No Center Channel


I guess they were not ready for the start.

No Center Channel
It's in HD but no sound!

plenty of sound, just no announcers. Maybe, its better this way?

all is fine 16 minutes after the start.

No HD for Sunday's NFL game.

My eyesight is getting a little bad, can you please write bigger next time? :)

They took my 3250 away during a service call cause my downstairs TV wasn't an HD set.Gee, I was contemplating getting a HD box for my 25" SD TV once a non-DVR version would downscale HD through the non-component video-outs like the 8300HD does. I guess I missed it if the 3250 was doing that already.

Is this a general box-availability policy I wasn't aware of?...

No, they don't guarantee that they'll give you anything other than what's available, but the 2000 I have is just cumbersome to use. So it's either defective, or I get a different model #, or I won't have a box on that TV anymore.

I live here in West Columbia and am currently using a HTPC with two capture cards to record and timeshift analog signal off of TWC. I am thinking about adding a high def capture card to my system to allow me to capture OTA high def signals. Here is my question. If I get a high def capture card with QAM support will I be able to capture hi-def channels off of cable; in other words does TWC of Columbia send out unecrypted QAM for their non premium high def signals?

Tried to do a search of this thread and could not find a definite answer.

Hey guys,
Just reading a few of the posts. Sorry for the mess up on HD Sunday night. Our automation failed to switch. We made the switch as soon as we could.
I noticed someone was asking about HD content other than network. We do have the ability to time shift or show original HD content at WLTX. When do you air it though. Since we simulcast our analog 24/7, it is difficult to pay for a show on HD which is different than the SD feed. As far as local HD content, we have kicked it around a little. But as Bob, said it all comes down to the money. 16x9 SD is easily done soon though.

Yes there are two newer SD boxes. (2100 and 3100)

Nope - 2100 and 2200.

Does anyone have the SA 2000 box for one fo their regular TV's? They took my 3250 away during a service call cause my downstairs TV wasn't an HD set. But I liked watching the HD channels downstairs, it looked like a high quality DVD and was definitely a difference over SD even on my 35" Sony HD set. Also, the new box is so slow! So slow I cannot bear it anymore. It's worse than my last one and still exhibits color banding on start over content, when I can get it to work. I need to go swap out this box, is there a newer SD box I can get? Or maybe I should ask for another 3250HD, if they have one. Right now, I'm online, cause the cable's completely out, on a Saturday night. Don't know why. I'm sure it'll come back eventually. Should it take a few seconds per channel to channel surf? I think that's too long. MY 8300 and my old 3250 changed channels very quickly.


The capital cost to us for an HD v an SD requires us to only place HD converters on HD sets. That's why we require customer's who come to the front counter to bring their HD manual.

I live here in West Columbia and am currently using a HTPC with two capture cards to record and timeshift analog signal off of TWC. I am thinking about adding a high def capture card to my system to allow me to capture OTA high def signals. Here is my question. If I get a high def capture card with QAM support will I be able to capture hi-def channels off of cable; in other words does TWC of Columbia send out unecrypted QAM for their non premium high def signals?

Tried to do a search of this thread and could not find a definite answer.


The networks, TNT HD and Discovery HD are not encrypted. Premium and Tier programming is.

Finally got the answer !.. Yea!

That's fine. I'm just hoping that one of the newer boxes are faster than this one. Is that a possibility? Is anyone else out there using a 2000 and can comment on speed?

The capital cost to us for an HD v an SD requires us to only place HD converters on HD sets. That's why we require customer's who come to the front counter to bring their HD manual.

Whoa, wait a minute. Does this mean that a HD tuner card in a PC can tune in the non-encrypted HD channels from the cable feed? Do I understand this correctly?

The networks, TNT HD and Discovery HD are not encrypted. Premium and Tier programming is.

Whoa, wait a minute. Does this mean that a HD tuner card in a PC can tune in the non-encrypted HD channels from the cable feed? Do I understand this correctly?
As I understand it... in theory, Yes. It does appear however that some cards work better than others. For more details; suggest you check out the HTPC and Recording Forums here at AVS.

That's fine. I'm just hoping that one of the newer boxes are faster than this one. Is that a possibility? Is anyone else out there using a 2000 and can comment on speed?
It has been a very long time since I have used a SD 2000 but I would imagine a 2200 would be an improvement. (FWIW, the 2000 and 2100 appear to be vintage 2000 designs while the 2200 came out in 2001).

Should it take a few seconds per channel to channel surf? I think that's too long. MY 8300 and my old 3250 changed channels very quickly.This 'sluggishness' hit my 8300HD last night for a while. Push Favorites, see bar for next channel appear, look at watch while waiting for picture associated with channel to show up.

Then it went away: maybe 1/2 second to change channels after that. Perhaps there's disk maintenance running in the background occasionally, causing things to bog down?...

The capital cost to us for an HD v an SD requires us to only place HD converters on HD sets. That's why we require customer's who come to the front counter to bring their HD manual.

The customer is still paying $9.95 per month for the 3250 box, seems like they should be able to get whatever box they want, as long as they are willing to pay the price for it.

When I first bought my HDtv I just walked in and they gave me a 3250HD box without me bringing in my HD manual. A few months later when I upgraded to the HD-DVR I just walked in and they handed me an 8000HD, so I moved the 3250 to my SD tv because I liked getting the HD versions of the channels and they looked better on my SDtv because my SD tv will accept a 480p input using component cables from the HD box the PQ is pretty damn good.

They wont argue with you about the box, but if they provided HD boxes to everybody, it would be cost prohibitive. I too have had occaisional sluggishness with ym former 3250 and mt 8300 (although not since I got it replaced), but it was always temporary and cleared up quickly. My 2000 has been sluggish since day one. I was just trying to figure out if it's a bum box, and maybe another 2000 might be fine. Gonna swap it out when I'm headed downtown one of these days.

I can't speak for Diana, but the TWC people I know tell me they would be more than happy to have only 1 model of convertor box to deal with..It would make their life a lot more simpler..

Well, then they should buy bunches of HD boxes that also work on SD sets, and we'd all be happy. Continuing to buy SD boxes would encourage the vendor to make them, which won't help lower the cost of the HD ones. No SD-only boxes available means there's no cheaper box to make buying HD boxes look like a waste. One box for all, give or take a DVR...

Good point, Except that giving out all HD boxes to everyone is cost-prohibitive at this point in time..

I doubt your speaking with Marketing people if they want only one variety of converter. It would be my worst nightmare - how do I market to upgrade? How much of a waste to market HD Tier to customers without an HDTV, etc?

:) I try not to..too hard to get a straight answer.. :)

Road Trip!

I'm leaving bright and early to drive to Champaign to see the Illinois v Michigan game this weekend - I'll be back in the loop Tuesday. In the meantime, please call 866-892-7201 if you have any issues.

Have a good weekend!

I doubt your speaking with Marketing people if they want only one variety of converter. It would be my worst nightmare - how do I market to upgrade? How much of a waste to market HD Tier to customers without an HDTV, etc?Gee, if they can sample all the HD content now, using a HD box that plays to a SD set, then tell them to go to Circuit City (Best Buy, whoever you want to partner with) to see what the same images would look like on a new set.

Get them hooked by allowing them access, then reel them in later. Have Circuit City co-brand the cable boxes to get a discount. Get a piece of the HDTV sales at CC if they use a TWC code provided when buying. Lotsa stuff.

Now, maybe there's some arcane reason to have a bunch of models of boxes in stock, but if you settled on one DVR box and one non-DVR box that worked on all HD and SD sets, and did it with all the currently-available bells and whistles, wouldn't that be easier on SOMEBODY?...

I watched the Colts game today in HD on CBS and the pixelation was pretty bad with most fast motion.

Colors were good though.

-- Cain

WACH screwed us out of the last 15 minutes of the premier of 24 by showing the local news at 10:00 instead of running late due to the football game as they should have.

How could they be so incompetent?

Does anyone know what they are going to do? Of course, the phone is busy at WACH. I can not believe that happened and they cut off "24" for the news.

This is absolutely ridiculous. I called the #s listed on WACH's website and got a busy signal to the main number, then called the newsroom. The newsroom couldn't do anything to help because they are apparently in a different building. They wouldn't even contact the main office to let them know.

This is totally ridiculous.

Otherwise, whoever in the newsroom wouldn't contact the main office should be in some serious trouble. There are going to be some very upset fans of "24", and I imagine that Fox corporate is not going to be happy with WACH. With a serialized show like 24, most dedicated fans are going to going nuts about missing the end of the premire!

Now they've shut down their chat rooms - I get a 404 error when I was able to get in a few minutes ago. There were about 60 people trying to find out what was going on.

Looks like WACH is trying to run and hide.

Instead of this informercial about Omega 3. It is almost comical - the best show on TV replaced by the worst acted and worst scripted informerical on TV.

I watched the Colts game today in HD on CBS and the pixelation was pretty bad with most fast motion.

Colors were good though.

-- Cain


Been this way all year,and got even worse when they increased their bitrate to their sub. It will be simply dreadful when or if they start to simulcast their analog channel on 19.2. :confused:

Wow, I'm glad I decided not to get involved with 24. I almost sat down and watched the premiere. That would have been 2 hours of my life I'd never have been able to get back, and a large amount of frustration.

Wow....

Well that sux. I setup 24 to record all the new episodes with the intent of checking out this show since everybody's talking about it. I guess I'll just delete that from my DVR now unless WACH plans on re-broadcasting the premier.

This morning WACH has turned off their voicemail system (main line just keeps ringing), they've taken down their online chat system, and still haven't posted anything on their website even acknowledging their major screw up.

According to the State they don't plan to reair it before tonight's 2nd half of the 4 hour premiere. WACH is really showing their integrity by running and hiding and shifting the blame to WIS who produces their news program.

The Drudge Report has linked the story in The State about "24". Now everyone in the country will know about it. No wonder the voicemail is down at WACH - this will easily be the most read article at The State online for the month.
I'm not usually one to get worked up over things, but last night I tried to call just to make sure someone let them know to take off the newscast and put "24" back on quickly. Now it has been picked up by the national media - I guess this will be a big story!

Well, Scott McBride, the General Manager of WACH just called me personally to let me know that they are planning on airing the 2nd hour of the 24 premiere from last night tonight at 7pm leading into the 2nd half of the 4 hour premiere.

I'll at least give them props for calling me personally to let me know and taking responsibility for what happened.

and the best option that they probably had. Credit to WACH for handling it that way. The news in the State that it would not be shown before tonight's show was unacceptable. I'm glad that they changed their decision. I also noticed that WIS has a story up about this, and they say that it was not their fault.

Not in HD. Stupid WACH.

Not only that, but the audio level on their HD station is extremely low... I switched over to the analog...

sad

Been this way all year,and got even worse when they increased their bitrate to their sub. It will be simply dreadful when or if they start to simulcast their analog channel on 19.2. :confused:

Bummer, that is depressing.... I'll say this, 720P definitely looks better than 1080i when 1080 is starved for bandwidth.

Maybe ABC/Fox/ESPN made the right decision to go 720P.

-- Cain

Gee, if they can sample all the HD content now, using a HD box that plays to a SD set, then tell them to go to Circuit City (Best Buy, whoever you want to partner with) to see what the same images would look like on a new set.

Get them hooked by allowing them access, then reel them in later. Have Circuit City co-brand the cable boxes to get a discount. Get a piece of the HDTV sales at CC if they use a TWC code provided when buying. Lotsa stuff.

Now, maybe there's some arcane reason to have a bunch of models of boxes in stock, but if you settled on one DVR box and one non-DVR box that worked on all HD and SD sets, and did it with all the currently-available bells and whistles, wouldn't that be easier on SOMEBODY?...


Two things -

First - Imagine the field day our competition would have with the urban myth that "TWC HD Converters were actually showing SD pictures" and the uphill battle against this misinformation we would face (in the face of all the other misinformation out there) AND imagine the dissatisfaction and potential truck rolls when uneducated customers tuned to channel 3 to get channel 805. Education is our greatest challange so the fewer the obstacles the better.

Second - you settled on one DVR box and one non-DVR box that worked on all HD and SD sets, and did it with all the currently-available bells and whistles, wouldn't that be easier - Not financially feasible, we would have to 'recapture' all outdated converters once or twice a year!

Scientific Atlanta Shows off DVR with DVD Prototype
Scientific-Atlanta's DVR with built-in DVD recorder and DVD player, is three powerful devices in one – a high-powered digital set-top box, a DVR and a DVD recorder/player – with only one remote to operate. The DVD recorder/player is powered by Sonic Solutions' AuthorScript DVD engine, the same DVD creation technology used by Hollywood. The first and only networked set-top of its kind, the DVR with DVD Recorder/Player enables the creation of personal DVDs from DVR content libraries, and the ability to take recorded shows and watch them on the go.

Taking an agnostic approach to copyright concerns by utilizing a binary DVD burning methodology, the Scientific Atlanta set top box will conform to whichever protection protocols the movie industry can come up with. The idea is that the user will have the option of viewing the movie (or show) for a particular price or purchase it for a higher price. The unit would then burn the DVD to your media on the spot. Take the following scenario:

You bring up the interactive menu system and call up a movie like King Kong. You have several value-added choices:

Watch the movie one-time for $3.99
Download and burn the movie directly to DVD for $14.99
Purchase the movie soundtrack and burn a CD for $9.99
Download the PC game to DVD for $19.99

Lets not forget SA offered the first Multiroom HD dvr.... :eek:

Rather than using that Beta box from SA mentioned above, I believe I would rather watch a movie in HD or on a DVD that is "anamorphic/enhanced for widescreen" (with extras/special features if available). But YMMV.
____
Bruce

Rather than using that Beta box from SA mentioned above, I believe I would rather watch a movie in HD or on a DVD that is "anamorphic/enhanced for widescreen" (with extras/special features if available). But YMMV.
Bruce
The copy of "Ghostbusters" on the HD channels lately is annoying. "Enhanced" so it fills the whole 16:9 screen, but not letterboxed, leaving shots with the two people on the platforms (before they become 'dogs') cut out of the picture. Awful waste of effort 'enhancing' that one. And when they go letterboxed for the end credits, one wonders why so late?...

First - Imagine the field day our competition would have with the urban myth that "TWC HD Converters were actually showing SD pictures" and the uphill battle against this misinformation we would face (in the face of all the other misinformation out there) AND imagine the dissatisfaction and potential truck rolls when uneducated customers tuned to channel 3 to get channel 805. Education is our greatest challange so the fewer the obstacles the better.Well, what's the plan for The End Of Analog? Old SD sets will be showing SD versions of HD content then, so start educating people early and avoid the rush. Selling a few HD sets wouldn't hurt, either...

