Official Time Warner Cable Thread

[tunnelengineer]

Please keep all posts related to Time Warner Cable and their cablecard service in this topic. Please post all stories (good or bad) and pricing examples and locations for others to view.

This is not "official" by any means but I like the idea of the other topic like this for Charter or Cablevision (can't remember which one right now).

[jmX]

LA area: Called tonight at 10pm, and they're coming out on tuesday. $25 install fee, $1.75 a month for the card. They said they had no way in the computer to tell the installer to bring 2 cards out at the same time, so I'm supposed to bug the installer guy when he arrives and see if he has an extra on him.

[pkscout]

LA area: Called tonight at 10pm, and they're coming out on tuesday. $25 install fee, $1.75 a month for the card. They said they had no way in the computer to tell the installer to bring 2 cards out at the same time, so I'm supposed to bug the installer guy when he arrives and see if he has an extra on him.

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:

[tunnelengineer]

I have had about 7 cablecards installed over the last year. Not one has been as easy as insert card and call a phone number. These cards have to be "Married" to the tv's and devices. Sometimes it takes 15 minutes for the signal to come through. Once visit took 4 cards until they found one that worked 100%. If you are trying to get 2 cards from the cable company you will be making another trip back once you find 1 of not both of the cards don't work right.

[Eskimo Pie]

I'm with Time Warner here in Buffalo, NY (Formely Adelphia). I called a couple of days ago to schedule the cable cards and she didn't seem to have any issue with me wanting two of them and I even mentioned they were going in a Tivo... It was $1.75 for the first card and $4.something for the second card. I'm wondering if this is because they think it'll be going in another TV and if I can possibly get that waived because they'll both be in the same box. I suppose I'll just ask the installer when he comes which isn't untill next Wedensday because it was the earliest time slot available. I also tried stopping by the local office yesterday to see if I could just pick a couple up and the lady said she didn't even have them... Only the tech's have access to them. All she gives out are boxes and modems. Oh well... Hopefully the install goes smoothly!

[macsamurai]

I posted info about Time Warner NYC (includes Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island) in this earlier thread:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4369265&&#post4369265

Bottom line - you can't pick up the cards yourself. You have to schedule an installer to come to you. As of yesterday appointments were being given out for within a week (mine is setup for Friday, assuming my TiVo gets here before they do!). I was told the cost was the additional charge for the HD upgrade from SD ($6.95/month I think but I didn't write it down), but no additional charge for the CableCards themselves or the installation.

[tunnelengineer]

Also as of note, some TWC areas do have S3 on order so they will have test units available and should be knowledgeable of the install by late next week.

[peekb]

I live in Niskayuna, NY and called TWC yesterday to setup a CableCard install for my TiVo that's arriving tomorrow. I was told the install would be free and the cards would be $2/mo. I asked for two and there was no issue. Given my usual track record with TWC, I hope the "tech" will be able to get the card working in the TiVo. I wish we could just do it ourselves...

[josborne]

I haven't ordered a S3 yet, but I did call TW here in Raleigh, NC. They charge 1.75 per card per month, but charge 49.99 installation per card. Anyone else here live in Raleigh get the same answer?

[megazone]

I live in Niskayuna, NY Heh - I went to Middle & High School in Nisky. ;-)

[SoBayJake]

Los Angeles here, previously Comcast, not Time Warner. Again, no self-install. :-(

First card is free, second is $6.95 (I think its counted as an additional outlet, which I'll see if I can get removed).

Install is usually $28.99 (didn't say if that was for 1 or both), but they waived it without me even asking as I was on hold for about 15 minutes since the CSRs computer didn't pull my account up from caller ID, and when he put in my number, it decided to lock him out of the system and he needed a supervisor.

Others in Redondo Beach (TWC, formerly Adelphia) have reported $1.75 for each card. When I asked the CSR about that, he said they expect things to stabilize, and he "just got out of a meeting where they were dropping cable rates by $15"...riiiiight! :-)

I can't complain too much tho..I pay $54 for cable (with digital box) and 6 Mbps internet. Its part of the deal Playa Vista got to let Comcast offer local phone service, and not a telco. Its a great price if you don't want a home phone (which I don't) since home phone service is $40 (no way to get it cheaper...at least not yet...we'll see what TWC does).

[Lisa898]

I've been out of town for a few days and just got home to see the message on my TIVO re HD, so I'm a little behind the curve. I ordered the box immediately, but I'm trying to figure out what you guys are talking about re cable cards? Do you need this card to get the HD?

I already have an HD cable box for watching TV if I happen to be home and don't need to rely on my Tivo. So I have HD. My question is, can I not hook it up through that box (or can I at least hook it up through that box until I get an appointment?). What does the cable card do?

I have brooklyn time warner and frankly they suck and getting an appointment for a day I can make is difficult. also, they lie and don't show up and then tell you they showed but you didn't answer the phone so they assumed you weren't there. Due to my difficulties with these guys, I'm extremely interested in whatever answers you can give me.

[SoBayJake]

I already have an HD cable box for watching TV if I happen to be home and don't need to rely on my Tivo. So I have HD. My question is, can I not hook it up through that box (or can I at least hook it up through that box until I get an appointment?). What does the cable card do?You cannot record HD from that box. Without a CableCard, you can only get HD from OTA.

To re-encode HD that is output from a STB would be far to expensive.

You can ditch the STB, get a couple cable cards (maybe even save $ each month), and just use the TiVo directly.

Or if you can get HD from an antenna, go that route, and save even more.

[ahaley42]

I asked for a manager to complain about a required tech having to be sent out to do this. They apologized and said it was stupid but it was the rule. She bumped my installation from next month to this saturday and waived the $30 fee. Got the S3 today and Fry's and will be ready for the tech once I upgrade to my 750GB drive.

[skweaz]

I asked for a manager to complain about a required tech having to be sent out to do this. They apologized and said it was stupid but it was the rule.

Was this by phone or did you go to a field office?

[Lisa898]

You cannot record HD from that box. Without a CableCard, you can only get HD from OTA.

To re-encode HD that is output from a STB would be far to expensive.

You can ditch the STB, get a couple cable cards (maybe even save $ each month), and just use the TiVo directly.

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm really not very good with technology. I had thought there was a difference between a TV with an HD decoder (or something) in it or not. I thought the decoder part was in the set top box if you didn't have it in the TV. Does TIVO plus a cable card replace all that?

[SoBayJake]

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm really not very good with technology. I had thought there was a difference between a TV with an HD decoder (or something) in it or not. I thought the decoder part was in the set top box if you didn't have it in the TV. Does TIVO plus a cable card replace all that?
The TiVo will completely replace your set top box. It will pass the HD content to your TV via HDMI/DVI and/or component inputs.

You would lose PPV (Pay Per View) and VOD (Video On Demand) by having just the TiVo..so if that's important to you, you would need to keep a set top box around for those purposes (but probably wouldn't need to be a DVR set top box).


Oops..meant to say "lose PPV" not "love PPV!"

[micro98]

Time warner syracuse

was told that it would be 3.25 each and no install fee for truck coming to my house

[Lisa898]

(but probably wouldn't need to be a DVR set top box).

I don't have a DVR box. I have an HD box and a Series 2 tivo. I switch the display on the tv depending on what I'm watching.

Completely unrelated question-Time Warner won't talk to me until I can read them a model number. I need to get a Saturday appointment because of my job. It always seems to take weeks to get a Saturday appointment, so I called now to schedule it.

Time Warner keeps asking me for the model number. They are claiming that the cable cards only work with 2 models. Since I can't give them a model number they won't talk to me.

Anyone know anything about the Series 3 HD's not working with Time Warner cable cards? Doesn't really make sense to me if the only way to have the Tivo work is with the card.

[Ruth]

Lisa, from the sticky Series 3 FAQ thread:

What is the model number?
The S3 is the TCD648250B.

They probably want to cross-check that it's an approved CableCARD device. They should have this list: http://www.cablelabs.com/udcp/downloads/OC_PNP.pdf It shows 2 TiVos on it so that is probably where they are getting their info about 2 TiVos being supported. (No idea what device the second model number is for.)

[SoBayJake]

Completely unrelated question-Time Warner won't talk to me until I can read them a model number. I need to get a Saturday appointment because of my job. It always seems to take weeks to get a Saturday appointment, so I called now to schedule it.

Time Warner keeps asking me for the model number. They are claiming that the cable cards only work with 2 models. Since I can't give them a model number they won't talk to me.

Anyone know anything about the Series 3 HD's not working with Time Warner cable cards? Doesn't really make sense to me if the only way to have the Tivo work is with the card.Use model # TCD648250B.

The TiVo will work just fine with Time Warner, provided you are not in a small market testing SDV (Switched Digital Video).

-Jake

[zync]

Use model # TCD648250B.
The TiVo will work just fine with Time Warner, provided you are not in a small market testing SDV (Switched Digital Video).


My #1 concern. Has anyone in Austin or any of the other test markets gotten their TiVo up and running? Is there a thread on S3 and SDV with official TiVo statements yet?

[mgonzales]

I haven't ordered a S3 yet, but I did call TW here in Raleigh, NC. They charge 1.75 per card per month, but charge 49.99 installation per card. Anyone else here live in Raleigh get the same answer?

I am thinking of getting the S3 as well - called TWC in Raleigh and was told the same thing, she wanted to charge me the $49.99 TWICE (for each card)

that is INSANE!

Does anyone know if Raleigh is using Switched Video crap on any channels?

[zync]

Well here's TWC Austin CC details:

Aw nevermind... expected wait time on the phone was 59 minutes. I'll try again later.

[CALnyc]

Husband just ordered the S3, and I'm trying to get the cable cards from TWC, and the rep on the phone said with the cards, we wouldn't be able to receive NHL Center Ice or receive any of the two-way programming using the cards in the TiVo. Is this true? I can't seem to find it on TWC's website. She read me the statement from their 'intranet' site.

[SoBayJake]

Husband just ordered the S3, and I'm trying to get the cable cards from TWC, and the rep on the phone said with the cards, we wouldn't be able to receive NHL Center Ice or receive any of the two-way programming using the cards in the TiVo. Is this true? I can't seem to find it on TWC's website. She read me the statement from their 'intranet' site.
True. CableCards, as they are now, are only unidirectional.

If keeping those other things is important, you'll need to keep a cable set top box. But if its just for NHL, you probably wouldn't need to keep it all year.

[jmfairc]

Are the TWC cablecards multi or single stream? Will I definitely need 2?

[benmurphy]

TW Rochester on their cablecard page--sorry no url, its my first post on the form

As of 2006, all new digital services (including channels) will be transmitted using a two-way signal, which is not supported by current CableCard televisions

Has anyone else encountered this yet?

[VoodooNYC]

Are the TWC cablecards multi or single stream? Will I definitely need 2?

When I spoke with TWC here in NYC, he said "we only have one kind of CableCard." I assume that means single stream. I'm prepared to have the CableCards be one of the truly frustrating experiences in this whole process (despite all of the shipping problems). No way is it going to go smoothly with the cable company's lack of knowledge of the S3.

[MurrayJimW]

TWC rep showed up today for the cable card install. The rep was completely clueless as I expected. In fairness, these boxes are new and I would guess the number of installs on them even after they have been out for quite a while will be minimal and the rep they sent was a sub and not a direct employee of TWC.

I was not informed of any charge for the "upgrade" service trip. I did not specifically ask as I did not want to give them any ideas. I already had 1 CC in my HDTV so I ordered one additional and moved the one I had from the TV to the Tivo. I also had them pick up the SA8300 while they were here. The entire appointment took about 30 minutes and the bulk of that time was spent on the phone trying to get both cards authorized. It appears this was accomplished and I am now happily recording two shows at once in HD!!!

All in all installing these cards is a no brainer. The only thing that really needs to be done is to call in the host number and cable card number to the account rep for authorization.

We'll see what happens when my monthly bill comes. I believe they are charging me for digital access on an additional outlet by virtue of the fact that I have two CC's. I only have digital on one outlet so this will be a bone of contention if this is truly the case.

All in all not an unpleasant install................

[zync]

OK, so another attempt at talking with TWC Austin.

"Your current wait time is.... 56 minutes"

WTF? Can this all be due to TiVo S3? I've never seen it this bad.

[tunnelengineer]

happy hour at the TWC office in Austin. I can hear the cans popping open from here....

[skweaz]

I went to the South Austin office today to see if I could weasle some Cards from them. No luck. All I got was "Let me talk you out of CableCard". I hate TW.

[zync]

I went to the South Austin office today to see if I could weasle some Cards from them. No luck. All I got was "Let me talk you out of CableCard". I hate TW.

What do you mean by no luck? They were all out or did they refuse to give you cards?

[skweaz]

What do you mean by no luck? They were all out or did they refuse to give you cards?

They wouldn't let me pick them up. I have to wait until the installer comes next Friday.

[zync]

They wouldn't let me pick them up. I have to wait until the installer comes next Friday.

What are they charging for installation and for each card? Did they say anything about Switched Video?

[TexasGrillChef]

I have TWC in the Dallas area. I just went to my local office and picked up 2 Cable cards. No extra monthly charge $0 extra no matter how many cable cards you get. So when I get TWO more S3 units (for the bedroom, and game room) I will have 9 Cable cards all together... at $0 and I can return all 3 HD DVR's from them! Wooo hoo..

So if your in DAllas, go down to your local TWC office and pick up your cable cards!

TexasGrillChef ...... Grilling the world away....

Tivo 3 - Unmod
HP MD5880n
Samsung BD-P1000 Blu-ray DVD
Pioneer VSX-84Tx
D-Link DSM-520

[jmfairc]

9 cablecards?!?! That's intense. It's unbelieveable that TWC doesn't have a consistent policy with the CCs. I guess it's not that surprising.

[bluetex]

Houston, TX TWC
I called the Local Sales Call center to ask how to get the cable cards. They said visit your neighborhood retail store front. They'll have them when you bring your cable box(es) in.

Hope they're right. If so, this is gonna be sweet.

Waiting now for my tivo.com order to ship.

[zync]

*sigh*

user Zync has entered room
We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.
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analyst Jenn has entered room
Jenn> hello, This is Jenn at Time Warner Cable, How can I help you today?
Zync> Wow you guys are busy. I have questions on cable cards in Austin.
Jenn> Sure..
Jenn> I can try to help you.
Zync> I have need for 2 cable cards for my video device.
Zync> Can I pick them up from the customer service counter?
Jenn> No.. they have to be installed.
Zync> If so, what is the per month price?
Zync> I have instructions for installing them myself. The instructions are simple.
Jenn> 3.73 per card, per month.
Jenn> We do not allow customers to install the Cable Cards.
Zync> Do you know why TWC in Dallas allows customers to pick up their cable cards at the customer service desk and there is no monthly fee?
Zync> But Austin requires a truck roll?
Jenn> Dallas is a different division then Austin.
Zync> TWC Houston allows it as well.
Jenn> I cannot answer anything on another division.
Zync> In any case, is the truck roll free?
Jenn> No, there is not a charge other then the monthly fee.
Zync> Ok - Is the monthly fee per device or per cable card per device?
Zync> My device has 2 CC slots.
Jenn> Per cable card.
Zync> OK - do you offer dual stream cards?
Zync> In that case I only need 1 card.
Jenn> No.. it is a single stream card.
Zync> Thanks - a few more questions please.
Zync> Will I be able to get every digitial cable channel with CC?
Jenn> No.
Zync> What are the limitations?
Jenn> It picks up a different signal then the box..
Zync> What channels will I not get?
Jenn> You wont get the guide or the interactive view..
Zync> Any other limits?
Jenn> As well as any channel that requires a 2-way communication.
Jenn> As is for us to be able to "talk" to the card.
Zync> What channels require 2-way communication?
Zync> Is there a list?
Jenn> No.. there is not a set list.. the only ones that I can think of are the PPV's and the On-demand channels as well as the Icontrol.
Zync> I heard TW Austin is a test market for a technology called Switched Video which could, depending on how its used by the cable company, prevent access to certain channels unless the cable set top box requests the channel (2-way comm). Are you familiar with the use of switched video in the Austin area?
Jenn> Yes, We are in the area that requires a "switched video"
Zync> Do you know which channles are subjected to switching?
Zync> I had heard it was things like the west coast premium channels - nothing commonly used.
Zync> But I'd like to know for sure, since this breaks the use of cable cards with your cable system.
Jenn> There are new ones that were added like National Geo, HGTV, Food, the weather channels,. 13, 14, 20, 23, disney, and CNN
Zync> Wow - these are commonly accessed channels. Are you saying that I will not be able to get these channels if I use my cable card?
Jenn> One moment... let me verify.
Jenn> No, you are not able to get those channels that are considered that "switched" channels.
Zync> Does this violate the FCC mandate for cable companies to support cable card technology?
Jenn> No.. The cards have a specified broadband that does not support the channels.
Zync> It seems that with my cable card I don't get the cable channels that I should be getting.
Zync> In other words, users with cable card have a crippled experience.
Zync> In order to fully understand the limits of using cable cards with TW can you please give me the full list of switched channels?
Jenn> I already did.
Jenn> National Geo, HGTV, Food, the weather channels,. 13, 14, 20, 23, disney, and CNN
Zync> Both the lower channels and upper channels?
Jenn> some of them are not even broadcasted in analog signals anymore, (( national geo ))
Zync> So that's yes - both the upper and lower channels?
Jenn> Yes.. on some of them.
Zync> Do you know which ones from the list? Sorry to go on about this, but not being able to get all channels with cable card is a very big problem for CC customers.
Jenn> which is why we encourage that they get the box. .. But the Music channels you wont be able to get as well as national geo. and soon as well the animal planet.
Zync> I understand. However the purpose of cable cards is to allow customers options without being forced into using a particular set top box. Unfortunately with switched video CC users are effectively crippled which seems to defeat the FCC mandates. I believe I have enough information now. Thank you for your time.
Jenn> Jus remember that we are here for YOU 24/7!!
Have a great day !!!

[zync]

I should add details on which channels are switched in Austin:

National Geographic
HGTV
Food Network
Weather Channel (may mean doppler and TWC and possibly News8)
KAKW
KADF Azteca America
KLRU-2
KBEJ-UPN
Disney
CNN
Animal Planet (soon)

None of the HD channels were on the list... yet.

[skweaz]

Zync, thank you for providing such detailed info.

[ldc3000]

Here is a link to my local TWC and it gives an idea of what will be lost by using a CC. I use none of those extras so it doesn't effect me really. http://www.timewarnercable.com/piedmonttriad/products/cablecard.html

[routerman]

I should add details on which channels are switched in Austin:

National Geographic
HGTV
Food Network
Weather Channel (may mean doppler and TWC and possibly News8)
KAKW
KADF Azteca America
KLRU-2
KBEJ-UPN
Disney
CNN
Animal Planet (soon)

None of the HD channels were on the list... yet.


All of the channels you mention, except National Geographic, are available as analog services as well. I believe all analog channels are now being converted over to digital. This means that if you have a converter, you will receive them in a digital format. If you have a CC equipped TV or Tivo, you will receive the analog version instead of the digital version. I think this is because these digital versions are being switched.

Past posts I have read on other forums mention that all of the west coast feeds of the pay channels (HBO, Showtime, Disney, Cinemax and TMC) are being switched and are not available to CC's. I am not sure if other channels have been added.

[zync]

Well I specifically asked about that:

Zync> Both the lower channels and upper channels?
Jenn> some of them are not even broadcasted in analog signals anymore, (( national geo ))
Zync> So that's yes - both the upper and lower channels?
Jenn> Yes.. on some of them.

[Welshdog]

*sigh*

Jenn> 3.73 per card, per month.
Jenn> We do not allow customers to install the Cable Cards.
Zync> Do you know why TWC in Dallas allows customers to pick up their cable cards at the customer service desk and there is no monthly fee?
Zync> But Austin requires a truck roll?
Jenn> Dallas is a different division then Austin.
Zync> TWC Houston allows it as well.
Jenn> I cannot answer anything on another division.
Zync> In any case, is the truck roll free?
Jenn> No, there is not a charge other then the monthly fee.
Zync> Ok - Is the monthly fee per device or per cable card per device?
Zync> My device has 2 CC slots.
Jenn> Per cable card.

