New TWC Channel 1111

[Tom Snyder]

Thanks to Tim Cuprisin:

Wisconsin On Demand: Video on demand with a variety of local appeal shows...parades, sports-related shows, restaurant reviews, local and community shows.

Not the full-time news channel planned for next spring. Not a HiDef channel, but requires digital cable.

Yawn....

Tim's Column (http://www.jsonline.com/enter/tvradio/oct03/179533.asp)

[The Law]

Once again, Sales and Marketing reels it's ugly (re: malinformed) head. And I'm not just talking about TWC, mind you...it's an infection of marketing type folks "thinking" (and I use that term loosely) that people want "warm fuzzies" as apposed to getting what you pay for.

The article cites "Time Warner is using its customer appreciation event Saturday morning at Miller Park to launch one of the more innovative cable channels in the country." and then mentions "will use "video-on-demand" technology for a changing array of programs about local communities and Wisconsin"

Who wants a "changing array" of tv shows about "local communities..." This smacks of local access channel type crap with money thrown at it.

Then, the propaganda states "Southeast Wisconsin's cable behemoth is lining up an impressive array of programming, including two sports shows not airing locally: "The Barry Alvarez Show" and the Green Bay Packer-produced "GTV," aimed at younger fans"

Impressive??? ooohh - 2 sports shows not airing locally - I feel priveleged. This is low budget cable crap. There are all kinds of channels "not airing locally" Now, most folk would not mind as much should this just magically appear - and, as you have it, neither would I - but to have all this pomp and circumstance regarding a cheesy local waste of bandwidth smacks of marketing not being aware of what peeps want out of a paid subscribtion service.

"The channel could feature restaurant reviews and major local events like parades." - are you kidding me! Renting (or borrowing - whatever) Miller Park, wasting advertising time, and, apparantly, Forum space, on bloody restaurant reviews and 2 sport shows (did we mention "not being aired locally") all in the sake of blocking out an entire timeslice of attention (11:11 - COUNT DOWN TO USELESSNESS) to me, is like seeing a commercial for the bleeding heart local news ("are the sharp edges of stop signs causing our nations youth bloody fingers! - more at 10:00!!!!" - or even more compelling - IT MIGHT SNOW THIS WINTER - CHECK OUT THE CAMERA AT THE MARQUETTE INTERCHANGE WITH OUR SHIVERING UNDERDRESSED HOTTIE)

Sorry If I offend any one - but this is such a joke.

ps...I could give a rats ahole that it ain't HDTV - it's guano nonetheless.

My apologies for the rant - it's like I said a few posts ago - Elton and Harley......

[Tom Snyder]

Eloquently stated... and right on target.

It's just more of the typical corporate mentality that says "we know EXACTLY what you want, but we're gonna give you crap instead, and promote the heck out of it to make you "think" that it's great and that THIS is what you "really" want."

[Urwhatuis]

OUCH . . . .

[kjnorman]

The Law well said!

80% of everything on cable is a complete waste of space, and as for local news? Don't even get me started....

[Tom Snyder]

This all just baffles me.

When I was in radio, we researched like crazy.. . before we launched a new format, we did tons of research among the Milwaukee radio listening audience to find out what format was missing, or was being done so poorly by an existing station that we could do it better. When we had made the decision on the format (and every month once it launched), we did research on every nuance of the format... Call letter, station nickname, personalities, morning show bits, postioning statements, music mix... even individual songs.

We didn't put a single thing on the air that we weren't already confident would result in a positive audience response.

You'd think a company the size of TWC would have a clue!

[Mrtanner]

You captured the essence of the absurdity and made me laugh, too. (Well at least until the reality kicked in.)

What bothers me is the phrase"...one of the more innovative cable channels in the country." are Tim Cuprisin's words and not TWC's.

[mhz40]

Wow... touchy group tonight. The article also quotes it "is still "a work in progress," says Bev Greenberg. I guess everyone jumped over that part looking for HD news.

I work for TW and think this has at least some potential... like a place to put things like replays of the Miller 200 at the Milw mile, or all of the races from Slinger. For a few bucks I'd even watch some of the concerts from Summerfest if the production quality was even halfway decent. So at one level, having local content is fairly innovative. On another, it may give some places like Slinger Speedway a boost in local interest and maybe even more revenue.

Milwaukee RADIO? Please, don't even get me started. Radio here has sucked for decades now...and there is literally no end in sight. Hence the rise in AM and talk radio. Hell, I'd rather listen to current topics on AM after channels go to low-power than listen to another round of Layla on KLH or the newest pop sensation being repeated on KTI every 20 minutes.

