July 11, 2003
Time Warner Cable Rant - Part 1?
If you want high-definition television (HDTV) in your house, and you are a Time Warner Cable user, you may or may not be very happy. Why? Well, it comes down to two things: the newness of a small connector and the bureaucracy of a very big company.
If you have a high-definition TV in your house and you want HD programming, you basically have three options. First, you can receive over-the-air (OTA) programming from your local broadcasters. This requires an antenna and a HD tuner box (unless your set has an HD tuner in it already, which few do). Second, you can receive HD signals over cable, such as Time Warner or Comcast here in the US. This also requires some form of set-top box, since HDTV sets rarely have tuners capable of handling digital cable signals. Third, you can subscribe to one of the satellite TV providers, like DirecTV and Dish Network. These require a set-top box and some form of satellite dish (always a nice addition to the aesthetics of the family dwelling).
Given that Time Warner Cable is highly integrated into my home (RoadRunner cable Internet + cable runs throughout the house), my first attempt at receiving HD is, of course, through TWC. Last week, I went and picked up an HD set-top box at my local office and set it up, eagerly awaiting the delivery of my new TV. It shows up and I hook up the component outputs to the TV. Looks OK on the HD channels, but not great. It turns out that the best quality picture is obtained when using the DVI connector, which makes sense.
The problem is that the Scientific Atlanta 3100HD set-top box that TWC gave me doesn't have a DVI port -- just component. The TV delivery guy informed me that he's seen a Pioneer TWC box here in Cincinnati in someone else's home, and it does have DVI, so I should request one. Doing a little searching, it turns out that the Pioneer Voyager 3510HD started being delivered to Time Warner Cable a few months ago. Some TWC regions have these already, including some parts of North Carolina. Why don't all regions have them? You got me. Nobody I spoke to at TWC here in Cincinnati had any clue whatsoever. One rep I spoke to actually told me that the HD box that TWC offers here in Cincinnati is a Scientific Atlanta 2000HD (Scientific Atlanta hasn't made that box in over 2 years and TWC's own offices are providing the 3100HD).
So, I returned the SA 3100HD box (which SA doesn't even make or sell any longer) and requested that a Pioneer be delivered today. We'll see if that happens, and I'll post here either way.
Posted by Craig | PermalinkI also have HD service from time warner and so far I'm not all that impressed with it. Like you I have the 3100HD box and like you I have problems with it. First is that it doesn't have a DVI connector which my sony tv has. Second it doesn't format non HD channels to a 4:3 ratio. After some research I came across the Explorer 8000HD from Scientific atlantic which should be available to cable company's now or very shortly. This box has the DVI connection, it formats non HD channels to a 4:3 ratio so they arn't letter boxed, and it also has build in DVR. This is the box we need an d I just hope time warner gets them out quickly.
The second problem I have is the lack of channels. HBO and SHOWTIME only sucks. I get tired of seeing "broadcast in HIDEF" on ever show I watch on the networks and not being able to see it. I"m pretty close to returning the 3100HD and getting the explorer 8000 (note not the 8000hd) box so I get get dvr functionality, because two HD channels both of which I hardly ever watch is starting to seem not worth it.
Posted by James at October 6, 2003 03:27 AMActually, I find that Time Warner in Cincinnati has quite a bit of HD programming. ABC, CBS, and NBC plus two PBS stations plus DiscoveryHD plus two INHD stations plus HBO-HD and Showtime-HD. While I would really like to see the WB's HD line-up and ESPN-HD on TWC, 10 HD channels is nothing to sneeze at.
Posted by Craig at October 6, 2003 09:20 AMTWC HD in KC is great using 3100HD. PBS,ABC,CBS, Discovery HD, INHD1,INHD2, 2 HBO's and 2 Showtimes. ESPNHD is supposed to be on soon. So I've heard.
Posted by Chris at November 15, 2003 10:48 AMTWC HD in KC is great using 3100HD. PBS,ABC,CBS, Discovery HD, INHD1,INHD2, 2 HBO's and 2 Showtimes. ESPNHD is supposed to be on soon. So I've heard.
