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

That's not what the CSR on the phone told me...

But, she may have (or I may have) been misinterpretting digital cable for basic cable.


So, you need basic cable (whatever numbering that is) + a HD STB or HD DVR in order to get...

ESPNHD
UniversalHD
etc..?

Not for the 'Broadcast Tier HD' ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC (w/ TNT and DiscoveryHD thrown in correct)?

All that's required for that is the Broadcast Tier and a HD STB and DVR correct?

correct - easiest way to remember it is Cable Tier (Broadcast Tier + Cable Tier = Basic Cable) is required for any additional Digital Tier of service like the HD Tier.

No Cable Tier (Basic Cable) and no digital tier of any way shape or form

The Broadcast channels in HD are not defined as a 'tier'


All this wonderful and very specific terminology is brought to you by the FCC!

You don't even need a stb. if your tv has a Digital qam tuner. All HD locals , TNT-HD ,and Discovery are "clear". In other words plug the cable line directly into the set. You will not need a antenna anymore with cable.

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.


I thought you were a D* customer now? You did sign their contract ,and or lease agreement?

Found this link:http://www.nflgetreal.com/

I thought you were a D* customer now? You did sign their contract ,and or lease agreement?

They have a 30 day money back guarantee, but yes after that I have a 2 year contract. Since it was installed last week I still have 3 weeks to evaluate and decide. I am having a couple of issues with OTA because I live in an apartment building that faces the exact opposite direction of the ABC and Fox towers. I have asked for advice in the Charlotte - OTA board.

There are many things I like about D*, including the fact that as I mentioned earlier my wife is an Arizona grad and almost all of their basketball games are on FSN Arizona which isn't offered by TWCNC or TWCSC. My Hokies are also frequently on ESPNU for football and basketball which is also not offered by TWCNC or TWCSC.

In any event, the Series 3 is still an option for me and since we don't have a Diana equivalent here I wanted to ask how it would be handled by TWCSC. I think that the way I asked the questions would benefit all TWCSC subscribers reading this board so I hope that the "this is the Columbia board" police will cut me some slack.

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....

$800 + $13/month and they've reportedly dropped TiVo2Go from it--i'm a lot less interested in S3. not to mention that whenever cablecard 2 comes out you'll need a new box...i'll pass. the interface isn't that good.

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.

Thanks for the info Diana! I just ordered a S3 Tivo and was about to e-mail you to get specifics concerning the cable cards. I've read alot of horror stories from other cable company customers.
I was mainly concerned with getting the locals in HD. But the cost savings of getting rid of my 8300HD DVR, I might get one of the movie tiers again for HD.
Here I thought I might save some money, darn you TWC! :D :D

Cost savings? I came to the conclusion that it would cost me more for a tiVo setup.

$26 a month plus tax for two tiVo setup. $7.00 For 4 CC. (I have two 8300HD boxes) I also would lose 1 SHOHDW and UHD. $118.00 install cost $1600.00 equipment upfront cost.

Current cost for me using two 8300HD boxes. $15.20 for HD DVR package. $5.25 for dvr features. My other box is discounted into Digital Prefered Showtime Package.

I really like the tiVo interface and such, but it will only have a nitch of success with the overall cost involved.

Please let us all know how it works for you. I'm sure you will enjoy the ability to watch a " now recording" show without being kicked to "live" for no good reason.

[I know I'm another NC guy, but Diana is the only voice from TWC anyone can find, God bless her].

Minor correction on the TiVo costs, it would only cost you $20/month (multi discount) and no tax I believe. But that's minor.

Doesn't it seem a little egregious that TWC would charge you twice ($29.95x2) for the cable card installation? Really, it takes an extra 3 seconds to "install" the second one, right?

Anyhow, just an FYI, TWC Greensboro has told me they plan to put "all their channels" on SDV and are already rolling this out. So looks like the S3 is out in our area. It's satellite or TWC only.

Sorry for dropping in.

$800 + $13/month and they've reportedly dropped TiVo2Go from it--i'm a lot less interested in S3. not to mention that whenever cablecard 2 comes out you'll need a new box...i'll pass. the interface isn't that good.

Yeah, I'll admit its somewhat higher than I think it should be, even though I paid more for a Directivo a couple years ago. Personally I think the price will come down rather fast though. Tivo2go isn't something I care about, but if Cable labs will let them, it will be turned on.

Overall I think the interface is worth quite a bit, since its taking forever for SC TWC to update anything on the SA8300.

But, while I am interested, and because a real two way card is still being fought over by the cable companies and the consumer electronic people, along with the current SDV mess, I'm just waiting for now. But its still a fact that cable don't want third party boxes.

The problem is though, because I'd be using it in SC, even after it comes down in price, I'd have a problem since SDV is the hot thing here. Course I don't see any new HD channels being added.

Fios internet is now turned on really close to me, but when I caught the Verizon guys out the other day, they aren't sure when video will be in SC. At least with them I could get all the channels, since they don't have to use a patch like SDV, if you can drag a cable card out of them!

[
Doesn't it seem a little egregious that TWC would charge you twice ($29.95x2) for the cable card installation? Really, it takes an extra 3 seconds to "install" the second one, right?

Nope - exact same long process of activating this card in billing and DNCS as the first card.

It is true though that SC TWC currently has a better HD picture, which is one reason I was interested in the S3....

I'm currently running D* and TWC. I only have HD thru TWC, but I can say for the most part, it is spectacular. I can say that direct comparison between the SD broadcasts, TWC also wins hands down on PQ. This wasn't the case back in 2000 when I first went to satellite.

David

Diana,

I appreciate your info on supporting the Tivo S3. I won't be able to afford it.

It has many features that are superior to the SA8300, but for the most part, I could live with the differences. BUT, there is ONE THING that really needs to be addressed.

When I pull up the guide in the SA8300HD, the HD channels are near some of the PORN channels. I would prefer not to be tempted by the PORN offerings, and I'd prefer that my kids not be exposed to the guide data on these channels.

I can lock these channels, but they still appear in the guide. We really need a way to remove the channels that we don't want in the guide. I don't think this capability exists, but if I've overlooked it, I'm sure some of my forum friends will help me out. :p

David

This is a topic that has been addressed before. While I understand what you are saying, those channels and their descriptions have to appear somewhere and with the evolution of the channel lineup in South Carolina has led to the current position.

At this time we still have more customers utilizing those channels than HD, so we will not be relocating them. And, again, if we were to move them, I'm sure whoever viewed the channels in the new neighborhood might have the same comments as you do.

There is no way to hide these channels on the current guide, however TWC is working on a new navigation system that will be available in all TWC Divisions next year that will provide this capability. I'm going to have to ask you to bear with the situation until that time.

This is a topic that has been addressed before.

Thanks for taking time to address it again! :p Also, thanks for the update. Good to know you are working on it.

DianaTWCSC,

Are the digital simulcast channels of the standard basic channels available if you don't subscribe to the digital tier in your market? Do you know anything about Raleigh? None of the CSR's here seem to have an answer to that question, or at least not the same answer.

I can't speak for Raleigh, but as I detailed in a couple of emails yesterday - TWCSC has ZERO programming requirements for subscription to a Digital Converter or DVR. The equipment is what triggers the Simulcast and SDV.

Read our Phil the Cable Guy Blog!Phil retired?...

think of Phil as the Dear Abby of TWCSC. The original Phil is no longer employed with us, so responsibilities are shared by a group now.

Phil retired?...

Or did he get caught sleeping at a customers house? :D

Phil retired?...

moved, apparently. the address in Diana's sig no longer works...

http://www.twcsc.com/AllHosted/CableGuyBlog/WelcomePage.aspx

ohhhh - is that what you meant, sorry. I'll ask the web guy what gives.

NFL Network Cuts Comcast Deal
A Broadcasting & Cable EXCLUSIVE
Show didn't cause suicide, host says
By John M. Higgins and Ben Grossman Broadcasting & Cable 9/14/2006

The three-year-old NFL Network has quietly cut a deal for this season with Comcast Corp., the largest U.S. cable operator, to carry its controversial package of eight live football games on terms far weaker than the league is seeking.

Meanwhile, the NFL Network will go dark on Time Warner Cable systems recently acquired from Adelphia Communications in a bankruptcy sale.The Adelphia dispute is part of a larger duel in which the No. 2 cable operator is resisting paying the NFL network's high license fee and carriage demands. Time Warner has said the NFL is looking for a 250% increase in those fees.

When the NFL Network’s new eight-game, Thursday-Saturday package kicks off on Thanksgiving, Comcast will air the games on a digital tier available to fewer than one third of its subscribers. The league has been seeking carriage on basic cable, which would be available to nearly all of the operator's 23.3 million subscribers.

While the league is seeking fees in the 70-90 cents per subscriber per month range, according to cable executives, Comcast is paying a significantly lower rate under terms of the current arrangement.Comcast seems to hold more leverage at the moment – it has the right to put the network on a digital sports and entertainment tier that is available to a tiny fraction of its subscribers.

Comcast and NFL Network executives would not comment.

more of the article here:

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/in...cleID=CA6372251

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 hate to resurrect this issue D-Nice, but I'm determined to get back to using this expensive HDMI cable! Did you ever confirm if sure enough you could adjust the postion of HDMI inputs?

Thanks

Phil's back on duty!

I'm an ESPN Gameplan subscriber on TWC, and noticed that the USC-Wofford game is scheduled to be shown on it tomorrow evening. I'm hoping there won't be any blackouts of this game. I'm not sure what the rules of blackouts are, but I think this happened with one of the USC games last year that was on Gameplan. Does anyone know anything about this, and whether this game will actually be broadcast? Diana, any information? Thanks.

Gamecock Sports Properties has the rights to this game for the state of SC, so ESPN will have it on Gameplan outside the state. We contracted with Gamecock Sports Properties to provide it via PPV to our customers. Here is the info:

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS vs. WOFFORD TERRIERS
LIVE on Time Warner Cable Pay-Per-View

Date: Saturday, September 16, 2006
Time: Kickoff - 7:00pm
Price: $24.95
Channel: 549

A Digital converter is required to view the game.

Beginning Wednesday, September 13, Digital customers will be able to impulse purchase the event on channel 549. The buy window will remain open until 9:00 pm the night of the game.

Customers should receive an authorization screen stating, “You are authorized for USC vs. Wofford. Sept. 16, 2006 at 7pm”. This confirmation message will remain on-screen until the event begins at 7pm.

Why would the HD locals (805, 810, 815, 820) on TWC be so pixellated that it is impossible to watch? I just got the HD DVR 8000 yesterday and it worked fine last night. No deal today!! Thanks

I hate to resurrect this issue D-Nice, but I'm determined to get back to using this expensive HDMI cable! Did you ever confirm if sure enough you could adjust the postion of HDMI inputs?

Thanks

Yes you can adjust the position in the Service Menu. I think someone posted instructions somewhere on this forum.

Gamecock Sports Properties has the rights to this game for the state of SC, so ESPN will have it on Gameplan outside the state. We contracted with Gamecock Sports Properties to provide it via PPV to our customers. Here is the info:

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS vs. WOFFORD TERRIERS
LIVE on Time Warner Cable Pay-Per-View

Date: Saturday, September 16, 2006
Time: Kickoff - 7:00pm
Price: $24.95
Channel: 549

A Digital converter is required to view the game.

