OKC new HD channels

menos · 02-12-2008, 06:45 PM

If there is anybody in the OKC, OK market on Cox cable, can you check to see if you get the 3 new channels that went live today? They showed up in the guide and they are accessible via a cable co. box, but they are not showing up on my TivoHD. When I tune to the channel I get a black screen. If I go into the cable card diagnostics I get a 'wrong state' error on the card.

moyekj · 02-12-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menos

If there is anybody in the OKC, OK market on Cox cable, can you check to see if you get the 3 new channels that went live today? They showed up in the guide and they are accessible via a cable co. box, but they are not showing up on my TivoHD. When I tune to the channel I get a black screen. If I go into the cable card diagnostics I get a 'wrong state' error on the card.

I'm not in your market so don't know for sure, but if I had to guess I'd say welcome to the wonderful world of Cox preparing for SDV deployment. In my market even though they haven't yet deployed SDV the policy has been for any new channel additions to be reserved for future SDV deployment. As such the CableCard channel maps do not include these new channels so the Tivo doesn't know how to tune them (even though as you say Tivo guide data has those channels). There are already 8 HD channels I can't receive as such. The so-called tuning resolver is eagerly awaited...

barrettd · 02-13-2008, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menos

If there is anybody in the OKC, OK market on Cox cable, can you check to see if you get the 3 new channels that went live today? They showed up in the guide and they are accessible via a cable co. box, but they are not showing up on my TivoHD. When I tune to the channel I get a black screen. If I go into the cable card diagnostics I get a 'wrong state' error on the card.

Have you called Cox? I noticed the same thing. I don't think this happened with their last round of new HD channels. I'm going to call them this morning to see if they know what the problem is.

menos · 02-13-2008, 10:02 AM

Update-

I called Cox. The CSR was clueless and had no idea. I asked to be transfered to the Cable Card rep but he wouldn't. His answer.... Roll a tech.

So, I called my brother-in-law up (He's a tech for Cox). He said that they are hearing complaints all over town. He also said it's not just the Tivo's but any cable card, including the Cox provided STBs that have a cable card in them.

Post here if you hear anything different when you call.

barrettd · 02-13-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menos

Update-

I called Cox. The CSR was clueless and had no idea. I asked to be transfered to the Cable Card rep but he wouldn't. His answer.... Roll a tech.

So, I called my brother-in-law up (He's a tech for Cox). He said that they are hearing complaints all over town. He also said it's not just the Tivo's but any cable card, including the Cox provided STBs that have a cable card in them.

Post here if you hear anything different when you call.

I got pretty much the same response as you, but I went ahead and scheduled the tech to come out. He's here now and we're installing a new M-Card. I'm not hopeful that it will work, but I will let you know once we're finished.

UPDATE: The news is not good. We got everything set up with a new Mcard and the channels still didn't work. The tech was messaging the dispatch, who told him the 3 new channels will not show up on cablecards now nor will they ever. They said the only way to get these channels and any new ones in the future is with a Cox HD box. I asked about SDV and the dispatch person had no clue. Don't know how reliable that info is, but it will suck very badly if we're now limited to only the HD channels we have now. Is that even legal?

wierdo · 02-13-2008, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menos

including the Cox provided STBs that have a cable card in them.

Can you say "oops."

Is it rude of me to say that it serves them right.

Just FWIW, this is the first set of channels I haven't gotten (in Tulsa). The November channels all come in great on my S3.

What I don't get is why they say "Televisions and other consumer owned devices equipped with a CableCARD may require a digital set top receiver in order to receive all programming options offered by Cox Digital Cable" instead of "Televisions and other consumer owned devices equipped with a CableCARD require a digital set top receiver in order to receive all programming options offered by Cox Digital Cable," which is accurate.

I also don't get why they're bothering with this BS, since they're not implementing SDV here in the near future, and by the time they do, the tuning resolver will be available.

barrettd · 02-13-2008, 11:52 AM

Really, the thing that irritates me the most is having to go through all this crap only to discover that I cannot get the programming. Granted, I don't pay anything extra for HD channels and I'm not missing a whole lot by not getting FoodTV in HD. I just wish the rep I talked to had this information, which could have saved their tech an hour or so on a pointless visit. I don't see this disclaimer readily available on the Cox website, either.

