wihogfan
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20081017-fcc-fines-cable-for-anticompetitive-switched-digital-video.html
Short version TWC & Comcast customers in 3 areas filed a complaint with the FCC because when TWC & Comcast went live with their Switched Digital Video (SDV) it made it so CableCARD devices could no longer pick up those SDV channels. In addition to the fine, affected customers (our area wasn't part of the complaint, so it doesn't involve anyone here) will be given compensation.
SDV was the reason I dropped TWC- not because of any CableCARD device, but because I got fed up with all the "service not available at this time" errors and freezing and missed recordings I was getting on all of their SDV channels. The only way I'll ever consider going back to TWC (and I'll still argue that TWC's customer service and service in general was outstanding) is if they fix those problems with their SDV channels. (Well, I'd actually have to see an improved guide and DVR software before going back too, but it was the SDV issue that prompted my change.)
Posted October 17, 2008 2:18pm in
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When you got channel
When you got channel unavailable did you try doing a cold reboot on the DVR ( volume +, Volume -, and info buttons pressed at the same time)? I get the same issues you had with this and just reboot and all channels seem fine after that...
Rebooting would often work
Rebooting would often work for a few hours but then the problems would crop up again. Took my DVR back and got a different one with the same results. I always could get the channels to come in by switching up or down one channel and then back to the channel I was trying to get to work- sometimes took 3 or 4 tries. The DVR not recording those switched channels (or only partially recording them) was really the final straw for me- that and the freezing. Talked to TWC about it a few times before finally giving up. I know others were experiencing the same problems, so it prompted my switch to Dish.
I also know it's not a line problem- I'm still a TWC internet customer and I had had a new line run recently to fix a signal problem I was having with my internet service and the improved signal strength (if signal strength is the right term when talking cable) did nothing to fix the SDV problems.
Your problem is signal
Your problem is signal related therefore a new dvr will not help. As far as a line problem, the only line that can be ruled out is the drop (line from pole to house) as the cable is split for the modem and tvs. So what im saying is the problem could be the line from splitter to box. Also, sdv and internet run on different frequencies and formats. Another area to look at is the return path. This is how your box requests the channel.(however, signal specs are different for internet and tv so it is possible to have one working and not the other with the same signal strength.Also,your home wiring may not be configured properly,most homes are configured so that the modem has the lowest return level, however the digital box needs "headroom" as well)Is your digi box off of the first splitter or is it 2 or 3 deep. If it is 2or 3 deep, you are probably not configured correctly. Your best bet is to have a service call and hope the tech is knowledgeable.
Are you sure it's signal
Are you sure it's signal related? It just doesn't add up.
I was having the same "service not available" issues and I did absolutely nothing. A Few months passed and everything seems to be fine. It's been at least 2 months since I've had a "service not available" prompt or my DVR missed an HD show. In that time I've had about 5 CableCARD firmware updates (during prime time I might add). I'm willing to bet is was one or more of those updates that fixed it.
Also, I've never had the "service not available" issue on my non-DVR HD box. It's only ever happened on my HD-DVR box.
It's the "service not available", 45 minute CableCARD updates during prime time or the middle of the day, scheduled recordings getting hosed after EVERY SINGLE CableCARD update, guide glitches that ALWAYS end up destroying scheduled recordings, and much more that pushed me to switch to U-verse. Install date is Dec 29, and I can't wait. Even if U-verse has half of these problems, which I know for a fact that it doesn't, it would still be twice as good as TWC.
→ craigerskine.com | → qrayg.com
interesting... I will have
interesting... I will have to pay more attention to what I have here at home once to see how the channels act... I have noticed pixeling very briefly on the HD channels here and there but otherwise thats about it as far as that goes.
Ah yes, I didn't know what
Ah yes, I didn't know what the problem was but sounds like the same reason I left TWC. Tried a new DVR too, and a tech guy came out and said he knew how to fix it, but it just starting acting up a few days later. The guy also messed with all my preferred TV settings.
Very interesting... I have
Very interesting... I have been trying to get details about the SDV tuning adapters that will allow our one-way cablecards to assign SDV channels properly. Got a call yesterday from a Terri at TWC and she directed me to www.timewarnercable.com/tuningadapter. That redirects you here: http://www.timewarnercable.com/Corporate/Products/DigitalCable/sdv/default.html.
What does all of this tell you?
Our market still isn't even ready to start queueing up tuning adapter installs.
Other markets are at least letting people register to get on the list to receive their adapters and will get a call from the installer when they become available...
See here, link at the bottom: http://www.timewarnercable.com/SanAntonio/Products/Cable/sdv/default.html
::EDIT::
After posting, I was cruising the NE WI TWC site and look what I found!
http://www.timewarnercable.com/Wisconsin/products/cable/sdv/default.html
Order form is up, if you have Cablecard, get in line for your FREE tuning adapter.
I don't even have a cable
I don't even have a cable card. But like everyone else, I will get in line just because its free. Its the American Capitalist way. Greed. And maybe, like everyone else, I will use the pitty card. I have a dying dad. And his last wish it to see something he cares nothing about. Oh and my Niece has lice, so she cant come down here. OH! And my neighbor, he's a doctor, he has a mansion, 3 H3's, a stable full of horses and a custom BMW, works long hours and can't get down here to get one. Can I get one for him?
WHO CARES?!
Its TV. GET OVER IT! I bet you are the same people that buy bottled water. Fools.
Wow! You are such a tool.
Wow! You are such a tool. Why are you even on this site if you could care less about TV. Maybe next time you will have the guts to not post anonymously. Also, this not a site dedicated to people who are obsessed with sitting on the couch watching TV all day. It is a place for people to share their knowledge and thoughts with others.