Beginning Wednesday, September 13, Digital customers will be able to impulse purchase the event on channel 549. The buy window will remain open until 9:00 pm the night of the game.

Customers should receive an authorization screen stating, “You are authorized for USC vs. Wofford. Sept. 16, 2006 at 7pm”. This confirmation message will remain on-screen until the event begins at 7pm.


So, I purchased Gameplan precisely for games like this, and yet I still don't get to watch the game? Oh, sorry - I can watch the game I just have to shell out another $25.... on top of the $110 I paid to subscribe to Gameplan for the season. Wow, that's a sweet deal! :rolleyes: Why does this not surprise me? I don't even know who to blame for this... it's just wrong in so many ways. Unbelievable.

It looks like Gameplan blackout information is available ahead of time. I am not sure why anyone is surprised.

Thanks Gary! I appreciate your reply! I'm assuming that you think this situation doesn't seem a little messed up, then?


FYI, Gameplan's site didn't have the blackout info available around noon today, when I first inquired about this... that's why I asked. So, yes the information was available before the game, but certainly not before I purchased Gameplan 3 weeks ago.

Again, thanks so much for the reply!

blackouts are not really a new concept...

http://static.espn.go.com/gameplan/tv.html

yes, yes... the same information I just looked at. I figured that when I purchased Gameplan I was purchasing the entire service. I guess I'm the only one who thinks there's something wrong with this.

Pardon me for a local HD post.

I noticed that WOF and Jeopardy were not in HD tonight. Is WOLO having problems?

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.

I recently called and had a cable card 'installed' in my cable card ready TV and was NEVER told about an installation cost for this. I will be disputing this if I am charged. I truly do not understand why I have to be charged to call a phone number and read some numbers off of the card and then off of the screen. There is nothing more to it than that. The whole process, minus the inept bumbling of the 'installer' should take less than 5 minutes.

Now, about the installer. He couldn't understand how a cable box and a cable card could both work on the same TV. He thought he HAD to take the cable box with him in exchange for the cable card. I finally told him I was going to move it to another TV just to shut him up. He has no clue what HDMI is. He called it 'HDI something' over the walkie-talkie. He had apparently never even seen high-def before and was marvelling at the channels on my TV in disbelief. He kept reading the wrong numbers on the screen when he was prompted for one. I had to correct him several times. He would read numeric triplets such as 503 over the phone as 'five hundred and three' instead of 'five zero three'. He also told me that you could not receive premium channels over a cable card. In essence, he was akin to the 'worst case customer' scenario that TW would face if it allowed customers to install their own cards. In addition to this, he is providing mis-information as a representative of TW. Why does this cost $30?

'Egregious' is being very polite. The word I'm thinking of may be a RICO offense although I'm sure there is enough lobby money to prevent that from happening.

I am mostly just frustrated right now. I see SDV as yet another roadblock to allowing 3rd party devices to eat away from the profits, irregardless of the FCC mandate. It's like a smug little game where the law states that you must provide something and you do, but you cripple it just enough and just shrug your shoulders and say 'we cannot do it any other way, but the next version will work just fine when it comes out in 2 or 3 years'. Do you think this game will ever end? I don't.

I just want to watch some TV on my terms, why is the world against me on this?

I noticed that WOF and Jeopardy were not in HD tonight.

The beginning of Wheel was in HD, then it switched to upconverted SD after a few minutes, and stayed that way through Jeopardy. Interestingly, all the local commercials were gone, replaced with a station ID screen that remained up throughout the commercial breaks, except during the national commercials which presumably were part of the syndication feed.

As a guess, I surmise that the staff spliced the local commercials into the HD feed, then something went wrong when they ran the assembled programs, so they had to upconvert the SD feed but didn't have time to splice the commercials into it.

I didn't think to check the digital SD version on 25.2 to see if the commercials were missing there, too.

So, I purchased Gameplan precisely for games like this, and yet I still don't get to watch the game? Oh, sorry - I can watch the game I just have to shell out another $25.... on top of the $110 I paid to subscribe to Gameplan for the season. Wow, that's a sweet deal! :rolleyes: Why does this not surprise me? I don't even know who to blame for this... it's just wrong in so many ways. Unbelievable.


Gamecock Sports Properties, they decided to buy the rights to get in on the ppv action and they set the price point.

I recently called and had a cable card 'installed' in my cable card ready TV and was NEVER told about an installation cost for this. I will be disputing this if I am charged. I truly do not understand why I have to be charged to call a phone number and read some numbers off of the card and then off of the screen. There is nothing more to it than that. The whole process, minus the inept bumbling of the 'installer' should take less than 5 minutes.

Now, about the installer. He couldn't understand how a cable box and a cable card could both work on the same TV. He thought he HAD to take the cable box with him in exchange for the cable card. I finally told him I was going to move it to another TV just to shut him up. He has no clue what HDMI is. He called it 'HDI something' over the walkie-talkie. He had apparently never even seen high-def before and was marvelling at the channels on my TV in disbelief. He kept reading the wrong numbers on the screen when he was prompted for one. I had to correct him several times. He would read numeric triplets such as 503 over the phone as 'five hundred and three' instead of 'five zero three'. He also told me that you could not receive premium channels over a cable card. In essence, he was akin to the 'worst case customer' scenario that TW would face if it allowed customers to install their own cards. In addition to this, he is providing mis-information as a representative of TW. Why does this cost $30?

'Egregious' is being very polite. The word I'm thinking of may be a RICO offense although I'm sure there is enough lobby money to prevent that from happening.

I am mostly just frustrated right now. I see SDV as yet another roadblock to allowing 3rd party devices to eat away from the profits, irregardless of the FCC mandate. It's like a smug little game where the law states that you must provide something and you do, but you cripple it just enough and just shrug your shoulders and say 'we cannot do it any other way, but the next version will work just fine when it comes out in 2 or 3 years'. Do you think this game will ever end? I don't.

I just want to watch some TV on my terms, why is the world against me on this?


I have addressed all these points previously from the TWCSC viewpoint - don't mean to be rude, but I am not going to rehash everytime someone new wants to bring it up.

The rate card installation price point for CableCARD is and has always been $29.95. I can have the recording of your installation conversation pulled if you like to review. I honestly don't know the legal ramifications if the Rep didn't tell you about an installation cost AND you also did not ask if there was any such thing, but I'll be happy to pursue that information if you would like. I will need you to email me with specifics of your account so I can get the recording pulled.

Certainly I do apologize for the ineptitude of the Installation Tech. Again, if you email me specifics of your account I can see who that was and ensure this is reported to their supervisor for education.

Pardon me for a local HD post.

I noticed that WOF and Jeopardy were not in HD tonight. Is WOLO having problems?

Now Kevin, there you go again trying to keep the Columbia SC thread on track.. :)

Computer fall down go boom, so no HD as there were other problems to deal with.
:o

I have been a Game Plan subscriber for many years. The blackout rule has always been the same. Games that are available in your area in another way are blacked out. If the SC was on regular TV it would not be on GP -- "someone" decided to make people who wanted to watch the game pay for it. So it is televise in this area , on PPV, so GP cannot show it.

It would seem to me that the real issue is who is making the money off the PPV of SC football and why is that a PPV event and not on regular TV? Those seem to be the bad guys.


I get GP mainly because I spent 40 years of my life in Big Ten country and that is the football I care about. In this part of the country GP is the only way I can see enough of it.

We are missing some of it this year since TW does not choose to carry ESPNU and GP does not put ESPNU games on the GP package any more. But that gets into another post about the whole TW corporate caring about its customers. :mad:

I have addressed all these points previously from the TWCSC viewpoint - don't mean to be rude, but I am not going to rehash everytime someone new wants to bring it up.

The rate card installation price point for CableCARD is and has always been $29.95. I can have the recording of your installation conversation pulled if you like to review. I honestly don't know the legal ramifications if the Rep didn't tell you about an installation cost AND you also did not ask if there was any such thing, but I'll be happy to pursue that information if you would like. I will need you to email me with specifics of your account so I can get the recording pulled.

Certainly I do apologize for the ineptitude of the Installation Tech. Again, if you email me specifics of your account I can see who that was and ensure this is reported to their supervisor for education.

I'm not sure what the recording will buy me. I was there. You read the number off the card, insert it and then read the two numbers off of the screen. That was quite literally all that was done. Someone on the backend entered the info and I had television within a couple of minutes of that entering. I really love the convenience of being able to go to the main cable office and pick up a box and install it myself. That is great. I think TW needs to make cable cards follow the same model. You throw out a lot of technical terms and try to make it sound difficult to do this on the backend, but it was only three numbers and nothing was done on my end above that. This is not rocket science, as they say. Why can't a typical support operator be trained to do this?

It just seems funny that an item you make a lot of money off of is easy to get and install but one you make much less from is difficult to get and has mandatory installation fees. Can't you see how that looks from the outside? Even if you believe this justified, it is a PR issue and I'm sure you can understand it from that standpoint. And, sorry to be rude and rehash previous posts that have, I'm sure solved and explained everyone's complaints and issues, but there is no justification for charging 60 bucks to install 2 cable cards at one time. None. I hate to be unreasonable on this, but nothing will change my mind. The on site installer's time and gas money should at least be deducted. But there you go.

As for going after the poor guy sent to my house for corrective action, that is so typical of a business. That would just be a bandaid and not address the real problem. I've seen this many times. He was a nice guy. His problem was that he was improperly trained and I seriously doubt (based upon my experience with multiple TW contractors sent to my house over the past 10 years) that this would not be true of a majority of the on-site folks. You cannot hire the cheapest and expect the best. So, no, I have nothing against the fellow sent to my house. I know that you know who I am and therefore who the installer was, but I urge you to truly address the problem and not just go after the easy quarry.

PS
Don't worry about being rude. This is nothing personal, and based upon our previous communications, I like you quite a bit. I'm angry with TW, not with you. I don't even need a reply to this. Sorry to be disruptive. Now, everyone can go back to discussing how wonderful the SA DVR is.

Damn weather subchannels. :mad:


Wis-DT actually looks better.

Hello to all here...I am quite the newbie here as far as posting but have read many threads from various forums on AVS for quite some time now. I have been trying to catch up on this particular thread tonight, but since there are 235 pages of it, I cannot attempt to locate an answer for my question. I have a SA3250HD, which was set up two weeks ago, to my Philips 42" Plasma HDTV. Lately, I have been getting very heavy pixelations (unwatchable) on Digital Disney channel in the mornings (better in afternoon) and I notice it on various HD channels at night. Last saw on American Chopper, DiscoverHD and ABCHD. Any ideas? And my last question is, why does the local HD channels look like SD and not be in widescreen? I have less than admirable PQ and when the TV is set to widescreen mode it stretches the pic on these HD channels. Now INHD and others on the HD Tier are simply amazing to see! But the local HD's are not great at all...Thanks so much for any help you can offer...

I'm not sure what the recording will buy me. I was there. You read the number off the card, insert it and then read the two numbers off of the screen. That was quite literally all that was done.

I believe the recorded call Diana was speaking of was your conversation with Customer Service when you set up your account.... to see if they told you about the installation fee. If they didn't tell you about it I can't imagine they would charge you (even if you didn't ask if there was a charge).

