Since last night almost nothing works now on both myboxes. Tried the channel 600 and 849 , no good. Now almost all my digital channels are all blocky and pixelated. I get no channel 33- at least 58, and some beyond that. I really would be asking for a credit since last monday, as it has been doing that since then, but I cannot contact customer service. I think I need a service call, but they never find a problem. I don't know why I have so much problem periodically. I never had problems like this with TWC in Florida. It just worked. I can watch no TV except on my analog sets with no box. Only a few channels come in clear on the box now.
Your problems sound very similar to the ones I had a couple of weeks ago...they lasted about a week or 10 days. Once it was fixed or whatever was done to it, my service has been pretty good....in fact, I would say the picture is better now than before.

Call TWCSC, wait them out, and insist they send someone out in the next couple of days. Go to the Platt Springs Road office and ask to speak to someone there. I know a person who did and actually got inside and talked to someone who was fairly helpful. Ask if they have an area or system issue. The service guy that came to my house said they were having BIG problems in my area. Right after that, things have gotten better....maybe its an issue in your area like it was in mine.

It's a shame they won't do the right thing and let their customer base know what is going on. Or it's a shame if they think nothing is going on.

Although Mr. Nye typically does a good job reporting information, he did misrepresent what Mr. Santelle was saying in this instance. While we are optimistic on ESPN2HD - we cannot guarantee it will launch in 30 to 60 days. In addition, we are much less optimistic on ESPNU


This is beyond unfortunate. I'm waiting until college football season, but if TWC doesn't get it in gear with this respect, I'll likely go elsewhere. Pulling in huge profits (see $1 Billion profit (http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/cabletv/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002949363) ) while fighting with ESPN/Disney over cost issues and keeping customers from having useful HD channels for another football season just doesn't sit well with me. I'd gladly give up INHD1 and 2 for ESPN2HD and ESPNU. Gladly.

Are you in Darlington? :rolleyes: ESPNHD is 720p! :p What are the local HD channels through E*? Did Columbia increase from the 83rd market? Oh, D* SD looks better than E* in my opinion.

Darlington???? Hell no. NE Columbia. Locals in HD offered by E*???? If they attach an OTA antenna to the sat setup, can you not receive HD channels OTA?

What is your beef with people looking for other providers? Do you have stock in TWC? What are you going to do when ATT and Verizon bring Lightspeed and FIOS to Columbia? You will be a poor and lonely soul if you think TWC will be able to compare when that happens....especially Verizon's FIOS ;)

The same amount you can get thru TWC.


He is not in Columbia, but he is in Darlington. What did I post that wasn't correct?

He is not in Columbia!


Thats understood. However, he would be able to get the same local HD channels that are offered by TWC in Darlington (Florence area).

This is beyond unfortunate. I'm waiting until college football season, but if TWC doesn't get it in gear with this respect, I'll likely go elsewhere. Pulling in huge profits (see $1 Billion profit (http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/cabletv/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002949363) ) while fighting with ESPN/Disney over cost issues and keeping customers from having useful HD channels for another football season just doesn't sit well with me. I'd gladly give up INHD1 and 2 for ESPN2HD and ESPNU. Gladly.


Do it! D* has a great NFL ticket deal for new subs.

Making a profit is a good thing. August 8 ,DirecTV, controlled by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., said net income rose to $458.7 million, or 36 cents per share, from $161.5 million, or 12 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

I have no problem with making a profit. However, TV is no longer a monopolistic market. If TWC wants to continue to offer few decent HD options, poor customer service (except for Diana of course), and relatively high costs, that is their choice. Sticking your head in the sand and maintaining status quo might turn a profit now, but as more and more people have other options come available that offer more for less, it won't work.

I'd prefer to keep TWC - I have everything through them now. However, that being said, I won't just sit here and wish I had ESPN2 / U and the ability to watch the games I care about USC/Clemson, etc when others give me that ability for the same amount of money or less.

I could not agree more.

Thats understood. However, he would be able to get the same local HD channels that are offered by TWC in Darlington (Florence area).

perhaps, I could have asked "how is your ota reception"


A lot of people have issues with this.

hey everyone, I just joined the HD world, and boy is it awesome :)

I just bought a Samsung DLP 42' HDTV...it's great crystal clear, I love it :)

However, one problem...with my attenae that I bought, I cannot seem to recieve the WOLO-TV HD broadcast...I get the normal Channel 25 signal, but the HD stuff isn't recognized...

Is there anything special I need for that?


BTW...my attenae is... a RCA ANT537

I also live in Lexington, SC.

Any help you guys can give is great!!

I also get EVERY other HD channel besides WOLO's...

NVM guys...

Had to move my attenna around... got all the HD channels :)

I'm in HD bliss :)

welcome to the board. Glad to hear that you are enjoying your HD experience. Hopefully you will be one of those that have no problems with TWC service.

The biggest problem I have Darlington is the reboots. They happen anywhere between 2 to 3 times a day. I have had the serviceman out to my house 7 or 8 times, I have traded the box in 3 times(I'm on my 4th one now) this is just with the cable. I don't even want to talk about the phone and the internet. The problems at one time were not this bad, but in the last 4 months they have. Everytime it reboots it takes from 10 to 15 minutes to come back on and it seems everytime it does it is when there is a program on that we want to see. Its not just about more HD the service is not that good. Cable went out one time and I called on the cell phone(this was on a Sat.) and they said they could have someone out for a service call on Wed !!!!!!. By luck they made it out Tues. around 4:00pm. Now that is service......

NVM guys...

Had to move my attenna around... got all the HD channels :)

I'm in HD bliss :)


Glad to hear you got your ota working. I also live in Lexington and ota is rock solid on all my tuners.

The biggest problem I have Darlington is the reboots. They happen anywhere between 2 to 3 times a day. I have had the serviceman out to my house 7 or 8 times, I have traded the box in 3 times(I'm on my 4th one now) this is just with the cable. I don't even want to talk about the phone and the internet. The problems at one time were not this bad, but in the last 4 months they have. Everytime it reboots it takes from 10 to 15 minutes to come back on and it seems everytime it does it is when there is a program on that we want to see. Its not just about more HD the service is not that good. Cable went out one time and I called on the cell phone(this was on a Sat.) and they said they could have someone out for a service call on Wed !!!!!!. By luck they made it out Tues. around 4:00pm. Now that is service......

How is your ota HD reception?

welcome to the board. Glad to hear that you are enjoying your HD experience. Hopefully you will be one of those that have no problems with TWC service.


The only part of TWC I use, is their internet. Everything else is satellite. Just havn't forked over the cash for the DirecTV, HD DVR set top box yet :)


Glad to hear you got your ota working. I also live in Lexington and ota is rock solid on all my tuners.

I've had to adjust my antenna around a bit, it's now sitting on the window-sill, at full extension...but that was the only way I could get ABC-HD to recognize and NO stations flutter in and out anymore.


I'm still amazed at how the crisp and clean the image is even when my TV says that it's not a particularly strong signal.



Question though - Since most of the statiosn have 2 or 3 digital channels and such, are the extra channels usually just a weather station (hell, WLTX has TWO weather channels...) or is it something that they plan on utilizing more down the road?

The biggest problem I have Darlington is the reboots. They happen anywhere between 2 to 3 times a day. I have had the serviceman out to my house 7 or 8 times, I have traded the box in 3 times(I'm on my 4th one now) this is just with the cable. I don't even want to talk about the phone and the internet. The problems at one time were not this bad, but in the last 4 months they have. Everytime it reboots it takes from 10 to 15 minutes to come back on and it seems everytime it does it is when there is a program on that we want to see. Its not just about more HD the service is not that good. Cable went out one time and I called on the cell phone(this was on a Sat.) and they said they could have someone out for a service call on Wed !!!!!!. By luck they made it out Tues. around 4:00pm. Now that is service......

Again, up to you, but if you email me your home telephone number I'll have the Tech Ops Manager for Florence look at your account and provide a recommendation for what it would take to resolve.

Question though - Since most of the statiosn have 2 or 3 digital channels and such, are the extra channels usually just a weather station (hell, WLTX has TWO weather channels...) or is it something that they plan on utilizing more down the road?

They will most likely simulcast a 4.3 of the network feed, just like Wis, and Wolo. :rolleyes:

The biggest problem I have Darlington is the reboots. They happen anywhere between 2 to 3 times a day. I have had the serviceman out to my house 7 or 8 times, I have traded the box in 3 times(I'm on my 4th one now) this is just with the cable. I don't even want to talk about the phone and the Internet. The problems at one time were not this bad, but in the last 4 months they have. Every time it reboots it takes from 10 to 15 minutes to come back on and it seems every time it does it is when there is a program on that we want to see. Its not just about more HD the service is not that good. Cable went out one time and I called on the cell phone(this was on a Sat.) and they said they could have someone out for a service call on Wed !!!!!!. By luck they made it out Tues. around 4:00pm. Now that is service......

I have the same basic problem but only with the HD box. The inet is fine and I don't have the phone service. The above quote could have been me. I just got off the phone with TW tech support. she told me the cause of my problems -- I have a VCR hooked up to my system and must get rid of that! I am using a splitter and that is causing a signal loss that is causing the problems in the 8300HD DVR box. Must be those pesky VCR's! My box has now gotten to where it will just turn itself off! The remote can be on the table and the box goes off. The good side of this is that when the box starts to act up start over will disappear which my wife and I see as a plus! Also over the weekend channel 13 was gone and startup was gone, the box did a reboot on its own and 13 and startover came back.

Are you asking a question, or just making a statement? It is very easy to check your signal strength in the diagnostic mode of the 8300HD. A lower than adequate signal can cause numerous problems. Splitters and poor end connectors are a lot of what can cause a low signal. If your cable run is long you may need to have a cable line amp installed. The trick is once you get a good signal, it usually stays that way unless their is a neighborhood issue.

This my opinion of what to look for. TWCSC may have other ideas on what may be causing your issues. They can dial into your box from the headend and check your signal for you.

Are you asking a question, or just making a statement? It is very easy to check your signal strength in the diagnostic mode of the 8300HD. A lower than adequate signal can cause numerous problems. Splitters and poor end connectors are a lot of what can cause a low signal. If your cable run is long you may need to have a cable line amp installed. The trick is once you get a good signal, it usually stays that way unless their is a neighborhood issue.

This my opinion of what to look for. TWCSC may have other ideas on what may be causing your issues. They can dial into your box from the headend and check your signal for you.


When I check the diagnostics or the TWC tech person does it all is super there is no problems on any of the pages of diagnostics. It seems however that at least two of us about 90 miles apart having the same basic problem TWC could have a better solution than don't use your VCR!

have you at least tried to do without the VCR and splitter for a few days to rule it out for sure?

i know the frustration of having intermittent problems that never happen when the tech is here. one day i had a call where he was telling me how my signal couldn't be better. it wasn't 5 minutes after he left that it all went south. eventually they found a problem in the main line down the street.

Diana I sent you my phone no. Thanks for anything you can get done. Mitch

Diana I sent you my phone no. Thanks for anything you can get done. Mitch


I didn't receive an email this afternoon???

I'll send another one, left out one letter in address....sorry.

Just a question. What kind of ramifications/changes would we see if this were to occur.

Read the Icahn twc section.

http://finance.yahoo.com/columnist/article/business/8614

If your asking me.... I have no idea.


I'm on the road to a regional meeting in Greensboro and will not be back in the AVS loop until Friday morning.

Remember E-Mail - not PM!

It was more a general question to anyone that might have an idea or thought on the matter.

What's the best indoor antenna to use to receive HD receptions in the Columbia/Lexington area...

BTW, to help out...I live off highway 1, near the I-20 exit...to give a general idea of where I'm trying to get a good signal.

It's just frustrating with my antenna (list in my first post a couple above this one) I have to constantly adjust it and I may get a good signal on one channel, and no signal on another. I seem to have the most trouble with trying to get ABC and Fox to work well. If I get NBC, CBS, and ETV all working...ABC won't at all, and Fox doesn't get a good reception...then if I get ABC to work, Fox doesn't work at all...etc...

Would a 'better' antenna help with this? Or should I just suck it up until I get a DirecTV HD DVR receiver, where I wont' ahve to worry about it as much?

This is beyond unfortunate. I'm waiting until college football season, but if TWC doesn't get it in gear with this respect, I'll likely go elsewhere. Pulling in huge profits (see $1 Billion profit (http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/cabletv/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002949363) ) while fighting with ESPN/Disney over cost issues and keeping customers from having useful HD channels for another football season just doesn't sit well with me. I'd gladly give up INHD1 and 2 for ESPN2HD and ESPNU. Gladly.

