HDs in that number. I've attached a pdf list of what is available in western/central NY on cable vs satellite that I have on our local HDTV site (http://www.rochesterhdtv.com). I did not include locals in that as none of our areas have local HD on satellite and I wanted the chart to be apples to apples.

Us downstate folk just got RR up to 10 Mb/s down. We've had this (at least in Rochester) for almost a year now.

Sure does sound like a move to satellite might be in order.Not for me - we watch mostly the locals with some HBO, Showtime & CNN and have 8 TVs in the house. Move to satellite would actually cost me money and be inconvenient (though wife would like Food in HD). HOWEVER, if TW does something STUPID (which they are prone to do) with Navigator here, I would likely then switch.:eek:

Noticeably absent from the SDV list. Cleveland, Ohio.

And the reason for this I believe is because with the acquistion of Adelphia last year and the added former Comcast customers as part of the deal they've got their hands full just trying to get everyone on the same page. Price differences are reported throughout the area and the information they send concerning their pricing is erroneous.

As it stands Adelphia alone had about 5-7 different channel line ups from the companies they acquired. Throw the Comcast and existing TW customers in there and I think you can see what the problem is.

This is one of the reason I purchased a TiVo S3. I didn't see SDV to be a threat and hopefully if it does become a threat they will have the dongle out by then.

E* and D* are launching new HD channels all the time however. They are going to have to do something to remain competitivie in this area.

Yesterday, TWC in the Charlotte area finally added the NHL Network channel to channel 137.

However when I try and tune to that channel I get the following message:

To Subscribe To This Service
NHL NETWORK

Please contact Customer Service
877-566-4TWC


I have the Sports Tier, so I assume thats where this channel should be. Is anyone else who has this channel paying extra for it? Or am I missing something?

Thanks.

Has been on in Chapel Hill for a couple of days as a free preview, but will be part of the sports tier when the preview ends. It's on here now (channel 330 in Chapel Hill); no error message. From TWC website:November 7, 2007: NHL Network was added to Digital Sports & Games Ch. 330. The NHL Network features wall-to-wall coverage of the NHL with up to 40 games available this season.

For the month of November, we will offer a FREE PREVIEW to all Digital Cable customers. After the free preview, customers interested in the NHL Network will need to purchase the Digital Sports and Games tier, which is currently $2.95 per month.

Looking at the TWC San Antonio website, there are asterisks after the NHL HD channel listing indicating at the bottom that a subscription to the Sports Package is required.
This must carry for every other TWC location getting it, too, right?

Can it be rented monthly? Is there a commitment? What happens when there is a newer model?

So, what is the most up to date that TWC has to offer? I am sure it varies by market, so I guess what I'm asking is how do I know when I need to upgrade? Currently, I have a SA Explorer 3250.

So, what is the most up to date that TWC has to offer? I am sure it varies by market, so I guess what I'm asking is how do I know when I need to upgrade? Currently, I have a SA Explorer 3250.Why would you think that you may NEED to upgrade? These days, if you upgrade, you will get a box with a CableCard, and (for various reasons) those currently have problems.

Bottom line: Stay Put!

davehancock-"Why would you think that you may NEED to upgrade? These days, if you upgrade, you will get a box with a CableCard, and (for various reasons) those currently have problems.

Bottom line: Stay Put!"

That's exactly why I asked here. I knew I'd get the real answer. I don't feel the need to change because I'm very happy with my current setup, but I had a little nagging feeling that I might be missing something...So you don't think I should trade my box?

Check ot this email I got today.



***Thank you for your question. KTLA HD will be launched in your area on Monday November 19, 2007 on channel 405. Feel free to contact me by replying to this email if you encounter any issue with this channel next week.

Thanks,

Tom***

It's about time Huntington Beach got this channel put on. I like watching the morning news and they show the Clipper games in HD.

...So you don't think I should trade my box?

I have had nothing but problems with the SA 8300 box which as of 3 weeks ago is the latest and greatest according to customer service. I have had TW HD service for over a year and have gone through 3 of these boxes.