Oh, well. I still love my TivoHD and cablecard combination, but things like this are quite aggravating.

brettatk · 02-13-2008, 12:01 PM

I guess I dont understand why they do not show up using CableCards. I'd keep pressing until they could give me a reason. Just telling me the channels arent going to show up would not be good enough.

menos · 02-13-2008, 12:22 PM

My understanding from reading other peoples complaints (see post #2 above) is that Cox is doing it just because they can.
My guess is that Cox's logic is that since these new channels will be going to SDV in the future they might as well not even give the channels to the cable cards now just to take them away later.
With the announcement of the tuning resolver, that arguement is moot. If you are using a Tivo or any other device that can support the tuning resolver, you wouldn't lose these channels when they migrated to SDV so there is no reason to take them away now.
Unfortunately, Cox (and the other providers) know that there is no consequence for their actions. The FCC has proved by their lack of action that they are not going to enforce the intent of the regulations.

sorbok · 02-13-2008, 05:06 PM

I have had the new Food Network HD channel on all afternoon here in OKC. Not really watching it, but I got curious after all the posts I read this morning. Hasn't blipped once that I can tell.

However, I can't get the new HGTV HD channel, just comes up with a black screen. So I can't confirm if Cox is getting ready for SDV, since FN is good and HGTV is not. What other channels were supposed to be offered this time? I can try those out as well...

barrettd · 02-13-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sorbok

I have had the new Food Network HD channel on all afternoon here in OKC. Not really watching it, but I got curious after all the posts I read this morning. Hasn't blipped once that I can tell.

However, I can't get the new HGTV HD channel, just comes up with a black screen. So I can't confirm if Cox is getting ready for SDV, since FN is good and HGTV is not. What other channels were supposed to be offered this time? I can try those out as well...

And you're using a TivoHD with a cablecard? That's quite interesting if you are.

HGTV is either 727 or 737, depending on which channel was correct on Cox's listing. Also try 744, which is TravelHD, I believe. Those should be the three new ones.

sorbok · 02-13-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barrettd

And you're using a TivoHD with a cablecard? That's quite interesting if you are.

HGTV is either 727 or 737, depending on which channel was correct on Cox's listing. Also try 744, which is TravelHD, I believe. Those should be the three new ones.

Sorry, should have noted my Tivo is a S3 in my original reply. Cable cards are both S type. I just tried 744, looks like no problems getting that channel also. I don't watch much Travel Channel, so I didn't realize that was a new addition also. HGTV is shown on the Tivo guide as 727, but I just checked it again and still no signal.

barrettd · 02-13-2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sorbok

Sorry, should have noted my Tivo is a S3 in my original reply. Cable cards are both S type. I just tried 744, looks like no problems getting that channel also. I don't watch much Travel Channel, so I didn't realize that was a new addition also. HGTV is shown on the Tivo guide as 727, but I just checked it again and still no signal.

It is still interesting that you are using cablecards and getting the new channels. I can't imagine the S3/TivoHD makes the difference.

The bigger problem is that it is nearly impossible to call and talk to anyone at Cox about cable cards. Too bad, because I really wanted to see Giada in HD.

sorbok · 02-14-2008, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barrettd

It is still interesting that you are using cablecards and getting the new channels. I can't imagine the S3/TivoHD makes the difference.

The bigger problem is that it is nearly impossible to call and talk to anyone at Cox about cable cards. Too bad, because I really wanted to see Giada in HD.

I agree the Tivo box should not be the difference. I'll mark myself down as one of the lucky ones. When I purchased the S3 about a year ago, I was worried about the installation because of all the issues noted here about Cox. But my installer was very knowledgeable, quickly got me up and running and I've never had to have the cards "hit" or replaced. Other than known Tivo software issues, my box has been flawless.

I can't explain why those channels are showing and maybe Cox will discover that I "shouldn't" be getting them but for now Giada looks very good in her sweater.

Testpattern · 02-14-2008, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menos

If there is anybody in the OKC, OK market on Cox cable, can you check to see if you get the 3 new channels that went live today? They showed up in the guide and they are accessible via a cable co. box, but they are not showing up on my TivoHD. When I tune to the channel I get a black screen. If I go into the cable card diagnostics I get a 'wrong state' error on the card.

I know the Travel Channel is 744, which I can't receive as of last night on my S3. What are the other OKC channels which fall into this catagory?

I was having two separate issues last night. Some channels were just plain black with no sound or any evidence of life. Other channels posted a blue banner at the bottom saying the channel wasn't available

Are these two symptoms part of the same issue?

menos · 02-14-2008, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Testpattern

I know the Travel Channel is 744, which I can't receive as of last night on my S3. What are the other OKC channels which fall into this catagory?

I was having two separate issues last night. Some channels were just plain black with no sound or any evidence of life. Other channels posted a blue banner at the bottom saying the channel wasn't available

Are these two symptoms part of the same issue?

The three channels are 727 (or 737 depending on what time of day you check Cox's site), 744 and 755...

chood601 · 02-14-2008, 01:33 PM

I have the same issue... TivoHD with M-Card. No reception on the new HD channels. Spoke with Cox... The customer service rep was pretty much clueless but did know that any device with cablecards won't be able to get the new HD channels. Asked if this policy was likely to change and she had no idea.