I'm not a researcher---or in marketing, but I don't need to be one to tell me that promoting a new service available to every one of my 200,000 digital subscribers is better than promoting the launch of an HD service to less than 5% of them. Don't reply with the song and dance of how much ALL of you spend w/TW. There are at least a few out here in the forum doing the broadcast-only HD thing on the cheap.

The LAW states 80% of cable is a waste... well 98% of satellite programming is also on cable, so that would put satellite in the same boat. What's left? C-band? The Law also stated it was uhhh lets see... where's my quote - - - "but to have all this pomp and circumstance regarding a cheesy local waste of bandwidth smacks of marketing not being aware of what peeps want out of a paid subscribtion service." VOD is not a waste of bandwidth. Someone literally has to order the showing... which implies the bandwidth is not wasted, since once the event is over; bandwidth is again released for someone else's use. Now pair that up with Faux 6, sucking up 18 mb/s for 480p 24/7/365... THAT's sucking up bandwidth.

The differentiator right now between cable & satellite is VOD and soon-to-be HD VOD. On-demand services ARE what customers WANT and it's the future of television. If every channel's content isn't your idea of 'value', that's cool---cuz 95% of the cable subs out there could give two hoots about HD services. That won't stop the launch of HD-VOD though, so I guess that makes things a-OK.

MHz

[AndrewP]

Cannot disagree more on VOD.
I never ordered something and cannot imagine ordering something on VOD. I already paid too much for basic + premium services. Only several times ordered PPV movies (using coupons).
If I want a movie I usually rent DVD (only $1 per 5 days in Kenosha Hollywood Video).
I don't know where TWC is heading. But I am not in marketing either.
I can agree only on FAUX waste. And nobody can even see them without cable.

Andrew

[mhz40]

Originally posted by AndrewP
Cannot disagree more on VOD.
I never ordered something and cannot imagine ordering something on VOD. I already paid too much for basic + premium services. Andrew
Based on results it's pretty hot, and a good portion of the offerings are already included with your digital service (free)... A&E, TechTV, HGTV, CourtTV, Comedy Cental, BBC America etc... Maybe it's like the DVR. Once you try it, you never want to go back...

If you have premium services, for $6/month flat rate, you get an all-you-can-watch package that includes matching VOD services on all of the digital boxes in your house. So if I had HBO & Showtime, I'd get unlimited HBO & Showtime VOD on all of my digital converters for $6/month.

Once again, it's no bandwidth hog. It actually is very efficent, since no bandwidth is wasted on streams no one is watching... like MPTV Extra?;)

[AndrewP]

Maybe it will work for somebody else, but not for me. I can have DVR from Dish for free service charge because of the programming volume. And maybe I will go with Dish 921. But not sure yet.

Andrew

[foxeng]

Originally posted by mhz40
I work for TW and think this has at least some potential...

I'm not a researcher---or in marketing, but I don't need to be one to tell me that promoting a new service available to every one of my 200,000 digital subscribers is better than promoting the launch of an HD service to less than 5% of them. Don't reply with the song and dance of how much ALL of you spend w/TW. There are at least a few out here in the forum doing the broadcast-only HD thing on the cheap.

I am sorry, I have to laugh (and I don't even have a dog in this fight!). The old adage, "those who live in glass houses..." This is just an observation and is not intented to get any flames started, but I am sure it will. I apologize ahead of time.

It is quite apparent that mhz40 is towing the TW line. That is to be expected. It is his livelihood he is talking about here and he wants to put the best spin on it. I do not blame him. I have been known to do that myself from time to time in the interest of self preservation.

Now pair that up with Faux 6, sucking up 18 mb/s for 480p 24/7/365... THAT's sucking up bandwidth.

But he doesn't mind throwing stones when things don't go to suit him. I try not to do that myself. Your mileage may vary on that and that is OK by me.

I personally do not care for cable for many reasons ranging from service to price, but if my neighbor thinks it feels right for them, then who am I to say anything? The people who work for cable (and I have several good friends who work for TW Cable locally and we joke about it all the time) are due a paycheck too and to decide how they want to run their business. My personal opinion is that VOD isn't the panacea that cable would like it to be, but then AM Stereo was going to save AM Radio too and it turned out not to be a stereo solution but a drug addict named Rush who did that. So much for the experts! :) You never really know what the public wants, That why we play the game. (oh, wrong sport, sorry)

One man's waste of bandwidth is another man's pot of gold. "Glass houses..."