Second - you settled on one DVR box and one non-DVR box that worked on all HD and SD sets, and did it with all the currently-available bells and whistles, wouldn't that be easier - Not financially feasible, we would have to 'recapture' all outdated converters once or twice a year!Sounds like incentive to find ways to lower the cost of the boxes...

Well, what's the plan for The End Of Analog? Old SD sets will be showing SD versions of HD content then, so start educating people early and avoid the rush. Selling a few HD sets wouldn't hurt, either...
Sounds like incentive to find ways to lower the cost of the boxes...


That's very different from allowing customers to view SD via HD Converters - why add to the confusion.

As far as lowering the cost of converters - why on earth would a vendor like SA want to do that....

Scientific Atlanta Shows off DVR with DVD Prototype
Scientific-Atlanta's DVR with built-in DVD recorder and DVD player, is three powerful devices in one – a high-powered digital set-top box, a DVR and a DVD recorder/player – with only one remote to operate. The DVD recorder/player is powered by Sonic Solutions' AuthorScript DVD engine, the same DVD creation technology used by Hollywood. The first and only networked set-top of its kind, the DVR with DVD Recorder/Player enables the creation of personal DVDs from DVR content libraries, and the ability to take recorded shows and watch them on the go.

Taking an agnostic approach to copyright concerns by utilizing a binary DVD burning methodology, the Scientific Atlanta set top box will conform to whichever protection protocols the movie industry can come up with. The idea is that the user will have the option of viewing the movie (or show) for a particular price or purchase it for a higher price. The unit would then burn the DVD to your media on the spot. Take the following scenario:

You bring up the interactive menu system and call up a movie like King Kong. You have several value-added choices:

Watch the movie one-time for $3.99
Download and burn the movie directly to DVD for $14.99
Purchase the movie soundtrack and burn a CD for $9.99
Download the PC game to DVD for $19.99


Speaking of getting to a one size fits all converter with a lowered price....

Ha Ha Diana...don't go with that DVD burner as the one size fits all concept...as I don't want it.

Been this way all year,and got even worse when they increased their bitrate to their sub. It will be simply dreadful when or if they start to simulcast their analog channel on 19.2. :confused:

Yeah that was some of the most pixelated HD I've seen on WLTX. 1080i needs FULL BANDWIDTH!!!!

Not only that, but the audio level on their HD station is extremely low... I switched over to the analog...

sad

I dont know what the problem is, but when WACH plays SD material on their HD channel the audio is always so low you have to turn the receiver wide open to hear it.

And for that matter every single digital channel on TWC has a different audio level, its extremely aggravating having to keep two remotes in your hand at all times while channel surfing to be ready to immediately turn down the volume when you change channels so you dont blow your speakers or your ear drums when going from one digital channel to another or especially from digital channel to analog channel. Why cant they get all the channels at one volume level???

D-rock...It shouldn't be like that...my receiver just changes from dolby digital to prologic. There may be a little difference in the volume, but nothing like you're describing. Maybe there's a setting on the receiver that's not switching automatically.

Good luck,
Mark

That's very different from allowing customers to view SD via HD Converters - why add to the confusion.So, you don't think one converter will be around to handle the whole job post-Analog? Still a HD model and a SD model, since that's the way it's been so it must stay that way?...

As far as lowering the cost of converters - why on earth would a vendor like SA want to do that....Because you tell them that they need to. Wal-Mart gets good pricing, why can't you? Doesn't SA have competition?...

Hi, all....first time poster, long time listener...

I live on Shaw AFB. I have a Sony HD DVR tuner with CableCARD support and TV Guide on Screen. It's been working great with my TWCSC digital cable until yesterday. The unit requires VBI data from an analog source (usually PBS, Channel 11) in order to populate the guide. It stopped working yesterday and when I called TWCSC I was told they were switching over to an all digital system, which, I've read, wipes out VBI data. Does anyone have any idea how to get access to analog channels once this happens? I thought the FCC said that a cable provider couldn't remove access to analog channels for a couple years?

Any help would be appreciated...I notice some folks here may actually work for TWCSC.

Thanks.

It stopped working yesterday and when I called TWCSC I was told they were switching over to an all digital system, which, I've read, wipes out VBI data. Does anyone have any idea how to get access to analog channels once this happens? I thought the FCC said that a cable provider couldn't remove access to analog channels for a couple years?Would attaching rabbit ears work to provide the signal? Is there a connector and a close-enough station?

The format of delivery via cable of analog channels can probably be switched to digital and not break any rules...

Hi, all....first time poster, long time listener...

I live on Shaw AFB. I have a Sony HD DVR tuner with CableCARD support and TV Guide on Screen. It's been working great with my TWCSC digital cable until yesterday. The unit requires VBI data from an analog source (usually PBS, Channel 11) in order to populate the guide. It stopped working yesterday and when I called TWCSC I was told they were switching over to an all digital system, which, I've read, wipes out VBI data. Does anyone have any idea how to get access to analog channels once this happens? I thought the FCC said that a cable provider couldn't remove access to analog channels for a couple years?

Any help would be appreciated...I notice some folks here may actually work for TWCSC.

Thanks.

Two options....

1. Get it OTA
2. Call PBS and find out their timeframe for broadcasting the info digitally.

So, you don't think one converter will be around to handle the whole job post-Analog? Still a HD model and a SD model, since that's the way it's been so it must stay that way?...
Because you tell them that they need to. Wal-Mart gets good pricing, why can't you? Doesn't SA have competition?...

mikepaul,

An all-in-one SD/HDTV converter sounds good on paper, but SA is not going to do as it will cut their profit margins.

Remember, HD has absolutely nothing to do with the Analog cut off date. After the analog cut off there will be 2 types of converters:

Digital only and HD/Digital

As far as your other question, I only know of 2 manufactures of cable boxes....SA (now Cisco) and Motorola.

Hopes this helps you understand that your idea will not work in our capitalist society.

PS,
Wal-Mart is the WORST thing that has evolved in our economy. Do you know how many people/businesses they have shut out of the market place?

BreakerSC... Not sure if you are trying to get cable guide data for the OTA stations or cable stations. If all you need is an analog signal from a PBS affiliate, try getting the signal from Sumter's SCETV/PBS station WRJA. Connect a simple UHF antenna to your tuner (single loop should do) and point it east towards downtown. They broadcast Analog Ch 27 (and digital 28.x).
____
Bruce

BreakerSC... Not sure if you are trying to get cable guide data for the OTA stations or cable stations. If all you need is an analog signal from a PBS affiliate, try getting the signal from Sumter's SCETV/PBS station WRJA. Connect a simple UHF antenna to your tuner (single loop should do) and point it east towards downtown. They broadcast Analog Ch 27 (and digital 28.x).
____
Bruce


Appreciate the guidance! Thankfully, my unit can receive OTA and cableco data so I'll be making a trip to the Mall/BX tomorrow. Only thing I'm worried about now is that I'm on-base but on the backside of a hill which is between me and the broadcast tower (according to AntennaWeb.) :rolleyes:

Wish me luck...I've contacted Sony as well, to see when the unit will get a firmware upgrade enabling PSIP (vs VBI) data reads.

Appreciate the guidance! Thankfully, my unit can receive OTA and cableco data so I'll be making a trip to the Mall/BX tomorrow. Only thing I'm worried about now is that I'm on-base but on the backside of a hill which is between me and the broadcast tower (according to AntennaWeb.) :rolleyes:

Wish me luck...I've contacted Sony as well, to see when the unit will get a firmware upgrade enabling PSIP (vs VBI) data reads.

BeakerSC
Sounds like you are in the 5000 area. If you are blocked from the Sumter tower, then you may have a problem. Give it a try however with a decent UHF antenna. The only other option is WRLK over in Columbia and that might give you problems as well. Let us know how it works out!
_____
Bruce

Query re Switched Digital Broadcast (SDB):

The new Digital Content Manager (from Scientific Atlanta, TWC's equipment provider) presumably has provided Digital Simulcast and more importantly should also provide SDB in order to double the useful capacity....and make room for alot more HD channels.

Has anyone seen any evidence of QAM frequencies and program numbers jumping around as they are dynamically reassigned.
This would be targeted for the less popular channels.

For more info on SDB, see:
http://hdtv.forsandiego.com/messages/2/4226.html#POST22373

[QUOTE=D-Nice]
As far as your other question, I only know of 2 manufactures of cable boxes....SA (now Cisco) and Motorola.


Pace, Panasonic, Pioneer, Moxie Digital :)

I have a TWC Pioneer HD box at home..

[QUOTE=D-Nice]
As far as your other question, I only know of 2 manufactures of cable boxes....SA (now Cisco) and Motorola.


Pace, Panasonic, Pioneer, Moxie Digital :)

I have a TWC Pioneer HD box at home..

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear there are more players in the game.

An all-in-one SD/HDTV converter sounds good on paper, but SA is not going to do as it will cut their profit margins.Until someone turns it back off, the S-video and composite out from a 8300HD can feed scaled-down HD to a SD set. Copy to VCR does it nicely, but the lines are also live all the time.

So accept for the moment that the 8300HD DVR and a 8300HD non-DVR but with all other features the same were the only boxes available. They could be installed in any house, and be all they need to be.

SA could concentrate on just making them, eliminating production lines now dedicated to other boxes, and find ways to lower costs while not impacting quality.

Meanwhile, since their subscribers AREN'T made of money, companies like TWC could push for lower costs and pass those on by not raising rates. Thwarting losses to satellite by keeping costs down wouldn't be a bad thing.

Full-force take-no-prisoners capitalism to increase profits and customer-happiness-be-damned really shouldn't be encouraged, even if the stockholders who aren't cable subscribers would be happy...

FWIW: TWCSC is a SARA only system. Only SA boxes here in SC. Norrth Carolina is a total different system (Passport).

Those who are new to this forum ,and have never seen how poor live sports can look , you do not have to look very far. Wis-DT broadcast The Olympics last year with all their subchannels along side. It was by far the worst HD I have ever seen on my HD monitors. If you have concerns that the HD will be throttled from our local NBC ,then you should email them and let them know.

BAHRENDT@wistv.com

anyone else seeing the black bar on the bottom of the screen on NBCHD? 2 days in a row now. only channel and during commercials too. i hope im not the only one.

Yeah that was some of the most pixelated HD I've seen on WLTX. 1080i needs FULL BANDWIDTH!!!!

Yes it was horrible, almost unwatchable. The FoxHD football was much, much better.

-- Cain

anyone else seeing the black bar on the bottom of the screen on NBCHD? 2 days in a row now. only channel and during commercials too. i hope im not the only one.

Yeah xtremecobra...I've got it too. Didn't even realize it, since NBC never plays anything worth watching anymore...

anyone else seeing the black bar on the bottom of the screen on NBCHD? 2 days in a row now. only channel and during commercials too. i hope im not the only one.


BAHRENDT@wistv.com

anyone else seeing the black bar on the bottom of the screen on NBCHD? 2 days in a row now. only channel and during commercials too. i hope im not the only one.

Yep, note sent to WIS.

Evidently the people at WIS don't watch NBC either...now I don't feel so bad about my previous comments...lmao

Oh yeah, btw...still have a black line...just noting it for timing purposes...

yeah i have to agree with you guys on nbc line-up about the only thing i watch is my name is earl and the office....best showes in a long time! maybe a little surface too. anyway i still have the bar and message was sent to wistv

I watched the Colts game today in HD on CBS and the pixelation was pretty bad with most fast motion.

Colors were good though.

-- Cain
I watched the entire game OTA and there was very little pixelization. I seemed to notice it mostly during disolves. I did not see the issues you spoke about though. I am watching OTA using an RCA DTC100 built into a RCA F38310 38 inch 16x9 set.

anyone else seeing the black bar on the bottom of the screen on NBCHD? 2 days in a row now. only channel and during commercials too. i hope im not the only one.

Yeah I noticed it Wed night during E-Ring and Law & Order. I did notice that some commercials had it and some didnt. I wasn't home last night to watch tv so I dont know if it was on there again or not. But Wed night is really the only time I watch NBC so hopefully it'll be gone by next week.

HD+Interlaced+fast moving=pixelization
go progressive this will eliminate the poor picture on fast moving objects.

Couple of comments from info as I understand it:

Sports in 1080i can appear better than 720p for those who have large, CRT based 1080i displays.... 1080i just has more perceived detail. The downside of course are artifacts caused by fast movement (pixelization). Sports in 720p are preferred by those with native 720p sets and perhaps by those with direct view sets regardless of native format. There is no good answer other than 1080i sports broadcasts should not have reduced bitrate due to multicasting (the norm here now). To that end, many would prefer all sports to be in 720p.

Along that same line, WIS-DT is expected to run their two multicast channels during the Olympics. In response to my question regarding bitrates, Mr Ahrendt indicated they probably will not turn off either subchannel during the Olympics. I do not know if they are able to optimize their signal or not through rate shaping. The likelyhood therefore is another less than stellar broadcast of the Olympics in HD. Pity.

And last, in response to my comment regarding the black bar, it appears it was due to a blank scrolling banner and should now be corrected.

Consider yourself lucky if you HD Olympics the same day.

The best network 1080i that I have seen on my monitors was a couple of years ago when Wltx-DT turned off their subchannel for The Super Bowl. Their picture seems to be worse now ,since they added their weather now channel. ABC and Fox look about the same. I think the ABC feed could be better with a little more bandwidth, but Wolo-DT has broadcast 2 subs for a long time.

I think the ABC feed could be better .

I don't disagree.. :)

Just FYI for those that offered solutions, I was able to attach an amplified loop antenna to my HD receiver and am now getting the VBI data the TV Guide On Screen requires. It's coming from ETV SC Channel 27 Sumter.

Thanks to all for the help.

Hi, all....first time poster, long time listener...

I live on Shaw AFB. I have a Sony HD DVR tuner with CableCARD support and TV Guide on Screen. It's been working great with my TWCSC digital cable until yesterday. The unit requires VBI data from an analog source (usually PBS, Channel 11) in order to populate the guide. It stopped working yesterday and when I called TWCSC I was told they were switching over to an all digital system, which, I've read, wipes out VBI data. Does anyone have any idea how to get access to analog channels once this happens? I thought the FCC said that a cable provider couldn't remove access to analog channels for a couple years?

Any help would be appreciated...I notice some folks here may actually work for TWCSC.

Thanks.

I'll speak to the Engineers and get back to you as to the actual cause. The CSSR is a bit confused.

[QUOTE=D-Nice]
As far as your other question, I only know of 2 manufactures of cable boxes....SA (now Cisco) and Motorola.


Pace, Panasonic, Pioneer, Moxie Digital :)

I have a TWC Pioneer HD box at home..