Unbelieveable! The cards in Dallas are free of monthly charges and here in Austin they not only charge for the card they also charge for each card. This is why I won't be using digital cable with my S3 or ever for that matter. What bull. Maybe we should get in touch with our city council folk and make some trouble for TW Austin. Perhaps a few phone calls from city leaders to the right people at TW could change this.

[MurrayJimW]

I have two cards up and running in the Time Warner Piedmont Triad area. After reading a bit on here I checked out their website info on CC's. I noticed that it did in fact mention that the west coast feeds of some premiums were not available to CC customers. I have been unable to get HBO west on these cards and Time warner has been actively troubleshooting this problem. I spoke to an account rep today that had re authorized my cards several times and then completely wiped my account and started over in an attempt to fix this "problem". I now believe that there is nothing to fix and those channels must be switched. You would think the employees would be aware of such things and could have saved us both a lot of time and effort.

I post this only for the benefit of any other customers in the Piedmont Triad region of Time Warner's footprint........

[disneyboi81]

Guys, I have a friend that works for TWC in Dallas and it is standard procedure for a tech to install the cable cards. Customers are not able to pick up cards from local payment centers. This is no different for employees. There is a monthly charge of $4.73 for the 2nd card and on. The first card is free as it replaces the primairy digital box that comes with the package. What office were you able to pick up cards from?

[JerD]

In Los Angeles, formerly Adelphia territory.

I had them out today to install the CableCards. When I ordered the install, I just told them I had 2 TVs to set up with CableCards, so I knew for sure the tech would bring two.

When he came he did in fact have 2 cards, put them in, called a number, and it was up and running. He was here about 30 minutes, mostly due to the waiting for the host id to come up after the cards were installed. He never complained or even mentioned that the order said it was for 2 TVs instead of just one TiVo.

I asked him if he had installed these on a TiVo before, and he said he had done it on a few, which surprised me.

Fortunately there doesn't seem to be SDV in this area, as I can get all of the channels. I'm hoping it's not rolled out here. I'm switching from DirecTV, and I'd like to keep the S3.

Funny side note, his cell phone was turned up pretty loud so I could hear some of the conversation on the other end. When he told the guy it was for a TiVo, I heard the guy say 'Good Luck'. I asked him what exactly that meant, and he said that CableCards can be difficut to get working sometimes. Anyway, that was kind of ominous, but it turned out okay for me.

[ahaley42]

F Time Warner Austin! I had my visit scheduled for today. The non-english speaking third party installer showed us and starting pulling my TV out. I told him it wasn't for the TV, he basically let me take over and I installed it. I asked for the second card and he said he didn't have one. I said that I specifically requested 2 and the conversation I had with the supervisor was specific to needing 2. He said there was nothing he could do besides have me call and set up another appt. He called his boss twice but the person would never speak to me even after I asked.

I live 2 minutes from the North TW office (main) so I drove over and talked a CSR. She had a CL list from January. I told her it was old and they needed a new one. She refused to set up and appt for me because they won't sell cards for Tivos. I told her I already had one installed this morning and it worked. She said because they weren't on the list she couldn't help me. She called someone else about 5 times and they talked about my problem. They finally set up an appt but told me once he got here they couldn't promise he would install it or that it would work. I told her it would and it was the law that they had to sell me one for this device as it was cable labs certified. She didn't believe me.

I don't expect all TW people to understand. But at this point cable cards shouldn't be so foreign. I've had to make 10 phone calls, 1 on-site visit, and 1 truck roll. Don't be so anti-customer service monopoly pushing jerks. Print out a what's up how-does-this-work sheet and hand it out to people. They tried to talk me out of it from the time I called the level 1 phone support person and heard "the" speech no less than 5 times. I DON'T BUY VOD OR OTHER STUPID SERVICES THROUGH MY CABLE BOX! I ALREADY PAY ALMOST $200 TO TW! QUIT RAPING ME! Just give me the cable card and make me a happy customer. I'm saving you money by coming to get it and not making you roll a truck and not making you talk to me for 3 hours. It just cost you over $100 for work I was willing to do myself. It's basic business! Want to make more money?! Treat your customers with respect and decency and you will be rewarded. You should be happy that I give you more freaking money than anything besides my car or my house. Geez. I might actually have a freaking stroke. :-)

[jfh3]

Zync> Does this violate the FCC mandate for cable companies to support cable card technology?
Jenn> No.. The cards have a specified broadband that does not support the channels.




LOL! "The cards have a specified broadband that does not support the channels".

Wonder what she was trying to say ...

[jacksonian]

MurrayJimW,
I live in Greensboro, but have held off on the S3 because TWC has said they are rolling out SDV now and intend to put all their channels on it. Did you find out anything from TWC regarding SDV? Don't we have the same franchise (Triad)?

[MurrayJimW]

MurrayJimW,
I live in Greensboro, but have held off on the S3 because TWC has said they are rolling out SDV now and intend to put all their channels on it. Did you find out anything from TWC regarding SDV? Don't we have the same franchise (Triad)?

Yes we are in the same division. I went ahead and ordered firstly because I couldn't stand the DVR they gave me one more minute and secondly because I don't think TWC is going to be able to get away with doing this.

My OPINION is that since the FCC mandated that cable companies provide a way for consumers to receive their offerings without their box and the cablecard is the device that serves that mandate; doing anything to render the cablecard ineffective essentially ignores the FCC's mandate. (I hope I'm right)

In any event, the only problem thus far is HBOW channels which I can live without. If it gets worse I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Time Warner was not even aware I could not get HBOW and spent all afternoon trying to make it work. That should tell you how much the local folks are aware of system issues regarding cable cards. I would think trying to get a rollout schedule from them would be impossible since they didn't even know they were using it now.

[Trynyty]

I was really upset with my experience and posted in the Columbia, SC - HDTV thread over at AVSForum. Here is my post, the reply from a TW rep, and my response to that. I'm really concerned about the future of CableCards with TW and SDV is currently the only think keeping me on the fence regarding the S3.

Enjoy

---------------------------------------

My first post:

I recently called and had a cable card 'installed' in my cable card ready TV and was NEVER told about an installation cost for this. I will be disputing this if I am charged. I truly do not understand why I have to be charged to call a phone number and read some numbers off of the card and then off of the screen. There is nothing more to it than that. The whole process, minus the inept bumbling of the 'installer' should take less than 5 minutes.

Now, about the installer. He couldn't understand how a cable box and a cable card could both work on the same TV. He thought he HAD to take the cable box with him in exchange for the cable card. I finally told him I was going to move it to another TV just to shut him up. He has no clue what HDMI is. He called it 'HDI something' over the walkie-talkie. He had apparently never even seen high-def before and was marvelling at the channels on my TV in disbelief. He kept reading the wrong numbers on the screen when he was prompted for one. I had to correct him several times. He would read numeric triplets such as 503 over the phone as 'five hundred and three' instead of 'five zero three'. He also told me that you could not receive premium channels over a cable card. In essence, he was akin to the 'worst case customer' scenario that TW would face if it allowed customers to install their own cards. In addition to this, he is providing mis-information as a representative of TW. Why does this cost $30?

'Egregious' is being very polite. The word I'm thinking of may be a RICO offense although I'm sure there is enough lobby money to prevent that from happening.

I am mostly just frustrated right now. I see SDV as yet another roadblock to allowing 3rd party devices to eat away from the profits, irregardless of the FCC mandate. It's like a smug little game where the law states that you must provide something and you do, but you cripple it just enough and just shrug your shoulders and say 'we cannot do it any other way, but the next version will work just fine when it comes out in 2 or 3 years'. Do you think this game will ever end? I don't.

I just want to watch some TV on my terms, why is the world against me on this?


------------------------------------

Reply:

I have addressed all these points previously from the TWCSC viewpoint - don't mean to be rude, but I am not going to rehash everytime someone new wants to bring it up.

The rate card installation price point for CableCARD is and has always been $29.95. I can have the recording of your installation conversation pulled if you like to review. I honestly don't know the legal ramifications if the Rep didn't tell you about an installation cost AND you also did not ask if there was any such thing, but I'll be happy to pursue that information if you would like. I will need you to email me with specifics of your account so I can get the recording pulled.

Certainly I do apologize for the ineptitude of the Installation Tech. Again, if you email me specifics of your account I can see who that was and ensure this is reported to their supervisor for education.

__________________
Diana Smith
Director of Marketing for Video Services
Please use email rather than PM twcscnews@twcable.com
TWC South Carolina
Read our Phil the Cable Guy Blog!


---------------------------------------------------

My last post:

I'm not sure what the recording will buy me. I was there. You read the number off the card, insert it and then read the two numbers off of the screen. That was quite literally all that was done. Someone on the backend entered the info and I had television within a couple of minutes of that entering. I really love the convenience of being able to go to the main cable office and pick up a box and install it myself. That is great. I think TW needs to make cable cards follow the same model. You throw out a lot of technical terms and try to make it sound difficult to do this on the backend, but it was only three numbers and nothing was done on my end above that. This is not rocket science, as they say. Why can't a typical support operator be trained to do this?

It just seems funny that an item you make a lot of money off of is easy to get and install but one you make much less from is difficult to get and has mandatory installation fees. Can't you see how that looks from the outside? Even if you believe this justified, it is a PR issue and I'm sure you can understand it from that standpoint. And, sorry to be rude and rehash previous posts that have, I'm sure solved and explained everyone's complaints and issues, but there is no justification for charging 60 bucks to install 2 cable cards at one time. None. I hate to be unreasonable on this, but nothing will change my mind. The on site installer's time and gas money should at least be deducted. But there you go.

As for going after the poor guy sent to my house for corrective action, that is so typical of a business. That would just be a bandaid and not address the real problem. I've seen this many times. He was a nice guy. His problem was that he was improperly trained and I seriously doubt (based upon my experience with multiple TW contractors sent to my house over the past 10 years) that this would not be true of a majority of the on-site folks. You cannot hire the cheapest and expect the best. So, no, I have nothing against the fellow sent to my house. I know that you know who I am and therefore who the installer was, but I urge you to truly address the problem and not just go after the easy quarry.

PS
Don't worry about being rude. This is nothing personal, and based upon our previous communications, I like you quite a bit. I'm angry with TW, not with you. I don't even need a reply to this. Sorry to be disruptive. Now, everyone can go back to discussing how wonderful the SA DVR is.

[zync]

Surprise! The TWC rep completely ignored the SDV comment.

[Icarus]

Oceanic TW (Hawaii) wants to charge for duplicate service for each CC. So each CC will cost $8 per month. They also unbundled the HD Programming Package (HDnet, HD ESPN, HD TNT, iNHD, HD Discovery, etc) and now charge $6.95 separately for each box or cablecard that gets it. So I'd have to pay $6.95 x 2 to get it on both cable cards for a single S3. (Can the S3 deal with different programming packages for each CC? Do you get to pick "channels I receive" separately for each CC?)

I've never heard of this pricing model before. Can they actually do this? You end up paying extra for stuff you're already paying for with this model, and at the same time makes the cost higher for competing products.

The $6.95 per box charge already made me dump it (and the HD box) from the downstairs TV, and at the same time I returned another box, so I have two sets in the house that just get analog using either their own tuner or an S2 tivo. On the other 3 sets, I have their HD DVR in the living room, my modified S1 + cable box in my bedroom and a cable box in my daughters room. If I got an S3, it would go in my bedroom with a new monitor. I really don't want to have to pay OTV more money for returning a box and renting 2 CCs plus the extra 6.95 x 1 or 2. One $8 charge would be offset by returning the box, so it works out to one extra duplicate service fee, plus the HD Package fees.

OTW's pricing model makes DTV look more attractive every day.

Not sure what good it will do, but I'm writing to the FCC.

-David

[bferrell]

TW Cincinnati just did my install, took about 10 minutes, and worked a treat (aside from card 2 not being set up for the ESPN HD tier, but they're coming back Monday for that - a TRUCK ROLL, for cripes sakes). Both are doing all the Digital and HD stuff, and the card 1 does ESPN HD, so I'm pretty pleased.

Brett

[Icarus]

TW Cincinnati just did my install, took about 10 minutes, and worked a treat (aside from card 2 not being set up for the ESPN HD tier, but they're coming back Monday for that - a TRUCK ROLL, for cripes sakes). Both are doing all the Digital and HD stuff, and the card 1 does ESPN HD, so I'm pretty pleased.

Brett

Is there a way to tell your S3 that only one CC gets HD ESPN, etc?

Thanks,
David

[ahaley42]

With one cable card, all I could squeeze out of TW Austin, I can't get above channel 411. very bizarre. All channels, not just HD.

[bferrell]

Is there a way to tell your S3 that only one CC gets HD ESPN, etc?

Thanks,
David
Yea, what I did was tuned in ESPN HD, ok that worked, changed the channel on that tuner and had it record something else (to make sure it wasn't being used), and the hit "live TV" to switch tuners, tuned to ESPN HD, nada. I was able to clear this up with a simple telephone call, though they seemed clueless. However, now I notice that neither tuner pulls in SPEEDChannel, though they both think they are. Cripes.

Brett
TW Cinci

[comicsacrifice]

I just sent this to every TIVO e-mail address I could find:

" Dear Tivo,
you guys better deal with the cable companies.. (mainly time warner) they are hurting you. the switched digital video is rendering the cablecards useless as they can not receive many of the cable channels. does this not break the FCC mandate on cable card support? should my cable viewing experience be crippled just because I chose not to use the cable companies horrible set top box and instead opted for YOUR new series 3 tivo along with the aid of cablecards?

seems to me like you guys are the ones that should be heading this battle. "


So if this "switched video" does indeed break the FCC mandate for cable card support, couldn't this open the door for a class action lawsuit? We ALL need to fight this now so it doesn't grow. Right now its austin and a few others.. soon it will be you. We need to fight this.

[Gene S]

*sigh*
Zync> I heard TW Austin is a test market for a technology called Switched Video which could, depending on how its used by the cable company, prevent access to certain channels unless the cable set top box requests the channel (2-way comm). Are you familiar with the use of switched video in the Austin area?
Jenn> Yes, We are in the area that requires a "switched video"
Zync> Do you know which channles are subjected to switching?
Zync> I had heard it was things like the west coast premium channels - nothing commonly used.
Zync> But I'd like to know for sure, since this breaks the use of cable cards with your cable system.
Jenn> There are new ones that were added like National Geo, HGTV, Food, the weather channels,. 13, 14, 20, 23, disney, and CNN
Zync> Wow - these are commonly accessed channels. Are you saying that I will not be able to get these channels if I use my cable card?
Jenn> One moment... let me verify.
Jenn> No, you are not able to get those channels that are considered that "switched" channels.


I wonder if she got SDV and Digital Simulcast confused. (I think that is the right term)
Often they send a digital channel as well as the analog channel. If you have a STB from the cable company and tune to channel 13 for example, and 13 is sent in analog and digital, the box will display the digital channel. If you don't have a box and tune to channel 13 you get the analog version.
If you use a S3 without a cable card you will get the analog version.
If you use a S3 with a cable card you will get the digital version.
The Food channel, weather channel, and CNN are popular channels. It wouldn't make sense to make these SDV channels, there would be no bandwidth savings.

[SCSIRAID]

I wonder if she got SDV and Digital Simulcast confused. (I think that is the right term)
Often they send a digital channel as well as the analog channel. If you have a STB from the cable company and tune to channel 13 for example, and 13 is sent in analog and digital, the box will display the digital channel. If you don't have a box and tune to channel 13 you get the analog version.
If you use a S3 without a cable card you will get the analog version.
If you use a S3 with a cable card you will get the digital version.
The Food channel, weather channel, and CNN are popular channels. It wouldn't make sense to make these SDV channels, there would be no bandwidth savings.


"If you use a S3 with a cable card you will get the digital version"

Not true with TWC Raleigh. Cablecard gets the analog version.

When I had the card in a TV, I could see that analog artifacts. Spoke with TWC and they confirmed that CC receives NTSC analog for channels under 100. Digital Simulcast is only with their STB.

[comicsacrifice]

"If you use a S3 with a cable card you will get the digital version"

Not true with TWC Raleigh. Cablecard gets the analog version.

When I had the card in a TV, I could see that analog artifacts. Spoke with TWC and they confirmed that CC receives NTSC analog for channels under 100. Digital Simulcast is only with their STB.

You're STUCK with analog on all channels 100 and below? that is insane.. what's the point of even having an 800 dollar HD tivo then? and whats going to happen to the people who purchased an hd tivo when they go to switched digital all over? this could end up very badly.

[SCSIRAID]

You're STUCK with analog on all channels 100 and below? that is insane.. what's the point of even having an 800 dollar HD tivo then? and whats going to happen to the people who purchased an hd tivo when they go to switched digital all over? this could end up very badly.

The only hope is that Tivo will provide the capability to remap the analog channel number to the digital simulcast QAM channel.

It doesnt appear to be SDV... Just fixed digital QAM. TWC could do the mapping for us in the CC.... but that would require them to actually care about us.

[jacksonian]

MurrayJimW,
Please keep us posted on any SDV issues. I've exchanged emails with Jack Stanley, President of Triad TWC regarding the SA8300 and SDV and TiVo S3. If you start losing HD channels or anything else, please post here or PM me.

[comicsacrifice]

i don't get the feeling that time warner really cares about me, at least not the los angeles branch. not in the least. the woman spit in my face when i went into the oxnard street office. not kidding. she said "we don't need you, you need us. sorry." then she spit in my face.

[jacksonian]

Here is a link to my local TWC and it gives an idea of what will be lost by using a CC. I use none of those extras so it doesn't effect me really. http://www.timewarnercable.com/piedmonttriad/products/cablecard.html
That list doesn't address any SDV channels, and the Triad technical guy has told me that they're putting "all their channels" on SDV.

Cool that their are several of us from the Piedmont Triad NC.

[Trynyty]

Here is an email I received from a contact within TW in SC. Already obsolete technology!? Also, why are hispanic customers being prejudiced against? They cannot use cable cards for hispanic content apparently.

Enjoy:

-------------------------

Hello,

I'm sorry you didn't realize SDV was an issue with one-way cable cards. I thought I might have covered that in detail on the forum. Let we say that you receive all the channels you pay for because we are not selling partial 'tiers' of digital service. Two exceptions probably instantly leap to your mind: Premium channels and The HD Tier -

Premium - customers only ever pay for the linear channel of service, so HBO East coast proper. All other multiplex of the screen are free. So if you were living in Lane, SC you would pay $9.95 for HBO one channel in Analog, just like in Columbia where you pay $9.95 for the one channel and get the other 13 as a bonus because you are a digital premium subscriber.

HD Tier - we launched as a 5 channel service at $6.95 and when we added Universal HD, we didn't increase the rate, so CableCARD subs are getting and paying for what was always available to them.

2 Way CableCARDs will be available next year - BUT they will not convert your existing one-way television into two-way - the input on your TV will remain one way even with a two-way card. 2 way TVs are sometime next year as well, but that would be another expenditure for you.

I have attached a list of channels available with the CableCARD - it doesn't include HBO HD East or Sho HD East - this is my typo, but you get them. What you cannot get is:
Digital Sports Tier
Hispanic Tier
Sports Packages
PPV
All West Coast Premium channels
Selected East Coast Premium multiplex channels

Tivo 3 is One-Way, so same SDV issues will apply

You will not get ANY additional HD channels beyond your current line up with one-way cable card.

Again I apologize for not doing a good enough job to wave you off this already obsolete technology.

[pkscout]

"If you use a S3 with a cable card you will get the digital version"

Not true with TWC Raleigh. Cablecard gets the analog version.

When I had the card in a TV, I could see that analog artifacts. Spoke with TWC and they confirmed that CC receives NTSC analog for channels under 100. Digital Simulcast is only with their STB.

Well, that bites, and is yet another example of the monopoly keeping competition out through marginally legal means. Basically what I have come to expect from TWC. I guess I won't get the cablecards then, as that's the only reason I had to have them (I get all my HD OTA in Durham). Actually, I think I'll just keep DirecTV and not even bother with TWC (never thought I'd say that, but the 6.3 upgrade extended the life of my HDTiVo significantly).

[Gene S]

"If you use a S3 with a cable card you will get the digital version"

Not true with TWC Raleigh. Cablecard gets the analog version.