Just my unwanted opinion to light things up a little.

[gb4fan92]

*************************************************
So if I had HBO & Showtime, I'd get unlimited HBO & Showtime VOD on all of my digital converters for $6/month.
*************************************************

Correct me if I'm wrong but if I have the new DVR box I wouldn't need VOD for HBO or Showtime?? I'd just record what I want. (I'm still holding out for the HD model. Due out at the end of the year right?).

[neomaxi]

Another wasted Channel. HDTV is the future TW!!!!
Get your head our of your A##!!!!!

[mhz40]

Originally posted by foxeng
I am sorry, I have to laugh (and I don't even have a dog in this fight!). The old adage, "those who live in glass houses..." This is just an observation and is not intented to get any flames started, but I am sure it will. I apologize ahead of time.

It is quite apparent that mhz40 is towing the TW line. That is to be expected. It is his livelihood he is talking about here and he wants to put the best spin on it. I do not blame him. I have been known to do that myself from time to time in the interest of self preservation.



But he doesn't mind throwing stones when things don't go to suit him. I try not to do that myself. Your mileage may vary on that and that is OK by me.

I personally do not care for cable for many reasons ranging from service to price, but if my neighbor thinks it feels right for them, then who am I to say anything? The people who work for cable (and I have several good friends who work for TW Cable locally and we joke about it all the time) are due a paycheck too and to decide how they want to run their business. My personal opinion is that VOD isn't the panacea that cable would like it to be, but then AM Stereo was going to save AM Radio too and it turned out not to be a stereo solution but a drug addict named Rush who did that. So much for the experts! :) You never really know what the public wants, That why we play the game. (oh, wrong sport, sorry)

One man's waste of bandwidth is another man's pot of gold. "Glass houses..."

Just my unwanted opinion to light things up a little.

No flames here... but I'm not towing the line. I see the future different than some. I see a future where the majority of the bandwidth capacity of a coaxial cable system will be used to stream content to customers based on what they want and when they want it, not grant dedicated space. If you see it differently, great.
TW spent nearly $250 million upgrading their system --- and that's just locally. When you invest that much, you have to be creative on how you manage it. Like it or not, group; HD is not the mainstream. As more units are sold, more programming will be there...just as more production trucks to produce the content will.

[gb4fan92]

******************************
HD is not the mainstream
******************************

HD is the future!!!

[mhz40]

Originally posted by gb4fan92
HD is the future!!!
I agree. But the economies of scale simply aren't quite there yet... just like when CD's came out many many moons ago. It's the same chicken & egg thing now... In addition, as the fox engineer put it... there are only so many HD capable trucks out there right now.
I know the group is frustrated, but don't sweat the HD isues... I expect channel counts to be in the 14 - 18 range in the next 12-16 months.
I don't know for sure and don't have any inside scoop, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the iNHD's launch before Turkey-day. I just expect that to be the next iron pulled from the fire.

[foxeng]

Originally posted by mhz40
TW spent nearly $250 million upgrading their system --- and that's just locally. When you invest that much, you have to be creative on how you manage it. Like it or not, group; HD is not the mainstream. As more units are sold, more programming will be there...just as more production trucks to produce the content will.

OH, BE CAREFUL! You are starting to sound like the broadcasters! :D

What you said is my point.

If company A has to spend X amount of dollars to be competative over company B, then company A has to be creative. Broadcasters have been saying the same thing about DTV for 10 years. (and getting our heads bashed in for it too, I might add) I guess this is just trickle down to the other parts of the industry who have to rely on digital signals. The light is starting to come on. If you spend it, you have to get a return of some type. That is free enterprise. (and THANK GOD for it!)

All I can say mhz40 is if you keep this line, you too will become a pariah of the digial age to start with. (at least you will be in good company with the rest of us and you will be welcomed in with open arms!)

[The Law]

First off - I never said anything was an 80% waste of anything - don't put words in my mouth! Though I feel certain programming is a waste of bandwidth this would be in the "non technical" definition of the word "bandwidth" - in the same vein someone may say a car salesman is an "oxygen theif". Yes, there maybe plenty of O2 to go around but the point should be taken, nonetheless.

2nd - I never knocked VOD. Though, if you want me to tell you that it works quite well, I won't - since last week the screen says "Call Your Cable Subscriber" - it won't allow me to do any VOD - free or otherwise - typicall of the sporadic behaviour. I'm sure a call to the helpdesk will set things right - it usually does.

