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Time Warner Cable Navigator - Page 598

post #17911 of 18046
Noticed tonight that my 8742 has ODN 7_0_0_4 in its queue. Still running 6.0_0_19.

I can say that ODN 6 has been the most stable release. It still lacks many features and the biggest gripe is lack combined schedule to manage recordings which causes missed recordings due to unreported Conflicts.

I don't know if they will deploy 7 before I turn everything in and cancel, but if they do I will report on it.
post #17912 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by BenJF3 View Post

Noticed tonight that my 8742 has ODN 7_0_0_4 in its queue. Still running 6.0_0_19.

I can say that ODN 6 has been the most stable release. It still lacks many features and the biggest gripe is lack combined schedule to manage recordings which causes missed recordings due to unreported Conflicts.

I don't know if they will deploy 7 before I turn everything in and cancel, but if they do I will report on it.

That's good Ben that the updates are in the query. Of course we know it can take many, many, MANY months before they are downloaded. I still think that inconsistent infrastructure, knowledge of CSR/Field techs fluctuates too much, and inflation raises are driving customers away from the cable TV part of the service more than anything else. A huge customer upset is TWC charging that friggin Navigator fee for the cloud-based boxes. I used to think that it would be cool to have the newest boxes with the expanded search functions, but not so much anymore if TWC is gonna charge extra for the Cloud Services. If and/or when more legacy boxes in the field get them, it doesn't matter if it's months to years, rates will go up anyway.

Good to see that Navigator is finally getting more stable, but unfortunately at a price. That's an issue.

Jack
post #17913 of 18046
Much of the time the Cloud based services don't work here. We get a message that its "Not Available". Generally when a new Nav version is in the stream it means employees are testing it.
post #17914 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by BenJF3 View Post

Much of the time the Cloud based services don't work here. We get a message that its "Not Available". Generally when a new Nav version is in the stream it means employees are testing it.

Yea, leave it to TWC to change an additional $3.00 Navigator fee for cloud services that don't work! mad.gif

Jack
post #17915 of 18046
The worst issue with Navigator right now is Conflict Resolution. It doesn't prompt you when Conflicts occur unless you happen to be watching at the time. When you schedule, it doesn't. It's another case of having to babysit the DVR and constantly check the DVR List option to see if it flagged a Conflict. Some times you can leave it alone and it will handle it. If it had the ability to allocate tuners it wouldn't be an issue. I could almost live with the lack of a real Guide Filter and other basic features. It's the duplicate and missed recording with general lack of tuner availabilty that really kills it. That coupled with not being a true whole home solution as a central DVR for storage (my preference).

Cost isn't the main issue I'm looking at for dumping them. It's actually value per dollar. There isn't any in pay TV anymore unless you watch sports.
post #17916 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by BenJF3 View Post

The worst issue with Navigator right now is Conflict Resolution. It doesn't prompt you when Conflicts occur unless you happen to be watching at the time. When you schedule, it doesn't. It's another case of having to babysit the DVR and constantly check the DVR List option to see if it flagged a Conflict. Some times you can leave it alone and it will handle it. If it had the ability to allocate tuners it wouldn't be an issue. I could almost live with the lack of a real Guide Filter and other basic features. It's the duplicate and missed recording with general lack of tuner availabilty that really kills it. That coupled with not being a true whole home solution as a central DVR for storage (my preference).

Cost isn't the main issue I'm looking at for dumping them. It's actually value per dollar. There isn't any in pay TV anymore unless you watch sports.

I agree Ben,

There needs to be a built in set of parameters for how to deal with Programing Conflict, which there supposedly is, but a Conflict should not be shown in terms of asking "What do you want me to do with Show X When Series Y is recording, and Show Z is scheduled as an overlap. The built-in logistics should automatically deal with HOW TO MANAGE Show X, Y, and Z The only time that should change is when a Customer changes the logistics in Settings, and the only time a FLAG really should show up for the customer is if the show did not record because of a power failure or something.

