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Connecticut - TeleMedia

post #1 of 2757
10/16/03 at 2:11pm
Thread Starter 
CONFIRMED NEWS:
- The NFL Network (both SD and HD channels) have been moved to a different tier of channels (Sports Entertainment Pack).
- We will not be receiving the new realligned channel lineup from Comcast until sometime Q4.

Any changes in the HD offerings will be noted here as soon as they are confirmed.

Here are the current HD offerings from Comcast (formerly TeleMedia/Adelphia) in the Seymour/Waterbury area:

HD Converter Boxes:
Scientific Atlanta 3250HD
Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR
CableCard is also available

HD Channel Lineup:
Local HD Channels - Free with HD Tuner (Converter Box, Cable Card, etc.)
Seymour & Waterbury Branches:
703 - WFSB (CBS)
707 - WABC (ABC)
718 - WNYW (FOX)
720 - WTXX (CW)
724 - WEDN (PBS/CPTV)
730 - WVIT (NBC)

Norwich Branch:
702 - WGBH (PBS)
703 - WFSB (CBS)
704 - WVIT (NBC)
708 - WTNH (ABC)
720 - WTXX (CW)
761 - WTIC (FOX)

Premium HD Channels - Free channel with corresponding Premium Package
750 - HBO HD
751 - Showtime HD
752 - Starz HD
753 - Cinemax HD

HD Plus Tier Channels - $7.95 or Free with any Digital Cable package
757 - Discovery HD (Will be added 12/18)
758 - National Geographic HD (Will be added 12/18)
759 - A&E HD (Will be added 12/18)
760 - History Channel HD (Will be added 12/18)
762 - HGTV HD (Will be added 12/18)
763 - USA HD (Will be added 12/18)
764 - TNT-HD
765 - CNN-HD
766 - TBS-HD
767 - MHD (Will be added 12/18)
768 - Universal HD (Will be added 12/18)
769 - Food HD (Will be added 12/18)
770 - Comcast Sports HD (Versus HD/Golf HD)
771 - YES-HD
772 - ESPNHD
773 - NESN HD (Except Shelton)
774 - InHD
776 - Discovery HD Theater
777 - NFL Network HD
778 - ESPN2HD
779 - Fox SportsNet HD - New England (Norwich Only)

I will update whenever new services are added. Please PM me for any changes you would like to make to this page.


-------------Original Post----------------

I got my cable bill in the mail today from TeleMedia Cable in Seymour, CT and in big bold letters on the envelope it reads, "HDTV Service Coming Fall 2003". Of course I called to find out more information. Unfortunately, the customer service rep did not have too many details. He did say that they have a new Digital HD Converter box (make unknown) that needed to be installed. Once the box was installed (and you subscribe to any digital cable service) you get the local network affiliate HD channels "free". They are in negotiations with many channels right now including Discovery-HD and ESPN-HD. HBO-HD was a definite. He was pretty vauge on specifics for channels aside from the locals. Note: If you are like me and have to have ESPN, please call TeleMedia and express to them your desire for this channel. If they see that this is what customers want then it should push them in the right direction.

The CSR said that they are expecting a launch date toward the end of November, around the Thanksgiving holiday. For those of us who did not have much faith in TeleMedia being able to deliver HD (myself included), this is a welcome surprise.

Please show your support by calling TeleMedia and telling them that you are looking forward to this service and what channels you would like. (203) 735-9504 For once they finally look like they are getting it right!
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post #2 of 2757
11/3/03 at 2:49pm
I just received my TeleMedia bill and saw the envelope labeled HD Service coming. My first response was to look on their web page but there is no information. My second thought was to look here!

If anyone has more information please posit it!

I will be among the first to subscribe if there box has DVI outputs for my projector and component for my upstairs TV and there is some way to switch between these two outputs. I only watch one set at a time. Any Info please?

Chuck
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post #3 of 2757
11/12/03 at 10:06am
Thread Starter 
Some details are starting to come in about the new HD service from Telemedia. Here is what I know so far:

- The HD service will come with Dolby Digital Audio.

- The HD receiver can be leased for $7.95 per month.

- Customers will receive broadcast networks for free as the signal becomes available to Tele-Media.

- Customers that already subscribe to HBO or Showtime will receive the HD channel at no extra charge.

- Additional programming and services may also be offered in the future.

I have sent an e-mail to find out some more details. I will add to this thread when I find out more. If anyone else finds more information regarding HD on Tele-Media, please post in here.