When I had the card in a TV, I could see that analog artifacts. Spoke with TWC and they confirmed that CC receives NTSC analog for channels under 100. Digital Simulcast is only with their STB.

I'm not doubting you, this just is contradictory to what I've read in the past couple months. (I'm trying to find the posts where I read it, I don't remember if it was here or AVS, so its taking some time.) And one of the uses of cablecards is to map QAM digtial channels.
For years, the general rule of thumb were channels 1-99 are analog, and 100+ are digital, but that is no longer accurate, for most major cable companies.

[pkscout]

I'm not doubting you, this just is contradictory to what I've read in the past couple months. (I'm trying to find the posts where I read it, I don't remember if it was here or AVS, so its taking some time.) And one of the uses of cablecards is to map QAM digtial channels.

Mapping the HD channels to specific QAM frequencies and re-mapping the analog channel to its digital simulcast are two different things.

[2farrell]

I haven't ordered a S3 yet, but I did call TW here in Raleigh, NC. They charge 1.75 per card per month, but charge 49.99 installation per card. Anyone else here live in Raleigh get the same answer?
Yes, I got the same quote and also got told I would no longer be able to stay in DIGIPiC and my Internet bill would also go up too since I would be a-la-carte.
That sucks and is just plain bad service. :mad:

[BillyT2002]

Time Warner took over Adelphia here in Waterville, ME. The first 100 channels are in analog and there is no digital simulast available here even with their best DVR STB. They plan on making no changes to this area until 1999 (so that probably means no SDV either). They have 3 major networks in HD and three or four national HD channels beyond that, but they don't have very much HD. So, as much as I'd like to buy an S3 and support TIVO, I'm going with DirecTV's HR20-700 solution to complement the HR10-250 and HDVR2 receivers that I already have, which ultimately means another two year commitment starting on Monday 9/18/2006.

So, Time Warner Cable has lost out on this sale.

I really hope that Verizon is serious about bringing FIOS here as they state on the FIOS web page and the sooner the better.

[comicsacrifice]

They plan on making no changes to this area until 1999 (so that probably means no SDV either).

1999?

[comicsacrifice]

damn it. i really didn't want to have to return this thing, but i think i have to. unless tivo can guarantee some kind of swap out deal when they release the next tivo with cablecard 2.0 compatibility and a bigger hard drive. what a hassle.

[MurrayJimW]

MurrayJimW,
Please keep us posted on any SDV issues. I've exchanged emails with Jack Stanley, President of Triad TWC regarding the SA8300 and SDV and TiVo S3. If you start losing HD channels or anything else, please post here or PM me.


You can count on it.

I honestly believe this will end up in a class action suit or with the FCC coming down on TWC if they push this issue. As far as I am concerned, they are already at odds with the FCC's mandate. We know the cable companies threw everything they had at this ruling before it was passed to stop it. Since they lost that political battle, they have decided to "test the waters" to see what will happen if they ignore it. Hopefully they will get what is coming to them......

The same goes for you. If you hear anything from Stanley or anyone else about an acceleration of SDV rollout or any more changes please let me know so I can at least start writing letters or making phone calls.

Jim

[BillyT2002]

1999?

Sorry, I meant 2009.

[Icarus]

Yea, what I did was tuned in ESPN HD, ok that worked, changed the channel on that tuner and had it record something else (to make sure it wasn't being used), and the hit "live TV" to switch tuners, tuned to ESPN HD, nada. I was able to clear this up with a simple telephone call, though they seemed clueless. However, now I notice that neither tuner pulls in SPEEDChannel, though they both think they are. Cripes.

Brett
TW Cinci

ok, so what did they tell you do to clear it up???

-David

[ldc3000]

That list doesn't address any SDV channels, and the Triad technical guy has told me that they're putting "all their channels" on SDV.

Cool that their are several of us from the Piedmont Triad NC.


Under where it says Note: Digital Cable Ready TV required for this service.
It says:

*Effective April 1, 2006, additional time zone channels available with some of our Premium Services will move to a two-way, switched digital technology and will not be available via CableCARD™. Additional time zone programming is not available with all Premium Services.

[CYX]

I’ve installed TIVO Series 2 in a house with Time Warner Cable. No cable box. This is in Marina Del Rey, California. I am getting all channels I am suppose to except FOX News and MSNBC. CNN, for example, is fine. I don’t have any premium packages.

When I set recording to Fox News (channel 32), TIVO tries to tune but reports lost signal. If I manually tune via the grid guide or directly, I get black screen.
Any ideas?

[TechDreamer]

What does this have to do with the Series 3?

[pkscout]

Yes, I got the same quote and also got told I would no longer be able to stay in DIGIPiC and my Internet bill would also go up too since I would be a-la-carte.
That sucks and is just plain bad service. :mad:

Wow. That's a pretty creative way to screw the customer I hadn't even thought of. TWC innovation at it's finest. :rolleyes:

If DSL is an option for you, you might consider switching, or at least telling TWC that forcing you to unbundle like that just to get a cablecard is pretty crappy and that you'll just drop all the services you previously had been bundling.

[jeffrypennock]

So I thought that between FCC mandates and the fact that Comcast takes over the Houston market in a few months, we were safe from SDV.

But now, I'm nervous. From what I understand, TWC Houston called all its customers (I missed the call) with a message saying their may be outages in the next couple weeks as they switch all of our channels to digital. That's all I can extract from what I'm reading online, but they're all paraphrasing and I'm not sure what TWC means. I don't know if they means they're going to be carrying digital streams for all of our old analog channels or if that means they're switching us to SDV for some/all of our channels (whereas only VOD is SDV here, currently). Did anybody on here in the Houston area get that message? What's happening?

[zync]

Whew, what a mess...

There are several larger points with regards to SDV:

1) Any channel that is switched may not be available to CC customers
2) TiVo S3, being a CC device, may not be able to access switched channels
3) SDV is coming to certain TWC areas now, possibly all TWC areas in the future
4) It appears that as time goes on, more channels will be subject to switching, thus increasing the probability that TiVo S3 units will not function properly on TWC cable systems.

In addition, the quality of information we are getting is poor:

5) There is some confusion at the CSR level between simulcast and SDV. The extent of the confusion is unknown, but it does muddy the situation.
6) TWC is unable, or unwilling, to provide details on plans for implementing SDV and thus the impact on CC users
7) TWC in different areas operates as separate groups so each area is different, thus adding to the confusion.

And finally

8) Several requests to various TiVo representatives for more information on how TiVo customers can approach SDV issues now and in the future have gone unanswered so far.

[jeffrypennock]

Whew, what a mess...

5) There is some confusion at the CSR level between simulcast and SDV. The extent of the confusion is unknown, but it does muddy the situation.

Well said. A good review to get us back on track in our use of technical language.

My post was regarding the final stages of something being implemented in Houston. Because I missed TWC's call (and calling them back to ask would be pointless for the above quoted reason), I want to know WHAT it is that's being implemented this weekend. I was told by a CSR that they were 75% done w/ implementation of digital simulcast hardware upgrades, etc., here a month ago. I don't know if that was correct info then. I don't know if that's what's in the final stages of execution now OR if this implementation is a separate one - SDV. This is what I was asking about.

[vman41]

Mapping the HD channels to specific QAM frequencies and re-mapping the analog channel to its digital simulcast are two different things.

I fail to see the distinction. If I select channel 10 (WBNS), the STB can either map that to the analog signal on channel 5 or to the simulcast on whatever QAM sub-channel it is using.

[TexasGrillChef]

Farmers Branch Cable office

[box464]

I am a TWC Customer in Dallas, TX.

I got the runaround from the CS Rep I spoke to, saying "We will not install in a Tivo"...he was nice tho and then said "If you have 2 TV's with CableCards we can send someone out."...basically telling me to fib to him. So I did. I just hope the technician doesn't freak out when he gets here. Also, I'm sure sending a truck out means a charge on my bill.

This is contrary to TexasChef's experience with the same Cable Company, in the same City.

Also, in my area of Dallas, we have a dual line system, which is nuts. Every house has TWO cable lines coming into it, one for Side A channels, one for Side B. They are slowly switching everyone over to single line this year, but it's been like this for ages. Anyway, I don't think CableCards will work in this type of system? I am not sure. My thought is that I am going to have to keep the set top box, which will allow me to record in HD, but I will not be able to record 2 shows at once.

If anyone else is in a Dual Line area and has setup a Series 3 please let me know your experiences. Thanks!

[JKay]

TWC SDV looks like its going to ruin my S3 plans!

I just phoned my local TWC customer service in Southern California and was advised they are not implementing SDV at the moment and they will advise customers when they do go to SDV. I could not pry any additional information from them. However, I got the distinct impression that they were, not only well aware of SDV, but that it was coming.

I asked about getting 2 cablecards for a TiVo and was told they would not do that. After some discussion they advised me they would provide them, but they would not work in a TiVo.

I tried to enlighten the young lady I was talking to, but her mind was totally closed to my efforts to explain the circumstances of a Series 3 TiVo.

I guess I am going back to D*.

[SCSIRAID]

I just made my Cablecard appointment for late next week with TWC Raleigh. Painless. They didnt even ask what it was going to be used in.

I will certainly have a printed copy of the email I have from their VP of Customer Care stating "We will and do support products that require cable cards, as long as they are cable lab certified." and a copy of the cablelabs list.

[Rob Helmerichs]

There's also a CableCard installation sheet that comes with the TiVo, which you're supposed to give to the installer...that should clarify things a little.

[ahaley42]

Anyone else having problems with premium content after moving to your TW CC?

[Nalez]

Another data point.

TWC Minnesota, $1.75 per cable card. I am moving from DirecTV, so I get a truck roll no matter what :)

[jeffrypennock]

Anyone else having problems with premium content after moving to your TW CC?
YES! But it's not JUST premium content. I have it on some but not all of my HD channels (problems w/ ESPNHD and UniversalHD but not w/ HDnet) and with some but not all of my digital SD channels (problems w/ Bravo and Sundance but not my soccer channels). The problem that I'm having is with tiling and pixelation of the video and drop-outs on the audio.

I did the signal strength indicator and, on problem channels, it jumps all over the place, from 96 to no digital signal. TiVo and TWC both agreed that I had signal strength problems since I was RECEIVING all my channels, albeit problematically for some (therefore, it was concluded that this wasn't a CC authorization issue). HOWEVER, I just had a TWC tech out to my place. He installed a 15dB signal strength booster, said I was now getting TONS of signal, and it didn't help one bit on the problematic channels!

Tech said he had no idea if it was a problem with my CC's or with my TiVo box but either way, there was nothing he could about it because what was coming out of the cable wire was fine. So he left.

Anyone else out there having this problem?
What should I do? I paid $$$ for this box and I REALLY want it to work. :(

[vman41]

The channel lineup sheet for central Ohio has 20 separate boxes listing channel groupings, which match up with the product offerings in a confusing manner.

Under "Individual Services", they only give a phone number for the Basic and Standard (analog) tiers while for Digital Cable it says "As Low As $52.40/month". They list a combination "Digital Cable/Roadrunner" bundle for $85.95 as a limited time offer. There is an endless set of 'upgrades' for digital cable.

The Digital Acess Service for $4.30 doesn't seem to do anything except enable the interactive program guide, which would necessitate a Time-Warner supplied STB. The "DVR" upgrade is $7.95, but then says "*Requires DVR set-top terminal", like there is something additonal you have to buy. The HDTV terminal is $7.95, but nothing about available HDTV-capable DVRs. Cablecards are $1.75/month plus $19.95 installation fee.

Under the various channel groupings labeled 'HD', I can't find any service or upgrade that explicitly mentions 'HD variety' (Discovery HD, TNT-HD, etc). The group that includes ESPN-HD and HDnet is $6.95/month).

Here's a summary I'm trying to work with:

Central Ohio TW cable services (17-SEP-2006):

Channel groupings # chan. Price Bundles and restrictions Desirable channels in group.
Basic service 26 $ 14.10 ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, TBS, C-SPAN
Standard Service 46 $ 39.95 CNN, ESPN, ESPN2, TCM, FNC, Discovery.
Digital Broadcast 3 free* $4.30 digital access+$1.75/CC. WOSU.PLUS
Family Choice (13) unlisted
Digital Latino 12 $ 4.95
Digital Variety 45 $ 8.65 $11.10 if in Premier Dig. bundle.
Digital Movie 10 $ 8.65 $11.10 if in Premier Dig. bundle. Sundance, FMC, IFC
Digital Extras 2 free* Requires STB
Digital Premium 40* $varies HBO, Showtime, TMC
Digital Sports Plus 7 $ 4.95 $3.95 if added to other dig. pkg.
Digital Music Choice 47 free* Requires other digital pkg.
HD Premium 2 unlisted!
HD Broadcast 4 free* with digital package? NBC, CBS, PBS, CW
HD Variety 3 unlisted! Discovery, TNT
HD Gold 5 $ 6.95 HDnet ESPN
(on demand) Must have TW STB ($6.95/$7.95).
Premiums 4 $varies
Movies 12 $varies
Digital PPV 20+ $varies
HD movies 1 $varies
Free 30 free*

[l_emmerdeur]

Assuming that my S3 will be arriving this week (I ordered Tuesday morning), I called TWC NYC to set up an appointment to have 2 Cablecards and an HD STB installed to replace my current digital STB (for the S2) and non-HD DVR.

The CSR told me that it would probably be easier for me to drop off and pick them up myself. I had her check to make sure no appointment was required for the Cablecards, and she confirmed that I could pick them up at their 23rd Street location (the one closest to me) and install them myself.

I will update on this here as soon as I attempt to pick them up.

*******************************

As for all the other problems people are talking about in these threads - TWC and others excluding switched video from their Cablecard implementation - why couldn't Tivo just include two of the IR blasters with the S3, and require two HD STBs to have two tuners? And if they didn't, the S2 has USB ports, which would be perfect for an add-on module that could include two IR blasters that could be attached to HD STBs. Am I missing something here?

[SoBayJake]

As for all the other problems people are talking about in these threads - TWC and others excluding switched video from their Cablecard implementation - why couldn't Tivo just include two of the IR blasters with the S3, and require two HD STBs to have two tuners? And if they didn't, the S2 has USB ports, which would be perfect for an add-on module that could include two IR blasters that could be attached to HD STBs. Am I missing something here?
Yes, it can't be done that way. There is no consumer level equipment to encode HD signals. It would cost into the thousands of dollars. The S3 and STBs record the already compressed digital stream.

[comicsacrifice]

Whew, what a mess...

There are several larger points with regards to SDV:

1) Any channel that is switched may not be available to CC customers
2) TiVo S3, being a CC device, may not be able to access switched channels
3) SDV is coming to certain TWC areas now, possibly all TWC areas in the future
4) It appears that as time goes on, more channels will be subject to switching, thus increasing the probability that TiVo S3 units will not function properly on TWC cable systems.

In addition, the quality of information we are getting is poor:

5) There is some confusion at the CSR level between simulcast and SDV. The extent of the confusion is unknown, but it does muddy the situation.
6) TWC is unable, or unwilling, to provide details on plans for implementing SDV and thus the impact on CC users
7) TWC in different areas operates as separate groups so each area is different, thus adding to the confusion.

And finally

8) Several requests to various TiVo representatives for more information on how TiVo customers can approach SDV issues now and in the future have gone unanswered so far.

Well done. Lets hope we get this cleared up before my 30 day return window closes.

[l_emmerdeur]

Yes, it can't be done that way. There is no consumer level equipment to encode HD signals. It would cost into the thousands of dollars. The S3 and STBs record the already compressed digital stream.

Aha. Then I'd say the two best pressure points for S3 owners, and consumers in general, are

1. Verizon*, to be CC-friendly with their FioS service and, more importantly

2. Tivo, who had best provide for CC 2.0 compatibility in these supposedly high-end $800 machines.

* I'm no huge fan of Verizon, but in a world of grades of incompetence, I'll take Verizon over TWC any day.

[Interactive]

Folks: This is a really sad thread. Those of us that are craving technological advances, and are ready and willing to pay for them, are restricted from adopting this technology because of an oversized, bureaucratic monopolistic company. Clearly getting to TW and their industry peers via politics and law will be tough as they have far more dollars for lobbyists and lawyers than I do (and probably more than all of us collectively).

I know this sounds crazy (and it's really not my style to introduce a topic like this) but has there been any discussion of a formal, scheduled protest in the form of a "Service Cancellation Simulcast"? We pick a date and schedule thousands of us to call TW and cancel our service due to CableCard and Tivo incompatibility (and a laundry list of other reasons). I'd be willing to live with OTA for a while to make a point and get some attention. Issues far less impacting than this have received significant attention from the media and this may be the type of thing we need to stir up to get attention from the masses, and more importantly, to provide visibility TO the masses. Currently, TW views this as a problem for a small number of "early adopter" clientele and in terms of the percentage of total subscribers they're probably right. They don't feel threatened by our business, or potential loss of it, because we represent a small dollar amount to them in terms of their total revenue base. But the moves they're making now, and those they're discussing for the future, stand to impact many other users, especially after the upcoming holiday season which stands to be the largest HD buying spree to date. The rest of America needs to understand this corporate strong-arm tactic today before the inertia of their efforts forces the average TV viewing American to think that this is "just the way it has to be" for their cable services to work.

I propose the week before Thanksgiving...the start of the holiday shopping season...where all of those naive, HD-desiring Americans are going to start laying down serious cash to buy into the next generation technology, only to be mis-informed and under serviced by their local cable co. Let's threaten TW and others where it hurts most: their premium subscriber growth rate. They've made significant investments to update networks to these newer services, albeit some of them very proprietary/non-universal, with the expectation that this would lure incremental revenue onto our cable invoices. What if those potential HD buyers were aware of the potential limitations, hassels and costs associated with that new flat panel...would they still make the investment this year or would they hold off until the "dust settles" a bit??

I'm not a political activist by any stretch...and typically, I'm very politically conservative and pro-business. But those values are based on the assumption of a true competitive marketplace. In the case of cable TV, I don't have an individual choice of providers. I'm forced to deal with one service option for cable TV and they appear to be running rampant and taking advantage of their single-vendor advantage.

Can't we do something to tip the scales back in our favor?

[l_emmerdeur]

Interactive,

I have found that the best way to deal with a heavily-armored war elephant is to not deal with it at all. That is why I have suggested that the solution is in avoiding companies like TWC altogether. To do so, we need companies like Tivo to create boxes that are more flexible in terms of hardware upgrades/addons. And nothing angers a large, burdened elephant more than having to chase a bunch of pipsqueeks around the battlefield (and nothing tires them faster, either).

Essentially, all Tivos are PCs. Why not include a couple of PCI or PCIe slots which can be used to add future modules? Thus, even if the S3 does not support CC 2.0, we can always buy a CC 2.0 module and have it installed later. That way, Tivo is not slaved to the cable companies' whims and business interests, or the schedule of the Cablecard 2.0 approval process.

Isn't there anybody at Tivo pointing out these easy solutions? If I'm willing to pay $800 to get what people are reporting is the best HD recording quality available and the Tivo UI, I'm willing to pay an extra $100 or even $200 for some future-proofing against SDV/CC 2.0/etc. (and maybe a better processor :cool: )

[freiz]

Hi,

Some introductory fuzz and some notes on my upcoming TWC-Austin install. Then my analysis of SDV's impact on TWC-Austin viewers with S3s.

New forum user, old-timer Tivo user here. I bought my first Tivo after hearing rave reviews from friends back in 2001 or so. My first PVR was the SA SD unit from Time Warner the very minute they became available. Yuck, they were buggy. To SA's credit over the past 8+ years they have managed to incorporate 2 or 3 improvements making the SA PVR almost functional, but useability still suffers a 2 out of 10. I currently have 2 40 hour Series 2's and 1 SA HD PVR.

I ordered my S3 from Circuit City about 8 hours ago with the 10% discount and it'll arrive Tuesday. I also grabbed the 5 year warranty - something I never do. I figure $800 warrants a warranty given the failure rate of harddrives.

My CC install is scheduled for this Wednesday. The poor call center employee that took my order for CC install early this morning could only smile at my ignorance when I told her I would be having the cards installed in my Tivo. I proceeded to try to explain to her the situation and after a couple of minutes of futility finally provided the model information for my "two" Mitsubishi 65" TVs. It's all I could do to continue the order process!

