Official Time Warner Cable Thread

[drhendrix]

Hello,

I've had a Series1 for years and I would like to add an HD unit, but I've been reluctant due to the multiple cards and horror stories about TW Tivo cable card installs. I've decided to try an HD unit if I can get an M-card installed.

If anyone in the Cincinnati area has received an M-Card, could you tell me how you pulled it off?

Thanks for any help.

Dennis Roberts
Loveland

[MicahG]

For those in Orange County, CA. Do you guys get DiscoveryHD? If so, what channel is it? I get this channel that's called HDT, but no DiscoveryHD. Any ideas?

[SCSIRAID]

For those in Orange County, CA. Do you guys get DiscoveryHD? If so, what channel is it? I get this channel that's called HDT, but no DiscoveryHD. Any ideas?

HDT is Discovery HD Theater.

[JimWall]

Hello,

I've had a Series1 for years and I would like to add an HD unit, but I've been reluctant due to the multiple cards and horror stories about TW Tivo cable card installs. I've decided to try an HD unit if I can get an M-card installed.

If anyone in the Cincinnati area has received an M-Card, could you tell me how you pulled it off?

Thanks for any help.

Dennis Roberts
Loveland

I have an Tivo HD and one M-card. It works fine.
The only issues are whether the tech can properly enter the numbers to text back to the office. and the person at the office not make mistakes sending the billing info too soon before the card is ready.

[drhendrix]

Thanks Jim,

How did you make sure that they brought an M-Card? I called the support number and they said they do not guarantee that an M-Card would be installed.

Also, did the techs know what they were doing? Did you ask for someone with Tivo install experience?

Thanks for any additional info.

Dennis

[59er]

HDT is Discovery HD Theater.
I don't know if it was clear from the prior post that Discovery HD is NOT the same as HD Theater (which used to be Discovery HD Theater, apparently).

In NYC, I get HDT (channel 718) but not Discovery HDT... yet. I think it is coming to other parts of NYC, so we hope to get it soon.

[MicahG]

I don't know if it was clear from the prior post that Discovery HD is NOT the same as HD Theater (which used to be Discovery HD Theater, apparently).

In NYC, I get HDT (channel 718) but not Discovery HDT... yet. I think it is coming to other parts of NYC, so we hope to get it soon.


Thanks for that clarification. I wasn't sure. I'm still curious if anyone in Orange County gets DiscoveryHD...

[JimWall]

Thanks Jim,

How did you make sure that they brought an M-Card? I called the support number and they said they do not guarantee that an M-Card would be installed.

Also, did the techs know what they were doing? Did you ask for someone with Tivo install experience?

Thanks for any additional info.

Dennis

When I made the appointment the person on the phone had no idea what an M card was. When the tech called he asked and I told him I wanted an M card and he had one. I got lucky I guess. If tech does not bring one then demand one.
Tell TWC to put a note in service call that customer wants M-card and has a tivo. I got lucky with this tech.
Make sure TIVO updates are done before tech arrives.

I also have a series 3 which took 3 service calls get working. The tech on the 3rd call had no problem despite being on the phone most of the time dealing with issues with his pregnant wife!!! He was very casual about how simple CC and tivos are to do. Simply text correctly to back office and don't do hit will billing/channel info until after firmware is upgraded. Sometimes person in back office gets the channels wrong.

[SoonerOrLater]

TWC now has a special service that deals with CableCard issues (they said this started in December 2007 due to the many complains, especially related to TiVo).
I recently experienced "freezing" issues after the 9.3a update (see http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=376153&page=10 ).
During the process, I talked to someone in this service over the phone, and he seemed to be very knowledgeable about S-Cards/M-Cards. He said that if the Card reset "hit" did not work and a technician visit was necessary, he would specify to bring multiple M-Cards just in case in the work order and include his service number for the tech to call instead of the regular TWC service.
Anyway, I didn't need the tech since the remote card reset hit worked.

[Firekite]

TWC now has a special service that deals with CableCard issues
What "service" is that, exactly?

[Powder_Burn]

I am currently running a TivoHD w/two Motorola single stream cards. This is what I received from TW Austin / Waco this week re: tuning resolvers and SDV channels. I have grown impatient waiting on the tuning resolver and may just drop the HD package altogether. I would rather have a Tivo with 4 over the air HD channels than a TW Motorola 8300HD with maybe 8 of interest. IMO the Tivo is still worth it but it is quite disappointing to spend a chunk of change on a new TivoHD only to find out about undisclosed technical issues later. The SDV tuning issue won't be solved anytime soon since TW has no motivation other than to protect it's box rental income. Tivo and TW are apparently "working on it" indefinitely as it's been over a year already and there is no end in sight (see email from 5/28/08 below). There are positive press releases on this but I believe in "show me don't tell me" at this point. In the meantime, Tivo is able to collect full subscription price and TW is able to charge full price while only delivering a partial package of programming to Tivo users. Great deal unless you are a customer of theirs! Surprised the FCC or the cable franchise commissions are not doing more about this issue.
=======================
Dear Mr. XXXXXX-

Thank you for choosing Time Warner Cable.

The tuning resolvers are still being tested and there is no word on when they will be available for customers. Unfortunately, we cannot credit you for any channels the TivoHD is not able to pick up as you do have the option of utilizing one of our cable boxes that would allow you to receive all of the channels we offer. I do apologize for any inconvenience.

If you have any further questions feel free to reply to this email or contact us directly 24/7 at 485-5555.

Heather Dalmy
Email Technical Support
485-5555
Email: ctx.support@twcable.com
===========================
From: TWCA online
To: ctx.customer.service
Subject: Cable Service: Connectivity

Comment or Question:
Could you advise on when tuning resolvers will be available? If it will be some time, how do I go about getting credit on my bill for all of the switched digital (SDV) channels I am missing each month? Across the last year I have spent a significant amount of money paying for switched digital channels I cannot view on my TivoHD that utilizes TW's Motorola CableCards.

[Kablemodem]

What "service" is that, exactly?

It's the TWC Hiking Service. They tell you how to take one.

[reisman]

After seeikng several other posts about issues in Austin, I contacted cableguy 763 directly for assitance. From my PM, he figured out who I was and corrected my issues while I was asleep! He then offered to call the next day to confirm, which he did.

I just wanted to thank you again cableguy!

-Mark

[Indyracing]

I live in Orange County, CA and had TWC out last Friday to install internet, telephone and tv using cable cards. When I setup the appt. I asked them to send a guy who knew about TIVO S3 and to bring M-cards. Well, after three hours trying to get the M-cards to work he couldn't get past the "Please Wait...Acquiring Channel Information" screen. He eventually gave up and suggested I setup another appt. and ask them to bring out S-cards. I believe he thought the signal was strong and Tivo just couldn't work with the M-cards. He only had two M-cards and originally thought I only needed one.

I'm going to see if I can pickup the M-cards myself but if not then I will insist they bring out several M-cards to try. Anybody know how long it usually sits at the "Acquiring Channel Information" screen?

UPDATE: Called TWC CSR who insist that only a tech can bring and install the cards.
UPDATE: Last Sat. (6/14) the tech installed two S-cards. This went more smoothly than the M-cards. Not happy with having S-cards but at least it's all working. Will I miss something by not having M-cards?

[Kylenol]

Hi,

I recently got a TiVo Series3 HDTV DVR and I have Time Warner Digital Cable. My digital cable channels are a random mix of 0x00, 0x02, and a 0x03 channel. The 0x03 channel (GSN) is NOT a VOD channel and according to the FCC this is illegal. The channel gets red-flagged and it says it will delete in an hour. I didn't have to deal with this when I had Time Warner's Scientific Atlanta DVR! So I had someone come over from Time Warner, but they said they couldn't do anything about it. Any advice what I could do next?

Thanks!

[cougar289]

Kylenol,

Where are you at, what city and state?

[Kylenol]

Northeast WI.

[Sheils]

Here in Brooklyn. I had to swap out my poor, dead, 3 month old TiVo HD - the new one should be arriving today.

When I started using the TW HD box after I disconnected the TiVo, I noticed that the HD channels go in and out - sometimes brief audio lapse, then everything blacks out for a sec. I put in a brand new HDMI cable, no change. Technician came yesterday - I wasn't there, had a friend hang around for the guy. Anyhoo, he said adding composite cables to the setup might help. HE watched ONE channel in HD for a few minutes and of course it was ok. I had my friend change the channel and of course that one was messed up. Have another tech coming on Tuesday.

Last night, ALL of my HD channels were messed up. I can't even hook up my new TiVo until this is resolved!!!

Anyone else having this trouble?

[59er]

I haven't had any trouble in Manhattan with my TiVo HD and TWC HD.

[NigelTufnel]

Sheils: I am with you in the 11201, on a Series3 getting TWC, and I'm getting these occasional glitches too. I rarely watch live TV so I am not yet sure if this is a blip in cable reception or a codec glitch in the tivo. (There's another thread about these HD freezes)

[apixley]

Here in Brooklyn. I had to swap out my poor, dead, 3 month old TiVo HD - the new one should be arriving today.

When I started using the TW HD box after I disconnected the TiVo, I noticed that the HD channels go in and out - sometimes brief audio lapse, then everything blacks out for a sec. I put in a brand new HDMI cable, no change. Technician came yesterday - I wasn't there, had a friend hang around for the guy. Anyhoo, he said adding composite cables to the setup might help. HE watched ONE channel in HD for a few minutes and of course it was ok. I had my friend change the channel and of course that one was messed up. Have another tech coming on Tuesday.

Last night, ALL of my HD channels were messed up. I can't even hook up my new TiVo until this is resolved!!!

Anyone else having this trouble?

We have had ours since the holidays and it happens occasionally (more frequently at first). We have to restart our tivo when it happens. Apparently, TW is cheap with the bandwidth.

Does anyone know when the 2-way cards will be available? I am tired of not getting all the channels on my tivo.

[Effinay]

I live in Orange County, CA and had TWC out last Friday to install internet, telephone and tv using cable cards. When I setup the appt. I asked them to send a guy who knew about TIVO S3 and to bring M-cards. Well, after three hours trying to get the M-cards to work he couldn't get past the "Please Wait...Acquiring Channel Information" screen. He eventually gave up and suggested I setup another appt. and ask them to bring out S-cards. I believe he thought the signal was strong and Tivo just couldn't work with the M-cards. He only had two M-cards and originally thought I only needed one.

I'm going to see if I can pickup the M-cards myself but if not then I will insist they bring out several M-cards to try. Anybody know how long it usually sits at the "Acquiring Channel Information" screen?

UPDATE: Called TWC CSR who insist that only a tech can bring and install the cards.


Mcards won't work in the S3, you need 2 Scards. If you had a THD, you could use 1 Mcard or 2 Scards.

[mercurial]

Mcards won't work in the S3, you need 2 Scards. If you had a THD, you could use 1 Mcard or 2 Scards.

You can use M-Cards in the S3, you simply have to use 2 of them as they weill fall back to "S-Card mode".

[Fofer]

You can use M-Cards in the S3, you simply have to use 2 of them

Which begs the question... then why bother?

[mercurial]

Which begs the question... then why bother?

Because many cable co's aren't buying anymore S-Cards so all they have (readily) available are M-Cards. You don't get any advantage other than you get to use your TiVo (and get to rent two cards still). But the fact is, the S3 can use them- just not as an M-Card.

[bobrt6676]

Because many cable co's aren't buying anymore S-Cards so all they have (readily) available are M-Cards. You don't get any advantage other than you get to use your TiVo (and get to rent two cards still). But the fact is, the S3 can use them- just not as an M-Card.

Interesting comment, TWC Dayton, Ohio has no M-cards available. There reason according to Tech's, the M-cards are very expensive. If M-cards are more expensive what would be TWC motivation to purchase and supply M-cards to Tivo units?:confused:

Even with M-cards VOD, PPV is not available for Tivo's. Which would be TWC's motivation for generating additional revenues.

[mercurial]

Interesting comment, TWC Dayton, Ohio has no M-cards available. There reason according to Tech's, the M-cards are very expensive. If M-cards are more expensive what would be TWC motivation to purchase and supply M-cards to Tivo units?:confused:

Even with M-cards VOD, PPV is not available for Tivo's. Which would be TWC's motivation for generating additional revenues.

Why would I know? That was the statement that I've seen made in these threads time and again (running out of S-Cards in favor of M-Cards). The underlying fact though is that two M-Cards will work in an S3 if that's all they can give you.

[Fofer]

Because many cable co's aren't buying anymore S-Cards so all they have (readily) available are M-Cards. You don't get any advantage other than you get to use your TiVo (and get to rent two cards still). But the fact is, the S3 can use them- just not as an M-Card.

Gotcha. I have two S-Cards in my S3 and there was a time, IIRC, where M-Cards weren't readily available and if they were, they were more expensive for the customer. Thanks for the more up-to-date clarification.

[bobrt6676]

The Problem: TWC premium Hd channels 760-763 are occasionally "blacked out" Sometimes 3 out of 4 are viewable,sometimes none or any combination. (No other stations have this problem.)

Contacted TWC CSR they feel it is a CC problem insist a truck roll needed.

1st visit: (Saturday)Tech checked all connections, added amplifier.Curiously had no CC's to exchange. Problem still exists. Sets up 2nd visit for next day. Tech is to bring M-Card or S-cards to exchange to solve problem.

Next day: (Sunday)tech calls "I don't have any CC's and do not know how to install. Can we come tomorrow(Monday). I agree.

Monday: Tech comes out. I explain and demonstrate the problem. In a 15 minute period 760 is black 761-3 good. Then 760 appears and 762 is black.
He has 2 S-cards and explains they do not carry M-cards(too expensive) And feels this is not a CC issue but changes them anyway. After pairing etc. same problem with different CC's. He gets an idea, calls dispatch to be sure HD premium channels have been matched (paired or whatever terminology) to both CC's. Sure enough they had not been. Dispatcher matched the HD Premiums to both CC's and presto All stations available all the time!:D Problem solved.

[Gasturbine]

Time Warner, Columbus Ohio...just 8 HD channels. AT&Ts U-Serve is now in my area, and offer 41 HD channels, however, since their not a cable provider, they do not support cable cards, so one would have to use their DVR, which claims to record 4 different channels at the same time.

Does anybody have any info on their gui? Screen shots would be great.

Im glad there is finally some competition with TW. They pretty much suck at everything they do. Anybody want to buy a lifetime Tivo? ;)

[kevo777]

Add me to the list of those experienced with a Time Warner installer (contractor) that had never installed CableCARDS before and....get this....didn't know what TiVo was! I couldn't make this up! When he called into dispatch with the serial numbers his words were along of the lines of "this is for a TiVo DVR, whatever that is..." Wow!! Really Time Warner?!

Anywho...we went through the usual motions but all I've got are grey screens on just about every channel offered with a handful (literally) of exceptions. I've rebooted twice, including unplugging the TiVoHD, but nada. 5 hours after the contractor was here I have lots and lots of grey. If it was my favorite color this may not be so bad.

I've gone blind reading through the thread. I sure hope Time Warner installers, contractors, and CSRs start hanging out here.

To be continued......

UPDATE: I called Time Warner this morning and got the $19.95 truck roll/install fee knocked off my bill. Last night (close to midnight) I had to make another appointment for another truck roll this coming Tuesday. The billing rep ensured me that this guy will be a service tech, not an installer. There's a difference?

[franzey]

Is there a thread on TC for TWC subscribers to discuss rumors of additional HD channels being added and/or channel lineup changes? I'm new to the Digital Cable arena and it seems like information is hard to come by concerning when we are going to get even close to Directv's HD lineup.

[kevo777]

Yeah that would be nice.

In my opinion, the problem with cable company channel lineups is that they are regional. The HD channel lineup that is available to me here in Dallas is probably different than the HD lineup available in, say, New York City. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the cable companies looked at public data that showed satellite install base numbers and then focused their HD channel launches primarily on those markets to remain competitive.

[franzey]

Yeah that would be nice.

In my opinion, the problem with cable company channel lineups is that they are regional. The HD channel lineup that is available to me here in Dallas is probably different than the HD lineup available in, say, New York City. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the cable companies looked at public data that showed satellite install base numbers and then focused their HD channel launches primarily on those markets to remain competitive.

So you have different HD channels than I do in Dayton, OH? Currently we are missing channels such as TLC HD, Discovery HD, USA HD, FX HD, etc...(not to mention our local NBC affiliate isn't on digital cable, but that is a local thing) I just read an article quoting the Senior VP of Time Warner from early 2007 saying that by year end (2007) TWC would have a HD lineup competitive with DirecTv. Ummm, it is mid 2008 and we are at about 1/4 of their HD channels.

[kevo777]

So you have different HD channels than I do in Dayton, OH?

I would have no way of knowing without a side-by-side comparison. It doesn't matter; I was using NYC as an illustrated example. But yes, HD offerings do differ between markets within a single cable company's footprint. A big factor is the condition of the physical infrastructure (underground wiring, headends, etc.). It varies greatly from market to market. With satellite, it's more linear. Every user is essentially receiving the exact same signal, local channels being an exception. The set-top boxes and billing systems do 100% of the provisioning that filters out the channels that aren't being paid for.

Am I wrong?

[franzey]

It varies greatly from market to market. With satellite, it's more linear.

Interesting. So essentially, TWC only needs to have one or two markets with 30-40 HD channels to then refute Directv's claims of HD domination. Even though ALL Directv subscribers can essentially get the same HD packages whereas TWC customers are totally limited to the half dozen or so HD channels which depend on the whim of TWC corporate. Nice.

[BruceShultes]

The best discussion about TW HD available in individual areas is on the AVSforum.

Try http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=45 and find your local thread.

[franzey]

The best discussion about TW HD available in individual areas is on the AVSforum.

Try http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=45 and find your local thread.

Good link, thanks! I checked through the boards and it seems that the vast majority of the discussion in my area revolves around OTA programming. Oh well, I will concede that there isn't a good single source of information. I will just keep doing what I am doing. :)

Thanks!

[gbrown]

San Diego Time Warner
I came home yesterday to an alert saying that TW-SD had decided to reprogram my Cable Cards. I was told to wait 40 minutes. Two hours later I called Customer Support. They had me power cycle the S3 and they would send a signal to the Cable Cards. READ - Take two aspirins and call me in the morning. Two more hours and the same screen is there. Another enjoyable customer service call and I demanded that they roll a tech with two new Cable C:down:ards. I also asked them to bring extras.

Two fold result. 1) I have to wait until Sunday for service and 2) I get to spend yet another customer service call to demand a refund on the four days without service.

[KI6ILS]

Ok, so to make a long story short I had their box, got the TiVo S3 HD, called TW asking if I can take the cc out of their box and put it in my TiVo. They said it was no problem, that card worked fine. I take the old box back to the TW Store, they say it I damaged the equipment. I tell them that the CSR told me I could. Some more back and forth, they demanded the working M CC back and they issued me a different M CC. Well I take that one home and now I am only getting channels 2-37 SD and 2-13 HD.

My neighbor got a S3 HD TiVo as well and the tech came out today. He didn't know what a TiVo is or what a cable card is. All he did is send a lot of hits to the box and somehow that got it working. So I go home, call TW and spoke to a CSR who sent several hits and still only the basic channels. So now I have to wait for the tech to come on Monday, which means I'll miss The Venture Bros, and I don't even know if they will know what to do.

Should I call them back and tell them to make sure the tech brings additional cards and standard cards? Why did my TiVo work with the one I took out of the old cable box and not the newly issued one?

[JimWall]

Seems TW got at least one of the following wrong. The new CC Serial Number, the new host id and/or your billing information which controls what channels you can see.
Also the hits need to be made after the CC firmware downloads are done

[kevo777]

I got my M-Card working last week on the second TW tech visit. After the initial install, I was only getting about 10% of the channels I pay for. The Host ID number and serial numbers were matching in the system but the Data number was one lousy digit off. I went fours days with no HD because of one lousy digit. The second tech was extremely cool and had experience with CableCARDS. He said that, while CSRs have to be spoon-fed, they do have the ability to check Host ID, Data, and serial numbers.