As far as identifying the installer, my guess is that she's trying to find out if the installer was a TWC employee vs. a contractor. I think they're having a lot of problem with contract installations.

Heath

I have been getting very heavy pixelations (unwatchable) on Digital Disney channel in the mornings (better in afternoon) and I notice it on various HD channels at night. Last saw on American Chopper, DiscoverHD and ABCHD.

My in-laws are experiencing the same problems, except on the HD side because they don't have a HDTV....yet...they are jealous of their daughter and I :D . I did ask the installer who came to our house yesterday (BTW, he came 20 minutes early, but was contracted out by TWC [he worked for a company called Lone Wolf]) to install the HD DVR unit, he told me that it could be a low signal from the provider or a bad feed coming into your house. Best bet...call TWC and get someone to check it.


And my last question is, why does the local HD channels look like SD and not be in widescreen? I have less than admirable PQ and when the TV is set to widescreen mode it stretches the pic on these HD channels. Now INHD and others on the HD Tier are simply amazing to see! But the local HD's are not great at all...Thanks so much for any help you can offer...

Not all programming on the HD local channels is offered in HD. Most of the primetime stuff is offered in HD, but they can't offer a HD version of something if it's not broadcast in HD. For example, all of the major shows I watch are broadcast in HD - The Office, Lost, Prison Break, Grey's Anatomy, My Name Is Earl, etc...most reality television shows (Survivor, Amazing Race, FEAR Factor, etc..) are not offered in HD.

I use this site, link (http://www.hdtvgalaxy.com/whatson.php) , to determine what will be offered in HD on each HD channel for that given day. However, be forwarned, that just because it says it's offered in HD (IE SPORTS) doesn't mean it will because of regional broadcasting. For example, some NFL games are not broadcast in HD, so if our region is designated for that paticular game, it won't be in HD...

INHD, is what I believe (someone correct me if I'm wrong since I don't get the HD Tier), a programming channel that only shows HD content, they 'essentially', can pick and choose what they want.

I think that's the answer you want...if not, well..at least I tried to help :p


A question I have...

I read in a recent posting on the HDTV Programming forum in AVSForum that the CW will begin offering HD content of their shows starting on September 18, 2006. Does TWCSC plan on adding this channel to not only the Broadcast Tier but also the 'free' (you only pay for the equipment) HD tier? Not that I paticularly watch the CW, but I want as much HD content as I can get, and I tend to pay attention to programs more if they are offered in HD. HDTV has broadened my viewing horizons, lol. Granted, I know it has to be offered here in Columbia, SC first in order to be offered through cable (at least I think), and as of this point, I do not know if the CW is offered somewhere in Columbia, but I've never seen it and it never came up in my local channel search on my television.

EDIT - Again I keep answering my own questions, lol. Looks like the CW is offered on the UPN station, which is channel 13 on TWCSC. So, my 'real' question is...does TWC plan to offer WZRB - UPN in HD anytime soon?

So, my 'real' question is...does TWC plan to offer WZRB - UPN in HD anytime soon?


Two requirements for an HD service to be added to TWCSC lineup.

1. Local broadcaster has to provide in HD - I don't know if WZRB is going to do that anytime soon since they weren't HD with the UPN affiliation I don't know that they are prepared to offer The CW in HD any time soon (i.e., don't have the equipment??)

2. There has to be a contractual agreement between TWC and affiliate to provide HD signal on channel lineup.


Again, I'm doubtful WZRB is ready for first point and I can tell you for sure second point isn't going to provide HD upon launch tomorrow.

You throw out a lot of technical terms and try to make it sound difficult to do this on the backend, but it was only three numbers and nothing was done on my end above that.

I know that you know who I am



Contact with Dispatch and Headend required to initiate CableCARD. We will not be giving out these phone numbers to customers to do on their own. In many cases, installation doesn't go smoothly and extensive troubleshooting is involved. In some cases, the CableCARD and TV actually never do work together - at which point we are required to provide detailed report on what happened to our Corporate Engineering group because we are an active participant in getting the CableCARD to work. Given all these variables, truck roll is required. Glad to hear your install went smoothly despite your lack of respect for the installers knowledge base.

I have no idea who you are... not sure why you would think I do.

I'm happy witn TWC and my HD Service, and HD-DVR. I look forward to getting more of it !!

-- Cain

ncxcstud , thanks for the info. I am still fairly new to this HDTV stuff! LOL...I am going to get TW to send out someone to check my line. I had Dish before and I know the line was "tapped" back into once TW installed my HD receiver. I am also going to get a new coax to go from my wall to my stb. I have tried both the component and HDMI/DVI cable setups and they both have advantages/disadvantages. With component, I really like the PQ but I have very subtle "squigglies" running horizontally across my set, one row near the top and three others near the bottom of the screen. They do not affect the picture but once you notice them they bug you. The HDMI cable removes them but I wasn't sure if that cable was causing my pixelation issue...Boy, CRT sets sure were easy!

Damn weather subchannels. :mad:


Wis-DT actually looks better.

The Au-LSU and FL-TN games probably had the worst pixellation of any games I have seen so far :mad:

The Au-LSU and FL-TN games probably had the worst pixellation of any games I have seen so far :mad:
Today's NFL games were as bad, or maybe even worse. :mad:

Let Dan Stalnaker know at WLTX. DSTALNAK@WLTX.GANNETT.COM

Maybe he will switch to 720p.


Wait till you see a Georgia game with red mesh jerseys.

I hate their fake 5.1. Nothing like forced Stereo that can't be converted to DD PLIIx.

Let Dan Orta know at WLTX.
Maybe he will switch to 720p.
Is that THE only viable work-around? Won't cable 'pipes' ever get fat enough? Is it the same for fiber?

Rather depressing that I might never see the kind of picture HDTV promised unless I spring for it on a disk of some sort...

Greetings,

Guys, can you help me with a question on my SA8300? I want to watch a recording in progress. The only way I've been able to find to do that successfully is to pull up the program, and rewind to the beginning. When I pull it up in my LIST, I don't see any options to start at the beginning. What am I doing wrong?

I started watching Clemson-FSU (In HD) about two hours in, and had it "spoiled" for me, because I couldn't start at the beginning.

I've scanned the 8300 tips and tricks thread, but I'm not seeing it.

Thanks!

David

There is a SA software update that fixes this bug, but TWCSC has chosen not to use it. This is the number one complaint about the TWC SA DVR. THIS ABSOLUTELY DRIVES ME NUTS.

This is not a tiVo patented item. TWC systems that run on Pioneer Passport systems do not have this problem. E* dvr systems do not have this problem. D* boxes do not have this problem.

The new SA firmware has been available for over a year.

on the SA8300...is there a way to actually remove a channel from the channel listing so the system will skip it...I thought I was doign that, but instead it just came up as a black screen with a message that essentially said "This channel has been blocked"

I want to remove a lot stations I don't watch, and haven't been able to figure it out yet.

Diana,

Is the 1.88 Sara firmware in the forseeable future for TWCSC? It would seem to me that this would had been a priorty for cable compamies.

(This is the SARA software that allows you to watch a "live" recording from the beginning while it is still recording).


I asked about this last year. We are still running the same software.

Maybe I will ask Phil. ;)

on the SA8300...is there a way to actually remove a channel from the channel listing so the system will skip it...I thought I was doign that, but instead it just came up as a black screen with a message that essentially said "This channel has been blocked"

I want to remove a lot stations I don't watch, and haven't been able to figure it out yet.


Nope, there is no way to remove any channel using any SA box. :confused:

The guide is very primitive, and takes awhile to get used to. The search feature is awlful, but the recording features and realibilty to record shows have greatly improved since these boxes were launched. Sometimes it will only record a part of program, but that is not the norm. The video output is as good as it gets. You can also add a external harddrive to increase your recording space. Look under the HD recording area of the AVS Forum.

I was just told by a co-worker that he saw flyers at Liberty in Columbia for Comcast coming to our area soon...

He doesn't know if this is just for cable, internet, telephone, etc...or as a full ompetitor for TWC...

Just wanted to know if anyone else has heard this rumor as well...?

Greetings,

Guys, can you help me with a question on my SA8300? I want to watch a recording in progress. The only way I've been able to find to do that successfully is to pull up the program, and rewind to the beginning. When I pull it up in my LIST, I don't see any options to start at the beginning. What am I doing wrong?

I started watching Clemson-FSU (In HD) about two hours in, and had it "spoiled" for me, because I couldn't start at the beginning.

I've scanned the 8300 tips and tricks thread, but I'm not seeing it.

Thanks!

David

The only way to work around this is to stop the origianal recording and save it, then select it from the guide and have it record the rest of the program. Most people wait for a commercial break to this. I know it sounds stupid ,but that what we have to work with. THEY NEED TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE.

I was just told by a co-worker that he saw flyers at Liberty in Columbia for Comcast coming to our area soon...

He doesn't know if this is just for cable, internet, telephone, etc...or as a full ompetitor for TWC...

Just wanted to know if anyone else has heard this rumor as well...?


What is Liberty? Bar ? I believe TWC has exclusive rights to the Midlands.

I believe TWC has exclusive rights to the Midlands.

No - No - No - we do not have exclusive rights. Now that there is a State Wide Franchise any company can overbuild.

I would be extremely surprised if Comcast opted to do so however - a smaller company or a telco yes, but its not typical behavior for major MSOs to overbuild each other.

Thanks Kevin. The online manual at Sci Atl shows a way to do this, but I though I was just dumb. Good to know that it's not my fault. :)

Yeah, Liberty Tap Room and Grill. It's on Gervais St. in the Vista...

That's what I thought as well (EDIT: Thanks for clarification DianaTWCSC :)), but...maybe I'll have to make a venture down there for lunch one day while I'm at work. Shoot, I only work 2 minutes away.

No - No - No - we do not have exclusive rights. Now that there is a State Wide Franchise any company can overbuild.

I would be extremely surprised if Comcast opted to do so however - a smaller company or a telco yes, but its not typical behavior for major MSOs to overbuild each other.


I wasn't 100% sure. I am curious of why Windstream and PBT have exclusive phone rights in Lexington? TWC Digital phone would be a much better deal than what I have through them. My wife has a new business in Lexington and had a choice of Windstream ,and PBT. She went with PBT because they offered static IP ,and a faster connection than Windstream or RR.(for a lot less $)

I also did a Google search and found that TWC has sued PBT several times over different areas of service.

Let Dan Orta know at WLTX. DSTALNAK@WLTX.GANNETT.COM

Maybe he will switch to 720p.


Wait till you see a Georgia game with red mesh jerseys.

I hate their fake 5.1. Nothing like forced Stereo that can't be converted to DD PLIIx.

Dan Orta has never worked at WLTX

You are right. He may work at WACH. The correct contact for WLTX is Dan Stalnaker.

Question why are FOX network commercials ear piercing loud, compared to Fox programs?

Question why are FOX network commercials ear piercing loud, compared to Fox programs?

FOX Network issue. Locals can not change the FOX network audio whatsosver. I'd give you the email but...I'll forward your comments on..I have been beating on them about this..
Best that you email your compliants to the station to pass on.