Although Mr. Nye typically does a good job reporting information, he did misrepresent what Mr. Santelle was saying in this instance. While we are optimistic on ESPN2HD - we cannot guarantee it will launch in 30 to 60 days. In addition, we are much less optimistic on ESPNU



Yeah- funny isn't it how all TWC employees will tell you they know nothing about channel additions. But, when one of their colleagues says something (without the blessing of grandmaster Fred Dressler), they spin into "we are not making any promises" mode. They are so pathetic.

For the record, Diana is most assuredly not pathetic. I've certainly had my share of disappointments with the rest of TWC lately, but she has been an asset during those problems.

I certainly wish TWC would get on the ball with the HD - but as far as Diana goes, I'm very thankful she helps as much as she does.

what's pathetic are the people who keep paying for a product they profess to be so unhappy with...

what's pathetic are the people who keep paying for a product they profess to be so unhappy with...

I can think of something more pathetic. Losers who assume that everyone has a choice for TV. Guess what, pal ... some of us can't get satellite (no southern exposure, etc.) or Fios, or whatever. We're stuck with TWC. As customers, we have every right to "profess" our unhappiness with a service provider. But, I'm sure you'll have a pithy reply ...

I can think of something more pathetic. Losers who assume that everyone has a choice for TV. Guess what, pal ... some of us can't get satellite (no southern exposure, etc.) or Fios, or whatever. We're stuck with TWC. As customers, we have every right to "profess" our unhappiness with a service provider. But, I'm sure you'll have a pithy reply ...

that's odd...just a couple of weeks ago in the Raleigh HDTV thread you posted that you were considering taking a trip to Radio Shack and dropping TWC. i guess you've gotten "stuck" with TWC since then? or maybe you didn't like the responses you got to your DISH inquiries (the $199 HD DVR lease fee, 18 month contract, etc). anyway, i hope you can get yourself unstuck from TWC again to follow though with your inquiries. good luck!

that's odd...just a couple of weeks ago in the Raleigh HDTV thread you posted that you were considering taking a trip to Radio Shack and dropping TWC. i guess you've gotten "stuck" with TWC since then? or maybe you didn't like the responses you got to your DISH inquiries (the $199 HD DVR lease fee, 18 month contract, etc). anyway, i hope you can get yourself unstuck from TWC again to follow though with your inquiries. good luck!

Thanks. Yep- unfortunately, I found out that satellite wasn't possible for where I currently live. If it was, I'd be long gone ... just like this person (post #410). Seems like he's pretty satisfied with DirectTV. I hear much the same from the Dish customers who post to these threads:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=704702&page=14&pp=30&highlight=nfl+network

I'm going to post this again (sorry for the double post), but it seems my question won't be answered accordingly with toad and scruffy arguing....so...i ask again :)


What's the best indoor antenna to use to receive HD receptions in the Columbia/Lexington area...

BTW, to help out...I live off highway 1, near the I-20 exit...to give a general idea of where I'm trying to get a good signal.

It's just frustrating with my antenna (list in my first post a couple above this one) I have to constantly adjust it and I may get a good signal on one channel, and no signal on another. I seem to have the most trouble with trying to get ABC and Fox to work well. If I get NBC, CBS, and ETV all working...ABC won't at all, and Fox doesn't get a good reception...then if I get ABC to work, Fox doesn't work at all...etc...

Would a 'better' antenna help with this? Or should I just suck it up until I get a DirecTV HD DVR receiver, where I wont' ahve to worry about it as much?

you might try clicking on "Search this Thread" above, antenna issues have been discussed a lot.

Question for DirecTV HD subscribers...

If I buy the DirecTV DVR HD tuner, will I at least be able to get the national broadcast of the 4 major networks in HD or will I still have to resort to using an antenna for the major networks? I noticed that there are 'east' and 'west' broadcasts of ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, and they are the NYC or LA feeds...

Do you have to be in the NYC or LA markets to get these feeds or just on the east or west coast?

DirecTVs site has no information it seems regarding this, or at least none that I can find.

I'm not worried about getting local news in HD or local programming at this point, because if there is a USC game (or God forbid they ever show my alma mater [Newberry College - fat chance ;)]) only appearing locally I don't mind messing with an antenna... I'm just tired of having to get up constantly to fiddle with the dipoles and position of the antenna in order to get certain stations to work...I dont want to miss anything from the Prison Break premiere or anything from my wife and my favorite shows because of a signal drop for no reason.

And yes, Scruffy7, I used the 'Seartch this Thread' option this time ;) and couldn't find any relevant info.

Also, is anyone 'in the know' about when DirecTV will rollout local HD channels in the Columbia area?

(or God forbid they ever show my alma mater [Newberry College - fat chance ;)])


TWC is probably going to have 3 Newberry College games this season on Channel 10. I'm waiting for a call back from the guy to confirm we get them.

Diana,

You say you prefer to be contacted by e-mail, however I can not find it.

Would you mind sending it to me or maybe someone else on the board will.

Thanks

Diana,

You say you prefer to be contacted by e-mail, however I can not find it.

Would you mind sending it to me or maybe someone else on the board will.

Thanks


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8190164&&#post8190164

Thanks

Question for DirecTV HD subscribers...

If I buy the DirecTV DVR HD tuner, will I at least be able to get the national broadcast of the 4 major networks in HD or will I still have to resort to using an antenna for the major networks?...
No. Because you can get locals OTA from the antenna they won't let you get the national feeds in HD or otherwise.

There is an easy way around this...PM me for more info.

I'm just tired of having to get up constantly to fiddle with the dipoles and position of the antenna in order to get certain stations to work
You should look into a better OTA antenna...I've got an cheap aftermarket one and I get a pretty good signal, but that would depend on where you're located.

Check out this antenna from amazon...I've heard alot of good things about it: LINK (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006FXR9/103-7232449-2484601?v=glance&n=172282)

ps...I guess you've found out that any talk of Directv around here riles up the TWC folk ;)

The antenna linked above is garbage. Tried it ,and it was a total waste of time. The only truly reliable antenna in my opinion is a outdoor mast style antenna. I have a mast style antenna on my roof and have a 95% or above signal on all the locals. Be careful about what you tell D* in regards to your HD locals.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103084&cp=&origkw=antenna&kw=antenna&parentPage=search

3100s that got in the field - total mistake - thanks for alerting us. If anyone has a 3100 please take it in and exchange it. As with all model exchanges this cannot be done via a service call because model numbers are not in the billing system. You have to take your chances at the front counter at a time convenient to you, but the warehouse swears to me they have exiled all 3100s to Syberia.
NOOOOOOO. The 3100HD box is the only one that works with my B&K Ref30 pre-amp. I upgraded to the 3250HD, I would get a loud “pop” every time I changed the channels and then I would lose the audio (the digital feed). I tried the 8300HD box from downstairs and no “pop” but I would still lose the audio. I talked to B&K and they are aware of the problem and offered to charge me $500 for an upgrade that may or may not fix the issue. I decided it was cheaper to go back and get a 3100HD box. The TW person looked at me strange and said nobody ever asks for that box. So I’m keeping mine for now or at least until I upgrade my pre-amp.

Hmmm, maybe I can have Diana call and say that I have to return my 3100HD. Then I can tell my wife that I have to buy that Anthem Statement D1 I’ve been eyeing so I can still use my theater room. :D

NOOOOOOO. The 3100HD box is the only one that works with my B&K Ref30 pre-amp. I upgraded to the 3250HD, I would get a loud “pop” every time I changed the channels and then I would lose the audio (the digital feed). I tried the 8300HD box from downstairs and no “pop” but I would still lose the audio. I talked to B&K and they are aware of the problem and offered to charge me $500 for an upgrade that may or may not fix the issue. I decided it was cheaper to go back and get a 3100HD box. The TW person looked at me strange and said nobody ever asks for that box. So I’m keeping mine for now or at least until I upgrade my pre-amp.

Hmmm, maybe I can have Diana call and say that I have to return my 3100HD. Then I can tell my wife that I have to buy that Anthem Statement D1 I’ve been eyeing so I can still use my theater room. :D

Your not required to trade it in, but I guarantee it will continue to give you more issues, especially once we get to the new guide next year.

But, if you need a note from me for your wife - I'm happy to oblige. :D

Your not required to trade it in, but I guarantee it will continue to give you more issues, especially once we get to the new guide next year.Will there be SD box issues?

After I traded in my 'bad' 2100 for a 2000 (all they had Saturday), it turned out one of my cables had gone bad. I'm not planning on swapping again unless there's a reason...

For those that 'care'

This (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ES8EG0/sr=1-5/qid=1156191046/ref=sr_1_5/103-9249735-5742257?ie=UTF8&s=electronics) is the indoor antenna that has seemed to have solved my 'dropped' signal problems for OTA broadcasts...

According to my TV based signal test I'm getting above 50% on all channels, and CBS gets about 98%.

Which is plenty good for me until DirecTV brings the local HD channels to our area :).

I'm at the furhest 28 miles from the towers that are in Elgin and 18 miles from the PBS/ETV tower...

I get a clean signal on all stations...

Will there be SD box issues?

After I traded in my 'bad' 2100 for a 2000 (all they had Saturday), it turned out one of my cables had gone bad. I'm not planning on swapping again unless there's a reason...



There is a lot of discussion on that specific point and it certainly is a potential for the low memory 2000 units - what that means exactly to you right now, I can't specifically define. But the new guide will probably not hit SC until 2Q to 3Q next year. This is an instance when Pioneer get something first and SARA divisions last (because it brings Pioneer divisions up to the same level to provide enhanced services that SARA already does).

[QUOTE=ncxcstud]Which is plenty good for me until DirecTV brings the local HD channels to our area :).
QUOTE]


So.. let me get this straight..you want to PAY duhwreckedtv for OTA channels you can get for free with an antenna with better quality, right? :rolleyes:

[QUOTE=ncxcstud]Which is plenty good for me until DirecTV brings the local HD channels to our area :).
QUOTE]


So.. let me get this straight..you want to PAY duhwreckedtv for OTA channels you can get for free with an antenna with better quality, right? :rolleyes:

The typical consumer doesn't want to mess around with tweaking antennas, running extra wires to multiple set locations, amplifiers, switching between inputs, and looking at the ugly thing. And then there's the DVR interface issue.

Most people can't see a significant improvement with OTA signals, and then there's the dropouts, and the one station that's in the opposite direction.

People want simple and are willing to pay. Antennas need to R.I.P. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[QUOTE=bdfox18doe]


Most people can't see a significant improvement with OTA signals, and then there's the dropouts, and the one station that's in the opposite direction.

People want simple and are willing to pay. Antennas need to R.I.P. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:


I see a lot of difference. And I get all the locals, in dfifferent directions, flawlessly.

Those who don't lack the skills to do so. It's not that hard. :)

[QUOTE=posg]


I see a lot of difference. And I get all the locals, in dfifferent directions, flawlessly.

Those who don't lack the skills to do so. It's not that hard. :)

You must not be married.

[QUOTE=bdfox18doe]

You must not be married.

:D Yes, but my wife is a former radio engineer, so that helps a lot. You do make some vaild points, most people don't want to make a little effort to get OTA tho..

One point.. Directv and TWC both get the HD signals via OTA. I think the exception in Columbia may be PBS..

OTA, yes...but I don't need to worry about that since I have an integrated tuner in my TV, but for those that have an HD-Ready set...it's available for them..., but it still doesn't stop the fact that the signal will still go out if you move your right pinky up while watching the TV... ;)

And, I do get PBS HD. I think it's the best looking channel for HD that I get, and it's the only one that has HD content 24x7. I don't get the CW channel in HD though I do get a crappy reception of the 'normal' signal...but I hear that's a pretty low-powered station and the tower is in Sumter. I don't know if they broadcast a digital signal yet anyways...


Also, I am married and my wife will...

A) not let me spend any more money on antennas...we already got jipped by Best Buy and they wouldn't take the product back because I didn't have the original box and my cat broke it... (stupid deaf cat..., lol)
B) NOT, under any circumstances let me put a mast style antenna up on our roof...especially when the one that's been recommended to me is NINE BY NINE FEET. Sorry, even I won't put something that monstrous on my roof.
C) My attic is not large enough to hold an antenna of that size.

So, DirecTV (since I already have that) is my best option at the moment...I get to keep all my channels and won't have to 'add' anything at the moment to my house setup...just a new receiver.

I tried to get TWC to just charge me for HD broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS). Basically, I wanted their basic TV tier (13 channels) with the HD channels added to that, but they said the only way they could do that would be to charge me 54 dollars a month because I would need digital cable + the converter box...which I won't pay for just 5 or 6 channels, unless DianaTWSC knows of a way that I can...