I have had nothing but problems with the SA 8300 box which as of 3 weeks ago is the latest and greatest according to customer service. I have had TW HD service for over a year and have gone through 3 of these boxes.

The box is fine, nearly bulletproof, as are most computers. I've had two of them for going on 3 years now, with expansion drives, and they've never once had a hardware-related hiccup. Neither has anyone else I know here in this area. The chance that you would get 3 defective boxes when they have such a good record of reliability is virtually nil. The problems people have are almost always software or cable related, but the TWC CSR's are totally clueless and just tell people to swap out the boxes instead of digging into the problem to find out where the real trouble is. Happens over and over and over....

The box is fine, nearly bulletproof, as are most computers. I've had two of them for going on 3 years now, with expansion drives, and they've never once had a hardware-related hiccup. Neither has anyone else I know here in this area. The chance that you would get 3 defective boxes when they have such a good record of reliability is virtually nil. The problems people have are almost always software or cable related, but the TWC CSR's are totally clueless and just tell people to swap out the boxes instead of digging into the problem to find out where the real trouble is. Happens over and over and over....

Yeah I have to agree that the physical hardware itself is sound. I imagine my issues were all software related. I don't know how many times I had to unplug and reboot it. When I called to try and resolve the problem each time they just sent some dude over with a new box. This last time I just went back to Best Buy. The guys there said there are known issues with the current software? You always have to take what these guys say with a grain of salt.

The box is fine, nearly bulletproof, as are most computers. I've had two of them for going on 3 years now, with expansion drives, and they've never once had a hardware-related hiccup. Neither has anyone else I know here in this area. The chance that you would get 3 defective boxes when they have such a good record of reliability is virtually nil. The problems people have are almost always software or cable related, but the TWC CSR's are totally clueless and just tell people to swap out the boxes instead of digging into the problem to find out where the real trouble is. Happens over and over and over....

I second that. I was getting the third one installed myself when the service guy that brought that one out said "ok, this isn't right" and this guy finally did the due dilligence to look at and test my cable runs. He finally discovered that the issue was an incorrect hookup at the outside junction box. Apparently I was sharing my cable connection run with my neighbor and wasn't supposed to be. Either way, I haven't had even as much as a hiccup with the 8500 since that guy fixed the true issue.

Yeah I have to agree that the physical hardware itself is sound. I imagine my issues were all software related. I don't know how many times I had to unplug and reboot it. When I called to try and resolve the problem each time they just sent some dude over with a new box. This last time I just went back to Best Buy. The guys there said there are known issues with the current software? You always have to take what these guys say with a grain of salt.There are other threads that are more appropriate to discuss problems with the SA8300. This one is about more HD on TW.

That being said: you should know that the "latest & greatest" SA83000HDs all have CableCards, and there have been problems with the software for these (CableCard) versions. Folks who have the older 8300HDs are not experiencing the kind of problem that the folks with the CC versions are.

That being said: you should know that the "latest & greatest" SA83000HDs all have CableCards, and there have been problems with the software for these (CableCard) versions. Folks who have the older 8300HDs are not experiencing the kind of problem that the folks with the CC versions are.

AFAIK, there are 8300HDs that currently use SARA or Passport for software. The box that has a cable card for security is the 8300HDC and runs Nagivator software. Eventually we expect TWC to force Nagivator on 8300HD boxes, but nobody has reported that happening... yet.

Far as we know, aside from the fact one uses a cable card and the other has "integrated security," the HDC has slightly more RAM. We also know there are 2 versions of Nagivator, one for the HDC and one for the HD.

I realize this is a bit picky, but massive confusion will reign when folks get sloppy about exactly what they are reporting... at this point I think it very important to be more specific about what is being reported for what equipment. While we don't KNOW for sure, I'd put money on very different experiences between HD and HDC boxes even running Nagivator... especially considering it's actually 2 different VERSIONS of Nagivator!