My wife keeps asking me "Why did you do that". It used to not be that bad, but it is way to loud. Heck, it's louder than the CBS feed. Funny thing is my SS receiver flashes "-2" for FOX and "+4 for CBS and HDNET. All the rest are normal.

I wasn't 100% sure. I am curious of why Windstream and PBT have exclusive phone rights in Lexington? TWC Digital phone would be a much better deal than what I have through them. My wife has a new business in Lexington and had a choice of Windstream ,and PBT. She went with PBT because they offered static IP ,and a faster connection than Windstream or RR.(for a lot less $)

I also did a Google search and found that TWC has sued PBT several times over different areas of service.


I am not the expert on this topic, but we did finally get everthing back / approved / signed off on... and we now offer residental Digital Phone in Lexington. We don't have 'permission' to launch in a business environment now anywhere. I just don't know what is involved in obtaining those rights.

But, Cable Franchise is not like local phone service - especially now that they passed the State Wide Francise for Cable.

I asked about this last year. We are still running the same software.

Maybe I will ask Phil. ;)

Good luck with that.....

The installer didn't leave a user guide for my 8300HD so I downloaded it from the SA website and lo-and-behold, features were listed in it that I don't have, like starting a live recording from the beginning and 4x FFW. Curious, I Googled and wound up here, where I also learned that the EXTREMELY irritating bug where it kicks you out to live TV while you are watching a recording in progress and the live broadcast ends, was apparently fixed in a software release months and months ago.
So I use the info here to get my box in diag mode and of course it shows 1.87. So I call TW. The lady feigns ignorance (I don't know, maybe she was not feigning), and says she will forward my query to the appropriate folks and that I should hear back within 48 hours. That was, I'm guessing about 5 days ago. So Day before yesterday I e-mailed TWC customer service and asked how I could go about getting an 8300HD that actually had the features illustrated in the user guide. No response to date.
And I'm not even going to go into the wife’s response to the difference between the DirecTivo we used before and this box. Suffice it to say, she thinks I'm an idiot. :p

Two requirements for an HD service to be added to TWCSC lineup.

1. Local broadcaster has to provide in HD - I don't know if WZRB is going to do that anytime soon since they weren't HD with the UPN affiliation I don't know that they are prepared to offer The CW in HD any time soon (i.e., don't have the equipment??)

2. There has to be a contractual agreement between TWC and affiliate to provide HD signal on channel lineup.


Again, I'm doubtful WZRB is ready for first point and I can tell you for sure second point isn't going to provide HD upon launch tomorrow.

AFAIK, when WZRB launched there were no word as to exactly when they would begin any ATSC transmission, other than they would switchover from analog to digital when the deadline hits.

Is that THE only viable work-around? Won't cable 'pipes' ever get fat enough? Is it the same for fiber?

Rather depressing that I might never see the kind of picture HDTV promised unless I spring for it on a disk of some sort...

Too bad we can't get the full bandwidth network feed... For the local HD channels, TWCSC is passing what's sent to or received by them. For me, I think broadcast engineers do a great job with what they have.

DirecTV's tivo box and even their own proprietary DVR device are light years better than the SA8300 I've come to find out very quickly.

I actually have the latter, and have immediate access to the former...

What i've determined is that DirecTV outshines TWC (or probably more accurately, the SA8300) in SD content...all the SD channels i've watched have been horrible macroblocking fests when there is fast motion, or just about to be motion on screen.... DirecTV, though soft (it is SD) has none of these issues.

But, I get HD locals + two extra HD channels with no worries about moving my pinky and losing the signal, so I'm happy :).

DirecTV's tivo box and even their own proprietary DVR device are light years better than the SA8300 I've come to find out very quickly.

I actually have the latter, and have immediate access to the former...

What i've determined is that DirecTV outshines TWC (or probably more accurately, the SA8300) in SD content...all the SD channels i've watched have been horrible macroblocking fests when there is fast motion, or just about to be motion on screen.... DirecTV, though soft (it is SD) has none of these issues.

But, I get HD locals + two extra HD channels with no worries about moving my pinky and losing the signal, so I'm happy :).

Pay $6.95 more and most likely see the best HD picture that you have ever seen on your set.

I would, but being that I have DirecTV (wedding gift) for all my other channels, and I think I need Basic Cable for the 6.95 HD Tier, I can hold off on that at the moment. We're already paying roughly 30 bucks for the broadcast tier + the HD DVR (to get the HD channels).

What is the fee for basic cable? I dont' want to pay an extra 30 bucks (difference between what I have + the HD Tier) for essentially only 5 or 6 extra channels.

Dont' think I haven't thought about it though ;)

Great info in this thread. I just moved in with my chick and we got the whole HD shebang. The PVR idiosyncracies are MADDENING, and for a bonus, my DVR started complaining that my projector isn't HDCP compliant. It was compliant two days ago... now it's not, no matter how many times I reboot. I'm sure glad I spent $30 for the HDMI->M1 cable so that I could use it for nearly 48 hours :mad:

The potential Comcast thing is heartening. My GF just told me that she spent time on hold today waiting for a CSR to answer a billing question, only to be kicked to a dial tone unexpectedly... 3 times. I guess when you have a monopoly in an area you just don't have to care, at all.

QUESTION: Does anyone else have trouble receiving the CBS and ABC hdtv channels? Fox, ETV, NBC, TNT, and DISCHD all come in just fine but CBS, ABC, and their sub-channels are black. This is going to become a major issue when Lost comes on! Has anyone else had this? I wonder if I need to replace my coax extension with RG6, but it seems like if this was a signal issue, it wouldn't be so darn selective - all the other channels come in perfectly.

Thanks in advance for any info!

Have your chick turn the projector on first.

Have your chick turn the projector on first.
;) Tried many a time, unfortunately... PJ on, power cycle 8300HD... PJ on, unplug/replug 8300HD.. vice versa... unplug/replug cable... etc. I just tried again just in case, and re-seated the M1 cable at the projector end and the HDMI cable. No dice, just a helpful picture with a big red slash though the HDMI port.

I'm not completely confident that this cable & PJ combination *is* HDCP compliant (HDMI->M1 cable into Infocus 4805, which is an HDCP compliant PJ), but it worked for 4 or 5 days, and then something changed. Could be totally unrelated to anything.

Forgive me for asking if its been covered recently but is there any update for these 2 this fall?

your chick .

I may not be able to play with you boys anymore

griswald

my first reaction to your sexist language was to simply let you be, but in hopes you were kidding -

HDMI issue - there is a test patch, email me if you want to try. I will tell you I have had a handful of customers give it a go and about half hated it enough to go back to the existing version. as soon as SA comes out with a fix that is a fix we will update software

black HD channels - you need a service call.

we are not a monopoly. yes the phones are an issue and despite appearances, we are doing everything humanly possible to alleviate. the billing system conversion has put us under and we are (I personally promise) doing everything we can to get back to phone standards of pre-conversion.

Forgive me for asking if its been covered recently but is there any update for these 2 this fall?


No - the only update i will EVER have is launch announcement

I may not be able to play with you boys anymore
You realize mine was a mocking reference.

yes, but I read your's first and so my response was out of context for the actual happenstance.

TWC San Antonio added CinemaxHD and StarzHD 3 months ago. Isn't it about time that TWCSC throws us a bone. :) http://www.timewarnercable.com/CustomerService/CLU/TWCCLUs.ashx?CLUID=388&Zip=&Image1.x=48&Image1.y=6&Image1=submit

This wouldn't be so bad either:http://www.twc-sa.com/tw_hdtv/hd_programming.php?channel=62

griswald

my first reaction to your sexist language
I reread my post and I can't see anything sexist. Was it the use of 'my chick'? ie girlfriend, partner, other? It's not diminutive or derogatory and doesn't imply any kind of superior/inferior relationship - I'm her dude/guy/partner/other, she's my chick/girl/partner/other. She's smarter & better educated than me and we're both quite well attuned to the importance of avoiding insensitive or derogatory language, and "chick" certainly isn't in this context. Edit: and now I reread the reply chain and I have no idea if we're even talking about anything!

HDMI issue - there is a test patch, email me if you want to try. I will tell you I have had a handful of customers give it a go and about half hated it enough to go back to the existing version.
Sounds like waiting for the SW fix is my best bet - the component works just fine, especially on my low-res setup. Thanks for the info.

black HD channels - you need a service call.
Will do-

we are not a monopoly. yes the phones are an issue and despite appearances, we are doing everything humanly possible to alleviate. the billing system conversion has put us under and we are (I personally promise) doing everything we can to get back to phone standards of pre-conversion.
Thanks, it's good to know that there is a specific cause - I spoke out of frustration for my girlfriend, because I know how it feels to feel like you're calling a brick wall, but it sounds like someone is on top of this.

Thank you for your attention and all the useful information!

TWC San Antonio added CinemaxHD and StarzHD 3 months ago. Isn't it about time that TWCSC throws us a bone. :) http://www.timewarnercable.com/CustomerService/CLU/TWCCLUs.ashx?CLUID=388&Zip=&Image1.x=48&Image1.y=6&Image1=submit

This wouldn't be so bad either:http://www.twc-sa.com/tw_hdtv/hd_programming.php?channel=62


Kevin, you can continue to bring this up, but this will be the last time I repeat my explanation. Next time I speak of it will be because everything is situated and the launch is announced.

There are strings attached to the launch of MAX and STARZ HD - the two channels are tied together and the strings impact all SD and HD customers with additional costs. I'm not going to share any more detail than that, but that is the hold up.



HD MOD -

we have HD PPV NVOD on 604. We can provide HD MOD once we complete the Simulcast / SDV process in its entirely. I don't know the eta on that.

I reread my post and I can't see anything sexist.


I am glad to know you didn't mean it as sexist, however you should know that's exactly how I took it and I was insulted.

I have 2 Master's degrees and work with engineers so I have a pretty tough skin on a lot of comments - your use of it without knowing anything about you, put you in a poor light.


I know - this has nothing to do with HD programming - much less HD programming in the Columbia DMa, so I'm off my soap box now.

I guess 3 months is a short peroid to some. I'll wait till May 07" to ask again. :)

I am glad to know you didn't mean it as sexist, however you should know that's exactly how I took it and I was insulted.
You were insulted by me referring to my partner as my chick? Or do we have a total misunderstanding here. If it's the former, I will pass your concern along to her, if it's the latter, I apologize.

Thanks again for the info, it's great that you're on here posting useful info and representing TWC-SC well.

The former

In this context, with this being your first post and that 'slur' being used in the first sentence it reflected quite poorly on you and initially disinclined me from offering you assistance.

Is there a program guide for the two special event stations in HD on TWC? Most of the time they are a black screen, but on during braves games... (too bad I don't like them much, but baseball in HD is incredible looking).

What sort of stuff (besides braves games) comes on these channels?

Well, I now know that the fact that my 8300HD has 1.87 on it instead of 1.88 is not an irregularity peculiar to my DVR or even this market. So I guess my phone call and e-mail to TW were really kind of pointless, and I can live with that, but it would have been nice if either or both would have at least been returned. (I'll write this off to the havoc created by the billing conversion, and move on)...