As Ben has said, he's smart enough to know Navigator's XYZ logistics, but other family members aren't. I get the same scenario from other customers as well. The conflict should only show up when Navigator can't do something based on the assigned parameters. It should not be asking the customer "What do I do with this recording?"

Maybe version 7 will address this better. If and when the six-tuner DVR's come out, I would HOPE that customers choosing to upgrade to those boxes would be able to have Navigator free up any existing tuners so that conflicts could be a thing of the past in this regard.

Jack
post #17917 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by Satch Man View Post

I agree Ben,

There needs to be a built in set of parameters for how to deal with Programing Conflict, which there supposedly is, but a Conflict should not be shown in terms of asking "What do you want me to do with Show X When Series Y is recording, and Show Z is scheduled as an overlap. The built-in logistics should automatically deal with HOW TO MANAGE Show X, Y, and Z The only time that should change is when a Customer changes the logistics in Settings, and the only time a FLAG really should show up for the customer is if the show did not record because of a power failure or something.

As Ben has said, he's smart enough to know Navigator's XYZ logistics, but other family members aren't. I get the same scenario from other customers as well. The conflict should only show up when Navigator can't do something based on the assigned parameters. It should not be asking the customer "What do I do with this recording?"

Maybe version 7 will address this better. If and when the six-tuner DVR's come out, I would HOPE that customers choosing to upgrade to those boxes would be able to have Navigator free up any existing tuners so that conflicts could be a thing of the past in this regard.

Jack

By the time we get a six tuner DVR from TWC, I'll be gone from them for cable TV. Plus, they are sticking with Navigator and while it's improving, it won't really ever be what it should. TWC has proven they stay behind the curve. The addition of Scripps Networks to Amazon VOD is another big plus for cord cutters. I can now get the bulk of what we watch from them, HGTV, Cooking, Food and DIY via my Roku box! I'm looking at a way to integrate much of the streaming options into an easy to use MC7 Interface. Netflix exists there and Amazon has an Alpha add in by a techie who just made it open source. I may just do a 4 tuner OTA box with streaming. My current issue is addins don't work via extenders, but I could sub an Xbox Live account to solve that. The kids are familar with the interface and once the wife got used to it, it wouldn't be an issue. The solution is evolving and the weather is breaking, so I plan on being on the roof come springtime.
post #17918 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by BenJF3 View Post

By the time we get a six tuner DVR from TWC, I'll be gone from them for cable TV. Plus, they are sticking with Navigator and while it's improving, it won't really ever be what it should. TWC has proven they stay behind the curve. The addition of Scripps Networks to Amazon VOD is another big plus for cord cutters. I can now get the bulk of what we watch from them, HGTV, Cooking, Food and DIY via my Roku box! I'm looking at a way to integrate much of the streaming options into an easy to use MC7 Interface. Netflix exists there and Amazon has an Alpha add in by a techie who just made it open source. I may just do a 4 tuner OTA box with streaming. My current issue is addins don't work via extenders, but I could sub an Xbox Live account to solve that. The kids are familar with the interface and once the wife got used to it, it wouldn't be an issue. The solution is evolving and the weather is breaking, so I plan on being on the roof come springtime.

Good call Ben,

The competition is still far ahead and TWC will never catch up to them, even though what they have is probably ok if the customer is in a good division, has a good box, decent nodes, and a caring relay system. TWC box Conflict Resolution needs improving!

The advances of mobile technology and on-line programing choices, along with the customization of Windows Media Center will give you more modern and reliable options. Keep us posted on how the new system manages and resolves programing conflicts! Worst PITA might be having to spend hours reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows and losing your WMC, (Or will there be a back up for that?) However, such is similar when you currently have to swap out your box with TWC and have to set up settings, shows, and series again.