[QUOTE=ncxcstud]
I tried to get TWC to just charge me for HD broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS). Basically, I wanted their basic TV tier (13 channels) with the HD channels added to that, but they said the only way they could do that would be to charge me 54 dollars a month [QUOTE]


Hmm.. I pay TWC here $11?? a month for basic OTA package which gives me the locals in HD..I get all others via D* and E*..Plus antenna.. :)

And, I'm quite aware that Columbia locals are not yet up on D* in HD..When they
are tho, pickup will be OTA.. ;)

I tried to get TWC to just charge me for HD broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS). Basically, I wanted their basic TV tier (13 channels) with the HD channels added to that, but they said the only way they could do that would be to charge me 54 dollars a month because I would need digital cable + the converter box...which I won't pay for just 5 or 6 channels, unless DianaTWSC knows of a way that I can...

I know that legally we do offer Buy Through and the CSSR who told you that was incorrect. Call back and tell them you want:

Broadcast Tier
HD Digital Basic Converter or HD DVR (your pick)

And if you don't get it - get their name and email me.

This will give you 2 - 13 SD and HD Broadcast and TNT HD, Discovery HD, HD Special Event Channels and the digital bonus channels from the HD Broadcasters sub channels.

Diana - I think he wants the local HD channels *without* the cable box/converter. Barring a cablecard, I don't think that's possible.

If that's the case, you would be correct IrmoGamecoq

The Zenith ZHDTV1 I use is way too directional for all channels, and sometimes the ones it's been 'tuned' for break up anyway. It is OK when cable is out, but just barely.

IMHO, stretching the cable budget a tad to cover a HD box is a much better deal...

Diana -

I don't mind having a cable box, I just want to know how much that plan would cost per month? I just didn't want to be charged 55-60 bucks a month for a plethora of channels that I didn't need since I already get them on DirecTV..

Depending on where you live Broadcast Tier might be a bit different, but I believe you live in Columbia proper, which is $12.24 per month + $9.95 for a converter (or $15.25 for a HD DVR) = $22.19 ($27.44) excluding taxes and fees.

Thanks Diana...yeah, I would get the Columbia stations (Lexington and Columbia are right on top of eachother really).

I'll definitely call them back and ask for that. I told the last CSSR that was what I wanted...The basic cable 2-13 and the HD channels for those respective stations that have them. I even said I didn't care if I got Discovery HD or anything...and he was like "Nope, we can't do that...you'll have to pay for digital cable + a hd converter and pay 54 dollars a month."

You just made me super happy Diana ;) Thanks!

cool - that's one down and around 350K to go...

One a time, one at a time ;)

Diana - I think he wants the local HD channels *without* the cable box/converter. Barring a cablecard, I don't think that's possible.

Granted, I am in a diff. market, but don't most (if not all) TW areas broadcast the local HD in "the clear"? so that all you need is a QAM tuner on your TV? (and by broadcast the local HD I mean the local channels that they DO carry, as not all local HD channels are carried by all cable providers).

I'm not trying to cause problems, just trying to possibly be helpful, that there may be a chance the person could use an "HD Ready" TV with QAM tuner to receive the channels (assuming they're unencrypted of course).

Granted, I am in a diff. market, but don't most (if not all) TW areas broadcast the local HD in "the clear"? I'm not trying to cause problems, just trying to possibly be helpful, that there may be a chance the person could use an "HD Ready" TV with QAM tuner to receive the channels (assuming they're unencrypted of course).


No, CBS(WLTX-DT), and ABC(WOLO-DT) are not available here locally(TWCSC) via QAM tuners. :confused. This has been the case on all 3 of my Qam tuners. :confused:

PLease,

This is the Columbia,SC forum. Find your own.

Thanks

No, CBS(WLTX-DT), and ABC(WOLO-DT) are not available here locally(TWCSC) via QAM tuners. :confused. This has been the case on all 3 of my Qam tuners. :confused:

Perhaps Diana can answer why that is, my understanding is that legally OTA's should not be encrypted as part of the "basic" or lifeline service. Here in Charlotte,
all the locals are on clear QAM's. :confused:

PLease,

This is the Columbia,SC forum. Find your own.

Thanks


Nope, he had a good point, and no one had metioned a Digital QAM tuner in a long while. Not everyone can afford, or even wants a digital stb. You can get all the analog channels, Discovery HD, TNTHD, most of the HD locals for very little money via TWCSC and a QAM tuner. Also, I think his post was polite, as for your response. :rolleyes:

I think his post was polite, as for your response. :rolleyes:

I didn't have a problem with his particular post, unlike some who repeatedly drop in on any thread they see,(including OTA threads) trying to stir stuff up towards TWC like others have.

I do think those with QAM tuner should be able to use them to get OTA's just like they can with an analog tv.

At least you weren't rude and call him a jerk or anything like that.. ;)

Nope, he had a good point, and no one had metioned a Digital QAM tuner in a long while. Not everyone can afford, or even wants a digital stb. You can get all the analog channels, Discovery HD, TNTHD, most of the HD locals for very little money via TWCSC and a QAM tuner. Also, I think his post was polite, as for your response. :rolleyes:

Thank you. I would like to have a TW "Albany" forum, but our local TW Albany office isn't as um, friendly, as Diana is. I find more useful information in this forum about TW than most places.

I know I had major problems trying to tune our local HD via my QAM tuner on my Toshiba Plasma TV. Turned out I had to change a setting somewhere (if I can remember what it was), otherwise it WOULD find them, but it would report them as "encrypted".

Although each market may vary (our local TW here did not carry our local CBS or WEWB HD channels due to money disputes with the local stations for quite some time--even though CBS had a national agreement with TW).

Update:

Did some rescans and ABCHD,and CBSHD are indeed available , but they are grouped in line with the analog tier. This is ok, but all the others are listed correctly with the TWCSC digital channel number ,and input name. Example: Channel 820 is listed as FOXHD. WLTX is listed as 19.1 ,and is tagged correctly as CBSHD. I wouldn't care if they were all listed this way, but having them split will confuse people in my household. :p

Please,

This is the Columbia,SC forum. Find your own.

Thanks

How far can you live from Columbia and still post according to your rules? You are about 10 miles away so I assume that is ok with you? I am in the Myrtle Beach area but we get stations out of Columbia on TWC and if you call TWC Customer Service (sic) you talk to someone in Columbia. So should I be allowed to post according to your rules? Maybe someone from Albany has something to add to the knowledge of the group. I rarely look to see where someone is from or even who they are, I am more interested in what they have to say and how it might help me.

Jets vs. Giants 5pm on the NFL HD Network today! What channel is that on TWC?

:D
:eek:
:mad:

Has a vertical blue line, and a faint yellow line on the left hand side of the screen near the side bar. Actually the blue line is slightly inside the side bar.

It's in the animal rescue tape..you normally won't see that sort of crap on analog
due to overscan.

Thanks, Bob but now we do not have HD for the Little League World Series.

OK - here's the thing on QAM tuners and cable.

If you have a QAM tuner in your HDTV and you subscribe to the BST (Broadcast Service Tier) from a cable provider and that cable provider has the HD Broadcast signals in the clear, then technically the smart consumer should be able to scan and find the HD Broadcast signal.

Here are the points to remember about TWCSC:

1. There is no government rule or regulation that we put the HD Broadcast signals in the clear. We could scramble them and associate them to the HD converter or HD DVR via a service code. Not a rate code, but a service code.
2. If you are viewing HD Broadcast signals via this manner on TWCSC, please realize we are not supporting the HD Broadcast viewing. You are paying for 2-13 analog and that is what we are supporting. There is no promise you will get all HD Broadcast signals and there is no promise that if you get them that way today, you will always receive them via this method.
3. TWC engineering can (and does) move the QAMs for technical benefits within the headend. They don't tell me, we don't notify consumers. So if you are depending on viewing in this manner and tune into the season finale of 24 or some such and the signal has been moved from the QAM... then that's the risk you are taking by depending on your HD Broadcast channels in this manner.
4. TWC may in the future scramble the HD Broadcast signals - I'm not saying we will, I'm just saying right now - today - this second, its easier from a technical standpoint to have these channels in the clear but there could conceivably be some reason to change this procedure.

Now - I'm not saying that this is going to change any time soon or ever for that matter. I'm just stating the current situation.

I also do not plan to get into any sort of theoretical debate about what may or may not ever happen.

How about a HD DVR with cable card slots? Will TWCSC allow this?

Perhaps Diana can answer why that is, my understanding is that legally OTA's should not be encrypted as part of the "basic" or lifeline service. Here in Charlotte,
all the locals are on clear QAM's. :confused:

2-13 / BST / lifeline - whatever the nomenclature in your market are not encrypted in analog. that's the law, not HD.

Thank you. I would like to have a TW "Albany" forum, but our local TW Albany office isn't as um, friendly, as Diana is. I find more useful information in this forum about TW than most places.

Although each market may vary (our local TW here did not carry our local CBS or WEWB HD channels due to money disputes with the local stations for quite some time--even though CBS had a national agreement with TW).


I have a friend in the Albany Division... but he does PPV and Retail, not HD.

The CBS national agreement only covered those CBS affiliates Owned & Operated by CBS (O&O stations). There really aren't that many O&Os around, in fact TWCSC doesn't have a single O&O broadcast affiliate of any flavor.

Thanks, Bob but now we do not have HD for the Little League World Series.

Yea, ABC sent us a note about tech difficulties..looks fine now on my secret closed ciruit feed here..

Thanks, Bob but now we do not have HD for the Little League World Series.

Kevin - It just popped in, looks great

Fun fact about ncxcstud...

I was on the Italian National Little League team in 1995 (and 1994, but we were horrible) that was 3 games from winning the European Title and getting a chance to play in the Little League World Series....of course, we would've had to go through kaiserslautern, Germany and Dahrain, Saudia Arabia (eventual European Champs that year, and almost every year)...

So, needless to say, I try to watch the Little League World Series every year :)

Thanks, Bob. Any chance the 2.0 network audio feed can be placed to 5.1 audio? I hate having to switch the stb to pcm.(I also forget to change it back).

ABCHD feed looks pretty good. The grass seems to be swimming a little though. Nice to see a southern team in, and playing well.

2-13 / BST / lifeline - whatever the nomenclature in your market are not encrypted in analog. that's the law, not HD.

No disrespect Diana, but I personally think that's the way catv's distort the law in the favor to rook the customer. To me, there is no difference between SD and HD
for broadcasters, as the FCC does not differentiate. We provide both...free. And to me, to charge the customer extra for a service that is free in analog isn't right. At some point, the FCC will rule on the issue as the analog shutoff looms. And
at that point, you won't be able to charge extra is my bet.

Thanks, Bob. Any chance the 2.0 network audio feed can be placed to 5.1 audio? I hate having to switch the stb to pcm.(I also forget to change it back).

We automatically pass what ABC sends, if you're getting 2.0 from ABC with their HD, then that's what they're sending to us on the 5.1 audio stream. Not all of their HD programming has 5.1, and we (as well as other stations) have repeatedly asked them not to put stereo audio in the 5.1 stream to no avail.
I wish they would upconvert it the way FOX does and then there would be no issue..

One reason they do this, and why we "Upconvert" the audio to 5.1:
(simulate,synthesize,fake, margarine,sweet-n-low,equal,..etc..)
is that many receivers don't cleanly handle the switch from 5.1 to 2.0, and a nasty pop, click, or at the best mute occurs. This can be very annoying if you have the audio cranked and the mode switch causes a transient. Speakers don't exactly like it either!
And, if you are lcuky enough to be watching on an intergrated tv with OTA or QAM
(well, UNENCRYPTED QAM!) and the mode switch occurs, a lot of the Tv's flip oit and you lose part of the audio as it recovers. DOlby has since tightened the liscensing requirements to ensure manufacturers follow the specs more closely.

I do not know how our local NBC (WIS-DT) station does it correctly, but their real and fake 5.1 is usually placed correctly. What bugs me the most about your setup is some commercials and local programs are centered ,and others are not . Very distracting and a noticeable by all who watch. Our Fox station actually switches to 2.0 for local programs and commercials without any issues of late. They used to have a volume level problems, but that has been corrected many months ago. Our CBS stations switches in and out of 5.1 ,and it works most of the time. Sometimes we lose the center channel, and sometimes the audio staggers right before the switch.

. Very distracting and a noticeable by all who watch. .


We use the same identical setup for WCCB and WOLO. And honestly, you're the only one who has complained thus far. :confused:

No disrespect Diana, but I personally think that's the way catv's distort the law in the favor to rook the customer. To me, there is no difference between SD and HD
for broadcasters, as the FCC does not differentiate. We provide both...free. And to me, to charge the customer extra for a service that is free in analog isn't right. At some point, the FCC will rule on the issue as the analog shutoff looms. And
at that point, you won't be able to charge extra is my bet.