Anyway since my previous post I read about the new Navigator (Mystro) that is being rolled out to replace SARA and Passport, so my whole issue with 1.87 appears moot anyway.
Just out of curiosity, what is it about Nebraska that makes them so "bleeding-edge" in the TWC universe? ;)

Steve

On a related topic, I just read an article from Jun 16th that quotes Chief technology officer Mike LaJoie at Time Warner as saying they will "deploy Digital Navigator to set-tops from Scientific Atlanta Inc. — which are deployed in New York and on other major systems — later this year. "

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Steve

What is Digital Navigator? Is it better than the software currently on the SA8300HD?

Thanks,

David

What is Digital Navigator? Is it better than the software currently on the SA8300HD?

Thanks,

David

From what I have seen, it brings the TW boxes much closer to having a "Tivo-ish" feature set.
There is a thread here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723830) about it.

Steve

http://www.twcsc.com/AllHosted/DigitalSportsTier/SportsInHD-09-2006.aspx

HD Special Events listing. As I have previously posted to the ire of all in Forum land, there is no IPG information for the Special Events channel because little ole me would have to find time every day to send the information manually to the guide vendor and I can barely keep up with everything as it is - some would probably argue I don't keep up with everything as it is.

MDN - Mystro Digital Navigator - new Interactive Program Guide that will be available to all TWC Digital Equipment (SA & Pioneer) by the end of 2007. The reason Gastonia and Nebraska are getting this first is because they are Passport systems (Pioneer), so they can't get any of the features we have in SC (Start Over, ITV, ETC, SDV) until they upgrade to MDN. This is the one instance when SARA Divisions go last - SC should go late 1Q or early 2Q next year. Otherwise, the three test areas for advanced video services are SC, Austin and Green Bay.

MDN has lots and lots of bells and whistles.

SARA based customers will get Mystro after all Passport customers are updated. Mystro is needed to get the Passport customers ready for SDV, Start Over, etc. Don't look for Mystro on TWCSC until Q3 '07 at the earliest.

Don't look for Mystro on TWCSC until Q3 '07 at the earliest.

Arrrrrrrrggggg! :(

Ok, So I have a question about my 8300 that has been bugging the mess out of me.
Is the text and fonts on the Guide supposed to be soft and out of focus? I can't even stand to read the program guide because of this. I switch to an HD channel and all the text and graphics on those channels are sharp as a tack..

Actually, now that I think about it, it is just as bad on my non HD box in my bedroom as it is on the 8300?
Is there anything I can do to help this?

I would rather have the ole 1.88 firmware update to fix "THE KICK TO LIVE BUG" ,but thats just me.:>

Ok, So I have a question about my 8300 that has been bugging the mess out of me.
Is the text and fonts on the Guide supposed to be soft and out of focus? I can't even stand to read the program guide because of this. I switch to an HD channel and all the text and graphics on those channels are sharp as a tack..

Actually, now that I think about it, it is just as bad on my non HD box in my bedroom as it is on the 8300?
Is there anything I can do to help this?

How large are your monitors?

I have 3 HD Monitors and the guide is sharp enough on all three. One is hooked up component,DVI, and HDMI. Two are set to passthrough ,and one is set to 480p and 1080i. All three display an image that is easily read from 20 feet away on the larger monitors(50" and 53") and 12 feet on the smaller(27").

Is there a program guide for the two special event stations in HD on TWC? Most of the time they are a black screen, but on during braves games... (too bad I don't like them much, but baseball in HD is incredible looking).

What sort of stuff (besides braves games) comes on these channels?



This may help:http://www.twcsc.com/AllHosted/DigitalSportsTier/SportsInHD-09-2006.aspx

Anyone else notice the banding artifacts during CSI Miami last evening? It pretty well shows that the local CBS station has taken a little bite out of the bitrate. I was watching OTA due to multiple dvr recordings. 50" plasma was the monitor that this was observed on.

How large are your monitors?

I have 3 HD Monitors and the guide is sharp enough on all three. One is hooked up component,DVI, and HDMI. Two are set to passthrough ,and one is set to 480p and 1080i. All three display an image that is easily read from 20 feet away on the larger monitors(50" and 53") and 12 feet on the smaller(27").

One is a 37 inch LCD HDTV hooked up with Component. I have it set to 480p and 1080i.

The other is an older 25 inch CRT hooked up with just an analog RCA Video connection.

I can read em, it is just that they are a little bit blurry, soft, out of focus however you want to describe it. When you look at it, you would think that you forgot to put your glasses on.

I will check it out tonight to be sure, but I think that even the text and logos on the channels themselves are this way also. However, on the HD Channels, they are sharp as they can be.

Anyone else notice the banding artifacts during CSI Miami last evening? It pretty well shows that the local CBS station has taken a little bite out of the bitrate. I was watching OTA due to multiple dvr recordings. 50" plasma was the monitor that this was observed on.

I noticed that CSI- Miami looked like crap last night also. The banding was awful. I don't remember it being like that last season. So, is this being caused by TWC, WLTX, or CBS??

There are strings attached to the launch of MAX and STARZ HD - the two channels are tied together and the strings impact all SD and HD customers with additional costs.I guess somebody is apparently trying to suck-up extra bucks before the HD version becomes the standard in a few years and the old versions go away.

Any idea who to complain to so that maybe they'll knock it off?...

I noticed that CSI- Miami looked like crap last night also. The banding was awful. I don't remember it being like that last season. So, is this being caused by TWC, WLTX, or CBS??

It look great great overall ,but the banding artifacts were distracting. TWC has nothing to do with ,because my viewing was observed ota. The local CBS has a crisp weather radar and a weather now alongside their HD. I have seen no complaints in the HD Programming forum about artifacts(except live sports).

Any idea who to complain to so that maybe they'll knock it off?...

Contact is signed - done deal - no going back.

It look great great overall ,but the banding artifacts were distracting. TWC has nothing to do with ,because my viewing was observed ota. The local CBS has a crisp weather radar and a weather now alongside their HD. I have seen no complaints in the HD Programming forum about artifacts(except live sports).

I agree, it did look great over all. That Show has always impressed me. CSI-Miami definately has a WOW Factor. That scene in Brazil at the beginning was stunning.
But, like you, the banding problems were annoying me like crazy.

kevinivey,

What type of display is that 50". I didn't see any banding on my Pioneer 1130.

Reading the last few days of this post it seems that I am the only person in Columbia with D*. Nothing wrong with cable, just not my thing.

kevinivey,

What type of display is that 50". I didn't see any banding on my Pioneer 1130.



I have a Panasonic. I will try to take a still picture with my digital camera ,and try to post it tomorrow. I have a lot of free time because I am stuck at home with a hurt back, and heavily medicated. :eek:

Reading the last few days of this post it seems that I am the only person in Columbia with D*. Nothing wrong with cable, just not my thing.

What kind of cable is offered in Gaston? I used to be a E* customer back before I got my first HD monitor. I was shocked at how my SD Dish feed looked on my new 53"HD monitor. Most of my releatives had E* back then ,and most have D* now.

Pardon me for a local HD post.

Regarding Cinemax and Starz HD, which TWC San Antonio now has, brings the total HD channels there to twenty. Are they farther along with SDV then we are?

Pardon me for a local HD post.

Regarding Cinemax and Starz HD, which TWC San Antonio now has, brings the total HD channels there to twenty. Are they farther along with SDV then we are?

Diana, answered awhile back here locally that they had Verizon FiOS as Competition in the San Antonio market.


Now back to the beach. :cool:

Diana, answered awhile back here locally that they had Verizon FiOS in the San Antonio market.




20 HD channels on TWC



Now back to the beach. :cool:

Indeed a fine place to be. ;)

Gary, please see the edit to my post.


Now back to my fireants.

I have a Panasonic. I will try to take a still picture with my digital camera ,and try to post it tomorrow. I have a lot of free time because I am stuck at home with a hurt back, and heavily medicated. :eek:

Sorry to hear about your back. From my experience, Panasonics produce higher levels of banding compared to other plasma manufacturers. I recorded CSI on 2 SA8300s. I'll check the out the one connected to my 37" Panny. I did not see any banding on my Pioneer....most of the time I was standing 2 feet away from the screen with my jaw to the floor (the picture was that good).

Pardon me for a local HD post.

Regarding Cinemax and Starz HD, which TWC San Antonio now has, brings the total HD channels there to twenty. Are they farther along with SDV then we are?

I don't know the technology they are using to support their channels.

What kind of cable is offered in Gaston? I used to be a E* customer back before I got my first HD monitor. I was shocked at how my SD Dish feed looked on my new 53"HD monitor. Most of my releatives had E* back then ,and most have D* now.

Pine Tree Cable Vision
4934 Highway 321
PO Box 699
Gaston, SC 29053
Phone: 803-939-1184
Fax: 803-939-1185


Don't know about their offerings...

I would rather have the ole 1.88 firmware update to fix "THE KICK TO LIVE BUG" ,but thats just me.:>

Maybe I'm confused. I thought I'd posted that gripe a few weeks ago and got chewed out that "my" TW office must be WAY behind the curve because TWSC was at the latest SARA and that it had been fixed. (Then I got pounced on for daring to post in the TWSC group).

But it seems that TW Albany is not the only TW office not running the latest SARA software.

And it seems I'm not the only person annoyed by the kick to live "feature".

no, you were chewed out for not having an option to record first run episodes of programs. :p

Reading the last few days of this post it seems that I am the only person in Columbia with D*. Nothing wrong with cable, just not my thing.

What'choo talking bout? I've got DirecTV as well :), not HD, but I have DirecTV

The TWCSC buy back was $100 this May when I did it.

This is a digital camera shot of pixellation during the broadcast. The images are from a TWC 8300HD recording.. I originally watched ota, but this image is from a the dvr recording. I will work at getting a better shot.

This is a digital camera shot of pixellation during the broadcast. The images are from a TWC 8300HD recording.. I originally watched ota, but this image is from a the dvr recording. I will work at getting a better shot.

Ok, now I see what you are talking about. I didn't see this on my plasma.

BTW, what settings do you have for your Panny....your picture looks solarized.

Does anyone know if Comcast is coming to Columbia?

Ok, now I see what you are talking about. I didn't see this on my plasma.

BTW, what settings do you have for your Panny....your picture looks solarized.



Picture is terrific on my Panny ,but my capture is a digtal camera shot in the dark at lo rez. The picture is a one frame still. Watch it at full speed it would be doubtful it would be even noticed. My main point is that their bitrate has worsened for their live sports broadcast ,and it is has begun to trikle down to their passage of regular primetime programming.


EDIT: remember the source is from CSI MIAMI and the colors are over saturated .

Picture is terrific on my Panny ,but my capture is a digtal camera shot in the dark at lo rez. The picture is a one frame still. Watch it at full speed it would be doubtful it would be even noticed. My main point is that their bitrate has worsened for their live sports broadcast ,and it is has begun to trikle down to their passage of regular primetime programming.


EDIT: remember the source is from CSI MIAMI and the colors are over saturated .


You can blame the bitrate reductions on the subchannels. I wish the local channels would actually survey the public to see who actually watches those damn things. I really wish I could delete them off my channel lineup.