Time Warner better get their s**t together on these CableCARDS. They're not going anywhere. tru2way is coming in the fall according to TW's website, although I doubt TiVoHD will be compatible.

[INARUSH]

Just some info that may help out someone with the CP Auth Not Received message:

I am in Charlotte, NC and recently had one of my two S cable cards change from authorized to not authorized. After MANY calls to Time Warner, I finally found some that immediately knew what pairing meant. She knew what the host ID was and what to do next. The card did not pair immediately though. It took about 5 minutes after she paired, sent a reauthorization code, and then a regular code. Don't get discouraged when you call and they ask for the serial number, want to send a truck, or just tell you to reboot. Simply don't waste your time though. They will either know right away or they won't. Try calling back instead of trying to explain the situation to them. Once you find the right person, it will take a few minutes.

[poma3]

Hey,

Last week, Bravo went missing on my S3 TiVo but was still showing in analog on my 2 S2 boxes. After multiple calls to TWC and a schedule truck roll because the CSR couldn't figure out what was wrong, I received a call from Bob - a senior tech. He indicated that Bravo (our channel 70) was the first SDV channel in the Milwaukee area. He indicated that they will be switching many of the "lesser viewed" channels. Bravo is viewed less than the Outdoor Network?....huh!

Bob was very nice and indicated that I would have to get a TWC box and use TiVo's IR blaster to change channels and that would resolve my issues. I explained that I didn't want to rent another box and he sympathized. He indicated that they have frequent conversations about CC users and how SDV will impact them - but he didn't have any solutions and didn't mention the tuning adapter.

I did let him know to pass along that if my channels keep disappearing I'll take my business (including internet and phone) elsewhere. He said he'd pass it along. Trouble is...I don't think we have any other TiVo compatible options in SE Wisconsin. Anybody out there find anything better? Also...how do we get the tuning adapter once it's available? My whole house is networked and the thought of using someone else's DVR makes my sad.

thanks,
Mark.

[wireless200]

I want to drop to basic cable $12.00/month and buy a Tivo. My Pioneer plasma picks up dozens if not more channels including hi-def when the cable is connected directly to it. I don't want a cable card or STB. It seems I'm hearing from my neighbor and reading on these forums that Tivo won't pick up and record the HI-def channels on cable. Is that correct? What are my options if I don't want anything more than $12 cable? OTA? regards, David

[kevo777]

Only Series3 and TiVoHD will pick up high-def OTA. Just know that for the OTA HD feeds you will be restricted to manual recording only.

[cableguy763]

I want to drop to basic cable $12.00/month and buy a Tivo. My Pioneer plasma picks up dozens if not more channels including hi-def when the cable is connected directly to it. I don't want a cable card or STB. It seems I'm hearing from my neighbor and reading on these forums that Tivo won't pick up and record the HI-def channels on cable. Is that correct? What are my options if I don't want anything more than $12 cable? OTA? regards, David
The tivo has a qam tuner in it, so it will pick up the locals in HD with just basic. Whether or not you get guide data for them is up to your cable provider. It should work just like your TV. OTA is certainly an option if all you care about is the locals. Guide data for that will be correct.

[SCSIRAID]

Only Series3 and TiVoHD will pick up high-def OTA. Just know that for the OTA HD feeds you will be restricted to manual recording only.

I think you meant that the "Clear QAM HD feeds from the cableco will be restricted to manual recording only." If they are sourced from an antenna, and thus truly 'OTA' you will have guide data.

[poma3]

I posted earlier about losing Bravo from our lineup as the first SDV rollout in the Milwaukee area. Today I received a letter from TWC letting me know about another 54 channels going SDV on July 30th. 1/3 of them are Spanish Language which won't affect me and another 1/3 are all HBO/Showtime/Encore variation which I don't subscribe to. The remaining 1/3 though make me sad - no TBSHD, HGTVHD, Discovery HD Theatre, HD Net, HD Net movies...you get the idea.

They did include a blurb about the tuner adapter being available "later this year" and they also indicate that "it is currently contemplated that the Tuning Adapter will be provided at no additional charge" - you heard right...no charge!

Maybe someone inside the Death Star does have a heart!

[Midwest User1]

I posted earlier about losing Bravo from our lineup as the first SDV rollout in the Milwaukee area. Today I received a letter from TWC letting me know about another 54 channels going SDV on July 30th. 1/3 of them are Spanish Language which won't affect me and another 1/3 are all HBO/Showtime/Encore variation which I don't subscribe to. The remaining 1/3 though make me sad - no TBSHD, HGTVHD, Discovery HD Theatre, HD Net, HD Net movies...you get the idea.

They did include a blurb about the tuner adapter being available "later this year" and they also indicate that "it is currently contemplated that the Tuning Adapter will be provided at no additional charge" - you heard right...no charge!

Maybe someone inside the Death Star does have a heart!
I got the same letter and I'm in the Waukesha, WI. area. I wouldn't hold your breath though on actually getting a working Tuner resolver by the end of the year. I'm going to now look at alternative options for HD TV (D** TV etc.). It's very annoying that TW doesn't even fully support the cable card that they offer.

[moval1]

Originally I was going to ditch TWC standard for Verizon Fios, but it just got too painful to deal with them. Want a bundle deal? Gotta order it online. Try and order it online, get an error page that tells you to call an 800 number, but you can only get the bundle deal online. And of course my protests of bait and switch went unaddressed, so I considered TWC's "All the Best."

Besides a flakey tech taking and returning my original modem, things have worked out great. Today I picked up the digital cable receivers and installed them myself in a few hours. And that includes figuring out how to add a Series 1 Tivo to the mix.

Location: Riverside, So. California
TWC services: Internet, Digital Cable, Telephone

Hardware:
1 Motorola DCT2224
1 Philips PTV300 Series 1 Tivo
1 IR cable
misc. cables

Steps:
Run the cable from the wall to the Motorola receiver's signal in port.
Next run a cable from the Motorola to the Tivo's signal in port.
Then run a cable from the Tivo to your television set.
Next hook up the IR cable to the Tivo and place the transmitters on top of the Motorola so they hang over the central display.
Finally, run through the Tivo setup routine again, slowly.

Once you tell Tivo that there's a cable box attached it will start asking you questions about the provider, the box manufacturer, etc, so just work through the screens carefully. What I really enjoyed was figuring out which code the Tivo would need in order to control the Motorola via the IR cable. You're presented with a list of various codes so just experiment with them until you get the response you want from the Motorola. After the Tivo dials in for updated channel info and crunches the data you're 100% ready to go.

Conclusion:
Next I'm going to install a network card so I can stop using the phone line.
But I'm so glad that I didn't have to get rid of my Series 1 because it's one of my favorite pieces of hardware. I bought it used and it was a little jacked up but it has run terrific since I took it out of the box almost 3 years ago.

[rp1790]

Just another moan...mostly. I’m in Overland Park Kansas.

I'm on my 4th visit by a tech. I have a TivoHD

1st visit:
Tech came out and installed 2 x M-cards. analog channels and local HD's were working. He said the others would come through in a few hours; they didn’t even after Tech Spt sent ‘hit’s” or whatever it is. Scheduled a 2nd visit.

2nd Visit:
I’m not home but my daughter is, she says he clearly doesn’t know what he’s doing. He takes the two original two cards and installs one M-Card and leaves the Tivo in basically the same state. Analogue channels work and some HD’s.

3rd visit:
Yipee, a tech that is professional and knows what he is doing. He installs 1 x M-Card and an SC Card. Manages to get all channels working. It “seems” like the main reason they weren’t working is that when installing and/or changing CC’s my account was getting set back to basic cable and losing my digital tier.
After the tech leaves Tivo wants me to do guided setup (again) and ask me to remove the card in Slot 2. I remove card 1 by mistake, put it back in and remove card 2…after this nothing works. CC’s are no longer authorized and onto the 4th visit.

4th Visit.
Tech comes up, doesn’t know what he’s doing (worst yet), doesn’t know what a tivo is and I have to tell him every step to do. Eventually I convince him to install 2 x SC cards and EVENTUALLY get both going. Similar problem to before my digital tier gets dropped off and I have to convince the Tech I should have it…..ta da…after he rings back in and says I’m supposed to have the digital tier all the channels are working. This guy was an idiot. When my digital channels weren’t working he was walking out the door and I had to stop him to check my provisioning (about the digital tier being dropped off my acct). He also said they had received an email saying they would no longer install and/or support cablecards anymore. I told him about the FCC and he was a bit taken back.

Just my one tip is if you are getting a grey screen on a digital channel, it’s possible they have dropped a package off when installing / swapping the cablecards, ask them to check it. And the other thing is, when the CC’s are authorized the channels should come through within minutes, if not immediately.

I now seem to have all channels available, nothing missing because of SDV that I can.

Kind of off topic but when two channels are recording and I go to change channel it only gives me the option of stopping recording one channel and doesn’t give me the option to stop recording one or two. Is this a Tivo bug or…? I’m sure it should list both recordings and allow you to choose which one to stop recording..

[franzey]

Kind of off topic but when two channels are recording and I go to change channel it only gives me the option of stopping recording one channel and doesn’t give me the option to stop recording one or two. Is this a Tivo bug or…? I’m sure it should list both recordings and allow you to choose which one to stop recording..

You need to switch to the tuner (via the info button on your Tivo remote) that has the recording that you wish to stop when you change channels.

[usnret]

I'm located just outside Bowling Green, Ohio. Had TW come out last Sat. and he installed the "triple pack". Couldn't install a CC because he was a contractor. Everything works great. Did a setup on the HDTivo. Got the basics fine. Cable person came out today (Maggie) and installed an Mcard (she first called to see what sort of card(s) she needed to bring). Installed the card, the Tivo did the frequency check thing, finished, I got her the info on the card, she called it in, I reran guide setup, and BANG, everything works great!!!
Just wanted to give TW people a kudo here in this area (and this was the first Tivo that she installed a card on).
Regards

[jasonlh]

Just another moan...mostly. I’m in Overland Park Kansas.

I'm on my 4th visit by a tech. I have a TivoHD

1st visit:
Tech came out and installed 2 x M-cards. analog channels and local HD's were working. He said the others would come through in a few hours; they didn’t even after Tech Spt sent ‘hit’s” or whatever it is. Scheduled a 2nd visit.

2nd Visit:
I’m not home but my daughter is, she says he clearly doesn’t know what he’s doing. He takes the two original two cards and installs one M-Card and leaves the Tivo in basically the same state. Analogue channels work and some HD’s.

3rd visit:
Yipee, a tech that is professional and knows what he is doing. He installs 1 x M-Card and an SC Card. Manages to get all channels working. It “seems” like the main reason they weren’t working is that when installing and/or changing CC’s my account was getting set back to basic cable and losing my digital tier.
After the tech leaves Tivo wants me to do guided setup (again) and ask me to remove the card in Slot 2. I remove card 1 by mistake, put it back in and remove card 2…after this nothing works. CC’s are no longer authorized and onto the 4th visit.

4th Visit.
Tech comes up, doesn’t know what he’s doing (worst yet), doesn’t know what a tivo is and I have to tell him every step to do. Eventually I convince him to install 2 x SC cards and EVENTUALLY get both going. Similar problem to before my digital tier gets dropped off and I have to convince the Tech I should have it…..ta da…after he rings back in and says I’m supposed to have the digital tier all the channels are working. This guy was an idiot. When my digital channels weren’t working he was walking out the door and I had to stop him to check my provisioning (about the digital tier being dropped off my acct). He also said they had received an email saying they would no longer install and/or support cablecards anymore. I told him about the FCC and he was a bit taken back.

Just my one tip is if you are getting a grey screen on a digital channel, it’s possible they have dropped a package off when installing / swapping the cablecards, ask them to check it. And the other thing is, when the CC’s are authorized the channels should come through within minutes, if not immediately.

I now seem to have all channels available, nothing missing because of SDV that I can.

Kind of off topic but when two channels are recording and I go to change channel it only gives me the option of stopping recording one channel and doesn’t give me the option to stop recording one or two. Is this a Tivo bug or…? I’m sure it should list both recordings and allow you to choose which one to stop recording..

I feel your pain..I too had 3 or 4 visits to get my Tivo Series 3 working back in October by TWC in KC (Gardner actually). My final visit took 3 hours and it included 2 techs and a supervisor to finally get it to work. However, I have not had a problem since then...As long as you don't count the whole SDV debacle that is now starting..

[rp1790]

I feel your pain..I too had 3 or 4 visits to get my Tivo Series 3 working back in October by TWC in KC (Gardner actually). My final visit took 3 hours and it included 2 techs and a supervisor to finally get it to work. However, I have not had a problem since then...As long as you don't count the whole SDV debacle that is now starting..

Yep, I see there are some new HD channels in the KC area which are SDV and we won't get. Apparently Tivo are working on some solution or gizmo that will work with SDV channels, I hope it comes out soon. Coming from DirecTV which has superb signal quality and an awesome selection of HD channels....TWC is pretty pathetic.

[mistergogolak]

Okay. I'm getting spooked now. I am a LOOOOONG time Directv customer who got ticked off about the Tivo situation and decided to buy some HDTivos. I'm moving to Myrtle Beach from the Midwest and decided not to re-up with Directv for two more years and pay them to lease their equipment. (To keep me, they ultimately started offering all kinds of freebies. They even offered to let me connect my HDTIVOs to their tuner boxes which I didn't think was possible...) A little too little, a little too late.

Today I was on the phone for the third time with TWC in MB. I was going to run with FIOS but it hasn't been rolled out to my new address yet. As far as I can tell TWC is the only gig in town.

Janice with TWC tells me that all of the hi-def channels in MB are SDV. Huh? From what I could tell they hadn't rolled it out there yet.

Janice much like one of the previous sales people also told me I would need to get their tuners and DVRs if I wanted to receive HD channels with TWC.

Now, I know this is BS. I was also told that I should go with their gear to get the highest resolution picture.

Janice: "Now that the gov't has given up regulating, we can give our subscribers a better picture."
ME: "Yeah, we wouldn't want to make sure that any open standards work. That would just get in the way of progress."

So, besides TWC are there any other service providers in MB that offer better service? Can anyone confirm that all of the HD channels in Myrtle Beach are indeed all SDV? Why am I doing this again???

Any feedback is appreciated.

Gogolak

[rp1790]

Okay. I'm getting spooked now. I am a LOOOOONG time Directv customer who got ticked off about the Tivo situation and decided to buy some HDTivos. I'm moving to Myrtle Beach from the Midwest and decided not to re-up with Directv for two more years and pay them to lease their equipment. (To keep me, they ultimately started offering all kinds of freebies. They even offered to let me connect my HDTIVOs to their tuner boxes which I didn't think was possible...) A little too little, a little too late.

Gogolak

Well, personally, I would stick with DirecTV if you possibly can. Their HDDVR is better than a Tivo IMO and no worries with HD channels. The reality is that TWC are going to move more and more to SDV and we are going to get less and less when using cablecards.

[Fofer]

Well, personally, I would stick with DirecTV if you possibly can. Their HDDVR is better than a Tivo IMO and no worries with HD channels. The reality is that TWC are going to move more and more to SDV and we are going to get less and less when using cablecards.

...until the SDV dongle/adapter comes out, and compatibility returns:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=375723

I'd disagree that DTV's HDDVR is "better" than a TiVo. It's not as bad as many think, and it's getting better. But in terms of usability and reliability, TiVo is still (currently) ahead.

[Distortedloop]

Not sure if this is the best place to post this, I see so many people flamed for starting a new thread or posting in the wrong section, makes me nervous to post at all. ;-)

Anyways, Time Warner here in San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles suberb), with a Series 3 and two cable cards. I was just curious if anyone else has started NOT receiving the Universal High Def channel (419 on our grid).

Was getting it fine here until middle of last week. The cable card says it's tuned to the channel properly in diagnostics, with a signal lock, but all I get is a black screen. Channel 420 (HDNet Movies) is full of heavy pixelation and freezes, not enough to make it unwatchable, but annoying to watch. All other HD tier channels coming in fine, as always.

I called Tier 1 support, and at first she said 419 (UHD) wasn't in my line up, but then she backtracked and had me reboot the machine (which I'd already done) and then she sent a reset signal, and I rebooted again, followed by another reset.

Problems not resolved, so she's sending a repair tech on Tuesday.

I'm a little panicked as UHD will have a lot of the Olympics content and I just want to make sure that it's something with my box, and not something stupid at Time Warner like turning that channel off for Cable Cards.

Anyone in the area who can check for reception? Thanks.

[bobrt6676]

Not sure if this is the best place to post this, I see so many people flamed for starting a new thread or posting in the wrong section, makes me nervous to post at all. ;-)

Anyways, Time Warner here in San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles suberb), with a Series 3 and two cable cards. I was just curious if anyone else has started NOT receiving the Universal High Def channel (419 on our grid).

Was getting it fine here until middle of last week. The cable card says it's tuned to the channel properly in diagnostics, with a signal lock, but all I get is a black screen. Channel 420 (HDNet Movies) is full of heavy pixelation and freezes, not enough to make it unwatchable, but annoying to watch. All other HD tier channels coming in fine, as always.

I called Tier 1 support, and at first she said 419 (UHD) wasn't in my line up, but then she backtracked and had me reboot the machine (which I'd already done) and then she sent a reset signal, and I rebooted again, followed by another reset.

Problems not resolved, so she's sending a repair tech on Tuesday.

I'm a little panicked as UHD will have a lot of the Olympics content and I just want to make sure that it's something with my box, and not something stupid at Time Warner like turning that channel off for Cable Cards.

Anyone in the area who can check for reception? Thanks.


I had a similar problem with TW premium HD channels, MOJO,HDNET,HDNET MOVIES,UHD. Tier 1 support gave me the same as you. Sent a truck, he replaced CC's, Put an amplifier on the line, problem not solved. Sent out a second truck the next day. This Tech says their is no way it could be a CC problem or signal strength issue because all other HD channels are fine. He calls the office, has the supervisor check my account and found the Premium HD channels were not authorized for the CC's. She authorized(not sure of the exact terminology) I rebooted(I think, maybe no reboot) and the HD Premium channels were perfect. Bottom line no truck roll needed just a screw up at the office end. Hope this helps.

[tlwizard]

Anyone with TWC in Manhattan or New York start having a majorly degraded image on their SD channels in the past week (starting Tuesday or Wednesday maybe)?

I don't have any cablecards, just have my box hooked up to the wall so I get very basic cable but can also tune to the HD channels. The HD channels still come in crystal clear but every SD channel has taken a severe turn for the worse. If only the QAM channels got program info...

Any advice for the pixelated channels seeing how nothing on my end has changed? Is TWC just sending out poor-looking SD channels?

Thanks.

[Distortedloop]

I had a similar problem with TW premium HD channels, MOJO,HDNET,HDNET MOVIES,UHD. Tier 1 support gave me the same as you. Sent a truck, he replaced CC's, Put an amplifier on the line, problem not solved. Sent out a second truck the next day. This Tech says their is no way it could be a CC problem or signal strength issue because all other HD channels are fine. He calls the office, has the supervisor check my account and found the Premium HD channels were not authorized for the CC's. She authorized(not sure of the exact terminology) I rebooted(I think, maybe no reboot) and the HD Premium channels were perfect. Bottom line no truck roll needed just a screw up at the office end. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the response. I guess I can call them again to check something like that, but all my other premiums channels (HD tier, HBO, Showtime) all coming in fine except black screen on UHD, and heavy pixelation on HDNet.

I'll post back if my fix turns out to be what you suggested. Thanks again.

[T-Shee]

Anyone with TWC in Manhattan or New York start having a majorly degraded image on their SD channels in the past week (starting Tuesday or Wednesday maybe)?

I don't have any cablecards, just have my box hooked up to the wall so I get very basic cable but can also tune to the HD channels. The HD channels still come in crystal clear but every SD channel has taken a severe turn for the worse. If only the QAM channels got program info...