AFAIK, there are 8300HDs that currently use SARA or Passport for software. The box that has a cable card for security is the 8300HDC and runs Nagivator software.Excuse me for dragging this "off-topic" item out, but that is simply not correct! There are TW provided 8300HDC boxes out there that are running SARA (version 1.90.xx.xx) These SARA operated CableCARD boxes have been experiencing problems. I purposely made my response general as the OP had not (as you pointed out) provided much information. There are also non-TW Passport systems out there running the 8300HDC (example: Comcast in Howard County Maryland).

Excuse me for dragging this "off-topic" item out, but that is simply not correct! There are TW provided 8300HDC boxes out there that are running SARA (version 1.90.xx.xx) These SARA operated CableCARD boxes have been experiencing problems. I purposely made my response general as the OP had not (as you pointed out) provided much information. There are also non-TW Passport systems out there running the 8300HDC (example: Comcast in Howard County Maryland).

Deja Vu:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11530992#post11530992

:D just giving you a hard time RG.

xnappo

Deja Vu:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11530992#post11530992

:D just giving you a hard time RG.

xnappo

Oh my, senility sure seems to have taken me on a ride! Thanls to Dave and you, I AM exposed...

Why would you think that you may NEED to upgrade? These days, if you upgrade, you will get a box with a CableCard, and (for various reasons) those currently have problems.

Bottom line: Stay Put!

Yes, I have that one, It is a fairly large and smelly POS.

Two new ones coming to Austin this week:

Add HGTV HD to Channel 1611
Add FOOD HD to Channel 1612

Two new ones coming to Austin this week:

Add HGTV HD to Channel 1611
Add FOOD HD to Channel 1612

I cannot wait for so. Cal to get those channels! btw, how are you guys gettings these updates?

I cannot wait for so. Cal to get those channels! btw, how are you guys gettings these updates?

SDV

SDVI think he meant: how did you guys find out about the new channels?

I cannot wait for so. Cal to get those channels! btw, how are you guys gettings these updates?
+1

Rudy

+1

Rudy

Oh, sorry. Our local guys (though now mostly silent on our local mailing list, probably due to excessive abuse) are doing a good job keeping this page up to date:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/centraltx/programming/legal_notices2.html

xnappo

Why would you think that you may NEED to upgrade? These days, if you upgrade, you will get a box with a CableCard, and (for various reasons) those currently have problems.

Bottom line: Stay Put!


I have two and they work just like any other cable box.

KTLA-HD went live a little after midnight in the Huntington Beach area. The morning news never looked better. Channel 405.

A little off topic, but is there a TW cable hddvr that has HD menus and guides? I hate how the guide switches to 4:3 when I'm watching any of the HD channels. If not, is there any hope they'll address this? I think currently I have the SA 8300

/\ Don't hold your breath...

HD Net has been absent for several days on TWC in Maine. HD Net Movies is still there, however. Does anyone know what might be going on?

AFAIK, there are 8300HDs that currently use SARA or Passport for software. The box that has a cable card for security is the 8300HDC and runs Nagivator software. Eventually we expect TWC to force Nagivator on 8300HD boxes, but nobody has reported that happening... yet.

Far as we know, aside from the fact one uses a cable card and the other has "integrated security," the HDC has slightly more RAM. We also know there are 2 versions of Nagivator, one for the HDC and one for the HD.

I realize this is a bit picky, but massive confusion will reign when folks get sloppy about exactly what they are reporting... at this point I think it very important to be more specific about what is being reported for what equipment. While we don't KNOW for sure, I'd put money on very different experiences between HD and HDC boxes even running Nagivator... especially considering it's actually 2 different VERSIONS of Nagivator!
I was given a 8300HDC on Saturday and it did not work and after i pluged it in I lost my phone so then they sent someone out on sunday Fixed the problem and give me a new 8300HDC and it all looked good untill i tried to record a show and i could not watch another show .. seems like only one tuner worked so it is going back today?

3 boxes in three days

KTLA-HD went live a little after midnight in the Huntington Beach area. The morning news never looked better. Channel 405.
In Fountain Valley i got KTLA on 405 :)

100 Pages of posts from people hoping, praying, begging, complaining, and just ranting about TWC adding more HD channels. Enough is enough!! As of this Friday I become a DirectTV subscriber! Farewell TWC!!! :)

100 Pages of posts from people hoping, praying, begging, complaining, and just ranting about TWC adding more HD channels. Enough is enough!! As of this Friday I become a DirectTV subscriber! Farewell TWC!!! :)

HGTV and A&E look pretty good. I want more, but it's a start.