3rd - If you read the post, you'd clearly see references that indicate i'm knocking the useless waste of "Pomp and Circumstance" - or, if you will "Shock and Awe" - that surrounded to what amounts to fairly mediocre programming (with respects to the advertising/marketing surrounding it)

You will see that I do mention that if the product was quietly introduced, no worries - however - we get the trumpets, ticker tape and giddy intros. Note the reference to the despicable attempt at local news media to entice us to watch their entertainment news. The satire lies within the Stop Sign analogy and the Camera shots of people standing in the middle of a snow storm issuing BGO (Blinding Glimpses of the Obvious).

Finally, the Elton/Harley reference - a great (re: Legendary)performer no doubt, but a bit of a marketing/hype blunder which resulted in a disappointment

Now, I'm sure the culprit who "misunderstood" me wants to be true-to-his-school, so to speak, which is commendable, however, he may wish to read a little furthur into my "rant" - then again, he may not - after all, I may be a waste of disk space on the RAID Array that archives these posts...

ps...sorry for the delay on this counter-post - I was lurking a bit ;)

[mhz40]

Originally posted by The Law
First off - I never said anything was an 80% waste of anything
You're right... it was a comment from kjnorman. Sorry.

Originally posted by The Law
2nd - I never knocked VOD. Though, if you want me to tell you that it works quite well, I won't - since last week the screen says "Call Your Cable Subscriber" - it won't allow me to do any VOD - free or otherwise - typicall of the sporadic behaviour. I'm sure a call to the helpdesk will set things right - it usually does.
I think the message is more like... "Call your Cable Company". I do want you to tell me it works well, because it does. Sometimes a set top gets in a weird state and a reboot works, but you also may have a chronic return problem. In the latter case, a service call may be needed.

[kjnorman]

Yep, I was the one that said most stuff on cable is a waste of time. The 80% reference was just a view on my experience watching TV. There was nothing scientific about it.

I should also point out that I would think that the majority of Satellite is also a waste of space; I was not targeting just cable with my comments.

Now let me clarify my thoughts. I say that most TV is a waste. Why? Well though there always seems to be a push for more channels, we do not actually get more content. Many programs are broadcast over many channels and are repeated many, many times. It often makes it difficult to find first run shows through all the repeats, not helped by that fact that broadcasters do not use the first run/rerun flags in the program guide properly.

Some may argue that the reason for this is to give viewers a greater choice of what to watch, when they want to watch it. For me this does not work, it only means that I am likely to see the same show. I used to like Discovery channel but got bored with it after finding the same shows popping up every few months.

Someone mentioned earlier that VOD was the future. I could see this being the case, but I do not think the current VOD model will succeed. More like a combination of Video streaming and DVR functionality - i.e. the user calls up the show/film they want to see, and the program is then streamed to the users DVR where the user would then have full control of playing, pausing, rewinding the material. This would minimize cable bandwidth and would also work as a VOD model for satellite.

Ultimately I think that DVRs are the way of the future. I got a Tivo in 2000, and now I can honestly say that if the program is not on the Tivo's now playing list (i.e. already recorded) then we do not watch it. I can not remember the last time my wife and I watched live TV.

I would be happy with fewer channels, but still showing the same content (of course with less repeats) and more bandwidth allocated to each channel for better picture quality.

As I think VOD/DVRs are the way of the future I would not criticize TW for their VOD rollout or the DVR strategy, regardless of how lame they currently are. They have to start somewhere.

Where I would criticize them, is for the poor quality of their analog channels and of the over compressed mess that is their digital channels, due to the push to always squeeze in more channels (but not content). Is it not about time to dump analog and go purely digital in delivery with a minimum bandwidth of 4mbs per SD channel and the full 19.3Mbs for HD?

Kerry

[mhz40]

Originally posted by kjnorman
Someone mentioned earlier that VOD was the future. I could see this being the case, but I do not think the current VOD model will succeed. More like a combination of Video streaming and DVR functionality - i.e. the user calls up the show/film they want to see, and the program is then streamed to the users DVR where the user would then have full control of playing, pausing, rewinding the material. This would minimize cable bandwidth and would also work as a VOD model for satellite.
[clip]
As I think VOD/DVRs are the way of the future I would not criticize TW for their VOD rollout or the DVR strategy, regardless of how lame they currently are. They have to start somewhere.
Where I would criticize them, is for the poor quality of their analog channels and of the over compressed mess that is their digital channels, due to the push to always squeeze in more channels (but not content). Is it not about time to dump analog and go purely digital in delivery with a minimum bandwidth of 4mbs per SD channel and the full 19.3Mbs for HD?

