Providence, RI - Cox - Page 8

Originally Posted by LawrenceWelkMH

Hi eveyone I heard That On Feb 1st. 2010 that the Hallmark Channel Is Going HD is thire any chance we will get it on Feb 1st. or shortly thire after that and what is the word on a new gudie ?


Thank You
Matt

Originally Posted by Ph8te

I beleive youll find that the "7 day" rule is to prevent the least amount of changes in the guide data. Also, with thier current provider I believe that is all that is available. It was explained some time ago, but I dont feel like searching the old Cox thread.

If the program is on, and you know it will be a new episode, then you can always tag a old episode and just set it to record the show any time its new. For sports however you are SOL.

Supposedly this year Cox will be launching remote DVR scheduling. So that even if you are away you can set up a recording via Cell Phone\\internet.

I dont mind the week out personally as most of the programs I watch are series related or I can just set the DVR to record a new episode when its on.

You can always switch to Tivo or a different provider if its that big of a sticking point.

Originally Posted by EJW_CoxNE

We'll be launching remote DVR scheduling probably in March (maybe April) - you'll be able to search listings and set to record from your phone or web browser.

As far as I know, the guide will be updated with the rollout of Whole Home DVR in Q2. I'll try to find out how far out the guide will read.

Originally Posted by DM2006RI

I can relate on the Versus problem -- but if PQ is of primary importance I'd stick with Directv. Beats the doors off Cox's HD service -- my folks have Cox and it's certainly alright, but it does not compare favorably to the crystal clear MPEG4 channels on Directv. The larger your set, the more you will notice an appreciable difference there. As far as the outtages go, I didn't have one in 365 days last year -- is your dish in a bad location or not pointed properly? I'd look into that first before bailing.

I have not seen Fios, though...if I dumped Directv (which I wouldn't do because of the sports) I would probably try Fios because Cox's service is OK but is not overwhelming in its picture quality or selection...IMO of course.

The one thing I will say is Cox's internet in south county has been, outside of an occassional outtage somewhere that causes an intermittent slowdown, quite excellent now for several years running. They seemed to "raise their game" on the internet end of things and I'm satisfied with their service.

Originally Posted by HawkbyKO

The dish was installed by D* and seems to be in a good location. I heard a rumor that Versus will be back in March. I really want the FSC and don't want to pay extra for it so D* is probably out. My Cox internet has been rock solid (I'm in NK). No problems there.

I was in BB the other day and talked to the Cox rep there. They have a $300 cb deal and the bundle offer was pretty good. One thing I didn't realize is that Cox's Max View bundle only includes local calling. It's extra for long distance (Fios inc. long distance). It's not a big deal since we can use the cells for that.

Fios has a 6mo. $30 discount and a $75 cb deal to counter. Otherwise the bundles are comparable in price. Both will give me free install and activation (should be free anyway). I am interested in pq difference of course as well as how the new Cox Cisco HM dvr will compare to Fios'. The Cox rep said that the hard drive will be "twice the size" of the current dvr.

Originally Posted by GoSlow2GoFast

Does anyone have a listing of what channels are available to a new HD television that is just connected to a Cox cable, without a cable box? Or does Cox provide this someplace on their site?

Also, will this vary from TV to TV (different vendors for example), or should 10.1 be the same as 10.1 on both sets. I thought my older Sony found the digitial HD version of NBC for example out in the 70's, but another TV finds it at 10-1.

~gs2gf

Originally Posted by Ph8te

The only channels available to you from Cox without a Box are the HD locals. You can also sometimes grab some "leaks" or un encrypted channels, but those are few and far between......

As far as channel listing I dont have them handy, but if you search the old Providence thread (the other one for just HDTV) I beleive they are listed there. The 10-1 is the actual channel location and I beleive that is what Cox is using now for the HD locals. The channels in the 70s are what Cox used to use.

Originally Posted by Hard Harry

Just to add,

I believe you need at least Basic/Expanded for Clear QAM too. Last I checked you got about 16, and 12-13 of those were regular channels. There was a list somewhere on on this forum but I can't seem to find it. I will write one up tonight.

Originally Posted by Ph8te

There used to be a lot more HD over QAM, but Cox encrypted the channels. Now all that is available on a regualr basis and supported by Cox are the Local HD channels. There are others you can grab via QAM (SD), but those are un supported and usually "leaks". The HD channels (non local) you may get are usually there one day gone the next.

Originally Posted by Hard Harry

Probably. But I have always wondered something? How does a channel "leak"? You either encrypt it or you don't. I can see one or two forgetting, or changing the freq. every couple of months, but you make it sound like it's haphazard. Someone feeding gremlins after midnight over there or something? I just think theres more to it.

Don't get me wrong, Im not one of those that thing their "owed" to me, just seems like they should have more control over it.

More on topic. Anyone heard of any items coming to market that use Tru-way? I saw a blog about a panasonic box that uses it. I know Tivo does too. Have cable card TV's gone way of the mini-disc? ::la-sigh::

Originally Posted by Ph8te

The channels do often change and are usually never the same (for the "leaks"). I say leaks as most normal customers will never even know how to see them much less go through the work to find them (going through channels and sub channels). As far as the HD QAM goes its been sometime since I have seen any post that they have found an available HD channel besides the Locals. I use the tearm "leak" loosely as these channels in the SD include Ondemand streams, and sometimes other digital channels. As I said before sometimes they're there one day gone\\moved the next.