Pioneer got out of the converter making game last year. So that group will slowly be retired.

[QUOTE=D-Nice]
As far as your other question, I only know of 2 manufactures of cable boxes....SA (now Cisco) and Motorola.


Pace, Panasonic, Pioneer, Moxie Digital :)

I have a TWC Pioneer HD box at home..

And Tivo 3 coming later this year! Yay! :)

I'll speak to the Engineers and get back to you as to the actual cause. The CSSR is a bit confused.

Thank you, Diana. I appreciate you looking into this.

I'm getting the data OTA now, but I'd rather not have "bunny ears" set up with my otherwise modern home theater set-up so getting the cable feed working again would be great.

I watched the entire game OTA and there was very little pixelization. I seemed to notice it mostly during disolves. I did not see the issues you spoke about though. I am watching OTA using an RCA DTC100 built into a RCA F38310 38 inch 16x9 set.

Well maybe that is my problem, I watched it over TWC, but remember I am watching it on an eight foot wide TV, so I see any flaws in the image....

I remember the time WLTX switched off the subchannels for the SuperBowl, and that was as good as it gets, so it can be good.

-- Cain

Very poor job on WLTX-DT switching the audio and then switched to SD toward the end.. Almost the entire 4th quarter with no center channel. TheHD video seems to be better this week than last week, but the "Weather Now" channel is running as normal in its loopy mode.

I hadn't been watching HD on TWC for awhile, and yesterday I decided it was time.
Was I disappointed!.. I watched "Batman and Robbin" on HBO-HD and "Battlestar Galactica" on UNI-HD. Both showed horrible pixelation during fast-moving scenes these shows were full of.
Is TWC doing something about it, or everyone is just "comfortable numb"?

I hadn't been watching HD on TWC for awhile, and yesterday I decided it was time.
Was I disappointed!.. I watched "Batman and Robbin" on HBO-HD and "Battlestar Galactica" on UNI-HD. Both showed horrible pixelation during fast-moving scenes these shows were full of.
Is TWC doing something about it, or everyone is just "comfortable numb"?

You need to check your signal at your stb using the onscreen diagnostic mode. A low signal can randomly cause problems with different HD channels. TWC can remotely check your signal (not a csr). Pixellation is not normal for anything except for fast motion on CBS-HD ,and NBC-HD (due to multicasting 1080i).

You need to check your signal at your stb using the onscreen diagnostic mode. A low signal can randomly cause problems with different HD channels. TWC can remotely check your signal (not a csr). Pixellation is not normal for anything except for fast motion on CBS-HD ,and NBC-HD (due to multicasting 1080i).
Thank you for your suggestion, but it was anything but random. For example, pixelation was extremely bad during "strobe effects" in "Batman and Robbin" on HBO-HD and very visible during chase scenes in the woods on UNI-HD.

I hadn't been watching HD on TWC for awhile, and yesterday I decided it was time.
Was I disappointed!.. I watched "Batman and Robbin" on HBO-HD and "Battlestar Galactica" on UNI-HD. Both showed horrible pixelation during fast-moving scenes these shows were full of.
Is TWC doing something about it, or everyone is just "comfortable numb"?

Can't say I'm experiencing what you are. Like it was suggested, you need to check your signal strength. You may have a poor signal. The only time I see pixelation is with 1080i fast-moving sports involving some type of multicasting.

watching surface on nbchd and the black bar at the bottom is still there. i though this was corrected.

watching surface on nbchd and the black bar at the bottom is still there. i though this was corrected.

Quoting Barry Ahrendt from WIS (via email) ... "Your description of the "black bar" is right on target. We have discovered the source of the problem, and I'm told it's fixed. " I don't recall seeing it last night so it would appear the problem has resurfaced.

____
Bruce

watching surface on nbchd and the black bar at the bottom is still there. i though this was corrected.

I'm seeing the black horizontal bar at the bottom of the NBC-HD channel too.

[QUOTE=bdfox18doe]

And Tivo 3 coming later this year! Yay! :)

Which won't work 100% with TWC if it uses one-way cable cards ;)

Anyone know what was up with the half hour commercial for local businesses on CBS last night at 8:00? Normal programming was supposed to be King of Queens, but that was bumped. At 8:30 the lineup went back to normal. The TWC guide still had King of Queens listed. It may have been a re-run, but I would have rather watched that than a half hour program about local businesses. Isn't there a timeslot at around 2 AM for stuff like that? Or the local access channel?

You need to check your signal at your stb using the onscreen diagnostic mode. A low signal can randomly cause problems with different HD channels. TWC can remotely check your signal (not a csr). Pixellation is not normal for anything except for fast motion on CBS-HD ,and NBC-HD (due to multicasting 1080i).
OK, here it is:
RF
Tuner1: 747Mhz -4dBmV
FDC: 74.5Mhz -8dBmV
RDC: 26.5Mhz 48dBmV

Anyone know what was up with the half hour commercial for local businesses on CBS last night at 8:00? Normal programming was supposed to be King of Queens, but that was bumped. At 8:30 the lineup went back to normal. The TWC guide still had King of Queens listed. It may have been a re-run, but I would have rather watched that than a half hour program about local businesses. Isn't there a timeslot at around 2 AM for stuff like that? Or the local access channel?

Locally WLTX advertised the "Hot-Wired" program for the 8pm time slot, but they must have forgotten to update the data when they sent it to the guide vendor. Correct info to the guide vendor is the responsibility of the programmer.

Now that The WB and UPN are merging, which one near Columbia was going to be upgrading to HD?

I'm hoping the one that was closest to upgrading will be the one that survives...

DianaTWCSC,

Did you ever get resolution on the ETV SC channel issue? Is it still analog in the line-up? And if so, why isn't it sending out VBI data anymore?

Thanks for your help.

DianaTWCSC,

Did you ever get resolution on the ETV SC channel issue? Is it still analog in the line-up? And if so, why isn't it sending out VBI data anymore?

Thanks for your help.

The system is set up to direct the Cable Card to tune to the analog PBS channel (which is still in the line up). The Engineers are working with your local PBS to determine what changed on their end to have caused the disruption.

Hi, all....first time poster, long time listener...

I live on Shaw AFB. I have a Sony HD DVR tuner with CableCARD support and TV Guide on Screen. It's been working great with my TWCSC digital cable until yesterday. The unit requires VBI data from an analog source (usually PBS, Channel 11) in order to populate the guide. It stopped working yesterday and when I called TWCSC I was told they were switching over to an all digital system, which, I've read, wipes out VBI data. Does anyone have any idea how to get access to analog channels once this happens? I thought the FCC said that a cable provider couldn't remove access to analog channels for a couple years?

Any help would be appreciated...I notice some folks here may actually work for TWCSC.

Thanks.

Here is what I believe is happening with your receiver. Our stations provide XDS (Extended Data Service) in the VBI at line 21 field 2. This data helps set clocks on VCRs and could be used to synchronize channel guides.

TWCSC has the option of using our analog OTA signal or our digital OTA signal to feed their headend. If they use our analog signal the data would be passed through transparently. If they use our digital signal, they would have to gather clock information from PSIP data and reencode this data into the VBI.

I would be happy to speak with the engineers at TWCSC to help resolve this.

Diana,

I just got a new TV with cable card support. Any way to get around waiting 21 days for Time Warner to install one of these for me. I don't need help installing it, and was hoping to get one sooner.

Thanks

Gamecock,

Quickly, go and get yourself a digital box now before they close this evening. (Graystone location is open till 6; not sure about the others in Columbia). Take your display's manual(s) as you will need it/them for a/another HD converter.

It appears you have prior discussions here on that process. Unless things have significantly improved, the installation process is not quick, simple, or for laypeople.
_____
Bruce

Hey Bruce-how are ya, haven't heard much from you lately..

Gamecock,

Quickly, go and get yourself a digital box now before they close this evening. (Graystone location is open till 6; not sure about the others in Columbia). Take your display's manual(s) as you will need it/them for a/another HD converter.

It appears you have prior discussions here on that process. Unless things have significantly improved, the installation process is not quick, simple, or for laypeople.
_____
Bruce

Well I lost track of this thread for a while so I didn't do a search, but you got me curious. I will look into the history a bit more. I assume it was just a plug-n-watch type thing.

Thanks Bruce.

Here is what I believe is happening with your receiver. Our stations provide XDS (Extended Data Service) in the VBI at line 21 field 2. This data helps set clocks on VCRs and could be used to synchronize channel guides.

TWCSC has the option of using our analog OTA signal or our digital OTA signal to feed their headend. If they use our analog signal the data would be passed through transparently. If they use our digital signal, they would have to gather clock information from PSIP data and reencode this data into the VBI.

I would be happy to speak with the engineers at TWCSC to help resolve this.


Shaun, thank you so much for clarifying this for me. I was doing okay with a loop antenna receiving (somewhat static ridden) WRJA OTA (Ch 27) until yesterday and then no listings; my receiver "lost" the Host Channel again. :( So I tried to go back to just TWC and the receiver still didn't pick up the Host Channel (Ch 11) overnight, which it historically does if everything is coming across correctly. I've reattached the antenna and will see what happens; my location on base isn't exactly perfect for picking up OTA signals (behind a hill from Sumter and too far from Florence or Columbia towers.)

Hopefully, between you, Diana and/or your respective engineers, we can all get back to a workable state of affairs. Unfortunately, my hours in the USAF don't get me home in time during the week to call ETV and work with your network folks directly.

Thanks again!

Well I lost track of this thread for a while so I didn't do a search, but you got me curious. I will look into the history a bit more. I assume it was just a plug-n-watch type thing.

Thanks Bruce.
No problem. Not trying to be a smart alek there but it was assumed by all that cable cards would be a simple plug and play procedure. In reality however they have turned out to be plug and pray and call and call and call by technicians to the head-end trying to get them setup correctly (network connectivity problems). Hopefully Diana will chime in here with new (and good) news about this but I think my recommendation holds for now.
____
Bruce

Hey Bruce-how are ya, haven't heard much from you lately..
I have been hanging in there and monitoring the threads as usual! :) Just not much for me to talk about!
____
Bruce

Hi Bruce,

I have read some post about you talking to the WB station, just wondering if you have talk to their engineer about what this change means for them/us when it comes to HD. I would call myself, but I don't know how to get in touch with them.

Hi Bruce,
I have read some post about you talking to the WB station, just wondering if you have talk to their engineer about what this change means for them/us when it comes to HD. I would call myself, but I don't know how to get in touch with them.
No word yet on local ramifications of the merger. I called WBHQ/WB earlier today and had to leave a message for their engineer Dean Miller to call me back (out till late this afternoon). Their General Manager, Ms Stephanie Rein, is out of town and unavailable. Yesterday I shared with emails with Rick Sprott, WZRB/UPN Chief Eng, and he had no information on the merger to pass along either.

So, given what Rick at WZRB said and what I have read here at AVS (HDTV Programming forum), many of the affected affiliate stations were blindsided by this merger and how it will all work out is unknown. I imagine that lawyers for all the involved stations including WZRB and WBHQ are studying the contractual issues at hand and that it will be awhile before public statements are made. As to HD... the latest info I had on WBHQ was they were going HD this summer. One question I have for Mr. Miller is whether that plan was still on track as of the merger announcement. I will keep an ear out for new information.

Found this today on the IMDB:

News Corp on Wednesday removed the on-screen UPN logo from its UPN affiliates in nine markets, saying that it was reacting to the announcement that The WB and the UPN networks would merge and that their programs will be carried on the current WB affiliates.

Hoping for the best...

mikepaul,

What you read pertains to News Corp who owned those other (non-Fox) branded stations. Local station WBHQ (Sumter) is owned by "WBHQ, COLUMBIA, LLC" and WZRB (Columbia) is owned by "ROBERTS BROADCASTING COMPANY OF COLUMBIA, SC, LLC" I have no idea who is behind the first company; Roberts Broadcasting however is family owned business out of Misouri I believe who also operate other stations (including UPN).
_____
Bruce

edit: interesting side note: I see that WBHQ ownership transferred just last month; former owners were "Columbia Broadcasting Incorporated".

OK, here it is:
RF
Tuner1: 747Mhz -4dBmV
FDC: 74.5Mhz -8dBmV
RDC: 26.5Mhz 48dBmV

Umm, so, is it within the norm or not?

Kir,
I have no idea. Sorry
Bruce

Umm, so, is it within the norm or not?


Sorry, been out of town. You aren't checking it correctly. You need to be tuned to the channels you are having issues with, and check the signal level.


Diagnostic Mode. Unit needs to be on and tuned to a digital channel (HD)

* Press and hold the Pause button on the remote until the Mail light starts to flash (around 10-15 seconds), then press the Page Up (-) button(upper right ).
Page up(+) until you get to page 5. The numbers under Qam are the important numbers. Level, S/N ,errors, and uncorrected blocks. You can change channels like normal and the diagnostic screen will be in the center.

Disappearing Diagnostic Window. Enter the Diagnostic Mode (see above item). While in this mode you can change the transparency of the screens by pressing the Select button on the front of the box. It goes from 100% opaque to about 50% opaque to about 5% opaque. You can then use the Page Up/Down button on the remote to cycle through screens. This is useful when changing channels, noting signal levels/PQ, or trying to see levels fluctuate as glitches occur.

Most of my levels are LEVEL -1 to 1 and S/N 35-36db. Two exceptions are TNT-HD and ESPN-HD. Both levels jump around and are -3 to-5 and the S/N are 33db. Not by accident I have the most audio and video drops on these channels, but they are generally rare and brief. Before a powered line drop amp was added to my cable input on my house my levels were -11 and 25 -29db and I would completely lose HD channels. I hope this helps. :)

I've noticed a couple of times this week while watching TV on the 8300HD, when a new recording starts up on another channel, the 8300 is switching to that channel, even if nothing else is being recorded. I don't believe it used to do this. It is quite annoying to be watching something and have it suddenly change channels without warning.

I remember it doing something like this when two programs are being recorded since both tuners are busy, but not with only one program recording.

Has anybody else noticed that?

John, I noticed that as well...and it is WAY annoying...I think they did a firmware upgrade or something. My wife thought I was messing with her head, the box just flipped out. I also had it quit recording midshow eventhough there was plenty of room left on the hard drive. It also split the tuesday episode of American Idol into 2 pieces... the first 40 minutes and then the rest of the show. Dianna, you heard about any of these things?

Thanks,
Mark

Yep, seen the same thing. They need to fix whatever is going on. Started this past Wednesday.