Thanks!
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post #4 of 2757
11/12/03 at 10:22am
Thread Starter 
I just found this on the CableWorld.com site:

Quote:


Adelphia Communications will take over day-to-day operations of several cable systems currently managed by Tele-Media Corp. of Delaware when Tele-Media's operational contracts expire, according to an Adelphia announcement last week. Adelphia, which already owns a majority stake in these Tele-Media systems, found that it could improve operational efficiencies by assuming complete control over the systems serving 144,000 customers throughout five states: Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Adelphia expects to complete full operational integration by the end of next year.

Expect some changes in the near future for Tele-Media. Their service has been horrible for as long as I can remember (over 10 years). This is a welcome change. Their service can't get any worse....right?
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post #5 of 2757
11/12/03 at 11:06am
Quote:


The HD service will come with Dolby Digital Audio

HD has to have Dolby Digital audio as there is no option for any other.
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post #6 of 2757
11/17/03 at 9:15am
Now here's the thing... What package are you forced into buying to get the HD channels? I am NEVER subscribing to their service full bore, since they are the worst cable company ever, not to mention I am deep into E* Sat service, which allows me to record HD (5000 owner).

Anyway, can we rent the digital box and get just the local Nets and that's that? I called Telemedia this morning and got a "Duhhh" answer from someone who just did not know anything.
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post #7 of 2757
11/18/03 at 5:04am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by Matt_Stevens
Now here's the thing... What package are you forced into buying to get the HD channels? I am NEVER subscribing to their service full bore, since they are the worst cable company ever, not to mention I am deep into E* Sat service, which allows me to record HD (5000 owner).

Anyway, can we rent the digital box and get just the local Nets and that's that? I called Telemedia this morning and got a "Duhhh" answer from someone who just did not know anything.

I totally agree with you about being the worst cable company ever. From what I understood with talking to people at Tele-Media, you will probably have to subscribe to any digital cable service (i.e. Digital Basic). They did not know for certain because the details were still being ironed out but this would make since.

Personally, I can not stand there digital service. I tried it for a couple weeks to see if I could get a better picture from the service and to use the on screen guide and was disappointed at the archaic feel to it (I guess I have been spoiled with DirecTV). I am hoping that they will have a free trial for their HD service to see if the pros outweigh the cons.
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post #8 of 2757
11/18/03 at 9:59am
If they require any subscription, other than local channels, they kiss my rear tooty. Any likely they can just kidd is regardless, since they want $24 just for analog locals alone! Add a bunch more money with digital. Easily the most expensive in the state. No thanks.
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post #9 of 2757
1/7/04 at 11:52am
Thread Starter 
I called Tele-Media today to get an update on the HDTV Service. The HD converter boxes are in (I did not ask what models). The only thing holding them back is that the engineers are having some trouble with the HD head equipment. Once that is resolved they will begin offering the service. The costumer service reps are updated every Friday in their company meeting. Feel free to call and let them know that you are interested and anxious for HD and maybe...just maybe...it will be here in time for the Superbowl.

A little motivation for the cable guys never hurt.
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post #10 of 2757
1/23/04 at 2:24pm
I have been calling them for 3 months now and they still know nothing.They say they are waiting on the networks.BillN96 what are you using to get HD.I would like to go DTV but the receiver is a little steep in price and you still dont get CT locals.I dont think a antenna will work where i live in white hills.Let me know what you did.Thanks
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post #11 of 2757
2/6/04 at 11:09am
They still don't know anything. I asked about Firewire and they didn't have a clue what I was talking about. They don't even know when they are going to launch.
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post #12 of 2757
3/3/04 at 7:30am
As of 3/01/2004, they still have no clue as to when it will become available....

I had to wait years for internet via cable with them... Now I am waiting years for HD over cable...

*I guess I should not even dream about a HD DVR option from these clowns...

Maybe it is time to switch to DirecTV... Too bad I still need them for net access, DSL is not available at my location.



-Patrick
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post #13 of 2757
3/3/04 at 9:54am
Thread Starter 
Tele-Media's HD plan (from what I can gather) is on hold while the Adelphia takeover is in process. I have an e-mail to Adelphia asking about timelines, plans, location, and upgrades for Tele-Media. The only thing that I have heard is that the switch from Tele-Media to Adelphia will be completed sometime in 2004. I am extreamly frustrated with Tele-Media. Their quality of service in all aspects is horrible! If I was able to get any dish service I would switch in a heartbeat (stupid trees).