We don't charge extra for the signals, that is covered when the customer agrees they want to purchase the analog lifeline channels from a provider rather than simply pick up up these signals OTA (their choice to subscribe remember).

We charge for HD equipment which provides a wealth of functionality beyond simple tuning of HD Broadcast channels - in fact there is no additional charge for the HD broadcast channels.

I'm sure your also aware there is a current debate going on within the government about the potential of a federally supplied subsidy to provide customers base level equipment to order for those without QAM tuners to continue to receive the signals after the digital transition.

Given all the questions and uncertainty about what this area is going to look like and what will or won't be required by the government (I repeat) I don't plan on getting involved in a philosophical debate on what the future may hold in this area. I've explained the current situation in regard to TWCSC and that's as far as I'm going to go (and I mean it this time.)

[QUOTE=DianaTWCSC]

I'm sure your also aware there is a current debate going on within the government about the potential of a federally supplied subsidy to provide customers base level equipment to order for those without QAM tuners to continue to receive the signals after the digital transition.

[QUOTE]

Yes, I have seen those units. And grandma won't be able to work them.

and no one has ever complained in this thread about the inability of their receiver to switch in and out of 5.1 (-:


I was watching ABCHD via the monitor's QAM tuner, but had to switch back to the cable box to change the audio stream.

Being involved firsthand early on with FOX engineering on how they do 5.1, there was a LOT of complaints when we mode switched. We had numerous phone calls too. Just because you aren't having an issue doesn't mean others aren't. And cost/brand of the viewers equipment has no bearing on the issue, it depends on how well the design was implemented.

Bottom line, we have no plans to change our audio configuration despite your posts. (-:

I believe a vast majority of your viewership listens through their sets speakers.

I was hoping that Wolo-DT would have the ability to do what our local NBC station has been able to do.

I believe a vast majority of your viewership listens through their sets speakers.

I was hoping that Wolo-DT would have the ability to do what our local NBC station has been able to do.

Agreed, it's hard to please both listening modes.
I Haven't forgotten your PM either. Will look at that if I can ever get time.
Mostly buried now and out of town with WFXB and WABG projects. :eek:

We don't charge extra for the signals, that is covered when the customer agrees they want to purchase the analog lifeline channels from a provider rather than simply pick up up these signals OTA (their choice to subscribe remember).

We charge for HD equipment which provides a wealth of functionality beyond simple tuning of HD Broadcast channels - in fact there is no additional charge for the HD broadcast channels.

I'm sure your also aware there is a current debate going on within the government about the potential of a federally supplied subsidy to provide customers base level equipment to order for those without QAM tuners to continue to receive the signals after the digital transition.

Given all the questions and uncertainty about what this area is going to look like and what will or won't be required by the government (I repeat) I don't plan on getting involved in a philosophical debate on what the future may hold in this area. I've explained the current situation in regard to TWCSC and that's as far as I'm going to go (and I mean it this time.)


In summary: TWC is going to bend you over how ever they can in accordance with FCC regulations and loopholes found therein.

Have a nice day.

I have a friend in the Albany Division... but he does PPV and Retail, not HD.

The CBS national agreement only covered those CBS affiliates Owned & Operated by CBS (O&O stations). There really aren't that many O&Os around, in fact TWCSC doesn't have a single O&O broadcast affiliate of any flavor.

Thanks Diana.

The local stations here (Albany) were (IMO) raising a big stink and wanted TW to pay for their signal. Anyway, eventually something was worked out (IMO, TW had every right to refuse to pay for something the stations were providing freely OTA.)

Don't suppose you wanna move up north? LOL!

Don't suppose you wanna move up north? LOL!

Every single day - I'm not a southern girl....

I had a question that I forgot to ask yesterday...

Every Saturday Fox has their "Saturday Baseball Game" Last week it was the Yankees vs Red Sox and this week it was the Nationals vs Braves...but, the games don't look like they're in HD even though they are being shown in Widescreen...at least compared to the HD feed of ABC's broadcast of the Little League World Series (go Georgia, beat Japan!)

Both times the feed just didn't 'look that great' next to other live HD programming that was on that day...

Also, CBS' brodcast of golf games only have a few hd capable cameras correct? Because sometimes the shot looks awesome (wide open vistas on drives and putts...) but other shots (close-ups and such) just look muddy..

I'm just wondering if this is my TV, reception, or 'normal'.

Thanks guys (and gals)!

[QUOTE=ncxcstud]
Every Saturday Fox has their "Saturday Baseball Game" Last week it was the Yankees vs Red Sox and this week it was the Nationals vs Braves...but, the games don't look like they're in HD even though they are being shown in Widescreen...at least compared to the HD feed of ABC's broadcast of the Little League World Series (go Georgia, beat Japan!)[QUOTE]

As has been discussed in depth over on the programming forum, FOX's Saturday baseball is SD widescreen upconverted. It's purely a production cost issue.. they don't actually do baseball in HD until playoffs begin. The exception is the Allstars Game.

How far can you live from Columbia and still post according to your rules? You are about 10 miles away so I assume that is ok with you? I am in the Myrtle Beach area but we get stations out of Columbia on TWC and if you call TWC Customer Service (sic) you talk to someone in Columbia. So should I be allowed to post according to your rules? Maybe someone from Albany has something to add to the knowledge of the group. I rarely look to see where someone is from or even who they are, I am more interested in what they have to say and how it might help me.

I have no trouble with anyone that the Columbia TWC system services. The problem I have is that I notice more and more people are coming here from far away cities. I belive the reason is that this site is very active with very knowledgeable people and a great local manger of TWC (Diana). What I am afraid of is that the number of outsiders will keep increasing to where more and more bandwidth will be taken to try and answer questions for these people on a different system. This will IMHO dimish the usefulness and the willingness of the current number of very knowledgeable to even frequent this site.

I am not trying to be nasty but I have I to worry as I have found this site to be the best. I admire and respect the people who are kind enough to help provide answers to the questions submitted. " I'm afraid" :-).

Al

Every single day - I'm not a southern girl....

Diana,

Come up to Ohio! Time Warner is picking up a bunch of new areas here from Adelphia and Comcast. Thankfully I'll have TWC again, and hopefully soon they'll upgrade our service to what we had in SC. But our AVSforum for Toledo still won't have as dedicated a rep as Diana is on this one.

Later,

Mark

As has been discussed in depth over on the programming forum, FOX's Saturday baseball is SD widescreen upconverted. It's purely a production cost issue.. they don't actually do baseball in HD until playoffs begin. The exception is the Allstars Game.

That's cool, that is what I figured. Was just making sure ;)

Diana,

Come up to Ohio! Time Warner is picking up a bunch of new areas here from Adelphia and Comcast. Thankfully I'll have TWC again, and hopefully soon they'll upgrade our service to what we had in SC. But our AVSforum for Toledo still won't have as dedicated a rep as Diana is on this one.

Later,

Mark


Dude you are in OHIO. The land of as$ holes. Of course you aren't going to get any help. ;-)

question, do they Cox cable available there? I had Cox Cable out in Nebraska and needless to say it was light years better than TWC.

Every single day - I'm not a southern girl....

No way. We're not letting you go anywhere...

Depending on where you live Broadcast Tier might be a bit different, but I believe you live in Columbia proper, which is $12.24 per month + $9.95 for a converter (or $15.25 for a HD DVR) = $22.19 ($27.44) excluding taxes and fees.
So could you add the HD Tier to this plan for $6.95 or whatever the HD Tier price is?

So could you add the HD Tier to this plan for $6.95 or whatever the HD Tier price is?


No - you must subscribe to the Cable Tier (the entire Basic Cable package) to be eligible to subscribe to The HD Tier.

Did the Celebrity Duets feed just change for a 'SD' signal to an upconverted signal? It looks TONS better than it did when the show first came on...

And, after my wife forced me to watch it...it's not bad...

Chris Jericho stinks though...bad...as does Cheech Marin (of something else besides the marijuana) ;)

Diana,

Did anyone ever find out what is causing the top of my screen to pulsate on the mid-range channels (20 - 70ish)? I never heard whether or not the tech noted the same behavior on your own signal TVs. If not, I would like to know what is causing this.

Has anyone seen this article in today's paper?

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/15402858.htm

Has anyone seen this article in today's paper?

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/15402858.htm

" HUH? What are the medical benefits of sweating?" :D :D

Diana,

Despite your advice, I'm considering trying a cablecard in the near future. I know that I would be subject to losing some HD channels, or not picking up new ones as they are added.

How about the digital and digital preferred tier? Are those tiers also using SDV, and would I be subject to losing access to any of those channels?

Thanks,

David

As of September 7th - the following channels will be unavailable SD because of SDV:

Digital Sports & Games Tier
Hispanic Tier
Sports Packages
No West Coast feeds of any premium channel - including HD
HBO Latino East
5 of the SHO/TMC East Coast Feeds
4 of the STARZ East Coast Feeds

There is the potential that in future additional SD channels will become SDV. 30 Day notification is provided to all Cable Card subs when more channels are transitioned to two-way status and unavailable to cable cards

My advice is to wait for 2 way sets and cards then you avoid headaches now and in the future.

Has anyone seen this article in today's paper?

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/15402858.htm


rehashing of earlier 'misquote' from Doug Nye.

Well if it is a misquote... what did Doug say, and furthermore, why hasn't someone let the State know so they quit running with this story? Just curious here.

the 30 to 60 days perspective was a misunderstanding by Doug of what Dan Santelle said.

I thought we had let them know, but Doug's story was pulled by the other guy on this one (don't remember his name) and he took it from the original which was less than accurate.

Beltram or something like that.

The reason I say is because numerous tech blogs, etc have taken that story and run all over the country on the premise that you guys are adding it. By saying it was a misunderstanding, are you saying that ESPN2/U are still a pipedream or a year out - if not more?

I'm saying what I aways say:

We are in negotiations

I cannot provide any sort of ETA to when deal will be signed

TWCSC will add as soon as possible when deal is signed

Here's hoping that the ESPN HD broadcast of the game tonight goes off without a hitch. Go Cocks!

And for all you Clemson fans this weekend ESPNU has your game but TWC does not!

If TWC was a serious player in the HD world they would have already added ESPN2HD. All my friends that are into sports have D*

And for all you Clemson fans this weekend ESPNU has your game but TWC does not!


Gonna run over to the inlaws near Gilbert and watch it via a fiber feed PBT signal. To bad they aren't a real player locally, yet. Oh, they also offer ESPN2HD.

ESPN2 looks terrible - the whole bottom 1/4 of the picture is just blocky. Thank God ESPNHD looks good so far. Here's to hoping for no problems tonight.

Go Cocks.

Nevermind - cleared up now. Don't know if y'all did something, but if you did - it worked like a charm.

As of September 7th - the following channels will be unavailable SD because of SDV:

Digital Sports & Games Tier
Hispanic Tier
Sports Packages
No West Coast feeds of any premium channel - including HD
HBO Latino East
5 of the SHO/TMC East Coast Feeds
4 of the STARZ East Coast Feeds

There is the potential that in future additional SD channels will become SDV. 30 Day notification is provided to all Cable Card subs when more channels are transitioned to two-way status and unavailable to cable cards

My advice is to wait for 2 way sets and cards then you avoid headaches now and in the future.

Last time you guys converted channels to SDV, we got UniHD. Could this be a sign??????? Time will tell.

Let's see for the Big Ten football fans we have Minnesota Kent State tonight on ESPN 360. Oops I have TW and they don't carry that service on Road Runner. Oh well I can watch Northwestern Miami (Ohio) on ESPNU. Oops again another service TW doesn't carry. If they carried these services and others like them that would mean that they would have to care about their customers! I do realize many of you want to see the ball coach but us northern boys really don't care -- we would like to watch the games that matter to us just as the SC fans would like to watch the games that matter to them.

Well, this Big 10 fan is enjoying Andre Agassi on Universal HD.

Let's see for the Big Ten football fans we have Minnesota Kent State tonight on ESPN 360. Oops I have TW and they don't carry that service on Road Runner. Oh well I can watch Northwestern Miami (Ohio) on ESPNU. Oops again another service TW doesn't carry. If they carried these services and others like them that would mean that they would have to care about their customers! I do realize many of you want to see the ball coach but us northern boys really don't care -- we would like to watch the games that matter to us just as the SC fans would like to watch the games that matter to them.