Any advice for the pixelated channels seeing how nothing on my end has changed? Is TWC just sending out poor-looking SD channels?

Thanks.
No, no change in SD picture quality here on the Upper East Side. I was under the impression that HD required Cable Cards - indeed, prior to CC install, I couldn't get any HD at all- so it's interesting that you can get HD without CCs. What HD station numbers do you get??

[tlwizard]

No, no change in SD picture quality here on the Upper East Side. I was under the impression that HD required Cable Cards - indeed, prior to CC install, I couldn't get any HD at all- so it's interesting that you can get HD without CCs. What HD station numbers do you get??
I get 1-2, 1-4, 1-5, 1-7, and so on for all the basics. Then on top of that I get 93-2 which is TNT in HD. On my basic just plugged into the wall SD cable I get all the basic channels plus Bravo, Food Network, Spike and a few others. I just don't understand why the video quality took a dive though on those channels.

[59er]

I've got a Tivo HD with an M-card in Manhattan, and for the past couple weeks I've had some bad pixellation, particularly on the HD versions of the broadcast channels (esp. 704, 705, and 707, perhaps less so on 702). Anyone else having these problems?

[valkyriesound]

Does anyone have any experience in Culver City, CA?

My building just got digital cable and I tried TW's DVR just to see
where they were technology-wise (I'm a long-time tivo user).
Wow.. their DVR is horrible!

I called them today to say I wanted to remove their DVR and get
2 cablecards for a new TIvo.

They argued with me saying that they "don't support TIVO-only TVs
with cablecards" and that "The tech would refuse to install the CCs".
The CR rep said "I can send the tech but he won't install them."
So I said... "OK... send the tech anyway!" He backed down and scheduled the
appointment. He would not commit to actually installing the cards.

What's the deal? Don't they have to support this?
How can I prepare for the untrained guy I'm going to get?
I saw the Tivo's site instructions but what do I have to tell them
to do in the office?

Thanks for the help...I'm fighting this!

Viva Tivo!

[abredt]

Before TW arrives, go back to the TiVo site or phone them to ask what to do if TW refuses. TW cannot legally refuse - the FCC says they MUST support cable cards. Hopefully you will get a tech who has already done some TiVo installs. Also go to the site and print the page that says Give this to the installer.

I'm with TW and kept the TW DVR in addition to my Series-3 because every once in a while I have a problem with TiVo not recording something. I've also had cable cards die and need another truck roll to install new cards. It's random, but if there is something that I "must Have" I record it on both. If you can afford it...???

CB

[amradio]

We have an HD TV with basic cable with no premium channels. Can I use The Tivo HD box without the cards. The instructions lead me to believe the cards are only required so that you can receive encrypted channels....

[cableguy763]

We have an HD TV with basic cable with no premium channels. Can I use The Tivo HD box without the cards. The instructions lead me to believe the cards are only required so that you can receive encrypted channels....
You would be correct. You don't need cards for basic only.

[SCSIRAID]

We have an HD TV with basic cable with no premium channels. Can I use The Tivo HD box without the cards. The instructions lead me to believe the cards are only required so that you can receive encrypted channels....

With perhaps a few exceptions, the cards are also needed to get you guide data for QAM digital channels encrypted or unencrypted. For analog channels under 100... you dont need the cablecards.

[amradio]

Thanks for the responses....

I'm a little confused now....

Does that mean I cannot receive the local HD channels I'm currently getting thru my TWC STB (ie channel 512 ABC and 506 Fox) since they are higher than 100 - or are you just refering to the program guide channel being unavailable?

[SCSIRAID]

Thanks for the responses....

I'm a little confused now....

Does that mean I cannot receive the local HD channels I'm currently getting thru my TWC STB (ie channel 512 ABC and 506 Fox) since they are higher than 100 - or are you just refering to the program guide channel being unavailable?

You can manually tune them as long as their PSIP data is 'good'. However, you wont get guide data which will limit you to manual recordings...

[cableguy763]

He can use OTA and basic cable, like some folks do to get local guide info for their local HD's.

[Austin Bike]

Should the digital and analog of the same channel (i.e. CNN and CNN digital) look the same on my screen?

[cableguy763]

Should the digital and analog of the same channel (i.e. CNN and CNN digital) look the same on my screen?
No matter which cnn you go to i.e 46 or 310, your cablecards are pointing you to the analog source. They will look exactly the same because they are the same. This is true for all channels 2-72 and their alternate numbers in the 100's etc.

[Austin Bike]

Wow, I went through all that to get cable cards when 95% of the content I watch was on the analog channels.

I was hoping that a digital CNN or discovery would look better. The person at the mopac office talked about how much better it would be. Nope, all the same. Very disappointing.

[Firekite]

"Digital" CNN? Do you mean CNN HD? High Definition programming will certainly look much better than its SD counterpart, even digital SD. Of course, not every news camera in the field is HD, so not everything you see will have been shot in HD. Pretty much all that studio stuff is, though.

If you're talking about the regular old SD, then digital should be "cleaner" and free from interference, but there won't be some dramatic shift like it would be between SD and HD. Plus, the quality of the TV and the degree of compression makes a pretty big difference. OTA HD for the locals tends to look better than the same HD signal coming from TWC via digital cable.

[Austin Bike]

There are 3 CNN's on TWC Austin: Standard, "digital" and HD. I don't get HD, but bouncing back and forth between standard and digital I can't tell which is which.

I was hoping for "cleaner" but I am definitely not getting it with cable cards.

[Firekite]

Then you weren't getting a "dirty" signal before, with analog.

[Combat Medic]

Anybody have the phone number for Time Warner's Cable Card office. I think it used to be their legal office.

Thanks

[rpongett]

Time Warner claims that, with CableCards, you can't get sports subscriptions such as NBA League Pass and ESPN Gameplan.

Does anyone using a Series 3 and a CableCard know if this is true? It seems odd since it really doesn't require a 2 way message. You just order the service before the season and then you can receive the appropriate channels.

Also, they claim no channels have been switched to SDV yet in Los Angeles. Does anyone know if this is true? Their website seems completely non-informative.

[Austin Bike]

I can't speak to LA, but in Austin, it seems like they have complied with the "letter of the law" but not necessarily the "spirit of the law".

The FCC forced them to offer cable cards, but that doesn't mean that they have to make it full featured. The tech that was out at my house was really nice, and really well versed in how to dance around this issue. More than once I heard "if you had our box...."

[NiteCourt]

It all started a few months ago when TWC pushed some new update to our digital convertor box. After that our Tivo which uses an IR remote to change the channel on the convertor box would not change the channel correctly. The funny thing is it would change the channel correctly when the convertor box’s guide would display ‘no guide data available’. Anyway after hearing horror stories from my co-worker and his TWC DVR I knew I wanted to stick with TIVO. So to solve the problem I decided to get an HD TIVO and get cable cards installed for the digital channels. I called customer service and talked to some lady with a bad accent and was very hard to understand. She said go to the local office. I did. My local office said to call customer service. Oh what fun. I must have talked to the sister of the first CSR since she also had a bad accent and I couldn’t understand her. I told her the local office said I had to schedule an appointment to have the cards delivered and installed. I wanted one multistream card since there are two tuners in the box. Only singlestream cards are available in this area. I said fine, I need two singlestream cards since it also works with 2 singlestream cards. The first appointment available was in two weeks. Oh how I miss Adelphia’s next day service.

Two weeks later the tech shows up and everything goes well. Two months after that I turn on the TV and there is a message stating there is firmware upgrade in process for cable card one. It should take 40 – 60 minutes. Two hours later it still has the same message. I call customer service and this time I must have talked to the first lady’s cousin since I could barely understand her. She sends a reset signal to the card. Nothing happens. Then she says there is an upgrade in the area and it may take a day. I tell her I’m going to call back in 8 hours. 8 hours later it is still ‘upgrading’ so I call and force her to schedule a service appointment. That was on June 28th. The service tech comes on July 15th with no cable cards. He says he can hook up a cable box. I tell him that since the ‘upgrade’ your boxes no longer work correctly. He then says I need a multistream card but they don’t have any. He’ll have TWC from the city of come out tomorrow with one since the former Adelphia areas don’t have them. July 16th, the next day. A service tech comes with a cable box and no cards. Idiots. He make some calls and says it has to be ordered and takes 7 days. So here it is July 31, 2008 and no cable card, no calls from Time Warner. Time Warner’s customer service is non-existent and everyone I talk to doesn’t know their a** from a hole in ground. No one can tell me a thing.

[George Cifranci]

Two months after that I turn on the TV and there is a message stating there is firmware upgrade in process for cable card one. It should take 40 – 60 minutes. Two hours later it still has the same message. I call customer service and this time I must have talked to the first lady’s cousin since I could barely understand her. She sends a reset signal to the card. Nothing happens.

I have Time Warner here in Columbus Ohio. There was a bug in a particular version of the S-Card firmware that would say it was doing a firmware upgrade even though it wasn't (at that time Time Warner Mid-Ohio never did software upgrades for Cable Cards over the network). Back in Sept 2007 I had this issue and TW came out and replaced my faulty S-Card with a M-Card. The tech didn't unpair the S-Card before inserting the M-card which caused all sorts of issues but eventually it worked out ok and has been running fine ever since.

[59er]

So here it is July 31, 2008 and no cable card, no calls from Time Warner. Time Warner’s customer service is non-existent and everyone I talk to doesn’t know their a** from a hole in ground. No one can tell me a thing.

Check out this url:
http://consumerist.com/5013973/reach-time-warner-cable-executive-customer-service

That has contact info for Time Warner Cable Executive Customer Service.
203-351-2221 connects you directly to Time Warner Cable's executive customer care division. Jeff Simmermon, Time Warner's Digital Communications Director, sent this number to us himself. What a good example for other companies to emulate!

[Meatball]

I've been checking into the M-Card's in Charlotte, NC, and even though the TWC site says they should be out Q4 07 - Q1 08, they don't have them yet.

Supposedly they are up and running in Raleigh, NC (anyone up there able to verify?) and will be rolled out in the Charlotte area in the fall and they'll inform customers about the cards when they're out.

Of course, I don't believe them, but I've got my fingers crossed.

[SCSIRAID]

I've been checking into the M-Card's in Charlotte, NC, and even though the TWC site says they should be out Q4 07 - Q1 08, they don't have them yet.

Supposedly they are up and running in Raleigh, NC (anyone up there able to verify?) and will be rolled out in the Charlotte area in the fall and they'll inform customers about the cards when they're out.

Of course, I don't believe them, but I've got my fingers crossed.

M Cards have been available for a loooong time here in Raleigh. I have 2 in my S3 and one in my THD.

[trol1374]

I had the same issues when I first tried to get my card. I asked to be transferred to a manager. After a few calm talks about why a card took so long to get delivered and then learning I couldn't get half the HD channels I was paying for, she gave me a HD box at no additional charge.

[Austin Bike]

I went to the time warner office and dropped off my cable cards this week.

If the digital signal was decent I would have kept them, but the fact that I was paying for digital and getting analog on most of the channels that I wanted simply meant an extra ~$180/year for next to nothing.

[Firekite]

Paying for digital and getting analog? Are you sure you've got that one right?

[m_jonis]

Paying for digital and getting analog? Are you sure you've got that one right?

Yep.

TW does that here too in Albany, NY for some of their channels.

See, they switched to SDV and then moved also to digital simulcast. Then they forced all the cable cards to use the digital simulcast signal, which meant that we lost "analog" channels because their digital counterpart was SDV.

To fix this, TW told the cable card to re-map the "digital" channels to the analog frequency.

So we are, in essence, paying for digital cable and getting the RF channels for like 14 or so "digital" channels.

[dgknight3]

I currently have TWC Standard Cable, no STB, and a Series 2DT Tivo. I recently purchased a Panasonic plasma and determined via it's tuner I'm only receiving analog channels, I could not pickup any local HD via the cable or any digital channels. But I hooked up an OTA to the TV and get great pictures for Local Broadcasts. I don't really want to pay for HD from TWC as about the only extra channel I would watch would be ESPN. But I do hate recording SD shows on the Tivo. So I'm considering purchasing an HD Tivo with Lifetime Service. Apparently, I can then drop the 12.95 monthly Tivo fee and give up the Series2.
So then with HD Tivo, record HD OTA (which is most of the stuff we record, my wife records some other things 'Lifetime' but she can't tell the difference in the quality :)) and the other SD channels via the TWC cable.

My question, with this plan, is there anything in the future, like SDV ,that would screw this up?. Or will the digital switch in Feb 2009 require me to get CableCards?
I don't want to spring $ for the Tivo to have it not work 6 months down the line.

Sorry for the wordiness but want to make sure my ducks are in a row before I explain to the spouse why we need an HD Tivo.

[Austin Bike]

As I understand it, the 2009 change to digital only impacts broadcast (over the air TV), not cable TV. You cable provider may decide at any time not to support analog cable and move only to digital. At that point you will need cable cards.

The issue with cable cards today is twofold:

1.) While cable cards allow you to get digital cable without a box, not all channels are digital.
2.) Cable cards do not necessarily allow you to get every channel that you see on the digital cable lineup.

Somewhere, somehow, in the future you will be forced to get cable cards (it's only a matter of time before the cable company decides not to support analog any longer). I wouldn't be surprised if the cable companies use the 2009 deadline as a way to move out of analog.

I have 2 series 2 boxes and added a tivo HD this past month. There are inputs for both antenna (HD) and cable. It seamlessly integrates TW cable (standard analog) and over the air hi-def.

[Distortedloop]

TWC adds USA-HD just in time for the Olympics, too bad that it, and the concurrently added CNBC-HD (will they have Olympic content?) aren't received on my Tivo Series 3. I get a "channel not available" and black screen.

Anyone in LA actually receive these channels (450 and 451) on a cablecard?

[78717]

I just got my Tivo HD DVR and a cable card ... the tech explained that I wouldn't get all the HD channels due to the 2-way communication issue. He also mentioned that Time Warner was working on solving the problem but that they'd been working on it for a year ... any idea when this will be fixed?

[sushikitten]

I am not looking forward to this. We just got our new tivo last night and have yet to call TWC [Eastern North Carolina] for the cards. I did look up charges and it's $43 for the freakin' installation :mad: plus a per card fee per month.

[franzey]

I just got a letter today (August 6) that was dated July 9 saying that Time Warner Southwest Ohio is moving about 70-90 channels to SDV on August 15. They are "lesser watched" stations, but it is just the first nail in the coffin for my Tivo's. Has anyone else in the area gotten the letter? Any more news on the so called "dongle" that everyone has heard about but no one has seen? Do I need to ditch the Tivo's?

[George Cifranci]

I just got a letter today (August 6) that was dated July 9 saying that Time Warner Southwest Ohio is moving about 70-90 channels to SDV on August 15. They are "lesser watched" stations, but it is just the first nail in the coffin for my Tivo's. Has anyone else in the area gotten the letter? Any more news on the so called "dongle" that everyone has heard about but no one has seen? Do I need to ditch the Tivo's?

According to a contact I have at Time Warner Mid Ohio, TW is definitely testing the Tuning Adaptor, they didn't have a time frame on when it will be released though. I hope by years end at the latest.

Any way you can post the list of channels?

[realityboy]

I just got a letter today (August 6) that was dated July 9 saying that Time Warner Southwest Ohio is moving about 70-90 channels to SDV on August 15. They are "lesser watched" stations, but it is just the first nail in the coffin for my Tivo's. Has anyone else in the area gotten the letter? Any more news on the so called "dongle" that everyone has heard about but no one has seen? Do I need to ditch the Tivo's?

I got that letter also, and the letter itself mentions that the tuning adapter should be available later this year (they specifically mention that it will work with Tivo series 3), and that they expect there to be no extra charge. Also, notice they did not move any HD channels even the lesser watched ones so I don't really see this as too much of a hassle although I will probably get rid of the digital tiers that are affected for a few months if i can't receive all the channels.

[franzey]

I agree, that the channel selection in the letter isn't terribly bothersome, but I can only imagine that once they start, it won't be long before most of the channels are moved. TW Ohio doesn't have a great lineup of HD content yet, and I can only assume it is due in part to bandwidth issues that should be mitigated by moving to SDV across the majority of their lineup. It is good to hear that there is something in the works, I just hate to base my three tivo's on a "check is in the mail" type of outlook.... I don't have much choice though do I :D

[Effinay]

I just got a letter today (August 6) that was dated July 9 saying that Time Warner Southwest Ohio is moving about 70-90 channels to SDV on August 15. They are "lesser watched" stations, but it is just the first nail in the coffin for my Tivo's. Has anyone else in the area gotten the letter? Any more news on the so called "dongle" that everyone has heard about but no one has seen? Do I need to ditch the Tivo's?

I got the letter, too. :(

The only 2 extra* tiers I have (digital games and Encore) are both affected!

Oh well.. I have another TV with an S2 and their crappy STB that will still get those channels. Hopefully the tuning resolver will be available soon.

[scurby2]

TWC adds USA-HD just in time for the Olympics, too bad that it, and the concurrently added CNBC-HD (will they have Olympic content?) aren't received on my Tivo Series 3. I get a "channel not available" and black screen.

Anyone in LA actually receive these channels (450 and 451) on a cablecard?

I am in OC and also got those 2 HD channels updated in the lineup, but no signal "channel not avaialble"..........called TW and they state they wont be activated until October..........

[bobrt6676]

I just got a letter today (August 6) that was dated July 9 saying that Time Warner Southwest Ohio is moving about 70-90 channels to SDV on August 15. They are "lesser watched" stations, but it is just the first nail in the coffin for my Tivo's. Has anyone else in the area gotten the letter? Any more news on the so called "dongle" that everyone has heard about but no one has seen? Do I need to ditch the Tivo's?

Received same letter. Most of the list is meaningless to me, but there are 2 channels that could be a problem this football/basketball season. 114 ESPNU and 149 CSTV had a few games of interest last season including UD and OSU.
I certainly would wait before ditching your Tivos.

[bobrt6676]

According to a contact I have at Time Warner Mid Ohio, TW is definitely testing the Tuning Adaptor, they didn't have a time frame on when it will be released though. I hope by years end at the latest.

Any way you can post the list of channels?

10752

[realityboy]

I got the letter, too. :(

The only 2 extra* tiers I have (digital games and Encore) are both affected!

Oh well.. I have another TV with an S2 and their crappy STB that will still get those channels. Hopefully the tuning resolver will be available soon.

Same here, I'll get a set-top box for my series 2 for now. Can't really do without BBC America or MTV2. Well, I could, but I would rather not. End of the year should mean that it will be available in 4 months at the most, right?

Hopefully this means more HD soon.

[kevo777]

TWC adds USA-HD just in time for the Olympics, too bad that it, and the concurrently added CNBC-HD (will they have Olympic content?) aren't received on my Tivo Series 3. I get a "channel not available" and black screen.

I'm in Dallas, TX and today I noticed the addition of USA-HD and CNBC-HD as well, although like you, I am also receiving the "channel not available" message on a black screen. I haven't called my local TW office to verify activation.

[bsd107]

Not sure if this is the best place to post this, I see so many people flamed for starting a new thread or posting in the wrong section, makes me nervous to post at all. ;-)

Anyways, Time Warner here in San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles suberb), with a Series 3 and two cable cards. I was just curious if anyone else has started NOT receiving the Universal High Def channel (419 on our grid).

Was getting it fine here until middle of last week. The cable card says it's tuned to the channel properly in diagnostics, with a signal lock, but all I get is a black screen. Channel 420 (HDNet Movies) is full of heavy pixelation and freezes, not enough to make it unwatchable, but annoying to watch. All other HD tier channels coming in fine, as always.

I called Tier 1 support, and at first she said 419 (UHD) wasn't in my line up, but then she backtracked and had me reboot the machine (which I'd already done) and then she sent a reset signal, and I rebooted again, followed by another reset.