Well, apparently Diana isn't working this issue anymore. I've called TWCSC a few times about why they're stripping (apparently) the VBI data off channel 11 (ETV SC). NO CSR I've talked to has a clue; I keep getting told, "well, I'll pass this to our technical guys and they'll call you back." ...you can imagine how often that happens... :mad:

Next step is to send ANOTHER e-mail to the local PBS folks and see what they can do to prompt TWC to stop stripping the data at the head-end.

Sorry, been out of town. You aren't checking it correctly. You need to be tuned to the channels you are having issues with, and check the signal level....
It's at -6...-8dB S/N 36dB on the problematic channels.
On other HD channels it's at -2dB.

Time for a service call?..

I would say that is too low, and hopefully you can convince them that you need a cable quality amp. Splitters and loose connections can cause strange things. I had a loose connection at my stb. that caused issues with some HD channels and not with others.

Greetings...I'm new to the world of High Definition. Bought a Sony yesterday and it was delivered today. When first set up, I had problems with the reception. I changed out the cable from the wall to the cable box and the reception is better, but I think it should be better even than it is now. I'll keep working on it. I do have a question. How do I check the signal level or strenght. I have thought for a while (before going hi-def) the signal from Time Warner was not optimal. What else should I do?

Thanks. I have learned quite a bit over the past few days reading this, and other, forums.

Well, apparently Diana isn't working this issue anymore. I've called TWCSC a few times about why they're stripping (apparently) the VBI data off channel 11 (ETV SC). NO CSR I've talked to has a clue; I keep getting told, "well, I'll pass this to our technical guys and they'll call you back." ...you can imagine how often that happens... :mad:

Next step is to send ANOTHER e-mail to the local PBS folks and see what they can do to prompt TWC to stop stripping the data at the head-end.

I suspect you need to give TWCSC a bit more time; it appears it has been only ten days since your initial complaint. Emailing Shaun Bennett at SCETV to advise them of the ongoing nature of the problem probably would not hurt either (though he may still be following this thread anyway). Hopefully there will be a fix for your problem.

And... FWIW, Diana has been an extremely helpful to us here at AVS so dissing her really is inappropriate since the problem has been reported to the engineers. Most of us here would agree with you that CSRs are generally clueless when it comes to advanced services and Diana is how we report things that need fixing. Sometimes it just takes time.

Greetings...I'm new to the world of High Definition. Bought a Sony yesterday and it was delivered today. When first set up, I had problems with the reception. I changed out the cable from the wall to the cable box and the reception is better, but I think it should be better even than it is now. I'll keep working on it. I do have a question. How do I check the signal level or strenght. I have thought for a while (before going hi-def) the signal from Time Warner was not optimal. What else should I do?

Thanks. I have learned quite a bit over the past few days reading this, and other, forums.
Welcome to our forum! Think we need some more info before we can really help you so... some questions:

- Is your Sony a HDTV monitor or does it have a built in ATSC (digital tuner)?
(model number might help)

- Are you trying to watch HDTV via Time Warner (TWCSC) or Over-the-Air using an ATSC tuner with a UHF antenna? (general location would be good if using OTA).

- If TWC, do you have digital cable and a HDTV converter (3250HD, 8000HD DVR or 8300DVR)?

- If OTA, do you have an antenna connected to your TV? If yes, have you told it to scan for Digital channels?

- What programs or times have you been trying to watch HDTV? (HD programs tend to be mostly in the evening; some exceptions do exist).

Get back to us and I reckon we can be of more help. Also, if you are a cable subscriber and have just plain cable or a non-HD converter, you are not reaping the benefits of Digital TV including HDTV. A visit to TWC tomorrow (you must take your HDTV owners manual) and you can upgrade to digital cable and get a HD convertor or DVR. (note: often a visit by a tech is needed to make sure the signal is up to par). To get a good idea what is on in HD go to www.hdtvgalaxy.com or to www.titantv.com

And... FWIW, Diana has been an extremely helpful to us here at AVS so dissing her really is inappropriate since the problem has been reported to the engineers. Most of us here would agree with you that CSRs are generally clueless when it comes to advanced services and Diana is how we report things that need fixing. Sometimes it just takes time.

Agreed..wish we had a Diana here in Charlotte.. :(

CSR: Clueless Service Rep..Welcome to your first day in CSR school,now repeat after me: It's not a cable problem.. it's the tv station and not us.. :D

And... FWIW, Diana has been an extremely helpful to us here at AVS so dissing her really is inappropriate since the problem has been reported to the engineers. Most of us here would agree with you that CSRs are generally clueless when it comes to advanced services and Diana is how we report things that need fixing. Sometimes it just takes time.

True true. I can be a little impatient sometimes. Of course, it doesn't help to have CinCHOUSE (a.k.a. the wife) starting to wonder if our high-end equipment is worth the cost with all these problems.

Thank you for the perspective.

No offense intended, Diana. :o

Welcome to our forum! Think we need some more info before we can really help you so... some questions:

- Is your Sony a HDTV monitor or does it have a built in ATSC (digital tuner)?
(model number might help)

- Are you trying to watch HDTV via Time Warner (TWCSC) or Over-the-Air using an ATSC tuner with a UHF antenna? (general location would be good if using OTA).

- If TWC, do you have digital cable and a HDTV converter (3250HD, 8000HD DVR or 8300DVR)?

- If OTA, do you have an antenna connected to your TV? If yes, have you told it to scan for Digital channels?

- What programs or times have you been trying to watch HDTV? (HD programs tend to be mostly in the evening; some exceptions do exist).

Get back to us and I reckon we can be of more help. Also, if you are a cable subscriber and have just plain cable or a non-HD converter, you are not reaping the benefits of Digital TV including HDTV. A visit to TWC tomorrow (you must take your HDTV owners manual) and you can upgrade to digital cable and get a HD convertor or DVR. (note: often a visit by a tech is needed to make sure the signal is up to par). (snip)


--Sony KDSR-50XBR1 SXRD - supposedly one of the best out there.

--Watching solely via TWCSC cable connection.

--I took the owners manual to TWCSC when I picked up the box and they looked briefly at it. I have the 3250HD converter box.

--I watched this afternoon and tonight. The HD channels are unbelieveable...just watched a HBO prizefight...great colors and picture. Digital channels are pretty good. The poorer reception is on the analog(?-lower-?) channels. I realize they won't be as good at the HD channels or even the digital channels, but they initially were very poor. As I said, I changed the cable from the wall to the converter box and it helped. I'm thinking a visit by a technician is in order, especially since I've been thinking there were some type of problem with signal quality since before I got this new unit.

Thanks for taking the time to help.

Anyone here in Columbia with an 8300 tried this out yet to get additional recording capacity ???

http://www.weaknees.com/maxtor_qvx.php

The poorer reception is on the analog
Try enabling only 720p and 1080i on the cable box. It often helps the analog channels.

Up and running since Sunday evening ,and all seems well. :)


Bought from a forum sponsor: http://www.weaknees.com/maxtor_qvx.php
Purchase at your own risk. Not officially supported by TWC.

and is still working well. (installed 12/12/05)

--Sony KDSR-50XBR1 SXRD - supposedly one of the best out there.

--Watching solely via TWCSC cable connection.

--I took the owners manual to TWCSC when I picked up the box and they looked briefly at it. I have the 3250HD converter box.

--I watched this afternoon and tonight. The HD channels are unbelieveable...just watched a HBO prizefight...great colors and picture. Digital channels are pretty good. The poorer reception is on the analog(?-lower-?) channels. I realize they won't be as good at the HD channels or even the digital channels, but they initially were very poor. As I said, I changed the cable from the wall to the converter box and it helped. I'm thinking a visit by a technician is in order, especially since I've been thinking there were some type of problem with signal quality since before I got this new unit.

Thanks for taking the time to help.

You are probably okay then. (the 3250 is a good box; the 8300DVR is a better deal for many though). Low signal stength usually manifests itself with problems on the digital channels not analog ones. Analog programs are based on NTSC signals and looking worse on a large HD display is normal. You are magnifiying any/all defects. Most HD displays line-double NTSC to help minimize this. SD programs though can look pretty good however. As Gary J mentioned, you might try the various output options of the cable box to see which one works best for you (don't use 720p though unless your TV can accept them natively). If you are still unsure about the problems you might tell us more here for an opinion or call TWC.

One basic fact for digital cable is they are touchy strength wise. Another is that splitters generally halve (or more) the signal to a given drop. Many of us use splitters between the wall and the cable box so we can have that second signal for PIP/POP or VCRs and they often cause problems. If you have one and are getting dropouts or excessive pixelation, try removing it. If you don't have one and the problems continue, then it may be time for that tech visit. If you need a spllitter, TWC can usually make it work (via a pre-amp if necessary). Couple of other items to check: each drop should be via a a home-run cable from your room drop to the house box (no splits in the walls or attic or whatever). Also, all wiring used in the house should be RG-6, not the thinner RG-59.

One last item is one I mention as a rule for all new owners... check your contrast and brightness controls. They almost always come maxed out from the manufacturer. This "torch mode" helps them compete in the florescent-lit show room (folks see brighter displays as better). Reducing them to lower levels (about half for most) and/or using a calibration disk will help provide a more "realistic" picture. Of course that is subjective so definitely your call. Displays using phospors must be adjusted to protect them from "burn-in" (uneven phosphor wear). On LCoS/SXRD type displays it may not matter (no phosphors).
____
Bruce

Hello everyone. Glad to find a Columbia, SC thread.

I am thinking about taking the plunge and joining the HDTV world, but I have a few questions that you all may be able to answer or maybe point me in the right direction in the mammoth thread.

Some Info:
- I am thinking of purchasing the Samsung HL-R4266W. 42 inch DLP. Fits in my price range. Seems to be a nice TV but I am still doing research. If any of you all have any advice or suggestions on this model or other PLEASE let me know

My Questions:
- With the HDTV DVR that Time Warner provides what video outputs does it have? I see that there is more than one so which one is better and can I select the one I want for the same price?
- How many hours of HD/non-HD recording can the box have?
- Overall how do you rate the HD that is broadcast here.

Other Suggestions or Advice:
Like I said I am new to this game so if any of you have any suggestions and things that I should keep in mind while looking for a TV or anything else please let me know.

I appreciate the help.

I suspect you need to give TWCSC a bit more time; it appears it has been only ten days since your initial complaint. Emailing Shaun Bennett at SCETV to advise them of the ongoing nature of the problem probably would not hurt either (though he may still be following this thread anyway). Hopefully there will be a fix for your problem.

I do not always have the opportunity to follow these threads as much as I would like, but I am always available by email if you have questions regarding SCETV. I may not know the answer, but hopefully I can put you in contact with somebody that does.

-Shaun

Diana,

I just got a new TV with cable card support. Any way to get around waiting 21 days for Time Warner to install one of these for me. I don't need help installing it, and was hoping to get one sooner.

Thanks

No sir - 21 days and we have to install it because telephone calls have to made to both billing and the headend to go through all the steps to get it to work. Besides that a good many 'as advertised' cable card sets don't actually really work, and our guys have the background knowledge of the sets that historically don't cooperate.

OK - lets try to cover the past 4 to 5 pages in one step.

SCETV Issue - I'll have to ask the Engineers where we are with it now. To be brief, since Wednesday morning Corporate Senior Management was in our offices looking at Startover and some other ITV functions that will be rolled out for the winter olympics, so both myself and my primary Engineer have been running in circles getting everything ready and doing demonstrations and attending meetings. I don't know about my Engineer Friday afternoon, but upon Sr Mgt leaving I immediately went to my Dr and got some antibotics and have been sleeping pretty steadily on the couch since.

DVR issue - kicking you out to a recording channel (as if you had 2 recordings going). First I have heard of it. We upgraded the software for IN&M overnight Thur/Fri, but that wouldn't impact DVRs and of course it was after Wed. I'll put it on the list for a discussion with the engineers this am.

Cable Card installs - if anything have just become problematic. More and more it seems the newer One-Way Cable Card ready sets don't cooperate. And of course with our launch of SBV these sets receive fewer and fewer channels, so the installer has more to explain to this type of customer as to what they will NOT get.

Is that everything? - probably not, but I still don't feel that great and I want to go lie down.

OH yeah... don't know if Gary J said this on this thread of maybe Charleston - but a whole lot of the Olympics is going to be live HD this year, so I know you guys will like that. I'll try to get a schedule for you as soon as I can.

Bruce - your still my hero! Don't be a stranger.

In bowing to the pressure placed upon us by the great Mr. Kevin Ivey, I'm pleased to say that we'll steal some bandwidth from our SD channel sometime this week to open up the
HD for SuperBowl a bit.. I'll be here that night, as will others, so any issues just post here!

But, HD transport rates will return to current levels shortly thereafter, and this may be a one-time occurrence.

Those that are new to this forum ,and have never seen how poor live sports can look , you do not have to look very far. Wis-DT broadcast The Olympics last year with all their subchannels along side. It was by far the worst HD I have ever seen on my HD monitors. If you have concerns that the HD will be throttled from our local NBC ,then you should email them and let them know.

BAHRENDT@wistv.com

In bowing to the pressure placed upon us by the great Mr. Kevin Ivey, I'm pleased to say that we'll steal some bandwidth from our SD channel sometime this week to open up the
HD for SuperBowl a bit.. I'll be here that night, as will others, so any issues just post here!

But, HD transport rates will return to current levels shortly thereafter, and this may be a one-time occurrence.

Thanks!

and is still working well. (installed 12/12/05)

Thx Kevin, I want more HD recording space !!

In bowing to the pressure placed upon us by the great Mr. Kevin Ivey, I'm pleased to say that we'll steal some bandwidth from our SD channel sometime this week to open up the
HD for SuperBowl a bit.. I'll be here that night, as will others, so any issues just post here!

But, HD transport rates will return to current levels shortly thereafter, and this may be a one-time occurrence.

SWEEEETT!!! I think 720P will also help..

Take care,

-- Cain

Those that are new to this forum ,and have never seen how poor live sports can look , you do not have to look very far. Wis-DT broadcast The Olympics last year with all their subchannels along side. It was by far the worst HD I have ever seen on my HD monitors. If you have concerns that the HD will be throttled from our local NBC ,then you should email them and let them know.

[snip]

I hope these questions aren't too basic for this forum but, at any rate, here they go.

What are subchannels? What do they do? How do they degrade the picture (assuming that's what you mean)? If they degrade the picture, then why would WIS carry them with the HD signal?

Thanks.

Hello everyone. Glad to find a Columbia, SC thread.

I am thinking about taking the plunge and joining the HDTV world, but I have a few questions that you all may be able to answer or maybe point me in the right direction in the mammoth thread.