TWC-Austin charges $3 and some change for CCs, but proudly wants $30 per card install. I will be requesting a service credit for the second install, once installed. We'll see what happens. I'll also let everyone know how the install goes.

On the subject of SDV. This has been discussed at length in another thread and I agree that it represents a potential problem that will potentially grow larger over time. First, the bottom 100 channels on TWC-Austin are analog. Sure, there are channels that are digitally simulcast, but this does not affect the availability of the lower 100 channels on CC. If a channel on 100+ is SDV and also exists in the lower 100, the CC will get the channel on the lower 100. So, no missing channels, just analog signals, right?

So, when I do the math:

Food Network - channel 32, lower 100, not lost.
HGTV - channel 31, lower 100, not lost.
Weather Channel (may mean doppler and TWC and possibly News8) - all available on lower 100, not lost.
KAKW - channel 13, lower 100, not lost.
KADF Azteca America - channel 14, lower 100, not lost.
KLRU-2 - channel 20, lower 100, not lost.
KBEJ-UPN - channel 23, lower 100, not lost.
Disney - channel 42, lower 100, not lost.
CNN - channel 46, 47 (CNN HN), lower 100, not lost.
Animal Planet (soon) - channel 37, lower 100, not lost.

** National Geographic - channel 232, upper 100s, lost.

I've heard mumblings of selected east or west coast premiums being lost. I don't have any premiums although I will be grabbing HBO soon for Rome. We'll see.

Am I missing something here?

All but one of the channels listed above are available to standard cable users without a box and, therefore are available outside of SDV. Sure, not digital, but they are available with cablecard. I know there's a lot of worry and chatter around SDV, but I just don't think the sky is falling.

I count one lost channel - National Geographic. I don't watch it, I could care less. In fact, even if all the listed channels are unavailable only 2 really raise any concerns - Disney and CNN. The wife and kids occasionally view those.

Does anyone with TWC-Austin have an S3 up now? Can you confirm my analysis? Perhaps someone with a CC and TV could chime in?

Is my analysis insane? Have I lost my mind? Or is there a little misinformation floating around with regards to the sky falling? FUD is in the cable companies best interest. They won't be running around in the forums correcting out misconceptions as they stand to benefit from them. Surely there must be a TWC-Austin Tivo S3 beta user out there somewhere? Come forth young man (woman) and spread the gospel!

In any event, I will post my findings Wednesday.

[Trynyty]

Hi,

Am I missing something here?

All but one of the channels listed above are available to standard cable users without a box and, therefore are available outside of SDV. Sure, not digital, but they are available with cablecard. I know there's a lot of worry and chatter around SDV, but I just don't think the sky is falling.



Yes.

First, you may not care, but resorting to analog channels with a top of the line HD box is insane.

Second, in my area, UniversalHD is a switched channel. Other areas may also having missing channels.

Third, and most important, this is a trial and the purpose of the trial is to allow for TW to add more channels to their lineup. When your provider addes NatGeoHD and other new HD channels, how happy are you going to be when you find out that your $800 HD recorder cannot receive them? I believe that the only thing holding TW back is that they do not have a CC solution for SDV yet. So, I was told that the west coast feeds are just a freebie and that I'm not paying for them and that UniversalHD was added to the HD tier without a price increase so that I'm technically not paying for that either. Sounds like funny math to me. My fear is that once a CC solution exists (CC 2.0?) the flood gates will open and they are free to 'switch' any or all of their channels.

Please remember, they DO NOT want TiVo or other 3rd party devices to be successful. It takes money out of their pockets. They have already labeled CC 1.0 as 'obsolete'. I got that directly from a higher up at TW. Keep that in mind as you peruse this and other forums and it will help you see through the misinformation to the core of the problem.

[Trynyty]

I have seen a lot of info about the 2.0 spec supporting 2 way communications, thus enabling VOD & PPV, but does it specifically address SDV? This is a much trickier problem. How would the 3rd party device know how to tune in the switched channel? It could be anywhere. My fear is that 2.0 would still need TWs software to work properly.

If someone here has a greater knowledge of the spec and the technology, could you please let me know?

[LostInAustin]

Hi,

First time poster here. I thought I'd relay my experiences getting my CCs installed in my new TiVo through Time Warner Austin.

I picked up the TiVo on Thursday from Fry's (apparently box #2 of 3). I then called TWC to schedule the appt. The CSR didn't ask me what device I was going to install the cards in, so I certainly didn't volunteer it. I just told her that I needed 2 CCs because I had a dual tuner device, and she made a note of it for the installer. Original installation date was 9/25, but TWC called back and said they could do it Sunday afternoon (9/17), so I said, "Great!"

Sunday, the installer arrives. He's actually a contractor trough NexCom (?), but he did have 2 cards with him. This was clearly going to be a new experience for both of us, so I walked him through the instruction sheet. We put the cards in and got the ID numbers. He had some trouble calling them in, though, as he appeared to be getting the runaround from TWC. Someone on the phone told him I only needed 1 CC, so he pulled the other out and put it in his pocket. I then convinced him I needed the second card, so he put it back in. Eventually, he got the numbers called in and I was able to test the channels through the service menu.

I started the guided setup and it looked like it was going to take a while, so I told the installer he could leave if he wanted. I figured as long as I had the cards, I could get on the phone myself and deal with the techs at TWC if necessary. Oh, he charged me $7, COD for the install and confessed that it was his first CC install ever, let alone in a TiVo. He was very nice, though, so I have no complaints. I was concerned he wouldn't even give me the cards when he saw the TiVo, but I think his lack of experience with CCs actually worked in my favor. I'm convinced a self-install would have gone even smoother. I guess I'll wait for my next cable bill to see what TWC ultimately charges me.

Anyway, after a restart and another trip through the guided setup, I was able to tune in the digital channels. I noticed on one of the tuners I wasn't picking up the HD package channels (ESPNHD, TNTHD, etc). A quick call to TWC and the rep was able to clear that up in 30 seconds.

I didn't have the list of SDV channels posted earlier in this forum, so I can't confirm any of that at the moment, but I'll take a look when I get home tonight. I was getting all the channels I normally watch, though, including premiums. I recorded "Wedding Crashers" in HD last night and it looked great. I'm using component out, and haven't had any copy-protection type issues come up yet, so fingers crossed. I did have a few audio dropouts last night, but it was storming pretty hard so I'll wait and see if it's a recurring problem.

So far, so good...

[CALnyc]

- I just got off the phone with TWC NYC. Called at 11:59 am, dealt with the automated system, and had a CSR within 5 minutes, even though the automated system said they were experiencing heavier than normal call volumes.
- I told her we needed two cable cards or one dual-tuner capable card. She said we'd need two cards.
- I said that we were putting the cards in a TiVo. She asked for the model number, I read the number provided in the forum (TCD648205B) (the S3 should be here Wednesday). She put me on hold to check the model number.
- After holding for a few minutes, she comes back and says she doesn't have that number on her list, but has TDC648205B. I ask if it might be a typo because I'm reading my number off of the 'CableLabs Certified, Verified, and Self-Verified Products list as of 9/1/06 at 1:00 pm' and we'll receive our actual unit on Wednesday. She says she'll check, and puts me on hold again. She comes back and says she can't verify the number, but will schedule an appointment for us anyway, but she can't guarantee the cable cards will work.
- I asked, "Can we pick up the cards, or do you need to send a tech?" She says she'll look, so she puts me on hold. Then, she tells me her computer freezes up, and she wrestles with the computer for a little while. She ultimately says she can't find anything about us being able to pick them up ourselves, and she doesn't think the TWC store has them. So, we schedule the appointment for the technician to come out.
- The next available appointment is Wednesday 2/27 between 2:00 and 6:00. It will cost $30.50 for the technician to come out, then $2.00 per card per month.
- I was off the phone by 12:16, and she was one of the nicer CR's I've dealt with at TWC.

[CALnyc]

TWC Info.
Before having a model number, they wouldn't give me an appointment. It was a bad call and I thought the CSR was very rude. She said that to file a complaint with TWC, use the following address:

Time Warner Cable
Attn: Susan Dolan
Client Relations Manager
4161 Cassina Blvd
Flushing, NY 11355

I can only imagine that if her phone number were given out, she would be on the phone all day long.

[Rob Helmerichs]

Just got my appointment moved up from Thursday to tomorrow. Knock on wood!

[dt_dc]

I have seen a lot of info about the 2.0 spec supporting 2 way communications, thus enabling VOD & PPV, but does it specifically address SDV? This is a much trickier problem. How would the 3rd party device know how to tune in the switched channel? It could be anywhere. My fear is that 2.0 would still need TWs software to work properly.

If someone here has a greater knowledge of the spec and the technology, could you please let me know?Well ... yes and yes.

Yes, interactive digital cable ready devices from CE companies will be able to support SDV.

But yes, it will require software from your local cable company (for SDV, VOD, iPPV, the cable company's guide, Kereoke On Demand, and whatever other two-way services your cable company provides).

A key part of the two-way specifications is OCAP ... two-way hosts provide an OCAP environment for OCAP software from the cable company that can access SDV, VOD, etc.

Lots of threads here on TCF and lots of info available on the internet if you want more details on OCAP and how it works.

[alee]

- I just got off the phone with TWC NYC. Called at 11:59 am, dealt with the automated system, and had a CSR within 5 minutes, even though the automated system said they were experiencing heavier than normal call volumes.
- I told her we needed two cable cards or one dual-tuner capable card. She said we'd need two cards.
- I said that we were putting the cards in a TiVo. She asked for the model number, I read the number provided in the forum (TCD648205B) (the S3 should be here Wednesday). She put me on hold to check the model number.
I'll be interested to see what happens tomorrow when TWCNYC shows up at my apt. The rep didn't question me about anything related to my TiVo model number... I just said "I need 2 cable cards to go in 2 cablecard-ready devices". He gave his required song and dance about no PPV, and the appointment was made.

A truck roll is required for NYC... you will not be able to pick them up and self-install.

-Al

[jimmythemoose]

Assuming that my S3 will be arriving this week (I ordered Tuesday morning), I called TWC NYC to set up an appointment to have 2 Cablecards and an HD STB installed to replace my current digital STB (for the S2) and non-HD DVR.

The CSR told me that it would probably be easier for me to drop off and pick them up myself. I had her check to make sure no appointment was required for the Cablecards, and she confirmed that I could pick them up at their 23rd Street location (the one closest to me) and install them myself.

I will update on this here as soon as I attempt to pick them up.



I think someone else said they went down to 23rd Street and were unable to get the cablecards. My appointment with TWCNYC is scheduled for Thursday and they are picking up 2 DVRs, bringing 3 cable cards (2 for Tivo and 1 for the TV so that I can get PIP) and a regular cable box for my series 2. (I had previoulsy had my Tivo hooked up to a HD DVR so that I could record HD when needed). Originally, TW wanted to charge me ~$70 for the visit , but I think I was able to get them down to the $30 fee for the truck roll. We'll see what really happens when the bill comes...

[zimmou]

Has anybody else in NY been told that you can't get a cablecard unless you subscribe to their most expensive cable package? I have the "Intro" digital cable package and they won't give me the cards unless i upgrade for $20 more per month (plus the monthly cablecard fee whatever that is).

it just doesn't seem right...

I'm about to decide to downgrade to standard cable and then just rely on the OTA signal.

[Trynyty]

Well ... yes and yes.

Yes, interactive digital cable ready devices from CE companies will be able to support SDV.

But yes, it will require software from your local cable company (for SDV, VOD, iPPV, the cable company's guide, Kereoke On Demand, and whatever other two-way services your cable company provides).

A key part of the two-way specifications is OCAP ... two-way hosts provide an OCAP environment for OCAP software from the cable company that can access SDV, VOD, etc.

Lots of threads here on TCF and lots of info available on the internet if you want more details on OCAP and how it works.

Okay, so the CC then replicates all of the functions of a set top box. Why won't a CC 2.0 card cost the same to rent as a set top? And if it does, what's the point? The value to the consumer will be greatly diminished. I don't want their guide or their services, what option will I have?

[dt_dc]

Okay, so the CC then replicates all of the functions of a set top box.No, the CableCard replicates all the functions of the integrated security crypto chip(s) inside the set top box. That's all a CableCard is really ... a crypto chip in a nice form factor ...

The OCAP environment, tuners, MPEG decoders, etc. etc. etc. and all the other functions of a set top box are part of / provided by the CableCard host (TV, Tivo, whatever the CableCard is plugged in to) not the card.Why won't a CC 2.0 card cost the same to rent as a set top?See above.And if it does, what's the point? The value to the consumer will be greatly diminished. I don't want their guide or their services, what option will I have?If you don't want two-way services ... you're in luck ... you can use a one-way host like the Tivo S3 today! ;)

Seriously though ... if you want to start a discussion on two-way services, interactive digital cable ready devices, OCAP, and the like I'd suggest starting a new thread (here or in the Coffee House) as I think it would be considerably off-topic for this thread.Please keep all posts related to Time Warner Cable and their cablecard service in this topic.

[jeffrypennock]

Has anyone in the Houston area gotten their S3 to work well with cable cards yet? Do you have trouble with ESPNHD, UniversalHD, HBO-SD and/or Sundance??? (By trouble, I mean pixellation and sound drop-outs.)
I'm wondering if this is a problem w/ my S3 box, with my current set of cable cards (and the previous pair of cable cards that I swapped this pair out for), with TWC or some combo/incompatability of the above. I don't care if you were a beta tester, just got your S3 or whatever (I won't force you to disclose that). I just want to know if anyone in the TWC-Houston area has gotten this to work or if I'm fighting an unwinable battle.

[Philmatic]

Just called TW in Lancaster, CA (SoCal). Previously Adelphia, still in transition actually.

$1.75/mo for the first CableCard
$4.15/mo for the second CableCard

$25 Installation (I believe total, but will see)

Thursday September 21st From 1PM-5PM

At first, the CSR said that they can only install them on TVs, then she checked with another tech and she confirmed the install appointment. :)

[Bytez]

- The next available appointment is Wednesday 2/27 between 2:00 and 6:00. It will cost $30.50 for the technician to come out, then $2.00 per card per month.

On an earliest post o this thread, someone from TWCNYC said he didn't have to pay extra for the CC, only had to pay for $6.95/month for the HD package. :eek:

[JKay]

I just phoned TWC from Southern California and asked about getting 2 cablecards for a S3. Was advised they would only provide one cablecard and the cost was $6.95 per months. I then asked if I had 2 televisions would they provide 2 cards and was advised they would do that, and each card would be $6.95 per month.

[ahaley42]

TW Austin, fry's Box 3 of 3. :-) I have tested all of my channels and can still tune in to the upper channels of the supposedly SDV channels. Food, etc. I can't get to channel 13, which is weird but I really don't care. Still stuck with only 1 cable card, have an install appt for another tomorrow. I called today and asked them to bring 2 as the one I have won't tune into any Premium channels. I also have another appointment for thursday to troubleshoot the CC issue with an actual TW tech.
They suggested today, after once again swearing everything on that side was fine, that I email comments@twcable.com and that address bounced. nice. I also have a call into the office of the TW Austin CEO. Spoke with his assistant and she's trying to find the person who decided that you can't pick up your own cable card.

[lgoree]

TWC New York has sent an internal memo to customer service reps requiring them to get the model number of the Series 3 unit before they will make an installation appointment for the cable cards. The internal memo lists two serial numbers that they will accept:

TDC64825 0A
TDC64825 0B

However, the correct model number is "TCD" and not "TDC." If you tell them that you have the correct model number, TCD648250B they will not set up the appointment.

The Customer Service guy (clueless) said that he would have to check with IT and will get back to me in one or two days before he could set up the appointment. Seems that they can't admit that they might have transposed some digits.

[Lisa898]

I had the same issue with TWC Brooklyn.

Just call again and tell them what they want to hear. I got asked that model number thing last Friday. I called back an hour later and the next person didn't even ask me for a model number.

[ahaley42]

They suggested today, after once again swearing everything on that side was fine, that I email comments@twcable.com and that address bounced. nice.

I got my supervisor callback. I told him it bounced and asked if it was comments@twcable.com and he said yes. I said it bounced, he then looked it up and realized they'd been giving out the wrong address. It was comments@austin.rr.com. So I'm assuming these exist at all TW locations. Perhaps? Supposedly checked by the TW Technical Management team. I'm sure it's just some $5 an hour employee. He also seemed not at all interested in my issue and said it could only be solved by an onsite visit, my third. I told him I had a great signal and had a truck out here a month ago who replaced a lot of cable and cleaned up my signal. He still said that was the problem. Meanwhile I'm sitting on a Tivo channel strength of 97. Arrrgghh.

[comicsacrifice]

I think we are all doing a good job of making our voices heard with TW. I called and spoke with a CSR and ended up being the one to explain how the new TIVO works, and why SDV sucks. Talked for a half hour.

[zync]

I think we are all doing a good job of making our voices heard with TW. I called and spoke with a CSR and ended up being the one to explain how the new TIVO works, and why SDV sucks. Talked for a half hour.

When TWC stops giving us crap over trying to get CC's, allows us to pick them up at the counter and avoid $60 truck rolls, and stops deploying technology that breaks the CC standard then I'll feel that our voices are being heard....

[lgoree]

I had the same issue with TWC Brooklyn.

Just call again and tell them what they want to hear. I got asked that model number thing last Friday. I called back an hour later and the next person didn't even ask me for a model number.

I was taught that it is OK to lie when asked: a) Do you like my hat? b) How do I look in these pants?

I will add to that list of questions, "What is your TIVO model number?"

I told them the model number with the inverted letters and sailed through that step. Although they had put a note on my file that I had provided the wrong model number previously, I told them that I had "checked with TIVO" and that now I had the right number.

However, then the Customer Service rep said that he could not generate any appointments due to a computer problem and asked if he could call me back when he gets an appointment time. I'm not confident that this will actually happen.

So, TWNYC really is the new NYNEX.

[comicsacrifice]

Time Warner sucks. They are like a rabid dog with no leash. If the FCC spent one tenth of the time keeping these cable providers in line as they do censoring free speech none of this would be going on right now.

[TexasGrillChef]

Well TWC screwed us over in "The colony" Texas. (North Side of Dallas, TX)

Last night (9-18) TWC changed our entire cable lineup. Deleted about 10 channels added about 25 new channels, Chaned out the order of channels, Duplicated some channels.

IE - For instance History Channel Now offered in "Analog" (Below 100) and "Digital" (Above 100)

So now my entire Channel Lineup with my TIVO is really screwed up. Tivo of course says it will take 5 days to correct on their side & get updated.

just glad I haven't turned in my TWC DVR just yet! Otherwise I would miss my "LOST". I won't stand for that! No way!

They upgraded our entire system even for cable modems. Not publicised but on my last internet test. i am getting 1.5mbs upload and 12mbs download in my area.

Oh well.

BTW) as far as Digital Switched Video Goes... If your in TEXAS Write Senator Kay Baily Hutchinson. She needs our support to propose a bill that will make it illegal for Cable Companies to use "Digital Switched Video"

Thanks

TexasGrillChef

[Lisa898]

Time Warner really does suck. I have never, in the 10 years or so that I've been a TW customer, had a smooth appointment. Except for once, all my appointments have been to restore service that had just gone dark for no reason. Generally at least two teams of service guys, multiple trucks and multiple appointments ensued. The last time, which was the shortest and smoothest appointment I've ever had, he was there over three hours, had to leave to go get the proper box he was supposed to be there to install and told me it was "not possible" to hook up the Tivo with an HD box. I just hooked it up properly after he left.

I pray daily for Verizon's FIOS service to someday get installed where I live.

[SCSIRAID]

Time Warner really does suck. I have never, in the 10 years or so that I've been a TW customer, had a smooth appointment. Except for once, all my appointments have been to restore service that had just gone dark for no reason. Generally at least two teams of service guys, multiple trucks and multiple appointments ensued. The last time, which was the shortest and smoothest appointment I've ever had, he was there over three hours, had to leave to go get the proper box he was supposed to be there to install and told me it was "not possible" to hook up the Tivo with an HD box. I just hooked it up properly after he left.