Problems not resolved, so she's sending a repair tech on Tuesday.

I'm a little panicked as UHD will have a lot of the Olympics content and I just want to make sure that it's something with my box, and not something stupid at Time Warner like turning that channel off for Cable Cards.

Anyone in the area who can check for reception? Thanks.

I can't believe what idiots these tech support people can be.

I'm have TWC San Diego service with my TiVo S3, and have the same problem.

It's because they moved Universal HD to SDV. You WILL NOT be able to tune this until TWC distributes the Tuning Adapters for the S3.

Amazing that TWC wasted so much time and resources trying to fix your problem which is not fixable until they give you a Tuning Adapter.

[gamo62]

I just receivd the dreaded SDV letter here in the Cincinnati market. It was only a matter of time. It was good while it lasted. It did say pretty much the same as the others. That there should be an adapter provided at no charge towards the end of the year.

We shall see...

[Cainebj]

I noticed the addition of USA-HD and CNBC-HD

I'm on TWC NYC - does anyone know if the USA-HD and CNBC-HD are just for the Olympics or if they are here to stay? In NYC, they have been added as 195 and 196 which are not the general HD tier of the +700's.

There are other threads that a couple of other Olympics related channels (NBCBSK and NBCOC - 197 and 198) are temporary.

[Cainebj]

well so much for my excitement about getting Burn Notice in Hi-Def :(

i just called TWC NYC and they said that after the Olympics on August 24th that USA-HD and CNBC-HD will go away.
:down:

[NiteCourt]

Check out this url:
http://consumerist.com/5013973/reach-time-warner-cable-executive-customer-service

That has contact info for Time Warner Cable Executive Customer Service.

Thanks. I saw that. And I also found the email address for the TWC NEO Regional Manager and fired off an email on Sunday. Monday my wife got a call from his assistant who was very nice. On Tuesday a tech, who was also very nice, who usually only does business installs, installed one multistream card and it is working now. (crossing fingers)

I'm happy that it's resolved but I'm unhappy on how it had to get done. It shouldn't be that way. TWC needs to improve customer service.

[realityboy]

I'm in Dallas, TX and today I noticed the addition of USA-HD and CNBC-HD as well, although like you, I am also receiving the "channel not available" message on a black screen. I haven't called my local TW office to verify activation.

In Dayton, it appears we have USA-HD added at least temporarily even though it's not working yet. Same black screen for now. If it's for the Olympics, I wonder when it'll start...

[kevo777]

well so much for my excitement about getting Burn Notice in Hi-Def :(

i just called TWC NYC and they said that after the Olympics on August 24th that USA-HD and CNBC-HD will go away.
:down:

Wow. That makes no sense, although it sounds like something TWC would do. If you're going to allocate the bandwidth for new channels, what does it hurt to keep them permanently? CNBC-HD I can see not keeping. Who watches the standard-def feed even? It's the red-headed step child of 24-hour news channels. But USA-HD??? Umm a fairly prominent channel I suspect.

Way to listen to what paying customers want, TWC. Outstanding.

[DaveDFW]

Wow. That makes no sense, although it sounds like something TWC would do. If you're going to allocate the bandwidth for new channels, what does it hurt to keep them permanently? CNBC-HD I can see not keeping. Who watches the standard-def feed even? It's the red-headed step child of 24-hour news channels. But USA-HD??? Umm a fairly prominent channel I suspect.

Way to listen to what paying customers want, TWC. Outstanding.

I'm totally in agreement--they obviously have the bandwidth to present these channels, why take away USA HD and CNBC HD?

I was excited to see the new channel alert on Tivo this morning, and then promptly disappointed to learn they're all going away.

TTYL
David

[T-Shee]

Wow. That makes no sense, although it sounds like something TWC would do. If you're going to allocate the bandwidth for new channels, what does it hurt to keep them permanently? CNBC-HD I can see not keeping. Who watches the standard-def feed even? It's the red-headed step child of 24-hour news channels. But USA-HD??? Umm a fairly prominent channel I suspect.

Way to listen to what paying customers want, TWC. Outstanding.

(USA-HD looks like it might as well be the "Monk" channel. It's all re-runs, all the time. I probably won't miss it, but...)

Still, the thought of adding HD channels and then removing them is a violation of logic - consistent, at least, with TWC's standard operating procedures.

[Cainebj]

(USA-HD looks like it might as well be the "Monk" channel. It's all re-runs, all the time. I probably won't miss it, but...)

Then you are totally missing out cos' it's got Burn Notice, In Plain Sight and L&O Criminal Intent new shows this summer. Plus that Psych show that I don't watch.

[pomerlp]

I'm bummed about USA. Why not give it to us. Man they treat us like crap.

[Interpol]

TWC adds USA-HD just in time for the Olympics, too bad that it, and the concurrently added CNBC-HD (will they have Olympic content?) aren't received on my Tivo Series 3. I get a "channel not available" and black screen.

Anyone in LA actually receive these channels (450 and 451) on a cablecard?

I am in the TWC South Bay/Torrance area. I'm receiving 450 (USA-HD) and 451 (CNBC-HD) with a cablecard installed directly in my TV, so I can verify that these channels are NOT switched. I can also receive these channels fine with a Scientific Atlanta 4250HDC box from TWC.

However, I am unable to view anything on these channels with my Tivo HD with 2 single stream CableCards installed in it. All I get is black screen, although all the other channels I subscribe to come in fine.

Is there any fix to this?

[pomerlp]

I am in the TWC South Bay/Torrance area. I'm receiving 450 (USA-HD) and 451 (CNBC-HD) with a cablecard installed directly in my TV, so I can verify that these channels are NOT switched. I can also receive these channels fine with a Scientific Atlanta 4250HDC box from TWC.

However, I am unable to view anything on these channels with my Tivo HD with 2 single stream CableCards installed in it. All I get is black screen, although all the other channels I subscribe to come in fine.

Is there any fix to this?

It seems that your cards did not get hit. Unfortunately the only thing you can do is call customer service and hope you get someone who can understand your situation. I was surprised to see that I got them.

FWIW, there is no guide for these channels so any recording you do will have to be manual if you are able to receive them.

[Interpol]

It seems that your cards did not get hit. Unfortunately the only thing you can do is call customer service and hope you get someone who can understand your situation. I was surprised to see that I got them.

FWIW, there is no guide for these channels so any recording you do will have to be manual if you are able to receive them.

Actually, I am receiving guide data fine; just not getting any picture or sound! The guide data appears to be accurate as well - I cross-checked it with the TWC guide on my SA box.

I will call TWC and see what they can do. Thanks.

[Distortedloop]

Wow. That makes no sense, although it sounds like something TWC would do. If you're going to allocate the bandwidth for new channels, what does it hurt to keep them permanently? CNBC-HD I can see not keeping. Who watches the standard-def feed even? It's the red-headed step child of 24-hour news channels. But USA-HD??? Umm a fairly prominent channel I suspect.

Way to listen to what paying customers want, TWC. Outstanding.

I think I was the first to mention that these 2 stations had appeared in the listings. Never got around to coming back and posting that they were for the Olympics only until now.

I guess we could bitch that they aren't staying around, and at the dearth of HD channels (compared to DirecTV) so far, but I'm actually just going to be thankful that TWC decided to make these channels available in HD for the Olympics.

While I would like to see all channels in HD, if I had to pick a select few, neither USA nor CNBC would be high on the list (although I'd like to see CNBC's lovely Erin Burnett in HD each morning).

I'm on TWC NYC - does anyone know if the USA-HD and CNBC-HD are just for the Olympics or if they are here to stay? In NYC, they have been added as 195 and 196 which are not the general HD tier of the +700's.

There are other threads that a couple of other Olympics related channels (NBCBSK and NBCOC - 197 and 198) are temporary.

There was an Olympic logo and a message on the channels for about 36 hours that I noticed before the games started that stated they would only be available for the 17 days of the Olympics.

[Distortedloop]

I can't believe what idiots these tech support people can be.

I'm have TWC San Diego service with my TiVo S3, and have the same problem.

It's because they moved Universal HD to SDV. You WILL NOT be able to tune this until TWC distributes the Tuning Adapters for the S3.

Amazing that TWC wasted so much time and resources trying to fix your problem which is not fixable until they give you a Tuning Adapter.

No, you are incorrect for my situation. These channels are not switched, and I had been receiving UHD all along, and it came back on the night before my scheduled repair visit. Obviously some glitch at the server end they found before rolling the repair truck the next day.

[pomerlp]

Actually, I am receiving guide data fine; just not getting any picture or sound! The guide data appears to be accurate as well - I cross-checked it with the TWC guide on my SA box.

I will call TWC and see what they can do. Thanks.

Wait. You say you show the guide data with the channels listed and info? But no picture?

I don't get it. Guide data comes from Tribune Media and it's not on my guide. But I have the channels.

Man, things just keep getting more and more strange.

Edit. I now have guide data.

[franzey]

Ok, I got the notice via Tivo about USA HD being added to the lineup. Has anyone been able to WATCH this newly added channel? I am getting the run around at TWC about the channel. Half say I don't have the channel, the other half say I do and can't figure out why I can't view it. Is this just a Tivo mixup?

[gbrown]

Once again TW-San Diego has proven they are idiots! I get the notice on my S3 that there are new channels including the Olympic channels and USAHD. I tune, no signal. So I call and am put on hold for 30 minutes. Finally, I get some dweeb and ask him if these new channels are SDV. He says "definitely not"! So I ask him why I am not able to get them. He says because I "probably missed the update signal". He tells me he is going to send the update to my box. THEN he goes, "Oh, you have a TiVo. They use CableCards". I remind him that I told him that at the beginning.

He decided that I need to reboot the system. I tell him that this might take a while. He tells me to turn off the TiVo. I tell him that there is no way to do that and it requires a power plug pull, and will keep him online for 30 minutes. After we do the whole "one card at a time" configuration, I'm now not getting several of the regular HD channels that I used to get. So we repeat the process.

Now we are 45 minutes into this process and he says that his Supervisor just passed him a note that says that TiVo cant get the new channels. I remind him that my opening question was if the new channels were SDV. He again claims that they are not. But that he doesn't know why I cant get the new channels.

In the words of Bugs Bunny, "What a maroon"!

[pomerlp]

Ok, I got the notice via Tivo about USA HD being added to the lineup. Has anyone been able to WATCH this newly added channel? I am getting the run around at TWC about the channel. Half say I don't have the channel, the other half say I do and can't figure out why I can't view it. Is this just a Tivo mixup?

I'm getting it just fine. But I did read somewhere about somebody who had to call customer service and they did something on their end. Apparently not everybody's cards are being hit, and if they don't realize the cards are paired they won't take the hit at all.

And you're getting the run around from TW?:eek: How surprising.

[franzey]

I called talked to two gerbils on the phone, one person online and finally one supervisor. Apparently our "region" Southwest Ohio isn't getting Universal HD for free during the Olympics, we are not getting USA-HD, and we are still not getting the local NBC affiliate on Digital Cable. We are getting screwed 8 ways from Sunday. He said other regions are in fact offering USA HD and Universal HD for free and we got into the whole conversation about why our region refuses to give us what other regions have and he of course blamed the networks. He said I need to call them and request them to add themselves to Time Warner cable in our area. Of course it can't be that TWC is just being stupid. Supervisor told me that they "don't know what we want" unless we tell the networks. Whatever. TWC pisses me off more and more. I will get FIOS the second after they install it.

[Interpol]

Once again TW-San Diego has proven they are idiots! I get the notice on my S3 that there are new channels including the Olympic channels and USAHD. I tune, no signal. So I call and am put on hold for 30 minutes. Finally, I get some dweeb and ask him if these new channels are SDV. He says "definitely not"! So I ask him why I am not able to get them. He says because I "probably missed the update signal". He tells me he is going to send the update to my box. THEN he goes, "Oh, you have a TiVo. They use CableCards". I remind him that I told him that at the beginning.

He decided that I need to reboot the system. I tell him that this might take a while. He tells me to turn off the TiVo. I tell him that there is no way to do that and it requires a power plug pull, and will keep him online for 30 minutes. After we do the whole "one card at a time" configuration, I'm now not getting several of the regular HD channels that I used to get. So we repeat the process.
The 'tech' (I use the term lightly) I spoke to told me to do the exact same thing, and I told HER exactly what you did - that rebooting/powering down would take a long time, and that probably wasn't the issue. Ultimately she told me my cablecards needed to be replaced and to exchange them at the nearest TWC office. TOTAL BS - the cards are fine, and I find it hard to believe that both S-cards in the Tivo would suddenly become defective when the cards in the SA box and my Sony TV work fine.

I couldn't believe she was surprised when I rated her customer service a 5/10 and she had the gall to ask me why.

So now I'm stuck with the problem unsolved - the Tivo displays valid guide data, but USAHD and CNBCHD are just blank channels with no audio or video.

Now we are 45 minutes into this process and he says that his Supervisor just passed him a note that says that TiVo cant get the new channels. I remind him that my opening question was if the new channels were SDV. He again claims that they are not. But that he doesn't know why I cant get the new channels.

In the words of Bugs Bunny, "What a maroon"!
I know for a FACT that these channels are not SDV here in the South Bay, because I am receiving them fine with my QAM tuner on my TV with a cablecard plugged in it.

[pomerlp]

The 'tech' (I use the term lightly) I spoke to told me to do the exact same thing, and I told HER exactly what you did - that rebooting/powering down would take a long time, and that probably wasn't the issue. Ultimately she told me my cablecards needed to be replaced and to exchange them at the nearest TWC office. TOTAL BS - the cards are fine, and I find it hard to believe that both S-cards in the Tivo would suddenly become defective when the cards in the SA box and my Sony TV work fine.

I couldn't believe she was surprised when I rated her customer service a 5/10 and she had the gall to ask me why.

So now I'm stuck with the problem unsolved - the Tivo displays valid guide data, but USAHD and CNBCHD are just blank channels with no audio or video.



I know for a FACT that these channels are not SDV here in the South Bay, because I am receiving them fine with my QAM tuner on my TV with a cablecard plugged in it.

Another fine example of TW not properly informing even Supervisors about this.

If you call this number (http://consumerist.com/5013973/reach...stomer-service), your problem will get resolved quickly. They are only available M-F 9am to 5pm. I think that's EST

[franzey]

I think the big problem is that TWC is adding the channel by their region and not across the board. For example, parts of Ohio got USA HD but our area did not. Tivo just picked up the lineup change in my general area and told me I had the channel when in fact I do not. Tivo was just too generous with the messages stating we had a lineup change.

[bobrt6676]

I think the big problem is that TWC is adding the channel by their region and not across the board. For example, parts of Ohio got USA HD but our area did not. Tivo just picked up the lineup change in my general area and told me I had the channel when in fact I do not. Tivo was just too generous with the messages stating we had a lineup change.

I have an SA8300HD from TWC Dayton and I just checked 769 USAHD and it is working. BUT my TivoHD w/cc no signal. Debating when to call TWC and ask them to hit the CC's. Always an adventure and could be painful.:rolleyes:
You just never know what your going to get!!

[derekcbart]

I'm in Northeast Los Angeles and my S3 sees that all of the new HD channels are there, and I can view them without needing a Tuning Resolver, but there is no Guide information for any of the channels so I cannot program my S3 to record anything. I'm going to be calling TWC on Monday or Tuesday to see if there is anything that they can do about it.

[BruceShultes]

I'm in Northeast Los Angeles and my S3 sees that all of the new HD channels are there, and I can view them without needing a Tuning Resolver, but there is no Guide information for any of the channels so I cannot program my S3 to record anything. I'm going to be calling TWC on Monday or Tuesday to see if there is anything that they can do about it.

If you can find out what time and new HD channel the events you want are scheduled to be broadcase, set your S3 up to perform a manual recording from start time to end time on that channel.

You do not need to have guide data to able to schedule a recording.

[franzey]

I have an SA8300HD from TWC Dayton and I just checked 769 USAHD and it is working. BUT my TivoHD w/cc no signal. Debating when to call TWC and ask them to hit the CC's. Always an adventure and could be painful.:rolleyes:
You just never know what your going to get!!

You are in Huber? So am I. I talked to three separate people at Time Warner that said USAHD wasn't offered in Time Warner Dayton at all. You have been successful at viewing this channel?

[bobrt6676]

You are in Huber? So am I. I talked to three separate people at Time Warner that said USAHD wasn't offered in Time Warner Dayton at all. You have been successful at viewing this channel?

Yes, I am in Huber. I watched the Olympics this morning on 769 on a SA8300HD. Apparently they only have programming at certain times. The station has "programming unavailable" airing at this time. The guide says Olympic coverage will resume at 2:00AM. But my TivoHD's CC's are not bringing in the station.

[JYoung]

I'm in Northeast Los Angeles and my S3 sees that all of the new HD channels are there, and I can view them without needing a Tuning Resolver, but there is no Guide information for any of the channels so I cannot program my S3 to record anything. I'm going to be calling TWC on Monday or Tuesday to see if there is anything that they can do about it.

I'm in Time-Warner East San Fernando Valley (formerly Adelphia) and they changed the QAM assignments a few days ago.

Instead of 93-501 for KCBS, 93-502 for KNBC, Time-Warner has changed them to match the OTA equivalents so KCBS is 2-1, NBC is 4-1, etc.

Unfortunately, it looks like they are compressing the signal more as my file sizes are about 40% smaller for KCBS and KTLA.
Let's hope this is only for the Olympics.
:rolleyes:

[franzey]

Yes, I am in Huber. I watched the Olympics this morning on 769 on a SA8300HD. Apparently they only have programming at certain times. The station has "programming unavailable" airing at this time. The guide says Olympic coverage will resume at 2:00AM. But my TivoHD's CC's are not bringing in the station.

This is the response I got to my complaint with Time Warner:

"We understand that you are having issues with channel 769 in the Dayton area. This channel will be called "Beijing HD", and will air live programming from 2:00 am to noon (until 2pm on the weekends) and provides the HD version of USA Channel programming. 165 hours simulcast of USA will appear on this channel only during the specified time, and only for the duration of the Olympic coverage. The channel will not be available for viewing outside of the previously specified time frames."

This still doesn't address the noncompatibility with the Tivo, but explains why no other programming is available on the channel. It will literally only broadcast live olympics coverage for 10 hours from 2AM to 12PM.

[bobrt6676]

This is the response I got to my complaint with Time Warner:

"We understand that you are having issues with channel 769 in the Dayton area. This channel will be called "Beijing HD", and will air live programming from 2:00 am to noon (until 2pm on the weekends) and provides the HD version of USA Channel programming. 165 hours simulcast of USA will appear on this channel only during the specified time, and only for the duration of the Olympic coverage. The channel will not be available for viewing outside of the previously specified time frames."

This still doesn't address the noncompatibility with the Tivo, but explains why no other programming is available on the channel. It will literally only broadcast live olympics coverage for 10 hours from 2AM to 12PM.

They probably have to authorize it, send a signal to the CC's. The question is is it worth the pain of spending 30 min. on hold, getting someone without a clue and or screwing up what we already have working to get one channel airing part time for less than 2 weeks.:D

[Cainebj]

TWC just irritates me when it comes to their HD line-up especially since they are running commercials claiming to have the most extensive HD availability, yet,
no USA-HD, no Bravo-HD, no Sci-Fi-HD, no A&E-HD, no AMC-HD... :down:

[JimWall]

I talked to TWC of Southwest Ohio about USA HD and CNBC HD for Mason and they new nothing except for the hours counting down to when the channells will be available. Looks like that will be after the SDV switchover Friday Morning on the 15th.

[dpbeckner]

I recently signed up for TW cable and had them install 2 cable cards in my Tivo 3 HD box. HOWEVER, I only get about 7 HD channels out of some 24 available here in Syracuse, NY. For instance: I get HBO HD but don't get TBSHD, HISTHD, USAHD, ESPNHD, etc, etc.

Should you get the same HD channels with the cable cards that you get with the HD Box from TW? I got the box also so I can "see" all 24 channels, just not through the TIVO.