Picture is terrific on my Panny ,but my capture is a digtal camera shot in the dark at lo rez. The picture is a one frame still. Watch it at full speed it would be doubtful it would be even noticed. My main point is that their bitrate has worsened for their live sports broadcast ,and it is has begun to trikle down to their passage of regular primetime programming.


EDIT: remember the source is from CSI MIAMI and the colors are over saturated .

Oh, I can notice it big time at full speed. It happens mostly when there is a lot of movement on the screen.

I watch the Atlanta Braves HD games on 813 and 814 and I rarely see this at all.
I will have to say that I don't recall it happening as much last night on CBS.
I watched NCIS and The Unit and I don't remember it being as bad.
Does it have anything to do with the fact that I watched those shows last night off of my DVR and CSI-Miami live.

Of course, they could have tweaked the broadcast a bit from monday night.

For any interested..
Got my HD Tivo S3 yesterday, and got the 2 cable cards installed this morning.
The installer was here for about 50 minutes. It took him a while to get ahold of someone to authorize the cable cards. He had his phone on speaker while he was talking to the TWC rep, so I could he hear what was going on. The TWC rep on the phone said to be patient, this was their first CC Tivo install. She said they don't support Tivo, but I take it mean TWC doesn't offer "support" for a Tivo box, because they went ahead and authorized the cards. After the cable card and Host-id numbers were input at the TWC end, everything immediately worked. The installer even took the 8300HD box back with him.

So now I am a happy camper! :D
Got rid of the 8300 box, got my Tivo and still have my HD channels. Minus UniversalHD of course. I still get the music channels even though it is not listed on the sheet the installer left with me.

(I had a whole long rant here about the cost of the truck roll, but I'll save that for a different forum. :) )

How about the cost of the TIVO? How about a useless TIVO when cablecard2 comes out?

You can blame the bitrate reductions on the subchannels. I wish the local channels would actually survey the public to see who actually watches those damn things. I really wish I could delete them off my channel lineup.

I'd love to find out the statistics on that...

how many 'weather' type channels do we need? Especially WLTX, why is there a need for TWO weather channels? that just blows my mind...

If Doppler Radar is what you need, try Time Warner we have three!

How about the cost of the TIVO? How about a useless TIVO when cablecard2 comes out?

The S3 is CC2 ready ;)

My information is that CC2 will function as a CC1 in a S3. Useless for 2-way communication, SDV, etc. What is your information?

I couldn't find CC2 info. either. SDV will make this box limited for sure.

is it possible that S3 could be flashed to make it CC2 compatible?

is it possible that S3 could be flashed to make it CC2 compatible?

No, it doesn't have the necessary hardware to make it CC2. The CC2 specs aren't even finalized yet. I'm hearing middle of next year for that.

The only way the S3 Tivo would be completely useless on TWC, is if TWC made every single channel switched. That is not going to happen. Otherwise it would force every single user of cable to get one of their boxes.

As for now, I'm happy with it because I still get to keep my regular digital cable channels, and HD Tier. Like I said in the past, if TWC starts messing around with SDV more than they are, I will respond with my wallet. Before they came to install the cable cards I ran a scan of OTA channels. I was surprised how many came in crystal clear using an indoor antenna, and being 30+ miles away from broadcast towers.

I knew full well what I was getting myself into, and what problems I might have in the future. Thats the risk I accept being an HT enthusiast and an Early Adopter. (This of course doesn't exempt me from complaining about it in the future. :D )

No, its not CC2 compatible, but then again, CC2 isn't finalized so they couldn't have if they wanted too. They waited forever like it is. Who knows, there might be an agreement one of these years. It would have probably helped quite a bit if the FCC hadn't kept giving cable Co. extensions for the past six years, having their own box using CC.

Cable is Whining big time again now, about the July 07 date. Most don't think the S3 can be made to handle CC2 with software upgrades, there is hardware involved.

So, Gene S, what else is it you cannot get? West coast feeds of HBO or SHO? Do you get any of the simulcast digital channels, (if there are any, thats kind of a secret ya know). But I've heard some say on certain cable companies they can and other's cannot. Seems like some people said they showed up on odd channels also.

My information is that CC2 will function as a CC1 in a S3. Useless for 2-way communication, SDV, etc. What is your information?

I read somewhere that once CC2 is out, you will be able to use it (including 2-way communication). I'll have to look for that article.

Yes, have a look. And then tell us how the S3 is CC2 ready.

Anyone watch Jericho tonight?


It looked like the macroblocking that you guys saw the past few nights (On CSI and such) struck again...during fast motion and areas where there was mostly the same color there were quite a few, 'blockness' to the picture...

Still a good show though...it definitely has potential...kind of like a mix between Lost and Invasion....and freaky too since it's 'supposedly' about a nuclear attack on the USA....though, it's not for certain yet...

The S3 will support the multistream CC when they come out, but it not CC2 ready. A multistream CC allows you to record 2 streams with only one CC, but the commo is still one way -- no SDV.

Do a search at the AVS sister forum, www.tivocommunity.com -- you'll find plenty of info on the tech.

David

Is there any information in this thread somewhere in the past or elsewhere with information about TWCSC SDV?
Like a good explination of what it is and what it does. Also, what areas are using it? what channels is it used on?

Yes there is. Use the search function.

The channels that are SDV have never been listed in this forum. Cable card customers get a printed list when cable cards are installed. I believe the two HD channels that are completely missing are SHOHD West ,and UHD. So, currently CC customers are not missing much HD.


I would love to have the HD tiVo,but the cost of the box ,and the increased monthly cost make it unaffordable for my home at this time. I had tiVo before I had HD and loved it.

Didn't watch Jericho but my DVRed copy of "Dancing with the Stars" had some pixelization in some scenes. Strange times too, for example, during the "fast" dancing, all was fine, but then it would pixelize ("macroblock?") on closeups when someone would blink their eyes.

Didn't watch Jericho but my DVRed copy of "Dancing with the Stars" had some pixelization in some scenes. Strange times too, for example, during the "fast" dancing, all was fine, but then it would pixelize ("macroblock?") on closeups when someone would blink their eyes.

I saw the macroblocking too. For those that don't know Wolo-DT broadcast a digital SD duplicate alongside their weather radar and HD channel. The SD duplicate is not pssed by TWC.

Anyone else noticed that Wltx is now broadcasting audio on the their radar channel? Seems to be a 2.0 track of their channel 19 feed. They have also gone to a fulltime 5.1 feed for network programs, including commercials and non 5.1 programs. I suppose that is suppose to help when their network feed switches in and out of real 5.1. Their local spots are still 2.0.

[url]
MDN - Mystro Digital Navigator - new Interactive Program Guide that will be available to all TWC Digital Equipment (SA & Pioneer) by the end of 2007. MDN has lots and lots of bells and whistles.


Diana, I hear this software has a "keyword" search feature. Is it true that if one searches for "NFL Network" the box will crash? :)

No, it displays this (http://nflgetreal.com/).

Does anyone know if Comcast is coming to Columbia?

God I wish they would. Maybe if TWC had some competition here we could get a decent level of customer service and finally get some new channels. The situation in San Antonio just goes to show that where TWC has competition they are willing to step up and offer a decent selection of channels, but anywhere else, such as columbia, where they have no competition (monopoly) they dont care about the end user.

they dont care about the end user.



I can relate to some of what you said, but do you think they do not care about the end user? What benefit would they have for not caring?

Diana, I hear this software has a "keyword" search feature. Is it true that if one searches for "NFL Network" the box will crash? :)

Maybe "Please Insert Valid Credit Card" will pop up on the screen. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I can relate to some of what you said, but do you think they do not care about the end user? What benefit would they have for not caring?Most businesses strive to provide what the end-user wants. What we have here is providing what MOST of the end-users either want or wouldn't scream too loud about if it was forced upon them.

Any programming that requires a fee from all users but is only wanted by some users is in trouble here. Max-HD and NFL Network are just a couple of examples.

So even blood-curdling screams from a few people here and there can be 'ignored'. Heard, even acknowledged, but not acted upon when the rest of the customer base isn't going to revolt alongside them. Competition from Comcast that might help the revolt succeed? Well, that's a horse of a different color...

I am telling WIS right now if they don't flip the HD switch on Ryder Cup golf tomorrow I am coming over to make one room out of the whole place.

on Ryder Cup golf tomorrow .

I used to love switching golf back in my master control days.. I was the guy who always put the super ID up over the hole when they made the putt... :D

I'll let our guys know they'd better pay attention to WOLO then, don't want any visits from you! :eek:

Maybe "Please Insert Valid Credit Card" will pop up on the screen. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Or, "please insert a miniscule portion of your record corporate profits".

I am telling WIS right now if they don't flip the HD switch on Ryder Cup golf tomorrow I am coming over to make one room out of the whole place.

Don't get real excited WIS is showing football after 12:00 tomorrow.

Or, "please insert a miniscule portion of your record corporate profits".

The NFL isn't interested in maximizing their profits ???

http://www.twcsc.com/AllHosted/ProgrammingInfo/ChannelLineups/HiltonHead.pdf

Check out page 2.

http://www.twcsc.com/AllHosted/ProgrammingInfo/ChannelLineups/HiltonHead.pdf

Check out page 2.

WTF????? Unacceptable.

WTF????? Unacceptable.

yeah, they don't get ABC-HD, NBC-HD, ETV-HD, FOX-HD, UNI-HD, TNT-HD, DISCOVERY-HD...unacceptable. ;)

The card is incorrect.

The card is incorrect.


What is correct?

I'll take a crack at it but I'm sure Diana can correct me if needed. I am officially in the Charleston DMA but in a special little area that is a little bit Charleston, a little bit Myrtle Beach and a little bit Columbia. The locals, of course, are different stations but I and Myrtle Beach get all the HD Columbia gets. Charleston is missing only Fox HD. In other words they also get UHD, DISC-HD, etc.

When did Charelston become a DMA? Wouldn't you be part of the Summerville DMA?

BTW, Hilton Head is not part of the Summerville DMA. Are they not their own entitly that was previously Comcast?

When did Charelston become a DMA?
I do not know when but they are number 100 according to this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_television_stations_in_North_America_by_media_market ) list.

TWC SC DMAs
Columbia - including systems in Columbia, Orangeburg, Sumter, Bishopville and Manning
Florence-Myrtle Beach DMA - including systems in Florence, Lake City, Johnsonville, NMB, Conway, Myrtle Beach, Hartsville, Dillon, Mullins, Laurinburg NC, Rowland NC
Charleston DMA - including Surfside Beach, Georgetown, Kingstree, Andrews, Hemingway, Summerville
Savannah DMA - Hilton Head
Charlotte DMA - Cheraw


As evidence that we are really and truly negotiating with ABC Disney for carriage of certain of their channels on all our line ups, we received permission to maintain ESPN2HD on the Hilton Head lineup (which I think you were getting at Kevin), but we were not allowed to maintain ESPNU.

TWC SC DMAs
Columbia - including systems in Columbia, Orangeburg, Sumter, Bishopville and Manning
Florence-Myrtle Beach DMA - including systems in Florence, Lake City, Johnsonville, NMB, Conway, Myrtle Beach, Hartsville, Dillon, Mullins, Laurinburg NC, Rowland NC
Charleston DMA - including Surfside Beach, Georgetown, Kingstree, Andrews, Hemingway, Summerville
Savannah DMA - Hilton Head
Charlotte DMA - Cheraw


As evidence that we are really and truly negotiating with ABC Disney for carriage of certain of their channels on all our line ups, we received permission to maintain ESPN2HD on the Hilton Head lineup (which I think you were getting at Kevin), but we were not allowed to maintain ESPNU.