Some Info:
- I am thinking of purchasing the Samsung HL-R4266W. 42 inch DLP. Fits in my price range. Seems to be a nice TV but I am still doing research. If any of you all have any advice or suggestions on this model or other PLEASE let me know

My Questions:
- With the HDTV DVR that Time Warner provides what video outputs does it have? I see that there is more than one so which one is better and can I select the one I want for the same price?
- How many hours of HD/non-HD recording can the box have?
- Overall how do you rate the HD that is broadcast here.

Other Suggestions or Advice:
Like I said I am new to this game so if any of you have any suggestions and things that I should keep in mind while looking for a TV or anything else please let me know. I appreciate the help.
Hi! Welcome to our forum. In answer to your questions...

Well; I don't know much about DLP other than lots of folks like them, I have watched a couple of programs on a friends DLP and they looked very nice to me. Each type of set though has its pros and cons so do check out the various technologies available. Do note that AVS has several other forums covering displays that you really should check out.

If you want a DVR then go for the SA 8300HD. It has HDMI and component (YPrPb) for HD and S-Video, composite and RF for analog. The only other HD DVR available is the older SA8000HD which works, may not (still) have active analog outputs, and has (as I recall) DVI rather than HDMI. The PQ of the 8300 has also been reported slightly better. All DVRs rent for the same price which is basically $5 more than a regular convertor (HD or SD).

The 8300 has a 160GB hard drive which gives it right at 20 hours of recording time for HD programs. You probably could get 60 or more hours if all you did was record SD or NTSC. This DVR is designed for timeshifting; not archiving. See earlier posts by kevinivey though to learn more about the SATA drive you can buy that can expand recording time for the 8300DVR.

How do I rate HD available locally? Good to fair; usually middling. Most over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts are not as good as they could be due to multicasting (dividing the bandwidth betweem multiple channels). Each station runs one or more additional sub channels that take away bandwidth that is needed for high quality HD. (See Bob Fox's comment about WOLO/ABC increasing HD bandwidth for the SuperBowl.. nice!). CBS did that once for the Superbowl and gave us basically full rate HD (19.34mB/s less overhead) and was very very good. Note that WIS/NBC will NOT be doing that for the Olmpics next month (planned bandwidth will be about 14mB/s so expect to see lots of really pixelated HD on events with lots of action (skating, sking, hockey, bobsleigh, etc). Not sure about curling. ;)

Programs with lots of action like sports can suffer (primarily 1080i). Sports programs in 720p usually fare far better than 1080i. Productioms done in 1080i usually has more detail. However, if you have a 720p native display you will likely prefer 720p. If you have a 1080i display, you will probably prefer 1080i. So YMMV.

When your out shopping, remember that sets in stores are usually fiddled with a lot and that in-store comparisons are difficult.You must make sure the controls are all set for optimum pictures. Read up on displays here at AVS and don't buy into the marketing fluff that you are likely to see/hear at the discount stores. Then when you get your new set home make sure you set it for home conditions and not store conditions (reduce brightness and contrast to reasonable levels). And connect it up to a HD source and enjoy!

I hope these questions aren't too basic for this forum but, at any rate, here they go.

What are subchannels? What do they do? How do they degrade the picture (assuming that's what you mean)? If they degrade the picture, then why would WIS carry them with the HD signal?

Thanks.

Subchannels: Portions of the total bandwidth available devoted to separate programs (ex: a HD program, a SD simulcast of their analog channel and a weather channel). When you share bandwidth you take away bandwidth from the HD channel which means less picture information (= degraded picture from what it could have been). SD channels can have too little bandwidth too and so look lousy as well. (note that TWC does not carry all sub-channels).

Why: money. Stations with two or more simultaneous programs can sell more advertising (mainly the weather channel for now; there is no additional revenue now with their HD broadcast). Note that the non-commercial (mainly) SCETV broadcasts one HD channel (PBS); a SD simulcast of their analog channel and the SD South Carolina Channel (mandated by the state). Engineers care about PQ; owners tend to subordinate PQ to $$ (some exceptions occasionally occur).

I hope these questions aren't too basic for this forum but, at any rate, here they go.

What are subchannels? What do they do? How do they degrade the picture (assuming that's what you mean)? If they degrade the picture, then why would WIS carry them with the HD signal?

Thanks.
More detail from a layman:

A standard TV 6mHz channel (same for analog or digital) has a digital bandwidh of about 19.34 mB/s of information. Digital TV uses MPEG-2 to compress the picture information to the consumer and it is lossy; throw away bits and you lose picture information that cannot be recaptured or replicated. Generally, when 1080i (used by NBC, CBS and PBS/SCETV) gets down below 16mB/s for sports, it starts to have major problems with pixelization (WIS expects to use 14mB/s for HD of the Olympics). The 720p format (used by FOX and ABC) can be acceptable at that level but more is definitely better.

In digital broadcasting, broadcasters can use all the bandwidth for one channel and just have one program. They can also share the available bandwidth allocation between several different sub-channels/programs (if all are SD, up to 6). On TWC, you will see Channel 805 listed which is WIS's HD broadcast, OTA Channel 41-1. WIS also broadcasts two other sub-channels. One is a SD simulcast of their analog channel that is not on TWC but it is viewable OTA as Channel 41-2. There is a third broadcast that TWC does carry and that is NBC's Weather Plus channel (OTA 41-3).

The 5mB/s total bandwidth used by 41-2 and 41-3 means that their HD program has less bits (information) available for it. Thus when there is a lot of action on screen, there may not be enough bits to complete the picture in places and, due to it being encoded in MPEG-2, they just become become bigger blocks and that we call pixelation. Do it enough and it is can be unpleasant to watch. On some programs it does not matter much. The 720p format handles reduction of bandwidth much better than 1080i (it has about half the bit requirements of 1080i). The 1080i format however can present a more detailed picture but is much more susceptible to pixelization.

Hope this has somehow helped...

You helped me! Its always great to see it all laid out like this every once in a while, makes some of the details floating around in my head make sense again.

I wish I could hire you as my HD 101 Trainer!


Only one correction I could see on the post to Player 2 - The DVI has never been activated on the 8000 model. If you want DVI, you have to get the 3250 which is not a DVR model, or go with the HDMI / DVI connector and use the HD DVR 8300.

I appreciate the responses I will let you all know what I decide and my chime in with another question or two as my search continues.

I believe the TV I am looking at as HDMI input so there should be a DVR box that supports that. Does the HD-DVR box come with cables to hook it up to your TV? If so is the quality of them good, or should we by some from the store?

Also what is PQ?

Thanks

Does the HD-DVR box come with cables to hook it up to your TV? If so is the quality of them good, or should we by some from the store?


Avoid buying such cables at the store..especially the over-priced MonsterCrap..
In the digital world, there is no difference in picture quality. The cable either works or not. You can get DVi and HDMI cables on Ebay for a surprisingly low price..I use them and have had no problems.

The copy of "Ghostbusters" on the HD channels lately is annoying. "Enhanced" so it fills the whole 16:9 screen, but not letterboxed, leaving shots with the two people on the platforms (before they become 'dogs') cut out of the picture. Awful waste of effort 'enhancing' that one. And when they go letterboxed for the end credits, one wonders why so late?...Showtime found a letterboxed copy to show last night. Much nicer. Hopefully they'll keep using letterboxed when it's available...

<snip> I believe the TV I am looking at as HDMI input so there should be a DVR box that supports that. Does the HD-DVR box come with cables to hook it up to your TV? If so is the quality of them good, or should we by some from the store?

Also what is PQ?

PQ = Picture Quality

No HDMI cable from TWC. But the cable boxes from TWCSC do come with an analog set of component (YPrPb) cables... a standard three-wire set with RCA plugs that are color coded Red, Green and Blue. As far as I know, most if not all HD sets have that as an alternate input for HD. And the analog cables WILL work pretty darn good for you while you are waiting to purchase a HDMI cable from somewhere. (I would probably check out the cable store over on Leapheart Road in Columbia myself; assuming they are still there). You will also need either a coax or optical cable for DD audio (some folks also connect up the analog cables and run them to their TV as well).

Again, suggest you get the SA8300HD DVR. Might take more than one visit to TWC to get one since TWC stocks both the 8300 and 8000.

Diana - Thanks for looking into this new DVR issue for us. One other similar symptom I noticed last night: We had a scheduled recording set up for last night. We were already watching that channel. When the recording started, the channel banner across the lower portion of the screen displayed showing the "REC" indicator, so it seems that it switched to the second tuner, which was doing the recording. Again, nothing else was recording at that time.

Hope that helps.

Thanks again,

DigitalJohn

Hello - I have a customer with an LG 50" model PX4DR. We haven't been successful getting a cable card to work on this unit - he wondered if we had ever been successful with this model, so I told him the best way I know to check it out was to ask you guys.

So - anyone in TWCSC land with an LG model PX4DR that we have gotten a Cable Card to work in?

{Sorry for the convoluted sentence structure}

Diana - Thanks for looking into this new DVR issue for us. One other similar symptom I noticed last night: We had a scheduled recording set up for last night. We were already watching that channel. When the recording started, the channel banner across the lower portion of the screen displayed showing the "REC" indicator, so it seems that it switched to the second tuner, which was doing the recording. Again, nothing else was recording at that time.

Hope that helps.

Thanks again,

DigitalJohn


Ok - here's my takeaway for the Engineers


You had a scheduled recording set up and at the same time were watching the channel. When it came time to start recording it gave you the message to indicate it was recording, but using the 2nd tuner instead of the tuner that was cashing the program. AND this behavior is different from what it had previously been.

Diana, have you spoken with David Kruger here @ TWC Charlotte on what Tv's he has issues with? Dave's VERY sharp and quite helpful..

Diana, that's not what I have been seeing. I was watching a recorded program on ch 498, and only one recording started, and it kicked me out of my recorded show and sent me to the one show that was recording...

Bob - I have also asked the Corporate Engineers about the LG, I just thought it might be fastest to ask our group.

Mark - I know there are two different issues - I was just trying to see if I fully understood DigitalJohn's issue before I took it to the Engineers.

Ok.. Here, my Mits 62725 did not play well with cablecard, but my Sony HD250 DVR is happy..Of course, YMMV, tax,title and tag not included...and yes I know Cola and CLT aren't
the same..

Ok - here's my takeaway for the Engineers


You had a scheduled recording set up and at the same time were watching the channel. When it came time to start recording it gave you the message to indicate it was recording, but using the 2nd tuner instead of the tuner that was cashing the program. AND this behavior is different from what it had previously been.

Diana - Thanks, and that is basically correct (I was just guessing about the 2nd tuner though). This is behaving differently that it did a week ago (and the months of usage previously.). So, summarizing, what I have described in a couple of posts to me looks like the same behavior from two different angles:

1) While watching a different channel, a scheduled recording starts and the recorded channel comes to the "foreground" (channel banner is displayed with REC, etc.) and is being viewed (instead of recording in the background).

2) While watching the same channel, a scheduled recording starts and the channel banner (w/ REC) is displayed, etc.

I can't say for certain whether it is switching to the 2nd tuner or whether the 1st tuner is changing channels for the recording. If there is something I can do to determine that and help with the diagnostics, I'll be glad to do so.

Thanks,

DigitalJohn

last night i couldnt get dvr to function properly on foxhd. i have malcom in the middle set to record new shows only but last night i hadnt seen that episode so i manually recorded it and walked away. come back and only the first 5 minutes recorded up to about the time i started the recording..i started a few minutes into the show. i have posted some similiar problems before about this next issue and it still seems to be happening. i have exchanged my box 3 times now and it still happens. i'm going to copy my previous post. this was a problem all sunday night


recent problems with dvr

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

myself and a coworker are having the same issue. when you press the pause button it's jumping back like 20 min. sunday during the car vs atl game i hit the rewind button to see a play again and it jumped back a whole quarter. there was a 10 minutes just missing from the game. then last night i was watching las vegas and pressed pause and it jumped back to the 49th min. of surface. and to top it off it only recorded 49 minutes of surface. i couldnt pause, rewind or anything without it going back to that same spot. is there some kind of glitch or what? by the way my coworker has the 8000 and i have the 8300.

Diana, that's not what I have been seeing. I was watching a recorded program on ch 498, and only one recording started, and it kicked me out of my recorded show and sent me to the one show that was recording...


It has happened to me also, every day since last Wednesday.

How do you check the on screen levels?

I was hoping to get some info from you HD veterans. I have just plugged the TWC cable line into my QAM compatible JVC and ran the channel scan to see what I can pull in without an STB or CC. I had actually just made an appointment to get a CC installed but was told it would be 2-27-06 before they could come, and that there were changes to channel availability. Anyways, in researching I read that some HD and Digital Cable channels are available in the clear so I gave it a shot. I was able to get many channels but am mainly interested in HD, as my OTA reception is flaky at times. Can some of you post what you can get (with channel #'s) in HD using just the QAM tuner and your cable line? I am missing ETV HD and thought I would get Discovery. Here is what I have found.

WLTX 19-1
WOLO 25-1
WACH 69-1
WIS 69-2
ETV 802 - but does not tune
TNT 840

It has happened to me also, every day since last Wednesday.

Diana & kevinivey:

I'm becoming convinced that this is the same problem. I ran a little test tonight to recreate kevinivey's scenario, and it happened again. Diana, here's the test I setup on my 8300HD and the results:

I scheduled a recording for 11:00PM on channel 810. Then, I started watching a previous recording, so it was tuned to channel 498. Using PIP, I tuned the 2nd tuner to channel 03. Turned PIP back off, then waited.

At 11:00PM while still viewing my previously recorded program, the screen suddenly changed to channel 810, the channel banner showing "REC" was displayed. So I was now watching the currently recording program on 810.

Out of curiosity, I turned PIP back on to see what channel it was on... it was still on channel 03. I turned PIP back off. While still on channel 810, I pressed the LAST channel button, expecting to go back to 498. It did not... instead it went to channel 820, which I had been watching (24 on FoxHD) prior to messing with this tonight.

The previous behavior I witnessed was that, while watching live programming, the unit suddenly tuned to and displayed a scheduled recording without warning.

My conclusion (and I could be wrong): scheduled recordings are not using the 2nd tuner any longer. The 1st tuner is being used instead, incorrectly, whether you're actively watching another "live" program or a previously recorded program. As I said before, this did not work like this before last week.

I hope this helps your engineers...

And thanks again.

DigitalJohn

How do you check the on screen levels?
If you mean the signal levels, to check them on the 8300HD DVR see post #5620 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7004533&&#post7004533) The other HD boxes have a different procedure so post question again if for different convertor.

Good Morning,

Thanks for all the testing and updates guys - the more detail you can provide is always better. I'll get it to my Engineers first thing this morning.