I pray daily for Verizon's FIOS service to someday get installed where I live.

Perhaps Im an 'exception' but my dealings with TWC have been largely painless. We will see how my cablecard install goes on Friday......

[freiz]

I must agree with the last post - my dealings with the guy on the truck have been very good in the past, even with the subs TWC-Austin rolls now. Well, almost always very good. The idi0t they sent to install my cable phone did put this cheap .98 phone outlet in place of the 10 dollar, high-quality outlet I had installed. The gummy tape failed in the first 10 minutes and there it hangs today. They even called to ask how my install went and promised to send someone. Never did. This could be indicative of the loss of good service with their big move into the use of sub-contracters. I don't know yet. Luckily, the outlet sits behind of "wall" of boxes in my office so no exposed wiring.

We'll see how they do this Wednesday.

[l_emmerdeur]

I think someone else said they went down to 23rd Street and were unable to get the cablecards. My appointment with TWCNYC is scheduled for Thursday and they are picking up 2 DVRs, bringing 3 cable cards (2 for Tivo and 1 for the TV so that I can get PIP) and a regular cable box for my series 2. (I had previoulsy had my Tivo hooked up to a HD DVR so that I could record HD when needed). Originally, TW wanted to charge me ~$70 for the visit , but I think I was able to get them down to the $30 fee for the truck roll. We'll see what really happens when the bill comes...

Well, i have the CSR's name, and if she ends up wasting my time with bad information, I'll be taking up the matter with her higher-ups there, and causing a HUGE scene in the store. I had her double-check to make sure I could pick them up. And I can't schedule a bloody appointment, because Tivo hasn't sent me a delivery notice/tracking number yet (and yes, I ordered last Tuesday, and this means I am one of the 200 lucky ones who got the special rear-ending, but I'm not complaining, just venting :eek: ).

[freiz]

First, you may not care, but resorting to analog channels with a top of the line HD box is insane.

I do care, but what's a few channels among friends. Beats the alternative.

Second, in my area, UniversalHD is a switched channel. Other areas may also having missing channels.

I think the solution for *all* of us is to file complaints with the FCC against our respective cable companies for non-compliance regarding cable cards. Everyone simply needs to dedicate 30 minutes this year to completing this task if you are missing even one channel.

[jeffrypennock]

My problem isn't signal strength, it's variability. I jumps from 97% to 0 back to 97% in the blink of an eye. I'm afraid that a signal booster isn't the solution (because 32x amplification of 0 is still 0). And because I live in an apt complex, the leads and wiring aren't very negotiable or modifiable, as far as TWC sees it. Anybody got any ideas on what I can do to save my S3?

[eisenb11]

LA area: Called tonight at 10pm, and they're coming out on tuesday. $25 install fee, $1.75 a month for the card. They said they had no way in the computer to tell the installer to bring 2 cards out at the same time, so I'm supposed to bug the installer guy when he arrives and see if he has an extra on him.

Odd.

I'm also LA area (Redondo Beach) and there is no install fee here. Also they didn't give me any trouble about asking for 2 cards...

[comicsacrifice]

My problem isn't signal strength, it's variability. I jumps from 97% to 0 back to 97% in the blink of an eye. I'm afraid that a signal booster isn't the solution (because 32x amplification of 0 is still 0). And because I live in an apt complex, the leads and wiring aren't very negotiable or modifiable, as far as TWC sees it. Anybody got any ideas on what I can do to save my S3?


you need new cable cards

[jeffrypennock]

you need new cable cards

New cable cards will resolve intermittent/unstable signal issues? I've been through 3.5 already (I've picked up 4 but one of them was a dud and couldn't be authorized). I'll keep on going through them if that'll fix it.

[comicsacrifice]

you need a new tivo box i meant.

[Bill@LakeGeorge]

I just got off the phone with TWC schedule appt. for fri. afternoon no model # required and no issue with 2 cards I even got them to send the service guy I know. S3 to be delivered thurs. Get er done

[jglide]

Just my .02. I picked up my S3 at Best Buy on Sunday...last one that they had in stock. I e-mailed TW Kansas City and told them I had purchased the S3...gave them the model number and the Cable Labs website. I asked what the cost was. TW Kansas City e-mailed me back yesterday and advised that the instal was $15.35 and the cost of the CC's was $1.75 each/month. Called a CSR to make an appointment for the CC install. I told them I needed 2 of them. She asked what model number the "TV" was...I gave her the S3 model number. The CSR then asked if both cards were going in the same "TV"...I replied yes. It was pretty painless...my appointment is set for tomorrow between 2 and 5. I'll let you know how that goes tomorrow evening. Keep your fingers crossed.

[LostInAustin]

Just an update for the Austin guys. I was able to tune in CNN, HGTV, National Geographic just fine, so I'm not sure where the SDV info is coming from. I'm guessing these channels are not SDV today, but that doesn't mean they won't be tomorrow.

ahaley42, I initially could not receive any of the channels in the HD package on one of my tuners. When I called TWC, the CSR said the system hadn't been updated to show that I had paid for the HD package service yet, so she said she "marked it as paid" and the channels instantly showed up on my end. I wish I had a better technical explanation of what she did. Not sure if that helps you with your premium channels, but in my case, it was more of an administrative problem than a technical problem with the cable card.

[Bill@LakeGeorge]

My CC's $1.75 each/month no install fee CSR said they had to install for free.

[capngrouch]

TexasGrillChef, are you having problems with premium channels? I am not able to get HBO, Showtime and ESPNHD at all, I get a black screen. All the local channels are working properly.

I called TW about the issue and verify they have the cards activated on my account, on there end all is ok. Maybe waiting the 5 days until TIVO catches up with the lineup change.




Well TWC screwed us over in "The colony" Texas. (North Side of Dallas, TX)

Last night (9-18) TWC changed our entire cable lineup. Deleted about 10 channels added about 25 new channels, Chaned out the order of channels, Duplicated some channels.

IE - For instance History Channel Now offered in "Analog" (Below 100) and "Digital" (Above 100)

So now my entire Channel Lineup with my TIVO is really screwed up. Tivo of course says it will take 5 days to correct on their side & get updated.

just glad I haven't turned in my TWC DVR just yet! Otherwise I would miss my "LOST". I won't stand for that! No way!

They upgraded our entire system even for cable modems. Not publicised but on my last internet test. i am getting 1.5mbs upload and 12mbs download in my area.

Oh well.

BTW) as far as Digital Switched Video Goes... If your in TEXAS Write Senator Kay Baily Hutchinson. She needs our support to propose a bill that will make it illegal for Cable Companies to use "Digital Switched Video"

Thanks

TexasGrillChef

[Rob Helmerichs]

My (Minneapolis) cable guys were just here, and while it took a while (they had never done a TiVo before, and were unsure of themselves), in the end everything seems to be working perfectly.

[damonnoah]

Time Warner - Houston, Texas

Went by Time Warner yesterday morning and asked for two cards. No questions, no explanations. They gave me two cards, scanned them and charged me $1.75 per card per month.

They included a piece of paper on "how to" install the cards and gave me a local number to call during the hours of 8 and 5 pm. I installed the cards at 10:30 pm, called time warner and was transfered to Tier 3 support. Great support and great assistance. I'm still in disbelief about how helpful they were. We had problems installing the cards and getting them to work and the tech actually went onto some tivo forums and looked up some specific information to get them working.

I did have a problem with a blue screen "please wait acquring channel information" which lasted forever and we though teh cards were bad. With a little playing around and some luck they started working.

[l_emmerdeur]

Follow-up on NYC:

I called again today to confirm that I could pick up the 2 Cablecards myself. of course, the very helpful gentleman actually DID check with others, identified the S3 as eligible for Cablecards (and double-checked the model numbers accepted with me) and confirmed that I did in fact need an installer to come to my house with the Cablecards. This only means that the previous CSR I spoke to was too busy doing her nails to bother to check on this matter for me, and she will be reported.

Earliest available date was October 4th, 7th for a Saturday.

[VoodooNYC]

I have TWC in Brooklyn coming this Saturday to install CC and am dreading it. Everytime I deal with these guys it's a nightmare. Originally when I switched from DirectTV back to cable it took them SEVEN visits to get it hooked up. One time they showed up at 5:55pm for a 2 - 6 appointment and said it was getting too dark to work. Unbelievable. I have no reason to believe that this Saturday will be any different. I hate being at the mercy of these guys.

[alee]

TWCNYC is due here (Tribeca) sometime between 2-6pm. Spoke with the doorman a little bit ago and made sure that there was no question I'm home.

Let's see how the install goes.

[VoodooNYC]

Please do post back with your experience so the rest of us can be prepared. Good luck!!

[alee]

TWCNYC stopped by and completed my cable card install!

Franklin (#262), the technician, walked in, noticed the S3 box and remarked that he's already done one and this should be a piece of cake. First thing he did was check the signal in all my rooms and at the cable modem, and replaced ALL my splitters (including the one in the wall that divided the signal between living room and bedroom). Then he replaced all my coax cable with thicker cables. He remarked on how a bad signal will cause all sorts of weird cable card issues and that things were not optimal in my apt the way it was.

He did his readings once again, seemed satisfied and pulled out 2 SA cards.

He then proceeded to do cable card 1 (took about 2 min for the host id info to show up), and then cable card 2 (another 2 minutes of waiting). Called into home base on his Nextel, which confirmed that he had inserted 2 cards and read back the last 2 letters of the card IDs for each card. He read off the Host IDs and that was it.

Both cards were activated in about 5 min, after which we checked all channels all the way up to the HD range (700 range on TWCNYC).

Signal strength was about 97 or 98 on the HD range.

I thanked him for his time, and for the pleasant installation experience. This guy was a real pro... knew exactly what to look for.

[VoodooNYC]

That's amazing. I can only hope mine goes as well this Saturday. Thanks for the report.

[SoBayJake]

My installer was at my place this morning, mine being the first TiVo S3 he'd done. He tried to explain what I would lose w/ cable cards, but I cut him off.

He was also worried to install in anything other than a TV, but I walked him thru it. We did both at once, well, one, then the other, then he called them in. After he did #1, it worked, stopped working, then came back just fine. Same for #2.

Luckily, he grabbed a couple cable cards on his way out this morning, as the work order made no mention of two cable card installs! Grrrr.

Now, I just can't get my S3 to connect to the TiVo service! :-( Its been flaky. It sets the time, then just hangs on "Getting account status." I'll try more tonight, and might have to call customer support.

[alee]

Now, I just can't get my S3 to connect to the TiVo service! :-( Its been flaky. It sets the time, then just hangs on "Getting account status." I'll try more tonight, and might have to call customer support.
My S3 has a lot of weird network connectivity issues... it seems to only work with my spare Linksys router. It won't run on the Cisco PIX (the other TiVos in my apt work fine with it). I can't complete guided setup without putting the TiVo on the Linksys.

[SoBayJake]

My S3 has a lot of weird network connectivity issues... it seems to only work with my spare Linksys router. It won't run on the Cisco PIX (the other TiVos in my apt work fine with it). I can't complete guided setup without putting the TiVo on the Linksys.
I'll try that too...will also try a direct connection.

I'm using an Airport Extreme Base Station right now...do you have to swap your's out, or do you just out your linksys router in the middle?

[alee]

I'm using an Airport Extreme Base Station right now...do you have to swap your's out, or do you just out your linksys router in the middle?
I swapped it out while I'm experimenting. I figure I'll try putting it in the middle next. Be sure to turn off your cable modem and start it back up when you replace routers.

[TexasGrillChef]

capngrouch,

Are you "the Colony" too?

I do not subscibe to showtime so can't answer that. I can't get the HD 700 channels or HBO HD.

Im missing some other channels that my cable card TV's get (I have 3 tv's that use cable cards"

So I dont' know if its the "TIVO" or what. It might be the fact that TIVO hasn't updated the channell Lineup. We will see.

Let me know how things work out of you when TIVO finaly updates their lineup for our area.

TexasGrillChef

[bradolson]

My TW experience:

- called yesterday, was told I could come by the service center today and pick up the two cards "they'll be waiting for you"
- went this morning, was told "we can't do that", "we don't have those here" and that the guy I talked to had no idea what they were talking about
- had to schedule an appointment for next week Wednesday

And of course they had no idea how these could possibly be used with a TiVo, said something to the effect of "they probably aren't going to work, but we'll send someone out anyway"

ugh. just when i thought this would be a quick one-day thing. typical TW :(

[flackman]

I almost hate to post this, but I'm so ecstatic I have to share. Some backstory:

I am from Minneapolis, I have two cablecards for a 32" and 40" XBR sony LCDs I own. When I got the 32 (for the bedroom), I tried to get the 40"'s cablecard to work in the 32". No go. They had to send out a truck monkey with a new card. Since both my girl and I work full time, this is quite an inconvenience.

Oh, and I have ADHD. Bad. I hate the medication, so I don't take it.

Back to the story. I receive the s3 tivo today. I know it is there because my girl ICQs me to tell me it arrived when she was home from work. Also, I've been insanely checking ups.something.

The UPS delivery person has a habit of placing every box we receive under our dirty, dirty welcome mat. This is the kind of welcome mat that came with the house. We don't want it, it's just there. We certainly don't expect it to hide any packages.

Perhaps Tivo Series 3 has a history of blowing away. Placing a box that happens to be larger than said welcome mat seems unnecessary, but I am not a UPS agent. I am far from an expert in the delivery service industry.

We quickly get past this, considering we know Tivo Series 3 is just a few quick key-strokes away.

I have a feeling I have never felt before in my life. It is mostly excitement, but overcome by dread. When I ordered it, I knew I needed cablecards. When I first heard about it last year, I knew I needed cablecards. I know I have two cablecards already. Of course, I still feel helpless.

I unpack, extract approximately twenty thousand cables from my old setup (s2+cablebox), attempt to get some sort of use out of it with no cablecards because I know trying to get cablecards for this thing is going to be the worst experience of my week. And I've had a very tough week.

I have 10 channel 0's and about 200 channels that tune to my favorite color and sound: black, and silent.

I have a few glasses of wine. I grab my nintendo DS, my macbook pro and settle in. The journey has begun.

I find the phone, only to realize I have no water. What if, in the middle of the 7th transfer, I need to get water and have none? I make preparations. The average human can live three days without hydration. This worries me.

I start to wonder if I should first grab some bread or cereal. Even though I'm on a cordless phone that I've modified to reach to the creek nearby (approximately 1.5 blocks), I start to worry much worse. Will this support call take more than 21 days?

I gamble. I'm all in. I'm going to get these two cablecards transferred to my tivo if I have to starve to death.

I call support. 612-522-2000. That number has been committed to memory since I had King Videocable (and whatever was before that... northwest cable?). I start to put in my number. My VOIP provider failed me! I forgot to switch the dtmf encoding in my asterisk configuration when I switched... WHO WILL I GET NOW?!

I was interrupted by a man named Vang. "What's your number". I give him my number, name, address, 44th quad of my DNA. I explain, I have a cablecard that does not work! The HOST ID is incorrect. I know this cablecard will work because I've read the cablecard spec which is readily available via google.

I unplug the power from the TV so the cable card resets, and remove it.

Vang gives me the canned response, level 3 will just tell me reseat the card, reboot, blah blah..

I tell Vang, I realize you need to walk me through the reboots and resets.... However please AIM the level 3 tech this is my problem. I need the cablecard de-paired and re-paired. The HOST_ID is incorrect.


Vang tells me, "OK. I will tell him."

I wait. Make some small talk.




Very soon later Vang asks me for the HOST_ID. I insert the card, bring up the relevant address. More small talk. It takes a few minutes for the cablecard to boot, as most of you know.

So, I read the HOST_ID off, he AIMs the level 3 who I assume de-paired and re-paired the card.

I "test channels". PERFECT. I channel all energy I can muster to keep from slightly urinating myself.

I repeat the procedure with my second card, the card that was plugged into the same TV I was viewing TiVo on. Same procedure, unplug power, pull card, seat in TiVo, wait. read off HOST_ID. This time it took longer, perhaps 4 minutes.

But, now I'm working 100% with a setup neither the level 3 or the level 1 had heard of before.

A little patience and amicable conversation can really go a long way!

I've written Vang's manager a very nice letter of how well he helped.

Sorry to interrupt the stream--I figured this thread could use a few more good experience writeups.

FWIW, I am now able to disconnect the two TVs, my old cable box and am thinking of splitting the OTA antenna going to my MCE box to the tivo, gaining a lot of dB in signal on the cable.

While this won't help me(98 signal even though it's split 9 ways), I think it would be interesting to compare picture quality: MCE OTA vs TiVo OTA vs TiVo CC vs Sony QAM Cable.. I'd throw Sony encrypted QAM into the mix but I'm a bit short on cablecards :)

[freiz]

Little update for Austin TWC'ers:

Received my S3 today at 2:32PM from Circuit City via Fedex - Tivo box as has already been noted, no outer box. Managed to *not* unbox it until I was done working around 5:45PM. That was pretty hard. Finally ran downstairs, unboxed it, and smiled while the family ooh'ed and aah'ed. At one point during my rather lengthy setup (I have a pile of electronics connected to my Mits 65") all three of my boys (7, 3.5, and 1.5 yrs. old) were dancing and chanting Tivo. They love the Tivo mascot... and they love to dance.

Anyway, I'm in Austin so I have to wait until tomorrow for CC install when the truck rolls after lunch sometime so I unhooked my S2 and SA HD PVR and hooked up the S3. I used component cables because I have experienced HDMI syncing issues with my TV in the past. Sound is delivered to my audio deck using optical cable and I also pushed sound to my TV direct using RCA cables. My cable connection is split using a two-place, powered splitter which I used in the past to supply cable to the S2 and SA HD PVR. Side note - I had my outside cable line replaced from the headend to my house due to signal problems shouldn't pose a problem.

I quickly plugged all the cables in and noted the OTA antenna connector was up top unlike past units. With my little indoor OTA antenna and cable line connected, I plugged the power into the S3. Dancing... - Mr. Tivo was officially in the house. Oh yes, I used my old Linksys wireless adapter for networking.

Setup was quick and painless - took maybe 20 minutes.

The analog cable picture on the S3 is leaps and bounds above what I get on the S2. Simply another experience... and after I had scanned available OTA channels and removed the OTAs I couldn't receive (I receive all available Austin networks), I discovered the HD picture to be as you would expect. Flawless. I initially had some blocking on one of the networks, but after a little antenna tweaking all is well.

With OTA HD available I setup a few Season passes and recorded a few shows. Playback was perfect. Flipping between tuners - fine. Two shows recording while watching a recording - fine.

No sound dropouts as has been reported by some although I am experiencing a loud popping hiss sound when I go to FOX HD from other channels. More research will be need to determine what that's all about. Also, I don't have a plasma so no remote problems.

The only thing that I would note is that the display time when you switch channels is rather long. I get a gray screen for about a second. This is the Tivo, not my TV switching display modes since I am using 1080i fixed. I don't think it's slower than say my SA HD PVR. I think the difference is that the SA doesn't remove the channel feed immediately and replace it with a gray background and then feed the new channel's video. It's just different. Based on other comments here I don't think CC's will change this... Plus, you become used to it. It's not a long second at all and as noted by others, the channel info panel appears immediately on top of the gray background. The unit feels fast except for the grid guide which I hate because it's so sloooooooow. The problem is the HD indicator is only availabe in the grid guide... bummer.

As I write this I can unhappily report that only PBS pushes HD content past primetime. Now I know why I pay TWC all that money...

All in all, best $900 I have spent this month. Prior to the S3, I haven't been spending much time with Tivo. Unlike many of you, I'm not a big TV guy - I probably only have 4 hours of must-watch TV each week and since much of the TV I watch is HD, I have been using the SA HD PVR because I timeshift much of that 4 hours. While the SA PVR has come a long way from its crappy roots, it still sucks. At least it records what I tell it, when I tell it, but that hasn't always been the case.

But, Tivo is simply the best and it's not just a little bit better than the SA, it's orders of magnitude better. I can honestly say I would keep the Tivo even if I couldn't get CC's.