Kerry
All good points---had to clip the few I wanted to reply to...

To clarify, you already have DVR functionality on VOD...Stop-Pause-Rew-FF. In the case of Movies On Demand, you can watch the purchased event as much or as little as you want during a 24 hour rental period. No need to force a DVR on everybody... that's what we have video servers for. Besides, our servers and cable plant are much more robust than any drive system in a set top.
Comparing digital to analog will cause some to consider analog 'poor'. Well... they are analog. There is no comparison. Apples & oranges. Peanuts & pears. I see tons of artifacts on digital that I never see on analog. Does that make it poor? No... It kind of goes with the territory. Analog (as well as SD digital) was never designed for 55" screens. Looks OK on 27-32" sets though.
With regard to compression, TW does not compress any digital satellite feeds. I know because... uh... err... I know. Can't say much more, but bank on it.
It's not about time to dump analog. Many many more subs now enjoy the direct-connect approach to their gear than own HDTV's. Besides; for someone only wanting the analog tier, its much more costly to put in a digital set top and let them enjoy the functions and remote their hard-earned $ paid for at the local electronics store.

[AndrewP]

Analog TV should STOP here.:mad:
This is HDTV FORUM.

Andrew:)

[Tom Snyder]

Actually this particular forum is a NON-HD forum. :wave:

[Todd Wiedemann]

Analog TV should STOP here.
This is HDTV FORUM. Well, this is the Non-HDTV section of the forum ... :rolleyes:

[AndrewP]

Sorry,

I ment the promotion of ANALOG TV should STOP.
It does not make sense to tell us how great ANALOG signal is.
IT IS BAD ALL THE TIME.

Andrew:)

[mhz40]

Originally posted by AndrewP
Sorry,

I ment the promotion of ANALOG TV should STOP.
It does not make sense to tell us how great ANALOG signal is.
IT IS BAD ALL THE TIME.

Andrew:)
lol There are 400,000+ that may disagree. (Well. at least there's me...) I think that should read: IMHO, IT IS BAD ALL THE TIME.:D

[gparris]

Originally posted by mhz40

I know the group is frustrated, but don't sweat the HD isues... I expect channel counts to be in the 14 - 18 range in the next 12-16 months.
I don't know for sure and don't have any inside scoop, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the iNHD's launch before Turkey-day. I just expect that to be the next iron pulled from the fire.

And this from TWC website "Customer Care":

"Starting this fall, Fox Sports Net will begin to produce live HD game telecasts of many Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association and National Hockey League teams within local communities.

Also this fall, INHD will be available to HD customers. INHD will offer several hundred hours of feature films, professional sports and college sports--including a college football game of the week, general interest programming like "Family-Fare" plus award winning mini-series. Prices and launch dates have not been determined."

(Like WHEN?)

When is "fall" - for TWC???


Well-it is just about a month left for "fall" and the TWC customer care site still says we're getting more HD channels in the "fall". :D

So what about it? ARE we getting more soon-in the fall?

Do us TWC subscribers have to quote them on it and call ? :rolleyes:

mhz40: "Turkey-day" is just a couple of weeks away!!!:(

Well....?:bang:

[mhz40]

Originally posted by gparris


mhz40: "Turkey-day" is just a couple of weeks away!!!:(

Well....?:bang:

Yup, it's just around the corner now. Anyone gonna invite me over for some baked ham and yams?
MHz40

[gparris]

Originally posted by mhz40
Yup, it's just around the corner now. Anyone gonna invite me over for some baked ham and yams?
MHz40

Ham and yams is ALL you'll get-because the real "turkey" is TWC----for "murky" information...

Yeah, I know technically, "fall" isn't over yet.!:mad:
(and I know you can't say anything without endangering your job position):eek:

This was just a reminder from a "sub" who is watching and waiting for information given to come true and on some sort of "schedule"!:D

[mhz40]

Originally posted by gparris
Ham and yams is ALL you'll get-because the real "turkey" is TWC----for "murky" information...