[TWC_Hater]

I am a TWC customer in Texas - My local TWC office informed me that they don't even send techs out to install MCards anymore. I have to drop off my tivoHD box at the office and then it will be up to 2 weeks before I get it back! Abso-freaking-ridiculous! I HATE TIME WARNER CABLE!
All of this is on top of the fact that I was first told that TWC didn't offer cable cards, then that they do but only if I wanted PPV, then that I would need them to enjoy HD and digital programming, then I met with a tech (after taking the afternoon off from work) and he told me that I had to bring it in to the local office. aaghhhhh!

[DaveDFW]

I am a TWC customer in Texas - My local TWC office informed me that they don't even send techs out to install MCards anymore. I have to drop off my tivoHD box at the office and then it will be up to 2 weeks before I get it back!

I haven't heard this one before. Which TWC market is this?

TTYL
David

[TWC_Hater]

How many ways can TWC be stupid, bull headed, and make this a pain in the ass for the customer. It's bad enough we have a mandated truck role for a minimum wage "tech" to put a card in a slot and call a phone number, now they can't figure out how to do *two* cards. :rolleyes:

I am a TWC customer in Texas - My local TWC office informed me that they don't even send techs out to install MCards anymore. I have to drop off my tivoHD box at the office and then it will be up to 2 weeks before I get it back! Abso-freaking-ridiculous! I HATE TIME WARNER CABLE!
All of this is on top of the fact that I was first told that TWC didn't offer cable cards, then that they do but only if I wanted PPV, then that I would need them to enjoy HD and digital programming, then I met with a tech (after taking the afternoon off from work) and he told me that I had to bring it in to the local office. aaghhhhh!

[Jimbo713]

Tuning Adapter? I spoke with tech support at TWC/San Antonio today and he said that because TiVo is a third party provider, and that they (TWC) have their own DVR, that they wouldn't probably be offering the tuning adapter!! WOW!! Well - we know that's just wrong. And, how the "customer focus" of such a statement is also wrong.

[dolfer]

Tuning Adapter? I spoke with tech support at TWC/San Antonio today and he said that because TiVo is a third party provider, and that they (TWC) have their own DVR, that they wouldn't probably be offering the tuning adapter!! WOW!! Well - we know that's just wrong. And, how the "customer focus" of such a statement is also wrong.

Jimbo, Don't pay attention to what those CS morons say... Most of them are talking out of their #ss! I am in Cincinnati and rec'd an official letter from TW (like many here) stating that the adapter would be available later this year. It will come... Just don't hold your breath as I am skeptical about the timeline...

[dolfer]

August 15th! D-day for SDV in Cincinnati... I am just hoping when I get home tonight that this big switch doesn't screw up the non SDV channels.

Nothing like going home and seeing 60 channels disappear...

Any predictions on when TW will actually get the Tuning Adapter out? I say Q2 2009...

[realityboy]

This is the response I got to my complaint with Time Warner:

"We understand that you are having issues with channel 769 in the Dayton area. This channel will be called "Beijing HD", and will air live programming from 2:00 am to noon (until 2pm on the weekends) and provides the HD version of USA Channel programming. 165 hours simulcast of USA will appear on this channel only during the specified time, and only for the duration of the Olympic coverage. The channel will not be available for viewing outside of the previously specified time frames."

This still doesn't address the noncompatibility with the Tivo, but explains why no other programming is available on the channel. It will literally only broadcast live olympics coverage for 10 hours from 2AM to 12PM.

USAHD (or Beijing HD)is working fine for me on my series 3. I live in Moraine. It's disappointing that it's only for the Olympics, but it is nice to have for now. I wonder when today that all the sdv channels go away. I know a few are still working right now for me, but I've already lost FoxReality (125).

[lafos]

I live in Troy, and just checked 769 USAHD. There is a signal on my S3, but it's after 12, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow.

[prophetvsprofit]

I'm in Springfield and on my 8300HDC SDV is not enabled yet. Anybody else check on theirs?

[lafos]

On Saturday, USAHD channel 769 is active in Troy, Ohio. Got to see a repeat of Phelps' gold no. 7 race. Amazing...

[bobrt6676]

I'm in Springfield and on my 8300HDC SDV is not enabled yet. Anybody else check on theirs?

I don't believe SDV will affect 8300 boxes only Cable Card units. In Huber Heights SDV has not kicked in yet. I still receive all channels I could get before on my TivoHD.

[andyknas]

i have a directivo right now and keep having pixelation issues with usa. directv wants to send out a new unit but they can't guarantee it will be a tivo.

i checked into cablecards with tw milwaukee a year ago and they told me it was not supported. it looks like people are using the tivo units - what "works" and what channels are you able to get?!

[pomerlp]

On Saturday, USAHD channel 769 is active in Troy, Ohio. Got to see a repeat of Phelps' gold no. 7 race. Amazing...

Don't get too excited. Word is it's just for the Olympics. I hope they keep it longer but you know TW.

[sooka]

Don't get too excited. Word is it's just for the Olympics. I hope they keep it longer but you know TW.

Is that what the word is HOOKBILL over on your local Cleveland AVS forum?

[sushikitten]

TWC is useless.

We had them out to install our cable card, and the guy said it would take a few hours for all the HD channels (and digital channels) to populate. It didn't sound right, but when the guy is adamant, what are you going to do? Also, you know what's insane? When they have to call in to TW themselves, they get the same number that customers do, where it usually takes 30 minutes to get a live person. So 30 of his 45 minutes here was waiting on the phone. :rolleyes:

He said he would call later in the day to make sure it worked and would come back by if it didn't. Well, it never worked and he never called or stopped by. Which means we had to call TWC. Hubby waited on hold about 30 minutes each time and long story short, they first told him someone would be out to fix it next week. Sorry, not acceptable. Then they said they would call the tech and have him come out within two hours, okay, fine, but the tech called and said he couldn't make it. Another 30 minutes on hold, and he was disconnected when he asked for a manager. Another 30 minutes on hold and he was finally able to ask them to come get the cable card and do not charge us for the install because we never really got an install. The manager said - get this - it is not up to him to decide that, we have to take the cable card back and the person on duty gets to decide.

HUH? WHAT?

TWC has its head so far up its a$$ it's ridiculous. We can't come get our own cable card to install so they can charge us a $40 fee, but when we don't want it because they screwed it up, we can take the card back and they might or might not credit us.

Ridiculous.

[lafos]

Don't get too excited. Word is it's just for the Olympics. I hope they keep it longer but you know TW.

I know that, but while it's here, I'll enjoy it. At least I live close enough to get NBC-HD OTA, since TWC does not carry it.

[rckstrang]

TWC is useless.

We had them out to install our cable card, and the guy said it would take a few hours for all the HD channels (and digital channels) to populate. It didn't sound right, but when the guy is adamant, what are you going to do? Also, you know what's insane? When they have to call in to TW themselves, they get the same number that customers do, where it usually takes 30 minutes to get a live person. So 30 of his 45 minutes here was waiting on the phone. :rolleyes:

He said he would call later in the day to make sure it worked and would come back by if it didn't. Well, it never worked and he never called or stopped by. Which means we had to call TWC. Hubby waited on hold about 30 minutes each time and long story short, they first told him someone would be out to fix it next week. Sorry, not acceptable. Then they said they would call the tech and have him come out within two hours, okay, fine, but the tech called and said he couldn't make it. Another 30 minutes on hold, and he was disconnected when he asked for a manager. Another 30 minutes on hold and he was finally able to ask them to come get the cable card and do not charge us for the install because we never really got an install. The manager said - get this - it is not up to him to decide that, we have to take the cable card back and the person on duty gets to decide.

HUH? WHAT?

TWC has its head so far up its a$$ it's ridiculous. We can't come get our own cable card to install so they can charge us a $40 fee, but when we don't want it because they screwed it up, we can take the card back and they might or might not credit us.

Ridiculous.

Your first and last sentence really says it all.

Time Warner is the worst cable company. When they did my install they would not listen to me and put both cards in at the same time. Finally after 3 hours of me saying "can't you just follow the directions?" they discovered that what they thought was slot 1 was slot 2. And put them in one at a time.

So last week with the Olympics I wasn't getting the channels. I call customer service and they tell me that my cards are not paired correctly.:confused: They had a "specialist" get on the phone because I was so mad and then he got it straightened out. Of course at first they wanted a truck roll but that would take one week.

Then this month they were still charging me for DVR service! What a mess.

[Kablemodem]

TWC is useless.



I had a similar experience when my cable cards were first installed. Although TWC is ultimately responsible, it is the arrogant SOB installers who really screw things up. They insist they know what they are doing when they really have no clue. I can't believe that with the Series 3 Tivos out for over a year and a half they still don't know how to do it. If they would simply follow the instructions there would be a lot fewer problems. And how they can say the channels take some time to show up is beyond me. Do they really believe that or are they just trying to get the heck out of there without doing their job? I suspect TWC can train the installers all they want, but if the installers are too lazy to take the time to do the job right no amount of training is going to make a difference.

[lafos]

Maybe I was lucky, but when we moved to Ohio and I had to get TWC, I simply told the installer that I knew how it was supposed to go, and that we all wanted the same thing. I then asked him if he'd installed any cards in TiVo's. He admitted he had not, and let me lead the dance, resulting in a simple install.

Unfortunately, the signal in the house was weak, and it took them three visits to install a new exterior cable and an amp. Then they left the junction box uncovered, and it took them three weeks to get around to that.

Later, I had a card die in the upgrading loop. I pulled the bad card so I could at least use the TiVo. The tech came and installed a new card without having to see the problem first-hand. Even got it paired properly.

[Interpol]

I am in the TWC South Bay/Torrance area. I'm receiving 450 (USA-HD) and 451 (CNBC-HD) with a cablecard installed directly in my TV, so I can verify that these channels are NOT switched. I can also receive these channels fine with a Scientific Atlanta 4250HDC box from TWC.

However, I am unable to view anything on these channels with my Tivo HD with 2 single stream CableCards installed in it. All I get is black screen, although all the other channels I subscribe to come in fine.

Is there any fix to this?

Just to follow up: for some inexplicable reason (and without me doing anything), channels 450 (USAHD) and 451 (CNBCHD) are now displayed by the Tivo with no problems. I am also receiving 413 (Olympic Soccer) and 422 (Olympic Basketball).

Weird. Looks like TW did something right for a change, just a few days late.

[Meatball]

I had a similar experience when my cable cards were first installed. Although TWC is ultimately responsible, it is the arrogant SOB installers who really screw things up.

Of course TWC is making it hard as crap to get cable cards and get them installed. They don't want them. They want you pay $10-$15 a month to rent a cable box/remote from them. The only reason why they're offering the cards is because the gov't is forcing them too.

As for the installers, it's all plausible deniability. Since the installers are sub-contractors, TWC can say, "Sorry for your crappy experience, but they're not our employees..."

It's a joke all the way around. Honestly, maybe someone needs to start a class action lawsuit or something about this. At the minimum, you should contact your Better Business Bureau and complain about the Cable Card deal.

The cable companies are really asking for it lately, and I think the FCC is about fed up with them. I expect the smack down on them about the whole cable modem packet shaping, etc, will spread to all of them and if enough people complain, maybe the Cable Cards will be the next thing they take a beating over.

[Distortedloop]

Of course TWC is making it hard as crap to get cable cards and get them installed. They don't want them. They want you pay $10-$15 a month to rent a cable box/remote from them. The only reason why they're offering the cards is because the gov't is forcing them too.

As for the installers, it's all plausible deniability. Since the installers are sub-contractors, TWC can say, "Sorry for your crappy experience, but they're not our employees..."

It's a joke all the way around. Honestly, maybe someone needs to start a class action lawsuit or something about this. At the minimum, you should contact your Better Business Bureau and complain about the Cable Card deal.

The cable companies are really asking for it lately, and I think the FCC is about fed up with them. I expect the smack down on them about the whole cable modem packet shaping, etc, will spread to all of them and if enough people complain, maybe the Cable Cards will be the next thing they take a beating over.

I think your thesis and assumptions are wrong.

TWC (here in LA) rents you the cablecards for $4.99 EACH. A two tuner HD DVR from them was $9.99 monthly. Considering the cost and higher failure rate of a hard drive based DVR, I really doubt that their sweating that $1.00 difference.

As far as installers, again, my experience here in LA (San Fernando West Valley) was much different. I had TWO installers, BOTH TWC employees, not contractors, show up. They were quick, professional, and knowledgeable. They got the cards installed and working within 30 minutes. They knew who to call directly at the office to turn them on, and no problems since. I think they might have problems occasionally, as the second installer showed up after the first and I overheard him say he stopped by to help in case there were any problems. YMMV, I suppose.

I'm not taking on the role of TWC apologist, but I've never had so bad an experience with them as to feel all the hatred that so many in this thread spew. The service is reliable, reasonably priced compared to alternatives, and the people I speak to on the rare occasion are polite, knowledgeable and helpful, usually offering me some way to lower my bill and get more service.

That said, I wouldn't mind if they offered more HD channels at lower rates, but I'm not going to hate them over it either.

[sushikitten]

Hubby returned the cable card, was not charged (finally, something good about the experience), and said "forget the cable box" since we are moving soon anyway. We can live with basic cable for now.

[Distortedloop]

Just to follow up: for some inexplicable reason (and without me doing anything), channels 450 (USAHD) and 451 (CNBCHD) are now displayed by the Tivo with no problems. I am also receiving 413 (Olympic Soccer) and 422 (Olympic Basketball).

Weird. Looks like TW did something right for a change, just a few days late.


Up here in the Valley, 413 is Fox Sports West, and 422 is Mojo (movies). I think I noticed Olympic stuff (not BB, though) on Mojo the other day, but the Tivo guide didn't list it as such; the guide showed Mojo's normal movie offerings. I think it's going dark when no Olympic content to play, which means it's not an additional offering, as they've taken away something in exchange for it. I only noticed this because I tuned that channel to catch a movie when I'd had enough of Olympics the other day and ugh, more Olympics. LOL.

[jmfirestone]

Maybe I was lucky, but when we moved to Ohio and I had to get TWC, I simply told the installer that I knew how it was supposed to go, and that we all wanted the same thing. I then asked him if he'd installed any cards in TiVo's. He admitted he had not, and let me lead the dance, resulting in a simple install.


When my install got done here in Greensboro, it took a LOT of insisting for me to get the installer to let me read him the instructions on how to do it. I kept showing him the one sheet and he just looked at it like a deer in headlights. He called in to the people at TWC and looked like he was going to cry because he had no idea what to do.

Like I said, after a lot of insisting he finally let me go through the instructions with him and the phone person. Everything worked fine other than the SDV crippling.

[DavidJ]

After reading a lot of this particular thread, I'm beginning to wonder why I let Tivo convince me of upgrading from my Series II to the HD, maybe it was the $$$ savings... Anyway, I now feel like I'm doomed from the get go for my Thursday 11:00 - 2:00 install.

I stopped by my local office last week here in Overland Park KS and explained what I was doing & needed. The lady behind the counter put the notes in the system that I had a Tivo HD, that I needed two of the open cable cards, and that I wanted someone with experience to come out and install them. She actually put in to send an employee and not a contractor.

So other than reviewing and printing out the install guides, and setting up the TivoHD tonight, I wonder if there's anything else I can be doing to help avoid problems on Thursday?

Also, does anyone know if the Open Cable card that TWC describes here (http://www.timewarnercable.com/KansasCity/Products/Cable/CableCard_SA.html) is a Mcard?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

David...

[pcbrew]

First, your TiVo is a UDCP device and that's all it will ever be.

The headings in the table should have "Device" after them as they refer to the types of devices that exist, NOT types of CableCARDs, as in:

UDCP CableCARD Device or
Open Cable CableCARD Device


Both devices take the same types of cards, either:

S-card (single stream) that can provide keys to decrypt one stream (your TiVo will need to of these for dual-tuner capability)
M-card (multi-stream) that can provide keys to decrypt multiple streams (your TiVo-HD only needs one of these, but the S3 needs 2 as it does not support the multi-stream functionality)

So, you should ask for an M-Card, not an Open CableCard as there is no such thing.

The only thing on the horizon to extyend the functionality of your TiVo is an adapter (SDV dongle or tuning resolver) that provides 2-way communication to enable you to get SDV channels if they use this scheme in your market.

[Meatball]

I think your thesis and assumptions are wrong.

TWC (here in LA) rents you the cablecards for $4.99 EACH. A two tuner HD DVR from them was $9.99 monthly. Considering the cost and higher failure rate of a hard drive based DVR, I really doubt that their sweating that $1.00 difference.


Eh, might be wrong in your neck of the woods, but here in Charlotte, NC, it's true. I pay $1.75 a month to rent cable cards, while a single tuner HD box/remote is around $9 and I think the HD DVR is a few bucks more a month. Also, I've had to call TWC out to my house three times in the last 18 months, every time they were sub-contractors.

Could be that things are just different regionally.

As for DVR failure rates. I've had 3 Tivo's and only had one HD failure in five years. I know everyone's mileage varies, but even if you lose a drive, you can buy a new drive pretty cheap and eaisily rebuild with software like InstantCake.

[59er]

I had been paying $4.55 for an M cable card (for the TiVo HD) while I still had my SA8300 DVR as part of my triple-play package. When I brought back my DVR box to TWC's retail location in Manhattan, they confirmed that I would lose my promotional pricing if I didn't have a box with my package. But when I took a new SA HD box (don't remember the model, and I never use it, but it's there if I ever want to watch PPV or VOD), they stopped charging me the extra DVR service fee, lowered my monthly package triple-play package price (Because I asked nicely!), and also lowered the M card rental to $1.75 per month.

I am a happy camper.

[JYoung]

I think your thesis and assumptions are wrong.

TWC (here in LA) rents you the cablecards for $4.99 EACH. A two tuner HD DVR from them was $9.99 monthly. Considering the cost and higher failure rate of a hard drive based DVR, I really doubt that their sweating that $1.00 difference.



The West Valley pricing guide disagrees with you


CableCARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 1.75
CableCARD for 2nd or additional TVs
(includes Digital programming fee) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 4.25


http://www.timewarnerla.com/pricingGuides/


Now the question is, do they try and nail you for the additional fees on a second cable card is a Series 3 (or if they only have S Cards)?

[Meatball]

Now the question is, do they try and nail you for the additional fees on a second cable card is a Series 3 (or if they only have S Cards)?

Not sure about out there, but in my S3 I have two S cards (M cards haven't been rolled out here yet) and there's just two line items on my bill for Cable Cards .. $1.75

I returned all the cable boxes I had and I'm either using Cable cards or just getting the basic TV channels for spare rooms.

[Distortedloop]

The West Valley pricing guide disagrees with you

http://www.timewarnerla.com/pricingGuides/

Now the question is, do they try and nail you for the additional fees on a second cable card is a Series 3 (or if they only have S Cards)?

They were charging me $1.75 per card (two for a Series 3). When I called and cancelled a few tiers a couple of months ago, the computer system would not take any changes to my bill until she charged me $4.25 (sorry I said $4.99 earlier). It irked me a little at the time, as it added back $5 to my monthly service.

This probably bears some further investigation. I wonder if since I have a non-DVR cablebox from them on a spare TV if that's what's making the rate charged as additional boxes. I'll call them today and argue the point. Probably a good time to take back that analog cable box I'm paying monthly rental for sitting unused as well.

Thanks for pointing out the rate guide shows the $1.75 still, that's ammunition for a rate change; I hadn't thought to go to the web when I called them, I was just happy to be cutting $40/mo off my bill and getting a year of Showtime for free while at it.

[Distortedloop]

Could be that things are just different regionally.

Seems like a lot of things differ by "region" with TWC, heck, even here in LA it seems like things differ from one part of the county to another.

As for DVR failure rates. I've had 3 Tivo's and only had one HD failure in five years. I know everyone's mileage varies, but even if you lose a drive, you can buy a new drive pretty cheap and eaisily rebuild with software like InstantCake.