1-800-347-3288

1-800-347-3288 I would if I could! I live in a condo with no exclusive use area to put up a dish. If I did there would be one and I would have what I want and not what TWC thinks is good for its corporate bottom line. I would love to get rid of TWC but I have no choice until Verzion shows up -- please hurry up!

dam, now TWC in San Diego is getting Starz-HD & Cinemax-HD.

http://hdtv.forsandiego.com/messages/2/5053.html?1157068156

rehashing of earlier 'misquote' from Doug Nye.
I emailed Bertram Rantin (the writer of the article) regarding what The State has quoted. Here is the text of his response:

"Thanks so much for writing,

I actually did not just rely on the information provided in Doug Nye's
column, but I called and spoke directly with TW officials directly
myself. The official I spoke with (that same as Doug did) confirmed to
me exactly what had been reported in the original article. If they are
claiming that this information was reported incorrectly, I find it
very interesting that neither Doug nor I have been contacted by anyone
stating so. Until they do, we will be standing by what we printed
because this was, in fact, EXACTLY what they told us on two separate
occasions.

I appreciate your interest.

Bertram Rantin"

Looks like internal communications have broken down at TWCSC.

I emailed Bertram Rantin (the writer of the article) regarding what The State has quoted. Here is the text of his response:

"Thanks so much for writing,

I actually did not just rely on the information provided in Doug Nye's
column, but I called and spoke directly with TW officials directly
myself. The official I spoke with (that same as Doug did) confirmed to
me exactly what had been reported in the original article. If they are
claiming that this information was reported incorrectly, I find it
very interesting that neither Doug nor I have been contacted by anyone
stating so. Until they do, we will be standing by what we printed
because this was, in fact, EXACTLY what they told us on two separate
occasions.

I appreciate your interest.

Bertram Rantin"

Looks like internal communications have broken down at TWCSC.

wow, u took that a step further then I would have and uncoverd some good intel, Thanks
i'll be looking for ESPN2-HD sometime in the the next 5-6 weeks.

Here is our response - quote from my boss, Dan Santelle VP Sales & Marketing:

"My comments to Doug Nye and later Bertram Rantin were based on a loose guess of when ESPN2HD negotiations might be concluded. I mentioned that ESPNU was not necessarily on the same time table which I don’t think came across in the article. These guesses were based on my own interpretation of where I thought our corporate programming department might be in these discussions, not a hard date for launch. It may take considerably longer depending on negotiations for favorable terms.



In any case, our corporate office continues to negotiate with ESPN for carriage as we would like to provide these channels to our customers. Rest assured however, that a carriage agreement will be based on what we believe is fair and equitable for the company and our customers. "

It seems worth repeating Time Warner's earnings last quarter was $1 billion (with a "b"). A little ESPN and NFLN customer satisfaction can't put too much of a dent in that.

.... or not picking up new ones as they are added.

HaHaHa... yeah thats a good one.

And for all you Clemson fans this weekend ESPNU has your game but TWC does not!

Yea, thanks for rubbing it in :rolleyes:

Let's see for the Big Ten football fans we have Minnesota Kent State tonight on ESPN 360. Oops I have TW and they don't carry that service on Road Runner.

What does road runner have to do with that? Just go to www.espn360.com and sign up. It was free a little while back. I think you have to pay for it now.

I believe they are on the "U" several more times this year. My Dad ,and Sister have switched to D* from TWC this week because of lack of carriage. My home is the only home in my immediate family that has TWC.

In any case, our corporate office continues to negotiate with ESPN for carriage as we would like to provide these channels to our customers. Rest assured however, that a carriage agreement will be based on what we believe is fair and equitable for the company and our customers. "

Geez, peace treaties have been negotiated faster than this. TWC is making record profits, too bad they can't give us customers what channels we want. I guess having that monopoly is nice.

No offense to you Diana, I think you're great, but your employer freaking sucks.

"What does road runner have to do with that? Just go to www.espn360.com and sign up. It was free a little while back. I think you have to pay for it now."

Not true -- TW has to offer it -- there was a free period back a while a go so all could see how it worked but TW choose not to offer it to it customers. Again if there is a charge TW won't even let me make that desion, it like I am 5 years old and my parents know what is best for me. If I choose to spend my mopney on ESPN 360 I shloud be able to do that. You know how much TW cares about its customers!

$1 billion... a billion for crying out loud. Come on TWC, throw us a freaking bone here.

$1 billion... a billion for crying out loud. Come on TWC, throw us a freaking bone here.

remember now that's only for the 2nd Quater of this year, they could potentially make 4 billion this whole year.

It's really ridiculous that only a small % of $ gets reinvested in TWC markets.

Game looked pretty good last night. Well done, ESPN-HD.

I think UGa next week is ESPN-HD as well, right?

It's really ridiculous that only a small % of $ gets reinvested in TWC markets.


Andy, I doubt you can back this up? How good is your TWCSC reception?

Game looked pretty good last night. Well done, ESPN-HD.

I think UGa next week is ESPN-HD as well, right?


Yep, but i kind of wish it was on the "U". (I will see it live) :cool:

An interesting read -- the highlight is mine

Cable Industry Exec Addresses HD Fears
McSlarrow: Cable Channels Won't Disappear in Switchover

The cable industry's top executive in Washington, Kyle McSlarrow, is downplaying fears that the companies he represents will face problems as broadcasters expand their high-definition offerings.

Mr. McSlarrow, who took over as president and CEO of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association in March 2005, said that because high-definition signals use less bandwidth than analog signals, cable operators will be able to give viewers the channels they most want.

Other entities involved in the transition to HD say no signals should be sacrificed during the transition.

"It's a nonissue," Mr. McSlarrow said, predicting that cable systems will carry all the major broadcast stations in HD. "We are going to save space. We aren't becoming more constrained. We are becoming less constrained."

Mr. McSlarrow's comments followed a front-page Wall Street Journal report that said the cable industry will have to make another round of multibillion-dollar upgrades to their systems to keep pace with competitors including telephone companies. That report was based on a Cable Labs study that has angered cable executives who say the industry can readily meet the increasing technological demands of high-definition television and high-speed Internet access.

Bruce Leichtman of Leichtman Research Group said the switch to HD may in fact force some cable providers to sacrifice channels that certain viewers value. Placing those decisions in the hands of cable providers troubles Dennis Wharton, a spokesman for the National Association of Broadcasters.

"Who decided that the cable industry is the arbiter of what Americans want to watch?" Mr. Wharton asked. "It's a little arrogant. Let's let the people see what they want."

He said broadcasters fear that the cable industry, left to its own devices, will favor programming in which it has a financial stake over broadcasters' fare.

Fears about the cable industry's ability to handle the new HD signals are an outgrowth of the digital transition. Until 2009, cable systems must carry broadcasters' existing analog signals plus their new digital signals over cable systems. Amid some worries that the cable industry won't have enough bandwidth and will have to cut out some of the new digital signals, there have been calls to impose multicasting "must-carry" requirements on the cable systems.

NCTA spokesman Rob Stoddard said the cable organization continues to oppose any requirement on cable operators to carry all multicast signals from broadcasters. The cable industry has asked Congress for a five-year grace period before it is forced to carry smaller "must carry" stations' signals in HD. Mr. McSlarrow contended the practical effect of the delay will be minor.

"I have yet to discover any must-carry [station] that intends to do HD, because of the difficulty and the cost on their end," Mr. McSlarrow said. "All the stuff people are actually talking about, we are going to carry."
The NCTA has overcome potential worries about the bandwidth demands that high-definition offerings will create and is talking with electronics companies about promoting the format, Mr. McSlarrow said.

Mr. McSlarrow also predicted that the sharp lines now defining phone companies, satellite companies and cable companies will blur as each breed of company offers services already provided by the others.

"I assume at some point all of us will be able to offer the complete bundle in one fashion or another," he said. "I am focused at making sure that the regulatory regime is fair and our companies can go out and compete and do what is necessary to win."

By Ira Teinowitz. James Hibberd contributed to this report.

Well, this Big 10 fan is enjoying Andre Agassi on Universal HD.

I am too. But, after these 2 weeks and 4 days in April (the Masters) ... Universal HD is the most worthless waste of bandwidth that was ever created. That is, unless you're a Knight Rider or Quantam Leap fan.

I just love how TWC employees make excuses for their pitiful lack of sports programming (most notably ESPN2HD and the NFL Network). I know, I know ... we've heard all of the crap about sports tiers- bla, bla, bla. The fact is that most, if not all, of the other cable operators and, certainly, the 2 satellite companies-- get it. Programming is what we care about. And, I mean quality programming-- not another shopping or religious or spanish speaking channel ... or, TWC's newest addition-- an on-demand car shopping channel.

And, the dirty little secret is that we know TWC doesn't care. Of course some, like Diana here, do care-- about customer service. But, as for customer demand for programming ... they all defer to Dressler and the suits in NYC.

For all of us, I can only say that until we start leaving in bunches (yeah, satellite is a pain the butt, but it's our only alternative for decent programming) and TWC corporate wakes up one day and realizes that their cash cow that funds all of their other garbage companies (ex. AOL) is not making the record profits that they saw in 2005-- we only have ourselves to blame.

Andy, I doubt you can back this up?

No I can't back that up, jus assuming since they charge a lot for thier services and don't seem to get deals done with companies while other cable and sat. providers do.

I have no idea how your pricing is setup in NYC, but my same setup on the satellite compnaies would actually cost me more.

I have no idea how your pricing is setup in NYC, but my same setup on the satellite companies would actually cost me more.

I really don't think most of us are dealing with the cost, we would just like to be able to buy the product! :mad:

If I could have a dish it might cost more since I would have Sunday Ticket but oh well that is how I would spend my entertainment dollar.

I have a 60" HDTV with a home theatre system -- do I need all that to watch TV, no but I am willing to pay for it and we like it. And Best Buy was willing to carry the items I needed to have because they seem to care about their customers. It seems that TWC should at least give me the choice since in my case they are the only game in town. I can't do a dish. :(

Here is our response - quote from my boss, Dan Santelle VP Sales & Marketing:

"My comments to Doug Nye and later Bertram Rantin were based on a loose guess of when ESPN2HD negotiations might be concluded. I mentioned that ESPNU was not necessarily on the same time table which I don’t think came across in the article. These guesses were based on my own interpretation of where I thought our corporate programming department might be in these discussions, not a hard date for launch. It may take considerably longer depending on negotiations for favorable terms.



In any case, our corporate office continues to negotiate with ESPN for carriage as we would like to provide these channels to our customers. Rest assured however, that a carriage agreement will be based on what we believe is fair and equitable for the company and our customers. "

How's this for back-pedaling. Dressler must have put him in time-out (i.e. reduced his Christmas bonus) when he got wind of what his SC minnion was saying. Obviously, he's now back in line-- singing the corporate tune. That is, promise a lot of channels, but NEVER give a launch date. That way it looks they are actually doing something. Then when it doesn't happen, blame the content provider (ABC/ESPN, NFL).

NFL, Time Warner Reach Extension

By Steve Donohue 9/1/2006 9:51:00 AM

NFL Network and Time Warner Cable reached an agreement that will see Time Warner continue to distribute the channel on systems it acquired from Adelphia Communications and Comcast until Sept. 15, officials said Friday.

Time Warner had planned to drop NFL Network Saturday at midnight – a move that would have impacted more than 1 million former Adelphia and Comcast subscribers that receive the channel under deals Adelphia and Comcast reached previously with the NFL.

“The encouraging thing is yesterday [Thursday], for the first time, discussions took place about leaving this channel up in the interim, and we can get back to the negotiating table,” NFL spokesman Seth Palansky said Friday.

Time Warner Cable Keith Cocozza confirmed that the cable distributor and NFL reached an interim agreement that will keep NFL Network on the former Adelphia and Comcast systems until Sept. 15, and that the parties will work on hatching a new agreement.

NFL Network is available in about 40 million homes. Time Warner Cable is the only top-five cable distributor without a deal in place to distribute the channel, which will begin carrying weekly NFL games on Thanksgiving.

http://www.multichannel.com/article...y=Breaking+News

Yep, but i kind of wish it was on the "U". (I will see it live) :cool:

I'm there "live" too, but I still like to have an HD copy for the potential replay factor. :)

Diana - I sent you an email. We thought it was fixed, but once I setup everything, the flicker returned. It's too bad I lost my record of the game, but probably better that I don't watch that again anyhow.

I posted this on the HDTV reception forum, but for your convenience I'll quote it here to give you a description of what I've discovered playing around with it:

I'm having an odd problem - just switched the box to see if it would help, and it made no difference. I'm on TWC, if that helps. So here goes:

When using the HDMI output on my 8300, the HD content looks great, and about half of the SD content looks ok (as well as can be expected). However, from roughly channel 20 to channel 60 or so, there is a flickering/vibrating portion on the very top of the screen (top 1%). It doesn't really degrade the PQ as there is nothing up there really, but it is quite distracting. When I go to higher SD channels, the problem is gone, and on lower channels, the problem is gone.

