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Norfolk, VA - Cox - Page 21

post #601 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by occasio View Post

I know many people find it hard to believe but majority of customers don't have digital in every room. Like Buckeye 911 most people have these other rooms where they aren't willing to pay another $5 for a receiver. I know I personally would hate a cable box in my kitchen unless I mounted it uper the cabinet above the TV (that's an idea).

I have all my non-STB fed TVs on one of those analog RF modulator video distribution systems, which passes the analog cable channels, along with my DVD, VCR, and converter signals on other pre determined analog channels (83, 85, and 110).

If Cox were to go all digital, I would probably just get a couple more converter boxes, and centrally locate them near the modulator system. Then by expanding and using the existing remote repeater system, give everyone their own channel to access their own converter box via remote control. This would work on any of the secondary TVs in the house.

BTW, I really like the fact that the DVR prices are coming down, it allowed me to keep my regular 6200, for faster, everyday use, next to the HDTV set, and have one of the DVRs, in my A/V closet, to use whenever needed. And now I don't hear that hard drive!
post #602 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by occasio View Post

I know many people find it hard to believe but majority of customers don't have digital in every room....

Maybe "Cox Reseach" needs to be looking forward -- at the design of a special "Home Box" where the cable (or fibre) enters the house -- just like Verizon has proposed to convert its fibre signal to coax.

One purpose of this box would be to decode the entire "basic" digital tier (that currently duplicates the analog specturm) and then remodulates it to analog form on an RF output (as Ch 2-79, 95-99). This RF output can still be distributed to analog sets in the house without a box. I realize this would be a very complex hybrid (digital/analog) chip, but might be possible for providing some "basic" channels.

Such a "home box", with this limited RF analog output, separate from the main RF output sent to to DVRs and other boxes, might be greately appreciated as 2009 approaches -- and many analog sets will still exist in each home. With it, Cox could re-use its lower analog spectrum, to add more digital and HD signals, and still have the advantage of providing service to some sets in the house without having to use a box per set.

Another (future) purpose of this box could be to pass the optical fibre directly to the A/V closet to drive one or more DVRs directly with optical inputs.
post #603 of 8011
TByron this is an excellent idea & I want to assure you that this is one of the avenues we are considering as we develop our new network. As you guys know Cox has always been willing to expand our technology, we started transitioning our network to fiber in 1981. Though I'm not privy to all the inner workings of our new network trust me in saying we are exploring ways to face bandwidth issues, the 2009 standards and what our customers want. Our new VP Gary has assured us no matter what our most important thing is going to be customer service. He's willing to make the personel changes necessary to get it done too. I think you guys will be happy with the changes we're making.

PS feel free to send letters about this forum b/c I do this on my own, not part of my job. I need a raise.........lol.......j/k......but seriously..........lol
post #604 of 8011
TByronT has an excellent idea. He's a great example of a forward thinking engineer. To go a little further, how long do you think it will be until we receive our television signals wirelessly over broadband internet connections or via cell phone towers.
post #605 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buckeye911 View Post

To go a little further, how long do you think it will be until we receive our television signals wirelessly over broadband internet connections or via cell phone towers.

You can do that now with a Slingbox.
post #606 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buckeye911 View Post

TByronT has an excellent idea. He's a great example of a forward thinking engineer. To go a little further, how long do you think it will be until we receive our television signals wirelessly over broadband internet connections or via cell phone towers.

Of course a lot more video will be transmtted "wirelessly" in the upcoming years. There is still something called "WiMax" about to be unleased OTA soon. However, the bandwidth possible with only a single optical fibre is many times the bandwidth available for use by all "wireless" vendors. I don't think "wireless" routes will ever be cheap enough to replace all that "dark" fibre already in the ground outside our homes (and still more to be laid).
post #607 of 8011
I had a cable card installed on my sony 50a10, signed up for only HD channels, music, tnthd, espn1&2hd & discoveryhd. Great HD picture but 5 or 6 channels for $9 is a little steep.
post #608 of 8011
That's because you were going from analog cable. The cable card is only $2.
post #609 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by lastplace View Post

I had a cable card installed on my sony 50a10, signed up for only HD channels, music, tnthd, espn1&2hd & discoveryhd. Great HD picture but 5 or 6 channels for $9 is a little steep.

You should have INHD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD Theatre, TNT HD, ESPN HD, MHD, and Universal HD. Maybe not a lot but $6 more you would get an additional 30+ channels.
post #610 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by occasio View Post

That's because you were going from analog cable. The cable card is only $2.

Correct, and after watching the TV I've found the reception on the regular channels is much better so I guess it is worth it.

Can I get another 30 channels for $9, I thought it would cost an additional $32.35?
post #611 of 8011
Hey Guys. Newbie here. Been lurking this thread off and on for any news on the Cox/Lin/Belo situation. Quick question...