That wasn't my point. For you and I as an individual, a drive going bad on an expensive $800 Series 3 that can be replace with a 4x larger drive for $200 isn't a serious issue. For TWC, with their cheap SA boxes that seem to have frequent drive crashes (I had three with drive failures over the last few years), the cost of rolling a truck, swapping the box, repairing the box probably eat up that small price difference between the monthly cost of renting the box vs. multiple Cablecards. But I won't deny that TWC is in business to turn a profit, and overcharging on monthly rental fees for equipment is probably a big part of the profit structure.

[Meatball]

This probably bears some further investigation. I wonder if since I have a non-DVR cablebox from them on a spare TV if that's what's making the rate charged as additional boxes. I'll call them today and argue the point. Probably a good time to take back that analog cable box I'm paying monthly rental for sitting unused as well.

Yeah, that's what I did. I just run cable directly into the back of a S2 or straight into a TV in the other rooms. Of course, you'll only get the basic channels and nothing digital. I'm also wondering if TWC and the other cable companies will use the Digital switchover next Feb as an excuse to change the service so you can't do that anymore as well.

[KaOTiKM3]

I'm activating new service in Manhattan, and the CSR rep told me that I would not be able to receive the initial promotional pricing for Cable and Internet if I get CableCards as well for my S3. Has anyone had experience with this? Coming from Cablevision, the CableCards were simply an add-on to my existing plan. The CSR rep told me I would have to pay for each service (DTV + Internet) a la cart to be able to order CableCards (which = more $$$)...does this sound right to you NYC guys?

[SCSIRAID]

I'm activating new service in Manhattan, and the CSR rep told me that I would not be able to receive the initial promotional pricing for Cable and Internet if I get CableCards as well for my S3. Has anyone had experience with this? Coming from Cablevision, the CableCards were simply an add-on to my existing plan. The CSR rep told me I would have to pay for each service (DTV + Internet) a la cart to be able to order CableCards (which = more $$$)...does this sound right to you NYC guys?

You probably have to get and keep at least one regular cable box to get a package price.

[Merejane]

I'm activating new service in Manhattan, and the CSR rep told me that I would not be able to receive the initial promotional pricing for Cable and Internet if I get CableCards as well for my S3. Has anyone had experience with this? Coming from Cablevision, the CableCards were simply an add-on to my existing plan. The CSR rep told me I would have to pay for each service (DTV + Internet) a la cart to be able to order CableCards (which = more $$$)...does this sound right to you NYC guys?

This is what happened to us (my husband and myself). We used to have one tv with a cable box, plus internet, which was billed as a package. We used a regular TiVo unit with that tv. Last year, we bought a second TV. The second tv is HD, so we got a TiVo HD to use with it. The cable card installation was a major pain -- it took TWC a few days to get it straight -- but once it was set up, we were quite happy with how it works.

Unfortunately, I noticed on subsequent bills that we were being charged a la carte for everything. When I questioned that, TWC said that with cable cards, everything is a la carte -- no packages unless we stopped using the cable cards. (Which of course, is not going to happen.)

I called again today, to tell them that we are thinking about switching to Verizon FIOS (we're lucky enough to be in one of the NYC buildings where that is now available). I actually thought they would come through with some kind of deal, because it seems clear to me that if they want to offer a package with cable cards, they can. But the rep I spoke with said sorry, there's no package they can offer us as long as we use cable cards.

I pointed out that I do still have and use a cable box on the first tv (which now is relegated to the bedroom, as a backup tv), but that did not make a difference.

Having said all that, I wonder if a different rep might give me a different and better offer if I called and asked again. Or whether, when I actually call to cancel the service, I might get a better offer at that point. As it stands, though, my plan is to call RCN and see what they can offer, and then decide between RCN and FIOS. I'm pretty sure we'll end up going with FIOS.

[DavidJ]

OK, TWC was out today and the install of the M type card seems to have worked... I'm getting all the basic channels (although I think I was getting them yesterday without the CableCard) and the ones I knew I wouldn't get due to the SDVC issue, I'm not

However, when I try to get any of the music channels which are outside of the range of channels that TWC KC says aren't available to CableCard customers, I get a message on the screen saying that to start service for this device I need to call 816-xxx-xxxx, and it shows me the Card ID # as well as the Host ID # To me that seems to indicate that the card wasn't activated, also, when I try to access the HD Olympic channels that are supposed to be free, I get the same message.

Is there anyway I can tell if the card was activated without calling TW? When I go into the CableCard Menu and select SA CableCard/Host ID Screen, thats the same info I receive when I try to access one of the channels I think should be enabled.

Unfortunately I wasn't able focus 100% on the installer today as I had work deadlines to meet :-(

[cableguy763]

DavidJ,
You need to have "CP Auth Received" in the cp screen. Sounds like the messages you are getting you should have "Waiting for CP Auth". The card is not paired at all if you have the waiting message.

[dconnel]

Got 2 TivoHD's and had everything ready to go for the installer on Wednesday. He came in and set everything up. Worked like a charm, except he brought one M-CARD and one S-CARD instead of two M-CARDs. No problem - called customer service and they said they'd have another rep out Thursday to trade out the S-CARD for a M-CARD.

So, today, a different installer comes out and trades out the cards. Now I don't get any of my premium channels and none of the HD channels (and a few other things). I tell him the other Tivo is working fine and go in to prove it. NOPE. Now it's doing the same thing this one is. It was working fine before he got here.

I try to explain that I don't think the cards are paired correctly. He stares at me with a blank look on his face. After spending the majority of the day on the phone he gives up and tells me to call for another install with two new M-CARDS tomorrow.

I really think the problem is at TWC. On the Pairing screen it says "To start this device, please contact your cable company." The MAC address field looks to be empty.

I've been reading, but I've gotten kind of lost on what exactly I should be looking for, so any help would be greatly appreciated! (TWC Dallas, btw)

[DavidJ]

After an hour on hold before the call was even picked up, I finally got through and after describing my problem I was immediately transferred, fortunately the next wait was less than a minute... The lady on the other end was a lot more competent than the service agent I spoke to earlier today, and sent several hits to the card expecting a reboot but nothing changed. I then heard another tech in the background (probably a Tier II tech) come over to help. They had me read the Card & Host ID #'s and found that the last digit of the host ID was wrong. They reset it on their side and shortly after that the HD channels started coming through as did the music channels :-)

cableguy763, thanks for pointing out the CP Auth Received status screen, that was certainly helpful.

pcbrew, thanks to you also for clearing up my confusion about the type of device as it related to TWC's web page.

One last question (for now) Would it be safe to assume that a system restart (or reset?) should not affect the CableCard??

Thanks again, Now all we need is the tuning adapter... :-)
David

[cableguy763]

David,
A restart will not affect the pairing status. Reboot as much as you like :). I plugged in a S3 that has been off since 2/18/08 and it kept it's pairing status this whole time.

[JimWall]

Why have two M cards in a TIVO HD? Only one M card is needed to record two channels at the same time.

[JimWall]

On trying to get a better deal or package. I called threatening to cancel my digital phone and TWC had no deal to offer. After I switched to earthlink I called to cancel for real and then got an offer for a great deal.
Maybe you could call and asked to cancel. If they don't offer a better deal to keep you then say your spouse just changed his/her mind and tell them you are not cancelling.
In Southwest Ohio we are getting great new package deals due to competition from Cincinnati Bell bundling. Cincinnati Bell is also testing three neighboorhoods with fiber to the home with internet, TV and phone for a super low price. I don't know if the TV is cable card compatible.

[59er]

Why have two M cards in a TIVO HD? Only one M card is needed to record two channels at the same time.
But the poster said he got TWO TiVo HDs, each of which needs its own card.

[dconnel]

Quick update: Called TWC again today to see if they could repair the cards. When I told the CSR the cards were in TIVO's, he immediately told me they didn't support TIVO and I was out of luck. I told him the it was a CableLabs certified device and they better support it.

I ended up contacting TIVO and now have another techinician scheduled for Wednesday morning.

[derekcbart]

I'm in Northeast Los Angeles and my S3 sees that all of the new HD channels are there, and I can view them without needing a Tuning Resolver, but there is no Guide information for any of the channels so I cannot program my S3 to record anything. I'm going to be calling TWC on Monday or Tuesday to see if there is anything that they can do about it.

After a couple of weeks of going back and forth with TWC I decided to call TiVo Support and see if they could suggest anything and it turns out that all I needed to do was redo my channel lineup/setup and now everything is appearing in the guide properly. Of course, that was the one thing that I didn't think of doing myself.

[jmaditto]

Quick update: Called TWC again today to see if they could repair the cards. When I told the CSR the cards were in TIVO's, he immediately told me they didn't support TIVO and I was out of luck. I told him the it was a CableLabs certified device and they better support it.

I ended up contacting TIVO and now have another techinician scheduled for Wednesday morning.

I had a similar experience a few weeks ago (look in the CC Install thread) and it just took talking with the right person. Forget the typical TW CS line, call their National CC Hotline at 866.532.2598. TWC wanted to send someone out to my house too but these guys fixed it remotely. Your card probably needs to be paired and staged and these guys know what to do. If you get any push back for calling (this is really for installers), just tell them what you have been through and they will help you. They told me to call back anytime and they agreed that the normal CS Rep isn't very knowledgeable about CCs.

[dconnel]

I had a similar experience a few weeks ago (look in the CC Install thread) and it just took talking with the right person. Forget the typical TW CS line, call their National CC Hotline at 866.532.2598. TWC wanted to send someone out to my house too but these guys fixed it remotely. Your card probably needs to be paired and staged and these guys know what to do. If you get any push back for calling (this is really for installers), just tell them what you have been through and they will help you. They told me to call back anytime and they agreed that the normal CS Rep isn't very knowledgeable about CCs.

Thank you very much for the advice!

[Cainebj]

I'm activating new service in Manhattan, and the CSR rep told me that I would not be able to receive the initial promotional pricing for Cable and Internet if I get CableCards as well for my S3. Has anyone had experience with this? Coming from Cablevision, the CableCards were simply an add-on to my existing plan. The CSR rep told me I would have to pay for each service (DTV + Internet) a la cart to be able to order CableCards (which = more $$$)...does this sound right to you NYC guys?

Yeah that does sound right.
I get pretty much sick to my stomach every month when I get my TWC bill. I've called a couple of times to ask for a bundle and even though I don't use their phone service - asked what would happen if I took it and would they offer me a better deal (of course I had no intent on using their phone service). The answer was no.

About a month ago I called and told a rep my bill was too high and I needed to cut something.
For some bizarro reason and with no explanation, the rep cut my monthly bill by $5 for no apparent reason and with no explanation. So - go figure.

BTW, I have cable, 2 cablecards, roadrunner and HBO and Showtime. I was getting ready to cut the premium stations but somehow the $5 off changed my mind :)

I am willing to bet that things will change once we have FIOS as an alternative and can threaten to change over to them.

[ehchan]

Hmm... looks like the program guide added the new HD channels in Costa Mesa, but I'm not getting any of them... Did they show up on a normal hd box yet? Does that mean they are SDV channels here? Argh, so close!!!

[rckstrang]

I had a similar experience a few weeks ago (look in the CC Install thread) and it just took talking with the right person. Forget the typical TW CS line, call their National CC Hotline at 866.532.2598.

I just happened to notice this post. Thank you so very much for posting this number! You are right, every time I call customer service it's a truck roll!:mad:

I've added the number to my gmail contacts so I'll never lose it.

[jccfin]

Anyone here have just Time Warner BASIC service? I pay only $13 a month for it since I only watch the major networks and TNT. The thing is I've been getting those in HD on my flat panel with its built in ATSC/QAM tuner. I don't need a cable box, just directly connected the cable to the TV. I just ordered a Series 3 and would like to know if there's a way to get it to work without cable cards? Does Tivo actually scan the available channels with its built in tuners or does it only download the channel line up? The problem is that TW re-maps their channels so for example, the correct channel OTA for NBC HD might be 4.1 and on TW cable box 704 but if you use the direct connect like I do it's 104.3. TiVo would probably just have the 4.1 OTA line up or the 703 TW Cable box line up, but there's no way for them to know about the 104.3 right?

[SCSIRAID]

Anyone here have just Time Warner BASIC service? I pay only $13 a month for it since I only watch the major networks and TNT. The thing is I've been getting those in HD on my flat panel with its built in ATSC/QAM tuner. I don't need a cable box, just directly connected the cable to the TV. I just ordered a Series 3 and would like to know if there's a way to get it to work without cable cards? Does Tivo actually scan the available channels with its built in tuners or does it only download the channel line up? The problem is that TW re-maps their channels so for example, the correct channel OTA for NBC HD might be 4.1 and on TW cable box 704 but if you use the direct connect like I do it's 104.3. TiVo would probably just have the 4.1 OTA line up or the 703 TW Cable box line up, but there's no way for them to know about the 104.3 right?

You will be able to tune the clear QAM channels but you will not have guide data. Not very useful. Recording for the clear QAM's will be manual.

[BruceShultes]

If you can get the channels you want OTA, you certainly do get guide data for them without cablecards.

[Tim N.]

Hmm... looks like the program guide added the new HD channels in Costa Mesa, but I'm not getting any of them... Did they show up on a normal hd box yet? Does that mean they are SDV channels here? Argh, so close!!!
If you are referring to USAHD and CNNHD, TWC seems to have yanked them right after close of the Olympics. They probably struck a deal with NBC to source the Olympic programming, but will now demand more money from subscribers to see these channels an an on-going basis. Or, they will wait for SDV to be implemented in SoCal before they offer the channels.

[NetOgre]

Hello all. Just wanted to post my experiences in Portland. Haven't been on the forum in a while, but recently checked back in while mulling the switch to cable.

I am a long time Tivo user, 1st Gen off a cable box, then switched to DirecTV when they started supporting Tivo. I'd been increasingly disappointed in DTV (dropping Tivo, switch to MP4, bad support, etc). The final straw was a series of calls with them trying to convince me to switch to their brand of DVR. I had looked at it (my parents have it) and found it was not for me or my family. After some research, decided to switch back to cable and invested in a couple set top boxes (an HD Tivo and a Series 3 HD). Put in a call to Time Warner.

So far so good. The TWC rep was understanding when I said I preferred Tivo to their DVR (unlike DTV who constantly told me they knew better). I requested two cable cards for the S3 (our main TV) and one for the other (record on some, but less necessary with sharing over the network -- mostly buffering live). Also a non-DVR cable box for the bed room TV which is only used for watching live TV (weather, late news, end of a sports event).

Took a couple of weeks for the on site. The tech was courteous, but was new and admitted a limited experience with cable cards and none with Tivo.
I drove most of the configuration, and let him install the cards and talk with their activation folks. A couple of small problems struck:

1. The channels came in fuzzy after the install. He started insisting that the problem was the Tivos, but when we setup the stand alone cable box, it too had problems. He traced to to a bad connector coming into the house and problem resolved.

2. He switched to mCards after some problems with the sCards. I was pleased to see that the single mCard actually gave me two tuners on the HD Tivo. My mistake was not waiting for the guided setup to complete on the S3 and belatedly realized that it required two cards to record on both tuners. Had to schedule a follow up visit to get this corrected.

Otherwise, the first couple of weeks on the new setup have gone well. I love having the Tivo wireless adapters (and my wife likes not having telephone cords strung across the floor). I've noticed better picture quality than DTV. I find the daily messages from Tivo highlighting the features amusing, since I have used them for so long, but can see how that would be nice for a new subscriber.

Anyway, I am also looking to connect with other Tivo/TWC users in the Portland, ME area. If there are any such beasts about, please PM me. Wondering what if anything has been heard about the Tuning Adapters here (the sales rep said they would support them when they released, but I took that with a grain of salt).

Be seeing you,

Craig

[59er]

If you are referring to USAHD and CNNHD, TWC seems to have yanked them right after close of the Olympics. They probably struck a deal with NBC to source the Olympic programming, but will now demand more money from subscribers to see these channels an an on-going basis. Or, they will wait for SDV to be implemented in SoCal before they offer the channels.
TWC in NYC has so far kept USAHD on 195 and CNBCHD on 196. (CNNHD has been on 710 for awhile now and was not for the Olympics, but I am sure you meant CNBC.)

We got a lineup change message from our TiVo HD on Tuesday or Wednesday informing us that a handful of channels had been deleted -- all NBC olympic channels -- but I was pleased to see that these two real HD channels have thus far stuck around. I am still cautiously optimistic, because the oddball channel numbers don't make them seem like permanent additions. But perhaps TWC will move them to the appropriate 700-level channel number. FINGERS CROSSED!

By the way, in reference to difficulties with cable cards, I had trouble a few months back with losing all my encrypted channels from my TiVo HD, after swapping out my TWC DVR for a TWC HD non-DVR box, and the tech support CSR was just terrific. He knew what to do, he was nice while doing it, and he made me grateful for TWC NYC, which has overall been great. So I wouldn't feel the need to call the national CC hotline until I found I wasn't getting help from tech support/customer service.

[ehchan]

If you are referring to USAHD and CNNHD, TWC seems to have yanked them right after close of the Olympics. They probably struck a deal with NBC to source the Olympic programming, but will now demand more money from subscribers to see these channels an an on-going basis. Or, they will wait for SDV to be implemented in SoCal before they offer the channels.

Nope, i'm talking about ESPNNews, Golf/VS, Discovery, CNN, HGTV, Food, Disney, Family, TLC, A&E, History, and NatGeo... They showed up today for real! Woohoo! I guess my Tivo guide jumped the gun a few hours.

[dagware]

I was planning on getting a cablecard installed, and after reading through this thread, I was worried about how it would go for me.

Guess what? No problems at all (well, almost no problems). Compared to the horror stories in this thread, I guess I got really lucky.

The tech who came out to install the card knew exactly what he was doing, and he brought 5 M-cards with him just in case he had to try more than one. He was young, bright, pleasant, articulate -- I was very impressed with this young man. Especially his ability to use two phones at once while on hold, along with two different direct-connect conversations -- the best example of multitasking I've ever seen. Truly mind-blowing.

It did, however, take 1 1/2 hours. There were several reasons for this. The first is that there was something wrong with TW's phone system, and he had to wait on hold for a long time, then got disconnected several times. I had mixed emotions about this. On the one hand, I didn't like the delay. On the other hand, it was kind of funny that their own people had the same phone problems I've had in the past.

Once he did get in touch with a dispatcher (several of them, in fact), they couldn't get the card provisioned (or whatever). Several different people tried, and nobody could get it to work. Finally he was able to get a hold of a third-tier support person who actually knew what he was doing, and after 30 seconds it was working fine. Turns out that they had somehow specified I was going to use two cards (probably S-cards), and that caused them not to be able to activate the M-card. This last person took one glance at the configuration and fixed the problem.

So, everything's working fine and I'm a happy camper. (My 1 TB hard drive doesn't hurt either.) Once I finish watching the remaining recordings on my TW DVR, I'll take it back. Woo hoo!

Dan

[Cainebj]

TWC in NYC has so far kept USAHD on 195 and CNBCHD on 196. (CNNHD has been on 710 for awhile now and was not for the Olympics, but I am sure you meant CNBC.)

We got a lineup change message from our TiVo HD on Tuesday or Wednesday informing us that a handful of channels had been deleted -- all NBC olympic channels -- but I was pleased to see that these two real HD channels have thus far stuck around.

Hey 59er - I'm in NYC also and haven't gotten a lineup change YET - but it looks like USAHD on 195 and CNBCHD on 196 both went off the air about 48 hours ago (roughly Thursday) - which was a couple of days after the Olympic Channels were deleted.

Can anyone else with TWC NYC tune in to 195 and 196 and see if you are still getting them? I had my fingers crossed also but not so optimistic anymore...

