Originally posted by kevinivey
This why they didn't want to launch these channels at an additional charge. Thanks to TWC for adding these at no extra charge, at least for the time being;)

My thanks to TWC as well. Their CSR got the channels on with a single phone call. I am sure all the HD-channels are competing for limited HD-programming and as programmig becomes more widely available, the programming will be enhanced. Any idea which HD-channels are producing their own original content?

I just got hooked up with the Tier by a CSR. Things are looking better.

2004 NCAA College Football in HDTV
All Times Are ET

- ESPN HD
Peach Bowl
Atlanta, GA
January 2nd, 4:30pm
Clemson (8-4) vs. Tennessee (10-2)


Come on TWC , I need to see em' killed in HD. Em' is ASSumed.

Originally posted by kevinivey
I was told that Charlotte is the TWC testing center

That's a good bet, as Time-Warner's corporate engineering is now located
in Charlotte..

Originally posted by Dan'sHiPix
Hey all, sorry for being gone so long. However, I am swamped with doing a server install. Nontheless, I read the complaints about the NFL game on WLTX and our switching on HD. Let me address those issues.
1. Switching HD....... Our switching is now controlled by our automation and should switch every time provided our people who put our log together indicates the show in HD properly. It will not be perfect however.


Dan Stalnaker
Director Technology/Operations
WLTX-TV; WLTX-DT


Hopefully the station people will continue being nice when I call them up to ask them to please turn the HD back on. . .depressing that the technology is so seemingly tenuous.

pat g
WLTX-DT OTA viewer in Orangeburg

I was asked to pass the following along by Diana Smith, Director of Marketing for Video Services, Time Warner Cable South Carolina:


In answer to questions concerning the plans for future pricing of HD Programming:

"Time Warner Cable of South Carolina has no plans to charge for HD services that the company does not pay a license fee to carry. This would include HD versions of local broadcast networks. Programming that costs the company significant license fees to acquire and carry will likely become part of a "paid tier" (the HD Tier) for which customers will have an option to subscribe. This would include channels like ESPN HD, HD Net, HD Net Movies, IN HD 1 and IN HD 2. This is in keeping with customers' desire to subscribe, and only pay for, programming that they want."

Dan Santelle
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Time Warner Cable of South Carolina

This may not be the best place to post this, but I just noticed some substantial price increases on my most recent TW bill.

Digital Converter Box (HD or SD) - $7.60, up from $6.60
Cable Tier - $36.00, up from $34.32
Broadcast Tier - $10.99, up from $10.60
Digital Tier - $3.48, up from $2.98
Digital Movie Tier - $3.47, up from $2.97

Maybe I missed a notice on this, but I didn't know this was coming.

I believe it was back in November that we received a printed/folded pamplet titled "2004 Annual Price & Product Review" included with our bill. It included the latest channel lists for Sumter (analog and digital; now obsolete) plus an itemized price list for Sumter (with changes noted). They also included a sheet with titled "Local Franchise Authorities."

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
This may not be the best place to post this, but I just noticed some substantial price increases on my most recent TW bill.

Digital Converter Box (HD or SD) - $7.60, up from $6.60
Cable Tier - $36.00, up from $34.32
Broadcast Tier - $10.99, up from $10.60
Digital Tier - $3.48, up from $2.98
Digital Movie Tier - $3.47, up from $2.97

Maybe I missed a notice on this, but I didn't know this was coming.

4.4%:(

This may not be a local issue but I thought I would ask here anyway. My receiver continually goes into an Installation mode (i.e. Downloading guide data) everytime I watch something on 25-1. This does not occur on other channels. I've watched it do this for two days to isolate the problem. On top of that, after it goes through the downloading of the guide data, channel 41-1 is gone and I have to re-scan the channels. Is this a possible problem with 25-1 sending something into my receiver to cause this? If this isn't a local problem, then I'll obviously be calling Samsung today.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide!

Originally posted by kevinivey
4.4%:(

??

Except for the cable and broadcast tiers, the rest increased by more than 16%. What am I missing with the 4.4%?

Originally posted by bdenman
I believe it was back in November that we received a printed/folded pamplet titled "2004 Annual Price & Product Review" included with our bill. It included the latest channel lists for Sumter (analog and digital; now obsolete) plus an itemized price list for Sumter (with changes noted). They also included a sheet with titled "Local Franchise Authorities."

I must've missed this...thanks, Bruce.

I think that Local Franchise Authorities was something applied to all of our utilities... Am I imagining this?

Originally posted by tritchie
This may not be a local issue but I thought I would ask here anyway. My receiver continually goes into an Installation mode (i.e. Downloading guide data) everytime I watch something on 25-1. This does not occur on other channels. I've watched it do this for two days to isolate the problem. On top of that, after it goes through the downloading of the guide data, channel 41-1 is gone and I have to re-scan the channels. Is this a possible problem with 25-1 sending something into my receiver to cause this? If this isn't a local problem, then I'll obviously be calling Samsung today.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide!

I suspect your problem is being caused by WOLO's PSIP. My Samsung (SIR-T150) is having problems with their signal as well. Starting last night it locks up on Channel 8... no changing channels; going to the guide or the menu. I can get it unlocked by pointing my antenna in opposite direction and even view the other channels but I go to WOLO again it crashes. I have emailed Bob Davis and left messages on voice mail at the station.

Thanks for the help Bruce. I'm glad to know it's not the receiver, even though Samsung is very easy to work with. Would you let me know the answer you get on that email? This would really stink if it happens during the BCS bowl games.

Trip

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
??

Except for the cable and broadcast tiers, the rest increased by more than 16%. What am I missing with the 4.4%?

That is the exact overall increase of cable. It is a accurate figure. I offset my increase by dropping the digital tier , and the digital movie tier.

WOLO PSIP computer is on the fritz again.

software bug in WOLO's Columbia remux..occasionally rears it's head..I've been out of town, but will correct it today..

WOLO-DT is working correctly again. Bob and his crew applied their magic pixie dust (and sweat and smarts and who knows what else) and fixed the recalcitrant/misbehaving doohickey thingamabob(s) about an hour ago and it continues to work correctly.

I had the same problems as Tritchie with my T-160 starting late last week...this after a couple of months of trouble free operation. Before I read the posts here and on other AVS threads about the PSIP problem with ABC & WOLO, I decided to swap it out (got if from DirecTV). I ordered it Wednesday night and it arrived today along with my new access card.

So far this evening, I've had none of the problems with the new receiver shutting down/rebooting/dropping channels. While there may be a WOLO/ABC problem with their PSIP data, that should never bring a receiver down...I encourage anyone who is putting up with this to get a replacement box under warranty or else get a full refund.

BTW, the WOLO OTA signal was generally AWOL from about 9:30 - 11:00 tonight...it's locking in now, but I got nothing earlier while at the same time getting a solid 100% signal on WIS.

Originally posted by BDavis
PSIP data, that should never bring a receiver down...

BTW, the WOLO OTA signal was generally AWOL from about 9:30 - 11:00 tonight...it's locking in now, but I got nothing earlier while at the same time getting a solid 100% signal on WIS.

You are correct on the receivers Brian.. but good luck getting Samsung to agree with you.

WOLO is down for maintenance tonight..

I had audio and video problems with WIS-DT between 9 and 10. I gave up and switched back to Wolo-DT on cable. I had no problems with Wolo-Dt all evening on cable (except for the extremely loud commercials).

Kevin,

My problems with WIS were limited to audio drops only.

Mike

No HD game on WLTX-DT today.:(

1:00pm game is EDTV on Wach-DT Seahawks @ Rams. :)

WOLO-DT: I have been told the engineers have identified and fixed the hardware problem that messed up the framing this past weekend. Thanks Bob! I am sure Threat Matrix and Football fans appreciate your timely fix!

WIS-DT: Station had major problems last night (lots of pixel blocking and total screen dropouts). It appeared the station was aware of the situation (they flashed a WIS logo screen during one period of breakups). I saw the problem during the Christmas movie (8 to 10pm); not sure when it started or if it stopped. No idea if the engineers were able to to fix the problem today.

Wis...........:(

Wolo............................:mad:

Is the Philly vs. Fish game not supposed to be in HD tonite? I doesn't appear to be...

Craig,
From posts over in Programming, it would appear the ABC MNF feed was HD. WOLO had had an equipment problem earlier (during Threat Matrix) and had to revert to a SD feed for about 30 minutes. Perhaps it happened again and could not be fixed tonight; it was SD when I tuned into the game too (late 2nd quarter).

It could be all the fancy digital equipment got the flu like I did. I am very sick!!! If I don't feel up to posting I wanted to wish everybody a Happy Holidays.

Originally posted by kevinivey
That is the exact overall increase of cable. It is a accurate figure. I offset my increase by dropping the digital tier , and the digital movie tier.

That is exactly what I did. I don't see how anyone can stand looking at the super compressed channels that are on 100-170(?) - ugh.

Looks like HDNET and HDNET Movies have started to appear today on different TWC systems around the country. Maybe, we can hope that they are added here in a week or so.

If interested, I posted the contents here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3068530#post3068530) of an email this morning I received from TWC. It concerned the ins/outs of the TWC/Pioneer promotion.

Originally posted by kevinivey
Looks like HDNET and HDNET Movies have started to appear today on different TWC systems around the country. Maybe, we can hope that they are added here in a week or so.
More info on the subject: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=339309

Originally posted by kevinivey
Looks like HDNET and HDNET Movies have started to appear today on different TWC systems around the country. Maybe, we can hope that they are added here in a week or so.

I believe the newsletter we received from twcsc/Diana Smith
indicated a January 5 week start date for these channels depending on expected hardware deliveries. I cannot find my e-mail re: this topic, maybe someone else can quote from the actual newsletter.

Originally posted by jdjackson
I believe the newsletter we received from twcsc/Diana Smith
indicated a January 5 week start date for these channels depending on expected hardware deliveries. I cannot find my e-mail re: this topic, maybe someone else can quote from the actual newsletter.

That is what the newsletter said, but the timetable has been sped up. There is somewhat of a possibility that these 2 channels could be added as early as Friday evening. It all depends if they receive all the equipment from HDNET and if they have enough time to get it all setup.

On another note, next month marks one year of WIS-DT. I email them everyday about this. I do not receive any responses anymore. I encourage any Time Warner Cable HD customer to email them about their lack of respect for their HD cable customers. WIS-DT IS NOT ON TIME WARNER CABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT SIGN THE SAME AGREEMENT THAT WOLO AND WLTX SIGNED.

Originally posted by kevinivey
On another note, next month marks one year of WIS-DT. I email them everyday about this. I do not receive any responses anymore. I encourage any Time Warner Cable HD customer to email them about their lack of respect for their HD cable customers. WIS-DT IS NOT ON TIME WARNER CABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT SIGN THE SAME AGREEMENT THAT WOLO AND WLTX SIGNED.

Amazing isn't it; I had to go back and check... Jan 30th was first signal. I don't know what to say. Given that I do have OTA capability I must admit that NBC is the least watched network around here for HDTV. And if there is a scheduling conflict (SD or HD); WIS almost always gets taped.

Originally posted by bdenman
Amazing isn't it; I had to go back and check... Jan 30th was first signal. I don't know what to say. Given that I do have OTA capability I must admit that NBC is the least watched network around here for HDTV. And if there is a scheduling conflict (SD or HD); WIS almost always gets taped.


tiVo fast forward:D

Has anyone noticed INHD 1 and 2 barely tune in properly?

Craig, I just checked here and had no problems with either INHD channel with my 3250HD. Can you be more definitive... are they breaking up? Also what box do you have and are all the other HD channels okay?

Questions for WIS-DT/Ch 41 viewers: How is your Ch41 reception? Are you getting a good signal without any problems? Or, are you getting numerous small or large dropouts?

If you watch Ch41 would you please let me know how it is going via a posting here or a PM (and include receiver please)? Also if you are having my problem (see below)... would you call the station (803 799-1010); ask to speak to engineering and let John Augustine or Scott Clark know what is happening? Thanks.

My Problem: I have been experiencing ongoing, small dropouts on WIS-DT/CH 41-1 (HD). The smallest ones have a ripple effect; larger ones are more noticeable with lots of pixel blocking. Digital audio may or may not also drop out. The ripples occur at irregular intervals but can happen as often as one or two per minute up to what seems to be five or ten minutes apart. I have seen this in the past but it seems more noticeable now (on both 41-1 and 41-2). The problem could be multipath (that is always a possibility) but I really don't think so... if for no other reason the artifacts are not severe enough if that were the case.

I called the station today and talked to John Augustine (Ch, Eng) and reported my latest observations. From what he can tell the station signal seems to be okay and on their (small) monitor using an RCA receiver they do not see what I am seeing. (I wonder if their monitor is just to small to easily see the problem). If you all could help troubleshoot this I would appreciate it!


