Universal HD channel on TWC

[gparris]

The Universal HD channel is being added to TWC's HD package lineup.
This link shows how South Carolina subscribers can add the package in their area.
While it is not ESPN-HD2 as some of our forum would like, at least it is an additon after over a year of nothing and I'll take what I can get. :D

http://www.twcsc.com/AllHosted/HDTier_SignUp/HDTier-Welcome.asp

EDIT: TWC in New England has it part of its HD pak, too.

Maybe sometime in December our TWC region will get it, too. :wave:

[mhz40]

I know of no plans to add it here locally by year's end.

[kevbeck122]

I expected that kind of response. I saw that NBC and TWC teamed up finally to get UHD about a month or so ago, but I knew it would be a long time before we'd get it here.

[Mark Strube]

I know of no plans to add it here locally by year's end.

Well... tell em we want it! Badly! :D

Anyone we can call? Lets start a campaign for UHD to be added ASAP! :hug:

[gparris]

Well... tell em we want it! Badly! :D

Anyone we can call? Lets start a campaign for UHD to be added ASAP! :hug:

Noting the type of region of TWC we are in I don't think it will do anything.
The "Carolinas" are one region and we are in another.
I just posted this because SOMEWHERE TWC was adding an HD channel, finally.

If the timeframe works out like it usually does, spring or summer we will get it, maybe, but it all depends on what OUR region does for US. :(

mhz40: Thank you for the polite and helpful response as I know it is not
your doing what TWC adds as far as this HD channel, but if you can do
anything, like request it (sooner) for us, please do...thank you.

[gparris]

New England has it besides South Carolina...see
http://www.timewarnercable.com/NewEngland/?x=19&y=7
They show it on the bottom of the page...see?

How long TWC Milwaukeeland gets it is anybody's guess, including our TWC forum member, but it would be nice to have it in December...hmmm. :D

[Gregg Lengling]

New England has it besides South Carolina...see
http://www.timewarnercable.com/NewEngland/?x=19&y=7
They show it on the bottom of the page...see?

How long TWC Milwaukeeland gets it is anybody's guess, including our TWC forum member, but it would be nice to have it in December...hmmm. :D


Not only that but they also have 2 channels each of HBO and Showtime HD, they are getting both the East and West feeds....Of course with a DVR we've got the same thing just by recording and watching when you want....BUT...................

[gparris]

Quote:"Not only that but they also have 2 channels each of HBO and Showtime HD, they are getting both the East and West feeds....Of course with a DVR we've got the same thing just by recording and watching when you want....BUT..................."

Gregg, those extra two HD premium channels for the west coast feeds would be (are for?) those Cinemax HD (owned by Time Warner) and Starz HD and we'll be getting those, too soon. :rofl:

IF it was Comcast or some other cable company other than TWC, we would have had them by now, plus those Sinclair HD channels on cable,etc. etc...but no...no competition (yet). :(

[Mark Strube]

but no...no competition (yet). :(

We can thank franchising agreements for that. Get the gov't out of it and we'd all have better service, for less $$. :mad:

[Paul S.]

We can thank franchising agreements for that. Get the gov't out of it and we'd all have better service, for less $$. :mad:

Just like life- get the government out of it and itll go better!


Whats so great about UHD other than its another HD channel?

[Mark Strube]

Besides some NBC/Universal shows and movies, and the luxury of yet another HD channel, the big reason I want it - They air the new Battlestar Galactica series in HD with 5.1 sound. :D

[gparris]

I would like to make my own opinions on the UHD channel, but since it has some Sci-Fi shows on it in HD, I would really like to have it on.

What's with our local TWC region that it can't and won't deliver another HD channel?

All we keep getting is one more boring SD digital channel after another and yet, our HD DVR fees just went up another dollar a month...I feel cheated. :(

[gparris]

Update on the Universal HD channel for TWC:
Channel 164 in San Antonio, TX got added Wednesday, December 21st
in their HD pack. :)

Guess this channel is being added, slowly, bit by bit. :(

[FiberOptic]

TWC in Albany NY added

NBC Universal HD (channel 1860)
A new member of the HD Tier, NBC Universal HD will launch with HD programming coming from the entire NBC Universal empire. It will show feature films unedited and uninterrupted along with sports and entertainment programming.