Jack
post #17919 of 18046
I use Time Warner in Rochester, NY, and have a SA-8300HDC. Would there be a noticeable improvement in getting a newer HD DVR, such as a Cisco 8742HDC ?

Thanks
post #17920 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave_O View Post

I use Time Warner in Rochester, NY, and have a SA-8300HDC. Would there be a noticeable improvement in getting a newer HD DVR, such as a Cisco 8742HDC ?

Thanks
Yes, the SA-8300HDC is the slowest box that TWC has. (Oddly enough, the older SA-8300HD (no "C") is the fastest.). As far as I know, the 8742 box has been reserved for Multi-room installations in the Rochester region - so you just can't walk into a TW office and get a 8742. However, one strategy that has worked is to complain the next time your existing box gives a problem and get a service call. The tech's in Rochester are pretty good and frequently carry the 8742s in their trucks and will swap your 8300HDC out for a 8742.

The 8742 is faster than the 8300HDC and it has a 500GB hard drive vs 160GB in the 8300.
post #17921 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by davehancock View Post

Yes, the SA-8300HDC is the slowest box that TWC has. (Oddly enough, the older SA-8300HD (no "C") is the fastest.). As far as I know, the 8742 box has been reserved for Multi-room installations in the Rochester region - so you just can't walk into a TW office and get a 8742. However, one strategy that has worked is to complain the next time your existing box gives a problem and get a service call. The tech's in Rochester are pretty good and frequently carry the 8742s in their trucks and will swap your 8300HDC out for a 8742.

The 8742 is faster than the 8300HDC and it has a 500GB hard drive vs 160GB in the 8300.

Thanks. Would the PQ be better, or is that limited by the compression and bandwidth that TW uses for HD channels?
post #17922 of 18046
Warren193,

I have the same DVR/STB and I have been experiencing the same intermittent behavior. The only cure for me is a reboot the box then it will start recording properly again. Very frustrating.
post #17923 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave_O View Post

Thanks. Would the PQ be better, or is that limited by the compression and bandwidth that TW uses for HD channels?
No difference in PQ. The PQ is limited by what comes down the line. However, PQ on TW in Rochester is pretty good. In some cases it is actually better than OTA because many stations directly feed TW and their OTA signal is limited because of sub-channels. WXXI is a good example.
post #17924 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by davehancock View Post

No difference in PQ. The PQ is limited by what comes down the line. However, PQ on TW in Rochester is pretty good. In some cases it is actually better than OTA because many stations directly feed TW and their OTA signal is limited because of sub-channels. WXXI is a good example.
for stations that feed TW directly, it's an exact duplication of the OTA feed with sub channels whether or not TW carries those sub channels. Typically the feed going from the station to their OTA Transmitter also feeds TW.
post #17925 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by nyctveng View Post

for stations that feed TW directly, it's an exact duplication of the OTA feed with sub channels whether or not TW carries those sub channels. Typically the feed going from the station to their OTA Transmitter also feeds TW.
It's a separate feed - so they can be entirely different in terms of allocated bandwidth, compression, etc. Some stations may elect to provide the same feed, others may not. Locally, in Rochester, it was easy to see the superiority of the TW signal vs the OTA on the local PBS channel.
post #17926 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by davehancock View Post

It's a separate feed - so they can be entirely different in terms of allocated bandwidth, compression, etc. Some stations may elect to provide the same feed, others may not. Locally, in Rochester, it was easy to see the superiority of the TW signal vs the OTA on the local PBS channel.
ok but that is not the norm. OTA bandwidth per channel is 19.4mbps. Typically local stations send the cable company their primary plus sub channels on that 19.4 pipe and that is combined with another local at 19.4 to create a 38.8 mbps 256QAM. Most cable companies will not dedicate more than 19.4 plus 1 SD simulcast @ 3.5 for a local network.
post #17927 of 18046
The Carolinas TWC used to say the send the same network HD signals they receive. I don't know if that is still true.
post #17928 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by nyctveng View Post