Side Note: Tele-Media is reminding me a lot of WFSB. You just can not get a straight answer from them and always moving there supposed deadlines.
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post #14 of 2757
3/3/04 at 6:01pm
Question, can you use a QAM STB to get digital cable from Telemedia if you receive their analog service already? I was looking at one of the LG models, but am not sure if I would be able to get any digital cable channels with it. Any info appreciated.
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post #15 of 2757
3/4/04 at 2:47pm
Thread Starter 
I came home from work today to find two messages on my answering machine from Tele-Media Cable. Both saying that HDTV is now avalible in my area and asking am I still interested. I have called them back and left messages but it is after 5:30pm so do not expect to hear anything until tomorrow. I will post again when I find out more.

Has HD finally come to the Valley???
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post #16 of 2757
3/8/04 at 6:19pm
Any updates on your tele-media messages?
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post #17 of 2757
3/9/04 at 7:09am
Thread Starter 
Sorry for not replying sooner. Here is the deal. Right now they only ofter WTNH (ABC) in HD along with HBO, Starz, Showtime, and Cinimax. They told me they were waiting for WVIT's (NBC) tower to be completed to add them (which was completed late last week) and they said they were in negotiations with WFSB (CBS). Apparently, WFSB was making "unreasonable" requests to carry their digital channel. Tele-Media and WFSB had another meeting on Monday but I have not heard if anything came out of that. A little birdie told me that is WFSB is still making "unreasonable" demands that only Tele-Media in the Seymour area will talk to CBS in NYC about carrying them instead. They can do that because they service Fairfield County which is int he NYC market. There was no mention of WTIC (FOX).

The HD box rental is $7.95 and the local channels (when they get them) will be free with the box. If you have any of the premium services you will get the appropriate HD channels. I asked about HDNet and they confirmed that a deal has been made with Adelphia but they do not know when that will start. Also, I asked about ESPN-HD and they said that they were also in negotiations and could not comment further.

At least this is a step in the right direction. Please post any channel updates here when they become available.
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post #18 of 2757
3/11/04 at 4:07am
Firewire? They didn't even know what that was when I talked to them last month and I talked to a higher up, not a service rep.

What are you REQUIRED to subscribe to in order to get the box?

I hope they realize WTNH's signal is always screwed up. The sound is never in sync with the picture.

Screw WFSB. God, how I hate them.
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post #19 of 2757
3/11/04 at 5:03am
Thread Starter 
The box that are being used for HD (Scientific-Atlanta's Explorer 3250HD) is listed at their website at: http://www.tele-mediacable.com It has received good reviews in the hardware section of this forum.

While the CSR was pricing out the HD package to me she did not mention that I had to have the digital package. I made it a point to tell her that I did not have digital cable and she did not say anything additional costs or packages. Take that for what it is worth. We all know how Tele-Media can be...although they are not going through Tele-Media anymore. The customer support line switched to Adelphia on March 1st.

WTNH has had audio sync problems for 3 years now. You would think that they would have found a fix by now. But I really can't complain. WTNH, WCTX and PBS are the only channels I can pick up OTA in the valley.
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post #20 of 2757
3/11/04 at 5:41am
I called again today and they said it is not yet available in my town (Wolcott,CT) - BUT I asked what boxes would be available...

Explorer 3200 - Digital Cable
Explorer 3250HD - HDTV box
Explorer 8000 - DVR Digitial Cable
AND
Exploere 8000HD - DVR HDTV Cable at the end of the month!!!!

SO, ONCE again I will be sitting here waiting to see what my Plasma looks like at high def... sigh.....

-Patrick
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post #21 of 2757
3/11/04 at 5:44am
I picked up my SA 3250HD at the office in Seymore on Monday.I asked about the DVI hook up and if it was active they did not know what i was talking about.They give you composite cable but i will get my own.Any suggestions where on the web?Here's my ? When you watch tv on a different input say video 2 there is no menu.There is only a menu when you use HD input on your TV.The problem there is it just doesn't seem to be that clear.The channels look better on video 2 sharper.I did watch NYPD on tuesday in HD and it looked fantasic.Can someone offer any suggestions on what i should do.THanks
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post #22 of 2757
3/11/04 at 10:03am
OK, I talked to them today and all I could do was laugh my ass off. Even the CSR agreed with me on this. The pricing is insane.

$23 for "Basic", which is their lowest price package. That's almost double other companies low end package.
$13 for HBO
$13 for Showtime
$3.5 for the Digital box (required)
$7.95 for the HD-DVR
--------
$61 a month + taxes. This is a ridiculous amount of money. The CSR couldn't believe it (I was the first TeleMedia area caller asking about service with just basic and some pay channels).