This completely sucks as I recently switched from DirecTV (and my 3yr old DirecTivo) to Cox because my DirecTivo couldn't receive the new HD channels.

We're seeing a disturbing trend here with media providers forcing the consumer to use their equipment. As for me, the only way their gonna get my Tivo is by prying it from my cold, dead hands.

menos · 02-14-2008, 02:04 PM

File an FCC complaint. I know it won't matter, but I did anyway.

sorbok · 02-14-2008, 02:43 PM

Just tried switching to channel 737 manually and up comes the HGTV channel in HD, even though Tivo has guide information for it on 727. The Food Network is on 745, and the Travel Channel is on 744, both of which are listed correctly in the Tivo Guide. I get nothing on 755, it's a black screen just like 727.

So is Cox just screwing around here? I got onto their website and it says that HGTV is on 727, even though I'm watching it as I type this on 737. I can confirm I get all three new channels today, but who knows about tomorrow since nobody else is posting positive results. I guess I'll enjoy it while I can...

dig_duggler · 02-14-2008, 02:48 PM

If they are not using SDV then you might want to look at the central florida thread (brighthouse). I'm shocked companies are carrying out rollouts like this.

gcw07 · 02-14-2008, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sorbok

So is Cox just screwing around here? I got onto their website and it says that HGTV is on 727, even though I'm watching it as I type this on 737. I can confirm I get all three new channels today, but who knows about tomorrow since nobody else is posting positive results. I guess I'll enjoy it while I can...

What is the url your visiting that shows it as 727? I've only seen it listed as 737.

http://www.cox.com/oklahoma/HDTV/hdchannels.asp

sorbok · 02-14-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcw07

What is the url your visiting that shows it as 727? I've only seen it listed as 737.

http://www.cox.com/oklahoma/HDTV/hdchannels.asp

Here's where I went: http://oklahomacity.cox.net/cci/tvlistings

I looked at the site you listed, interesting that Cox itself can't agree!

wickerbill · 02-14-2008, 09:05 PM

On my last bill there was a note saying I wouldn't be getting these channels if I had cable cards, but they are all three working fine tonight in Tulsa on my series 3 but NOT on my Tivo HD. Both are using two S-cards as we don't have M-cards available. Only difference I can think of is that my tivo HD was only set up about a month ago while my Series 3 was set up a little over a year ago.

wierdo · 02-15-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wickerbill

On my last bill there was a note saying I wouldn't be getting these channels if I had cable cards, but they are all three working fine tonight in Tulsa on my series 3 but NOT on my Tivo HD. Both are using two S-cards as we don't have M-cards available. Only difference I can think of is that my tivo HD was only set up about a month ago while my Series 3 was set up a little over a year ago.

Strange..I got no love on my S3. I got it in in the spring or early summer last year.

menos · 02-15-2008, 12:49 PM

A Cox OKC employee posted this on hdtvok.com

Quote:

Not yet deploying SDV (but does help prepare), but as a matter of policy starting with the channels launched Tuesday, new HD channels will not be launched to CableCard. An HD receiver is needed.

I'm still trying to figure out how this is legal taking into account the FCC mandate. It is amazing that the cable companies are basically just flipping the bird to the FCC.

RosieKitty · 02-15-2008, 05:45 PM

I just called Cox OKC (again) about FOOD HD and the other missing channels and was told (by Craig in Tech Support) that this is a known issue and that Cox is working with SA to get the CableCards updated to be able to receive the signals of the new stations. Then he transferred me to Sales to be put on the waiting list to pick up new cards when they are available (which is TBD). The Sales rep knew exactly what I was talking about and put me on the waiting list. Woo hoo.

menos · 02-15-2008, 06:05 PM

Left hand... meet right hand.

I hope it has just a simple fubar but i suspect that we are looking at a purposeful action.

moyekj · 02-15-2008, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menos

Left hand... meet right hand.

I hope it has just a simple fubar but i suspect that we are looking at a purposeful action.

It most certainly is purposeful given as other Cox markets are doing the same thing, i.e. any new channel additions blocked from CableCard users since they will be targeted to SDV deployment. I think it's a corporate level edict targeted at all Cox markets where SDV deployment is imminent or planned soon. If anything the fubar is that some CableCard customers are able to tune these new additions... The corporate drive to have capacity for 50 HD channels now and 100 by end of 2009 to be competitive with DirecTV I think is driving this:
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6470803.html

menos · 02-15-2008, 06:56 PM

I don't begrudge them the need for SDV. I just think that since the tuning resolver is coming there is no need to take them away now.

pogopogo · 02-15-2008, 07:03 PM

I'm in Norman and I am able to tune all three new channels on my S3.

It is weird that some people are able to tune the channels and others aren't. If this is truly a Cox decision why would some CableCARDs be able to tune any of these new channels?