ok but that is not the norm. OTA bandwidth per channel is 19.4mbps. Typically local stations send the cable company their primary plus sub channels on that 19.4 pipe and that is combined with another local at 19.4 to create a 38.8 mbps 256QAM. Most cable companies will not dedicate more than 19.4 plus 1 SD simulcast @ 3.5 for a local network.
Please clarify the last statement. 19.4mbps is the max. Your statement implies (19.4+3.5= 22.9mbps). If a station has one 3.5 mbps SD sub, then the main would only be capable of 15.9, if they have two SD subs, then the main would be left with 12.4 mbps. At one time, our local PBS had THREE SD subs - leaving 9 bps. Some of the stations here feed TW with fiber (lots of fiber in this town), so there is no need to limit the quality of the main feed to cable. TW puts the SD subs on entirely different (SD dedicated) QAMs, so if the station feeds 19.4mbps, that's what TW passes on.
post #17929 of 18046
say a local PBS station has an HD channel plus 2 subchannels that total 19.4mbps. Their carriage agreement may require TW to carry all three channels which are passed thru as is fed to them. That total 19.4 would be muxed (or combined) with another local network's 19.4 to create a 38.8mbps 256 QAM channel.

in addition to that "exact duplication" PBS OTA feed, TW is required to carry an SD simulcast or downconvert of the main channel. SD simulcast is typically 3.5mbps and usually muxed with 9 or so other locals (CBS, NBC,Fox, etc) to create a separate 38.8 256 QAM channel.

eventually those SD simulcasts will no longer be required and the bandwith can be reclaimed for other use like more HD,VOD, SDV, DOCSIS.

Bottom line is a local station will not get more than 19.4 mbps (or 3MHz if you will) plus 1 SD simulcast (or 0.6MHz) on a cable system. In some systems that figure is 9.6MHz (HD plus subchannels @ 3MHz, SD simulcast @ 0.6MHz, and analog simulcast @ 6MHz). But as most of us know, most systems are agressively doing away with analog alltogether.
Quote:
Originally Posted by davehancock View Post

Please clarify the last statement. 19.4mbps is the max. Your statement implies (19.4+3.5= 22.9mbps). If a station has one 3.5 mbps SD sub, then the main would only be capable of 15.9, if they have two SD subs, then the main would be left with 12.4 mbps. At one time, our local PBS had THREE SD subs - leaving 9 bps. Some of the stations here feed TW with fiber (lots of fiber in this town), so there is no need to limit the quality of the main feed to cable. TW puts the SD subs on entirely different (SD dedicated) QAMs, so if the station feeds 19.4mbps, that's what TW passes on.

Edited by nyctveng - 3/2/13 at 9:28pm
post #17930 of 18046
We had some DVR confusion tonight, where the program grid was showing that it was recording Saturday Night Live at 11:30pm, but the DVR's recording light wasn't on and the show wasn't appearing in the DVR Play list. TWC's standard solution was to reboot the box. Even after the reboot, the recording didn't appear in the list.

Is this one of the many known issues with Navigator? I've got the Cisco 8742 box, and I was shocked to see that I'm only on ODN version 5_2_0_9.
post #17931 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by stannc View Post

We had some DVR confusion tonight, where the program grid was showing that it was recording Saturday Night Live at 11:30pm, but the DVR's recording light wasn't on and the show wasn't appearing in the DVR Play list. TWC's standard solution was to reboot the box. Even after the reboot, the recording didn't appear in the list.

Is this one of the many known issues with Navigator? I've got the Cisco 8742 box, and I was shocked to see that I'm only on ODN version 5_2_0_9.

Pretty much. Random missed recordings are no stranger to Navigator. Periodic reboots help. Even if the box is performing fine, I reboot it every few weeks. Won't matter soon as I'll be turning them in.
post #17932 of 18046
Anybody else having problems with DVR Manager?