BeakerSC - PBS issue with VBI at Shaw should be resolved now. Please let me know if you are still having issues.

Good Morning,

BeakerSC - PBS issue with VBI at Shaw should be resolved now. Please let me know if you are still having issues.

Diana,

Can you have your engineer contact me so I can better understand what the issue was between TWCSC and us (SCETV). My email address is in my profile. Thank you.

-Shaun

Just an FYI for Diana - I've experienced the same situation described above. (switching to the recorded channel, even when there is only one show being recorded)

However, my DVR missed a scheduled recording this weekend as well (SNL). At the time, I thought it might just be a power outage (I had already gone to bed so I wouldn't know), but now I wonder if the two are related.

Yo a fellow HT guy and a CS Player in Columbia!!! Small world :)

Yes I run a very busy public Counter-Strike Server, and also run a UT server too.. All here are welcome BTW.

Here is my Game Server's Web page:
www.cainslair.com

Drop by and register for the Forums. We have a terrific group of regulars from all over the Country.

I play as -CAIN- those folks named "President Cain, AmeriCain, etc. are a family of father and several kids near Dallas Texas.

I live over in Lexington, I'm thinking of putting a Channel Master 4228 in my attic. I'd like to be able to get the Augusta CBS Station to get HD before WRLK comes on-line.

The Columbia towers all seem to be located in the Northeast, and near Screaming Eagle road area. If you live in the Northeast, you will be able to pick them up on your teeth!!

Take care,

-- Cain

I just purchased a new TV for the bedroom that has a built-in HDTV tuner. I wanted to test the HDTV tuner so I brought (and returned) an amplified Terk indoor ant. I couldn't pick up a thing and I live in the N.E. (about a mile south of Clemson Rd).

For now, I decided to pickup a second SA 8300HD for the bedroom. I am having having problems picking up all the HDTV channels with the SA 8300HD as well.
Signal is fine in den, but a straight cable run to bedroom is too weak I guess. Maybe TW's splitter on the outside is bad.

In bowing to the pressure placed upon us by the great Mr. Kevin Ivey, I'm pleased to say that we'll steal some bandwidth from our SD channel sometime this week to open up the
HD for SuperBowl a bit.. I'll be here that night, as will others, so any issues just post here!

But, HD transport rates will return to current levels shortly thereafter, and this may be a one-time occurrence.

This is great news. Thanks for doing this. I'm sure the superbowl will look better than ever because of it.

I'm experiencing the same issue with my 8300 that has been mentioned above. A few nights ago I had scheduled a recording on ch 810 for 9PM because there was something on ch 815 that I wanted to watch at the same time. When the recording started, the TV changed from ch 815, which I was watching, to ch 810 where the scheduled recording was. This has happened a few times now.

Suddenly all my recent recording failures are no longer viewed as operator errors.

Other things, like shows that have fallen off the new-shows-only recording schedule and I slapped back into place as this-time-slot for now, may be explained later...

The current dvr software has gotten real buggy lately. I have missed recordings that I have never missed in the past. I hope they get it fixed.

If you want a DVR then go for the SA 8300HD. It has HDMI and component (YPrPb) for HD and S-Video, composite and RF for analog.

Will you make sure I am understanding this correctly.

Say I have a TV with HDMI. With this cable box if I plug the HDMI from the box to my TV will that work for all channels 2-999? Audio and Video? Or do you have to use the composites?

My plan is to use the HDMI for TV (TWCSC does support it right?) then use one component for DVD and have one extra maybe for PS3 or something else.

Also when I hear people say analog channels and digital channels I get confused. Are the basic channels(2-99) still analog and then 99+ are digital? Or all all the channels digital with digital cable?

Sorry for all the questions. I am embarassed that I do not know this stuff already, but I guess not having the equipment to take advantage of it makes it harder to follow

Good Morning,

Thanks for all the testing and updates guys - the more detail you can provide is always better. I'll get it to my Engineers first thing this morning.

BeakerSC - PBS issue with VBI at Shaw should be resolved now. Please let me know if you are still having issues.

:D :D :D Thank you!!!! I noticed that my clock was set and my TV Guide On Screen is populating again. I really appreciate all the assistance...OTA reception from my location is a no-go; too many trees, hills and distance.

Kudos to Diana!!!!

Shaun, thanks for your continued attention to the VBI issue as well!

Will you make sure I am understanding this correctly.

Say I have a TV with HDMI. With this cable box if I plug the HDMI from the box to my TV will that work for all channels 2-999? Audio and Video? Or do you have to use the composites?

My plan is to use the HDMI for TV (TWCSC does support it right?) then use one component for DVD and have one extra maybe for PS3 or something else.

Also when I hear people say analog channels and digital channels I get confused. Are the basic channels(2-99) still analog and then 99+ are digital? Or all all the channels digital with digital cable?

Sorry for all the questions. I am embarassed that I do not know this stuff already, but I guess not having the equipment to take advantage of it makes it harder to follow
HDMI should work for all; but I do not have HDMI so cannot guarantee it. Would not hurt to also connect the cable box up to your TV via another video input (say S-Video and/or the component video (YPrPb) and another digital audio connection too ((or analog audio)) as a backup (I like redundancies). It will also allow you to check out PQ on other inputs as well. Analog channels are those numbered below 99; digital channels are 100 and up. Analog channels can be received by an NTSC TV w/o using a converter box. Digital channels require a converter box or a Cable Card. I understand the 8300HD DVR has an active HDMI port.

HDMI should work for all; but I do not have HDMI so cannot guarantee it. Would not hurt to also connect the cable box up to your TV via another video input (say S-Video and/or the component video (YPrPb) and another digital audio connection too ((or analog audio)) as a backup (I like redundancies). It will also allow you to check out PQ on other inputs as well. Analog channels are those numbered below 99; digital channels are 100 and up. Analog channels can be received by an NTSC TV w/o using a converter box. Digital channels require a converter box or a Cable Card. I understand the 8300HD DVR has an active HDMI port.


8300 has an active HDMI and no other connections are required. Remember TWC doesn't supply this cable though. We bring component, any other connections require you to purchase the cable.

Not to confuse the issue, but.... we do have many traditionally 'analog' channels (2-99) converted to Digital Simulcast now, so you aren't necessarily looking at an analog channel even though its cable channel designation is two digits or less... ;)

And HDMI works great. On my DLP, picture is improved from component.

Have I mentioned how much I love the fact that I found this thread.

So how do the analog/digital channels look on an HDTV? I know they are not going to be photograph perfect, but I assume that they will be decent...or for me any way being that my current TV is about 15 years old.

I am thinking I will take the plunge very soon. I just need to decide on the TV (still thinking the 42 Samsung DLP) and then call TWC to find out how much extra it will cost a month.

As far as getting a new box with the HD channels does a TWC rep have to come out or can I just go pick up the box and they can click a button to give me the channels I have subscribed to?

I think you may regret not considering a 1080p set. It is definitely worth the extra money.

what do you think of these levels? -3 to -6 and about 35db on most of the hd channels. the hbo and hdnet channels are about -2 to -3. i do have the cable split and running to 2 8300dvr's.

I think you may regret not considering a 1080p set. It is definitely worth the extra money.

what 1080p content is there?

So how do the analog/digital channels look on an HDTV? I know they are not going to be photograph perfect, but I assume that they will be decent...or for me any way being that my current TV is about 15 years old.


i think they will generally look better than a 15 y/o tv, but there are 2 drawbacks to SD content on an HDTV. as Bruce said uptopic, you tend to really notice the limitations of SD on an HDTV, more than on a regular tv. the other thing is the TW DVR doesn't seem to do as good a job on analog SD. digital SD and HD recorded channels are virtually indistinguishable from live, but i think the analog SD channels suffer a bit from their encoding. Tivo and ReplayTV allow you to set a recording quality much like the old SP/LP/SLP vcr speeds, on the DVRs it's one quality fits all. i find that analog SD channels recorded in medium quality on my ReplayTV look a little better than the same recorded on my 8300HD.

re: recent 8300HD bugginess, i've seen it too but not consistently. sometimes the channel will change when a recording starts but not all the time. i had a spontaneous reboot yesterday for the first time in a while, and one night Start Over disappeared only to reappear later in the night. i can't say i've missed any scheduled recordings recently, whoever missed SNL last week, it was a rerun so if you had the new episodes option that might be why.

i still dont have start over. or shouldnt I?

Hi guys - long time no post.

Just called to find out about Cablecard service, and if I can pick one up at my TWC branch that is within walking distance from my work (in 5 Points).

No, they tell me, they have to schedule an appointment for a tech to come out and "install" it, for $29?!? And they were told to schedule the appts 20 days out, so Feb 21 is the first day one of these appts is possible. And they couldn't tell me how much it would cost, since it was variable. ???!!

Please someone correct me if I am wrong, but aren't these just PCMCIA cards that you slide into a slot on your tv? Not only that, but I have to wait until Feb 21?! Come on...

Can anyone here that has Cablecard fill in some blanks for me, that the TWC rep couldn't? Also, how is yours working? (and more imptly if I just show up at my local TWC branch, I wonder if they would be able to give me one like they do for a STB?)

Thanks in advance

Hi guys - long time no post.

Just called to find out about Cablecard service, and if I can pick one up at my TWC branch that is within walking distance from my work (in 5 Points).

No, they tell me, they have to schedule an appointment for a tech to come out and "install" it, for $29?!? And they were told to schedule the appts 20 days out, so Feb 21 is the first day one of these appts is possible. And they couldn't tell me how much it would cost, since it was variable. ???!!

Please someone correct me if I am wrong, but aren't these just PCMCIA cards that you slide into a slot on your tv? Not only that, but I have to wait until Feb 21?! Come on...

Can anyone here that has Cablecard fill in some blanks for me, that the TWC rep couldn't? Also, how is yours working? (and more imptly if I just show up at my local TWC branch, I wonder if they would be able to give me one like they do for a STB?)

Thanks in advance

With the advent of SDV, cable cards on TWCSC are worthless. They are very flaky and will work one day and fail then next. Last night I found that I could not access any HD channels. IMO cable cards are more of a headache than a blessing. You are better off with a box. I'm tuning mine in this week.

What is SDV? (forget it - edited - I actually used the search feature)

According to Diana, they should have told me about the Cablecard limitations when I called in to sign up for one, but I guess if the rep couldn't even tell me the cost, they wouldn't know about the SDV issues affecting cablecards.

And I really really don't want a box because:

1. Too big - this is a wall mounted LCD in the kitchen, I wouldn't have a place for a big bulky stb

2. I'm cheap: I don't want to pay for something whose features I won't use (VOD, PPV, DVR, etc)...as I mentioned, this is a secondary TV, not our primary, which already has an 8300HD box

With the advent of SDV, cable cards on TWCSC are worthless. They are very flaky and will work one day and fail then next. Last night I found that I could not access any HD channels. IMO cable cards are more of a headache than a blessing. You are better off with a box. I'm tuning mine in this week.

D-Nice - what kind of TV do you have? I wonder if it might be the CC implementation in the TV as opposed to the card itself? I read on another forum (also here on AVS) that a lot of the CC problems are caused by bad design by the TV mfrs.

Who knows.

What is SDV? I'm clueless as I haven't really been hanging out here lately.

And I really really don't want a box because:

1. Too big - this is a wall mounted LCD in the kitchen, I wouldn't have a place for a big bulky stb

2. I'm cheap: I don't want to pay for something whose features I won't use (VOD, PPV, DVR, etc)...as I mentioned, this is a secondary TV, not our primary, which already has an 8300HD box
Hello stranger! Diana talked about this recently, see post #5639 at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7021219&&#post7021219

It appears that (one-way) Cable cards have not panned out well in the real world. But for a kitchen tv; hmmm; might be worth trying one out (take it your TV does not have an ATSC tuner with QAM capabilities).
_____
Bruce
ps: PM sent

D-Nice - what kind of TV do you have? I wonder if it might be the CC implementation in the TV as opposed to the card itself? I read on another forum (also here on AVS) that a lot of the CC problems are caused by bad design by the TV mfrs.

Who knows.

Pioneer Elite 930.

I ditched the cablecard too..it really didn't work well with mey Mits..

Well crap.

I was so excited about the whole Cable Card idea, (and you have to admit, it's a GREAT idea), that I specifically looked for and bought a model for the kitchen that had one (again, to save space more than anything else).

Ah well. I guess I will pay the crazy install cost, wait a month for them to show up, and take my chances.

The rep DID say it would work with my HD channels, so if it doesn't I will be getting a refund (not for a stupid $30, but on principle).

GO CABLECARD!! :D

Have I mentioned how much I love the fact that I found this thread.

So how do the analog/digital channels look on an HDTV? I know they are not going to be photograph perfect, but I assume that they will be decent...or for me any way being that my current TV is about 15 years old.

I am thinking I will take the plunge very soon. I just need to decide on the TV (still thinking the 42 Samsung DLP) and then call TWC to find out how much extra it will cost a month.

As far as getting a new box with the HD channels does a TWC rep have to come out or can I just go pick up the box and they can click a button to give me the channels I have subscribed to?

Player, I'm a newbie with HDTV about 5 days old. So...take the following for what it's worth.

At first I hooked up component cables and thought the analog and digital channels were pretty disappointing, PQ-wise. Subsequently, I plugged in a DVI to HDMI cable from the 3250 stb to the TV. This seemed to improve the picture and open up some of the digital channels. I had disconnected the component channels when I did the DVI to HDMI connection. Subsequently, I took Bruce's advice and re-connected the component cables for redundancy. Now I can pick which connection looks best (which so far, appears to be the HDMI connection) and go with that.

On my 50 inch Sony, the 4:3 picture (normal size for the analog and digital channels) is about 41 inches diagonally, so, I consider the somewhat disappointing quality of the picture to be offset by the size. In fact when I back-off more than the 10 feet away I am normally, the digital picture actually looks better.

You can go by the TWCSC office on Greystone (or other branches, I suppose), take your owners manual, and they can give you a box based on the service you choose. They can also explain the tiers of service that are available. The box will "automatically" pick up the channels you have subscribed to. At first, I didn't have ESPNHD even though I had subscribed to the tier where it resides, so I called TWCSC and while on the phone they "sent a signal", I rebooted the stb and there was ESPNHD.

I like this thread, too. Thanks, all, for your help.

Thanks again for the info.

What kind of lead time does it take to get a box?

Does the Greystone office keep them in stock or will they have to order one?

Thanks again for the info.

What kind of lead time does it take to get a box?

Does the Greystone office keep them in stock or will they have to order one?

They pulled mine out of a cabinet. I doubt you have a problem getting something that will work when you go there.

As far as getting a new box with the HD channels does a TWC rep have to come out or can I just go pick up the box and they can click a button to give me the channels I have subscribed to?