So Hilton Head gets ESPN2HD?....................

So Hilton Head gets ESPN2HD?....................

A side deal was cut that allowed acquired Adelphia properties to keep ESPN2HD - rather than losing it like they did NFL Network and ESPNU. It did not allow for the roll out of the product to any additional TWC properties.

Let us not forget that Starz HD is also listed. StarzHD would be a nice addition.


From reports else where it seems a CinemaxHD deal has been done for other TWC areas. CinemaxHD would be very welcomed choice for my home.

Today, (Noon) FSN HD is broadcasting a game. It is supposed to be on channel 813, but it is not on. The game is Louisville@ Kansas State. http://www.twcsc.com/AllHosted/DigitalSportsTier/SportsInHD-09-2006.aspx

I forgot about it being on ,and went over to borrow something from my neighbor and he had it on via D*. The game is on TWC(31) FSN station in fuzzy SD ,and mono sound. :confused:

A side deal was cut that allowed acquired Adelphia properties to keep ESPN2HD - rather than losing it like they did NFL Network and ESPNU. It did not allow for the roll out of the product to any additional TWC properties.

Ugh......... for Pete's sake. Please figure out a way here.

Diana, as you can tell, I'm back up and running thank you. I haven't checked the signal level, but things look OK - its hard to tell with a RAYCOM broadcast. Quick question, is the USC game actually going to be on ch 814 as the PG says, or is that just an error?

Actually providing The Ryder Cup on their HD channel, and running the Georgia game on their Analog station. :)

9/23/2006 Louisville @ Kansas State Noon FSN
9/30/2006 TBA-College Football @TBA 12:30 FSN
10/7/2006 TBA - College Football @TBA TBA FSN
10/14/2006 TBA - College Football @TBA TBA FSN
10/21/2006 TBA - College Football @TBA TBA FSN
10/28/2006 TBA - College Football @TBA TBA FSN
11/4/2006 TBA - College Football @TBA TBA FSN
11/11/2006 Oregon-College Football @USC 10:00 FSN
11/11/2006 TBA - College Football @TBA TBA FSN
11/18/2006 UCLA - College Football @Arizona 10:00 FSN
11/25/2006 Oklahoma - College Football @Oklahoma St. 2:30 FSN
12/2/2006 Stanford - College Football @CAL 3:00 FSN

This may well be a dumb question - as I realize who owns the channel, but is there anyway TWC could ever add CSS to their lineup? They had CSET or whatever which tried to be like it, but failed miserably apparently. Sure would go a long ways to making USC fans happy.

my girlfriend's 8000SD now has 4x FFwd capabilities...don't know if the kick to live bug is gone on it yet.

maybe an upgrade is on the way for the 8300HD too? hope springs eternal...

my girlfriend's 8000SD now has 4x FFwd capabilities...don't know if the kick to live bug is gone on it yet.

maybe an upgrade is on the way for the 8300HD too? hope springs eternal...



SARA 1.87.27.1 was installed 06/22/05 on the 8300HD boxes.

Actually providing The Ryder Cup on their HD channel, and running the Georgia game on their Analog station. :)
After the HD channel went dark for about an hour when the football show started. Makes you wonder why it went dark at all. After switching back the HD from Ireland looks spectacular by comparison.

SEC game looks like crap. Lots of artifacts, and forced stereo in their fake 5.1 broadcast. :mad:

it looks good as long as no one is moving...

being that WLTX is connected to TWC via fiber is it not possible for them to send a higher bandwidth signal that way, or is it just that once you've decided to carve out the subchannels it has to go by fiber the same way it goes OTA...

I wonder if anyone from WLTX actually monitors this on a large monitor.

SARA 1.87.27.1 was installed 06/22/05 on the 8300HD boxes.


My box don't have the 4x ff..........................or is this just a cola area thing...........I'm in florence....................

Diana,

I was hoping I could get some help from you regarding my cable card install. After I ordered my Tivo on 9/12, I called TWC on 9/13 and was told the first appt available was for today 9/23 in the 11am-2pm window. The tech arrived today about 1:45pm and had no cable cards. I had requested two cards for the Tivo. He said we'd have to reschedule, but I pushed him to call a supervisor. They found two cards and he went and got them and came back in about an hour. After 1.5 hours of working with it, we got the cards working (sort of). It will tune channels 2-101, but nothing above that. No digitals, no HD, etc. The tech had to leave for other calls. He stated that he would have to send out a higher-level tech. We discussed the possibility that it might take a few minutes for all of the channels to come in.

After an hour they didn't tune in, so I called into the support number and after trying the usual "unplug the box for 30 seconds", the CSR put me on hold to talk to her supervisor. The supervisor told her that the cards weren't configured correctly to communicate with the Head Unit and that I needed two new cards. She scheduled a new appt for Friday 9/29. I called my tech back and he was going to try and make some calls, but he wasn't hopeful.

I guess the bottom line is that I need your help in finding the correct person to do the install. I've seen a forum post either here or on tivocommunity-dot-com where a Tivo Cable Card setup was done correctly for someone in the Cola TWC market. I don't want to waste another week when the next person shows up and isn't able to make it work. I have a feeling the cards I have may be ok- so I might even just need to talk to someone in the office who can set my account up properly to make the cards work.

Thanks in advance for any help Diana. I'm a long-time lurker on this message board. I know this member of the geek/early adopter crowd appreciates your contribution to the board.

Has anyone paid any attention to the guide for this channel at 7pm. It shows the game listed. Any reason why?

I have tried to order the USC PPV but the guide is confusing the hell out of me. It says that the game is on 814 it says the game is on gameplan 583, it says the game is on spt3 553 and it says seppv 549. I ordered this on channel 553 but I have nothing but a black screen. I am about to try and order it on 549 if I get billed twice I hope they fix it.

Diana,

I was hoping I could get some help from you regarding my cable card install. After I ordered my Tivo on 9/12, I called TWC on 9/13 and was told the first appt available was for today 9/23 in the 11am-2pm window. The tech arrived today about 1:45pm and had no cable cards. I had requested two cards for the Tivo. He said we'd have to reschedule, but I pushed him to call a supervisor. They found two cards and he went and got them and came back in about an hour. After 1.5 hours of working with it, we got the cards working (sort of). It will tune channels 2-101, but nothing above that. No digitals, no HD, etc. The tech had to leave for other calls. He stated that he would have to send out a higher-level tech. We discussed the possibility that it might take a few minutes for all of the channels to come in.

After an hour they didn't tune in, so I called into the support number and after trying the usual "unplug the box for 30 seconds", the CSR put me on hold to talk to her supervisor. The supervisor told her that the cards weren't configured correctly to communicate with the Head Unit and that I needed two new cards. She scheduled a new appt for Friday 9/29. I called my tech back and he was going to try and make some calls, but he wasn't hopeful.

I guess the bottom line is that I need your help in finding the correct person to do the install. I've seen a forum post either here or on tivocommunity-dot-com where a Tivo Cable Card setup was done correctly for someone in the Cola TWC market. I don't want to waste another week when the next person shows up and isn't able to make it work. I have a feeling the cards I have may be ok- so I might even just need to talk to someone in the office who can set my account up properly to make the cards work.

Thanks in advance for any help Diana. I'm a long-time lurker on this message board. I know this member of the geek/early adopter crowd appreciates your contribution to the board.


I can't do anything unless you email me your home telephone number so I can access the account and talk to supervisor in your area to get most qualified installer there.

Successfull Tivo3 was done in Sumter

Not possible for you to speak to someone about set up.

My box don't have the 4x ff..........................or is this just a cola area thing...........I'm in florence....................


no one has new software. look at the date. TWC has not updated the dvr software.


Both Fox games and the CBS games are supposed to be in HD today.

Supposed to be on next week according to TWCSC website.

9/30/2006 TBA-College Football @TBA 12:30 FSN

Has anyone paid any attention to the guide for this channel at 7pm. It shows the game listed. Any reason why?

It was listed that way since Monday.

I have the SA 8100 HD box here in Columbia and we did get new features this last week - the four times forward and reverse, a different sleep mode (goes to a screen saver with sound on versus prior box going into snooze), also have the ability to go to the start of a show that is recording rather than have to reverse wind to the start.

However, there is one big negative - the sound. Before the sound was somewhat at the same level between channels - now you have big variation in sound levels between channels - go from one to another and you either get big booming sound and have to reduce it quickly before you go deaf, or have to bring the volume up so you can hear at all.

Anyway, this new software download was sometime this last week. Maybe the sound issue is new software at the Head End.

I assume you have a 8000HD? Do you know how to check your firmware in the SA diagnostic mode?

My 8000HD has 1.88.22.1 loaded on Thursday morning. It does have the 4x FF/RR, and the different sleep mode. It however did not fix the kick to live problem.

The tech arrived today about 1:45pm and had no cable cards. I had requested two cards for the Tivo. He said we'd have to reschedule....

Boy I'm sure that was extremely frustrating. :( Please report back when the install is complete -- I'd love to know how it went.

I don't know if I have 4xFF or not (didn't think to check until I saw this thread) but my program guide is a little different now. I've noticed a small "HD" on the info for each show, keeping you from having to press "info" twice in order to find out if a show is in HD or not. Maybe that was part of a software update?

I would love to have the HD tiVo,but the cost of the box ,and the increased monthly cost make it unaffordable for my home at this time. I had tiVo before I had HD and loved it.

Kevin,

I thought the HD DVR was $15.95 per month in Columbia? TiVo + 2 cablecards is about the same cost.

The upfront cost of the hardware is more expensive, but that should come down in the next few months.

Kevin,

I thought the HD DVR was $15.95 per month in Columbia? TiVo + 2 cablecards is about the same cost.

The upfront cost of the hardware is more expensive, but that should come down in the next few months.


Nope, go back and look and can see what I pay.

Big 12 Football: Colorado at Missouri 9/30/06 FSN hd(This should be the game that 'son) Hopefully,TWC will flip the switch this weekend.

SEC game looks like crap. Lots of artifacts, and forced stereo in their fake 5.1 broadcast. :mad:

Have to agree. Their HD football games do not look as good this year as they did last year, both the SEC and the NFL games have a lot more macroblocking now than before.

And WIS-DT is just ridiculous, something must be done, its almost impossible to watch their HD broadcast of the Sunday night NFL game on a large TV with all their macroblocking. HD needs close to the full alotment of 19 mb/s and these local affiliates are just multicasting it to death.

How does everyone like Wltx-DT new audio or should I say barely audible?

i've noticed for a while that the levels have been quite low (via optical out on 8300HD to my receiver).

Have to agree. Their HD football games do not look as good this year as they did last year, both the SEC and the NFL games have a lot more macroblocking now than before.

And WIS-DT is just ridiculous, something must be done, its almost impossible to watch their HD broadcast of the Sunday night NFL game on a large TV with all their macroblocking. HD needs close to the full alotment of 19 mb/s and these local affiliates are just multicasting it to death.