AS far as Tru-2Way its a technology that the cable card Tvs can use. The Tru2way allows communication both ways allowing you to get access to PPV, Ondemand, ect that previously was unavailable to CableCard users.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tru2way

http://www.tru2way.com/consumers/

Originally Posted by Hard Harry

Yes, I can see your point about the Ondemand streams, and even the RedHat terminal, and such. What I don't understand is that Cox doesn't advertise the clear QAM that they do have. Specially when people mock them about their "free" HD. For those in the know, Clear QAM is a huge reason some stay with Cox over other companies. Yet if you mention it to them, they make you seem like your lucky to get it or it's something sneaky. I think a lot of it stems from not actually knowing how it works. Or maybe they don't want to be bothered with the upkeep so they don't consider it part of their line up. It just astounds me. They have this great perk rather unique to the market and they hide it.

Case and point, I put in "cox fax voicemail" into Google. First 7 hits are Cox sites. I put in "Cox HD QAM" and the first couple of sites are...well AVS for one, along with a bunch of other non cox related. Theres just something wrong with that I feel.

Originally Posted by Ph8te

I would venture to guess that this is due to the fact that 98% if the customer base doesnt even know what QAM is.......Those that do care about it, those that dont wuldnt even know what you are talking about. Cox advertises Free HD, and if you call them and ask they will let you know that you can get the Locals in HD with only a "basic" cable connection (ie no box).


Remember though this is a business that is here to make money, they WANT you to get the box, its part of the way they make money. BTW most other copanies (FIOS for example) offer free HD locals as well (I beleive this is a HAVE to do, not a choice to do), while they encrypt the other HD channels so that you need a box in order to get them.

Originally Posted by DM2006RI

I might've missed it but is Cox providing Cox3 in HD to digital subscribers?

A number of PC hoops, hockey and today's URI game seem to be produced in HD (as they are airing with black borders in standard-def) but I only have Cox for the internet and the QAM channels.

Are in they in HD on digital? If they are or not, are there plans to make Cox3 available in HD via QAM??

Thanks for any info.

Originally Posted by DM2006RI

I might've missed it but is Cox providing Cox3 in HD to digital subscribers?

A number of PC hoops, hockey and today's URI game seem to be produced in HD (as they are airing with black borders in standard-def) but I only have Cox for the internet and the QAM channels.

Are in they in HD on digital? If they are or not, are there plans to make Cox3 available in HD via QAM??

Thanks for any info.

Originally Posted by Ph8te

Cox3 isnt in HD at all.......What usually happens is that the game is broadcast in HD via the network that is carrying it which Cox transmits then converts to SD........What are the chances of getting Cox3 in HD, I would say very slim.......

Most of the college games these days are available on multiple channels (and sometimes in HD)......

The best thing you can do is call in and request it. The more people that call the higher chance you have of seeing it. IF they do bring Cox3HD then I would say it would be available via QAM.....

Originally Posted by Hard Harry

EJW, will the guide just be for the Whole Home DVR? Or will it carry over to DVR,HD receiver, digital, and so on?

Oh, and by the way, not to brown nose too much, but thanks for all the info and fallow up you give us. Being IT I know all too well the sad tune sung by the unsung hero. Woot!

Originally Posted by HawkbyKO

EJW,

Any word on FSC HD being added to the lineup? Thanks!

Originally Posted by Hard Harry

Ahh yes, but there are many ways to make money. You can increase profit margins or customer base. Lets look it this way. When digital came out, yes, there was a big push for digital cable boxes, culminating with Premium channels being pull off the analog line up. You want HBO, you have to get a digital box. Now though, analog cable is a big selling point of value. Its one of the few things that really separates them from Verizon, Satellite, and now even Comcast. They don't hide that value. I have noticed they actually flaunt it. So why is QAM any different? Yes, many people wouldn't have a clue about how it works, but since when has that stopped anyone? Look at all these companies 50Mbs down ads. How many people do you think know what the difference between a bit and a byte is? Traffic Shaping? Throttling? QoS? Bandwidth capping? Ignorance of a products very rarely stops a company from pushing it.

Come to think about it though, I don't really care. I love the feature. Im glad Cox has it. If they think it makes them more money not advertising it, good for them. The more money they make off of others, the lower my bill goes down. Well..ok, not really. But I can dream right?

Originally Posted by sonicdoommario

I was just flipping through the channels, and is WPRI finally going in HD? During their newscast, the surrounding school closure graphics actually took up the whole screen, but when the school closings graphic was removed from the screen and went back to pillarboxed...

If and when they go HD, boy, will they produce the most annoying and unbearable commercials and promos imaginable...

Originally Posted by EJW_CoxNE

Regarding Cox 3 in HD - the question comes up all the time. It is very high on our to-do list. Cox Sports is one of the items that sets us apart from competitors, so we definitely want to provide the best possible product. There is a ton of great programming on the channel, HD is the next step.

So while it's not here yet, I can say with some confidence that it will be.

Originally Posted by Ph8te

You would think soon, but I highly doubt it...........I dont see any of the RI locals doing HD news in the "near" future/////

Originally Posted by ATPTourFan

EJW, thanks for the reply. Great to hear it's a high priority.

Can you enlighten us regarding the most recent URI Basketball games apparently being produced in HD? Only a month ago, the person who runs the CoxSports YouTube channel said that Cox did not own HD production trucks to produce in HD. Perhaps that has changed?

Finally, I have to agree that the video quality of the URI Basketball games in SD is very poor. Often, there appears to be ridiculous levels of MPEG-2 compression. Also, there also appears to be some kind of weird blue filter effect, where the white uniforms are all blue (and no, it's not my TV doing this).

I haven't switched to Verizon because of the URI Hoops coverage on Cox Sports Television.

Originally Posted by EJW_CoxNE

I think it's been like that with school closings for a while now - I seem to remember that last year. Not sure if they're planning on going HD anytime soon, though.