Pat

100 Pages of posts from people hoping, praying, begging, complaining, and just ranting about TWC adding more HD channels. Enough is enough!! As of this Friday I become a DirectTV subscriber! Farewell TWC!!! :)

I hope everyone enjoys the game Thursday night. ;) Thankfully, I have both D* and TWC. I have about 100 HD channels total.

I have about 100 HD channels total.

If that's the goal, you win!

100 Pages of posts from people hoping, praying, begging, complaining, and just ranting about TWC adding more HD channels. Enough is enough!! As of this Friday I become a DirectTV subscriber! Farewell TWC!!! :)Enjoy your instant gratification. :rolleyes:

Enjoy your instant gratification. :rolleyes:

Thank you! I certainly will!! :p:p

If that's the goal, you win!

Not a goal, just a statement of fact. I am truly empathetic to the TWC crowd. Until we moved into our house about a year ago, I was in the same position. I would like to see TWC and the NFL resolve the dispute. I keep TWC for MOJO (NHL/NCAA Football games) and a second DVR (giving me 4 tuners). The launch of HD on TWC has been at a snails pace. Hopefully that will change soon. :)

The dispute between the NFL and TWC & the other cable companies could be solved in a NewYorkMinute if they would just drop back and punt to a more reasonable carriage fee. What they're asking for is ludicrous, and the cable companies are right to resist it. If I don't care about eight more NFL games a year in a TV landscape that's awash with them already, I don't want my basic cable rates going up significantly to subsidize those few that do. This is entirely, 100%, based on the unreasonable greed of the NFL. No wonder they've enlisted the loathsome Jerry Jones to "help" in the negotiations. :rolleyes:

The dispute between the NFL and TWC & the other cable companies could be solved in a NewYorkMinute if they would just drop back and punt to a more reasonable carriage fee. What they're asking for is ludicrous, and the cable companies are right to resist it. If I don't care about eight more NFL games a year in a TV landscape that's awash with them already, I don't want my basic cable rates going up significantly to subsidize those few that do. This is entirely, 100%, based on the unreasonable greed of the NFL. No wonder they've enlisted the loathsome Jerry Jones to "help" in the negotiations. :rolleyes:
I agree with that one thousand percent. And until we get a La Cart programming option, this is the only way to control the already absurdly high basic cable rate. Finally a Cable company doing something right for a change.

Rudy

I agree with that one thousand percent. And until we get a La Cart programming option, this is the only way to control the already absurdly high basic cable rate. Finally a Cable company doing something right for a change.

Rudy

Totally agree about the NFL thing... you KNOW each season, more and more of what we want to see is going to go there.

As for a la carte, in theory I like it. BUT I could almost 100% guarentee you that if they had such an item, you'd end up spending as much of not MORE than you do now. Honestly, I do NOT think it's any kind of answer...

I have a fundamental problem with content providers (i.e. Dallas Cowboys/NFL) trying to force an advertisement based model to a pay-for-content model. I think out of market games/ppv is fine and desirable. I've supported the NFL as a fan and viewer, and for them to hold content as hostage in a negotiating deal with cable is beyond greed. Because of this impasse, the Cowboys/Packers game will not be available to me via OTA or TWC in Austin. Just how much more money do the NFL teams and owners need? It's a slap in the face to all fans of the sport.

I've supported the NFL as a fan and viewer, and for them to hold content as hostage in a negotiating deal with cable is beyond greed.
Yes, beyond greed. And even though I switched recently from TWC to DirecTV where I could watch the NFL channel if I chose, I've resolved not to, in support of you, my cable cousins.

Yes, beyond greed. And even though I switched recently from TWC to DirecTV where I could watch the NFL channel if I chose, I've resolved not to, in support of you, my cable cousins.