Yeah, I know technically, "fall" isn't over yet.!:mad:
(and I know you can't say anything without endangering your job position):eek:

This was just a reminder from a "sub" who is watching and waiting for information given to come true and on some sort of "schedule"!:D
Ouch

[gb4fan92]

The past 3 new channels (maybe more) that have found its way to TWC High Definition Channels have all been announced in Tim Cuprisin's column prior to appearing on TWC. He seems to be a better source of reliable information than anyone else in this forum. So until I read it in Tim's column I take all this news of new channels coming with a grain of salt. (So Tim, anything new coming?):p

[mhz40]

Originally posted by gb4fan92
The past 3 new channels (maybe more) that have found its way to TWC High Definition Channels have all been announced in Tim Cuprisin's column prior to appearing on TWC. He seems to be a better source of reliable information than anyone else in this forum. So until I read it in Tim's column I take all this news of new channels coming with a grain of salt. (So Tim, anything new coming?):p
Tim apparently read the Faux 6 launch item I posted here and kind of 'blew the whistle' while in the process of verifying the post. He got the scoop; I got something a little different. Sorry if you all feel slighted, but it simply isn't worth the headache to give the group a heads-up anymore. Otherwise my HD addiction (and eating habits) could be in jeopardy of becoming ahhh... 'un-funded'.

I will continue to beat the press when I know something is officially for release. In some cases it will beat the paper...but not always someone’s "closest CSR", who frequently releases information (often in error) and can remain anonymous thru someone else's posts. That's the best I can do.

Meanwhile I will continue to squash rumors, provide technical advice and try to help troubleshoot any problems you may have from time-to-time. Along the way I get to learn a few things myself.

Now, if any of you are in the business of analyzing the stock market and eager to share insider-trading news... I'd like to request the addition of a stock forum.:D

[gparris]

Today I took time out from a busy day at work to get an extremely helpful CSR that reviewed the "fall" introduction of iN HD 1 & 2 on the TWC website help section. Once she got on the right page with me and got to the www.inhd.com website, reviewed the Houston and Austin, TX TWC websites (since they already have these channels), she then knew what I was asking about. Then she sent an email to the marketing dept and the manager in charge of HD channel additions (mhz40?) ;)

After some considerable time and effort she told me that a call or email to me will be coming in answer as to if it is either in testing now-and then being added to our HD lineup-and when. The reason was because no inside information was posted in the internal TWC info site for her to find out immediately.:eek:

I do hope there is just a glitch in the internal TWC database as those channels are supposed to come soon...:mad:

Hope you like that ham and yams instead of turkey, mhz40!:guitar:

[gb4fan92]

This was posted on TWC's website today:

As a continuation of our commitment to deliver consumers the most robust set of High Definition channels possible, Time Warner Cable plans to offer high-definition programming: In Demand, and Fox Sports Net.

Coming in 2004, Fox Sports Net will begin to produce live HD game telecasts of many Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association and National Hockey League teams within local communities.

Also coming soon, INHD will be available to HD customers. INHD will offer several hundred hours of feature films, professional sports and college sports--including a college football game of the week, general interest programming like "Family-Fare" plus award winning mini-series. Prices and launch dates have not been determined.

[gparris]

Per the thread TWC Field Day :

Yes, I indicated that TWC posted this on 11/15 that the "coming soon" for IN HD was reposted....from "in the fall"....!
:D

AS for CLARITY, just when ARE the "IN HD" channels coming?:(

Like I asked before, "Turkey Day" is a week away...and still no "IN HD" channels from TWC!

"Coming soon" doesn't cut it....sorry.

Does "Coming soon" also mean 2004 and TWC wants to remain competitive by murky answers?

Directv is offering some nice multiroom systems for the Holidays, TWC!
:mad:

[mhz40]

Originally posted by gparris
AS for CLARITY, just when ARE the "IN HD" channels coming?:(
MHz40: Sooner than some would think, yet longer than others had hoped. :D

Originally posted by gparris
Like I asked before, "Turkey Day" is a week away...and still no "IN HD" channels from TWC! Does "Coming soon" also mean 2004 and TWC wants to remain competitive by murky answers?
MHz40: No. To date, TW Milw. has no track record of launching services outside of published windows.

Originally posted by gparris
Directv is offering some nice multiroom systems for the Holidays, TWC!:mad:
MHz40: Sweet deal. Dish is competitive with cable on price too. Make sure you get the extended warranty. Lightning strikes are murder on the gear connected to that roof-mounted lightning rod uhh... dish. (After a half-dozen or so inspections at friends houses, I have yet to see a dish install properly grounded. Most of what I saw ran directly from the dish on the roof to the back of the receiver.)
:bang:

And I still have not received one PM inviting me over for ham & yams!
Can't wait any longer... time for plan B.
:drink:

[gparris]

Thanks for the return-volley in quotes, mhz40!:)
Nice to know that folks read my postings...however, the reason I mention the multiroom systems for the holidays from DTV is that some specials like this spare the newbie from a bigger outlay for equipment after they buy their HDTV and HD-DTV box & 3 LNB dish combo-plus maybe a Tivo. Folks look at the total HD offerings and compare the TWC offering to DTV. Aside from the locals in HD they might very well get OTA (at least in the city), what DOES TWC offer the city folks after getting a 3-room DTV system for free? If IN HD 1 & 2 get offered soon enough to counterbalance the lack of no HDNET or HDNET-movies channels, despite the lack of any HD sports channel, the consumer might be swayed for more content offerings before the buy that HD-DTV box!