Tomorrow: my report on my TWC - Austin cable card install and my report on what channels are and are not available. There has been much discussion about SDV and the loss of various channels. My analysis of what is and isn't lost earlier in this thread tells me my only potential loss is the National Geographic channel, but someone chimed in and stated that he receives it. The TWC - Austin site page for Cable Cards mentions nothing about losing channels beyond the PPV and VOD stuff.

I'll let you know tomorrow what I get...

[Houtech]

After reading all the horror stories on the various threads, I was ready for a major hassle just getting the two cards I needed. But, in Houston it was a breeze. I walked into the TimeWarner storefront near me on Tidwell in NW Houston this morning at 9am and gave them my SciAtl 8000 hd DVR and they gave me two Cablecards. They didn't ask what they were for, didn't ask why I needed two, just handed them over. No hassle other than the "You know you won't be able to record anymore, you won't have the cable guide anymore, you won't have the music channels, blah, blah, blah" speech.

Hope the authorization process goes as well when I install them today!

I feel sorry for you guys that have to have (and pay for) a service call just to get these cards. For once, Timewarner Houston turned out to be one of the better cable companies in the country, at least this time.

[jeffrypennock]

After reading all the horror stories on the various threads, I was ready for a major hassle just getting the two cards I needed. But, in Houston it was a breeze. I walked into the TimeWarner storefront near me on Tidwell in NW Houston this morning at 9am and gave them my SciAtl 8000 hd DVR and they gave me two Cablecards. They didn't ask what they were for, didn't ask why I needed two, just handed them over. No hassle other than the "You know you won't be able to record anymore, you won't have the cable guide anymore, you won't have the music channels, blah, blah, blah" speech.

Hope the authorization process goes as well when I install them today!

I feel sorry for you guys that have to have (and pay for) a service call just to get these cards. For once, Timewarner Houston turned out to be one of the better cable companies in the country, at least this time.

You don't have it working yet, don't count your chickens. I wish you the best of luck. But as I'm sure you read above, I've had mine for a week and it STILL isn't working yet (due to the crummy instability of the signal that TWC is sending me). Sure, they'll authorize cards for anything I want...doesn't mean it works though. PLEASE let us/me know how this goes for you. I'm curious if this a problem in my apt complex or across TWC's Houston network.

[Gene S]

My Cable Card installation was this morning. I was prepared for the worst, but everything turned out fine.
It took about 50 minutes for him to be done. The longest part was waiting for someone at TWC the answer to phone to do the CC authorizations.

He had his phone on speaker, so I could hear what was going on. The TWC rep said to be patient, this was the first Tivo they've done. She seemed to be confused because there are 2 different Host-id's for the Tivo. That caused some problems because they had the CC & Host-Id pairings flipflopped at first.

The installer even had the memo that Tivo sent out on how to do the cc install. Although he didn't follow it. :) I told him to put the cards in, we waited until that grey screen came up with the CC info (took about 5 minutes), and he called in for authorization. Immediately after that, everything was working as it should be.

[Houtech]

You don't have it working yet, don't count your chickens. I wish you the best of luck. But as I'm sure you read above, I've had mine for a week and it STILL isn't working yet (due to the crummy instability of the signal that TWC is sending me). Sure, they'll authorize cards for anything I want...doesn't mean it works though. PLEASE let us/me know how this goes for you. I'm curious if this a problem in my apt complex or across TWC's Houston network.
I'll let you know how it goes for me in NW Houston. Unfortunately, I've gotten a sudden call to go out of town for work...all my waiting for the Tivo to get here is wasted! They'll deliver the box to my wife who will let it sit there until I get back, hopefully by tomorrow some time. I'll try to get the box going then and let you know.

[pmiranda]

Yes.
First, you may not care, but resorting to analog channels with a top of the line HD box is insane.


Um. I'd rather have the analog channel since it's the unprocessed feed from the network instead of the compressed digital feed that the cableco has mangled to squeeze out some more bits. In fact, I'm pretty sure that when an analog channel also appears within a digital lineup, the box (or cablecard) just translates the channel number and shows you the analog channel. Checking the service menu in my cableco set-top box would confirm this, but noticing that digital-only channels always look worse than analog ones is enough to convince me.

HD channels are a different beast altogether. They are almost always carried unmolested by the cableco since they've already been compressed by the network so there's little to gain by the cableco recoding them.

Sorry to hear UniversalHD is switched in your market, but take heart in the fact that all I've ever seen on it is Knight Rider and OLD reruns of Monk and Battlestar Galactica. If you want to see Knight Rider in HD, you've got bigger problems :D

Too busy to play with an S3 right now but if I get out of jury duty next week maybe I'll have box #4 in Austin. :up:

[Darthnice]

I called TW in Austin to schedule my CC install (Friday afternoon). The rep on the line read something that popped up on his screen that said "We will be supporting Tivo CableCard installs" when I mentioned what I want it for.

He did read through the things that wouldn't work, but not to convince me, just reading what the screen prompted him to say.

When I asked about returning my DVR, he said, "but you won't be able to record anthing anymore...oh, TiVo...sorry, I'm slow."

[freiz]

Too busy to play with an S3 right now but if I get out of jury duty next week maybe I'll have box #4 in Austin. :up:


You snooze, you lose. I don't know what number we are at in Austin for S3 installs, but I was connected today at 1:30. I am having some issues with authorization and so I'm missing DSCHD, TNTHD, as well as 1501 (FOX HD) which is just odd. I get all other channels - except for 111 Boomerang and 232 National Geo (as noted by TWC - Austin previously.) 111 shows via Tivo as not available when I switch to it. The others prompt for auth using a cable card screen prompt.

I will be working through the channels later to verify what I receive and don't receive once they properly authorize my account.

Overall, pretty painless, but I noted the missing channels during install today and the woman on the other end of the phone with the installer said she would fix it. 5 hours later... still broken. Also, installer had a receipt with $131 COD on it. They didn't make me pay it, but I need to resolve that as well since I was quotes $60.

And I would except that I have been receiving a fast busy for the 1.5 hours from TWC - Austin support. This has happened before... it's like a bomb goes off and they just shutdown the call center.

[clupher]

TW Austin, fry's Box 3 of 3. :-) I have tested all of my channels and can still tune in to the upper channels of the supposedly SDV channels. Food, etc. I can't get to channel 13, which is weird but I really don't care. Still stuck with only 1 cable card, have an install appt for another tomorrow. I called today and asked them to bring 2 as the one I have won't tune into any Premium channels. I also have another appointment for thursday to troubleshoot the CC issue with an actual TW tech.


Another TW Austin question:

Are you able to get the 1600+ channels? I just got off a chat with a rep, and he said that the TW CCs won't get most of the HD channels (all of the channels from 1600+). Here's the transcript:

Aaron>
With the cable card it is used to replace the Cable box. But the technology on the cable card isn't near the boxes technology. With the cable card, you will not be able to view the On Screen TV guide(one of the main features of digital cable). Plus you will lose access to most of the HD channels you are paying for.
Aaron>
Also, you would no longer be able to order the PayperView or Movies on Demand
Aaron>
So even though you pay a little less ($4.00) you lose alot of the benefits of the Digital Cable
Chuckr>
Why would i loose access to the HD channels?
Aaron>
Because the Cable Card isn't able to pick up those channels. You still get the Local HD channels. But lose out on the ESPN, HD NET, TNT, etc.....
Chuckr>
Hmm, interesting. When will you have a cable card that will pick them up?
Aaron>
I am not sure. The overall technology has to be upgraded, and they are just becoming popular. Not just for Time Warner but everywhere else.
Chuck>
Is it essentially all of the 1600+ channels?
Aaron>
Your correct, almost all the 1600's

[freiz]

Because the Cable Card isn't able to pick up those channels. You still get the Local HD channels. But lose out on the ESPN, HD NET, TNT, etc.....


Lots of misinformation going around. I can only say this - When I tune my local HDs in the 1500's I get everything except 1501 (FOX). When I tune the free HD channels in the 1600's (Discovery and TNT), I can view the channels for 2-3 seconds and then the cable card throws an authorization error.

At least DiscoveryHD and TNTHD are on the wire. If they don't give them to you (and me), they are simply withholding the signal which is illegal per the FCC. It's a technological issues for sure - authorization. The signal is there. I can watch and hear it for 2-3 seconds, no problem. On the other hand, I can't see National Geo (232) at all which is purported to be a SDV channel.

485-5555 has been fast busy for me since 4:00PM so I haven't been able to rememdy my current problem (my cards are both saying Waiting for CP Auth) and I'm missing 111, 1501, 1617, and TNTHD.

[krille]

I have TWC in Brooklyn coming this Saturday to install CC and am dreading it. Everytime I deal with these guys it's a nightmare. Originally when I switched from DirectTV back to cable it took them SEVEN visits to get it hooked up. One time they showed up at 5:55pm for a 2 - 6 appointment and said it was getting too dark to work. Unbelievable. I have no reason to believe that this Saturday will be any different. I hate being at the mercy of these guys.

Voodoo, I've got TWC Brooklyn coming to me (allegedly) on Friday. I'll post something to let you know how it all goes, assuming a) the tech actually shows up; and b) my S3 is FINALLY delivered tomorrow as scheduled.

[frieze]

Does anyone foresee any problems with my requesting two cablecard installations and not telling the CSR what they were for at all? I managed to get an appointment for tuesday and am tryign to remain sanguine about my chances for at least getting some work time in on that day.

[alee]

Does anyone foresee any problems with my requesting two cablecard installations and not telling the CSR what they were for at all? I managed to get an appointment for tuesday and am tryign to remain sanguine about my chances for at least getting some work time in on that day.
I never had to share what device it was going in when I call. However, it appears policies have changed... many people are being asked what device as soon as they request 2 cards.

[BillyT2002]

Tell them that you need them for two separate high-definition televisions. So what if you're basically lying to them to get what you want? If they get there and still give you a problem when they discover the TIVO series 3, tell them that they can either install them into the S3, or you will personally install the cablecards in the installer's ***. I'm sure they'll see it your way.

[ahaley42]

Another TW Austin question:

Are you able to get the 1600+ channels? I just got off a chat with a rep, and he said that the TW CCs won't get most of the HD channels (all of the channels from 1600+).

I am not. :-( I do not think this is correct. They're not SDV channels so why couldn't you get them? I talked to the TWA Technical Operations Supervisor, he came out to my house for my last house call to check out the Tivo. They hadn't seen one yet and had just gotten theirs from Best Buy. He didn't act like it was an issue to get those. He thought it was a cable card channel authorization. I've decided to get my second card working till I tackle that fight next.

[ahaley42]

You snooze, you lose. I don't know what number we are at in Austin for S3 installs, but I was connected today at 1:30.

Well, from what I can tell we're at 4 just on this board. Seems like no one is getting premium content from Time Warner Austin. I should have waited a week but I'm glad I could pave the way. I ended up calling in a favour from the business side and calling the office of the ceo. I was about to go mad. I finally got connected up with the right people to help me but I still don't have my second card working. They seem to be having an issue getting one to bring out to me. I was about to go insane, but I couldn't make myself wait to get it. :-)

[Eskimo Pie]

Well, my TW cable card install today did not go well... two techs showed up and they were very friendly and did everything they could, but 2 hours later ended up leaving without getting the cable cards working. They only had 2 cards with them and I think it boiled down to one of the cards being bad but apparently there are NO MORE cable cards available anywhere in the citiy of Buffalo... They said they will call me as soon as a new shipment comes in.

Basically one of the cards just wouldn't receive ANY channels... we swapped the cards between the slots and they repaired everything over the phone and the problem followed the card to the other slot... They left me the good card but I unplugged it since a single cable card apparently cripples the device and leaves you with just one usable tuner... I'd rather have both tuners available to record OTA HD which I receive a fair amount of... Hopefully once they get new cards in they'll come right out instead of scheduling me for the next appt a week and a half out...

One really odd thing, when trying to setup the CC's, there were 3 CC menus, "CP something", "Diagnostics", and "host address" or something... going into the diagnostics screen would often cause the menus to wig out and keep refreshing on the screen or changing screens and stuff... it was acting as if there was a stuck button or something... I'd press 'clear' to back out and even exit the cable card setup alltogether and then all of a sudden the screen would flash and I'd be back in the cablecard diagnostic screen again... I'd have to back out of the menu 4 or 5 times before it would calm down sometimes... Anybody else ever have that issue?

[ingenue007]

please keep updates coming about tw austin. it's ridiculous you can't get the upper channels. i hate you tw.

[jglide]

My cc install went well and everything appears to be up and running. I get every channel that I used to get with the STB from TWKC. The tech was here for 3 hours, but in the end everything is working great. Of course when he first saw the S3 he said the cc's wouldn't work. With a little "encouragement" he got started. So far so good...

[ldc3000]

Anyone got an install in Greensboro, NC ?

[zync]

TWC Austin = Cluster F^&#

And I just found out that my neighborhood is ALSO wired for Cox. I'm trying to figure out if they'll be any better.

[infinitespecter]

I just got off the phone with Time Warner in Claremont CA. Actually, might still be Comcast since I called that number. In any case, I had a nice long conversation with the guy on the phone about the intricacies of CableCard. He wasn't very informed and actually had a lot of questions for me about multistream and CC 2.0, which I found to be quite amusing.

I have one CC in my Sony DVR already and he wasn't sure if they could just transfer that one to the S3, so they are sending two out to be on the safe side. Of course, I wish I had known they couldn't come out for a week before I paid for overnight from Circuit City.

[dlcrow]

TWC Austin (actually Round Rock)

My initial install was a little painful (mostly time consuming). One of the cards thought it needed a firmware update, but would not complete the update (the other card completed the update just fine). The tech thought it would eventually finish, so he left.

The second tech visit involved a replacement card with a newer date on the back. There were also two other techs that came along to watch (nothing like three TW trucks in front of the house to pique the neighbors' interest) just to see what this Tivo was all about. The new card didn't need a firmware update.

After over 30 minutes of the tech on the phone getting both of the cards authorized for my services, I am good to go. Of course, I later noticed that my SA3250 was no longer authorized for the HD tier, so I had to call back and have that done. Apparently it is really hard for them to get all of your authorizations consistent across all of your devices.

I subscribe to the digital tier, the hd tier, and the sports pak. I can watch every channel on the S3 that I get on my SA3250 except for 408 (the new News 8 Sports loop channel). I haven't worried about that, yet.

Discussion on the cable yahoo group indicates that there exists SDV in the TW Austin service area, but it appears to be implemented inconsistently across different nodes. I don't believe that I have any SDV since I can get all channels just fine.

[tunnelengineer]

bump

[SCSIRAID]

bump

Seems like TWC is quiet with the exception of a couple cities like Austin.... Perhaps thats a good thing since TWC Raleigh will coming tomorrow with my CC's. All the TWC customers must be off enjoying their S3..... Silence is golden.... I hope..... ;)

[Darthnice]

Seems like TWC is quiet with the exception of a couple cities like Austin.... Perhaps thats a good thing since TWC Raleigh will coming tomorrow with my CC's. All the TWC customers must be off enjoying their S3..... Silence is golden.... I hope..... ;)

Probably because Austin is a test market for the evil that is SDV.

[LostInAustin]

I've been getting HD premium channels from TWC Austin just fine since Sunday 9/17 (HBOHD, ESPNHD, TNTHD, etc.)...

[lateralis]

so is there anyone here who's attempted an install in the midwest? specifically the cleveland area. I foresee other annoying issues given that TWC JUST took over adelphia here, just got the "meet your new cable company" packet last week.

I'm waiting to pull the trigger on an S3 till I know everything will work. thanks.

[SCSIRAID]

so is there anyone here who's attempted an install in the midwest? specifically the cleveland area. I foresee other annoying issues given that TWC JUST took over adelphia here, just got the "meet your new cable company" packet last week.

I'm waiting to pull the trigger on an S3 till I know everything will work. thanks.

Chicken!!!! :p

Where is your spirit of adventure!!! Blazing new trails... Lewis and Clark....

OK.. I will take my medicine now...

[lateralis]

my sense of adventure was taken out back and shot 4 months ago when I moved into our currently time warner, then adelphia area, and had to spend the better part of a week trying to get my "higher speed" cable modem set up properly. ;)

[BigFrank]

Are there any TWC Subscribers from Rochester, NY here?

I'm really curious to see what people's experiences are in my area...


Frank

[scottjima]

Time Warner in Frisco, TX...

They came out to do the install yesterday w/ (3) cable cards. The first one labeled "Comcast" worked, the second "Motorola" reported an error on the TIVO. I swapped it w/ the 3rd card and all were recognized. The installer then called dispatch and gave them the serial numbers from the card. I asked him if they needed the HOST and other info from the TIVO and he said no. I currently receive all HD local channels and the HD TNT channel. ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD, and INHD do NOT work. They DO work on my two other cable cards in the actual TVs.

To compound all this, TW switched the channel lineup the other night. The TIVO does NOT have the correct channels listed. I don't think the TIVO lineup is the problem as I am able to directly tune to the specific stations. For Example, the TIVO thinks channel 369 is STARZHD when it is really the local ABCHD channel.

I've called TW 4 times now trying to get the cards working. The resent the signal twice, and actually asked for the HOST info the 3rd time - to turn into dispatch. I called in this morning and the rep told me he didn't know anything about cable cards and could not even look into the system to see if the HOST numbers had been added to the new cards. He left a "note" on the supervisors desk, whom has not called me back.

I am getting very frustrated. I had all kinds of problems getting the cable cards working correctly in my two TVs. Several on-site techs and numerous phone calls. Now, I am going through the same thing again. I don't think it is the TIVO, just a "programming" issue.

Lastly, how long does it normally take TIVO to update channel listings? This thing is very difficult to use as is. Will the TIVO automatically update, or do I have to redo the setup every day until it pulls down the correct channels?

If anybody else has had any experience w/ TW Frisco/Allen/The Colony/Wylie, etc., please post and provide your experience.

[scottjima]

As an update on the TIVO itself, I am very impressed. I do have an antenna which receives all but the local ABC station. I did record Law & Order the other night in HD and watched it yesterday. VERY cool. I have never had a TIVO before... this is great.

The audio and video seem to be of very good quality. I am running the TIVO 3 into a Denon HDMI switching receiver (HDMI & optical cable) and then to a Sony XBR LCD. I am running everything at 1080i and it all works well. I know the HDMI should carry audio also, but I have found it easier to use the multiple connections...

[VoodooNYC]

Voodoo, I've got TWC Brooklyn coming to me (allegedly) on Friday. I'll post something to let you know how it all goes, assuming a) the tech actually shows up; and b) my S3 is FINALLY delivered tomorrow as scheduled.

Ha. Allegedly is right. Please do let me know how it goes. Thanks.

[SCSIRAID]

Time Warner in Frisco, TX...

They came out to do the install yesterday w/ (3) cable cards. The first one labeled "Comcast" worked, the second "Motorola" reported an error on the TIVO. I swapped it w/ the 3rd card and all were recognized. The installer then called dispatch and gave them the serial numbers from the card. I asked him if they needed the HOST and other info from the TIVO and he said no. I currently receive all HD local channels and the HD TNT channel. ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD, and INHD do NOT work. They DO work on my two other cable cards in the actual TVs.

To compound all this, TW switched the channel lineup the other night. The TIVO does NOT have the correct channels listed. I don't think the TIVO lineup is the problem as I am able to directly tune to the specific stations. For Example, the TIVO thinks channel 369 is STARZHD when it is really the local ABCHD channel.

I've called TW 4 times now trying to get the cards working. The resent the signal twice, and actually asked for the HOST info the 3rd time - to turn into dispatch. I called in this morning and the rep told me he didn't know anything about cable cards and could not even look into the system to see if the HOST numbers had been added to the new cards. He left a "note" on the supervisors desk, whom has not called me back.

I am getting very frustrated. I had all kinds of problems getting the cable cards working correctly in my two TVs. Several on-site techs and numerous phone calls. Now, I am going through the same thing again. I don't think it is the TIVO, just a "programming" issue.

Lastly, how long does it normally take TIVO to update channel listings? This thing is very difficult to use as is. Will the TIVO automatically update, or do I have to redo the setup every day until it pulls down the correct channels?

If anybody else has had any experience w/ TW Frisco/Allen/The Colony/Wylie, etc., please post and provide your experience.