Interestingly enough, if I switch the output on the box to no less than 720p/1080i, and then use my tv to stretch the content, the problem goes away on all SD channels. However, since my TV (Panny 42PX60u) defaults to full when it sees HD sources, this would be quite annoying having to manually switch it every time. Plus, the rest of my household would never do so, and I'd end up with a burnt up plasma.

So, out of curiosity, I switched from HDMI to component out and lo and behold the problem went completely away on all SD channels, regardless of whether or not I allowed 480i/p or not. So that's what I'm running now, but I liked the quality of HDMI better (visually to a degree, but more importantly audibly), so I'd like to figure out a way to make the HDMI work. Any ideas or knowledge of this problem?

I have no issues with SD via HDMI. Have you tried a different box, or hdmi cable? I believe I have the same Panny that you do.

NFL, Time Warner Reach Extension


Time Warner Cable is the only top-five cable distributor without a deal in place to distribute the channel.
http://www.multichannel.com/article...y=Breaking+News

You can insert or add ESPN2HD, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes ,or ESPN360.

Diana - I sent you an email. We thought it was fixed, but once I setup everything, the flicker returned. It's too bad I lost my record of the game, but probably better that I don't watch that again anyhow.

I posted this on the HDTV reception forum, but for your convenience I'll quote it here to give you a description of what I've discovered playing around with it:

It sounds like underscan to me. Do you have picture position adjustment controls on your HDTV?

I have no issues with SD via HDMI. Have you tried a different box, or hdmi cable? I believe I have the same Panny that you do.

Yes, this is the second box. I haven't tried another cable, solely because this cable works fine on all the other channels - including a substantial portion of SD channels. For example, Channel 3 - 17 or so, and then the channels beyond 100 all look fine. I'm hoping its not the cable, as they aren't cheap and I think I'm probably beyond the return period on this one, as I've had it about 2 months.

Been out all day here in Lexington. Anyone else able to get it?

It sounds like underscan to me. Do you have picture position adjustment controls on your HDTV?

Not unless they are in the diag menu. I thought about that, but why would it not happen on all SD channels, and further, why does tricking the TV into thinking they are 720/1080 make it go away?

I have my SD set to display at 480p on my plasma. Are you trying to display 480i?

Yes, only because to me the picture looks a little less soft on 480i than when the box forces 480p. As far as the flickering, locking 480i out and forcing 480p didn't make a difference unfortunately.

Not unless they are in the diag menu. I thought about that, but why would it not happen on all SD channels, and further, why does tricking the TV into thinking they are 720/1080 make it go away?


Believe it or not, not all stations are broadcast with the same picture position settings. Also, your HDTV will display content differently per picture format (480i,480p,720p,1080i) What model HDTV do you have?

I believe it, but I'm still not convinced its overscan. It's too localized to just a particular range of channels - it seems like it would show up randomly if it was overscan. All of the SD is coming through at 480i right now. I try not to let the SA scaler's do anything, as I'm confident the Panny will do a better job.

Panasonic 42PX60U - the newer, uglier one.

Have you tried hooking the coax into the panny? It has a digital qam tuner ,and you can see if the problem is the stb or the line coming in. Have you tried a new line from the cable drop?

Oh, I do not consider mine to be ugly in any respect.

Been out all day here in Lexington. Anyone else able to get it?


bump

bump
Yes.

I just checked and the channel is now back on. Thanks, Gary for your response.

I believe it, but I'm still not convinced its overscan. It's too localized to just a particular range of channels - it seems like it would show up randomly if it was overscan. All of the SD is coming through at 480i right now. I try not to let the SA scaler's do anything, as I'm confident the Panny will do a better job.

Panasonic 42PX60U - the newer, uglier one.

One of my plasmas is the 37PX60u. It's underscan as I get the same thing on mine on some channels in the 20-80 channel range. I do not get the underscan on my two Pioneer Elite 1130's as I've adjusted the picture position for 480i channels. Unfortunately you cannot adjust the picture position on the Panasonics unless you venture into the Service Menu.

Sounds about right. My CRT HD Samsung had a problem with sidebars, and I had to change it via the service menu. I found how to do it in this forum. Keep looking and I bet someone knows how to do it.

Have you tried hooking the coax into the panny? It has a digital qam tuner ,and you can see if the problem is the stb or the line coming in. Have you tried a new line from the cable drop?

Oh, I do not consider mine to be ugly in any respect.

Yes, running the coax straight to it eliminated the problem. I don't know what that means regarding the qam... I need to research what that is.

But this is the second STB, and the line coming in is strong, and straight off of a fiber feed.

One of my plasmas is the 37PX60u. It's underscan as I get the same thing on mine on some channels in the 20-80 channel range. I do not get the underscan on my two Pioneer Elite 1130's as I've adjusted the picture position for 480i channels. Unfortunately you cannot adjust the picture position on the Panasonics unless you venture into the Service Menu.

I'll have to look into it. Is there less underscan on the HDMI than on Component and Coax - since it idoesn't show up on those inputs?

Anyone having any problems with WOLO's SD programming? I'm getting frequent audio dropouts and some ghosting in my picture, but only on WOLO. Argh.

WIS needs to hit the switch on the race here... showing SD on 805.

if it was the gamecocks playing they would have flipped the switch...guess this is what we have to look forward to for sunday night football!!!! SD on 805

Called Time Warner about the race on 805....as usual, they don't have a clue. The CSR wanted me to go into the settings menu and stretch the picture and then "...it'll be in widescreen." :rolleyes:

Called WIS and they blamed it on NBC for not feeding it to them in high definition. Maybe someone should try to call Dick Ebersol. :mad:

"not my fault... not my fault" ... meh.

[QUOTE=LexHiDef]Called Time Warner about the race on 805....as usual, they don't have a clue. The CSR wanted me to go into the settings menu and stretch the picture and then "...it'll be in widescreen." :rolleyes:

Called WIS and they blamed it on NBC for not feeding it to them in high definition. Maybe someone should try to call Dick Ebersol. :mad:[/QUOTE

As much as I dislike TWC the lack of Hd on the race is not their fault. They send us what they get. It is a local problem or and NBC feed problem. At least for this one TWC is off the hook. Now if you want to talk about ESPN2HD etc,etc,etc and so on.

We had a similar problem last night with the GT/ND football in the MB area. The local station did not "flip the switch" I called them and about two minutes later it was in HD. The NBC station could do the same thing and choose not to -- easier to pass the buck.

Yeah I called WIS as awell and they gave me the NBC is feeding it in SD line as well. However How could they not feed the Sony HD500 race in HD?

WIS have not switched for a lot of programs this week, and went in and out of HD on a few (Windfall..). They didn't even switch their own NBC Fall Preview, which I know was HD because I have seen it already on Universal HD. Their in top form for the fall season, just like the past few years. I truly have lost all hope for them. Their master control switching is as good as their shows THEY SUCK!!! Unless something is broken (And they will tell you in advance) the other station have gotten their acts together, doesn't look like WIS ever will.

FWIW: They are not scrambled. Are you a TWCSC customer?

You may want to check your sources again...legally you cannot scramble the HD broadcast channels that are "in the clear" on QAM. .

The law doesn't specifically say "HD" locals must be passed in the clear. So one can see how some CATV"S twist that into a right to encrypt them.

Did anyone else enjoy the beautiful pink screen on 805 last night? I find it more appealing then the white screen Friday night. WIS needs to get it togther before football starts. Then again it's NBC's fault anyway.

I have had ESPN Game Plan for several years. Up until this year games on ESPNU have been shown on EGP. It appears that not this year. I am not referring to the Clemson game as that would have been a blackout on EGP anyway but there were at least 2 other games on the U that were not on the Plan, they would have been last year. So since TWC does not carry ESPNU I cannot get them at all. Thanks again for your caring about your customers TWC :mad:

There are at least 3 games on U this Saturday that in past years would have been on EGP that will only be on U. That may be an ESPN decision but because TWC won't deal with customer issues we are ****** again :mad:

FWIW: They are not scrambled. Are you a TWCSC customer?

Although unencrypted, the following are flagged/tagged as "Subscription":

800 WRLK-DT PBSHD
801 WRLK-DT SD Simul
802 WRLK-DT SC Chan.
805 WIS-DT NBCHD
810 WLTX-DT CBSHD
815 WOLO-DT ABCHD

Flagged "Clear To Air":

806 WIS-DT Weather
811 WLTX-DT Weather
812 WLTX-DT Weather
816 WOLO-DT Weather
820 WACH-DT FOXHD
821 WACH-DT The Tube

Nevertheless, since they're not scrambled a ClearQAM tuner should be able to receive them.

My gf just moved to cola and at her apartment complex it is a pretty strange setup. Everyone must subscribe to TW, but if you want to get a STB or HD through TW then you have to pay both TW and the apartment complex for basic. You have to pay twice.

So I was thinking about getting her the Samsung HD reciever box (SIR-T451) so she could get around that. What channels would she gain using the qam tuner, would it be worth it? Right now she gets through ch77 WE.

Thanks.

My gf just moved to cola and at her apartment complex it is a pretty strange setup. Everyone must subscribe to TW, but if you want to get a STB or HD through TW then you have to pay both TW and the apartment complex for basic. You have to pay twice.

So I was thinking about getting her the Samsung HD reciever box (SIR-T451) so she could get around that. What channels would she gain using the qam tuner, would it be worth it? Right now she gets through ch77 WE.

Thanks.

That just can't be right. Please email me with her info so I can look at the account.

Although unencrypted, the following are flagged/tagged as "Subscription":


Flagged "Clear To Air":




Subscription in this instance refers to HD Equipment Type. Its a billing system prerequisite.

Clear to Air means unscrambed to all digital equipment no matter SD or HD

That just can't be right. Please email me with her info so I can look at the account.

That's what I thought too. When she gets home I'll get the info and send it to you.

cool - thanks,

Hi, I live in Chapin, I am able to recieve 10, 19, 30 and 57 with a realative strong signal of 47 to 67 with no problems and dropouts. But I cannot get 25.1, the strongest signal for 25 is 30 but drops in a matter of seconds to 0. I read in another post that WOLO is transmitting from the same tower as Wach. Does anyone have any ideas?

Hi, I live in Chapin, I am able to recieve 10, 19, 30 and 57 with a realative strong signal of 47 to 67 with no problems and dropouts. But I cannot get 25.1, the strongest signal for 25 is 30 but drops in a matter of seconds to 0. I read in another post that WOLO is transmitting from the same tower as Wach. Does anyone have any ideas?

You need an antenna that will receive VHF, As WOLO-DT is on Channel-8.. :)

Apparently, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy are going HD on Monday 9/11/06.

Anybody know if WIS will carry them over as HD here locally?

Apparently, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy are going HD on Monday 9/11/06.

Anybody know if WIS will carry them over as HD here locally?

Probably not, Since WOLO carries these shows and not WIS... :rolleyes: As to WOLO, I guess you'll just have to tune in Monday.. :D

"What does road runner have to do with that? Just go to www.espn360.com and sign up. It was free a little while back. I think you have to pay for it now."

Not true -- TW has to offer it -- there was a free period back a while a go so all could see how it worked but TW choose not to offer it to it customers. Again if there is a charge TW won't even let me make that desion, it like I am 5 years old and my parents know what is best for me. If I choose to spend my mopney on ESPN 360 I shloud be able to do that. You know how much TW cares about its customers!

I dont think you understand what espn360 is. Its a broadband internet "tv channel" TW has nothing to do with it. I have RR and I watch espn news and college football on espn360 all the time.

I dont think you understand what espn360 is. Its a broadband internet "tv channel" TW has nothing to do with it. I have RR and I watch espn news and college football on espn360 all the time.

the ISP has to subscribe to 360, otherwise you can't get it. apparently RR pays ESPN for it.

Not quite sure how you get ESPN 360. When I try and get it it says Time Warner won't let me have it. If I go to the RR web site it has never heard of it. How do you get to it?

Well apparently it was WIS's fault that the race was not shown in HD this past weekend. There was a thread in the HD programming threads where it was proven that NBC was feeding an HD signal.

So thanks for nothing WIS!!

If you would like to see the NFL game tonight in HD via Wis-DT , you may want to drop a note to Wis-DT that NBC will be sending a HD feed tonight.

The best contact that I have for Wis is:

BARRY AHRENDT BAHRENDT@wis-tv.com


He usually responds to e-mail request.

Probably not, Since WOLO carries these shows and not WIS... :rolleyes: As to WOLO, I guess you'll just have to tune in Monday.. :D

Duh, I *knew* that...my wife and I watch Jeopardy every night...sorry about that.

Thanks, I'll have to try to remember to tune in the HD channel of WOLO instead of the SD.