Make sure you take your manual from your HDTV with you. If you do not, they will not (have been instructed not to) give you an HDTV converter of HD DVR.

For those who have not heard this song in a while, this is because some people out there are under the mistaken belief that getting an HD Converter will 'change' their non-HD TV's into HD. The HD converters have considerable more capital costs associated with them so we cannot afford to place them in all homes....


For those of you who might bring up the argument again that we should allow customers to have what they want because of PQ, remember this.... we only have so much capital to go around for converters of all elk. When you have a hard time getting inventory you want to support your very expensive investment...it may be because these models have inadvertently been placed on non-hd TV's.

i still dont have start over. or shouldnt I?


No, still just in Greater Columibia.

Late Feb / Early March for Orangeburg & Sumter to complete the DMA. We are waiting on a piece of equipment to expand into new "Ad Zones"

Hi guys - long time no post.

Just called to find out about Cablecard service, and if I can pick one up at my TWC branch that is within walking distance from my work (in 5 Points).

No, they tell me, they have to schedule an appointment for a tech to come out and "install" it, for $29?!? And they were told to schedule the appts 20 days out, so Feb 21 is the first day one of these appts is possible. And they couldn't tell me how much it would cost, since it was variable. ???!!

Please someone correct me if I am wrong, but aren't these just PCMCIA cards that you slide into a slot on your tv? Not only that, but I have to wait until Feb 21?! Come on...

Can anyone here that has Cablecard fill in some blanks for me, that the TWC rep couldn't? Also, how is yours working? (and more imptly if I just show up at my local TWC branch, I wonder if they would be able to give me one like they do for a STB?)

Thanks in advance


Cost $1.75 a month - I'll take the blame for their confusion. Its a long story and I hope that an email I sent out about 5:30 last night will finally nip the problem in the bud.

You can't just insert the card because it has to be entered into the DNCS and Billing System separately (because its One-Way!) so a Technican has to install it and call both the headend and dispatch to get it working - which can take up to 45 minutes to do with the calling. Thus the install charge for this equipment

Even if you go to the front counter and do your best sales pitch you cannot get one because they are not stocked at any front counter.

What is SDV? (forget it - edited - I actually used the search feature)

According to Diana, they should have told me about the Cablecard limitations when I called in to sign up for one, but I guess if the rep couldn't even tell me the cost, they wouldn't know about the SDV issues affecting cablecards.

And I really really don't want a box because:

1. Too big - this is a wall mounted LCD in the kitchen, I wouldn't have a place for a big bulky stb

2. I'm cheap: I don't want to pay for something whose features I won't use (VOD, PPV, DVR, etc)...as I mentioned, this is a secondary TV, not our primary, which already has an 8300HD box


If you know about the One Way limitations (VOD, PPV, etc) it sounds like they did tell you about some of the limitations? I don't know the exact scripting for all the limitations, but if you asked to add any of the following services, they would have script to tell you what you wouldn't be able to view the following because of our launch of SDV:

Any Premium Channel - West Coast Feeds including the HD West coast feeds of HBO and Showtime

Any Sports Package

The Hispanic Tier

The 6 channel HD Tier that includes Universal HD - Cable Card subs are limited to the 5 Channel HD Tier of IN HD 1, IN HD 2, HD Net, HD Net Movies and ESPNHD.


One Way cable cards are subject to future channel losses as more channels are moved to SDV. 30 Day notice will be sent on all channels that are removed from the Cable Card lineup.

LexHiDef and Diana -- Thanks for the info. I am just trying to have all my bases covered before I purchase the TV. I just wanted to be sure that if I bought it I would be able to take advantage of HD in a quick timeframe.

One more question:
If I am using the HDDVR box what options do I have for 4:3 TV signals in regards to stretching, zooming the picture. Will the options that the TV have work with the box or does the box have the settings that you have to use?

Follow Up ?
I was just reading on another board about setting on the cable box to automatically detect the picture(Analog, Digital, 720...etc) and format it for the TV. I believe it was called passthru or something like that. I think it is safe to assume that the TWC boxes will have this feature as well so here is my question that kinda goes along with the above on.

If I am watching HD then I know it will be widescreen and that is great, however if I am watching analog or digital will the box automatically stretch it and if so can I us the TV's controls to change it or will I be limited to what the box can do?

Thanks for the additional info Diana. Probably should have just addressed the issue with you directly instead of ranting to the board. Def. something you should be aware of though so you can educate your reps about it (or not, considering the doomed status of cablecards with your nefarious SDV plans! :D.

Seriously, if you/cable co's are actively breaking the functionality of the whole cablecard tech with SDV, why even offer the service?

No, the rep didn't mention any limitations at all when I called (in fact, it sounded like the first time she had heard the words "cable" and "card" put together).

I only found out about the limitations after I came here and read through ALL the old posts about cablecard (and there are quite a few, let me tell ya) Something I should have done before I made my grand plans and schemes about getting good HD in the kitchen. Live by the bleeding edge, die by the bleeding edge.

Anyway, the most impt point of all my rambling is to clarify one wee little thing: NO ESPNHD via Cablecard, is that right?

Yes ESPNHD via CC with 5 channel HD Tier. No Universal HD with CC.

One way CC was poorly conceived from the start. Numerous issues with Tvs requiring upgrades, and or Qbox replacements. Manufacturers continue to sell Tvs without upgrades, and no one is telling the buyer one is required for CC operations to work properly. Several updates to code used on CCs as well. 2 way is being tested, but not aware of any sets on the market yet. I would hope the 2 way will not be as buggy as one way. Manufacturers are actually working with CableLabs on this one.

Seriously, if you/cable co's are actively breaking the functionality of the whole cablecard tech with SDV, why even offer the service?


I have to echo rodeoclown's comment here. It seems like a backdoor deal to offer CC with one hand, but then take away any/all functionality. What better way to force consumers to pay high monthly fees for cableco STB than to take away usefulness of the $1.75 deal??

Hmm..... :confused:

I have to echo rodeoclown's comment here. It seems like a backdoor deal to offer CC with one hand, but then take away any/all functionality. What better way to force consumers to pay high monthly fees for cableco STB than to take away usefulness of the $1.75 deal??

Hmm..... :confused:
Backdoor? Intentional? Maybe but I doubt it. I would guess it is just a happenstance. Here is how I see it: TWC tries to make everybody happy by adding more channels to satisfy broadcasters and the HD crowd and eventually runs out of room (bandwidth). One way to make room is to delete analog channels. But taking away analog channels tends to really piss-off viewers and contractually may not be possible in the near term. Taking everything digital in theory might work but then everybody would have to use converter boxes for every TV they use. That might happen someday but right now it would raise the ire of many (piss-off the masses) and send a lot of folks over to DBS.

Taking off the remaining PPV and the On-demand channels would free up some space. However it would also hurt their bottom-end and likely force rates to go up. (A couple of years ago, when TWC implemented On-demand, they were able to delete a bunch of PPV channels which freed up bandwidth). Not adding HD channels really tends to annoy other (and often high-dollar) viewers. So, what to do?

Along comes a new technology (SDV) that promises the holy grail .... er extra bandwidth. They lurch at it, implement it, and it comes out that Cable Card technology (and implementations) are majorly affected. (and here lies the question: intentional or happenstance; pick one). To fix the problem will no doubt irritate someone. If they tried to go back to the old way (before SDV), they would have to take off several HD channels and that would raise a stink. They can't take away analog channels either right now. And then there are the affect Cable Card viewers who probably make up the smallest class of viewers right now. Many of them are probably on secondary sets. So SDV stays and CC takes the hit. I suspect in time it will all get worked out albeit perhaps not for all early adopters.
_____
Bruce

Along comes a new technology (SDV) that promises the holy grail...And then there are the affect Cable Card viewers who probably make up the smallest class of viewers right now...So SDV stays and CC takes the hit. I suspect in time it will all get worked out albeit perhaps not for all early adopters.
_____
Bruce

I suppose that's the price we pay for being on the leading edge.

...I feel like I bought a BetaMax VCR (which my folks did in the 80s and you know how that worked out.) :D

I suppose that's the price we pay for being on the leading edge.

...I feel like I bought a BetaMax VCR (which my folks did in the 80s and you know how that worked out.) :D
Yeah. Been there done that. I still have a Betamax in the closet :) And my Mits has only component video so I will be watching the rollout of HD-DVD/Blu-ray disks from the sidelines (assuming they actually make it out of the starting gate).
_____
Bruce

I'm sure this has been touched upon before but it's hard to search a 191 page thread:

Just got a HDTV and picked up my 8000 box today from TWC- they were out of HDMI boxes and the DVI port is not functional, so I'm using component outputs.

My question is why are the network channels still showing with bars on the sides? They appear to be in HD, but not in widescreen. Discovery, ESPN. HBO, etc. all show up fine and beautiful. I just would like them all in widescreen.

Did I setup my TV wrong or something? It's setup for 1080i.

Also, is the difference between component and HDMI that noticeable? If so, I will hound TWC until I can get a HDMI box, which are apparently in high demand.

Thanks!

I may have figured this out. Looks like not all prime-time programming on the networks is in widescreen but some is. Most of the 8:00 shows had side bars but most of the 9:00 shows are in widescreen. Guess it just depends on how they broadcast it I suppose....?

Diana,

When will the 8300HD "jump to live recording" from recorded playback be addressed? Very annoying and regressive for what was a stable product.

I may have figured this out. Looks like not all prime-time programming on the networks is in widescreen but some is. Most of the 8:00 shows had side bars but most of the 9:00 shows are in widescreen. Guess it just depends on how they broadcast it I suppose....?
Welcome to our little niche here at AVS. First, a question: are you in the Columbia market and if so where? (your profile does not give a location). So we are clear, what channels were you watching via TWC? (an 8xx number)? As it appears you have have noticed, not all programming is in HD; not even in Prime Time. Network programming on a HD channel that is actually produced in 4:3 (like CBS's Survivor tonight), will indeed have side bars. HD programming is 16x9 so no side bars (programs like movies produced in other widescreen aspect ratios will have letterbox bars of some size top and bottom). Two web sites have HDTV schedules; see www.hdtvgalaxy.com or www.titantv.com (set for your zipcode and digital).

Regarding HDMI vs Component... HDMI should provide a slightly better picture if your set can use it. Probably not a reason to hound TWC for that in and of itself. However, most have found the 8300DVR is the better DVR. So, yeah; stop in sometime to see if they have the 8300DVR. I believe the Greystone location is your best bet in Columbia for that but no guarantee (and you have to be a Columbia viewer to go there; folks like us in Sumter have to use our local offices).

If you have other questions; please feel free to ask them here!

LexHiDef and Diana -- Thanks for the info. I am just trying to have all my bases covered before I purchase the TV. I just wanted to be sure that if I bought it I would be able to take advantage of HD in a quick timeframe.

One more question:
If I am using the HDDVR box what options do I have for 4:3 TV signals in regards to stretching, zooming the picture. Will the options that the TV have work with the box or does the box have the settings that you have to use?

Follow Up ?
I was just reading on another board about setting on the cable box to automatically detect the picture(Analog, Digital, 720...etc) and format it for the TV. I believe it was called passthru or something like that. I think it is safe to assume that the TWC boxes will have this feature as well so here is my question that kinda goes along with the above on.

If I am watching HD then I know it will be widescreen and that is great, however if I am watching analog or digital will the box automatically stretch it and if so can I us the TV's controls to change it or will I be limited to what the box can do?


Stretch / Zoom etc is available via a hot key (the #) key.

Pass through set up - I believe is on one of the models but I don't remember which this morning. I'll have to check the DVR guides and get back - unless someone here remembers off the top of their head.

Seriously, if you/cable co's are actively breaking the functionality of the whole cablecard tech with SDV, why even offer the service?

No, the rep didn't mention any limitations at all when I called (in fact, it sounded like the first time she had heard the words "cable" and "card" put together).


The One Way is problematic on many counts and the MOST frequent problem with them lately is the 'newest' one way sets. It is more and more common that they don't work with the Cards that are available.


I will send out a reminder that ALL limitations must be mentioned on ever call.

One way CC was poorly conceived from the start. Numerous issues with Tvs requiring upgrades, and or Qbox replacements. Manufacturers continue to sell Tvs without upgrades, and no one is telling the buyer one is required for CC operations to work properly. Several updates to code used on CCs as well. 2 way is being tested, but not aware of any sets on the market yet. I would hope the 2 way will not be as buggy as one way. Manufacturers are actually working with CableLabs on this one.


Very Accurate Description!

I have to echo rodeoclown's comment here. It seems like a backdoor deal to offer CC with one hand, but then take away any/all functionality. What better way to force consumers to pay high monthly fees for cableco STB than to take away usefulness of the $1.75 deal??

Hmm..... :confused:


The intent is not to force a higher price. It is to provide the best technology to the vast majority of our customers. It is to answer the demand for channels - SD & HD, as well as advanced interactive and enhanced technology.

The current cable card is one way technology. It was antiquated 10 minutes after the first card was made and it will continue to be worse.


I'm telling you right now we want the Two Way card to work so that all customer's will be happy and we can continue to evolve without taking any services or functionality away.

Taking off the remaining PPV and the On-demand channels would free up some space. However it would also hurt their bottom-end and likely force rates to go up. (A couple of years ago, when TWC implemented On-demand, they were able to delete a bunch of PPV channels which freed up bandwidth). Not adding HD channels really tends to annoy other (and often high-dollar) viewers. So, what to do? _____
Bruce


Pretty good analogy Bruce - but I just love the fact that you will never consider the fact that we have a good portion of subs who really use PPV OFTEN, each and every month. So, its not just bottom line, PPV provides requested product to a larger population than our HD base :D

...I feel like I bought a BetaMax VCR (which my folks did in the 80s and you know how that worked out.) :D


That's the analogy I have used since day one, especially when I speak with custoemrs considering the product.

I also tell them if they really want a cable card, the smart move is to be patient until a 2 way version comes out.

Diana,

When will the 8300HD "jump to live recording" from recorded playback be addressed? Very annoying and regressive for what was a stable product.


Its being addressed, I just don't know when it will be resolved.

Happened to me twice last night...

Thanks, Diana.

Diana will we see a card for an HTPC in the near future?

Diana,

Thanks for checking on the Stretch/Zoom feature for me.

FYI
I think I am going to try and get the 8300 box since it supports HDMI

Thanks bdenman!

Yes, I'm in NE Columbia- picked up my box at the Greystone location yesterday. Are their problems with the 8000? My old DVR box that I turned in was an 8300 but not HD.