Those channels here are in an 'HD Suite' tier. They didnt work for me at first with a CC in the TV. Called CSR and they added HD Suite to CC's and all was well then.

[scottjima]

I'll ask them about that on my next phone call... I guess they are "on" my two existing cable cards, but they don't automatically get added to the new ones?

[tunnelengineer]

Had an install in Ohio today and everything worked like a dream. Plug one card in, guy calls office and channels all show up. Plug in second card and same thing. Everything is working 100% correctly. I am very happy.

To prevent problems be 100% straightforward with the TWC people that this is a new tivo dual cablecard device. Don't just tell them it's for two tv's. Let them do some research first and everything will work great.

[mowheeler]

so is there anyone here who's attempted an install in the midwest? specifically the cleveland area. I foresee other annoying issues given that TWC JUST took over adelphia here, just got the "meet your new cable company" packet last week.

I'm waiting to pull the trigger on an S3 till I know everything will work. thanks.
I live in the Eastern Cleveland Suburbs. Like you, I recently recieved my packet telling me that TW is replacing Adelphia in my area. Upon recieving my series three, I called TW/Adelphia today and requested 2 cable cards. At first, she scheduled an install date then said "Two? Why do you need two?" I answered generically that my devices needed 2 cable cards. She asked what device. When I said Tivo Series 3, she said let me check. She came back and said that the Tivo was not supported and she could not authorize install. I answered that CableCard is a federal standard and all CableCard devices should work with all cable cards. She then claimed that she was only authorized to allow installation to a supported device. I then invoked the FCC rule saying TW may not discriminate on devices. She then begrudinlgy scheduled and said I would likely get a call from a manager to discuss with me.

Will keep you apprised.

[lateralis]

I live in the Eastern Cleveland Suburbs. Like you, I recently recieved my packet telling me that TW is replacing Adelphia in my area. Upon recieving my series three, I called TW/Adelphia today and requested 2 cable cards. At first, she scheduled an install date then said "Two? Why do you need two?" I answered generically that my devices needed 2 cable cards. She asked what device. When I said Tivo Series 3, she said let me check. She came back and said that the Tivo was not supported and she could not authorize install. I answered that CableCard is a federal standard and all CableCard devices should work with all cable cards. She then claimed that she was only authorized to allow installation to a supported device. I then invoked the FCC rule saying TW may not discriminate on devices. She then begrudinlgy scheduled and said I would likely get a call from a manager to discuss with me.

Will keep you apprised.

thanks. this is exactly what I'm hoping to avoid so maybe I'll hold off another few weeks till all the kinks get worked out.

[peekb]

I live in Niskayuna, NY. The TW guy showed up today (the same guy who, previously, was able to convince the lead techs that the Road Runner issue I was having was really an issue on their end and forced them to find and fix it). He remembered me from the 3 times he was at my apartment previously and took great care of me as he had before. New coax, new splitters, terminted the unused jack in the bedroom to drive the signal higher in the living room and 2nd bedroom, etc. He popped in the cards, wrote down the numbers, called them in and it worked the first time. He stayed here until I finished the guided setup for the cards, ensured that all channels were working, and left. Perfect install. I wish everyone could get a decent tech out to their place to get taken care of...

[tunnelengineer]

I live in the Eastern Cleveland Suburbs. Like you, I recently recieved my packet telling me that TW is replacing Adelphia in my area. Upon recieving my series three, I called TW/Adelphia today and requested 2 cable cards. At first, she scheduled an install date then said "Two? Why do you need two?" I answered generically that my devices needed 2 cable cards. She asked what device. When I said Tivo Series 3, she said let me check. She came back and said that the Tivo was not supported and she could not authorize install. I answered that CableCard is a federal standard and all CableCard devices should work with all cable cards. She then claimed that she was only authorized to allow installation to a supported device. I then invoked the FCC rule saying TW may not discriminate on devices. She then begrudinlgy scheduled and said I would likely get a call from a manager to discuss with me.

Will keep you apprised.

you need to send him a copy of the cablecard approved devices (it's linked on these forums somewhere). I would also recomend trying to be nice to the people or you may find your install will be continually rescheduled. :cool:

[scottjima]

I was not "keeping" the TIVO from them, but I did not tell them either. Just told them I needed two cards for a device that used both. They said OK and scheduled the appt. The tech didn't seem to care either.

I am on call 10+ now. They have verified the host number and cc serial number are correct and "resent" the "basic" signal to the cards. The last call ended up them escallating it to the cable card dept. They are going to "talk" directly to the card and try to fix it. I also have another tech visit scheduled for tomorrow morning.

I did call TIVO today also in reference to the channel listings not being correct w/ the TW channel lineup change. I reran the guided setup this afternoon and now receive the correct schedule/channel lineup!

I am waiting for TW to tell me it is the TIVO that is the problem, but I know it is not. The 3 HD channels I can't received display a message stating to call the cable company to activate the device. Hopefully the cable card dept. will be able to "fix" the cable cards by "talking" to them tonight.

They'll probably mess up my scheduled recordings for tonight...

Has anybody gotten a Tivo 3 to work in this service area? Frisco/The Colony/Allen, etc.?

[BillP Studios]

I live in Niskayuna, NY. ... Perfect install. I wish everyone could get a decent tech out to their place to get taken care of...

Hey Peek!
I'm across the river in Scotia.
You just made me very happy although I had hoped to be the first in the nycap area to own a Series3.

I wasn't able to get TW to come out until tomorrow afternoon but I'm looking forward to the install of my 2 cable cards. Glad to hear everything is compatible.

Only problem I've seen so far, (aside from no TiVo2Go) was the length of time between channel changes. I don't suppose that will go away after the cable cards are installed?

Thanks!
Bill Pytlovany
Bits from Bill (http://billpstudios.blogspot.com/)

[ahaley42]

TW Austin Update:
So far my biggest issue has been lower level support attitude towards helping the customer and an even decent attitude towards cable cards. I have equipment from Vendors that I don't LOVE either, but I suck it up and move on. Once I got higher up the food chain, WAY higher the help and support has been great. No problems fixed yet but they're trying. They're keeping me in the loop, which is the best I can ask. It's the same as most places, once you get past the people making min. wage and just putting in their time for a paycheck you get people that really care.

Outstanding issues:
-Cable Cards, Scientific Atlanta: Still behaving strangely. One works totally, the other decodes but Tivo says it's bad. We tried 4 but Tivo doesn't show you the firmware update screen unless you go to Live TV or Channel Test and if you pull them out you hose the card. Burned 2 cards doing this, they then require a refresh in a laptop.
I am assuming they test these boxes before they roll them out, they need to update and test the cards too. They rely on the two way communication to report errors and resolve issues with cable boxes but these cards can't do that. They're going to have to treat them more like other items in the tech industry, make sure they work when they walk out the door so they'll work onsite. And for goodness sake don't remove a card until after you've seen if it's updating. Tivo needs to have future revs tell you immediately that it's updating.

-No Premium Channels, HD or SD. HDNET, ESPNHD, HBO, CMax, etc... -This appears to be a TW Austin wide issue with S3's

-Getting copyprotect issues with flags set to expire content immediately (CopyNever) and after a short time period, within hours. not sure what that is. TWA has told me that's a national broadcaster issue. Not sure that is correct because other people didn't have the issue.

Like I said, I had a lot (1 week) worth of hassle trying to get to the right people. Once I got there it's been better. They had to go out and fight for a Tivo at BestBuy just like the rest of us. The shipping issue at Tivo set them back as well. Tivo dropped the ball on this rollout as well from my perception. Should have had more info in people's hands sooner and even comped them some boxes for the larger markets. 20 Tivos wouldn't have been a big deal considering. Tivo should have also ramped up their support people's knowledge of the product. The "senior most tech" at the call center told me to remove my card during an update. After he asked me if it was a series 2 cable card. hmm. Pony blew me off on the subject but it should have happened. Tivo is still young but they have much to learn from others in the Tech Industry, if you want to play with the big boys...

It's as it always is, it's a grey line, there is no one 100% to blame. it's getting closer and I hope to have a resolution and a working S3 soon.

[ingenue007]

ok i am setting up cable cards with TW austin soon.

most people are saying they don't get premium HD channels and 1 person say they do. for those of you with TW austin, can you please post what cable package you have (std or digital), if you subscribe to HD tier package (espn, inhd, etc) and if you subscribe to premium channel package (hbo, sho, cinemax etc). btw, tnt HD, discoveryHD are NOT premium HD channels. i get them on my digital box w/o paying for HD tier. also can you post if you don't get a certain channel in the 1500-1600 range. thanks.

[freiz]

ok i am setting up cable cards with TW austin soon.

most people are saying they don't get premium HD channels and 1 person say they do. for those of you with TW austin, can you please post what cable package you have (std or digital), if you subscribe to HD tier package (espn, inhd, etc) and if you subscribe to premium channel package (hbo, sho, cinemax etc). btw, tnt HD, discoveryHD are NOT premium HD channels. i get them on my digital box w/o paying for HD tier. also can you post if you don't get a certain channel in the 1500-1600 range. thanks.

Digital, HBO.

I added HBO after getting the Tivo cable cards installed and HBO is fine on my SA8300. My Tivo doesn't get - 1501 Fox, 1617 DSC, and 1670 TNT as well as HBO. They attempted to unpair/repair, etc over the phone with no luck. I have a tech out tomorrow morning again to see if they can resolve.

[box464]

TWC Dallas Area

If you live in an area of Dallas which uses the Dual-Line system (A/B Switch, you have two cable lines coming out of the wall and into your cable box), the new Tivo Series 3 will only be able to give you the A Side OR the B Side.

My thought was that I could use infrared to control the set top box and forego the CableCards just as i did previously. There is NO INFRARED on the Series 3. I overlooked this, thinking the Series 3 would just build upon what existed in Series 2 boxes.

You can get Side A, or you can get Side B, but you can't get both. You can even record two shows at once, but they have to be on the same Side. I believe all the HD Channels, local channels, etc are on Side A.

It wouldn't be so bad if they had all the crappy community tv and shopping networks over on B, but there's a mix of good channels on the B side like Comedy Central and FX.

So, fair warning to all you Dallas area Dual Liners out there.

It is my understanding that TWC is in the process of updating the Dual Line system to Single Line, but this could take up to another year to complete.

[skanter]

Anyone with TWC in NYC area -- please post results with S3 and cablecards.

Are you getting all HD channels, including premium and HD tier?

[alee]

Anyone with TWC in NYC area -- please post results with S3 and cablecards.

Are you getting all HD channels, including premium and HD tier?
I get the "It's All There" package from TWCNYC (Southern Manhattan), so I don't get the HDNet items.

Of the high def channels that I'm aware of, the following are confirmed to work:
701 HBOHD
702 WCBSDT
703 SHOWHD
704 WNBCDT
705 WNYWDT
706 DHD
707 WABCDT
709 UHD
710 TNTHD
711 WPIXDT
713 WNETDT
730 WABCDT2
731 WNBCDT2
732 WNBCDT4
741 SNYHD
750 WNJNDT

I just ran through all of them with both tuners, no issues. Some are not broadcasting HD at this hour, but the stations are coming in.

[skanter]

I get the "It's All There" package from TWCNYC (Southern Manhattan), so I don't get the HDNet items.

Of the high def channels that I'm aware of, the following are confirmed to work:
701 HBOHD
702 WCBSDT
703 SHOWHD
704 WNBCDT
705 WNYWDT
706 DHD
707 WABCDT
709 UHD
710 TNTHD
711 WPIXDT
713 WNETDT
730 WABCDT2
731 WNBCDT2
732 WNBCDT4
741 SNYHD
750 WNJNDT

I just ran through all of them with both tuners, no issues. Some are not broadcasting HD at this hour, but the stations are coming in.


Good news! Hope HD package is not a problem for cablecards.

Since I got a HD plasma last month, I added the HD package, and dropped the "it's all there" package, just keeping the HD premiums, HBO and Showtime. I get much more HD content, including YES HD and many HD movies, and save about $15/mo in the process.

[sakaike]

YES! But it's not JUST premium content. I have it on some but not all of my HD channels (problems w/ ESPNHD and UniversalHD but not w/ HDnet) and with some but not all of my digital SD channels (problems w/ Bravo and Sundance but not my soccer channels). The problem that I'm having is with tiling and pixelation of the video and drop-outs on the audio.

I did the signal strength indicator and, on problem channels, it jumps all over the place, from 96 to no digital signal. TiVo and TWC both agreed that I had signal strength problems since I was RECEIVING all my channels, albeit problematically for some (therefore, it was concluded that this wasn't a CC authorization issue). HOWEVER, I just had a TWC tech out to my place. He installed a 15dB signal strength booster, said I was now getting TONS of signal, and it didn't help one bit on the problematic channels!

Tech said he had no idea if it was a problem with my CC's or with my TiVo box but either way, there was nothing he could about it because what was coming out of the cable wire was fine. So he left.

Anyone else out there having this problem?
What should I do? I paid $$$ for this box and I REALLY want it to work. :(
I don't have a S3, but intend to buy one soon and am a TW "customer." I can tell you that I have exactly the same problem you are seeing with my Moto 6200 HD STB, and that what you are seeing is not necessarily due to the S3. My tech also reports that my signal strength is exactly right (not too strong or too weak), and I am seeing the same thing as you, on all channels, HD and SD, and at all times of the day and night. My SD box upstairs is fine, so I'm leaning towards thinking that the cause is either signal variability specific to the cable run to this particular outlet, or a bad HD box, since this phenomenon is only seen in one room of the house.

I don't have a cure for your problem, but wanted to let you know that there are others out there seeing the same problem that aren't S3 users, so the problem (and solution) may not have anything to do with your S3. It's probably perfectly good.

[paulchiu]

Hi,

Can you transfer the HD recordings from the new TIVO - 3 onto an external hard drive or Computer in the original 1080i format?

I am currently using the TWC 8300HD DVR and you cannot transfer the recordings onto a D-VHS recorder with copy-protection chip or Computer. You can connect an external eSATA drive to the 8300HD DVR but that process is very unpredictable.

Thanks.

Paul




Good news! Hope HD package is not a problem for cablecards.

Since I got a HD plasma last month, I added the HD package, and dropped the "it's all there" package, just keeping the HD premiums, HBO and Showtime. I get much more HD content, including YES HD and many HD movies, and save about $15/mo in the process.

[SCSIRAID]

Hi,

Can you transfer the HD recordings from the new TIVO - 3 onto an external hard drive or Computer in the original 1080i format?

I am currently using the TWC 8300HD DVR and you cannot transfer the recordings onto a D-VHS recorder with copy-protection chip or Computer. You can connect an external eSATA drive to the 8300HD DVR but that process is very unpredictable.

Thanks.

Paul

Not yet.... Tivo is allegedly working on it and needs Cablelabs blessing on the implementation.

[paulchiu]

What connection to a computer does the TIVO-3 HD have currently?

1394 firewire?
RS232?
USB2?
HDMI?
DVI?

How did the old TIVOs transfer analog content to the PC?

Thanks,

Paul
:)



Not yet.... Tivo is allegedly working on it and needs Cablelabs blessing on the implementation.

[Diacritical]

I order my S3 on Sunday (2nd day air) and was very surprised to receive it today. There was no e-mail notice that it had shipped. Now the TimeWarner (TWC, NY, Brooklyn) journey begins.

So far,I am waiting a call back from LaToya. She has been quite professional and helpful, but my request is just bizarre enough to cause their order fulfillment system to choke. I currently have two digital boxes -- one HD and one not. I am replacing the one HD box with two CableCARDs, but their ordering system will only let me get two cable cards if I replace both boxes.

I am just glad I finally got to her. The first customer support rep told me "We cannot provide CableCARDs in your area." My astonished "you have got to be kidding... please get me a supervisor" response was greeted with a "please hold" followed in two minutes by a "Let me transfer you" and then the original automated answering system.

The second person (after answering all the automated questions precisely the same way) was much more savvy. When I told her I needed two cable cards, she immediately said "Is this for your Tivo?" I had to give her the model number (they take the actual TCD number just fine now), but that was all.

She also thought it was ridiculous to send out a truck for two cards that only require a phone call to activate, but that those were the rules they had to go by (this may be a union issue in this area, BTW).

Right now, I wait for the call back... but my unit should be activated and I should be seeing OTA HD by 6:00PM EDT or so this evening (even if it takes a week or so to get the cards).

[SCSIRAID]

What connection to a computer does the TIVO-3 HD have currently?

1394 firewire?
RS232?
USB2?
HDMI?
DVI?

How did the old TIVOs transfer analog content to the PC?

Thanks,

Paul
:)

Ethernet. TTG transferred .tivo files over the ethernet.

[pmiranda]

She also thought it was ridiculous to send out a truck for two cards that only require a phone call to activate, but that those were the rules they had to go by (this may be a union issue in this area, BTW).


Sadly, it's TW's idea of customer service to charge you for yet another thing you don't need.

[Raddock]

I had no problems getting two cards, just walked into my local TW office and asked for them. I tried my setup this morning with Time Warner Houston. I got the Tivo set up, put in the first card, and gave them a call to activate it.

The guy answers the phone, and I say I want to activate two cards. He asks me if they're for two tv's or the new Tivo. I say the new Tivo. He then asks me to place in both cards at the same time. Now, I've read eveywhere that you have to only do one card, the Tivo instructions, the Tivo website, etc. I place in the second card and immediately get an error 162-1 for the second card. He asks me to try it again, and I get the same error. He then tells me the card is bad and i have get another one.

So, I'm not sure if the card is bad or if we're doing the setup wrong. He insists that both cards have to be activated at the same time with the system they use. And I can only guess he's right since he specifically asked me if it was one of the new dual tuner Tivos.

Anyone experience this?

[LostInAustin]

ok i am setting up cable cards with TW austin soon.

most people are saying they don't get premium HD channels and 1 person say they do. for those of you with TW austin, can you please post what cable package you have (std or digital), if you subscribe to HD tier package (espn, inhd, etc) and if you subscribe to premium channel package (hbo, sho, cinemax etc). btw, tnt HD, discoveryHD are NOT premium HD channels. i get them on my digital box w/o paying for HD tier. also can you post if you don't get a certain channel in the 1500-1600 range. thanks.

From my latest invoice:
Digital, HD Premium Tier, Movie Pak, HD HBO, Sports Pak

I'm receiving all the HD premium channels I subscribe to. I did notice a problem picking up some of the SD HBO West feeds (couldn't tune channels 708-712, but could tune 713). So maybe some of those channels are SDV? Or maybe it just depends on which node you're connected to?

[scottjima]

Wanted to update everyone on the TW CC issue in the Frisco/The Colony/Allen area...

After probably 15+ different tech support calls, transfers to other departments, you name it... I ended up with a tech visit scheduled for this morning. The TW tech shows up (an actual TW, not contractor) and says he knows what the problem is right off the bat. Apparently, there are (2) field techs and one dispatch tech who actually know what a CC is and how to set it up.

Turns out, all (4) CC were on my account, but the programming was only "applied" to my original two cards. He talked to the dispatch tech and within 2 minutes the Tivo was working off of both cards.

So simple, yet so difficult.....

Good luck to everybody else!

[Tapioca Dextrin]

Got my S3 on Tuesday and the cable guy turned up at 2 o'clock on Thursday. Without any CableCards :rolleyes:

He came back after a couple of hours and everything went fine. Everything worked until he left around 6:30, channels 1-99 and the 700s disappeared.

Time to call TW.

While I was on the inevitable hold, the two other cable boxes in the house stopped working.

We finally got hold hold of a human being who reset the cable boxes and then out me on hold again to talk to the Tech Department.

Round about 7:30, I managed to talk with a Tech person. (actually, TW Austin have a web chat thingy that I was also talking to and was quicker than a live person)

They reset the CableCards (while I was recording The Office, but nevermind) and after around an hour, my channels gradually reappeared and as of Friday morning, everything is looking stable.

[mlh78750]

Had an install yesterday for my S3. The first card had a date from 2006. It worked but I am missing 1501 and ESPNHD DHD etc. I see them for 2 seconds and then I get the "you must call to activate" screen. So I know the card can decode the channels, it appears to be a auth issue. The second card had a manuf date of 2005 and went into the "updating firmware" mode. I got the supervisor for the contractor to come out to my house and take a look. He has a good idea what needs to be done at this point and feels I need a new card. The bad news is that TWC Austin is out of cards. He tried to go to TWC Austin and pick up a few since he has a few Tivo S3 installs pending.