Not quite sure how you get ESPN 360. When I try and get it it says Time Warner won't let me have it. If I go to the RR web site it has never heard of it. How do you get to it?

i've never tried it, maybe D-rock can fill you in, i just know that it's something the ISP has to subscribe to.

This is going to be a vent session and I apologize...you can consider it 'newb whining' or whatever, I don't care...but here's my situation...


Two weeks ago, with the advice of DianaTWCSC, I went ahead and signed up for the lowest end package I could get that had HD broadcast capability (topping out at around 27 dollars a month before tax). The earliest they could come install it was today between 11-2, two weeks from the day that I called them.

Today, I get to my home from work, after taking personal leave (which, incidentally, i don't have much at the moment because I got married this past summer and after the honeymoon...i'm running on fumes in that department, but that's either here nor there...)...anyways...I get home from work at 10:45. 11AM, no show. 11:30, now show. 12noon, no show, 12:30, no show. 1PM, no show. 1:10 - i get called by my office that I need to be in court at 2PM to get people to sign up for our program (Pretrial Intervention, again...doesn't mean anything to the story, just added it in...).

I leave at the latest possible time, to get me to court on time, 1:45PM.

I'm never called, I write a note explaining the situation. Post it on the door. naturally I'm upset and frustrated. To my knowledge at this time, TWC has now missed 4 scheduled appointments at my house (3 for internet, 1 for cable TV).

I go to court, when I get out of court at 3:30PM, there are no calls on my phone. So, I call TWC to 'complain' as best I can.

The first CSR, Pat, who was very nice informed me that the cable guy 'apparently' was at my house at 1:48PM, 3 minutes after I left my house. This makes me upset. Granted, I don't have a firm foot to stand on because I broke the agreement and left early. I was cut off with Pat for some reason, had to call back...

The 2nd CSR (after waiting another 15-20 minutes on the phone, which granted, isn't that long in the grand scheme of things and I know people that have waited much longer for customer service help over the phone...), Clara was her name, was again very nice and tried to explain to me even more about how I was wrong to leave early...

After some more talking, she went to get a supervisor to help with my situation...

Demond gets on the phone (after another 15 minutes of waiting). He informs me that there's nothing he can do, since the guy 'obviously' came and you wern't there, I didn't inform them that I needed a reschedule, and that he's sorry...

Even though, by the time I was called by my office that I needed to return by 2PM...I would NOT have had enough time to call the service center to reschedule my appointment before I left (based on past instances on trying to get in touch with TWC's call center...). So, he didn't understand why I didn't call...even though I have no way of truly getting in touch with someone that could get in touch with the driver in an adequate amount of time.

Sure, fine and dandy. He then tells me that the next time they can come out to install my cable is a week from now!! Are you serious? Why on EARTH does it take this long to have service from TWC installed?? 2 weeks, and now a week? Granted, it's not the end of the world...but based on past installation woes with TWC...it's quite frustrating...

Now, before everyone chastises me and tells me I'm the one that was in the wrong because I left early...even though it was an urgent situation and I had no prior knowledge that I'd have to leave early...

Point 1) Why are TWC installers not required to call ahead of time to inform their next customer that they are on their way?? I think TWC may be the only house-call service industry that doesn't call ahead of time. I know delivery services (taht aren't associated with Best Buy or Circuit City) do not call ahead, but at least I can pick up my package at the distributation center, or it will be delivered again the next day...If I call the plumber, AC, carpenter, etc...they're going to CALL when they're close to inform me that they are coming...TWC isn't required...

Point 2) Why is TWC not required to call the listed phone number on their service order to ask where the hell the customer is? Just one phone call...If the cable guy had called...I may have been able to work something out with him...who knows...

Point 3) Why does it seem that TWC always comes at the LAST POSSIBLE moment in order to, what it seems, entice and encourage these situations...on all 4 installation dates, the cable guy either did not show up...or came in the last 10 minutes, never calling again might I add...


It's just frustrating...if anyone can give me info on these (at least for Point 1) I'd be really happy... I just can't think of any logical reason why the drivers wouldn't be required to call when they're on they're way...

Again, I know it's not a life or death situation, And I know that I have a moderately working antenna at the moment..., but I want the convenience of the cable box...

still...I've had to take off work for this...most customers, I assume (and yes, I know what that makes me when i do make assumptions), would generally feel that the 11-2 timeframe (3 hour window) would include not only the 'showing up' but also the 'finishing the job' aspect of the work that needs to be done...So, even with the guy getting here at 1:48, he possibly could've been done in less than an hour...which still would've put me over the time that I had taken off from work.

It just boggles my mind that's all...and I have to vent about it. I have the appointment rescheduled for NEXT saturday... (which i'm pretty upset about too btw...it takes so long...sheesh...).

Thanks for taking the time to read this...or at least glance at it, lol.

I feel better now...haha.

He then tells me that the next time they can come out to install my cable is a week from now!! Are you serious? Why on EARTH does it take this long to have service from TWC installed??

because they are spending their time going out on calls where no one is home because they had to leave early? just kidding. :D

whenever i've had a service call i've requested that they call when they are on their way and they do. they all carry cells and i agree that they probably should call anyway, but in the past it's something that they would do if requested whenever you set up the appointment.

because they are spending their time going out on calls where no one is home because they had to leave early? just kidding. :D

Butthead ;)


whenever i've had a service call i've requested that they call when they are on their way and they do. they all carry cells and i agree that they probably should call anyway, but in the past it's something that they would do if requested whenever you set up the appointment.

I think I may start requesting this as well. I still think it's pretty assinine that they aren't required to call anyways, but what can you do right?

Be glad it wasn't a no show, followed by a another no show later that day, followed by a show up at 11pm when you promised to be there at 6 pm two days later.

Not that this happened or anything...To say the least, TWC could go a long way in improving the accountability of their install people. The 3 hour block is irritating enough - I don't tell clients that I'll get with them sometime between 2 and 5 pm. It wouldn't fly in any other business - why does it fly in this one?

Greystone, don't worry.....I know all too well about TWC's installation woes...

Getting my internet installed was a nightmare over 3 days..

First, they told me one day, then changed it without telling me...

The install guy didn't show up for either time, didn't show up for the time they rescheduled me for that day, then didn't show up for the following day...I had 2-3 weeks of credit on my account for that one...though, I think they only gave me one, since from what they said "It was all one install period..." or something like that..

So if I have this right 11-2 they were supposed to get there. 1:48 they get there and you were gone. Not cool.

I am surprised that you didn't get charged a penalty for missing the appointment and wasting the installers time.


Sorry to hear that TWC's customer Service has struck again.

When they came out to install my cable they just tucked it under the sod instead of actually burying it like they are supposed to and now I can see my cable line in places because of run off from rain. I called and asked about getting them out to actually bury it the proper way and they told me that I would have to pay for it. I tell you there is nothing better looking in your yard than an orange cable line sticking out of the ground.

This is going to be a vent session and I apologize...you can consider it 'newb whining' or whatever, I don't care...but here's my situation...

Yeah I had my own bad experience with TWC installers. I already had cable and luckily they didnt have to come out to get that installed, i went down and picked up a box and they activated the account over the computer. But when I wanted to add RR to it, they had to send out an installer, the time I was given was like 8-12 or 9-12, so I used a half day vacation to be at home. Well its 1pm and no sign of the guy and obviously no call saying hes late so i start calling TWC to find out what the deal is. Nobody there knew what was going on they just kept telling me that he was on his way, well at 5pm he never showed up so I called TWC and asked what was going on and they said well he's on his way. Finally at 6pm I call back and am furious, I burned a whole day's vacation and turns out the installer called in sick that day, I never once got so much as an apology or my 2 weeks free service or whatever it was I was supposed to get for him being late. So I had to burn another 4 hours vacation again for the rescheduled appointment which was about a week and a half later. Just plain ridiculous. So in the end it cost me 12 hours vacation and took almost a month to get RR installed by the time they finally made it out there from the time I placed the order. I love TWCSC!! :rolleyes:

Seems like every single person you talk to has a story like this with TWC installers. Pretty bad customer service, but I guess when you're a monopoly they dont care, you basically have no other choice since they are the only cable provider in the area.

"Sorry to hear that TWC's customer Service has struck again."

Yeah, I would check with the State Attorney General to see if they have a department that handles this sort of travesty. We cannot allow companies to operate in South Carolina who schedule appointments, and show up on the date and time they said they would. :eek:

An "emergency" on ncxcstud's part does not constitute poor planning by TW.

By his own admission, the service has improved over his last experience. Showed up on the date they said, during the time frame given. He was not there. Sucks to be ncxcstud that day. :p Life goes on, get over it.

Perhaps TW should be required to only hire folks with the psychic ability to know when someone will not be home during the time the customer scheduled. Maybe one installer for every customer the have scheduled each day, so they can waste their whole 8 hour day hanging around in the hope someone will show up .

No company can provide 100% satisfaction, particularly to the hyper-critical bunch on here, but TW did what they said they would.

I am not sure how we can be expected to tolerate such poor treament. :rolleyes:

This kind of installer experience is not new and is certainly not limited to Time Warner. We all remember the Seinfeld episode of 10+ years ago where Kramer gets his own "revenge" on the "cable guy" by not being there when the guy showed up.

It is frustrating that it's still going on though...I do know TWC uses contracted (i.e. non-employee) installers (or at least they used to), but I don't know why this is something that can't seem to be fixed.

I am surprised that you didn't get charged a penalty for missing the appointment and wasting the installers time.


Sorry to hear that TWC's customer Service has struck again.

When they came out to install my cable they just tucked it under the sod instead of actually burying it like they are supposed to and now I can see my cable line in places because of run off from rain. I called and asked about getting them out to actually bury it the proper way and they told me that I would have to pay for it. I tell you there is nothing better looking in your yard than an orange cable line sticking out of the ground.

No - I can get this buried correctly for you without cost because its our error.

Please email me your contact info so I can get it to the Tech Ops Supervisor for Irmo.

Ok all you DVR subs - press the A button and let me know what you think.....

This is soft launch, so don't look for anything in the papers about it for a bit.

No - I can get this buried correctly for you without cost because its our error.

Please email me your contact info so I can get it to the Tech Ops Supervisor for Irmo.


Never mind I found your info and sent it to the Tech Ops Super for drive by / drop bury schedule.

Ok - I hate to soft launch and run, but I'm headed out of town very early in the morning and won't be back until very late Monday night. With catch up on Tuesday, I probably won't be back into the AVS forum loop until late Tuesday / early Wednesday.

You guys have a great weekend!

Ok all you DVR subs - press the A button and let me know what you think.....

This is soft launch, so don't look for anything in the papers about it for a bit.

Another outstanding piece of junk! I tried the A button the DVR deal comes up. Clicked on it. The NFL deal comes up about fantasy teams and my DVR box locks up and freezes! TV would turn off and on but the box would not. After about five minutes of the lock up the box rebooted. This is what start over does for me about half the time which is why I never use it. Gave it another chance when I thought maybe they had the bugs worked out -- silly me!

Just give us ESPN2HD ESPNU and NFLN and let us watch TV!

Ok all you DVR subs - press the A button and let me know what you think.....

This is soft launch, so don't look for anything in the papers about it for a bit.



I am a little miffed by adding this and not adding The NFL Network. Did TWC get permission from the NFL to add this service?

Another outstanding piece of junk! I tried the A button the DVR deal comes up. Clicked on it. The NFL deal comes up about fantasy teams and my DVR box locks up and freezes! TV would turn off and on but the box would not. After about five minutes of the lock up the box rebooted. This is what start over does for me about half the time which is why I never use it. Gave it another chance when I thought maybe they had the bugs worked out -- silly me!


works fine for me although it's not something i'm interested in...

Anybody watching ESPN HD right now - Dodgers vs. Mets?

Why is it not in HD? Yellow HD symbol is present, description indicates HD, but picture is definetly not in HD.

looks nice... too bad my fantasy team is awful.

I am a little miffed by adding this and not adding The NFL Network. Did TWC get permission from the NFL to add this service?


Passed legal measuring stick. NFL permission was not required. Interactive functionality handled by entirely different branch of TWC Corporate than the lawyers who negotiate programming deals, so its not an either / or in regards to NFL Network or any other cable channel.

Dude you are in OHIO. The land of as$ holes. Of course you aren't going to get any help. ;-)

question, do they Cox cable available there? I had Cox Cable out in Nebraska and needless to say it was light years better than TWC.


Cox Cable is not only techncally farther along, they also make carraige aggrements faster with channels so customers get the best programming and their corporate culture is people based which means they treat their employees and customers far better. Barbara and Ann Cox are the 2 sisters that own the majority of the company and Mr. Kennedy that is the CEO is one of their sons. James Cox was the founder of the company and the father of the Cox sisters that now own the company and he started out in the media industry as founder of the Dayton Ohio newspaper and ran on the presidential election ticket as vice-president candidate back in 1939 I believe. The Cox family has always treated their employees as family and believe that if you treat employees well and pay them well that they will always take care of your customers the same way. A lot of other companies seem to not learn that lesson and only seem to care about counting their proffits.