Survivor was indeed one of the shows that I was flipping through and figured should be in HD. Am I better off watching those shows on their regular channel or should I stick with watching them on the 800+ HD channels? Probably doesn't matter.

Can't wait to watch the Super Bowl in HD...

Thanks bdenman!

Yes, I'm in NE Columbia- picked up my box at the Greystone location yesterday. Are their problems with the 8000? My old DVR box that I turned in was an 8300 but not HD.

Survivor was indeed one of the shows that I was flipping through and figured should be in HD. Am I better off watching those shows on their regular channel or should I stick with watching them on the 800+ HD channels? Probably doesn't matter.

Can't wait to watch the Super Bowl in HD...
When it comes to the DVRs, the 8300HD model is a more recent design. Some say its Picture Quality is a tad better than the 8000 and the GUI is slightly faster. It also has HDMI whereas the 8000 does not (non-active DVI), active analog ports, and the setup options are improved. Your call whether the hassle of trading boxes is worth it.

Viewing preferences: I usually watch 4:3 programming with gray sidebars vice black (and not stretched) so I usually will switch to the analog channel if there is no HD program. (ex: Survivor:TWC Ch9 over Ch Ch810). My preference is based largely because my HD display is a CRT based RPTV (which is vulnerable to uneven phosphor wear (burn-in). I would do the same if I had a Plasma (phosphors again). I probably would not if I had a digital display like DLP, LCD, or LCoS that have no burn-in issues. But, if I had a directview set (that uses phosphors), I would probably watch with black bars. Having said that, I have been known to use the stretch function on the 8300DVR.

As always, I suggest new viewers to turn down their contrast and brightness down to about the 50% level. The out-of-the-box setup is generally "torch mode" and set that way for the retail arena (fluorescent lighting, lots of competing sets and uninformed buyers who think brighter sets are better). It is artificial (and really bad for sets with CRTs) and just not needed in the home environment. Later using a setup DVD is very desirable since the idea of HDTV is great pictures. ("AVIA" or "Digital Video Essentials").

"I suspect in time it will all get worked out albeit perhaps not for all early adopters"

Yep, that's the conclusion I have come to. Ah well...like I said...live by the bleeding edge, die by the bleeding edge, though having a tech die before it even gets implemented properly is pretty hard core you have to admit. I should have done the proper due diligence before buying, so it's really my fault.

I really did not mean to imply at all that TWC was intentionally breaking CC functionality by adopting this new tech. I am fully aware that I may be the only person in Columbia with a cablecard, so I lose out to the greater good in this case.

It would be interesting to know how many cablecards they have out in Columbia, though - any idea Diana? I bet it's less than 30.

OK, well if it's something that is only going to get worse, then I guess I will cancel my install.

Unrelated note - appreciate any help:

However, if it would fix the current problem I am having, which is the TV not showing any channel labels - it only gives me the number, i.e. 19.2 or something.

My wife is about to kill me because she can't tell what channel is on (i.e. she has no idea if 23.78 is WIS or FOX or whatever - just doesn't say unfortunately). I wonder if that is a cable thing or a TV thing? The TV is a HP LC2600N

"I suspect in time it will all get worked out albeit perhaps not for all early adopters"

Yep, that's the conclusion I have come to. Ah well...like I said...live by the bleeding edge, die by the bleeding edge, though having a tech die before it even gets implemented properly is pretty hard core you have to admit. I should have done the proper due diligence before buying, so it's really my fault.

I really did not mean to imply at all that TWC was intentionally breaking CC functionality by adopting this new tech. I am fully aware that I may be the only person in Columbia with a cablecard, so I lose out to the greater good in this case.

It would be interesting to know how many cablecards they have out in Columbia, though - any idea Diana? I bet it's less than 30.

OK, well if it's something that is only going to get worse, then I guess I will cancel my install.

Unrelated note - appreciate any help:

However, if it would fix the current problem I am having, which is the TV not showing any channel labels - it only gives me the number, i.e. 19.2 or something.

My wife is about to kill me because she can't tell what channel is on (i.e. she has no idea if 23.78 is WIS or FOX or whatever - just doesn't say unfortunately). I wonder if that is a cable thing or a TV thing? The TV is a HP LC2600N


No TV Guide built-in the LCD = No channel info.

So I am thinking that tomorrow is the day I pull the trigger and buy some stuff.

If I go to the TWC on Greystone and tell them I am on my way to buy and HDTV and wanted to know if you have the 8300 in stock....are they gonna give me problems as long as I tell them I am not asking for it now.

And if they do not have it in stock can I just get the standard one and ask them when they are getting new ones? Or ask if another location has it?

Thanks.

So I am thinking that tomorrow is the day I pull the trigger and buy some stuff.

If I go to the TWC on Greystone and tell them I am on my way to buy and HDTV and wanted to know if you have the 8300 in stock....are they gonna give me problems as long as I tell them I am not asking for it now.

And if they do not have it in stock can I just get the standard one and ask them when they are getting new ones? Or ask if another location has it?

Thanks.
Pull the trigger....you probably won't regret it. But if you do, you probably will have a 30 day return. I bought my set at CC on Harbison. It was $150 cheaper there than any other B&M store I visited, including the CC over on Two Notch.

If I'm not mistaken, the 8300 is a DVR which is something like $15.95/month and lets you record. So, if that's what you want, you can print the owners manual off the manufacturers website (most likely) and take it by there. If they don't have the 8300, maybe you can get a SA 3250 like I have and get the 8300 later. The individual I dealt with when picking up my box did a pretty good job explaining the options I had and offering suggestions.

What are thinking of getting? I'm happy and I've had my set, box, etc., for 1 week now. Can't wait for Sunday and SBXL.

So I am thinking that tomorrow is the day I pull the trigger and buy some stuff.

If I go to the TWC on Greystone and tell them I am on my way to buy and HDTV and wanted to know if you have the 8300 in stock....are they gonna give me problems as long as I tell them I am not asking for it now.

And if they do not have it in stock can I just get the standard one and ask them when they are getting new ones? Or ask if another location has it?

Thanks.
Suggest you go in with your manual after purchase and ask for a 8300HD DVR. They stock two HD DVRs, the 8000 and 8300 (and you cannot call in advance to see what is on the shelf). Greystone seems to be best bet (main warehouse there I think). Other locations seem to be more hit and miss. Hopefully they will hae a 8300 model in stock. If you get an 8000HD you have to connect it via component video (YPrPb). Not necessarily bad. Regardless it will be fine for get started with and they provide a component cable set to use.

You can always go back in another day and swap boxes. That is slightly problematic... you go there first and inquire whether they have one. If yes, then you have to go home and get your old one and return to the office. Disconnecting the old one first and taking it in up in the hope of a new one is another possibility but can't say I would recommend it. If they don't have the 8300 and/or if you don't want to record, you could get just get their "standard" HD box; the SA3250HD. (brain phart, don't remember if has HDMI or not). It will have the component cables as well. CSRs may be able to guess when they will have some more 8300HDs but may not.

Take it home; set the TV up and connect the box. Remove any/all splitters between the TV and the wall. Digital boxes are very sensitive to signal strength; that fact has been discussed here a lot. If you have problems then TWC will need to come out and check/tweak signal). Tweak picture controls and enjoy.
_____
Bruce

"
However, if it would fix the current problem I am having, which is the TV not showing any channel labels - it only gives me the number, i.e. 19.2 or something.


I had the same problem..so I used the channel label feature in my mits to re-label 92-12 to DSC-HD.. Now, I can't access DSC-HD by entering the channel
directly as 92-12.. the mits won't take it..I have to go to the adjacent channel and go up or down..I'll have to do a total reset in the Mits to correct.. the software
in some of these sets is really poor.. :mad:

Thanks for the responces.

Lex - I am thinking of getting the 42' Samsung DLP. It looks like CC has the best deal right now, but I am going to check a few other stores this morning.

As far as connecting the cable it will go from my wall to my surge protector the the cable box and then to the TV. Going through the surge protector sould not mess us the quality like a splitter should it?

I will let you know what I do

If they don't have the 8300 and/or if you don't want to record, you could get just get their "standard" HD box; the SA3250HD. (brain phart, don't remember if has HDMI or not). It will have the component cables as well. _____
Bruce
My SA3250HD does not have HDMI but does have DVI, so you can go DVI to HDMI. I think the picture from that connection is slightly better than component.

As far as connecting the cable it will go from my wall to my surge protector the the cable box and then to the TV. Going through the surge protector sould not mess us the quality like a splitter should it?


when i bought my HDTV the guy threw in one of those Monster power center/surge protectors. i ran the cable through it but on a subsequent service call one of the guys suggested it might cause problems so i bypassed it. turns out my problem was in the main line about a half a block down the road so it may be ok but i've never patched it through again.

i've never had any problems splitting the cable going to the DVR, i just asked at the counter for a splitter that would work with it and they gave me one.

back in Jan '04 when they were rolling out the 8000HD the CSR on the phone told me i'd need to present my HDTV manual or receipt so i dutifully dug out my receipt and took it down there...and the guy never asked for it. maybe they are stricter about it now.

If you know about the One Way limitations (VOD, PPV, etc) it sounds like they did tell you about some of the limitations? I don't know the exact scripting for all the limitations, but if you asked to add any of the following services, they would have script to tell you what you wouldn't be able to view the following because of our launch of SDV:

Any Premium Channel - West Coast Feeds including the HD West coast feeds of HBO and Showtime

Any Sports Package

The Hispanic Tier

The 6 channel HD Tier that includes Universal HD - Cable Card subs are limited to the 5 Channel HD Tier of IN HD 1, IN HD 2, HD Net, HD Net Movies and ESPNHD.


One Way cable cards are subject to future channel losses as more channels are moved to SDV. 30 Day notice will be sent on all channels that are removed from the Cable Card lineup.

Will these limitations continue with the new Cable Card 2 cards? If so I can see some serious arguments being made about TWC support of Cable Cards

Well I did it

I got the 42 Samsung DLP and was able to get the SA8300 box, so I am happy.

Now i just have to sit back clean up and enjoy

Well I did it

I got the 42 Samsung DLP and was able to get the SA8300 box, so I am happy.

Now i just have to sit back clean up and enjoy
Good for you. I considered the Sammy DLP but fell for the Sony 50" SXRD instead. Get it at CC?

Yea I got it at CC they had the best price in town and had the stand I wanted so it saved a trip.

Question about the SA8300 box.
Is there a setting somewhere to makes it format for 720? Whenever I do anything like stretch and zoom it says 1080i...I am not sure if that is just what it does or if I am missing a setting.

* With box OFF and TV on, press Info and Guide (on box) together, then follow directions on the screen to enable 480i and any others you want. TWC passes 720p (ABC, FOX, ESPN), 1080i (all other HD channels), 480i (SD channels), and 480p (music channels). You will probably not see a difference between 1080i and 720p, so only enabling the one your HDTV uses will minimize reformatting as you scan through channels. Note: The 480i/p Widescreen options allow the 8300 to stretch the image to fill the screen for SD channels. Do not enable them if you use your TV to stretch the image.

Display Format Summary. Press the Settings button twice to get to the General Settings. Then scroll up to Set: Picture Format.

* Fixed - Displays all content at whatever resolution you selected, based on what you selected in the wizard. You force the output to a single output and the box scales to that input. Easily changed in the settings menu of the box.
* Pass Through - Passes the input signal through to the output with no change, unless you disable certain resolutions. For example 480i in to 480i out, 480P in to 480P out, 1080i in to 1080i out, 720P in to 720P out. If you disable 720P, 720P in will go to 1080i out.
* Auto HDMI/DVI - If you are using the HDMI port, you will see this option instead of the Pass Through option. Resolution is automatically formatted to the scan rate supported by the TV.
* UpConvert 1 - All 480i and 480P signals get upconverted to 480P. All 720P and 1080i signals get upconverted to 1080i.
* UpConvert 2 - All 480i and 480P signals get upconverted to 480P. All 720P and 1080i signals get converted to 720P.

^^
Thanks

One last question.

Do you have to leave the box on for it to record. On my old box I would always turn it off and it would still record. However, I tried to tape something last night and it did not tape and then this morning I started recording something and turned the box off and it stopped recording.

Is anyone else watching ABCHD (TWCSC Channel 815) right now? The NBA game is supposed to be in HD but isn't on my set. I hope this isn't a precursor of things to come later today when the SB comes on.

Any ideas what's going on?

I can't speak for the Columbia area but here in Florence SC TWC 815 wpde 15 the game is in HD, Channel 4 abc out of charleston is in HD, but channel 25 out of columbia OTA is not in HD, so i believe it is wolo's problem and not TWC.

We've had some sort of failure withing the ABC Earth Station-HD receiver..It worked fine this morning for GMA.. I'm on the way there to look at it, hopefully an easy fix..at least I have a spare on hand.. :o

We've had some sort of failure withing the ABC Earth Station-HD receiver..It worked fine this morning for GMA.. I'm on the way there to look at it, hopefully an easy fix..at least I have a spare on hand.. :o
Thank you for at least letting me know it isn't me or mine. Please let us know if you get it handled so we can check ours.

Should be more better now..there seems to have been a problem with the ABC HD reciever..

Thank you for at least letting me know it isn't me or mine. Please let us know if you get it handled so we can check ours.
Bob is the head honcho of WOLO engineering ... they do all the sat stuff in Charlotte and zap it down to Cola via fiber optic cable. If he gets it handled, you will see WOLO in HD again this afternoon! :) If not; well hmmmm (the options that come to mind aren't pretty) ;)

Actually; I imagine we will here from Bob no matter what, he IS one of the good guys!
_____
Bruce

Should be more better now..there seems to have been a problem with the ABC HD reciever..
Yes....its back as of about 15 mins. ago. Thanks Bob.

... they do all the sat stuff in Charlotte and zap it down to Cola via fiber optic cable. _____Bruce

Shhhh!! You're NOT supposed to say such nonsense, that's a sensitive subject with folks in Columbia! :)

Shhhh!! You're NOT supposed to say such nonsense, that's a sensitive subject with folks in Columbia! :)
oops

Bob is the head honcho of WOLO-DT engineering ... they do all the sat stuff in Charlotte and zap it down to Cola via fiber optic cable. If he gets it handled, you will see WOLO in HD again this afternoon! :) If not; well hmmmm (the options that come to mind aren't pretty) ;)

Actually; I imagine we will here from Bob no matter what, he IS one of the good guys!
_____
Bruce
He did. I had sent an email to hdtv@wolo.com and he personally responded saying signal was back. It's great to have responsive and qualified people in charge. ;)

Now, let's keep our fingers crossed his repair will last for at least the remainder of today.

Is the Wolo Weather Radar still suppose to be up? Sunny and breezy 48 degrees.