[rckstrang]

I had a similar experience a few weeks ago (look in the CC Install thread) and it just took talking with the right person. Forget the typical TW CS line, call their National CC Hotline at 866.532.2598. TWC wanted to send someone out to my house too but these guys fixed it remotely. Your card probably needs to be paired and staged and these guys know what to do. If you get any push back for calling (this is really for installers), just tell them what you have been through and they will help you. They told me to call back anytime and they agreed that the normal CS Rep isn't very knowledgeable about CCs.

Maybe it was just the person I talked to but I was told in no uncertain terms that I am not allowed to call this number. The guy I talked to who's name was Shawn asked who I was and I said I'm a customer, what do you need to get started? He said you're not suppose to call this line, it's for technicians and escalated problems only. I said will you help me anyway? He was very reluctant, asked me for my account info.

I told him I was gratefully for his assistance and he fixed my problem. He asked me how I got the number and I said it was on the internet. He said a Supervisor had told them they were not to take these calls. He also said he was going to note my account to say that I was told not to call this number again.

I apologized again and said that I thought the number was released because TW was attempting to be more customer friendly to people with cable card issues. No response.

I tried to end the call in an upbeat manner and said I won't call again but since the number is on the internet, they probably will get more calls.

My suggestion is that you call regular customer service first then when they are unable to help give them the number and have them call and connect you. Another thing you can do is say you did call customer service and you got disconnected during transfer so the rep gave you the direct number.

[spolebitski]

Calling all tivohd (s3) users in SE Wisconsin

Did you loose many of your HD Channels today? I went to watch the BigTenHD, which over the past couple of days TWC finally struck a deal with to provide the channels (63 SD, 527 HD).

I called TWC and they a did not know what the problem was, did not know anything about the tuning resolver (adapter), but did offer to have a HD DVR available for pick up ASAP (additional fees apply).

[spolebitski]

Any TWC customers have any new information regarding the tuning resolver (adapter). The letter i received in July said it would be offered at not additional cost but the date (time frame) was not given. Could they just say they are working on and never offer it?

Correct me if I'm wrong but the FCC said the to the cable companies that they needed to offer a way that third party dvr's (cable boxes) would still work on their cable systems. This SDV is a loophole that the cable companies have come up with to get around this fcc rule.

Can a complaint to the fcc do any good regarding SDV (loss of channels)? To me SDV should not have been allowed out until the tuning resolver (adapter) was available.

I am expected to still pay my full bill even when i am not receiving all programing that is offered.

[dagware]

Can a complaint to the fcc do any good regarding SDV (loss of channels)? To me SDV should not have been allowed out until the tuning resolver (adapter) was available.

I am expected to still pay my full bill even when i am not receiving all programing that is offered.

This is not an answer to your question, and in no way should you think I don't understand what you're saying. Please believe me when I say that. But I have a question:

I thought that SDV was only really useful for channels that are less popular. Am I right about this? What I mean is, am I likely to lose ESPN HD, or one of the major network HD channels, when SDV is rolled out? Or is it the less-p-opular channels, like GSN or DIY and stuff like that? (Not that it's OK to lose any channels -- I'm just asking.)

Dan

[mmcgown]

My understanding is that SDV is used primarily to allow cable companies to "cram" more channels into the same size cable. Since they are not transmitting all of the channels to you all of the time, they have room for more channels. So you shouldn't lose any channels; rather, you should end up with more. The channel you want to watch is not transmitted to your "last mile" of the cable system until you tune into it. See Switched Video on Wikipedia for a longer explanation.

[emsmx5]

I am a manager for one of the installation contractors for TWC in Raleigh. I just came across this thread and didn't know if this info has been posted, but I thought I'd put it up here for you guys with CCs. And BTW, customers are NOT supposed to use the CC Hotline as that is supposed to be reserved for technicians. When you see the threads (or even post them yourselves) about how the technician took 2-5 hours to install one M card because he was stuck on hold, it doesn't help when half of the CC Hotline (there are only 2, that's right, 2 people working at any given time for the entire nation!) is stuck trying to walk a customer through things that shouldn't have even escalated to their level. Not trying to be mean, just consider the techs too. Most of them are paid per job, not hourly, so if you tie them up, they lose a lot of money. But thought I'd release this internal memo for you guys to rant about!

CableCard Notifications and Switched Digital Video
Important Information - PLEASE READ
Related document: CableCard-SwitchedDigitalVideo Talking PointsFINAL.doc

A first class letter mailed yesterday (August 13th) to just over 1,000 CableCard customers in the Raleigh/Fayetteville areas (Wilmington customers have not been contacted yet) notifying them that certain channels will become switched digital video channels beginning on or after September 13th. Information was included in yesterday's Marketing

ATTACHED ARE VERY IMPORTANT TALKING POINTS. PLEASE READ AND SHARE WITH YOUR TEAMS. This information was distributed at the Customer Service Supervisor meetings this afternoon. These are similar talking points that were distributed last fall.

What is Switched Digital Video?

Switched Digital Video (SDV) is a technology that transmits digital channels to customers on an as-needed basis rather than broadcasting all digital channels on a continuous basis. For example, if a customer tunes to a channel, then that digital box will receive the programming for that channel at that time. It is a bandwidth management breakthrough that will allow us to offer many additional services, including more HD channels.

The current generation of CableCard compatible devices sold at retail stores are only capable of accessing Time Warner Cable's one-way services. They were not designed to be compatible with Swithed Digital Video (SDV), which is a two-way service. As a result, once channels are moved to SDV, they will no longer be available to CableCard customers.

Starting in September (official date still needs to be confirmed) and proceeding in groups of approximately 20 channels, Time Warner Cable will begin providing a number of our existing, lesser-viewed channels via SDV. Please keep in mind that these may or may not be channels to which CableCard customers currently subscribe. The list is as follows:

Spanish Language Channels

Boomerang Espanol

Canal Sur

Cine Latino

CNN Espanol

Discovery Espanol

ESPN Deportes

Fox Sports Espanol

Galavision

La Familia

MTV Tr3s

Mun2

Telefutura

TV Azteca

Premium Channels

ActionMax- West

Cinemax- West

HBO- West

HBO2- West

HBO Family- West

HBO Signature- West

Flix- West

MoreMax- West

Showcase- West

Showtime- West

Showtime Too- West

Sundance- West

ThrillerMax- West

Digital Sports and Games

CBS College Sports

FCS Atlantic

FCS Central

FCS Pacific

Fox Soccer Channel

Fuel

Game Show Network

NBA TV

NHL Network

Outdoor Channel

Tennis Channel

Digital Variety Channels

American Life TV

BBC America

Bloomberg

Boomerang

Current TV

EWTN

Gospel Music Channel

NBA Preview Channel

Ovation

TV One

Sports Packages and Pay-Per-View

ESPN GamePlan

ESPN Full Court

iN DEMAND 1 and 2

MLB Extra Innings

NBA League Pass

NHL Center Ice

TEN Blue

TEN Blox

When we get closer to deploying SDV, we will inform everyone of what channels will be switched. This will occur in waves over several weeks.

Once the channels listed above are moved to SDV, they no longer will be available to CableCard devices. However, Time Warner Cable has worked with the rest of the cable industry and TiVo Inc. to develop an external device called a Tuning Adapter that will allow certain devices, including TiVo Series 3 and TiVo HD digital video recorders, to access channels that are delivered using SDV.

We expect to be able to offer Tuning Adapters to customers with compatible devices later this year. At that time we will provide you and our customers with additional information on availability and device compatibility. It is currently contemplated that the Tuning Adapter will be provided at no additional charge, once available. Until the Tuning Adapter becomes available, however, a Time Warner Cable digital box will be required to view channels migrated to SDV -- even if you own a Tuning Adapter-compatible device. In addition, certain non-TiVo retail models may not work with the Tuning Adapter.

[rckstrang]

I am a manager for one of the installation contractors for TWC in Raleigh. I just came across this thread and didn't know if this info has been posted, but I thought I'd put it up here for you guys with CCs. And BTW, customers are NOT supposed to use the CC Hotline as that is supposed to be reserved for technicians. When you see the threads (or even post them yourselves) about how the technician took 2-5 hours to install one M card because he was stuck on hold, it doesn't help when half of the CC Hotline (there are only 2, that's right, 2 people working at any given time for the entire nation!) is stuck trying to walk a customer through things that shouldn't have even escalated to their level. Not trying to be mean, just consider the techs too. Most of them are paid per job, not hourly, so if you tie them up, they lose a lot of money.

I can't believe what I just read. You want us, the customer who pay for services to take into consideration that: a)Time Warner only has 2 people available in the entire nation to answer the cable card hot line and b) Most of your techs are paid by the job so when WE tie them up WE cost them money!

The fact that you only have 2 people on the cable card hotline shows that even if we didn't know the number, you are not adequately staffing that line.

This statement shows exactly what is wrong with Time Warner Cable. We pay our money for services and you put the blame for not providing those services on us? Train and hire more people for your tech hotlines and pay your techs a fair wage. We pay through the nose for cable services, you should provide what we pay for without inconvenience to us.

[Combat Medic]

Any TWC customers have any new information regarding the tuning resolver (adapter). The letter i received in July said it would be offered at not additional cost but the date (time frame) was not given. Could they just say they are working on and never offer it?

Correct me if I'm wrong but the FCC said the to the cable companies that they needed to offer a way that third party dvr's (cable boxes) would still work on their cable systems. This SDV is a loophole that the cable companies have come up with to get around this fcc rule.

Can a complaint to the fcc do any good regarding SDV (loss of channels)? To me SDV should not have been allowed out until the tuning resolver (adapter) was available.

I am expected to still pay my full bill even when i am not receiving all programing that is offered.

I filed a complaint with the FCC regarding SDV. They told me that they didn't care.

[dagware]

I can't believe what I just read. You want us, the customer who pay for services to take into consideration that: a)Time Warner only has 2 people available in the entire nation to answer the cable card hot line and b) Most of your techs are paid by the job so when WE tie them up WE cost them money!

The fact that you only have 2 people on the cable card hotline shows that even if we didn't know the number, you are not adequately staffing that line.

This statement shows exactly what is wrong with Time Warner Cable. We pay our money for services and you put the blame for not providing those services on us? Train and hire more people for your tech hotlines and pay your techs a fair wage. We pay through the nose for cable services, you should provide what we pay for without inconvenience to us.

Everything you say is true. However, I doubt that the OP has anything to do with hiring, etc. So go ahead and complain, but complain to TW directly.

The OP was just trying to tell us how to help ourselves, by not overtaxing a limited resource. And it behooves us to take heed -- while, at the same time, complaining about it to people who can do something about it.

Dan

PS: I hate cable companies as much as the next person. Just trying to be practical.

[dagware]

My understanding is that SDV is used primarily to allow cable companies to "cram" more channels into the same size cable. Since they are not transmitting all of the channels to you all of the time, they have room for more channels. So you shouldn't lose any channels; rather, you should end up with more. The channel you want to watch is not transmitted to your "last mile" of the cable system until you tune into it. See Switched Video on Wikipedia for a longer explanation.

I knew I wasn't clear in my post.

First off, when you say we don't lose any channels, that's not true. We do indeed lose them, at least until we get a tuning adapter.

But the question I was trying to ask was answered by emsmx5 in the internal memo he posted. They are only going to move lesser-viewed channels to SDV, as I thought I had understood. SDV only helps bandwidth when used with less-popular channels. So emsmx5, thanks for the confirmation.

Dan

[dagware]

I filed a complaint with the FCC regarding SDV. They told me that they didn't care.

I'm sure you were kidding, but on the off chance you weren't, can you post any correspondence on this?

Dan

[rckstrang]

Everything you say is true. However, I doubt that the OP has anything to do with hiring, etc. So go ahead and complain, but complain to TW directly.

The OP was just trying to tell us how to help ourselves, by not overtaxing a limited resource. And it behooves us to take heed -- while, at the same time, complaining about it to people who can do something about it.


He is absolutely right that we should not use that number. No doubt about it and it was made clear to me by the tech I spoke with.

And I don't blame him I blame TW and I appreciate his honesty. And perhaps, just perhaps a CSR could have helped me. But considering the information that he asked for and what we did to resolve the problem I doubt a regular CSR could have.

The first thing they want to do when they have a problem they don't understand how to fix is do a truck roll. Then you have to be available for them and sometimes it takes weeks. Then you have the two hours he spoke about with the tech.

My problem was fixed in less then 10 minutes by talking to that cable tech. And maybe I was lucky but he picked up the line on the second ring.:up:

If he is a manager then he should have some way to bring these issues to upper management. He see's all the comments in this thread and he himself said he was giving us this information to rant about. I just did what he requested.;)

[dagware]

My problem was fixed in less then 10 minutes by talking to that cable tech.

And that's the frustrating part. When my installer finally spoke to someone who knew what he was doing, it took literally 30 seconds to fix the problem. So it obviously wasn't rocket science.

Dan

[spolebitski]

This is not an answer to your question, and in no way should you think I don't understand what you're saying. Please believe me when I say that. But I have a question:

I thought that SDV was only really useful for channels that are less popular. Am I right about this? What I mean is, am I likely to lose ESPN HD, or one of the major network HD channels, when SDV is rolled out? Or is it the less-p-opular channels, like GSN or DIY and stuff like that? (Not that it's OK to lose any channels -- I'm just asking.)

Dan

Yes it is for lesser viewed channels, but yesterday I lost espn2 hd, fsnhd (only broadcasts brewer games in hd), tbshd, a&ehd, NGChd, among others. Now some will argue these are lesser viewed channels but i disagree all mainstream cable channels are not lesser viewed channels.

bottom line it is away to reduce the bandwidth that are using and they are using the term "lesser viewed" as a way to put a label and justify it.

[spolebitski]

I am a manager for one of the installation contractors for TWC in Raleigh. I just came across this thread and didn't know if this info has been posted, but I thought I'd put it up here for you guys with CCs. And BTW, customers are NOT supposed to use the CC Hotline as that is supposed to be reserved for technicians. When you see the threads (or even post them yourselves) about how the technician took 2-5 hours to install one M card because he was stuck on hold, it doesn't help when half of the CC Hotline (there are only 2, that's right, 2 people working at any given time for the entire nation!) is stuck trying to walk a customer through things that shouldn't have even escalated to their level. Not trying to be mean, just consider the techs too. Most of them are paid per job, not hourly, so if you tie them up, they lose a lot of money. But thought I'd release this internal memo for you guys to rant about!

CableCard Notifications and Switched Digital Video
Important Information - PLEASE READ
Related document: CableCard-SwitchedDigitalVideo Talking PointsFINAL.doc

A first class letter mailed yesterday (August 13th) to just over 1,000 CableCard customers in the Raleigh/Fayetteville areas (Wilmington customers have not been contacted yet) notifying them that certain channels will become switched digital video channels beginning on or after September 13th. Information was included in yesterday's Marketing

ATTACHED ARE VERY IMPORTANT TALKING POINTS. PLEASE READ AND SHARE WITH YOUR TEAMS. This information was distributed at the Customer Service Supervisor meetings this afternoon. These are similar talking points that were distributed last fall.

What is Switched Digital Video?

Switched Digital Video (SDV) is a technology that transmits digital channels to customers on an as-needed basis rather than broadcasting all digital channels on a continuous basis. For example, if a customer tunes to a channel, then that digital box will receive the programming for that channel at that time. It is a bandwidth management breakthrough that will allow us to offer many additional services, including more HD channels.

The current generation of CableCard compatible devices sold at retail stores are only capable of accessing Time Warner Cable's one-way services. They were not designed to be compatible with Swithed Digital Video (SDV), which is a two-way service. As a result, once channels are moved to SDV, they will no longer be available to CableCard customers.

Starting in September (official date still needs to be confirmed) and proceeding in groups of approximately 20 channels, Time Warner Cable will begin providing a number of our existing, lesser-viewed channels via SDV. Please keep in mind that these may or may not be channels to which CableCard customers currently subscribe. The list is as follows:

Spanish Language Channels

Boomerang Espanol

Canal Sur

Cine Latino

CNN Espanol

Discovery Espanol

ESPN Deportes

Fox Sports Espanol

Galavision

La Familia

MTV Tr3s

Mun2

Telefutura

TV Azteca

Premium Channels

ActionMax- West

Cinemax- West

HBO- West

HBO2- West

HBO Family- West

HBO Signature- West

Flix- West

MoreMax- West

Showcase- West

Showtime- West

Showtime Too- West

Sundance- West

ThrillerMax- West

Digital Sports and Games

CBS College Sports

FCS Atlantic

FCS Central

FCS Pacific

Fox Soccer Channel

Fuel

Game Show Network

NBA TV

NHL Network

Outdoor Channel

Tennis Channel

Digital Variety Channels

American Life TV

BBC America

Bloomberg

Boomerang

Current TV

EWTN

Gospel Music Channel

NBA Preview Channel

Ovation

TV One

Sports Packages and Pay-Per-View

ESPN GamePlan

ESPN Full Court

iN DEMAND 1 and 2

MLB Extra Innings

NBA League Pass

NHL Center Ice

TEN Blue

TEN Blox

When we get closer to deploying SDV, we will inform everyone of what channels will be switched. This will occur in waves over several weeks.

Once the channels listed above are moved to SDV, they no longer will be available to CableCard devices. However, Time Warner Cable has worked with the rest of the cable industry and TiVo Inc. to develop an external device called a Tuning Adapter that will allow certain devices, including TiVo Series 3 and TiVo HD digital video recorders, to access channels that are delivered using SDV.

We expect to be able to offer Tuning Adapters to customers with compatible devices later this year. At that time we will provide you and our customers with additional information on availability and device compatibility. It is currently contemplated that the Tuning Adapter will be provided at no additional charge, once available. Until the Tuning Adapter becomes available, however, a Time Warner Cable digital box will be required to view channels migrated to SDV -- even if you own a Tuning Adapter-compatible device. In addition, certain non-TiVo retail models may not work with the Tuning Adapter.

I agree the above are lesser viewed channels, but when they take standard cable channels (tbshd, a&ehd, ngchd, espn2hd etc) and move them to sdv i think that is wrong at this time with no tuning adapter available.

[spolebitski]

I knew I wasn't clear in my post.

First off, when you say we don't lose any channels, that's not true. We do indeed lose them, at least until we get a tuning adapter.

But the question I was trying to ask was answered by emsmx5 in the internal memo he posted. They are only going to move lesser-viewed channels to SDV, as I thought I had understood. SDV only helps bandwidth when used with less-popular channels. So emsmx5, thanks for the confirmation.

Dan

To me it would make sense to make the switch to SDV once the tuning adapter was available this way all of your customers are serviced. With the plan currently those who have cable cards are punished, they pay the same but do without until the tuning adapter is available.

[Cainebj]

Verizon FIOS is looking better and better.

[dagware]

To me it would make sense to make the switch to SDV once the tuning adapter was available this way all of your customers are serviced. With the plan currently those who have cable cards are punished, they pay the same but do without until the tuning adapter is available.

I am not going to defend the cable companies. However, they are in a constant battle with other TV providers, and it doesn't surprise me that they'd roll out new channels as soon as they could. The number of people using cable cards is very small compared to the entire market.

Dan

[Klankster]

I'm in SE Wisconsin. After going around with DirecTV about an HD upgrade (to a non-Tivo box -- ARRGGH), my wife and I decided to punt them altogether and get a Series3 HD Tivo box and move over to Time Warner cable, which we have had for ages but just had basic channels (got HD, HBO, etc. from the satellite). I should have the box this week from Weaknees and will report back on how the switchover goes.

I sure hope it goes smoothly...

[Combat Medic]

I'm sure you were kidding, but on the off chance you weren't, can you post any correspondence on this?

Dan

I'm not kidding, and I'm sorry I no longer have the letter that I got from the FCC. Basically the letter that I received from a Mr. Tignor with the FCC stated that they didn't see the SDV as being a violation of the separable security ruling. The invited me to file a civil lawsuit if I didn't agree with them.

In other words, they don't care.