Posted by Chris at November 15, 2003 10:49 AMNot happy at all..I have the pioneer voyager, not sure which model, but I don't even get a 1080i broadcast, 480p is what I recieve. I have a $100.00 DVI cable, that looks a whole lot better than the standard six wire TWC provides. Unless I have something hooked up incorrectly, otherwise I'm ready to go to DirectTV
Posted by joe at November 18, 2003 01:54 AMI have the same problem joe has. When you connect the DVI cable to the Time Warner issued Pioneer set-top-box, it automatically switches to 480p. If you connect just component cables, you have the option of 720p or 1080i. This makes no sense. My new HDTV is HDCP compliant, so that is not an issue.
In the Pioneer's menu options you can choose the resolution you want, until you hook up the DVI cable, then the option in the menu goes away!!
Nobody at TW has been able to help me, and the supervisor there won't return my calls.
...thinking about directTV.
Posted by Toby at November 20, 2003 08:41 AMI understand what you are saying, have any of you looked into direct tv, and what they have to offer from hdtv with dvi cabeling. One thing that i would like to point out someone said that TWC has great ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS stations. TWC is just relaying you a signal. It is not their stations. I know direct tv has a tuner that can take over the air as well as in line so in minneapolis you get 6 local chanels.
I understand what you are saying, have any of you looked into direct tv, and what they have to offer from hdtv with dvi cabeling. One thing that i would like to point out someone said that TWC has great ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS stations. TWC is just relaying you a signal. It is not their stations. I know direct tv has a tuner that can take over the air as well as in line so in minneapolis you get 6 local chanels.
Just sharing some good info.
When I initially hooked up a DVI cable from the Pionneer STB to my HDTV, it would only output in 480p. The Pioneer STB senses the DVI connection and takes away the menu where you can choose high definition (720/1080). Now, this makes no sense, what's the point of DVI in 480p?
Finally, after a month and a half of working with Time Warner, a manager there found a secret menu for me. To get HD out of the DVI output you have to follow these steps, in order!
1. Hookup a component cable to the TV and STB.
2. Do NOT hookup the DVI cable yet.
3. On the front of the Pioneer STB, hold in the button with the diamond shape icon, tap the (-)volume button once.
4. A menu will pop up on the bottom of the screen, with 720 and 1080. Pick one.
5. Now, attach the DVI cable.
6. Unattach the component cable.
7. You will not be able to get back into the hidden menu, unless you go through the steps again.
8. The signal will now pass directly through to the TV in the resolution it was sent in.
Regards,
Toby
I use both component and S-Video connections - that way I can switch to S-Video in order to get full screen 4:3 with non-HD channels.
FYI: There is no significant advantage to HD channels unless the source material is in HD. For example, if you are watching a Showtime HD movie, that picture should look as good or better than a DVD.
If you watch Jay Leno on NBC HD, or an HD sports broadcast such as the Super Bowl or NCAA Final Four in HD, that picture will be as good as it gets. If you watch any non-HD channel OR an HD channel with non-HD material (such as a network broadcast of the news), then you are not getting any benefit from HD. The source is the critical factor.
Posted by David at January 1, 2004 12:56 PMHD on Time Warner in Waco is flawless.
Posted by Ernie Wilson at January 16, 2004 09:13 AMHi i didnt know where to post this, We have a 65 inch hitachi hdtv... We got a Scientific explorer 3200 hdtv box from TWC .. at first we were geting just loswer channels, no we get the higher channels such as hbo, showtime, etc.. We CAN NOT get HDTV channels. Some are just a blank black screen and on a few all we get is the noise. Im wondering what this could be? we dont have a outside antenna but i believe their is a tuner in the tv.. Im going nuts trying to find soemone online to help me, since the cable company likes to give me a run around and i called hitachi and they said it must be with the box. Anyone know or have had this kind of problem?