For at least the past month, probably more since I didn't make a mental note of exactly when it started, I haven't been able to use DVR Manger. MyServices shows the status for our DVR as online, but when I flip to the "My TV" tab, the "DVR Manager" and "What's on TV" sections come up with errors "can't retrieve your information at this time". The quick link to DVR manager yields the same message and the FAQ says to contact support via chat if the problem persists. Well, several attempts at online chats haven't shown any progress...one rep even told me my DVR needed to be "On" in order for DVR Manager to work...and by "On", she didn't just mean having power and signal, but actually on as if you were watching TV. Clearly she didn't know what DVR Manager or My Services are.

I even tried using the Android App on a smart phone, but it to shows a similar error. Also tried connecting from both work and home networks and using multiple browsers for the web app...no joy. Prior to this issue, DVR Manager had worked without a hiccup...I can't remember exactly when I started using it, but it's been a while...a year or more, maybe.

Market is TWC-NC East region. DVR is an 8300HDC w/Western Digital 1TB DVR expander attached.

Thanks for any suggestions.
post #17933 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by riverwolf View Post

Anybody else having problems with DVR Manager?

For at least the past month, probably more since I didn't make a mental note of exactly when it started, I haven't been able to use DVR Manger. MyServices shows the status for our DVR as online, but when I flip to the "My TV" tab, the "DVR Manager" and "What's on TV" sections come up with errors "can't retrieve your information at this time". The quick link to DVR manager yields the same message and the FAQ says to contact support via chat if the problem persists. Well, several attempts at online chats haven't shown any progress...one rep even told me my DVR needed to be "On" in order for DVR Manager to work...and by "On", she didn't just mean having power and signal, but actually on as if you were watching TV. Clearly she didn't know what DVR Manager or My Services are.

I even tried using the Android App on a smart phone, but it to shows a similar error. Also tried connecting from both work and home networks and using multiple browsers for the web app...no joy. Prior to this issue, DVR Manager had worked without a hiccup...I can't remember exactly when I started using it, but it's been a while...a year or more, maybe.

Market is TWC-NC East region. DVR is an 8300HDC w/Western Digital 1TB DVR expander attached.

Thanks for any suggestions.
I had a similar problem a few months ago. I persisted with the Chat Bull **** and finally got them to elevate the problem. (If it didn't get resolved promptly the next stop would be retentions (fix it TODAY or disconnect next week)). However, it WAS resolved within 24 hrs. They never contacted me (as promised), but they did fix it. It appeared to me that the problem was local - some communication issue reaching my boxes (I have 2 8742s, and both had the problem). Don't know if it was just regional, or even the local node.

I have found that actually cancelling TW service (disconnect date two weeks out) gets the lead out of their pants and usually results in some pretty significant "retention deals". Don't put up with the TW CSR ********!
post #17934 of 18046
They still have not fixed the buffer issues. At least on the 8742, the live buffers randomly vanish. I really haven't been paying close attention to the units, but this one jumped out today when I went to go back a bit.
post #17935 of 18046
Anyone here DVR "Wicked Tuna" on NatGeo? For the past few weeks, every episode has periodic audio dropouts - video keeps playing. They occur at random times and last for about 3 seconds - happens maybe every 3 to 5 minutes. I thought it was a problem with my SA8300HD when it first started, so I did a powerplug reboot, but it didn't help and the audio dropouts only appear on this show....all other recorded shows have been fine over the same time period. Maybe it's the NatGeo channel itself - since that's the only show on that network that I record, guess I'll have to try and watch it live once and see.....but thought I'd ask here in case anyone else has noticed it.
post #17936 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by fhall1 View Post

Anyone here DVR "Wicked Tuna" on NatGeo? For the past few weeks, every episode has periodic audio dropouts - video keeps playing. They occur at random times and last for about 3 seconds - happens maybe every 3 to 5 minutes. I thought it was a problem with my SA8300HD when it first started, so I did a powerplug reboot, but it didn't help and the audio dropouts only appear on this show....all other recorded shows have been fine over the same time period. Maybe it's the NatGeo channel itself - since that's the only show on that network that I record, guess I'll have to try and watch it live once and see.....but thought I'd ask here in case anyone else has noticed it.