Now add on normal packages for ESPN, FOX News, TCM, MTV, etc and you have pricing that is way beyond what I'll pay if I stay with DISH.

I'll take my chances with the PVR921. I'd rather pay that $700 (I'm getting $300 for trading in my HD Modulator) and keep my current equipment and setup, vs. switching to the worst cable company in America, where my monthly costs will skyrocket, for LESS content.
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post #23 of 2757
3/12/04 at 5:17am
should i leave TV on the HD input or keep switching back and forth.like i said in the above post.TV seems to come in better on S video cable if thats possable.
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post #24 of 2757
3/12/04 at 5:33am
What do you mean? Are you talking about non HD programming?
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post #25 of 2757
3/12/04 at 7:48am
I talked to two reps. at Adelphia and they have absolutely NO idea what the status of Telemedia's HD offering is.

I would call the Telemedia office here in Seymour but they only list the Adelphia number on their website now. If they are truly trying to eventually get all of the locals in HD (from a few posts up) that's going to be the way to go until the other three majors (NBC-WVIT, FOX-WTIC and most importantly CBS-WFSB) finally go full-power with their OTA Antennas. Perhaps all will be by 2005. They are all on currently, but at various degrees of power and with temporary antennas.

Anyway, I suppose I'll go to their office at lunch and see what they know. Adelphia and Telemedia need to get their acts together.
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post #26 of 2757
3/12/04 at 6:41pm
I stopped by Telemedia Seymour office today. Guess what? They are as clueless as the CSR's at Adelphia.

They say they have the 3250 HD Box, but not the 8000HD DVR (they have the 8000SD DVR).

From a memo tacked to their board they read that the only local in HD is WTNH-ABC which most everyone can get OTA in this part of CT. However, they are in negotiations with others. No ETA's or any other info. I told them since they have a website perhaps they can diseminate some actual useful information to their customers. They said they'd look into it. They didn't even realize the website showed these two new HD boxes (3250 and 800HD) already.

I'm sorry but this whole situation is just REALLY pissing me off. I really don't get why if a Cable Co. has the analog station why must there be negotiations to re-broadcast the digital? Why do these local TV stations have to be such a-holes to deal with? The viewers just want the best available version of the channel, so what's the issue with giving to them, it's the same damned station? WTF!?!

Why must getting HD OTA locals be so hard when the FCC pretty much made it manditory by now? I think they need to start looking into some of these stations broadcasting with a 9 volt battery just to comply and start handing out daily fines until they broadcast a decent signal.

Perhaps we should all write letters to the FCC with this in mind. Maybe I'll draft something everyone can work from and research who this should be sent to at the FCC to get some action. Thoughts?
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post #27 of 2757
3/13/04 at 5:37am
Money. The stations want money for the HD signal since they spent million upgrading.

My advice to anyone dealing with Telemedia: Switch to DISH or DircTV if you can. Yes, you pay for the equipment, but the montly costs are a lot less for MORE content and the picture quality of HD will be superior to the Sci-Atlantic boxes.
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post #28 of 2757
3/13/04 at 8:37am
Matt I'm talking about non HD content.Right now there is only like 5 stations in HD that I'm getting when i change to stations that are not HD it doesnt seem to be as clear as there othere channels.But when i switch inputs on tv the non HD channels come in better.Now I am even more confused.LOL you are right this cable sysem sucks.the only thing stopping me from getting dtv is the locals.we cant get ct locals just ny.
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post #29 of 2757
4/3/04 at 2:04pm
Thread Starter 
Tele-Media now has WVIT in HD. Adelphia has struck a deal to carry HDNet and HDNet Movies but no date has been set to roll out in CT. There is a rumor that a deal is just about official with Adelphia and ESPN-HD.
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post #30 of 2757
4/3/04 at 4:20pm
I lived in the valley and boogied on to New Haven while "Valley Cable" was still running the show. Does it bother you to know that in a town roughly 6 miles from Derby and 3 miles from Ansonia we are watching ESPN,INHD,INHD2,WVIT,WTNH,WCBS and PBS for free?? Oh btw, we also get HBO,SHO,STARZ,CINEMAX --all in HD if we choose. Actually, I get every channel Comcast offers-all movie channels 12 HBO,13 MAX, 10 SHO, and 8 STARZ/TMC. The pic quality is really pretty good. Hopefully Adelphia will turn you guys around. Good Luck!! One last thing you valley folk. I worked for BFI/Archer ever summer and winter in HS and college AND 2 yrs full time. I have picked up the garbage at every single house in Ans,Derby,and Shelton. HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SAY THAT?????
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