In other news, I again asked about cable carriage for WIS-DT and the answer was.... there is still no news to report; it is still being negotiated by lawyers from both sides.



TIA

I had to respond to you on this one. I am having dropping sound and video, but more frequent per minute than you. My is about every 15 sec. Middle of the screen I get green mpeg image elements and sound loss. It's almost like a multipath but is only on 41-1 and 41-2. I have a locked signal strength of 83 (DTC 100,I am also using an RCA tuner). It them, not you!!! This is also a recurring problem for them. I think I will give them a call tomorrow.

I find Wis-DT totally unwatchable with the DTC-100. Severe audio and video problems. All other stations are 100% perfect. Bruce, you did not say if they monitor sound. I have a strong signal from Wis. I would think that someone related to the station would be watching out in the "Real World", but that doesn't seem to be the case. Techman, how does the DTC-100 display the signal strength? Craig, you need to switch out the SA 3100HD, or you will continue to have problems with the HD channels.

Craig,
may be a problem in your cable drop. I have seen such things as splitters and bad connectors cause problems on some channels but not others,
especially higher channels. Bear in mind that the channel displayed by
the cable box has no bearing on where the channel actually is in the rf
spectrum. You'd have to go into the 411/611 service menu to see where
the box is actually tuning to.

I got a call today from John Augustine; WIS-DT's Chief engineer and they contacted Harris and got some updated information regarding the settings of the Exciter and hopefully once those are applied (working on it as we speak out at the transmitter site) the problems we have been experiencing will be gone. Time will tell. My thanks for those who also called/emailed the station!

Kevin: regarding sound with monitor .... was not mentioned and I forgot to ask today... but I bet they only check audio periodically and then using headsets. If they miss the dropout visually then I very much doubt they would hear the audio counterpart.

All,
Thanks for the input. I do have the 3250. It could very well be a cable drop problem. I only hope I do not have this issue with ESPN HD when it comes. On an unrelated note, I was at Tweeter in Harbison today. First, it was refreshing to talk with sales people who know something about which they speak. Second one guy said he heard a rumour about TWC offering VOOM as a rental option down the line. Kevin, I was going to ask Diana directly but your are more than welcome to considering your 'history' :)

I turned those guys onto the forum and this thread so hopefully we can get more info on equipment oriented things.

Effective Immediately:



HD Net and HD Net Movies are now available in the following Time Warner Cable of South Carolina Service Areas:

* Greater Columbia
* Sumter Area
* Orangeburg Area



These services are available on Channel 930 and 931 respectively and are part of The HD Tier. Currently the HD Tier is available as a free preview through February to HD customers who call in and request the service. Effective March 1, 2004, the tier will cost $6.95 per month.



Diana Smith

Marketing Director for Video Services

Time Warner Cable South Carolina

Wow!!! The first image I saw was a Dallas Maverick Cheerleader in a very little swimsuit. Terrific sound and image. So much LFE, that I had to turn down the sub.

Originally posted by kevinivey
Wow!!! The first image I saw was a Dallas Maverick Cheerleader in a very little swimsuit.

Oh..and NOW you tell us.. :D Not a good program to show wifey how good
HD looks....:D

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
Oh..and NOW you tell us.. :D Not a good program to show wifey how good
HD looks....:D

She's not home:D

Chortle

Originally posted by bdenman
Chortle
Bruce, behave! :p

Anybody else have problems with the 940/941 inhd channels? They are blotching all up.

Just got this from WIS today after complaining to them about the carriage process.

I will not attempt to debate the merits of the proposed contract with Time Warner for cable carriage of our digital signal. It is a complex legal and engineering document. What I will tell you is that WIS is very much interested in reaching TWC customers who have digital and HDTV sets, and we expect to be on the cable once the proper arrangements can be made. Since this is a two-party negotiation, it would be presumptuous of me to give you a date. I understand the impatience of you and many other viewers. We realize that we only survive by satisfying an audience, and will do all we can to both serve our viewers and safeguard our company's interests.

Thanks for your inquiry.

Barry Ahrendt
Director of Marketing and Programming
WIS Television
Columbia, SC
803-758-1225 office
803-598-6414 pager
803-758-1146 fax

INHD1 and INHD2 are now completely blank on TWC. I currently have no explanation on why this has happened.

Last night I gave up on Diana responding to the email a sent a couple of weeks ago to include me on the IDHD channels so I called in to TWC last night.

Therefore, I do not have any history with these channels. Most times when I switched to those channels and the 813 channel, it locks up by cable box. It no longer responded to channel changes and power off. It reset itself after a couple of minutes and I just gave up last night and went to bed.

Originally posted by gamecock
Last night I gave up on Diana responding to the email a sent a couple of weeks ago to include me on the IDHD channels so I called in to TWC last night.

Therefore, I do not have any history with these channels. Most times when I switched to those channels and the 813 channel, it locks up by cable box. It no longer responded to channel changes and power off. It reset itself after a couple of minutes and I just gave up last night and went to bed.

Do you still have the SA3100HD? It has problems tuning in ch 813. You can switch your box out over the counter at TWC on Greystone. the SA3250 is very fast in tuning, except for the disappearing INHD channels.

Originally posted by kevinivey
Do you still have the SA3100HD? It has problems tuning in ch 813. You can switch your box out over the counter at TWC on Greystone. the SA3250 is very fast in tuning, except for the disappearing INHD channels.

No, I have the 3250hd. I haven't had a problem since these new channels appeared.

Good Morning,

First of all a Quam went down this morning. This is impacting IN HD 1 & 2 and Discovery HD. The Technicans are on their way to the headend right now to fix it. Don't have an eta, but I will be getting updates from the Headend Manager throughout the morning. I'll let you know as soon as I do.

Also, about the forum members who are having cable issues - I really do despirately want to check / fix their issues. I need a home phone number in order to access their account and begin that process. Perhaps you could suggest that they send me a comment via the newsletter which includes their home phone so we can check the levels on the lines outside their house and then proceed accordingly.

Diana Smith

INHD1 and INHD2 are back on. Seems to be ok on my box now.

Originally posted by gamecock
Last night I gave up on Diana responding to the email a sent a couple of weeks ago to include me on the IDHD channels so I called in to TWC last night.

Therefore, I do not have any history with these channels. Most times when I switched to those channels and the 813 channel, it locks up by cable box. It no longer responded to channel changes and power off. It reset itself after a couple of minutes and I just gave up last night and went to bed.

How strange... maybe a flaky box or (hopefully) it was just a bad software download that is now fixed? Is it working normally now? I have not have any problems with Ch 813 which seems to be a simulcast of Ch 940 when there is no special programming to be had. Did the problem occur when there was special programming on it? I noted my 3250HD box has been rebooted at least twice this morning (8:49 and 9:11); it would appear they are resetting the system periodically in their quest to fix the latest problem. (I was not watching during the period the channels were down). Lets hope the problem stays fixed!

Regarding the email to Diana Smith... it must have just gone astray. I know she has been really good in responding to my emails and she seems to be very oriented to getting things right for us. Very glad you were able to get it working by calling CS worked even though there was the time delay.

Now I know I need to sit back and digest these new channels and their programming to see how it fits in with all the other HD (and SD) stuff. Nice to have more choices....

Gamecock,
I will second what Bruce says about Diana. There must have been an error. She has responded to all of my questions more quickly than I would have ever expected.

For those TWC users out there that have been hungering for a 8000HD there is an user report here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3085799#post3085799) over in the Recording Forum from a Green Bay WI area user who has one. His initial comments sound promising!

The NFL Chiefs/Vikings game on WLTX this afternoon/evening is not HD. I checked the HD Programming Forum and there is nothing being reported from a National perspective, so it must be a local issue.

Who at WLTX do I call to #1 fix it and #2 to post a message on this forum when they are having problems?

Best you can do after hours for any station is to call the main switchboad phone number and go to their news department and ask them to please contact Master Control for you asking about why there is no HD feed on their digital channel.

WLTX number is 776-3600. I just tried and got their answering machine. I left a message if they would ask MC to switch the digital to HD if possible. You might try again in a few if there is no change.

Originally posted by chummel
Gamecock,
I will second what Bruce says about Diana. There must have been an error. She has responded to all of my questions more quickly than I would have ever expected.

Well said, make that a trio. Diana has been very responsive to questions and I am appreciative of her efforts for TWCSC HD customers.

- WLTX-DT CBS: did not present the NFL game in HD; I called station as mentioned in earlier post and left msg... was not corrected. I do not know if regularly scheduled HD programming after game was in HD or not (did not check).
- WIS-DT/ NBC: good signal; no dropouts noted between 6:30 and 10pm (fairly continuous viewing). Definitely appears the exciter fix worked. NBC's presentation of National Lampoon Christmas2 movie was in HD.
- ABC-DT/ABC: good signal; looked good when I checked. ABC's presentation of Santa Claus was in HD.
- WRLK-DT/PBS: good signal; HD christmas presentations looked normal.

I e-mailed Diana today with a question about the Florence/Darlington area about HDNET and HDNET Movies. These areas should be getting these channels
on Monday. Also asked about the 8000HD DVR she had no new news about this.
I still can't believe she answered my question so FAST. I didn't think they worked on the weekends. Mitchell

Dan,

Will WLTX-DT be able to pass CBS's Dolby Digital 5.1 feed for THE SUPER BOWL in February?

I got this e-mail late last night from Diana at TWC.
Good morning,
Thank you for the kind words in my defence on the AVS Forum. I never received the e-mail from Gamecock and was disturbed that it came across as poor customer service. My goal with this basket is to enhance our customer with additional, more specialzed customer touch point.
As such, I will check this in basket as often as possible at work and at home no
matter the day of the week. The only exceptions will be if I am either out of
town or in a situation where I am attending seminars/meetings so time is constrained or I have to deal with dial-up- I'm not so patient with that method of e-mail correspondence.
Take care and enjoy your holidays,
Diana

Looks like to me she's keeping an eye on us over here at The AVS Forum, and I for one think she's doing a great job at TWC.

Happy Holidays to everyone Mitch

I wasn't trying to be negative about the Diana. I haven't talked to her, but I am grateful for all the communication you guys are getting and posting here.

I will send her email about my problems. What email address are we using to talked to her. I believe the one I used for requesting the INHD channels was twcscnews@twcable.com. Is this correct?

Originally posted by gamecock
I wasn't trying to be negative about the Diana. I haven't talked to her, but I am grateful for all the communication you guys are getting and posting here.

I will send her email about my problems. What email address are we using to talked to her. I believe the one I used for requesting the INHD channels was twcscnews@twcable.com. Is this correct?

Yes, also include your phone number.

I already got a replay from her!

Mitchell,
Did Florence/Darlington get HDNET and HDNET movies added today? We still do not have it here in Myrtle Beach, but we always seem to be the last to get everything.

There was a problem, But Diana sent me an e-mail and everything should be on by 5:00 pm Tuesday. She will send out a e-mail as soon as it is up and running.

Had black screen on mine here for Hd Net..

I was asked to post this information from Diana at Time Warner:


"Effective Immediately:

HD Net and HD Net Movies are now available in the following Time Warner Cable of South Carolina Service Areas:

* Greater Columbia
* Sumter Area
* Orangeburg Area
* Florence Area
* The Grand Strand from the North Carolina border to the Georgetown-Andrews area. Also including Conway.

These services are available on Channel 930 and 931 respectively and are part of The HD Tier. Currently the HD Tier is available as a free preview through February to HD customers who call in and request the service. Effective March 1, 2004, the tier will cost $6.95 per month.

Diana Smith
Marketing Director for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina"

I watched the hockey game tonight on HDNET and this was the best picture I have ever seen on a TV.

Originally posted by Mitchell B.
I watched the hockey game tonight on HDNET and this was the best picture I have ever seen on a TV.


I watched a little last night, and the picture and the sound were simply incredible. I have throughly enjoyed the addition of HDNET. HDNET movies has not really been watched once yet, but flipping by image looks great. The basketball tournament on INHD yesterday afternoon looked terrific also. Glad to see sports in 1080i without motion artifacts.

Originally posted by Cain
Any new word on any new HD channels from TW Cable in Columbia, SC ??

- Cain

Yea, we got a few:D

FYI... WOLO-DT is having a problem. The image is scrolled down about half way and wrapped over. Not real watchable. I have emailed Bob Davis though and mentioned the problem. Hopefully one of the engineers will have a look at it today.

edit: between 3 and 4 pm there were HD encore presentations of two ABC comedies, According to Jim and Its All relative which had the problem. Now they are showing Friends reruns in SD and all is well. HD is scheduled at 6pm (NBA) and whether it will be okay is unknown.

Happy Holidays All!

Okey, I need some help. I'm finally going to get set up to receive HDTV from the air waves. I live in Darlington, about 32 miles from Camden what would be the best antenna to try and get the channels out of Columbia. Next I picked up a up a open box SIR-T151 Samsung stb for 195.00, is the box any good or should I keep looking. I need lots of help. Thanks to all Mitch

Mitch,

First, the key to a solution to your question is tied to the distance (and obstacles if any) from your house to the Columbia area (note: most broadcast towers are near Elgin). I believe you are about as far away as some of the Florence/MB folks so you might want to peruse their threads (but no guarantee the results will be the same). I did a quick check of the Flor/MB forum shows some people are are using a CM4248 Yagi (3023 is similar). That is a UHF antenna and thus might not work for WOLO Ch8. A 4228 8-Bay Bowtie might be better but again its primarily UHF. VHF reception might be okay; might not. I would also think a pre-amp would be required and a rotator to help tweak the positioning. One Florence/MB poster indicated he is using the large Radio Shack VU-120 XR which is UHF/VHF. I believe another Florence viewer has a separate VHF antenna coupled with a CM4248, a pre-amp and a rotator. I do not know his distance to the towers.

Well, I did some rough computations and it appears that Darlington is about 53 miles from WOLO's tower; your actual distance could be more/less. That means you probably need something like the 4228 (for UHF anyway) along with a pre-amp or the large UHF/VHF Radio Shack. The UHF/VHF CM 3020 should have similar performance and it may be available at Lowes. You no doubt will need a roof/chimmey mount with the antenna up well above the roof line. Whether these setups will actually work for your location remains unknown at this time; still too many unknowns. But it is a starting point.

Here is how I estimated that distance: First, I went here (http://www.juggling.org/bin/do/map-find) to get Darlington's lat/long. Convert the decimal to minutes and seconds. (I calculated Darlington to be at 34°17'58""N 079°51'58"W). Then I searched the FCC (http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/tvq.html) to get a tower location: (FYI, WOLO is at ... 34° 6 ' 58" N 080° 45' 51"W (WIS, WLTX, and WACH are close by). Last, I went here (http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/bickel/distance.html) to calculate the distance. This is my working guesstimate; you need to finesse it.

Not that RS and others grossly overestimate reception distances. Maximum reception distance for reliable viewing of UHF for most locations is supposedly somewhere between 55 and 60 miles due to curvature of the earth. Topography can change that plus or minus so it depends on where you live. Some folks get intermittent reception at longer distances due to signal bounce (weather dependent; not reliable). If you get an antenna it might be nice if you can return it if it does not work (but not all retailers allow that).

Regarding the Samsung SIR-T151, all I can say is it might work. And... you might have to be the beta tester for your area. However, some of the newer brands reportedly do have somewhat better sensitivity. Personally I have a Samsung SIR-T150/CM 3021 (4-bay bowtie) and it works for SCETV at 35miles (low antenna height; low tower, low broadcast power). (The bowtie also brings in VHV Ch 8 fine too). If you can figure out your distance please get back to us; perhaps others will then speak up with their experiences.

I'm getting ready to add a Surround Sound receiver to my system and would like to know which locals are providing DD5.1 sound? I noticed Kevin's question a few days ago to WLTX...hasn't it been well over a year that WLTX has been HD and they still don't have DD 5.1?

Anyway, is anyone in Columbia delivering DD 5.1? Whoever is, I could see myself favoring those channels over the ones who are dragging their feet.


And a question for Bob...in your response to Mitch for getting the right antenna for his location, you mentioned that WOLO is on Channel 8 and that could be a problem for a UHF only attena. In Columbia, WOLO maps to 25-1 and 25-2 on my Samsung T160 using a Silver Sensor (UHF only) antenna, so I'm confused...can you help me out?

Thanks (and Go Pats!!)

Brian,

To tune into DD5.1 signals you are currently limited to ABC's WOLO and SCETV/PBS's WRLK.

- ABC and WOLO both are DD5.1 capable. PBS and WRLK are also DD5.1 capable (trying to remember when I have seen/heard it on WRLK; perhaps a Soundstage...).

- CBS does DD5.1 but WLTX does not (no decoder). WLTX is waiting on CBS to provide them with the necessary hardware (a CBS network provided item). NBC does not do DD5.1 nor does WACH.

WOLO broadcasts its Digital programming on VHF Channel 8 and uses DTV's Program Support Information Protocol (PSIP) to remap the virtual channel to 25-1 and 25-2. Remapping allows stations to remain identified with their analog channel number while confusing the heck out of the viewing public.

This means your Silver Sensor (sold as a UHF antenna) is in fact receiving VHF Ch 8. WOLO has a powerful signal and you are close enough for it to it work adequately on the high band VHF channel 8. I had a Silver Sensor early this year and it did not work from here (24 miles to the tower) though my Radio Shack UHF Double-tie antenna did as did a simple pair of rabbit ears I dug up that once belonged to an old NTSC set. Go figure...

Hi Bob,
I went to radio shack and got a vu-120xr vhf/uhf. Just messing around tonight I put the antenna together and just took it on the front porch and pointed it towards Columbia. Low and behold I went back in and ran a channel scan and I got 19-1, 19-2, 52-1, 25-2, 41-1, 41-2, 41-3. Could not get anything out of Florence. Their towers are in Dillon and they include WBTW 13, WPDE 15, WWMB 21, and Fox 43. Nothing at all, then I lost all the 41's do they turn these off after The Tonight Show, because I watched about the last 10 min. Went back outside but when I came back in all the 41's were gone. Could still get the 25's and the 19's.
I can get a zenith HDV 420 box for a very good price, do you knor anything about these boxes. I'm just going keep playing around and see what I can come up with. Any and all suggestions will be welcome. Thanks for the help Mitch

Mitchell-
I'd take the Zenith 420 over Samsung any day..It has a better tuner and
less problems with PSIP..Plus better quality Video.

Brian-
WOLO automatically passes ABC's programming as delivered, so if they
provide it in 5.1 it will be passed thru to the viewer.

Mitch,

I believe that WIS-DT Ch 41 does shut down after Leno; they don't broadcast 24/7. I too tried a Zenith HDV 420 last January and it worked very well from here. It does not have a program guide but most stations don't provide programming data for one anyway. I now have a older Samsung (picked up used) and it has burped a few times due to bad PSIP data.

Bruce-
Was SOM ok tonite? I did change the HD framesync out today, so the split screen problem should not re-occur.. not sure if the timer was enabled
for 7pm tho, as I thought SOM began at 8.. I must admit that would be painful even if in HD!

FYI..CC here has the Zenith 420 for $209..and several Sammy's.. I plan to pick up the LG 3100 A next week..

Bob,

SOM seems to be doing fine; I saw Julie do here twirlygig on the mountain top at the beginning and all was well then and still is (have checked it severl times including just now). It is coming thru showing DD5.1 but I believe it is still just 2 active channels.

Prices seem good on the Zenith; big drop in year (half). Given all is working well here now with my Samsung I am in no hurry to replace it. It would be interesting though to see how that LG works with cable being it is QAM capable. Not sure what channels here on our TWC are unencrypted (if any).

TWC here does not encrypt the locals, I installed one of the integrated Mits
Tv's here for a friend, and it gets the HD locals just fine. Beats the heck out of fighting an antenna for those who have difficult reception.
However, since TWC doesn't yet have PSIP On cable, the channel numbers bear no relation and are hard to remember. Of course, encryption is quite easy to add..

I get all the channels out of Columbia but one. Cannot get WOLO 25 for some reason. All others come in great. I took back the Samsung 151 back and replaced it with the Zenith 420. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. Thanks Mitch

Mitch,
WOLO-DT broadcasts on VHF Ch 8 and remaps to 25-x so you do need a VHF capable antenna. You said originally you were using RS VU-120XR; did you switch antennas? Are you using a pre-amp? (some are UHF only). Have you tried moving the antenna to other locations/heights?

I bought a new antenna today, all I could find was a Channell Master 3020 UHF/VHF/FM. I'm trying to get it up right now, going up to about 35 to 40 feet. I'll try this and see what happens. Oh yea bought a channell master 7777 preamp. Wish me luck, will let you know. Later Mitch

Happy New Year!

As 2003 prepares to bow out, I thought it appropriate to acknowledge the efforts of our local station engineers; people who are directly responsible for lighting the digital candle and trying to keep it going! They include Bob Davis, Bill Garrigus, Jim Grasty and the staff at WOLO-DT; Dan Stalnaker and staff at WLTX-DT; John Augustine, Scott Clark and staff at WIS-DT; Hap Griffin, Shaun Bennett, John Crockett and staff at WRLK-DT; and Dan Orta and staff (including the now retired Rick Sprott) at WACH-DT). While we don't always agree with network and station management decisions, these people have made it possible for us to get DTV/HDTV. Thanks!

I must add that I really appreciate the fact that so many station people were willing to come here and join in on our forum discussions! In that same vein, I would also like to say special thanks to Diana Smith at Time Warner. Her recent efforts in the past few months in improving communications between subscribers and TWCSC management have really been appreciated as well!

Next, let me say that with the dawn of the new year; lets all hope that HDTV in our area will continue to grow and prosper. My wish list for 2004 includes:

- WIS and TWC come to a carriage agreement
- WACH/FOX commences HD programming and get on cable too
- Bob Davis get a working framesync for WOLO <g>
- NBC discover DD5.1 (and WIS adds capability too)
- CBS deliver a DolbyE decoder to WLTX.
- TWC add ESPN-HD to their lineup
- TWC rollout the 8000HD DVRs

In closing, let me just say Happy Holidays to all and hope to see you all here again next year at this time!

Note: half way down is a limited FAQ (part 2) regarding OTA, DBS, and cable access from a post made 2/18/2005.

Part 1: Detailed Columbia Station/Channel Information:

Note: as of April 1, 2004, all DTV stations are required by the FCC to broadcast digital programming 18 hr/day. This programming may be SD simulcast of analog channel or HD. (Neither network nor local station is required to provide any programming in High Definition). (local station broadcast hours to be confirmed) Note that stations do not always use virtual remapping of their digital channels. Most stations use virtual remapping on OTA receivers to make their digital channel to show as their old analog number (maintains station channel identity). This remapping sometimes is turned of so the station will show up as their digital number. (ex: WRLK might be found as 32 vice 35). When in doubt try both numbers. (station power levels are listed further down this posting)

WOLO-DT ABC (8) (24/7)
....HD OTA Ch25.1 TWC Ch 815 DD5.1 capable
....SD OTA Ch25.2 TWC Ch 816 SD multicast though may be turned of at times
....SD OTA Ch25.3 TWC Ch 817 Weather Radar

WLTX-DT CBS (17) (12:00 noon to 12:35am
....HD Ch19.1 TWC Ch 810 DD5.1 capable
....SD Ch19.2 TWC Ch 811 May be SD multicast, was not last I checked
....SD Ch19.3 TWC Ch 812 Weather Now

WIS-DT NBC (41) (12pm to ~12:35 am)
....HD Ch41.1 TWC Ch 805 DD5.1 (started ~8/12/04 in time for Olympic coverage)
....SD CH41.2 TWC Ch 806 Weather Plus
....SD Ch41.3 TWC Ch 806 SD simulcast

WRLK-DT SCETV/PBS (32) 24/7 **
....SD Ch35.1 TWC Ch 801 SD simulcast of analog channel
....SD Ch35.2 TWC Ch 802 South Carolina Channel
....HD Ch35.3 TWC Ch 800 DD5.1 capable

WACH-DT FOX (57) 24/7
.....HD Ch57.1 TWC Ch 820 DD5.1 (added to TWC 2/4/05)
----SD Ch57.2 TWC Ch 821 "TheTube" music channel (added OTA ~06/05; TWC ~9/7/05)


WBHQ-DT WB/UPN (39) 10am to 10pm
....SD Ch 63-1* TWC n/a (UPN part went away 9/10/04)

WZRB-TV UPN (47) on the air as of 0001 hours 1January 2005.
(NTSC only, TWC ch 13)


side note: formerly known as WRBJ-TV Ch 47, this is a new station that has assumed the UPN mantle for the Cola market. It is listed on the FCC web site as having a Construction Permit (appl date April 2004). They are replacing WBHQ as the UPN affiliate (UPN ceased UPN programming as of 9/10/04 and there was a "hole" for some time). FCC Application data list station as analog, not digital. They do not have a separate channel assignment for digital and so will most likely just switch over somday to digital (not likely for 2005).

*WBHQ Ch 63 (formerly known as WQHB and UPN/WB) has analog tower near Columbia and is on TWC. Their digital tower however is just east of Sumter, transmits very low power, and pretty much can be received in/near Sumter. Broadcast hours are approximate and subject to change and are SD only (No HD capability). They went WB only after 9/10/04. Word came on 10/07/04 however that WBHQ-DT is constructing a new digital broadcast capability in Columbia. They will be using the same tower they now use to for their analog signals and their coverage will be kidney shaped (wide east to west; more south than north); and ERP = 500kW). They expect to be up by June 2005 and able to pass through HD at that time. UPDATE: According to Station Manager S. Rein, their full DT buildout (with HD capability) on the Columbia tower (same one used by WACH and WOLO) has a new drop dead/expected date of July 1, 2006.

*Reported mid Jan 06 that UPN and WB are merging into one channel to be called the "CW" channel. UPN and WB will go away 9/1/06. How that will affect our local affiliates is unknown as of 01/30/06.


** SCETV's Sumter station WRJA-DT Ch 28 Sumter started broadcasting Mar 10, 2004. Their programming is, for now, the same as WRLK-DT and will extend/improve SCETV's DT broadcast area (Sumter, Florence/MB, and other points east).

*** NBC initial DD5.1 broadcast was on 4/3/2004(American Dreams); more to follow)

Additional/Premium Channels on TWCSC
HBO HD East-Ch 901 West-Ch 902 DD5.1 capable Subscription reqd
Showtime HD East- Ch 921 West Ch 922 DD5.1 capable Subscription reqd
Discovery HD Theater Ch845 (free)
HDNET Ch 930 (TWC HD Tier)
HDNET Movie Ch 931 (TWC HD Tier)
INHD1 Ch 940 (TWC HD Tier)
INHD2 Ch 941 (TWC HD Tier)
UHD Ch 945 (TWC HD Tier)
SEHD Ch 813 (NBA/HD, Fox Sports, etc (when available; otherwise simulcast of Ch940) (Ch 814 is spare HD channel for specials)
TNT-HD Ch 840 (free) (but mostly 4:3 material stretched/zoomed to 16:9)
ESPN-HD Ch 950 (TWC HD Tier)

Other/Future Cable Services: ESPN2HD: unknown.

TWC HD Tier: The HD Tier currently costs $6.95/mo plus tax and includes HDNET, HDNET Movies, INHD1, INHD2, and ESPN-HD. Note that while TWCSC's Sumter and Orangeburg's service area lineups are virtually identical to Columbia, other service areas are not (and have different system capabilities as well).

Time Warner High Definition Converters: Models currently available in the Columbia area are:
SA3100HD (note there is a bug tuning Ch815; go one channel up and then down). good remote.
SA3250HD: preferred box; small footprint; has DVI; has scaling and zooming; good remote; Firewire model limited availability (as of Apr 04)
SA8000HD: HD Digital Video Recorder (DVR; can record about 20 hours of HD); limited distribution; no DVI (scheduled for summer 2005); software bug prevents output via analog outputs (update for DVI scheduled for late summer; firmware update to enable recording options/analog ports scheduled for early June); mediocre remote.
SA8300HD: preferred DVR if one can get one (check in person with local office); Improved PQ over 8000; reportedly has functional HDMI and analog ports.

Station connectivity to TWC for Digital broadcasts:
WOLO: OTA (B. Davis)
WIS: FIber (K. Thayer)
WLTX: Fiber with OTA backup (D. Stalnaker)
WBHQ: n/a; no DT signal in Cola or on TWC yet (Mr Smiley)
WACH: n/a (no DT on TWC yet)
WRLK: hybrid.... an RF feed pickup is taken off the transmitter and fed into fiber optic going to TWC's head-end. TWC users must still depend on the transmitter being up and operational to get SCETV/WRLK-DT's signals. A pure fiber feed into their MC is in the works but will take some time (right of way issues with the RR to work out). (H. Griffin)


Station Power Levels: The Columbia Market is served well by all stations as is Sumter. Florence/Myrtle Beach areas are iffy and vary by station. On 09/20/04, a query of the FCCC database revealed the following:

FOX: WACH-DT/Ch 48 is licensed for 520 kW ERP; antenna height (ant ht) 460 meters AGL; the antenna's polar plot (radiation pattern) shows it may be difficult to get in FLO/MB. (and they are not yet doing HD yet though expected any day now).

ABC: WOLO-DT/CH 8 is licensed for 43 kW ERP; ant ht 527 m AGL; polar plot shows it might be okay for parts of FLO/MB (Provo okay in some areas by viewers). (agrees with Bob Davis obviously)

NBC: WIS-DT/CH 41 is licensed for 874 kW ERP; ant ht 427 m AGL; polar plot shows it might be okay for FLO/MB (but will vary by viewer location).

CBS: WLTX-DT/CH 17 is operating under a STA license (Special Temporary Authority) that I understand means they are operating at half power; 500 vice 1000 kW ERP; Ant ht ~ 478m AGL; polar plot indicates FLO/MB reception is probably difficult at best.

PBS: WRLK-DT/Ch32 (SCETV/Cola) is licensed for 65 kW ERP; ant ht 396 m AGL. polar map not shown (but should be relatively circular but be advised that Florence reception has always been very difficult; try Sumter SCETV station instead.

PBS: WRJA-DT Ch 28 (SCETV/Sumter) is operating under a Construction Permit still and licensed for 98.4 kW ERP; ant ht 354 m AGL. polar plot is not shown. Understand decent reception is possible in some parts of the Florence area.


Area Antenna Solutions: gleaned from previous thread postings (not inclusive; additions welcome). CM = Channel Master; RS = Radio Shack

Cola/Harbison Forest, CM 3016 (~27ft mast atop a 15ft hill / CM7777 preamp)
Cola/NE Corridor (I-20/Clemson Rd), Silver Sensor
Irmo, Winegard PR-4400 (attic mount)
Irmo, RS Double Bow-tie
Harbison/Broad River Rd vic, CM 3021 (attic mount; 2 story house; no pre-amp)
Elgin, Coat hanger er Single Bowtie
Florence, CM 4248 plus Winegard YA-1713 (high band VHF Yagi)
Garners Ferry Rd , CM CM 4248 (unk mast; rotor)
Rock Hill, Winegard PR8800 (WOLO, WIS) (25ft mast; CM7777 preamp)
Sumter, CM 3021 (10ft mast; no pre-amp)
Sumter, RS Double Bow-tie (but not WRLK)
Sumter, Winegard Square Shooter (UHF reception was okay; about the same as CM3021; VHF reception was poor). May be better for multipath situations which is not a problem here. It uses a different mount than standard antenna (similar to dbs mounts though). Tested late Feb 2004.


updates:
01/01/04: corrections to WIS (hours) and WACH (audio capabilities)
01/14/04: addition of WRJA-DT information
01/16/04: added converter boxes available from TWCSC
01/20/04: updated/corrected WLTX hours of operation
02/05/04: corrected one antenna installation
02/12/04: updated WIS-DT information (DT added to TWC)
02/16/04: added Irmo CM 3021 antenna solution
02/17/04: corrected 2/16 post to read Harbison/Broad River Rd vic
04/05/04: added Winegard Sq Shooter info; info on NBC DD5.1; update for WRJA, and note about April 1, 2004 requirement for DTV.
04/08/04: corrected WRLK cable channels 801 and 802 (were reversed).
05/11/04: added info on WJRB and station connectivity to TWC
05/15/04: added WIS's weather radar on TWC 806 which was noted new o/a 5/13/04
05/21/04: TNT-HD added to TWCSC; updated firmware update info
6/20/04: removed incorrect footnote data for WBHQ (who does not do HD).
Also; TNT-HD program information. .
7/27/04: Yesterday ABC News Now went live and immediately available on WOLO-DT's SD channel and was added to TWC Ch 816 today.
8/1/04: Added the CBS SD channel used in part for the DNC/RNC conventions
9/1/04: added the fact that NBC/WIS used DD5.1 during Olympics. Other programming with real DD5.1 (not synthesized) appears to be minimal thus far. Also tweaked change for WOLO that occured on 8/11 (added back wxr radar)
9/10/04: updated info on WACH Splicer and added info on WRBJ having been changed to WZRB and will go on air 1 Jan 05. Added ESPN-HD to the HD tier when announced today.
9/20/04: added results of queries of the FCC database on station power levels.'
10/3/04: added fact that WACH can pass HD (the splicer is now working)
10/07/04: added new info on WBHQ-DT and their build out of a new DT capability for Cola.
01/03/05: updated the WZRB info as they went OTA 1 Jan 05; availability of TWC SA8300DVR
2/04/05: updated WACH-DT cable carriage on Ch 820
2/18/05: added Part 2
08/09/05: included info on "TheTube" channel (Ch 57-2).
08/22/05: added fiber connect for WLTX to TWC
9/10/05: added fact that The Tube multicast from WACH is now on TWC
9/26/05: updated WBHQ's DT build out date to July 1, 2006.
11/18/05: updated WLTX adding DD5.1 capability as of yesterday.
12/01/05: updated Universal HD Channel added to TWC lineup (HD Tier) this day; Ch 945.
01/30/06: updated info on SD simulcasts and weather channels for WIS and WOLO. Also added recent info on the UPN and WB planned merger.
03/24/06 updated info on WIS and connectivity to TWC; week of Mar 13 they switched to fiber as primary connectivity to TWC.
----

Part 2: Limited FAQ regarding OTA/Cable issues in Columbia from a posting made 2/18/2005


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by iBleedGarnet
First-time poster in this forum. Go easy on me.

I've been looking at plasma displays and have noticed some come with a built-in QAM tuner. First of all, what are its capabilities? And how might it benefit me? Would I have to be a TWC subscriber?

I've also got a question about OTA HD antennas......while I've been trying to decide what service to go with (either DISH, DirecTV or TWC) I've noticed the satellite providers charge more if you want locals. Anyone here with satellite that uses an antenna to get locals? Do the local stations air their news telecasts in HD? Let's say a USC game has been picked up by Jefferson-Pilot but they aren't broadcasting in HD...would I still be able to pick it up if my only source for locals is an OTA-HD antenna? Thanks in advance, neighbors.

Oh, I live downtown in the Elmwood Park area.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Greetings and welcome to our forum. I will step up and try to give you some answers. Do feel free to ask more questions if needed.

An integrated HDTV with a built in ATSC tuner can tune in all the digital signals in one's area given an acceptable over-the-air signal. That same tuner if it is QAM capable can, if connected to a cable system, also receive those digital signals provided in the open (unencrypted). In our area, that should include WOLO, WLTX, WACH, WIS, WRLK, DISCOVERY and TNT. QAM is an acronym for the basic type of modulation that cable uses for digital transmission (i.e. quadrature amplitude modulation).

If the set is also "cable card capable (or ready)" then one can get their cable company to install one and it will give them access to some additional subscription based HD programming (including the HDTV tier). (do note these channels have their own monthly fees). The card itself rents for a couple bucks or so a month and is a simple substitute for a cable converter. Do note that it does not offer all the same capabilities (e.g. no interactive cable guide).

DBS systems in our area offer L-I-L but these are analog broadcasts only; not digital (nor HD) broadcasts. To get our local's HD programming you will need to use the ATSC tuner built into every DISH Network, DirecTV or VOOM HD receiver coupled with an antenna that can see and receive our local signals (most towers are near Elgin, east of town). There are also standalone receivers (STBs) that work for OTA only and others that are both OTA and QAM capable.

Reception from the downtown area should not be a problem distance wise from the broadcast towers though there are other concerns that might cause problems. If there are obstructions between you and the towers (buildings, hills, trees) then you may have get only weak or reflected signals (called multipath). These can be a problem. Unfortunately there is no surefire way to be sure without trying.

What you might try first is a standard combo indoors antenna (UHF/VHF) attached to your ATSC tuner and go from there. Technically there is no such thing called a HDTV antenna. TV signals are broadcast on either a VHF channel or a UHF channel. So you really need is an old fashioned antenna that works at your location (all but one station here broadcast on UHF channels; WOLO is on Ch 8 and thus VHF). Unfortunately some manufacturers do hype their antennas as HDTV models. Check my summary (link in my signature) for antennas that work for some in our area.

To learn more about HD you might want to visit the other forums here at AVS. The Programming forum has a good synopsis plus you might check out www.HDTVGalaxy.com or www.titantv.com. Basically network HD is available during some evening/Prime Time hours and at various times on weekends (especially sports). No local station produces any HD that I know of (SCETV's WRLK should have some production capability however). Networks can of course come in and produce a local sports program in HD that might well be broadcast OTA here.

Good luck!
Bruce...

POST #3987

Bob, I hope the Wolo-DT HD decoders are ready to go. We've got 3 big HD games this weekend and would hate to see the dreaded SD feed or the dual frame issue. I got my fingers and toes crossed!:D

Yea, so do I.. hopefully we'll be ok, we have a tech on hand tonite so
if it breaks we may be able to work around it..
I have sent the broken unit back to canada for repair

Was the CBS LSU-OU game not in Dolby last night? I noticed the sound was particularly underwhelming.

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
Was the CBS LSU-OU game not in Dolby last night? I noticed the sound was particularly underwhelming.

If I recall correctly from reports over in Programming, ABC was scheduled to use the HD truck normally used by ESPN and that truck uses Circle Sound instead of Dolby Digital. I am not sure what that means except it was probably more like DPLII if your system even decoded it. Suggest you check the Programming threads for more information. I only peeked into the game a couple of times to see how the HD was and what was going on and did not pay any attention to the audio (it was "on").

he says CBS, do he mean ABC?
If so, ABC fed circle surround, which meant that there was audio only on
L/R..no center or surround..We have spoken with ABC and they are looking into an alternative.

At Midnight the game reverted to SD coverage, was that a network thing or a local issue ?

Timer. Game not expected to run that long. Sorry. At least you got to see
the end of the game..Sometimes, second guessing these things can be
hit or miss!
At least ABC is FINALLY providing an upconverted feed for primetime programs that are not HD..Thanks go to Dave, John & Tom @ ABC!

Interesting... wondered what happened. Why even set a timer though? I
guess that's something I don't understand. The hardware to broadcast an
HD feed is in place. So, ABC forwards HD from the cameras to the
production truck to (I assume) a central location and then out to affliates.
Why not just pass the signal through 24/7 regardless?

Or is broadcasting HD like Gremlins... no feed after midnight? :)

I did have to laugh though earlier in the day when the station showing one
of the NFL games gave the Lottery results and had to kick to SD to do so
and kicked back to HD once they were done.

We are on a bleeding edge sometimes...

Kudos to the staff at both WOLO and WLTX (and their networks too). The NFL playoff games this past weekend seemed to go off without a hitch!

CBS DD5.1: I talked to Dan Stalnaker a bit ago and the station still does not have DD5.1 capability... so no DD5.1 for SuperBowl. They lack some needed decoding/support hardware and there is no projected date to get it.

PBS: As others may have seen there is no longer a schedule guide for the SCETV/PBS HD channel; the ptvdigital site is no more. If anyone knows of a schedule for programming on Ch 35.3/TWC 8000 or alternate that is close please let us know. Thanks. (note: I emailed SCETV with this same question earlier today).

You MUST use a timer,(or expensive automation) as there is a significant portion of the day when ABC does NOT provide an upconverted feed of the programming, such as during soaps, college sports, etc...Of course, you could rely on the operator doing a manual switch, which isn't very reliable or accurate. You can overcome the issue you mention as with the lottery..it's only money, (and expertise) which for now is low on the priority, there will just have to be an interruption to the HD for such items. This is true for most stations overall.

From: Diana Smith,
Marketing Director for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina

Subj: SA 3250HD DVI Output Update:

Effective Tuesday January 6, 2004, the code to activate the DVI output on the SA 3250HD will be downloaded. Please note, the HD Converter must be powered off for at least 15 minutes, post-download, in order to receive the code.

Originally posted by bdfox18doe
he says CBS, do he mean ABC?
If so, ABC fed circle surround, which meant that there was audio only on
L/R..no center or surround..We have spoken with ABC and they are looking into an alternative.

My apologies, I did mean ABC. With all these acronyms, I get 'em a little mixed up at times...even with the oldest of 'em like CBS/ABC/NBC. :D

As for the sound, that would perfectly explain how it sounded...definitely inferior to the dolby I get from other HD channels, at least on my system.

Thanks everyone for the info!

Please send me a PM on this, I will forward it on.

Originally posted by bdenman
From: Diana Smith,
Marketing Director for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina

Subj: SA 3250HD DVI Output Update:

Effective Tuesday January 6, 2004, the code to activate the DVI output on the SA 3250HD will be downloaded. Please note, the HD Converter must be powered off for at least 15 minutes, post-download, in order to receive the code.

This is great! I can't wait to try this out. I just got a dvd player with hdmi/dvi output and the difference vs. component is remarkable.

CBS: Experienced choppy audio with dropouts tonight during NCIS; feed switched to 4:3 upconvert at times so my guess is it was the CBS feed. They had problems last night and I contacted Dan and he was going to check into the distortions; guess the fix did not take (or whatever).

SA3250HD: TWCSC pushed a software upgrade to us last night folks; we now have guide info on the non-HD outputs!

Great to hear that the secondary outputs now have the guide. I tried watching the news on WLTX-DT at 7 and the sound came from the front left speaker only when set to pro logic. The analog channel had correct output. It is definitely a local issue,as there has been no mention of audio problems with CBS-HD in the AVS HD Programming section.

Originally posted by bdenman
SA3250HD: TWCSC pushed a software upgrade to us last night folks; we now have guide info on the non-HD outputs!

I still have the 3100HD (waiting on consolidating this with the new HD DVR), but does the 3250 show the "miniscreen" when you look at the onscreen guide on HD channels? The 3100HD blacks out the video when you select either the "info" or "guide" buttons on the remotes. I'm guessing it can't handle the HD content AND the onscreen graphic at the same time. Just wondering if the 3250HD is able to do that.

Yes, the preview window for HD channels does work. Now that the software has been upgraded enabling the guide to be seen/used on all outputs I see reason why not to get a SA3250HD. It does not have the problem the 3100HD has when tuning in Ch 815 (WOLO) and it is just more capable and better performing box. This avs link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3145627#post3145627[/url) has lots of info on the box.

Were anyone of you able to see the last two hockey games on HDNet? Here in Charlotte ( where we are acessing in hidden mode) it was blacked out.

I was hoping one of you could email your TW contact since we have none and ask (if in fact you couldn't see the game). I am speculating that the reason is not to compete with the indemand hockey package, but this could easily be solved by using the special events channel and make available for hockey package subscribers......

Thanks!

Other than the little problem of the legalities..contracts, etc..
there's a reason they're in hidden mode..

On TWCSC there were two hockey games on last night that I am aware of; one I believe was NHL and the other a college game. I believe the NHL was on HDNET but not being a hockey fan I did not watch it. As Bob said, I bet your TWC division has not completed all their arrangements. FYI; we do not have a hidden mode here as our software is SA based (yours is Pioneer). If a channel is visible on our guide then it is available. Note that HDNET and INHD channels (and in time ESPN-HD) are on our HD Tier which must be subscribed too ($6.95/mo but fee waived thru Feb 28th).

Originally posted by bdenman
Yes, the preview window for HD channels does work. Now that the software has been upgraded enabling the guide to be seen/used on all outputs I see reason why not to get a SA3250HD. It does not have the problem the 3100HD has when tuning in Ch 815 (WOLO) and it is just more capable and better performing box. This avs link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3145627#post3145627[/url) has lots of info on the box.

I'll need to drop by the TW office and swap out my 3100 for a 3250 then, seeing that the TW goal of having an HD DVR by the end of 2003 was a bit off. Was going to save myself a trip, but heck, sounds like it's worth it just to get the new 3250.

Heads up for Cola area viewers who watch ST: Enterprise. The program's new time (tonight episode ooks to be a rerun) will be at 10pm starting tonight. The TWC guide is off though TVguidecom seems to have it right. As 1 Jan the station is WB first and UPN second meaning that UPN programming now starts at 10pm. This time was confirmed by a call today to the station.

DVI output on SA3250HD looks great!

Originally posted by gamecock
DVI output on SA3250HD looks great!

Is the difference versus Component really that noticeable?

I thought the component output looked good and really good on the hdtv channels. DVI looks even better.

I read somewhere that DVI only improves PQ on digital sets (DLP) because it does not have to be converted to analog (DAC). Anybody else have any info on this. (DVI vs. Component and PQ)

I do have a DLP set, but I would think most sets with DVI would avoid the conversion. Same deal as a decent computer monitor and graphics card with DVI support.

What's the state of affairs of Columbia OTA?

I can get a Direct-tv HD reciever for $99 which can get OTA along with Dtv's satellite HD content....wondering if it's worth getting just for OTA here. I'm definately getting the HD DirecTivo which was announced today to ship Q1 of '04.

thanks.

All of the networks in the Columbia area broadcast HD. You should read this whole thread for detailed info.

46 pages? I was hoping someone would be nice enough to give a rundown of OTA in Cola.

Look back about 4 -5 pages I think Bruce wrote a pretty comprehensive listing.

Actually, it is one page back!

FWIW, I have now added link to latest Cola info in my sig.

Derrick,
DVI does not have a conversion of digital to analog process so it is great for digital sets (DLP, LCD, LCOS, Plasma). Sets with CRTs though use analog signals which require DACs. Question is whether your set with DVI converts digital to analog better than your STB does. Cabling might be a player too but the bottom line is there may be little difference for CRT sets so, take your pick if that is what you have.

Thanks Bruce.

gamecock, I also have a samsung dlp. When I first plugged my dvi cable in I got the message your hdtv set is not hdcp compliant, please use component output. However I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it was fine. But, when I turned the channel it gave me the same message. So I unplugged it and tried it one more time. Now it is working fine even after I change channels. Did you have this problem?

IMHO, for $99 and 1 year commitment, It should be a no-brainer!

Originally posted by bdenman
Derrick,
DVI does not have a conversion of digital to analog process so it is great for digital sets (DLP, LCD, LCOS, Plasma). Sets with CRTs though use analog signals which require DACs. Question is whether your set with DVI converts digital to analog better than your STB does. Cabling might be a player too but the bottom line is there may be little difference for CRT sets so, take your pick if that is what you have.

This is what I was looking for. I have been considering doing the "DVI upgrade" on my Tosh 57H82 (basically they'll swap out for a newer model for the cost of the upgrade), but this is the first comment that has given me pause. If I'm not going to see a noticeable change in PQ, I'm not sure it's worth the cost of the "upgrade" ($399).

Thanks, Bruce!

IromGamecoq,

I would consult others with your set to determine how the DVI input looks.

foz32, I have seen the hdcp message. I still have my coax and component cables from the 3250hd, and see the message switching inputs on the TV at times. I plan on removing all the video connections except the DVI when I get a chance so maybe this will prevent this from occuring. FYI, you probably didn't need to turn off the DLP, just change inputs from DVI in the TV menu to something and then back to DVI (or turn off the cable box and then back on)

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
This is what I was looking for. I have been considering doing the "DVI upgrade" on my Tosh 57H82 (basically they'll swap out for a newer model for the cost of the upgrade), but this is the first comment that has given me pause. If I'm not going to see a noticeable change in PQ, I'm not sure it's worth the cost of the "upgrade" ($399).

Thanks, Bruce!

Well, if all I had to do was buy a DVI cable to check if it improved my Picture Quality...that would be a no brainer. But a $399 upgrade for just DVI (and no cable) might not be worth it for the PQ issue alone. My previous comments pretty much just covered improved PQ expectations with DVI over component connections.

However, I might suggest one consider DVI for another reason.... the future. I think it would be good to have in case DVI were to become a preferred or required method of connection (STB, DVR, DVD, DVHS). It might pay to be prepared just in case. But that guess carries a $400 price tag. Does that particular model offer any other features that would make it more desirable over your current model? Might make moving up a bit easier.

Good luck!

Originally posted by bdenman
Well, if all I had to do was buy a DVI cable to check if it improved my Picture Quality...that would be a no brainer. But a $399 upgrade for just DVI (and no cable) might not be worth it for the PQ issue alone. My previous comments pretty much just covered improved PQ expectations with DVI over component connections.

However, I might suggest one consider DVI for another reason.... the future. I think it would be good to have in case DVI were to become a preferred or required method of connection (STB, DVR, DVD, DVHS). It might pay to be prepared just in case. But that guess carries a $400 price tag. Does that particular model offer any other features that would make it more desirable over your current model? Might make moving up a bit easier.

Good luck!

Again, good comments, Bruce.

If you're not familiar with it, Toshiba is offering customers a new TV (and warranty) to replace models that were previously labeled as "DVI upgradeable". Basically, for the cost of the upgrade ($399), they ship you a new TV and cart off your old one. To Toshiba, this must somehow be preferable to actually upgrading the old sets with DVI itself.

Yes, there are some benefits to the newer model (slimmer cabinet, better aesthetics, etc), but the biggest one is DVI. Of course, I have to decide if those benefits are worth $399. Right now, I personally don't think so, but there are lots of others (on another board) that do, and have already jumped in.

Just wanted to pass along that SCETV's HD channel on TWC (Ch800) now has program data in the Interactive Program Guide (IPG). This appears to be something added just today.

Just signed up for Directv HD unit which I will use primarily for HBO and OTA--will be installed next saturday. $99 and definately a no brainer!

Can anyone recommend an attic antenna for the Shandon area?

I'm pretty psyched to get this up and running...btw, I've got an Infocus X1 FP that looks great with DVD's.

Wow, an HD box for $99 installed?

I got mine for $299 after credits on my bill and I thought I was doing all right.

it's for directv users...details here:

text (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=151749&perpage=40&pagenumber=1)

Originally posted by Rich_SC
Can anyone recommend an attic antenna for the Shandon area?


Rich,
A combo UHF/VHF Yagi like the CM 3016 (see Lowes) might work in your attic; Radio Shack has a similar model (VU-75 XR or the larger VU-90 XR). Are you surrounded by trees or have other major obstacles between you and the main tower farm area over by Elgin? If so you might need more antenna height. Personaly I use a CM 3021 four-bay bowtie that might work well from your location but I know of no local sources. It appears you will need to point your antenna NE and hopeflly you will be able to get the main tower farm area and the WRLK tower with one setting. (WRLK is further North and westward). When all is done let me know what worked and I will add to my "antenna solutions" in my summary post.

Any update on the SA8000-HD DVR availability for TWC subscribers?

Did anyone see Shawshank Redemption last night on HDNet movies?

I have TWC and wondered if others with cable saw it. I kept getting dropouts every 3 seconds at some point (then it would subside, and then start again).

Drove me nuts! Also, PQ was not very good. Anyone else experience this?

I also should mention that since I upgraded to the new SA box (3250), I have had nothing but problems - random box reboots (of course right at the end of movies), lots of dropouts, movie descriptions not showing up...etc.

I even switched the box out but I have the same probs.

rodeoclown,

I did not watch Shawshank last night but have in the past. Your experience with the 3250HD is not mine. (not sure about guide problems; missing data?) Suggest you get TWC out to check your signal at the box since you have already swapped boxes. In the meantime; do you have a splitter installed before that box? If so try it without.

Got an e-mail from Diana about 8000HD DVR. Mine will be installed on Wed. the 14th. She tested one this weekend and said she had no problems with it. Only a limited number will be given out. Mitchell

Originally posted by jdjackson
Any update on the SA8000-HD DVR availability for TWC subscribers?


Now:D

Originally posted by rodeoclown
Did anyone see Shawshank Redemption last night on HDNet movies?

I have TWC and wondered if others with cable saw it. I kept getting dropouts every 3 seconds at some point (then it would subside, and then start again).

Drove me nuts! Also, PQ was not very good. Anyone else experience this?

I also should mention that since I upgraded to the new SA box (3250), I have had nothing but problems - random box reboots (of course right at the end of movies), lots of dropouts, movie descriptions not showing up...etc.

I even switched the box out but I have the same probs.

No problem here. You should have TWC come out and check your signal.

Originally posted by Mitchell B.
Got an e-mail from Diana about 8000HD DVR. Mine will be installed on Wed. the 14th. She tested one this weekend and said she had no problems with it. Only a limited number will be given out. Mitchell


Diana asked me to post this for her:

Per the earlier post. While Time Warner Cable of South Carolina has released the HD DVR to some customers today, the Call Center is not equipped to handle installations at this time. For more information on installation or other questions, please email twcscnews@twcable.com. Please include your home telephone number so that you account can be accessed.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter

Diana Smith
Director of Marketing for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina

I am scheduled to get the 8000HD on Wed. as well.

I am started to see some SA3250HD resets. Also, concerning DVI, I am seeing some strange issues there too. I haven't isolated the problem yet, and it could be the DVI switch as well, but I thought I mention it.

I don't plan on worry about it until I get the 8000HD.

Gamecock, where did you get your DVI cable? The only one I found in the Cola area, was the Monster Cable at Best Buy for $100.00. I suppose you can get one online for cheaper. Does TWC supply one?

I've bought cables from these guys:

cables (http://www.pccables.com/)

First I got my Roku, now the 8000HD is almost here! Time to start shopping for Plasma...

Originally posted by jdjackson
Gamecock, where did you get your DVI cable? The only one I found in the Cola area, was the Monster Cable at Best Buy for $100.00. I suppose you can get one online for cheaper. Does TWC supply one?
Try this one - $9 :)
http://www.bonuscable.com/product_info.php?products_id=1126

Kirill

Originally posted by jdjackson
Gamecock, where did you get your DVI cable? The only one I found in the Cola area, was the Monster Cable at Best Buy for $100.00. I suppose you can get one online for cheaper. Does TWC supply one?

Derrick, I needed a switch as well since I have a HDMI enabled DVD player. I got one from gefen (www.gefen.com) and it came with cables. I bought a hdmi-to-dvi cable from them as well and they do sell just dvi cables

Originally posted by gamecock
I am scheduled to get the 8000HD on Wed. as well.


Looking forward to hearing how these things are...I'm hoping to get mine "installed" this week myself.

I thought it a bit strange that they are requiring us to have a technician out to do this, when it would be preferable (and easier for them) for us to just go by and pick it up ourselves. Do you think TWC doesn't expect us to have the level of expertise to connect these boxes? I can't think of any other reason, and the one stated on the email doesn't really hold water.

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq

I thought it a bit strange that they are requiring us to have a technician out to do this, when it would be preferable (and easier for them) for us to just go by and pick it up ourselves. Do you think TWC doesn't expect us to have the level of expertise to connect these boxes? I can't think of any other reason, and the one stated on the email doesn't really hold water.

Well, their reasoning seemed okay by me. I imagine they are being very conservative, have only an initial shipment of boxes for now to distribute, and want this roll out to go smoothly. The SD version of the 8000DVR was often very signal sensitive... these might well be too ... so with us they will find out if there are any significant installation problems. No one is more anxious for one of these puppies than I am; heck I would have driven to Columbia to get one (am going there tomorrow anyway; sigh) but my appointment is for late Thursday.

bdenman:

How about taking a few minutes to review recent messages on the Western Carolinas HDTV Fall 2003 forum about a HDTV article that ran in the Greenville News. See the writer, bszob, recent questions about Cable in other markets, and you should be able to answer some of his questions.
Thanks.

Originally posted by bdenman
Well, their reasoning seemed okay by me. I imagine they are being very conservative, have only an initial shipment of boxes for now to distribute, and want this roll out to go smoothly. The SD version of the 8000DVR was often very signal sensitive... these might well be too ... so with us they will find out if there are any significant installation problems. No one is more anxious for one of these puppies than I am; heck I would have driven to Columbia to get one (am going there tomorrow anyway; sigh) but my appointment is for late Thursday.

Yeah, I'm probably just being cranky because I can't just go down and pick one up. Further, I'd much rather do the install myself, instead of having some TWC tech pawing at my equipment. :)

Oh well, I'll have mine by the end of the week too...which is far sooner than I thought it would be when this week started.

My 8000HD DVR is set to be installed Thursday evening. I'm stoked about this since I've been waiting for what seems like forever for a HD capable DVR. Having been a former Directivo user, I was somewhat disappointed by the SD DVR, so I'm hoping this newer one is a bit improved--especially from a speed standpoint.

Now if only TWC would add WIS, ESPN-HD, and Fox...

:D

My appointment is scheduled for Thursday between 5pm and 8pm. I hope the guy is early. 8 pm is pretty late to be having to make house calls. My biggest problem wiht the installation deal is, frequently the contract guys they hire to do stuff don't really know much outside of Step1: , Step 2, Step 3...

There is no way on earth one of their Tecs will be able to figure out my projectors inputs and selection. I cannot be here during the day, and my wife can barely turn all this stuff on.

Do they plan to have these available for folks to self-install in the future??

Thanks!!

-- Cain

My install is scheduled for...

I was feeling a bit left out because it seemed everybody on the TWC HD newsletter received an e-mail re the HD-DVR that I did not :(

It turns out that my ISP filtered the e-mail as junk mail. I have fixed that problem and suggest anyone missing some e-mail make sure the twc mail is not filtered.

Now, hopefully, I can post my install is scheduled for ...:D

Well you aren't they only one.
I was put on the "I want the HD DVR" list awhile ago and haven't gotten any e-mails about it yet. I'm getting all sorts of other stuff from TW in e-mail and snail mail though.
I realize they aren't being rolled out to everyone yet, so I will just have to live vicariously through all you other guys! :)

Gene

Cain,
I would just schedule the appointment and have your wife sign for it and have them leave it for you. The main reason for the installation is an organized means of distrobution, not extremely technical issues. If this box is signal sensitive you can address that later if it doesn't work.

Originally posted by Gene S
Well you aren't they only one.
I was put on the "I want the HD DVR" list awhile ago and haven't gotten any e-mails about it yet. I'm getting all sorts of other stuff from TW in e-mail and snail mail though.
I realize they aren't being rolled out to everyone yet, so I will just have to live vicariously through all you other guys! :)

Gene

For those of you that are on the "waiting list", just email Diane per this post: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3194646#post3194646

I'd heard nothing about the HD DVR either until I read through this thread and I emailed Diane today and got the install scheduled for Thursday evening. Good luck. :D

some thoughts:

Cain: I take it you can't work in one of the 5 to 8pm or Sat appointments right now. Nothing I have seen yet has mentioned anything about self-install. If the 8kHD box is like the 3250 output wise, perhaps you can arrange it so they can set it up in your theater but connected to a standard old TV via an analog output and forego the projector setup until you get home and can do it right. (a chair, an extension cord, and the coax for the box).

Derrick: glad you got the email thing worked out! I saw your name on the email and figured you got the word.

Gene: Send Diana another email at twcscnews@twcable.com. Be sure to include your phone number!

Tigers: glad you saw the thread and got on the list:


Now it is hurry up and wait time.

Great ideas guys !! I will do this..

Thanks!!

-- Cain

Looks like gamecock is the on one scheduled for today. Please post results once your box is up and running. Cain, I have been this.... for awhile:D

Got this from Shaun Bennett at SCETV:

"WRJA-D is the second station on our current build out queue. We are going to bring our Charleston station (WITV) up later this month and WRJA up in February. The tower has been reenforced and the antenna has been mounted. We have a few modifications to make with the equipment at the transmitter site, but expect a fairly smooth power up. When I get a firm date I will let you know."

[WRJA is SCETV's station in Sumter and their DT programming should be essentially the same as WRLK's (almost but not 100%). Besides the Sumter area coverage, their OTA digital broadcast will extend SCETV's signal more towards Florence/Myrtle Beach and other points east.]

SEHD

I see on Bruce's HD summary that this channel sometimes carries Fox Sports...is it too much to dream that they might carry the Fox Sportsouth airing of SEC-TV USC basketball games? It's doubtful that SEC-TV even shoots in HD, but a guy can dream, can't he? :-)

Well, I have major setup issues with the 8000HD. A second TW tech is coming out in a bit.

So far,
1) I can't get standard coax output if HD settings have been configured. The setup is the same buttons as the sa3250hd, but a little different. After pressing, you see sd-1 and hd-1. If you select sd-1, the component output doesn't work (well maybe 408i, but I can't tell since my TV can't handle). If you select hd-1, you see the setup wizard that lets you pick output formats your TV can handle. After this step, I can't see anything via the coax output.

2) DVI output doesn't appear to work.

I haven't had a chance to look at the DVR features yet, because I don't want to get used to it. I may need to stick with the sa3250hd.

Originally posted by gamecock
Well, I have major setup issues with the 8000HD. A second TW tech is coming out in a bit.

So far,
1) I can't get standard coax output if HD settings have been configured. The setup is the same buttons as the sa3250hd, but a little different. After pressing, you see sd-1 and hd-1. If you select sd-1, the component output doesn't work (well maybe 408i, but I can't tell since my TV can't handle). If you select hd-1, you see the setup wizard that lets you pick output formats your TV can handle. After this step, I can't see anything via the coax output.

2) DVI output doesn't appear to work.

I haven't had a chance to look at the DVR features yet, because I don't want to get used to it. I may need to stick with the sa3250hd.
Workarounds:

1. Use a splitter before the box if you need a separate coax feed (get the TWC guy to install one; just make sure they check/tweak the signal strengh afterwards).

2. While your particular unit could be broken, I suspect that the DVI port is just not yet activated. For now, use the component output until the DVI is activated or go back to the 3250HD. I would not be suprised if the DVI is not yet activated; the 3250HD just it working and I imagine each box needs its own customized code. Could be the engineers just worked first on getting other features working right and in time will get the DVI port working as well.

Well, I got my 8000hd today as well. I just thought I would elaborate some on gamecock's post. I also get no picture through regular coax output. However, this is no issue with me because I do all of my viewing through component/DVI. I also found that with the 3250, I personally could not tell a difference between the different formats so I always just kept mine on 1080i--even on the regular channels. The weird thing is my tv is a samsung dlp and it is 720p, yet I can not get a picture with the 720p output from the cable box. However everything looks good to me in 1080i, so once again I have no complaints on this issue. The DVI is not functional on my box either. I am going to e-mail Diana about this. This was a bummer because everything looked so much better to me through DVI using the 3250 than it did through component. Hopefully it will be activated soon.

Now to the dvr functions. Well I have TIVO, so I am still getting used to how this works. I did record some hd content and it looks beautiful on playback, so 2 thumbs up here. The only thing I do not like, and again I am used to TIVO is that if you are recording a program you can not begin watching it from the beginning while it is still recording. I love to record football games and start watching the game from the beginning about 45 minutes into it. That allows me to skip the commercials and watch the game commercial free. Unless I just have not figured out how to do it yet, it looks as though you have to wait for the program to finish recording before you can start watching it with this dvr. Another thing I don't like is the search by title feature to find programs to record. You can only search for programs on a specific day---you can't just type in a name and expect it to search all of the program guide for the entire week. You have to specify the day. And then when searching it brings up all of the programs by a single letter. So if you want Andy Griffith, you have to go to A and then go through a ton of programs to find it. It would be nice if you could type out the name of the entire program and find it much quicker without having to scroll through a lot of stuff to get what you want.