If other shows on the same channel record fine and it is ONLY "Wicked Tuna" that has the drop-outs, my guess is that it is the channel itself. Try an experiment, record Wicked Tuna on the SD version of the National Geographic Channel. If that plays back OK, and no other channels are problematic, it could be the HD feed for that program.

Have you watched other shows on National Geographic HD? It would be interesting to narrow down the issue to is it just that show, or that channel causing the break-ups?

Satch
post #17937 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by Satch Man View Post

If other shows on the same channel record fine and it is ONLY "Wicked Tuna" that has the drop-outs, my guess is that it is the channel itself. Try an experiment, record Wicked Tuna on the SD version of the National Geographic Channel. If that plays back OK, and no other channels are problematic, it could be the HD feed for that program.

Have you watched other shows on National Geographic HD? It would be interesting to narrow down the issue to is it just that show, or that channel causing the break-ups?

Satch

I have Audio dropouts like this often on many diff channels and have told TW but no improvement.
Sig home and 3 8642s
I also find that I can't play a recorded show on a Dvr location where it was NOT recorded somewhat often. If I go to that location it will play. The next day with no change on my part it will work.
Ive had phone drop outs lately and also internet and the TWC guys have been out 4 times and changed the modem twice and checked everything and each guy of course has to change some of the cable ends as I think they think they have to do something and if they say the found a bad end they are good.

Roy
post #17938 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary J View Post

Cable outlets where you do not have a cable box, replace cable boxes you may want to turn in, for starters.

And it works pretty well too. I am currently watching TWC on Roku connected to a cable outlet out of the wall. There are channel categories, Recently Watched and Favorites.

I would like to know what this means though - " If you’ve been looking for a way to enjoy TWC TV in places where you may not have a cable box, like in the bedroom or at the cabin, you can easily add a Roku player and stream TWC TV." At the "cabin"? Like a second home?

http://blog.roku.com/blog/2013/03/05/twc-tv-launches-on-roku/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=twc-tv-launches-on-roku
post #17939 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by RDO CA View Post


I have Audio dropouts like this often on many diff channels and have told TW but no improvement.
Sig home and 3 8642s
I also find that I can't play a recorded show on a Dvr location where it was NOT recorded somewhat often. If I go to that location it will play. The next day with no change on my part it will work.
Ive had phone drop outs lately and also internet and the TWC guys have been out 4 times and changed the modem twice and checked everything and each guy of course has to change some of the cable ends as I think they think they have to do something and if they say the found a bad end they are good.

Roy

Sounds like signal quality and/or strength problems.

 

Are your levels close to 0 or +1

 

Have you tried a powered booster (near POE)?

 

Where is your MOCA filter?

post #17940 of 18046
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary J View Post

And it works pretty well too. I am currently watching TWC on Roku connected to a cable outlet out of the wall. There are channel categories, Recently Watched and Favorites.

I would like to know what this means though - " If you’ve been looking for a way to enjoy TWC TV in places where you may not have a cable box, like in the bedroom or at the cabin, you can easily add a Roku player and stream TWC TV." At the "cabin"? Like a second home?

http://blog.roku.com/blog/2013/03/05/twc-tv-launches-on-roku/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=twc-tv-launches-on-roku
I also noticed that note. I figured it would only work in the house (same home network drop like tablets). I agree this seems to mean you can take the Roku to other locations. I don't understand your note about "Roku connected to a cable outlet out of the wall". I don't have a Roku yet, but thought all were IP only (wireless and some wired too) but none can decode cable directly.

/Dan
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