----AND most installlers I know DO ground their systems as I am a part-time home theater consultant and know my trades.:cool:

As my home is readied for move-in for the upcoming month - I gather my HD boxes and DVR boxes and ask myself if I should activivate the "DTV movers clause"- or just get TWC to fully install my current TWC system in the new house.
I have done a great deal of prewire and PVC runs for Sat and additional cabling, just in case.
I do not understand how TWC can be so sluggish with its HD offerings during such a busy holiday period when consumers are more apt to buy that new HDTV set for the family and soon-the Superbowl.
Someone needs to rehire the folks in the TWC marketing department as the HD factor is overlooked (as well as the DVR). Friends of mine don't still know what the DVR is all about and they ARE cable customers!
:eek:

Finally, TWC sources I am not allowed to mention,tell me in confidence,protecting their names, that the following is going on:

#1 That "IN HD 1 & 2" channels are being tested and the unmentioned receives them and these are like HDNET & HDNET movies...and rollout is very soon...but does not know launch dates for the subscriber-but DOES get them on this TWC-employee tester's cable box.

#2 The HD PVR is also being tested by this employee (and other employees) for functionality and any concerns -like the SA8000HD-and another model-not given-probably the Motorola DCT6208, also with its HD and PVR built-in, as trials in Texas (they use Motorola) continue there, as well as here.


So thanks for the quotes-please go to alternate plan B for dinner, dude!
Hopefully, no one will go the alternate plan B route away - from TWC for HD - like me, perhaps. It just depends on the marketing savvy of TWC!
:o

[The Law]

Is it really all marketing. How much of this, I wonder, is due to contracts, regulations cost of equipment, technical hurdles, etc.

It's like an emotional pendulum - bash/praise/****/enjoy/moan/understand....

I did notice on InDemand, there is finally a widescreen version of a movie!!! 2Fast2Furious. Yes, I know, not HD, however, I've been renting DVDs and not buying InDemand flicks solely due to them not being widescreen. This little nugget came unanounced and unadvertised....I like it. I hope more flicks are presented in WS...I'll rent them and save a trip to the video store - the non WS versions....Hollywood video still beckons.

As far as 1111 goes (since this thread really began there :) ), I'm still underwhelmed given the hoo hah surrounding it.

As always...looking forward to whatching soccer in HD. Those with sat system are saying MLS looks fantastic. I'll take anything given the crappy pictures on FSW. Hopefully TW will have this package (is it HDNET?) by the time young Freddy Adu starts playing - kill 2 birds, there. 1) Get the gen public interested in the league, 2) Get the gen public interested in HD

ps...just groaned today when I realised Pack thanksgiving game is on fox - oh well.

[mhz40]

Originally posted by gparris
Friends of mine don't still know what the DVR is all about and they ARE cable customers! :eek:
Then your friends don't read the stuff they get with their monthly bill, or watch one of the 30 or so channels on the system promoting it.

Originally posted by gparris
Finally, TWC sources I am not allowed to mention,tell me in confidence,protecting their names, that the following is going on:

#1 That "IN HD 1 & 2" channels are being tested and the unmentioned receives them and these are like HDNET & HDNET movies...and rollout is very soon...but does not know launch dates for the subscriber-but DOES get them on this TWC-employee tester's cable box.
Hmmm...

Originally posted by gparris
#2 The HD PVR is also being tested by this employee (and other employees) for functionality and any concerns -like the SA8000HD-and another model-not given-probably the Motorola DCT6208, also with its HD and PVR built-in, as trials in Texas (they use Motorola) continue there, as well as here.
Your 'sources' are celebrating the holiday a little early on that one...
:drink:

[mhz40]

Originally posted by The Law
I did notice on InDemand, there is finally a widescreen version of a movie!!! 2Fast2Furious. Yes, I know, not HD, however, I've been renting DVDs and not buying InDemand flicks solely due to them not being widescreen.
I found another clip... check out the KISS video on the free Music on Demand... the one with an orchestra backing them up in concert.