I thought this past Sunday's game looked pretty good in the Dome. The audio was way crazy. The commercials were almost inaudible,but maybe that was a good thing. I'll quote something Bob used to say what CBS stood for is.

C ant
B roadcast :p
S ound


I had hoped that TWCSC would had passed the FSNHD game last Saturday, because ESPN quite frankly does not have the pop that it once had, and it would nice to have a to have another 720p game to compare it. Maybe they were all out doing cable card installs. :D

Update - I do have 4xFF on my DVR, but haven't been able to test the "kick to live" attribute yet.

Update - I do have 4xFF on my DVR, but haven't been able to test the "kick to live" attribute yet.

which DVR?

Good point, I should've been more clear.

This was on my 8000HD. I have an 8300HD as well, but haven't checked that one yet.

How does everyone like Wltx-DT new audio or should I say barely audible?

I finally had enough of all the audio problems, like some channels blowing the speakers while the others you cant even hear. I finally just unhooked the digital audio out from the cable box to the receiver and just hooked up the red & white analog audio out directly to the tv. Everything is all the right volume now but its a freaking joke that between the tv affiliates and TWC they cant even pass a level sound signal via digital audio.

Background - while there are DVRs with the model number 8000 and 8300 on the front of all DVRs, some of the 8000's are actually 8010's. You can't tell by looking at them if you have an 8010 - only by looking them up in the DNCS.

Last week we added a software patch to the 8010s to alleviate a black screen SDV bug. We were not told by SA the features of version 1.4.3 were in this patch (1.88) - so when some of you started talking about upgraded features, I started asking questions and found this out. Tonight this upgrade will be applied to all remaining DVRs.

Here is the full extent of the features involved:
1. Firewire Port (IEEE 1394) is active on all model 8300 HD units. Previously only 8300 HD Units manufactured after July 18, 2005 had this port active.

2. Between 1:00 am and 6:00am, the DVR hard drive will power down if no remote control activity is conducted for 2 hours. Previously the entire DVR unit would power-down.

3. Customers who wish to view a program currently being recorded will have the option to “Play from beginning”. Previously they had to rewind back to the start of the show if they wanted to perform this function.

4. A fourth, Fast-Forward and Rewind speed has been added.

5. The “Live” button is now active to take a viewer from a recording playback directly into Live TV. Previously customers had to channel off to quickly achieve this result.

6. Auxiliary inputs are now active for camcorder, VCR or gaming systems.


No mention in the documentation about the kick to live feed at the end of a 'recording show' so I don't think you got that one. Hope you enjoy what is included. Your equipment will receive a forced reboot during the maintenance window to achieve the download.

Great news! Diana, thanks for the update.

Outstanding! Thanks for the news!

Looking good here so far. Also the box has yet to reboot I've I've loaded up any of the BIAP apps. The toggle for the front panel AUX input is active, but on mine it appears to only pass sound. Switching from HDMI to S-Video, I rechecked and had the same result on my display.

One small benefit from the upgrade is that if you've disabled a resolution, it is now removed from Quick Settings.

Overall, I think the 8300HD may be a bit more responsive with the new firmware.

Thanks for the update, Diana!

Fantastic News! Now I can start my football games late, and catch up to the live game right after halftime, like I used to do with Tivo! Woo Hoo!

David

Gang,

What is the firewire port for? I already have an esata drive connected to my DVR-- does firewire offer me anything I don't already have?

David

Gang,

What is the firewire port for? I already have an esata drive connected to my DVR-- does firewire offer me anything I don't already have?

David

Output to a DVHS deck for one.

AND Kevin tested the Kick to live and it seems to be solved.

I'm headed to a conference and will be out of the loop until Friday am. You know the drill if you have an issue.

I'll quote something Bob used to say what CBS stood for is.

C ant
B roadcast :p
S ound

:D

Actually, there are many variations of that, and they exist for each and every network, and even for local stations like "WOLO" and "WIS" ;) ..
Of course, some of them I can't print here.. :D

Gang,

What is the firewire port for? I already have an esata drive connected to my DVR-- does firewire offer me anything I don't already have?

David


Some older Mitsubishi Sets had this as a video input.

I've always wondered if older Mitubishi sets had that.

Some older Mitsubishi Sets had this as a video input.

My 2004 Mits has one..works well with my JVC HM-DT100 D-VHS.

Not to worry, it seems that their audio is back to loud as hell. :rolleyes:

As with all upgrades sometimes they break stuff while trying to improve stuff. That is the case with the SA 1.88 update. There is a HDMI bug that was also loaded along with all the good stuff. If you are like me and have set your dvr to come on tuned to a HD channel. This most likely will give you a white static screen with normal audio if your video in is set for HDMI. The temporary solution is to change your dvr to come on tuned to a SD 480i or 480p channel. Another way is to just tune to a SD channel briefly ,and then tune to a HD channel. There is a lot of discussion about this in the 8300HD thread in the AVS HD Recording Area. I hope this helps.

Switched to an HD channel as my startup, downed the STB and TV. Turned on STB and TV and all's working fine. HDMI->DVI, 720p fixed. Had same result with 480p also. Doesn't seem to occur in my setup.

It only happened once to me and I could not duplicate it again. There has been many posting about HDMI errors with 1.88, hopefully they will be few and far between.

Just switched from DirectTV to TWC due to the fact that I couldn't get a good OTA signal for my locals. Cable was installed last week. I was a little annoyed with the DVR at first, as watching a recording that was in process was not slick at all.

Lo and behold, the wife sits down tonight to watch Dancing with the stars and I see the software upgrade. I immediately get online to see that it has been fixed!

As of right now, I'm super happy with my switch. You guys were a wealth of information prior to the switch, and its certainly nice having Diana around, although I hope that I never need her assistance!

As with all upgrades sometimes they break stuff while trying to improve stuff. That is the case with the SA 1.88 update. There is a HDMI bug that was also loaded along with all the good stuff. If you are like me and have set your dvr to come on tuned to a HD channel. This most likely will give you a white static screen with normal audio if your video in is set for HDMI. The temporary solution is to change your dvr to come on tuned to a SD 480i or 480p channel. Another way is to just tune to a SD channel briefly ,and then tune to a HD channel. There is a lot of discussion about this in the 8300HD thread in the AVS HD Recording Area. I hope this helps.

Same here....got a snow screen earlier tonight. Another thing that I noticed is that you still get kicked out of a recorded program into "live" mode if you are watching while recording.

So far the upgrade is working great for my box thank TWC and Diana

Same here....got a snow screen earlier tonight. Another thing that I noticed is that you still get kicked out of a recorded program into "live" mode if you are watching while recording.

Nope, kick to live has not occurred for me after testing it 3 different times.

Did you select from list and chose watch a program from the beginning option?

Nope, kick to live has not occurred for me after testing it 3 different times.

Did you select from list and chose watch a program from the beginning option?

Watch from beginning.

I haven't had the white screen effect or the kick to live bug...

My box works pretty well...

I haven't tried it yet, but can you actually remove channels from the channel listing now instead of just blocking them?

I'd try it out now...but I'm at work, and haven't had really too much time to mess with it..was at a conference all week when they decided to update the boxes :)

There are some serious HDMI issues with 1.88.17.100. The previous firmware did not require the receiving end to be "live" when you turn on the cable box. However, this new firmware does. If the receiving end is not "live", you will get a snow screen and the only way to relieve it is if you switch picture formats. It has rendered my setup useless as I do not use component cables.

Diana (when you get back), can you please check on this issue? Is there a way to rollback my firmware?

Is your setup useless if the receiving end is live first?

There are some serious HDMI issues with 1.88.17.100. The previous firmware did not require the receiving end to be "live" when you turn on the cable box. However, this new firmware does. If the receiving end is not "live", you will get a snow screen and the only way to relieve it is if you switch picture formats. It has rendered my setup useless as I do not use component cables.

Diana (when you get back), can you please check on this issue? Is there a way to rollback my firmware?

If the box tunes a 480i or p first there is no white screen. At least it is that way on my setup. It is easy to change in the setup ,and does not bother me in the least. I rather have it all of the load to be right, but having the update brings this stb box up to at least 21st century dvr software.

no HDMI issues here yet, i guess it must be dependent on the display.

kick to live is gone gone gone, praise <insert deity of your choice here>. interesting, though, that a couple of people here still report having it.

ncxcstud: editing the channel listing will not be possible until the new guide is introduced sometime next year.

I'm curious what channel you have set to display when stb is first turned on.

I haven't tried it yet, but can you actually remove channels from the channel listing now instead of just blocking them?





Nope

I'm curious what channel you have set to display when stb is first turned on.

Last Channel, which in my case is usually 498 because i rarely watch anything live. but i tried it with 901, and with one of the 720p channels and no problem with either of them, whether the DVR came on 1st or not.

Gang,

What is the firewire port for? I already have an esata drive connected to my DVR-- does firewire offer me anything I don't already have?


i've been able to stream programs thru firewire to my computer for editing/archiving.

There are some serious HDMI issues with 1.88.17.100. The previous firmware did not require the receiving end to be "live" when you turn on the cable box. However, this new firmware does. If the receiving end is not "live", you will get a snow screen and the only way to relieve it is if you switch picture formats. It has rendered my setup useless as I do not use component cables.

Diana (when you get back), can you please check on this issue? Is there a way to rollback my firmware?
I came in within the last hour and turned on my 8300HD DVR and then my TV and did not have the problem I think you are talking about. I'm using HDMI. Mine is set to come on to 805.

Just curious as to what is going on/what to expect.

After making the last post, I went in and went through the inputs to my TV and, yep, I ended up with the snow screen when I got back around to the HDMI input. Hmmm....not good. How do I fix it now?

Edit: Nevermind....changed the channel to 03, then back to 805 and it is OK now. Not very convenient but its a work-around. Overall, I like the update.

Is your setup useless if the receiving end is live first?

For me no. For the wife and kids....absolutely. Now they have to do specific steps to watch the damn TV.

If the box tunes a 480i or p first there is no white screen. At least it is that way on my setup. It is easy to change in the setup ,and does not bother me in the least. I rather have it all of the load to be right, but having the update brings this stb box up to at least 21st century dvr software.

I spent 3 hours last night troubleshooting the HDMI issue. The snow appears regardless of input (480i, 720p, 1080i). I'm going to do more "tinkering" tonight.

scruffy7,

What PC program are you using to capture the video.

I'm curious what channel you have set to display when stb is first turned on.


For me, 805.

If the box tunes a 480i or p first there is no white screen. At least it is that way on my setup. It is easy to change in the setup ,and does not bother me in the least. I rather have it all of the load to be right, but having the update brings this stb box up to at least 21st century dvr software.


Does not seem to work, and hdmi dropouts have also increased. Makes you wonder if this stuff is tested before it is released. Apparently not very well.
:confused:

Makes you wonder if this stuff is tested before it is released.
:confused:

That's what you guys are doing... :D

Happens to us in the broadcast industry all the time. Why should companies spend their time & money for testing when the customers will do it for free?? :mad:

I honestly think the guys that write software never get out of their cubicles and
certainly never use the product their developing. If they did some of these "undocumented features" would never make it out.. :rolleyes: