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Charlotte, NC - TWC/Spectrum

855K views 9K replies 411 participants last post by  4:3 Toshiba 
#1 ·
Hi, I'm an HD customer of Time Warner Cable in Charlotte and thought I'd start a thread for our area. I talked to the HD guy at TWC again today and advised him of this website and he'll be checking in from time to time to maybe answer questions and get info from us.


ABC and Fox are still holdouts for HD here. TWC is ready for them but these stations are holding things up with the carriage agreements so email them constantly asking for them to be shown thru TWC HD. Also, the 3100hd boxes should be out before long and TWC is currently testing them for bugs, etc. I Control is coming soon as well and will work with the 3100hd boxes. This lets you rewind, play and pause movies you rent just like Tivo. I told him we really want widescreen choices in this format so they are aware of that.


Lastly, there's a new HD channel coming to TWC! On April 1st, we get another PBS station on channel 230. It shows from 7pm to midnight. There are a few other digital non hd channels coming the same day on channels 231-234 so keep an eye out!


Let's keep this thread going for the Charlotte area HD owners and for questions, info, etc.


Thanks,


Steve (aka "dvdguru")


Happy owner of a Toshiba 50H81
 
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#2 ·
I have the SA2000HD box from TWC @ this time. They have been promising the new SA3100 box to me for over three weeks now. They keep calling me back and changing the appt. At this time I do not even have an appt. anymore.


Can any on tell me the level they get on their box? I get -9 to -11 all the time. -9 is in yellow and -11 is in red. I ask because the digital channels (150-165?) and the HBO channels (300-317) all look really poor. I get a lot of pixalation and the jitters; it is very hard to watch. A neighbor had Direct TV and his digital channels look a lot better than TWC's digital channels. Of course my analog channels also look poor. The HD channels look good though. I think the SA3100 box is going to fix this, or at least that is what I have been told.


I live in the Huntersville area and use a Toshiba 34hx81. I hope we can keep this thread going. Any one knows whom to email at Fox and ABC? All my favorite shows are on those channels. As of late I watch a lot more CBS.


- Scott
 
#3 ·
Scott;


Do you have a splitter in your system between the cable box and the wall? If yes, is it a 1gHz model? If your signal is low that might be causing some of your problems. Our TWC here in SC checks the signal level and makes sure its adequate with or without a splitter and will install amplifiers if needed.


I would also ask if you are watching the non-HD channels upconverted through the component connects? Most users (including me) seem to have much better pictures using either S-Video, Coax, or composite connects for those. This might change with the 3100HD box (I have seen mixed reviews so far).




Steve,


I might suggest a phone call or two might be in order vice just emails. Also, I would contact both the individual stations and TWC since both are parties to the carriage agreements. Here we are much further behind you guys in DTV roll out ...we have only PBS but hopefully will have ABC (SD) and CBS (SD/HD) come May. But NO word yet on when they might get on cable (I fear it will not be this year).


Bruce

TWC of SC subscriber
 
#4 ·

Quote:
Originally posted by dvdguru
.


ABC and Fox are still holdouts for HD here. TWC is ready for them but these stations are holding things up with the carriage agreements ..

There are two sides to every story.
 
#5 ·
Tomorrow is the date for the new PBS HD channel on TWC channel 230 so at least we're getting something new. I'd like to know what Fox's side to the story is though. It's not HiDef of course but it would be nice to see some of their shows in widescreen at least. Any info is better than no info so feel free to post!
 
#7 ·
I am a TWC Charlotte customer, eagerly awaiting his first HD receiver.


I last spoke to one of the HD guys TWC last week (not Ron Wright - the other one) and was advised that they were doing final testing of the 3100 boxes which they had fitted with customized software. The new batch of boxes seemed to be working great and woukd be rolled out in the next 3 weeks.


I wanted to take this opportuhity to commend the two individuals at TWC Charlotte - Ron Wright with whom I have spoken several times, and the other gentleman whose name escapes me. Even though I have been one of many who have bothered them with phonecalls wanting to know when the new boxes would be available, when new services will launch, etc. they have been so helpful and friendly. They have been open and honest with information instead of giving the canned responses that one usually expects from cable companies and the like. Well done to you both. Your efforts really are appreciated.


As for getting my receiver, I'm waiting as patiently as I can to see my first ever HD television picture.
 
#8 ·
Bdenman,

Do you have a splitter in your system between the cable box and the wall? If yes, is it a 1gHz model?

------Yes it is 1gHz. The split is from the TWC House amp and the SA 2000HD Box.


If your signal is low that might be causing some of your problems. Our TWC here in SC checks the signal level and makes sure its adequate with or without a splitter and will install amplifiers if needed.

------I have the amp. They test and say everything looks good. Sometimes they say the single is too high and sometimes too low?


I would also ask if you are watching the non-HD channels unconverted through the component connects?

-----No I watch through s-video. IF I am going to watch an analog channel for a long time I switch inputs to the non-SA2000hd input. I just use the good old TV turner for that. Still not a great picture but better.


Most users (including me) seem to have much better pictures using either S-Video, Coax, or composite connects for those. This might change with the 3100HD box (I have seen mixed reviews so far).

-----I am waiting the new Box that is said to fix a lot of this.


Any other suggestions?


ALL,

I cannot wait to see what is on the new channel tonight. I would also like to see what are ABC and FOX's side of the story. TWC is putting the blame on them. If Fox and ABC are not to blame they should speak up. I was told that ABC and FOX wanted to have TWC carry extra channels. Like there own version of homeshopping network that user could buy stuff through the TV. TWC said no because it would use all the bandwidth, and not leave enough for the HD broadcast. I do not know how true this is. I am just passing along info.


Could people that do have the box (2000 or 3000) please let me know your single strength. This can be found by pressing the star and dot inside the circle button at the same time for 3 full seconds. Up comes the data and you can see what you strength is.


Thanks,

Scott
 
#9 ·
I know the new boxes are in but not quite ready for a full rollout to the customers, but are being tested in a very few homes. I to have chosen to be patient as I have seen the new boxes in action and love the product. As far as signal strength a service call fixed my problem with signal and should have nothing to do with HD.
 
#10 ·

Quote:
Originally posted by bdfox18doe



There are two sides to every story.

The only side of that story that matters, though, is that 480p is not near HD, so nobody should really care if TWC-Charlotte carries it or not.
 
#11 ·
Very good point
I care more about ABC so I wish they would say something. I emailed them and they wrote back and said that they are in talks with TWC which probably means they want extra stations or something too instead of just letting us see HD without decreased bandwidth. Also, WHERE are the new TWC stations (230-234) that were supposed to be on today? I don't have them yet, does anyone else? I rebooted my box but they still don't show up in the guide.
 
#12 ·
Also, I would like to thank the TWC HD Rep that I talk to when I call there. His name escapes me as well but he is always very friendly and very helpful when I call. I tend to believe him over the stations as well and believe that they are asking for extra channels or bandwidth or something like that.


I believe these stations already tried this in Raleigh and TWC refused. The stations gave in there and need to here as well. We don't want whatever they're fighting for. We just want uncompromised HD! Do they realize I would watch more of their station in HD when it is shown? Apparently not which is surprising to me...
 
#13 ·
Shine555, I tried but can't find my signal strength in the diagnostic section. What's it under? Does your screen have a red lock icon at the top like mine?
 
#14 ·
In regards to the launch of the WTVI High Definition digital channel, the engineering group at WTVI has indicated that they will "likely have to upgrade software in one or more of their digital decoders before the problem is fixed". They do not currently have a time frame for this to occur. Perhaps, some inquiries to them could encourage a sense of urgency on their part once they understand how many people are interested in this product.
 
#15 ·
I will send an email or call the new station, and FOX and ABC. Anyone know who, to call or email at those stations? I think just calling and asking about HDTV, will get me nowhere.


The single strength is in the diagnostic screen listed under RF and it should show what the strength is. I had my fixed today. It is now only @-3 and the picture looks much better. Not the best I have seen, b ut a lot better. The "Cable Guy" said that my convergence was off a bit. I didn't know it could be off on a direct TV, but that is what he said. I might call the shop where I bought it.


- Scott
 
#17 ·
P.s. I was told its not a good thing to mess with the diagnostic since the 200hd software is so "touchy".And shine5555 your convergence does make a difference in your picture quality.You should call th store where you bought it or check your manual.

As for ABC and FOX,we all know those stations are huge and wont be far behind in the HDTV run.Therefore I wait patiently since its all still pretty new anyway.
 
#18 ·
The new digital channels arrived this week but I've been out of town so I'll check out the new HD channel tonight at 7pm. Nothing new on ABC and of course Fox has never responded so here we sit. And yes, the helpful HD guy at TWC is Phil. Thanks to him for being so helpful when we call their HD department.
 
#20 ·
I think the HD channel only runs from 7pm til' midnight. I checked at 7pm last night and there was programming on the HD channel but it wasn't hidef? Maybe PBS still has some issues to work out or something?
 
#21 ·
Finally, after watching standard definition on my HDTV for the past 3 months, I am going to be able to watch HD tonight. My 3000 box is being installed this afternoon and I can't wait to see the results. Though most digital channels are OK, the picture quality on the locals is poor. To finally have a clean picture on CBS and NBC will be a delight and to have HD programming with Discovery soon to come is excellent.


I now that TWC has stated before it's comittment to carrying HD channels as and when they become available so I assume taht Discovery HD Theater will appear on or very soon after it's launch date.


No doubt once I've seen just how good HD is, I'll be firing off emails to WCCB (Fox) and Channel 9 (ABC) telling them they need to act or lose viewers.


Thankyou TWC for your progressive stance toward HDTV !
 
#22 ·
Hi all Charlotte HDTV enthusiasts! Silly me, I'm an even earlier adopter than the rest of you guys; had my gear for a year now through DISH Network. Anyone else bagging DISH or DirecTV for TimeWarner's new box? I had heard that the cable box will carry both the east and west coast feeds for HBO and SHO. That correct? If so, and if they pick up HDNet, which I sorely need for it's must-see TV like Bikini Destinations, then I'd have to give up DISH...


On the other hand, DISH has the rumored HD PVR921, a HD Tivo-type receiver, coming out sometime before the year is out (or so rumor has it), which would provide a clean, simple time-shifting option. That would keep me a DISH customer indefinitely.


Decisions, decisions...
 
#23 ·
I received the 3100 box about 2 weeks ago and the channel guide and channel changing speed is greatly improved over the old box. The problem is.... I feel bad telling you guys this in case you haven't noticed yet but... The box has a bug that causes jitter in the digital channels when viewing them through the coax or video outputs. Check HBO and you'll see what I mean. It's a very quick LIGHT, DARK, LIGHT, DARK motion in the contrast of the picture.


The good news is that TWC and Scientific Atlanta are aware and an upgrade is due in a week or two. It will automatically be sent to the box through the cable wire so all we can do is wait at the moment. The digital channels are almost unwatchable once you notice this problem so hopefully they will be fixed very soon.


Also, I'm still having audio/video dropouts frequently on HBOHD. TWC stated that HBO said it's their fault and are working on fixing it but that was weeks ago. My signal was already verified as being adequate so hopefully HBO will fix this soon too as it's getting VERY annoying.


From what I've found you should use the video out for watching analog/digital channels. I tried the Svideo out and it was much less desirable. Too grainy and too many artifacts that way.


Anyone else have any experience with the 3100 HD box around here?
 
#24 ·
I've finally got my 3100HDand and have no problems with picture quality (although I'm not particularly overwhelmed with anything I've seen other than the PBS feed).


I do have audio issues however. What happens is that when watching HD programming everything is OK until the commercials come on. As the final commercial ends and the HD program returns, the sound totally cuts out. The only way to get it back is to switch cable channels and the go back to the HD channel. This also happens if, following a commercial, there is a plug for the news, ie. "Coming up tonight at 11...". I've noticed this particularly on WBTV as that's the station I've watched most of. I don't think it's happend on PBS but it did also happen on HBO HD at the start of a movie.


Is this a common problem ? I'm using L/R audio leads as I don't have an amp that can use the digital audio signal (yet).
 
#25 ·
Yeah, I have had the same sound problem. It seems quite intermittent. So far, I have only seen it on HBO and SHO. Never on the local channels. This is generally accompanied with data drop outs in the video. When it gets bad enough, the sound goes away and does not return unless I change the channel and return to the one I had been watching. So far, I have not called TWC about the problem.

I did play with the iControl today. It's fun! It also works on the SA2100 non HD box. I have one of those on my old 19"TV. I did not actually realize that it was available until I got around to reading the mailing from TWC today. It does not appear on my program guide. You need to enter channel 1 and then you get it.
 
#26 ·
I am finding that the component output is quite a bit cleaner. Certainly the HD content is. Most notable to me is the reduction in MPEG artifacts. These can be quite visible on the normal digital channels but are totally absent on the HD content. The result is better then my HTPC which I was previously thrilled with. The resolution is also up a notch but this is probably limited by my monitor.

My viewing situation may be different then many of yours since I am using an XGA 4:3 LCD front projector. The component output, which is always 1080i, is presented as letter-boxed. The NEC VT540 projector detects 1080i and generates blacker then black top and bottom bars. I am viewing this on a 100' 4:3 screen. Any 4:3 content using the component input is then displayed in the center of the 16:9 area of the screen unless I use the zoom feature and blow it up to full screen.

Generally, the NTSC outputs seem to produce a better image of the full screen 4:3 video. If I zoom the 1080i 4:3 to full screen it does not look as good. I am seeing the best results using the SVIDEO output. This does not seem to have changed between the 3100 and 2100.

Those of you seeing excess noise and artifacts on SVIDEO might try reducing the sharpness control on your monitor. The higher bandwidth of the SVIDEO output may have more high frequency content and thus more noise. This also would mean that it may not need as much sharpness boost.
 
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