Overall I am very happy though. I will probably still use my TIVO for regular prorams and use this for the high def recording. Like I mentioned the playback quality on high def programs is incredible.
If anyone already has a twc dvr and there is a way to begin watching a program you are currently recording from the beginning while it finishes recording please let me know.

The second tech. didn’t come up with anything new.

It appears the DVI output is not enabled.
It appears if HD outputs are setup on the unit, the coax output and probably all SD outputs do not work.
I didn't get a chance to checkout audio restrictions (digitial/analog works Doug
when/where).

This seems to be a step back in terms of features. I have kept the sa8000hd, but have it setting on my desk. I will use the SA3250HD for now while I decided on how to incorporate the SA8000HD into my setup or return it.

Bruce, I did ask about the DVI support before I setup the appointment.

I just talked to Diana and she just confirmed the DVI output will not be available until March.

foz32,

I just found out that DVI is not supported until March.
I didn't have any problem with 720p and my Sammy DLP.
Can you confirm analog and digital audio works on all channels (well, a standard cable, a digital channel, and a HDTV channel) at the same time?

I was asked to post this:

I have just discovered that the software upgrades necessary to implement the DVI output on the HD DVR (SA 8000HD) will not be implemented until March.

I apologize for any miscommunication on this issue and regret any inconvenience that may have resulted.

Diana Smith
Director of Marketing for Video Services
Time Warner Cable South Carolina

gamecock: Diana said she was given info that the DVI worked; as we know now that proved to be a bit premature. Did you get a splitter installed so you have anothe coax (perhaps for PIP/POP)?

foz32: thanks for the update on the HD-DVR! . On the SD 8000DVR the workaround for watching that what you are recording is to tell it to play and then do a fast Rewind and go to the beginning. Not elegant but it works. You might get kicked out at the end when it stops recording (cannot verfify that detail but will ask the wife later; she does that all the time).

gamecock: all of my audio works fine. Even on programs that you record, the playback is in dolby digital. It is really neat to be able to record things in surround sound.

Thanks for the posts, guys!

I now know I'll need to split the coax and send one of them into the TV directly and one into the new HD DVR box. This is no problem because my cable is already split with one going into the 3100HD and the other into the 8000DVR. Now, I'll just send the one cable into the TV instead of the 3100HD.

Can't wait to timeshift HD!

Originally posted by bdenman
foz32: thanks for the update on the HD-DVR! . On the SD 8000DVR the workaround for watching that what you are recording is to tell it to play and then do a fast Rewind and go to the beginning. Not elegant but it works. You might get kicked out at the end when it stops recording (cannot verfify that detail but will ask the wife later; she does that all the time).

I can verify this:

We watch a lot of our reality programming (survivor, Joe Millionaire, Bachelor, etc) pre-recorded so as to skip the commercials. We often start watching the show 30 minutes in, just as described above. It WILL kick you out when the show finishes recording and immediately take you to the ending. This can be terrible if the show has a grand finale (or the final score of a game) because all of the suspense is gone. So, my advice is to make sure you start watching it in time to make it to the end (by skipping through the commercials) before it finishes, or begin watching it after it's finished recording.

I was hoping that the new DVR had better functionality in this area, but it sounds like I was hoping for too much.

Can you guys speak to the timeliness of the techs? Were they really late?

Originally posted by IrmoGamecoq
SEHD

I see on Bruce's HD summary that this channel sometimes carries Fox Sports...is it too much to dream that they might carry the Fox Sportsouth airing of SEC-TV USC basketball games? It's doubtful that SEC-TV even shoots in HD, but a guy can dream, can't he? :-)

No college basketball. Just a few Carolina Hurricane hockey games. I asked Diana about it at the beginning of the week, and she said that the programming available was lacking for this region and that it wasn't going to added for awhile. Fox Sportsnet HD is a entirely seperate channel than the special events channel.

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=1528343

Originally posted by kevinivey
No college basketball. Just a few Carolina Hurricane hockey games. I asked Diana about it at the beginning of the week, and she said that the programming available was lacking for this region and that it wasn't going to added for awhile.

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=1528343

Oh well, dreams dashed once again. :) Thanks for the info.

As for TWC techs being late, they've always been pretty timely with me in the past. They've also called beforehand to make sure I was home...I guess they're doing the same with you guys?

chummel... my appointment was 8-10 and they got here about 9:30. Took them all of 5 minutes to do the switch out

Foz32, thanks for the info. I was hoping I could get outa here around 7pm while having a 5-8pm appointment. Oh Well.

Will some please verify that the 8000HD being distributed has the larger 160 gb hardrive. Thanks

You get the baby one Kevin?

Of course wouldn't have it any other way. For anyone who doesn't know there is a very extensive pdf. on the 8000HD on the Scienctific Atlanta website (65 pages).

I am confuzed; supposedly they were going to be 120GB or 160GB; then I heard somewhere a comment of an 80GB model. Which size HD is in yours Kevin? I have a small pdf from SA on the 8000HD; will go looking for the one you mentioned...

OK, I'm gonna get set up for a visit from the Tecs while I am at home..

Does anyone know if the DVI when enabled will be HDCP, I assume it will..

I'll let everyone know how it goes..

-- Cain

PS Diana, you rock girl !! Thanks for the help !!

Cain: The pdf I have for the 8000HD said DVI with HDCP. Time will tell if that is correct.

Originally posted by bdenman
I am confuzed; supposedly they were going to be 120GB or 160GB; then I heard somewhere a comment of an 80GB model. Which size HD is in yours Kevin? I have a small pdf from SA on the 8000HD; will go looking for the one you mentioned...


I do not get it until tomorrow evening. I was just curious because the the pdf. says the standard drive is 80gb,

Oh; I thought maybe you had one already. It appears your pdf and mine are different then; I cannot find the one you mention (mine is but 4 pages long. want a copy?). I really expect/hope they are distributing the 160GB model.

http://www.sciatl.com/consumers/userguidepdfs/4003743.pdf

Thanks. This is the one I was talking about http://www.scientificatlanta.com/customers/Source/4004400.pdf

Yea, i've seen that one in the past. It more of a spec sheet. The link above is a very detailed user guide that will surely help ones that are no familiar with the 8000. Off to watch Law and Order. I wonder what problems Wis-DT will have tonight?

WIS lost HD around 9:25 during TWW. I came back here for last 15 minutes or so; not sure if they fixed their problem or not. Will go check out L&O shortly....

SA has stuff all over their web site; I stumbled over that PDF you linked to and after I had downloaded it. Will read it in detail later. I do see where they list a model with only 7 hours of recording time (senseless if you ask me). (and dated dec 03 too).

I thought I would post a letter I sent to Doug Nye at the State Newspaper. It was not answered. It was sent 12/16/03

Mr.Nye,

Have you checked with your TWC contacts lately about their desire to get ESPN added on TWC systems? Wis has had a lot of problems with their HD broadcasting of late. Have you heard anything on cable carriage of their HD channel? I noticed that they do not run local commercials on their HD channel when they are broadcasting a HD network feed. It has been my observation that they are the only local station that does not insert local commercials. I wonder if they think it is not important. I am very disappointed that they are not on cable yet . Next month marks the one year anniversary of their digital station. There are a few of us HD local viewers who post comments on a internet forum. You may find this forum interesting. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99727&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

Originally posted by kevinivey
I thought I would post a letter I sent to Doug Nye at the State Newspaper. It was not answered. It was sent 12/16/03

Mr.Nye,

Have you checked with your TWC contacts lately about their desire to get ESPN added on TWC systems? Wis has had a lot of problems with their HD broadcasting of late. Have you heard anything on cable carriage of their HD channel? I noticed that they do not run local commercials on their HD channel when they are broadcasting a HD network feed. It has been my observation that they are the only local station that does not insert local commercials. I wonder if they think it is not important. I am very disappointed that they are not on cable yet . Next month marks the one year anniversary of their digital station. There are a few of us HD local viewers who post comments on a internet forum. You may find this forum interesting. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99727&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

Interesting you should bring up Mr. Nye. In today's column (here (http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/living/7701882.htm)) he said this under a blurb on tonight's Law and Order: " Like many NBC shows, “Law & Order” is broadcast in high definition. However, WIS has not yet agreed to allow Time Warner Cable to carry its HD signal. 10 p.m., NBC, WIS-10, cable ch. 3."

I found that rather straight forward and appropriate that he mentioned the lack of NBC-HD on TWC. And, back on Jan 4th, he had a rather nice summary of all the HD on TWC except for HBO and Showtime. He mentioned both INHD channels, HDNET, the locals (save NBC) and the lack of ESPN-HD. Perhaps in time he will be say more. I wonder if he had a HD setup? (I hope so).

We have updated our PSIP server to include programming information for our HD service. You should now see a full PBS HD schedule on your EPG.

-Shaun

Originally posted by sbennett
We have updated our PSIP server to include programming information for our HD service. You should now see a full PBS HD schedule on your EPG.

Checked a bit ago and the data is available on my Samsung's guide. Thanks for the update Shaun!

Originally posted by sbennett
We have updated our PSIP server to include programming information for our HD service. You should now see a full PBS HD schedule on your EPG.

-Shaun


RCA DTC-100 is showing "Programming Information Not Available" for all locals except Wltx-DT 19-1. The 100 list the channels call letters for all except for all the WIS stations which list nothing. Being that this is a early D* box it my not have all the software to pick up new PSIP. I guess if it were hooked up to a dish, the programming would be inserted by D*.

Originally posted by bdenman
...I really expect/hope they are distributing the 160GB model.

Any word on the storage size for the 8000HD?

160gb!!!! Bruce, emailed me and said it appears to be. There not here yet...

Initial post:
My SA8000HD (SARA based) was installed about two hours ago. So far it's operation appears to work similar to the standard defintion 8000 with the setup routine/options similar to that of the 3250HD box. As mentioned yesterday, the basic specs are available on the Scientific Atlanta Web site.

- My unit has a 160GB drive that should allow for about 20 hours of HD recording. Have not yet tried to record SD; HD works fine.

- It has DVI port which we know from TWC is not yet enabled (update scheduled for March). No Firewire port on this box (as expected). No suprises on the back panel.

- PIP uses the both tuners so you have dual PIP.

- Remote is an AT8400 and requires you to hit the green List button to get the list (different from SD model). This remote is slightly different from the AT8410 remote that came with our older 8000SD model but may be the one most 8k users have. In my estimation the design of the AT4200 (and the AT8410) is much inferior from that of the AT2300 that came with the SA3250. In short and remember, this is my opinion... this remote sucks big time! It has very poor ergonomics. While it looks similar to other remotes like the AT2300 its button operation is different and is much harder to use. YUCK!

But, overall; it appears so far to be a keeper.

I had my 8000HD installed today. The tec. said that it had a 80gig hard drive.
I had to show the tec. how to get into the menu, to set up the box. The back of the 8000 is different from the 3250. I can only get the sound to work thru my HT system. Can't get any sound from the TV. Any one have any ideas how to get it work thru the TV speakers.

Did you connect the box to your set with analog cables? We just moved all the cables from the 3250 the the 8000 and TV sound works. I have not checked the digital coax out yet; will go try that shortly. You might check the Settings menu too (on the remote); see what it has default as audio (my tech played with that automatically but not sure what he might have changed if anything).

The tech checked the box's diagnostics here (and the signal to). The hard drive is listed as a Maxtor 4R160LO which the Maxtor site confirms is a standard 5200rpm 160GB drive (2MB cache).

To all: the box also has to be activated (via a hit) for it to be able to record.

Originally posted by bdenman


To all: the box also has to be activated (via a hit) for it to be able to record.

Just got my box activated for the DVR service. Why can't these things come pre-authorized so we don't have to call TWC?

Oh well. 15 minutes later, and all works well so far. :D

I'm jealous...

There can't be that many people around using a PVR with HD. How much does it cost for the HD 8000 (rental?)? Are these boxes hackable to add more hours via HD swaps like the TiVo?

cool...can't wait for my HDTivo. I'm getting the Hughes HTL-HD installed Sat but already am viewing OTA with a crappy antenna.

We are very fortunate; we are on the leading edge of the deployment of these DVRs. Regarding rental cost, here the SA8000HD's are right at $15/mo (essentially $5/mo more than one of the other digital receivers). And no; I would not consider them hackable at all.

If you need more storage space check out HDTV PC card for now (and flesh out your computer with a couple of huge hard disks). There is a 8000 Group over at Yahoo; some there have tried putting larger drives in a standard 8000 without success (some of these folks live in Canada where they had to buy them).