Has anyone heard about any plans for Cox to offer HD programming through their OnDemand service? I know that Comcast does this. I would love to be able to access some OnDemand stuff in HD.
post #612 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by lastplace View Post

Correct, and after watching the TV I've found the reception on the regular channels is much better so I guess it is worth it.

Can I get another 30 channels for $9, I thought it would cost an additional $32.35?

https://www.cox.com/hr/Cable/digital-cable.asp Check this page for costs of digital service. You have Digital Gateway now - $6.95 plus $2 for the card.
post #613 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by TByronT View Post

Maybe "Cox Reseach" needs to be looking forward -- at the design of a special "Home Box" where the cable (or fibre) enters the house -- just like Verizon has proposed to convert its fibre signal to coax.

One purpose of this box would be to decode the entire "basic" digital tier (that currently duplicates the analog specturm) and then remodulates it to analog form on an RF output (as Ch 2-79, 95-99). This RF output can still be distributed to analog sets in the house without a box. I realize this would be a very complex hybrid (digital/analog) chip, but might be possible for providing some "basic" channels.

Such a "home box", with this limited RF analog output, separate from the main RF output sent to to DVRs and other boxes, might be greately appreciated as 2009 approaches -- and many analog sets will still exist in each home. With it, Cox could re-use its lower analog spectrum, to add more digital and HD signals, and still have the advantage of providing service to some sets in the house without having to use a box per set.

Another (future) purpose of this box could be to pass the optical fibre directly to the A/V closet to drive one or more DVRs directly with optical inputs.

And if you could have the cable "home box" have and OTA antenna input, so much the better.

For the short term, Cox could break up the HDTV packages. Have one package for the local HD, another package for cable HD's. This way Cox can negotiate the deals with the local affiliates and pass on the cost to those customers who are willing to pay for it. Customers with OTA capability for locals can get the cable HD only package. Of course, if the dvr box had an OTA input it would make the choice more palatable.

Thanks!
post #614 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pesco View Post

And if you could have the cable "home box" have and OTA antenna input, so much the better.

For the short term, Cox could break up the HDTV packages. Have one package for the local HD, another package for cable HD's. This way Cox can negotiate the deals with the local affiliates and pass on the cost to those customers who are willing to pay for it. Customers with OTA capability for locals can get the cable HD only package. Of course, if the dvr box had an OTA input it would make the choice more palatable.

Thanks!

This is probably the biggest sticking point between Cox and broadcasters, the broadcasters probably want to be paid for every subscriber, not just HD subscribers.
post #615 of 8011
Am I the only one have problems with digital break ups over the last couple of nights? Images pixelate and freeze, switch over to my DVR/analog cable and there is no problem. It's only been happening at night.
post #616 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by lastplace View Post

Am I the only one have problems with digital break ups over the last couple of nights? Images pixelate and freeze, switch over to my DVR/analog cable and there is no problem. It's only been happening at night.


No, I've been having a problem with that the past few days on my DVR. Mostly on Cinemax stations.
post #617 of 8011
Can anyone verify that Cox's 1080i is 1920x1080 (once deinterlaced) or is it HD-Lite (1240 x 1080 ) like D* sends to their customers. A cox rep from TX says his system sends what they get and that they send 1920x1080 via 1080i and 720p to their customers.
post #618 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nmlobo View Post

Can anyone verify that Cox's 1080i is 1920x1080 (once deinterlaced) or is it HD-Lite (1240 x 1080 ) like D* sends to their customers. A cox rep from TX says his system sends what they get and that they send 1920x1080 via 1080i and 720p to their customers.

The receiver will convert the HDMI and component output to whatever format you specify in the menu, but if you view the MPEG-2 stream by firewire you'll see that it does appear to be in the native format.

Most channels are 1920x1080i, ESPN HD is 1280x720p. I can't tell what HBO/Max/Showtime are because they're protected, but I figure they're probably the same as the others.
post #619 of 8011
Thanks. Just the info I was looking for.
post #620 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by occasio View Post

This is some great discussion guys. If it seems like I think ya'll are complaining & moaning you all don't know the 1/2. Come to a marketing meeting & you'll hear everything you guys are saying times 10.


I might pay a good sum of money to come to a Cox Marketing meeting. Sometimes, it feels that they have considered every angle except what their customers would like (I would gladly pay an extra $5 to get my locals in HD).
post #621 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by BecomingLumberg View Post

I might pay a good sum of money to come to a Cox Marketing meeting. Sometimes, it feels that they have considered every angle except what their customers would like (I would gladly pay an extra $5 to get my locals in HD).

Again it's more than just money.
post #622 of 8011
Just posted in the other thread (local HD) but yes, I've been having issues for a couple weeks now. Audio drops and video freezes mostly. My internet "seems" to work fine. I just called Cox today and they suggested sending a tech out to check the wiring. I've got someone scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. I'm convinced there is something up with my HD DVR boxes (both) since I can usually bring the audio back by simply pausing and playing. This morning ch5 was so bad that I couldn't watch it at all. Why would I have digital freezes and audio drops on an analog channel if it wasn't an issue with the digital box buffering and passing the signal on the the TV? That makes it seem pretty obvious that it's not a wiring to the box issue but something happening from the boc to the TV. I haven't tried running the cable directly into theTV and checking the analog channels yet...should have thought about that this AM but I was too ticked that I couldn't watch the local news while getting ready for work.