I and resolve not to even if TWC gets it. God Bless America from sea to shining sea. (and Hawaii)

:):):)twc dallas just launched hd net movies which brings us up to 20 hd channels:):):)

just got KTLA HD in Torrance! Reaper was on last night in 1080i... good enough for me.

:):):)twc dallas just launched hd net movies which brings us up to 20 hd channels:):):)

Congrats... many of us think HDNet's 2 channels and DiscHD or NGHD are among the overall best HD channels out there. Content AND delivery.

As for the Cowboys being shut out of Austin, despite the fact I absolutely HATE that team (being a die hard Giants fan), I am just as outraged as you are ESPECIALLY with how they are playing this year. I'm sure the fact that there is such a huge pile of money floating around the NFL, the teams, and the players collectively feel they can very easily screw over their fans for even more bucks with total impunity.

Congrats... many of us think HDNet's 2 channels and DiscHD or NGHD are among the overall best HD channels out there. Content AND delivery.

As for the Cowboys being shut out of Austin, despite the fact I absolutely HATE that team (being a die hard Giants fan), I am just as outraged as you are ESPECIALLY with how they are playing this year. I'm sure the fact that there is such a huge pile of money floating around the NFL, the teams, and the players collectively feel they can very easily screw over their fans for even more bucks with total impunity.

I actually live in the dfw market in tarrant county arlington texas

just got KTLA HD in Torrance! Reaper was on last night in 1080i... good enough for me.

Oh sweet! Here's hoping we get it here as well. I'm a little more east, but in the LA area. :D

There is an ad in our local paper that TW Desert Cities will be adding A&E HD, History HD, and TBS HD on December 27, 2007.

Just reporting in.

No word on the SCI-Fi channel ?

Verizon FiOS TV is coming to Upstate NY during 2008. :)

Verizon FiOS TV is coming to Upstate NY during 2008. :)
Would you please post a link to your source?

What areas in Upstate?

Would you please post a link to your source?

What areas in Upstate?

Last night, I caught the last half of a Verizon FIOS advertisement. They claimed more than 22 HD channels!

[QUOTE=Riverside_Guy;12269904]Totally agree about the NFL thing... you KNOW each season, more and more of what we want to see is going to go there.

QUOTE]

Lets hope that NFL doesn't put the Superbowl on the NFL channel anytime soon. I don't know if that would be a bigger money maker for them than by selling the rights to networks, but it's just a thought.

I just wish I could get the NFL Network, and ABC / NBC in HD... Is that really to much to ask?

I'm really pissed I can't watch the Packers v. Cowboys which has a lot at stake.

Would you please post a link to your source?Sorry, I have no direct link but I am cautiously optimistic that the FiOS TV build out for Upstate NY will occur during 2008 based on my conversation(s) with a Verizon technical support representative.What areas in Upstate?Buffalo then Albany & some areas further downstate.Last night, I caught the last half of a Verizon FIOS advertisement. They claimed more than 22 HD channels!Unlike Cable, FiOS FTTP (fiber to the premises) service has the capability to provide Internet speeds to 50 Mbps downstream and 10 Mbps upstream with plans to launch 150 HD channels by the end of '08 (http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/11/01/verizon-reveals-plan-to-launch-150-hd-channels-by-the-end-of-08/). ;)

does any1 know when TWC in upstate NY .. will get new HD channels?

I am cautiously optimistic

A bit different from the definitive statement first posted.

I have Time Warner Cable Northeast Ohio and I am not receiving any of the Cleveland Cavs games in high definition. I know that not all of the Cavs games are in HD but about half of them are. The program guide says that the Cavs are on FSN OH ch 531, as well as the official Cavs website says tonights game with the Celtics is in HD. All I am getting on ch 531 is a blue screen that says "The Blue Jacket game is not available due to NHL blackout rules." This message is always on that station and never changes. This has happened about the past 5 times the Cavs were supposed to be on the HD channel. What can I do? Anyone else have this problem? It's so frustrating because I know I am supposed to be receiving the game.

A bit different from the definitive statement first posted.No worse then speculating when Time Warner may cough up another HD channel or two again.