I will update with more info as I go thorugh the steps to get this working.

[Spastic]

Another Time Warner Austin customer here. I originally had an install set for Wednesday, but due to being part of the "Lucky 200" I didn't get my Tivo in time. I had my appointment rescheduled for today, between 8-12. I sit around the house for those 4 hours, waiting for the guy to show up or a call. Just a few minutes to 12, I finally get a call from the installer telling me that they're out of CableCards. I asked him why I hadn't been told about this earlier, since I just wasted half a workday for nothing. He didn't have any answer, except to say that someone would call me when they get more cards, to schedule another appointment.

Needless to say, I'm really unhappy again. First the shipping delays, now this. This whole experience has really put a damper on the whole new Tivo experience. BTW, can anyone give me a link to the page on TW's website where it says your install is free if they're late? I plan to take them up on that in this case (assuming I didn't imagine that).

[jeffrypennock]

My signal has been stable for two days now. Everything looks great and works great!!! Fingers crossed it stays that way.

[jeffrypennock]

I had no problems getting two cards, just walked into my local TW office and asked for them. I tried my setup this morning with Time Warner Houston. I got the Tivo set up, put in the first card, and gave them a call to activate it.

The guy answers the phone, and I say I want to activate two cards. He asks me if they're for two tv's or the new Tivo. I say the new Tivo. He then asks me to place in both cards at the same time. Now, I've read eveywhere that you have to only do one card, the Tivo instructions, the Tivo website, etc. I place in the second card and immediately get an error 162-1 for the second card. He asks me to try it again, and I get the same error. He then tells me the card is bad and i have get another one.

So, I'm not sure if the card is bad or if we're doing the setup wrong. He insists that both cards have to be activated at the same time with the system they use. And I can only guess he's right since he specifically asked me if it was one of the new dual tuner Tivos.

Anyone experience this?
Cycling through cards to get two that worked, I've done the activation game a few times. I've tried inserting them both and then activating and I've tried activating card 1 then inserting card 2 and activating it. I couldn't tell a difference in outcome or the way things went. I think he's right, the card is bad, not the card insertion sequence.

[SCSIRAID]

Well, TWC has been here for 2.5 hours... one cablecard is working fine. the other one is hanging up with

PowerKey Status: Not Ready - Waiting for EMMs

fun fun fun......

[Eskimo Pie]

Thats what happened with me... They ended up taking the bad card with them and even though I kept the 'good' card I have it unplugged because having just 1 card apparently limits you to only being able to use one tuner... I get all the locals over OTA so it's not a huge deal waiting...

[skweaz]

Installer left about an hour ago, I actually ended up installing the cards myself while he installed a new drop in another room.
First card, dated 2004: took awhile for the MMI screen to come up but it did. He called in that card and it tested ok.
Second card, dated 2006: MMI came up right away and I had him call that one in. No channels came up but he said it can take some time. So I reran guided setup (I was using analog only since I got the unit last Friday) and once that was comepleted both cards worked.
I am missing some premium channels, but I need to double check with TW to make sure they got the upgrade order correct. I am getting all locals and was getting TNTHD and UniversalHD, but I checked before I came back to work and they were gone.
Checking with support now...

[ingenue007]

TW AUSTIN

i have my install next week. my bill drops 2 dollars.

i wanted to drop to std and add HD tier. they said if i did that, I would no longer get any HD channels (1500 ones) and only get HD tier channels (inhd, universal etc) and that if I wanted local HD and tnt, discovery that I HAD to retain my digital cable. Is that correct?

I would ideally want std +hd tier and retain all the local HDs and TNT and Discovery HD

[freiz]

I am missing some premium channels, but I need to double check with TW to make sure they got the upgrade order correct. I am getting all locals and was getting TNTHD and UniversalHD, but I checked before I came back to work and they were gone.


Just got done with a 3 hour, second TWA visit. I had the exact problem you have with 1501 and other free HD channels missing (and my HBOs). It's an auth problem. When the first guy set me up, he called the person sitting in the control room and gave her my card IDs.

Note I didn't say he gave her my Tivo ID. And, she didn't *ever* ask for the Tivo HOST ID. Without the Tivo Host ID the cards don't marry with the Tivo and 1501, DSC, TNT, and premiums won't be authorized.

I think the channel 1501 auth error is the giveaway and several other people in Austin have had this problem as well. The key is you need to get to someone and explain that your cable cards were never assigned to your Tivo host ID, have them do that, re-hit your cards, and all will be fine. It's apparently not something that is obvious to the field people or CSRs as I have had 2 techs and 3 CSRs attempt to unpair, re-pair, troubleshoot, pray, etc. and no one ever noticed it. It wasn't until the guy out today called his last resort person that she requested both the Tivo host ID *and* the two cable card IDs. Once she had that, she hit my cards and in a few minutes I was watching 1501, HBO, etc.

I now have all my channels and the Tivo is working fine. Props to my TWA tech (Patrick) that came out today. He is tops!

On a related note - here are the channels that I have confirmed to be SDV and missing with cable card use:

111 - Boomerang
28x - shopping channels (bleh)
west coast premiums

I will work on a more concise list later... As to 232 - National Geo, I was receiving it just fine a few hours ago. It is supposed to be SDV... I might check diag page 5 on my SA8300 and see if it is in the SDV range (417 - 447 as I recall)

The tech out today also replaced my living room cable run and cleared some interference on channel 7, Spike, and a few other channels. As I noted, he was excellent. The best TWA experience I have ever had and definitely needed after the last day and a half of this cable card fiasco.

In closing,

MAKE SURE THE PERSON INSTALLING AND AUTHORIZING YOUR CABLE CARDS PROVIDES THE TIVO HOST ID TO THE PERSON AT HQ. THEY WON'T NECESSARILY ASK FOR IT.

[eisenb11]

Bah... f'ing retarded SOBs!

I set my CC install with TWC on Tues when the S3 was released. Called again on Sat to confirm and all was ok.

Come today and the asshats don't show up. End up wasting 3 hours with CS who tells me to call back every 30 min to figure out wtf is going on.

Turns out they screwed everything up and now I'm recheduled tomorrow for some time between 10am and 7pm.

How is it that no matter where you are in the country, the cable companies seem to always hire the most incompetant dumb-asses to work for them?

I took today off from work for this appointment, then had to resched plans to tomorrow because they were running late but promised that someone would show up today one way or another... now I've got to cancel plans for tomorrow.

TWC I hate you! You can't see me, but guess which finger I'm holding up at you!

To use a Farkasm (fark.com) here: Die in a fire!

[freiz]

i have my install next week. my bill drops 2 dollars.

My bill dropped $9, but I couldn't see saving $, so I added HBO for $9.95. Now I'm into them for another buck or so...

See cable cards are a win-win! You get to redeploy that pile of crud known as the SA8300HD, I get a Tivo, and TWA gets another crisp one dollar bill from me each and every month!

:cool:

Now I just need another TB of space and I will be OK.

[SoBayJake]

Turns out they screwed everything up and now I'm recheduled tomorrow for some time between 10am and 7pm.A NINE hour window??
What state are you in? Some states require them to set up a certain (smaller) window. I think California is a 4 or 5 hour window, which the cable companies try to slide by and give you larger windows, until you call them on it.

Check out info for you state, or even city. Some cities (franchising authorities) have laws regarding this topic.

Also check in to credits, refunds, etc. for missed appoitments!

[Gene S]

I had no problems getting two cards, just walked into my local TW office and asked for them. I tried my setup this morning with Time Warner Houston. I got the Tivo set up, put in the first card, and gave them a call to activate it.

The guy answers the phone, and I say I want to activate two cards. He asks me if they're for two tv's or the new Tivo. I say the new Tivo. He then asks me to place in both cards at the same time. Now, I've read eveywhere that you have to only do one card, the Tivo instructions, the Tivo website, etc. I place in the second card and immediately get an error 162-1 for the second card. He asks me to try it again, and I get the same error. He then tells me the card is bad and i have get another one.

So, I'm not sure if the card is bad or if we're doing the setup wrong. He insists that both cards have to be activated at the same time with the system they use. And I can only guess he's right since he specifically asked me if it was one of the new dual tuner Tivos.

Anyone experience this?

It goes against what the Tivo insert says to do, but I had my installer call them in at both the same time. I told him it seemed stupid to make 2 separate calls.

But we did insert the cards one at a time. He input card 1, then we waited for the MMI screen to pop up. It took about 3 minutes for that to happen. After that he put in the second card and waited for the MMI screen again. Once that screen came up he called in and activated both cards at the same time.

[mlh78750]

Had an install yesterday for my S3. The first card had a date from 2006. It worked but I am missing 1501 and ESPNHD DHD etc. I see them for 2 seconds and then I get the "you must call to activate" screen. So I know the card can decode the channels, it appears to be a auth issue. The second card had a manuf date of 2005 and went into the "updating firmware" mode. I got the supervisor for the contractor to come out to my house and take a look. He has a good idea what needs to be done at this point and feels I need a new card. The bad news is that TWC Austin is out of cards. He tried to go to TWC Austin and pick up a few since he has a few Tivo S3 installs pending.

I will update with more info as I go thorugh the steps to get this working.

UPDATE! I had a great Tech named Ted come by and fix everything. We installed the cards one at a time and authorize and fully test the one card before moving on to the next. I sat with him through it all. The first CC would not authorize and had the 1501 DISCHD etc problem. Once we got the card to show that it was auth'ed everything comes in just fine including all of the HD Tier. I do not have HBO Showtime etc so I can't say about that. Some of the SV channels are working and some are showing other channels and some just don't work. For instance 101 shows channel 2 on my box. Anyway, we installed both cards and all the channels are working on the test channels dialog. Tivo is doing the service setup thing right now and I think tomorrow I will return the TWC DVR.

[SCSIRAID]

Well, TWC has been here for 2.5 hours... one cablecard is working fine. the other one is hanging up with

PowerKey Status: Not Ready - Waiting for EMMs

fun fun fun......

All is well now.... Took 4.5 hours and 4 cablecards but all is now up and running. HD Heaven.... Now to enter alllllllll those season passes....

TWC installer worked very hard and was determined to get it working.

Im a happy camper. Good job TWC Raleigh.

[Diacritical]

Finally got my appointment for one week from today -- but after getting this thing activated and getting my first look at OTA HD, I'm not so sure I need HD from the cable company. I've been watching HD on TWC/NYC for years now and I've never had HD look this good -- and that from a small UHF loop behind the TV.

I have to say -- recording two shows in HD with all the TiVo feature is just like rediscovering HD and TiVo at the same time. This reception makes the cable version look a little sick.

--

[infinitespecter]

I got tired of watching OTA and wanted to setup some Season Passes, so I called Comcast/TWC and asked if I could just swap the card in my Sony DVR into the S3. Got a yes, and it worked perfectly. Kind of annoying that it won't run in an asymmetric mode, but this will do until next week when they bring another card.

[BillP Studios]

TW cable came today and my Series3 is working like it should. :up:
All channels are up and running with the exemption of the ones they recently removed.
See... :eek: Time Warner Battles Against Cable Cards (http://billpstudios.blogspot.com/2006/09/time-warner-battles-against-cable.html)

Both cards with dated 2006 and were immediately recognized.
The cable guys called in the host ids.
When we did the "Test Channels", the 2nd cable card did not display any digital channels. The HD def local channels were ok but none of the other or premiums.

Rebooted TiVo, and made the cable guys wait through guide setup which was the only way to get any channels to come up.

The CableCARD menu -> Test Channels still failed with cable card 2 on digital channels.

However, when I went to live TV and checked everything worked fine! I was able to start recording two HD channels at one time. YAY!
The right side of the Display banner also lets you switch between cards.
Tip: Live TV button also lets you swap which tuner you're on.

So, even if the channel test fails, doesn't necessarily mean its a bad card.

Good Luck to all,
Bill Pytlovany

[eisenb11]

A NINE hour window??
What state are you in? Some states require them to set up a certain (smaller) window. I think California is a 4 or 5 hour window, which the cable companies try to slide by and give you larger windows, until you call them on it.

Check out info for you state, or even city. Some cities (franchising authorities) have laws regarding this topic.

Also check in to credits, refunds, etc. for missed appoitments!

Hehe, I'm a little south of you in Redondo Beach.

I had a 2 hour window today (10-12) but it didn't do me much good since they didn't bother to show up. After that they kept promising they'd send some other dude here until about 3:00 when they said it's a no-go until tomorrow.

Now I'm in the system for 10-7 tomorrow, but they say the guy should be here in the morning... not that their word is worth anything.

I was told to bug them about refunds/free-months after the install.

[Raddock]

I had no problems getting two cards, just walked into my local TW office and asked for them. I tried my setup this morning with Time Warner Houston. I got the Tivo set up, put in the first card, and gave them a call to activate it.

The guy answers the phone, and I say I want to activate two cards. He asks me if they're for two tv's or the new Tivo. I say the new Tivo. He then asks me to place in both cards at the same time. Now, I've read eveywhere that you have to only do one card, the Tivo instructions, the Tivo website, etc. I place in the second card and immediately get an error 162-1 for the second card. He asks me to try it again, and I get the same error. He then tells me the card is bad and i have get another one.

So, I'm not sure if the card is bad or if we're doing the setup wrong. He insists that both cards have to be activated at the same time with the system they use. And I can only guess he's right since he specifically asked me if it was one of the new dual tuner Tivos.

Anyone experience this?

UPDATE: I came home from work during lunch today, plugged in a replacement card so both cards are in the slots now. I phoned the activation people, and gave them all the card info they requested, the first card worked right away, and I had all HD channels, the second card didn't work immediately. I went ahead and told the Tivo to download channel data, and I left to go back to work, when I got home this evening, the Tivo was ready to go, both tuners worked. Sweet! Aside from having to get 1 new card, this was fairly painless for me.

[cit1991]

I picked up the S3 at Fry's yesterday afternoon. Since I read all the stuff on here, I knew what to expect, what to do, and what not to do.

There was a TW store right up the freeway from the Fry's. I stopped there with the new S3 in the back seat. They were out of CableCards. I told the lady I needed two. She took my number and said she would call me the next day after they processed their shipment (late morning). I was worrried that would be the end.

Today, she called me at about 10:30am. She had two cards for me, and I could come get them. I was there about a half hour later. Two brand new cards in blue plastic cases (Motorola) were waiting for me, along with an instruction sheet for setting them up. They don't have dual stream cards.

I went home and set the unit up. Then after getting it online, and updated, I put both cards in. Then I called the special number TW Houston had set up for activating them. A lady answered immediately. They asked me for all the info on one of the card setup screens...for one card. Then she processed it, or sent it to dispatch, as she said. We then did the second card the same way. She asked me to test some certain channels, and they worked.

She said the others (pay channels, and a few HD's) would be working within 24 hours, and to call that number back if they were not. 4 hours later, all the channels that were supposed to work, were working, including all the pay channels I get and their HD's.

I set up my season passes, and later in the afternoon, it was recording 2 shows at once, one in HD...just perfectly.

I have to say TW Houston really had its act together. No BS about TiVo, no long phone calls, no tech visit, just pickup, plug in, and activate.

If you want to get cards, call them to make sure they are in stock. The lady at the store said they go fast when they get them.

[Spastic]

I posted yesterday about how I waited through my whole appointment window, then they called me at the very end to let me know they ran out of cable cards. Well, the installer called me back around 3 and said that he had got a hold of some more cable cards, and he could do the install now. Luckily, my wife was home, so I told him to come by. All my info about the install is second hand through my wife, but apparently it took them about 2 hours to get everything done. I guess most of that time was spent waiting to get through the phone lines to tech support to get the cards authorized. Also, apparently there is a signal quality problem with some of the low analog channels, so he's going to come back today and replace a cable outside.

Everything seems to be working great now, except I'm not getting ESPN HD, HDNet, and HDNet Movies. I was definitely getting those before. I don't get any "not authorized" screen or anything like that, just a black screen. I'm going to call TW today and see what happened there.

[skweaz]

Everything seems to be working great now, except I'm not getting ESPN HD, HDNet, and HDNet Movies. I was definitely getting those before. I don't get any "not authorized" screen or anything like that, just a black screen. I'm going to call TW today and see what happened there.

I had this problem last night but the web chat support guy noticed only one of my cards was authorized for the HDNet stuff. He rehit them and all is well.

All my HD stuff is coming in fine on both cards, which is great. However, NONE of my "digital" tier stuff works unless the channel has a lower end analog equivalent (A & E, History etc.).
Still working with support on this. Anyone else in my situation? I upgraded my package from analog only to digital/ hd, I have never had a cable box.

[tylerc]

I've had nothing but problems with TW, their DVR's are total crap. The dvr they gave me broke within 2 days of getting it, I'm getting a series 3 as soon as the price comes down.

[zync]

I've had nothing but problems with TW, their DVR's are total crap. The dvr they gave me broke within 2 days of getting it, I'm getting a series 3 as soon as the price comes down.

Hang on, to be fair, I did go through 2 S3 TiVos before I got one that worked. Whereas the TW DVR "worked" from day 1.

I say "worked" because I hate hate hate the SA user interface which is why I'm heartbroken that TWC Austin is having problems with Cable Cards.

[SCSIRAID]

All is well now.... Took 4.5 hours and 4 cablecards but all is now up and running. HD Heaven.... Now to enter alllllllll those season passes....

TWC installer worked very hard and was determined to get it working.

Im a happy camper. Good job TWC Raleigh.

Attached is a quick spreadsheet to calculate cable bill based on # of cablecards, cable boxes and dvr's. It assumes Digipic 1000 combo with Roadrunner and Digital Phone.

Cablecards end up costing $2.75 per month, digital boxes $8.95 and DVR's $15.90 (or 6.95 if its your only digital box).

Enjoy.....

[BL]

I got my cable cards on Thursday, and the picture quality has been excellent. I thought there was something wrong because there were a lot of channels I was not getting, but when I called I learned that (a surprise to me) they were all the west-coast versions of channels and had been put on switched digital. I never dreamed that back-water Maine would have gone to switched digital yet, but they have.

All of the remaining (non-bi-directional) channels come in fine, but I did have to get them to authorize TCM and Fox movies specially as they forgot initially.

[eisenb11]

Bah, still stuck on my 10-7 resched. TWC refused to even contact the installer to get me an ETA.

Stupid arsholes expect me to sit around all day with my thumb up my butt.

I'm writing the FCC and complaining about false advertising. "On time guarantee" my arse... it looks like 2-days is going to be wasted because they're so "on time".

[VoodooNYC]

Bah, still stuck on my 10-7 resched. TWC refused to even contact the installer to get me an ETA.

Stupid arsholes expect me to sit around all day with my thumb up my butt.

I'm writing the FCC and complaining about false advertising. "On time guarantee" my arse... it looks like 2-days is going to be wasted because they're so "on time".

Tell me about it. I have an 8am - 12pm appointment today for CC install. I called at 11:55am to find out where they were. After being on hold for 15 minutes, I was told that a Foreman was required to install CableCards and that my appointment had been extended from 8am to 6pm. Are you trying to tell me that a regular service guy can't pop two cards in a box and make a phone call??
So I now have a 10 hour window and who knows if they'll even show. Ridiculous.

[Lisa898]

Tell me about it. I have an 8am - 12pm appointment today for CC install. I called at 11:55am to find out where they were. After being on hold for 15 minutes, I was told that a Foreman was required to install CableCards and that my appointment had been extended from 8am to 6pm. Are you trying to tell me that a regular service guy can't pop two cards in a box and make a phone call??
So I now have a 10 hour window and who knows if they'll even show. Ridiculous.


Good luck. I've had TW Brooklyn not show up until after 7 before. My appointment isn't until next Saturday, I'll be interested to hear how yours goes. The upside is that if they are sending a supervisor, it will be a real TW person instead of a subcontractor which is probably better in the long run.

[VoodooNYC]

The upside is that if they are sending a supervisor, it will be a real TW person instead of a subcontractor which is probably better in the long run.

Thanks - I did think of that and that may be the only saving grace. I'll report back when and if it's done.