Quote:
Originally Posted by lastplace View Post

Am I the only one have problems with digital break ups over the last couple of nights? Images pixelate and freeze, switch over to my DVR/analog cable and there is no problem. It's only been happening at night.
post #623 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by TH3_FRB View Post

Just posted in the other thread (local HD) but yes, I've been having issues for a couple weeks now. Audio drops and video freezes mostly. My internet "seems" to work fine. I just called Cox today and they suggested sending a tech out to check the wiring. I've got someone scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. I'm convinced there is something up with my HD DVR boxes (both) since I can usually bring the audio back by simply pausing and playing. This morning ch5 was so bad that I couldn't watch it at all. Why would I have digital freezes and audio drops on an analog channel if it wasn't an issue with the digital box buffering and passing the signal on the the TV? That makes it seem pretty obvious that it's not a wiring to the box issue but something happening from the boc to the TV. I haven't tried running the cable directly into theTV and checking the analog channels yet...should have thought about that this AM but I was too ticked that I couldn't watch the local news while getting ready for work.

It could be the box, but I doubt both would fail at the same time.

"Why would I have digital freezes and audio drops on an analog channel. . ." Cox does a digital simulcast of the analog channels . If you have HD DVRs, you don't see the 'old' analog channels only the digitized versions. So, a line problem could affect both boxes.
post #624 of 8011
Thanks. I guess we'll see tomorrow when the tech is here to check things out.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nmlobo View Post

It could be the box, but I doubt both would fail at the same time.

"Why would I have digital freezes and audio drops on an analog channel. . ." Cox does a digital simulcast of the analog channels . If you have HD DVRs, you don't see the 'old' analog channels only the digitized versions. So, a line problem could affect both boxes.
post #625 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrJustAGuy View Post

The receiver will convert the HDMI and component output to whatever format you specify in the menu, but if you view the MPEG-2 stream by firewire you'll see that it does appear to be in the native format.

Most channels are 1920x1080i, ESPN HD is 1280x720p. I can't tell what HBO/Max/Showtime are because they're protected, but I figure they're probably the same as the others.

To Go a Bit Further:
ABC
Resolution: 720p

CBS
Resolution: 1080i

Fox
Resolution: 720p

NBC
Resolution: 1080i

PBS
Resolution: 1080i

The CW
Resolution: 1080i

Comcast SportsNet
Resolution: 1080i


Discovery HD Theater
Resolution: 1080i

ESPN HD
Resolution: 720p

ESPN2 HD
Resolution: 720p


Food Network HD
Resolution: 720p

HBO HDTV
Resolution: 1080i

HDNet
Resolution: 1080i

HDNet Movies
Resolution: 1080i

HGTV HD
Resolution: 1080i

INHD
Resolution: 1080i

MHD
MHD (a.k.a. MTV-HD)
Resolution: 1080i

The Movie Channel HD
Resolution: 1080i

National Geographic HD
Resolution: 720p

NBA TV
Resolution: 1080i
Schedule

NFL Network HD
Resolution: 1080i

OLN HD
Resolution: 1080i

Showtime HDTV
Resolution: 1080i

Starz HD
Resolution: 1080i

TNT-HD
Resolution: 1080i

Universal HD
Resolution: 1080i

Wealth TV
Resolution: 1080i
post #626 of 8011
Also, Someone in Hampton Roads Area with a DVR Box and is Capable of using Firewire, I need confirmation on Standard Digital Resolution.

For Some Reason My Box is Outputting S.D. as 576 (or 526) x 480, 15.0mbps... thats kinda unusual res to me... dunno if it has to do with me telling the box to output SD Content as standard 480i or not.
post #627 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by TH3_FRB View Post

Thanks. I guess we'll see tomorrow when the tech is here to check things out.

And the problem was?????
post #628 of 8011
Can someone tell me why my upstairs TV (no cable box or DVR, just basic cable from the wall outlet straight to the TV) no longer is showing HBO? It just stopped after midnight (New Year).
I can't imagine that Cox stopped offering it, as my bill remains the same...
post #629 of 8011
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cancel View Post

Can someone tell me why my upstairs TV (no cable box or DVR, just basic cable from the wall outlet straight to the TV) no longer is showing HBO? It just stopped after midnight (New Year).
I can't imagine that Cox stopped offering it, as my bill remains the same...

If you have HBO, you must use a cable box to decode it now. I thought Cox scrambled channel 21 like a year ago.
post #630 of 8011
someone must have done a pole audit & saw that this pole was missed? This should've been done up to 2 years ago.
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