Finally, at quarter till 8. I have it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

re: the HD 8000

how many hours of SD can you record? The 250GB TiVo is supposed to rec 30 hours of HD or 200 hours of SD or a combination of the two.

Recording size should be just under 9GB/hr so one might assume 20 hours of HD with 160GB. I will try and verify that at some point. The Dish 921 has a 250GB disk with a stated time of about 25hours of recording time. So everybody is in the same ballpark it would appear. Folks who do some of each kind will confuse things greatly (no "fuel" gauge).

The SD version of the 8000 usually has an 80GB disk and reportedly can do 50 hours of ditigal tier recording and only about 30 hours of analog tier recording (it has to encode it and it's encoder is not as efficient as the content producers is).

Install lasted about 5 minutes and all is well. Contractor knew he had to call to authorize and he did. Recorded some of the HDNET basketball game and playback was perfect, and instant replay worked as described. Its interface is not as slick as TiVo, but works non the less. The dual tuners for HD pip worked flawlessly. I have been told by Diana that she would talk to the TWC engineers about the s-video and the composite video feeds tomorrow. I feel that we all owe TWC and Diana a big thank you for there prompt distribution of this new product. Good evening to all.:D

Originally posted by kevinivey
I feel that we all owe TWC and Diana a big thank you for there prompt distribution of this new product. Good evening to all.:D

I could not agree more. I had an issue with staying until the end of my appointment time. Diana called the installation manager to ensure the tech got there in time. When he got behind on another install, a DIFFERENT tech called me and said he would be at my house in 15 minutes. I can't think of a time when I have been this happy with TWC. I had about 3 minutes to play with the DVR and it reboots as soon as I press the GUIDE button. I just grabbed the boxes and let the tech leave so I did not get them activated. Maybe that is part of the problem. Anyone else see this? I also am having trouble with sound. On the box that is connected to the HT the optical output works fine. The one in the bedroom is connected to the TV via analog RCA cables. A quick glance of the manual gives no info on how to set this up. I guess I shouldn't have rushed the Tech off now...

No, you have to activate the box. It may be too late to do it tonight. Mine has worked perfect since 7:45. I tried my best to confuse it and it kept on working like it was supposed to.

Strangely, the box in the living room accepted a recording request for one of my wife's soaps without activation. The one in the bedroom won't.

My 8000HD DVR has been working fine too. I agree with Kevin, perhaps tomorrow they can get the box working for you!

Now NBC-DT (OTA) is burping big time here; signal strength is fine but for last ten minutes the picture freezes, screen blacks out; and the box reacquires the signal. And it soon goes through it all again. I see they are remapping now; maybe that is confusing the Samsung box (not sure when they started it). (and now its fixed; total problem time about 15min)

This may be a little off topic but you guys seem to be pretty knowledgeable about SA boxes.

On the SA3100HD setup menu, there is an item called Audio Range and the choices are Wide, Normal and Narrow. Does anyone know what this setting sets and the reason for making any of the choices?

On my setup, I am using both the audio right/left for my TIVO and VCR and the Digital Coax out for my Home Theater receiver.

Sometime's I have a hard time understanding soft dialog, sounds like garbled mumbling and can't decide if its the program, the setup or I'm just going deaf.

Thanks

This is a very helpful forum!

I plan to upgrade my SA 8000 to the HD version. My question is this:

I am planning to get the Panasonic 42PWD6UY plasma display, which is an ED (not HD) model. Should I notice any difference in PQ using the DVI connection vs using the component?

[I need to know this because I can order the display with a DVI "blade" to accept DVI, or I can buy a new receiver that does component switching and use the single component input (included with the display) for both cable and DVD. So, with the cost of the 10 meter DVI cable, it is the same cost either way (but with the component option I get a new receiver)].

I would appreciate any ideas on this.

Thanks.

Charles,
Where are you buying your Panny from? I have been looking at that model for a fall purchase. time frame. To answer your quetion, there should be a significat improvement with DVI over component with a fixed pixel display like plasma. Panasonic makes one of the best displays for contrast and black reproduction. Try lurking awhile in the plasma section of this forum. They have discussed DVI vs. component quite a bit lately.

Originally posted by kevinivey
RCA DTC-100 is showing "Programming Information Not Available" for all locals except Wltx-DT 19-1. The 100 list the channels call letters for all except for all the WIS stations which list nothing. Being that this is a early D* box it my not have all the software to pick up new PSIP. I guess if it were hooked up to a dish, the programming would be inserted by D*.

The 100 will not read DirecTv's APG for Locals.. As to WOLO's EPG, we're
currently undergoing software upgrades, so I have it disabled.

I had my 8000HD installed last night, and like many of you, had to get the tech to call in and "activate" it. It wasn't allowing me to record, nor tune into any of my HD tier channels. Anyway, he called it in an voila! It worked.

FYI - Just as a test, I recorded over 11 hours of HD-only content overnight. Checked it this morning and all recorded fine. Got another 5-6 set up during the day today, will see how that goes after work. 20 hours sounds about right...so glad it wasn't only 7.

Also, my tech didn't really know anything about the boxes at all (e.g. how large the hard drive was), but he was courteous and helpful and stayed until everything was working correctly.

I'll add my kudos to Diana of TWC for a seemingly excellent (from my viewpoint and y'all's) rollout!

to chummel,

Thanks for the response. I haven't decided where to order the Panny 42PWD6UY from yet - any suggestions? I don't know of any local (midlands) people who would sell it at a reasonable price. I am considering some of the internet dealers recommeded on this site.

I still would like to hear from someone who has actually used the DVI connection between a TW STB and a 42inch ED plasma and compared it to the component. Theoretically, it should be better, but in real life???

Good Morning,

We have decided to stop imposing upon Bruce's good will for providing our information. Many thanks to Bruce for all his assistance over the past couple of months. Please bear with me as I negotiate all the ins and outs of posting on this forum. I'm actually a little nervous that this post may end up who knows where - but here goes.


As Kevin indicated, S-Video and Composite Video are not currently active. I have learned these features will be activated in the same software download that activates the DVI. As mentioned earlier, this download is expected to take place in March.

In addition, I do appreciate you patience over the bug we have run into in order to authorize the HD DVR. As with all product launches, there are typically bumps in the road. Fortunately this seems to be a minor hiccup (except for our Billing System Manager, who is pulling her hair out). All the appropriate codes are being placed on your accounts, in the same manner as with the SD DVR, but for some as-yet-unexplainable reason, the billing system is just not recognizing them. The hit to your converter resolves the issue, but we do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you for all the kind words. I can assure you the Time Warner Cable is committed to providing our customers exceptional customer service. We hope that the information provided to this forum will contribute to that end.

Diana

Charlie,
Howdy! Regarding the DVI/TWC connection .... you might end up being the first one to try that combination in our area. Like you said, the theory says better but in real life? I do know that the folks here with DLPs do seem to prefer DVI connections. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Welcome Diana!
I was happy to help! Your assistance has been very much appreciated. Thanks!

I have a question???? Last night about 1:30am I lost the sound on the digital Teir (100-999) the analog still works(2-99). Called TWC they are sending out a tec. to check it out, I hope its not the same one from yesterday I knew more than he did. Anyone have any Ideas his problem???

I am having the same audio problems. Initially everything worked fine. However, starting yesterday the audio would not work thru the tv speakers on the digital channels. The analog channels were fine. I could still get sound on the digital channels through my audio system, just not thru the tv speakers. I unplugged the box and let it reboot, and everything was once again working fine. However, I am sure it will probably happen again. I thought it was my tv at first, but everything else was working fine--including audio on analog channels through component. So I guess it must be something with the box.

FOZ32, I did what you said and rebooted the box by unplugging it. Turned it back on and the sound would come thru my HT, but I still can't get any sound thru my TV speakers. The guy from TWC didn't know anything about how to reboot it. They are going to have some training this coming Wed. I would still like to be able to hear it thru the tv speakers, so I wouldn't have to have the HT system on all the time. Comeon guys someone can figure this out and give us some help!!!!!:confused: :confused: :confused:

Originally posted by Mitchell B.
FOZ32, I did what you said and rebooted the box by unplugging it. Turned it back on and the sound would come thru my HT, but I still can't get any sound thru my TV speakers. The guy from TWC didn't know anything about how to reboot it. They are going to have some training this coming Wed. I would still like to be able to hear it thru the tv speakers, so I wouldn't have to have the HT system on all the time. Comeon guys someone can figure this out and give us some help!!!!!:confused: :confused: :confused:

How do you have it setup that you could hear it through both?

Optical through your HT receiver, and RCA through your TV?

I presume you guys are talking about audio issues with the SA8000HD DVR. On my 8000HD the audio is working fine using both the digital and analog outputs. I have the 8000's digital coax output connected to my A/V receiver with coax (RCA ends) while the analog outputs (red and white RCA jacks) are connected to the TV (DTV input). I have not yet tried out the Toslink audio output.

Well, I am also now a proud onwer(renter?) of the 8000HD. The tech guy was here early and was waiting on me when I got home from work.
Again a big "Thank You" for Diana @ TW, she got me hooked up with this box much sooner than I could anticipate!
So far so good using this DVR, I briefly recorded whatever was on HDNet at the time and playback was flawless. Most of my HD watching comes on during the weekend, so I'll give it a good work out then.
Besides the HD feature, this box performs so much better than the 3100HD ever did. The picture formating and scaling for HD signals is a god send! My TV locks into full mode when ever it receives a progressive or HD picture, even if the source is non-widescreen. Now with the 8000HD I can format the picture to a nonprogressive/non-HD signal and use my TV's stretch mode. (Which I like better than the boxs).
Now I have to dig into the settings and find out how big the hard drive is :)

Gene

My set up is the same as bdenman. I have not been at home to test it today, so I am not sure if the problem still exists. Everything worked fine at first thru both the tv speakers and the ht speakers. And then last night the audio would not work on the digital channels (the analog channels were fine) thru my tv speakers, but everything was fine thru the ht speakers. After I unplugged and rebooted the converter, everything worked fine again. So I have no idea what the problem is/was. Hopefully it is resolved.

Anybody have program guide issues (the channels numbers are not matching the programs listed) For example, it showed Spongebob on the History Channel?

Derrick; no, not that I know of (was just setting up some stuff too).

Gene: yours hard drive should be the same size as mine (and the others too)... a 160GB model (Maxtor 4R160SO). That should be good for about 20 hours of HD recordings.

Is it possible that I hit some button or somehing on the remote which misaligned the display of the guide? The channels on the left do not match the programming to the right? Any ideas?

Derrick,

No issues with the guide at my house. Reboot and see if it can't fix itself.

Derrick: that is totally now to me. Never seen anything like that with the standard 8000 (used well over a year) or this new box. You might call CSR and talk to them or reboot the box and see if that helps any.

If it were my box, I would first reboot it and see it reloads the guide information. To do that turn off the box and then pull the plug for a minute (15secs might be enough but what the heck). Then plug it back in and wait for it to reboot.

If you are recording anything at the time you will mess it up (but is should come back and start up again. If that fails; call CSR (who well might suggest the same procedure). Or call CSR first and see what they suggest. I think they are available until 9pm locally.

el guru has spoken. She said what I was trying to say but in about 1/10th of the number of words I used. I should take notes on how to speak more concisely and to the point.

I'm just typed out after this week.

And I talk too much... not succinct at all!

Reboot was catastrophic. No Guide at all now and no HD channels. After reboot, I get message Advance Services Temporarily Unavailable.

Hey Diana, Welcome to AVS !!

Well boyz (and girl) I'm gponna join the TWC HD club in the morning. I'm really looking forward to it.. No more antennas and picture fading in and out. Maybe I can finally get PBS HD really good !!

I also REALLY look forward to recording in HD, that should rock..

I'll post back tomorrow and let you folks know.

Take care,

-- Cain

I know this is kinda lame condidering you guys are now recording HD but I got my Hughes HTL-HD hooked up tonight with my Infocus X1 (projecting to about 90" diagional). Tonight my wife and a friend watched the OTA PBS-HD special on the reconstruction and we were completely blown away. Major wow factor. Incredible shapness/resolution/3D effect etc etc. It exceeded my expectations for sure.

My wife who's pretty techno-resistant was like "ok--I understand why you want the HDTiVo, get it asap". :p

Funny thing was that I "found" an old antenna in the attic for OTA (we just bought this old house in shandon). Connected the RG6 coax, pointed to the northeast and dropped it down to my box and am getting great reception of all channels.

I can't wait for sundays CBS football--and I usually could care less about football!

Did I miss something of did PBS change channel numbers. Also, has anyone experienced a re boot of their 8000HD when trying to tune an HD station like INHD?

See my previous posts on this page. My channels in the guide were out of line with my program lisitngs, so I tried a reboot and poof, no guide and no channels above 100? I guess the box needs another "activation" from TWC?