-Mike

[jmaditto]

I am a manager for one of the installation contractors for TWC in Raleigh. I just came across this thread and didn't know if this info has been posted, but I thought I'd put it up here for you guys with CCs. And BTW, customers are NOT supposed to use the CC Hotline as that is supposed to be reserved for technicians. When you see the threads (or even post them yourselves) about how the technician took 2-5 hours to install one M card because he was stuck on hold, it doesn't help when half of the CC Hotline (there are only 2, that's right, 2 people working at any given time for the entire nation!) is stuck trying to walk a customer through things that shouldn't have even escalated to their level. Not trying to be mean, just consider the techs too. ...

Sorry but no sympathy here. I had two techs show up that were nice but not very experienced or trained for a CC install. Plus the TWC CSR's they spoke to were clueless. If it takes a call to the CC Hotline than that is what it takes. Too bad for TWC. Of course they will probably change the number now. Anyway, TWC s/b embarrassed it takes educated consumers calling an internal line to get a CC configured. Sorry man but I don't buy it.

As far as SDV goes, it's fine and the FCC shouldn't care about as long as the TA solution is in the works. No need wasting time with law suits on this. Complaints are good though as the cable companies' should have worked out how CC devices would receive SDV channels prior deployment. That would have been a real customer centric move.

[Combat Medic]

As far as SDV goes, it's fine and the FCC shouldn't care about as long as the TA solution is in the works. No need wasting time with law suits on this. Complaints are good though as the cable companies' should have worked out how CC devices would receive SDV channels prior deployment. That would have been a real customer centric move.

I like SDV. It is a good technological band aid. The problem is that they fired it up before they had the tuning adapter ready for use.

-Mike

[Meatball]

I'm not kidding, and I'm sorry I no longer have the letter that I got from the FCC. Basically the letter that I received from a Mr. Tignor with the FCC stated that they didn't see the SDV as being a violation of the separable security ruling. The invited me to file a civil lawsuit if I didn't agree with them.

In other words, they don't care.

-Mike

So, we have any lawyers on this list? Class action lawsuit, here we come...

[gamo62]

Sorry but no sympathy here. I had two techs show up that were nice but not very experienced or trained for a CC install. Plus the TWC CSR's they spoke to were clueless. If it takes a call to the CC Hotline than that is what it takes. Too bad for TWC. Of course they will probably change the number now. Anyway, TWC s/b embarrassed it takes educated consumers calling an internal line to get a CC configured. Sorry man but I don't buy it.

As far as SDV goes, it's fine and the FCC shouldn't care about as long as the TA solution is in the works. No need wasting time with law suits on this. Complaints are good though as the cable companies' should have worked out how CC devices would receive SDV channels prior deployment. That would have been a real customer centric move.

Actually TiVo jumped the gun and didn't offer an easy way ( or currently no way) for them to handle SDV. It isn't the cable companies fault. It lies with Tivo.

[Combat Medic]

Actually TiVo jumped the gun and didn't offer an easy way ( or currently no way) for them to handle SDV. It isn't the cable companies fault. It lies with Tivo.

It is my understanding that TiVo wanted to do 2-way but the cable companies never came up with a standard. This is the same thing as when AT&T required that all phones linked to the network were rented.

[59er]

Sorry but no sympathy here. I had two techs show up that were nice but not very experienced or trained for a CC install. Plus the TWC CSR's they spoke to were clueless. If it takes a call to the CC Hotline than that is what it takes. Too bad for TWC. Of course they will probably change the number now. Anyway, TWC s/b embarrassed it takes educated consumers calling an internal line to get a CC configured. Sorry man but I don't buy it.
Well, it seems to me we have an easy solution. We need to dial the CC hotline and hand the phone to the incompetent or inexperienced tech. No violation of their policies, and we do an end-run around the CSR's who the techs were wasting time with.

[emsmx5]

Alright, I wasn't trying to start a fire here, but it appears I did. I am a manager with one of the many contracting companies for TWC, so unfortunately, my pull with the decision makers is limited. The worst issue plaguing the customers and techs is the limited training allowed to us. I would love to be able to show each tech how to install a CC in a Tivo. I would also love to have access to every TV that accepts CCs so I could train them on those too, but I'd settle for Tivos as they are the most common. Unfortunately, my finances don't provide for me to purchase a TivoHD or Series 3 for myself, let alone, for training purposes. That being said, our contracting company averages about 3 CC installs a month. They just aren't common enough to afford proper training to all the techs this way. I try and weed out the techs that know CC and give them the installs or at least show up and show them, because I know how frustrating it can be to the customer to have a tech show up and not know what they're doing. It also reflects poorly on the company. The biggest downfall is in the training at the Network Operations Center that the techs have to call in to try and provision the CCs. Many of them are not trained on CC and just when we got a few good contacts there, they changed the system they use so now most of them input the Host ID and the CableCard ID as the same thing. That's the number 1 issue I run into on CC installs so if your tech is having a problem, tell them to have the TWC rep check that! And if you do have an issue with your CC that is already installed, please just go through the troubleshooting steps provided by this forum before you call the CC Hotline. I'm sorry if you don't like TWC, but please don't take it out on the tech that shows up at your house. Most of the time, they're trying to do the best they can with what's provided to them. They may not be Tivo experts, but that's because they deal with Scientific Atlanta's all day, not Tivos. Most of them don't own a Tivo, and if they do, chances are it's not HD. They're out there trying to make a living and are getting seriously hurt by the high gas prices as all the contractors (that are responsible for 86% of installs here in the Eastern Carolinas division) pay for their own gas and all their tools. They don't make a whole lot of money, and CC jobs don't pay much at all.

But on the topic of SDV, yes, it would be nice if the cable companies would hold off on it, but Cablelabs is the company responsible for coming up with two-way CC service so tell them to step their game up. But until all the cable companies make their infrastructure FTTP, there will be bandwidth restrictions on some less popular channels to handle the additional strain put on by the internet services and other HD channels. I again have absolutely no control over that.

And just to let everyone know, I'm a normal full price paying customer just like everyone else and I have to go through all the same channels you guys do if I have an issue. So please don't shoot the messenger, I was just trying to give you guys some info from the TWC side.

[Combat Medic]

But on the topic of SDV, yes, it would be nice if the cable companies would hold off on it, but Cablelabs is the company responsible for coming up with two-way CC service so tell them to step their game up. But until all the cable companies make their infrastructure FTTP, there will be bandwidth restrictions on some less popular channels to handle the additional strain put on by the internet services and other HD channels. I again have absolutely no control over that.

And just to let everyone know, I'm a normal full price paying customer just like everyone else and I have to go through all the same channels you guys do if I have an issue. So please don't shoot the messenger, I was just trying to give you guys some info from the TWC side.

Cable labs does what the cable companies tell them since they are run by the cable companies.

Also, I don't think anyone here is shooting the messenger just the message. :)

[esjones]

The CSR at Time Warner's Dayton Mall office told me last week that CableCARD users can ONLY tune channels in the HD Basic channel tier, and not the HD Standard nor HD Premium tiers.

Is anyone here with a TiVo HD and CableCARD on TWC SW Ohio able to tune channels 750-768?

Thanks.

- Earl

[Meatball]

And just to let everyone know, I'm a normal full price paying customer just like everyone else and I have to go through all the same channels you guys do if I have an issue. So please don't shoot the messenger, I was just trying to give you guys some info from the TWC side.

Eh...I'm pretty sure most folks understand it's not you. I for one appreciate you coming by and giving us info. One can learn more reading your posts in five minutes than spending two hours on the phone with tech support. :)

So here's a somewhat un-related/related question to toss out to everyone off the subject of CC's. The cable modem/internet bandwidth caps that look like they're coming down the pike. How long till this blows up because a bunch of other services (Tivo, Netflix, etc), is pushing for broadband delivery of content and putting a cap in place is going to clobber these other companies business models?

[Effinay]

The CSR at Time Warner's Dayton Mall office told me last week that CableCARD users can ONLY tune channels in the HD Basic channel tier, and not the HD Standard nor HD Premium tiers.

Is anyone here with a TiVo HD and CableCARD on TWC SW Ohio able to tune channels 750-768?

Thanks.

- Earl

I get everything I'm supposed to with my TiVo HD with one M-card installed. None of the HD channels are on the list to be switched to SDV, either. So the CSR may not know what they are talking about. Are you at all surprised? :)

[Effinay]

Eh...I'm pretty sure most folks understand it's not you. I for one appreciate you coming by and giving us info. One can learn more reading your posts in five minutes than spending two hours on the phone with tech support. :)

So here's a somewhat un-related/related question to toss out to everyone off the subject of CC's. The cable modem/internet bandwidth caps that look like they're coming down the pike. How long till this blows up because a bunch of other services (Tivo, Netflix, etc), is pushing for broadband delivery of content and putting a cap in place is going to clobber these other companies business models?

from http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082808-comcast-sets-monthly-bandwidth-limit.html?fsrc=netflash-rss

"An average Comcast customer uses two to three gigabytes of bandwidth a month, Comcast said. To reach the 250G-byte limit, a customer would have to do one of the following: send 50 million e-mails, download 62,500 songs or download 125 standard-definition movies."

Do you really think you are going to come close to these limits? If so, I think you need to get out of the house more often. :)

[jmaditto]

Well, it seems to me we have an easy solution. We need to dial the CC hotline and hand the phone to the incompetent or inexperienced tech. No violation of their policies, and we do an end-run around the CSR's who the techs were wasting time with.

I’m certainly not trying to start an argument and I’m the first to admit do not fully understand the “cable card” law that went into effect last summer; however, I view cable card customers still as still the customer of the particular cable company and therefore think they (cable company) should maintain the level of service or enhance it as they introduce new technologies. It isn’t like TiVo came out with a cool new box and introduced new functionality but it doesn’t allow the viewing of SDV channels. Now that would be a TiVo issue. No, the cable companies are the ones that are introducing the new technology and they just seem to be indifferent to CC customers. Anyway, it seems like the SDV/Cable Card issue could have been worked out ahead of time is all. Of course, I made the decision to recently purchase a TiVo HD, so I knew what I was getting into to…this is why I still have a TWC DVR in my main viewing area too.


emsmx5 - Training does seem like the issue to me. However, it doesn't really have anything to do with TiVo in my case. Soon as they got to the CA screen they saw what they needed so this is somewhat moot as I'm sure that can't be that difficult per device. It was the staging and pairing of the card when everything went south. They ended up working out my issue over the weekend when no one was home so in my case it was all back at TWC.

[JYoung]

from http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082808-comcast-sets-monthly-bandwidth-limit.html?fsrc=netflash-rss

"An average Comcast customer uses two to three gigabytes of bandwidth a month, Comcast said. To reach the 250G-byte limit, a customer would have to do one of the following: send 50 million e-mails, download 62,500 songs or download 125 standard-definition movies."

Do you really think you are going to come close to these limits? If so, I think you need to get out of the house more often. :)

or 30-60 hours of HD quality video.

[cogitofire]

Just an FYI. I am with TWC in Frisco, TX. Just signed up the other day in our new house. Cable guy showed up with 4 MCards and 5 SCards and said he did this so that one way or another, he would get my TivoHD working before he left.

He was well informed about cable cards and got my MCard installed with no trouble in about 15 minutes. I receive all available channels, including all of my standard HD as well as the HD tier and my movie channels.

He did not seem too thrilled about installing a cable card because he says that they give him so much trouble and that no one at dispatch really knew how to handle the install, so he always had to walk them through it.

Just putting in my 2 cents, apparently here in Frisco, they have got the cable card installations to an easily remedied issue over at Time Warner Cable. I could have even left my wife at home on this one as he did not even need my help at all to get it running.

[bobrt6676]

The CSR at Time Warner's Dayton Mall office told me last week that CableCARD users can ONLY tune channels in the HD Basic channel tier, and not the HD Standard nor HD Premium tiers.

Is anyone here with a TiVo HD and CableCARD on TWC SW Ohio able to tune channels 750-768?

Thanks.

- Earl

I have TivoHD with 2 S-cards (they claim NOT to have M-cards) in Dayton area. I receive 707-768. Basic, Standard, and Premium(extra charge for Premium.)

[Meatball]

or 30-60 hours of HD quality video.

Exactly...6-8 hours worth of HD viewing a week isn't all that much and I could easily see folks bumping up against that quickly.

Every company and their brother is now talking about delivering content via broadband and I'd expect a big increase in that over the next few years. Think of all the devices folks are starting to have connected to their broadband already, game Consoles pulling games/updates, PC's doing their normal web activities, Set top boxes that pull down movies/HDTV content (HD content uses about 5 GB/hour), Voice over IP, and certainly much more to come.

I just don't see internet connectivity as something that should be 'metered' and if TWC or any other ISP's start doing that, I'd bet you'd see an exodus to their competitors. I'm pretty sure I don't come anywhere close to 250 GB a month, but I know I'd jump ship in a heartbeat. :)

[Plymouth Duster]

I have TWC in Beaumont, TX. I had a frustrating experience with the original installation which ended with a technician taking my TIVO to the shop for 4 days and returning it with one S-Card. They insisted they could not get it to work with two S-Cards, but said they would have M-Cards soon. That was January 2008. I have attempted to get an answer on whether and when M-Cards will be available in my area for months now. I have gotten no or confused response.

Does anyone know if M-Cards are available in Beaumont, TX. ? If not, does anyone have an HD TIVO with two S-Cards that is working in Beaumont, TX. ?

[BruceShultes]

I do not know whether internet "metering" has been implemented by TW yet in my area, but the mere threat of "metering" via TW led me to switch my internet service from TW to FIOS as soon as it became available in my area.

As soon as FIOS has TV service available in my area, I plan to switch that as well.

[whitenack]

Sorry for the major newb question, but which TWC cable card is which?

UDCP and Open Cable?

Which is M card and which is S card?

[pcbrew]

Sorry for the major newb question, but which TWC cable card is which?

UDCP and Open Cable?

Which is M card and which is S card?
Neither, you are trying to compare apples & oranges...

Unidirectional Digital Cable Products (UDCP) are one-way only devices. That is, they are only capable of receiving our linear broadcast programming such as analog cable, Digital Cable, certain HDTV and premium cable channels like HBO, Cinemax and more. There is, however, no access to any two-way services such as OnDemand programming, the Interactive Programming Guide, Seasonal Sports Packages, Pay-Per-View or Interactive enhanced TV services, such as Games as well as future technologies that may be introduced. All equipment currently available at retail with a CableCARD option falls into this category.

Open Cable Products are two-way capable devices such as the cable co's leased set top boxes that allow access to all one-way and two-way services


Both devices take the same types of cards, either:

S-card (single stream) that can provide keys to decrypt one stream (your TiVo Series-3 or TiVo-HD will need 2 of these for dual-tuner capability)
M-card (multi-stream) that can provide keys to decrypt multiple streams (A TiVo-HD only needs one of these, but the S3 needs 2 as it does not support the multi-stream functionality)

[whitenack]

Neither, you are trying to compare apples & oranges...

Unidirectional Digital Cable Products (UDCP) are one-way only devices. That is, they are only capable of receiving our linear broadcast programming such as analog cable, Digital Cable, certain HDTV and premium cable channels like HBO, Cinemax and more. There is, however, no access to any two-way services such as OnDemand programming, the Interactive Programming Guide, Seasonal Sports Packages, Pay-Per-View or Interactive enhanced TV services, such as Games as well as future technologies that may be introduced. All equipment currently available at retail with a CableCARD option falls into this category.

Open Cable Products are two-way capable devices such as the cable co's leased set top boxes that allow access to all one-way and two-way services


Both devices take the same types of cards, either:

S-card (single stream) that can provide keys to decrypt one stream (your TiVo Series-3 or TiVo-HD will need 2 of these for dual-tuner capability)
M-card (multi-stream) that can provide keys to decrypt multiple streams (A TiVo-HD only needs one of these, but the S3 needs 2 as it does not support the multi-stream functionality)


Thanks.

I read that on the TWC website, but didn't understand it for some reason.

So, if I call up TWC customer service and ask for a M card, they will know what I'm talking about?

[lrhorer]

So, if I call up TWC customer service and ask for a M card, they will know what I'm talking about?
No guarantees, and I wouldn't bet my life on it. They should, but whether they will or not is another matter.

[DallasFlier]

I just don't see internet connectivity as something that should be 'metered' and if TWC or any other ISP's start doing that, I'd bet you'd see an exodus to their competitors. I'm pretty sure I don't come anywhere close to 250 GB a month, but I know I'd jump ship in a heartbeat. :)
Internet connectivity is fast becoming a utility, just like electric or gas service. Why SHOULDN'T it be metered? If you use 20x what most everyone else is using, why should the rest be forced to subsidize your usage? Take your statement and substitute "electric service" for "internet connectivity."

"I just don't see electric service as something that should be 'metered'..."

Sounds pretty silly, huh? :rolleyes:

[Meatball]

Internet connectivity is fast becoming a utility, just like electric or gas service. Why SHOULDN'T it be metered? If you use 20x what most everyone else is using, why should the rest be forced to subsidize your usage? Take your statement and substitute "electric service" for "internet connectivity."

"I just don't see electric service as something that should be 'metered'..."

Sounds pretty silly, huh? :rolleyes:

Ah, but there is a difference :) I was never told that my electricity use would be 'unlimited', yet broadband has always been touted as that.

Now, if they do go metered and I don't use my internet at all that month and my bill is $0, that's one thing. But from what I can tell, everyone is still getting hit up with the base price for service, regardless of what they're using, they just add on if you go over.

But I digress, this should probably get split off into a separate thread.

[Distortedloop]

Internet connectivity is fast becoming a utility, just like electric or gas service. Why SHOULDN'T it be metered? If you use 20x what most everyone else is using, why should the rest be forced to subsidize your usage? Take your statement and substitute "electric service" for "internet connectivity."

"I just don't see electric service as something that should be 'metered'..."

Sounds pretty silly, huh? :rolleyes:

Actually, no, it doesn't sound all that silly - at least not roll your eyes silly as you imply.

In some countries (oil rich Mid Eastern ones, and perhaps others) aren't utilities free for all? Didn't Tesla propose that electricity should be free for all and transmitted over the air?

As the previous poster states, the issue for many is that it is advertised as "unlimited, high speed." Unlimited, by my dictionary, means "without limits."

Now, if they want to change the name of the service and advertise it as "X umber of GBs METERED service with no guarantee of what your up/down speed will be at any given time of the day," and charge accordingly (such as zero usage means zero charge) that's another story.

All these arguments are what is silly. The problem isn't so much HOW MUCH "internet" you use. It's not bits that flow through the pipe, it's how fast you're trying to flow them that's the issue.

It's irrelevant if you 100GB per month total, it's WHEN you use it that is the problem. I'll wager that 2/3 of the 24 hour day there is plenty of "bandwidth", since most people on a cable loop are at work or asleep. The problem is when everyone is trying to stream HD content at the same few hours of the evening window. If I am a night owl and do all my "internet" at 2:00 AM, I am unlikely to be impacting other users on my loop, so how would cutting me off for heavy usage in the middle of the night help all those fighting for some of the "pipe" in the early evening? IT WOULDN'T.

In my opinion, bottom line here is that the Cable companies failed to maintain their infrastructure by diverting too much money to capital gains and now they are struggling to keep customers on their primary services (premium TV channels delivery) and the best they can come up with to that is to cap usage on the internet which is the primary source of media delivery competition. There's plenty of bandwidth out there if the tech news sites are correct, they're just not building out the last mile properly, and they have no reason to do so if they're only real interest is keeping you on the Video Extreme 5 digital tier 5 movie network packages...

[whitenack]

...In my opinion, bottom line here is that the Cable companies failed to maintain their infrastructure ...

Yes. The problem actually could be that we let the monopolies control the internet in the first place.

On a global scale, USA is far behind other countries, even 3rd world countries, in terms of internet quality.

Why would you let the cable and telephone companies be the gatekeepers to a technology that would/will eventially put them out of business?

Are we actually surprised that this is happening? Are we surprised that these companies are wanting to make it more expensive to use?