Posted by robin at February 1, 2004 01:10 AMI have the SA HD8000, I think, and HD channels are unfreakin believable. HD Discovery and HD In Demand are glorious. I have it through BrightHouse, the co that took over from Time Warner in FL. Very satisfied
Posted by Joe at February 24, 2004 02:08 PMI recently bought a 42” Panasonic HD ready Plasma screen TV and upgraded my Time Warner service from DTV to HDTV. Using component video connectors I find the HD picture remarkable but the regular channels (premium and regular broadcast) look like they have a light coat Vaseline on the screen. I reconnected with a DVI to HDMI cable and there was a marginal improvement in the regular channels but the HD channels don’t look as good as with the component video. The screen that lets me select between 480i, 480p, 720, & 1080i also disappeared so I don’t know what signal I am getting. Does anyone know what I can to clear up the image or do I need two STB’s (one for HD and one for DTV)?
Posted by Marc Stoller at February 26, 2004 12:29 PMI too am using the SA Explorer 8000HD with Time Warner cable in Austin, TX. Our cable gives anything form stunning HD on DiscoveryHD to almost unviewable local channels. The DTV broadcasts are rather good, but the non-DTV broadcasts (all the local channels) often look like you have a "rabbit ears" antenna rather than cable.
The HDTV stations are normally great, but if they broadcast a non-HD program it comes over in approximately DVD quality (480p). I've noticed that the HD channels have different quality. ABC used to be unwatchable because popping sounds and periodic picture glitches. It's much better now and the picture is great. The other network HD channels (including ABC) tend to come over with too much red that I have to tone down.
The DVR capabilities are very nice. The only problem is that you can only save the programs for two weeks. The quality is great whether recording Hd or standard TV programming. I do wish there was a way to permanently save the recordings.
Posted by Jack Swinden at March 6, 2004 02:42 PMDOES ANYONE KNOW WHEN TWC WILL OFFER ESPN HD???? I live in Charlotte and they told me last july(2003) that is was coming soon? I wonder what soon is to them? Everything else works fine though! Please somenone help, its the only reason i upgraded to HDTV.
Posted by David Walker at March 13, 2004 08:41 AMDavid: I don't know, but I've asked them and they say (at least here in Cincy) that it's "under negotiation." BTW, congrats on UNC-C's fine season...g'luck in the Tourney.
Posted by Craig at March 13, 2004 09:44 AMCraig: Thanks for the answer. I think we all are getting the same results. Thanks for uncc. i know they and cincy are great rivals. Im sure they will do well also.
Posted by David Walker at March 15, 2004 10:04 PMget Direct TV and an antenna/HD receiver and close your TWC account. i get the same HD channels i had with TWC but for free. (except for the price of equiment) *1 time fee*
if you can afford $400 then get DTV HD. You will have more HD channels. ESPN HD+ more.
I have brighthouse, here in bham.al.Brighthouse brought me the Pace Micro 550HD reciver, and it work's great. I wish we would get CBS and ABC in HD. they keep saying that it is on the way. same old bull. sam....................
I have a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 4200HD with firewire. Is there a secret menu on this? I have Cablevision (NJ-Morris) This box only allows 480I and says its Copy protected on all my high def. channels. Any ideas?
Posted by Don Deignan at April 15, 2004 01:14 PMI also was not satisfied with the cable HD,
I did like the Discovery CH (very good) but other channels looked less than acceptable.
I also had to use component cables vs. the DVI
which my Mitsubishi 65" wide screen platinum series offers standard. I took back the cable and
I sighned up for VOom today it comes standard with: 1. HD satelite reciever
2. OTA HD antenna
3. DVI Plug and Wire & Optical Cable
4. 31 HD channels 21 of which are
exclusive to voom
5. over a 200 channels all cable the
favorites and 31 true HD channels
6. no long term contracts and two reasonable plans
I also was not satisfied with the cable HD,
I did like the Discovery CH (very good) but other channels looked less than acceptable.
I also had to use component cables vs. the DVI
which my Mitsubishi 65" wide screen platinum series offers standard. I took back the cable and
I sighned up for VOom today it comes standard with: 1. HD satelite reciever
2. OTA HD antenna
3. DVI Plug and Wire & Optical Cable
4. 31 HD channels 21 of which are
exclusive to voom
5. over a 200 channels all cable the
favorites and 31 true HD channels
6. no long term contracts and two reasonable plans
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