[gparris]

Thanks again for the quotes, mhz40...nice to know you care.:D

As for the DVR's-yes, according my Kenosha office, especially when I pay in person, the DVRs are flying off the shelves and into subscribers homes!:) Some of my friends and family are dimwits!

As far as watching and testing the IN HD channels by employees, this employee was telling me what was on as I checked in the www.inhd.com website and called a friend in Texas if it was truly on then...yes!;)
mhz40: you have to keep your job at TWC...I understand that. But I do not work for your company, but my last insider information came BEFORE anyone had the details on Discovery HD Theater delivery to the TWC Milwaukee system...days before,and I was right about it.
IF you cannot tell us anything of value about rollouts to protect your job that is understandable. But I will.:cool:

I just don't get TWC not adding additional HD channels during the peak HDTV-buying season coming up (or upon us). that's all.:rolleyes:

The HD PVRs were described in detail right down to their component-video outputs....they WEREN'T drinking!
I understand that drinking could be a cause for dismissal at work according to TWC employee guidelines (or probably any company's).

My many thanks to the unmentioned TWC employee to have enough guts to explain to me what was going on!:bow:

[gparris]

It would be helpful if customers that TWC chose to attract got more information thru direct campaigns directed at seeking new customers based on some of the new technology, particularly the HD channels, Voice Over IP and other things. :)

Instead, TWC spends their dollars advertising by attacking the Satellite in a way of luring customers.

There are a few folks out there in TWC land that knows that an educated customer, current or future, is one that is going to stay around. These are the people that make a difference in TWC and these are the people that should be praised.

Of course, TWC has a way of seeing who is posting what, since I'm sure you have TWC's Road Runner, and your job would be put on the line, if they knew you were sharing marketing information.

However, we as customers "plan", as you at the company do, and frankly, if you don't tell us what you are doing, or going to do, we very well may spend our own dollars on something else ("Satellite") rather than your services.

Once the 'play money is gone', it's gone and you have to wait till the next 'budget cycle' to get more.

Your Marketing Department has a 'build-it', they'll buy it attitude....Yes, that may be for some, but there are others out there, that strategize and plan their investment, and those are the people that TWC needs to market to as well.

[mhz40]

Originally posted by gparris
...my last insider information came BEFORE anyone had the details on Discovery HD Theater delivery to the TWC Milwaukee system...days before,and I was right about it. IF you cannot tell us anything of value about rollouts to protect your job that is understandable. But I will.:cool:
You sound like your own deepthroat.... 'rollouts'? Hmmm... sounds like marketing lingo to me. That's fine --- you make the announcements. You da' man.

The HD PVRs were described in detail right down to their component-video outputs....they WEREN'T drinking!
I can describe a space shuttle in detail.... that dosn't mean I've ever touched one. Beleive me... there is no testing going on, so enough with the HD-DVR for now... go figure out the Kennedy assasination or something.

My many thanks to the unmentioned TWC employee to have enough guts to explain to me what was going on!:bow:
Deepthroat...:bow:

[mhz40]

Originally posted by gparris
Instead, TWC spends their dollars advertising by attacking the Satellite in a way of luring customers.
...and keep existing ones by pointing out extra costs, year-long contracts and reception issues for which the consumer may not be aware of. This also delineates the differences between cable & direct-to-home delivery for the consumer.

There are a few folks out there in TWC land that knows that an educated customer, current or future, is one that is going to stay around. These are the people that make a difference in TWC and these are the people that should be praised.
Most really don't care... as long as they turn their TV on and they have a picture. The upgrade effort has provided that stability (although most cable outages of the past involved power outages, not hardware.) The consumer goes where product is the cheapest and the quality is better, or at least as good as the alternative. Even a penny difference in gas will get people to do u-turns to get to the gas station.

Of course, TWC has a way of seeing who is posting what, since I'm sure you have TWC's Road Runner, and your job would be put on the line, if they knew you were sharing marketing information.
They don't have to see what I'm posting. Tim Curprisin does it for them when he calls to confirm what he sees here.

However, we as customers "plan", as you at the company do, and frankly, if you don't tell us what you are doing, or going to do, we very well may spend our own dollars on something else ("Satellite") rather than your services.
Yup. Another kicker is once someone signs up for dish for a year, their options are taken away from them to make any changes.


Your Marketing Department has a 'build-it', they'll buy it attitude....Yes, that may be for some, but there are others out there, that strategize and plan their investment, and those are the people that TWC needs to market to as well.
The best investment is to keep your money in the bank. If you want to save money and upgrade to hardware easily, don't buy a receiver when you can rent one for $6/month.