Isn't the CBS NFL Football game supposed to be in HD? NFL Today before it was...

Isn't the CBS NFL Football game supposed to be in HD? NFL Today before it was...

Nope, WLTX chose a non HD game for this week. :confused:

Nope, WLTX chose a non HD game for this week. :confused:

What's even more confusing is that there are NFL games that are not broadcast in HD...

I think the Jets game was another one not broadcast in HD...that's just crazy...

You can find what is and what isn't from this section:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=34

Yay! WOLO came through with Wheel of Fortune and (I assume) Jeopardy in HD tonight! Take a bow, Bob! :D

I had tuned in WCNC in Charlotte first, because they run Jeop before WoF, and that's the one I'm really interested in, but they didn't make it. Very good SD, but no cigar. :rolleyes:

Yep, Jeopardy was in HD on WOLO, I can confirm that. Unfortunately, my wife and I didn't get to watch the whole show because our 10mo-old son had other plans, but what we saw looked great! Thanks, Bob!

There was a strange echo-like sound to everything though. Anybody else notice that?

Yep, Jeopardy was in HD on WOLO, ! Thanks, Bob!

There was a strange echo-like sound to everything though. Anybody else notice that?


You're Welcome.

Yea, there was something strange during the first part of the show feed, it cleared up at the start of the 3rd segment. Listened to it several times here on my office surround system. It's on the disc that way.

Now checking today's show..

Thank you for looking into the Cable line burial issue Diana. You are about the only reason that I keep TWC (that and you have to have a home phone to get satellite).

I hope that you had a great weekend. I will have to go check out the new DVR function when I get home tonight. The last time I tried the access menu it made my STB freeze so hopefully that won't happen this time.

Thank you for looking into the Cable line burial issue Diana. You are about the only reason that I keep TWC (that and you have to have a home phone to get satellite).

I hope that you had a great weekend. I will have to go check out the new DVR function when I get home tonight. The last time I tried the access menu it made my STB freeze so hopefully that won't happen this time.

NuclearTiger,

I live in Charlotte, but have posted here a couple of times in regards to TWC and SDV. It actually turns out that TWC won't be implemeting SDV here for quite awhile, but I just switched to Directv anyway. I purposefully got their "old" HR10-250 TiVo based unit because the interface is multiple generations ahead of the SA 8300. It required one phone call to activate it so I went to the office at our apartment complex and used their fax line. Their new HD DVR(HR20), however, doesn't require a phone call at all so that leaves Diana as your only reason for sticking with TWC. :)

I enjoyed watching the LSU vs. Arizona game on ESPN2 HD and my Hokies are playing on ESPNU in 2 weeks. As you know, TWC doesn't carry either of those stations.

I still use TWC for Roadrunner, but I definitely don't miss their cable service. If you have any questions please send me a PM as I don't want the "this is the Columbia board!" police to get all over me again.

NuclearTiger,

I live in Charlotte, but have posted here a couple of times in regards to TWC and SDV. It actually turns out that TWC won't be implemeting SDV here for quite awhile, but I just switched to Directv anyway. I purposefully got their "old" HR10-250 TiVo based unit because the interface is multiple generations ahead of the SA 8300. It required one phone call to activate it so I went to the office at our apartment complex and used their fax line. Their new HD DVR(HR20), however, doesn't require a phone call at all so that leaves Diana as your only reason for sticking with TWC. :)

I enjoyed watching the LSU vs. Arizona game on ESPN2 HD and my Hokies are playing on ESPNU in 2 weeks. As you know, TWC doesn't carry either of those stations.

I still use TWC for Roadrunner, but I definitely don't miss their cable service. If you have any questions please send me a PM as I don't want the "this is the Columbia board!" police to get all over me again.


I Hope you enjoy your lightning fast dvr in Charlotte :rolleyes: .

D* = HDLite

No - you must subscribe to the Cable Tier (the entire Basic Cable package) to be eligible to subscribe to The HD Tier.

Diana,

Are you saying that one doesn't have to subscribe to digital cable in order to get the HD tier?

It appears to me that the bulk of the cost difference between digital cable and analog cable is the cost of the digital box. I can't find the exact price differential on the TWCSC webstie(I only see bundles of digital cable), but here in Charlotte the difference between analog and digital cable is about $15.

The reason I ask is that the TiVo series 3 was released today and I was wondering if people who use CableCards are required to subscribe to digital cable and pay for a digital box that they don't use or can they simply subscribe to analog cable(cable tier) and add the HD tier?

Thanks.

Diana,

Are you saying that one doesn't have to subscribe to digital cable in order to get the HD tier?

It appears to me that the bulk of the cost difference between digital cable and analog cable is the cost of the digital box. I can't find the exact price differential on the TWCSC webstie(I only see bundles of digital cable), but here in Charlotte the difference between analog and digital cable is about $15.

The reason I ask is that the TiVo series 3 was released today and I was wondering if people who use CableCards are required to subscribe to digital cable and pay for a digital box that they don't use or can they simply subscribe to analog cable(cable tier) and add the HD tier?

Thanks.

From what I was told...in order to get the HD Tier (ESPNHD etc..) you need to subscribe to digital cable.

But, to get NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, TNT, and Discovery in HD, all you need is the digital cable box and a subscription to their broadcast tier (channels 2-13 in the Columbia area). Of course, you ahve to pay the 'leasing' fee for the cable box as well, which is 9.95/month for the HD box and around 15/month for the HD-DVR box...

From what I was told...in order to get the HD Tier (ESPNHD etc..) you need to subscribe to digital cable.

Were you told this by a phone rep or Diana?

This is the exchange from 8/29/06 on this very board.

Diana: Depending on where you live Broadcast Tier might be a bit different, but I believe you live in Columbia proper, which is $12.24 per month + $9.95 for a converter (or $15.25 for a HD DVR) = $22.19 ($27.44) excluding taxes and fees.

Coop1979: So could you add the HD Tier to this plan for $6.95 or whatever the HD Tier price is?

Diana: No - you must subscribe to the Cable Tier (the entire Basic Cable package) to be eligible to subscribe to The HD Tier.

This leads me to believe that TWCSC will allow TiVo Series 3 owners, or anyone using a CableCard, to get analog cable(cable tier), the HD tier and a CableCard without paying for digital cable which includes a set top box. If this is true it would be a very pleasant surprise.

I figured that Time Warner would extort its customers for the full price of digital cable in order to get the HD Tier and a cable card eventhough no set top box is required by the customer.

We'll see what she says.

Just found this...maybe this will answer your question?

http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/hdtv/time-warner-cable-not-supporting-tivo-series3-units-with-cablecard-190088.php

Of course, it's not from Diana...so who knows.

That posting is out of date.
TWC-Raleigh quickly resolved the CableCARD for TIVO Series 3 issue and issued an apology:
http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/time-warner-cable-apologizes-says-they-will-support-tivo-series-3-192353.php
http://www.consumerfury.com/Resolution-twcraleigh072506.aspx
http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/28/time-warner-does-doesnt-support-cablecard-tivos/
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8087310&highlight=series#post8087310

But TWC won't install or "support" the CableCARD equipped TIVO--or something similiar that they haven't quite figured out yet....

So expect to see some "teething" problems for the first year or so....

And of course the TIVO Series 3 (at least initially) will only work with one-way CableCARDs and hence will not work with PPV, OnDemand and whatever channels end up on the new SDV (Switched Digital Broadcast) channels...

FYI to everyone: DISHNetwork is adding 15 regional Fox Sports HD channels, the INHD channels, and CinemaxHD this fall.

http://www.hometheaterblog.com/hometheater/2006/09/inhd_imminent_f.html

IF any Columbia AVS peeps get the new S3 Tivo, I'd love to hear about your experiences! How hard was the CC setup? How does it look? etc.

David

IF any Columbia AVS peeps get the new S3 Tivo, I'd love to hear about your experiences! How hard was the CC setup? How does it look? etc.

David

And if they got credit on their bill for not renting a set top box. :)

Diana,

Are you saying that one doesn't have to subscribe to digital cable in order to get the HD tier?

It appears to me that the bulk of the cost difference between digital cable and analog cable is the cost of the digital box. I can't find the exact price differential on the TWCSC webstie(I only see bundles of digital cable), but here in Charlotte the difference between analog and digital cable is about $15.

The reason I ask is that the TiVo series 3 was released today and I was wondering if people who use CableCards are required to subscribe to digital cable and pay for a digital box that they don't use or can they simply subscribe to analog cable(cable tier) and add the HD tier?

Thanks.

To get the SIX Channel HD Tier - here is the list of requirements for Time Warner Cable SOUTH Carolina :

Broadcast Service Tier
Cable Tier
Digital Converter or DVR

No other programming subscription is required - other than the HD Tier of course - but no 'Digital Cable programming tier'

In SC, the difference between Analog and Digital cost is exclusively the equipment (digital basic converter $9.95 or DVR $15.20). We do not tie programming requirements to Digital Equipment.

In SC, in order to receive the FIVE CHANNEL HD Tier via the Tivo3 customers will have to subscribe to the following:
Broadcast Service Tier
Cable Tier
TWO Cable Cards at $1.75 each
FIVE Channel HD Tier (in order to get SIX Channel HD Tier, Digital Converter or DVR required)

From what I was told...in order to get the HD Tier (ESPNHD etc..) you need to subscribe to digital cable.



No, for TWC South Carolina, there are zero Digital programming prerequisites for the HD Tier.

This leads me to believe that TWCSC will allow TiVo Series 3 owners, or anyone using a CableCard, to get analog cable(cable tier), the HD tier and a CableCard without paying for digital cable which includes a set top box. If this is true it would be a very pleasant surprise.




This is true - CableCARD Subs and Tivo 3 subs can get the FIVE channel HD Tier without also subscribing to any other digital equipment or programming.

As long as they also subscribe to The Broadcast Service Tier and The Cable Tier (which we call Basic Cable). If you only choose to subscribe to The Broadcast Service Tier then you will not be eligible for The FIVE channel HD Tier

OK - lets sum up shall we:

TWC South Carolina will fully support Tivo 3 as it does other CableCARDs

Truck Roll installation is required. Each CableCARD in the Tivo 3 is leased at a cost of $1.75 per month and the installation per card is $29.95 ($59.90 total installation cost).

It is a one way device so the limited CableCARD lineup will apply.

Programming prerequisites for HD Tier listed in previous post.

And if they got credit on their bill for not renting a set top box. :)

In the sense that you don't pay for it... but no dollar amount will be credited to the bill for the difference between the CableCARD and Converter cost.

IF any Columbia AVS peeps get the new S3 Tivo, I'd love to hear about your experiences! How hard was the CC setup? How does it look? etc.

David

Yeah, I'd be interested in that also. But because of SDV, while I was interested in the S3, now I"m not. I don't see paying the current $800 for something that won't get every HD channel, and who knows what else in the future. About the only comparsion between the S3 and a SA8300 is they both claim to record, and thats about it, far as I'm concerned.

Regarding a comment about the Directivo being slow, that will be fixed soon with a upgrade. It is true though that SC TWC currently has a better HD picture, which is one reason I was interested in the S3....

To get the SIX Channel HD Tier - here is the list of requirements for Time Warner Cable SOUTH Carolina :

Broadcast Service Tier
Cable Tier
Digital Converter or DVR

No other programming subscription is required - other than the HD Tier of course - but no 'Digital Cable programming tier'

In SC, the difference between Analog and Digital cost is exclusively the equipment (digital basic converter $9.95 or DVR $15.20). We do not tie programming requirements to Digital Equipment.

In SC, in order to receive the FIVE CHANNEL HD Tier via the Tivo3 customers will have to subscribe to the following:
Broadcast Service Tier
Cable Tier
TWO Cable Cards at $1.75 each
FIVE Channel HD Tier (in order to get SIX Channel HD Tier, Digital Converter or DVR required)

Wow, this is a pleasant surprise!

It's amazing how different the same company is only 90 miles apart.

Here analog cable is $47 and digital cable is $62 which includes the set top box rental. Do you know up the road here in Charlotte that I can talk to about this? The customer service reps don't even know what a CableCard is. I wish we had a Charlotte Diana equivalent!

Thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions about TWCSC eventhough I don't live within your territory. The people in your service area are lucky to have you.

The marketing group in Charlotte was set up with different scopes of responsibility than the marketing group down here, but I'll try to help.

if you email me, I'll see if I can't get you into contact with someone who can assist you.