[gparris]

Thank you FiberOptic for your information...perhaps it is now coming east then west (towards us) or south (from Texas) to north to get here,
Sort like Santa. :rofl:
If anyone else spots this HD addition in another region to their TWC HD package, please report....I'd like to see how long it takes to get to Milwaukeeland. :D

[gb4fan92]

From Brighthouse Tampa Bay Website:


Free preview until January 1, 2006

Universal HD features some of the best movies, uncut and commercial free, along with some of NBC's, USA's and Sci Fi's top series and mini series, including Law & Order, Medical Investigation, Battlestar Galactic, Touching Evil and The District. Universal HD is also your source for SPORTS-- including the 2006 Winter Olympics; the US Open (Tennis) and the Masters Tournament.

[Mark Strube]

Does anyone know... in the TWC areas, is this being added as a part of the HD Package, or is this a seperate pay channel? I certainly hope not.

[gparris]

Mark Strube:
If you had read any of my links and entries, it has been added as part of the HD package along with the INHD, HDNET, etc. without (so far) any increase in every case where it has been added to a TWC location. :rolleyes:

[gparris]

From Brighthouse Tampa Bay Website:


Free preview until January 1, 2006

Universal HD features some of the best movies, uncut and commercial free, along with some of NBC's, USA's and Sci Fi's top series and mini series, including Law & Order, Medical Investigation, Battlestar Galactic, Touching Evil and The District. Universal HD is also your source for SPORTS-- including the 2006 Winter Olympics; the US Open (Tennis) and the Masters Tournament.

Thank you, gb4fan92, for the additional info...!

Yes, Brighthouse in Orlando has it, too, along with UPN HD and WB HD-over 17 HD channels!

Brighthouse mimics TWC - it even has RoadRunner - I sometimes have had to work in Tampa this past year-it even resembles TWC in a sense.

It think these two locations had this channel even before TWC locations started unless the very-advanced Columbia SC-TWC location had it sooner. :D

[Mark Strube]

Mark Strube:
If you had read any of my links and entries, it has been added as part of the HD package along with the INHD, HDNET, etc. without (so far) any increase in every case where it has been added to a TWC location. :rolleyes:

Sorry about that... kind of a busy time of year for me. ;)

[TPK]

So if TWC in all these other cities throughout the country are adding Universal HD to their HD lineup, does that mean that TWC here in this region will necessarilly add it in eventually as well??? Is it conceivable that TWC here in SE Wisconsin will never add it to their HD lineup??

Why doesn't TWC here in SE Wisconsin at least make some sort of announcement of their intentions to release a new channel to their HD lineup?? Even if they dont mention a specific date, some sort of timeframe would go a long way with me, and quite a few others I imagine (like, say, "mid 2006" or something like that).. Not hearing anything at all makes me start to believe that TWC in this region will indeed not add it to their HD lineup anytime soon or ever.....

Not trying to be impatient here... I am just trying to weigh my options when it comees to HD content and HD programming as I contemplate weather or not I want to stick with cable or possilby switch over to the dish... If I heard that TWC has at least the INTENT to add more HD content, I would wiegh my decision more towards TWC, and away from DTV which appears to me to have made a big committment to HD programming in the near future, even if it is not entirely avaiable yet at this time... I know that switching over is going to take some time and some money, so if I am going to make that switch, it has to be more for what the service is going to bring in the future, as opposed to what it is offering me today....

I guess if I were to put some sort of date on when I would like to see Universal added to the TWC lineup here, it would be sometime before the Winter Olympics (I read earlier in this thread that Universal HD will carry some of the Winter Olympic games)... I would love to watch the Olympics in HD this year (woulnd't you?).. But I know that the Olympics are only 2 months away, so I would be shocked and surprised (albiet pleaseantly surprised) if we had Universal HD before then....

But if we cannot get Universal HD in time for the Olympics, will we at least get Universal HD sometime during the year 2006??? Why doesn't TWC at least announce their intentions?

[kevbeck122]

I was told by a TWC service tech back in April that they were going to release new HD channels :rolleyes:

I'm sure we'll get UHD.. but we'll be one of the last ones to get it. If it were my choice as to what we go with for TV providers in my house, I would definitely have dish network... but I'm forced to go cable for now (not that I hate TWC, but their content is lacking compared to other choices). Dish has the most HD content, and they let you know what's coming and when.

[gb4fan92]

I was told by a TWC service tech back in April that they were going to release new HD channels :rolleyes:


HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa, HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa
HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa,HaHa, HaHa,HaHa, :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


You're new at this right???

[LoadStar]

I know, I know, it's not good to get my hopes up, but I did send an email to TWC. I pointed out that they do have a distribution agreement in place already for Universal HD (Press release here (http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1122634,00.html)) and also pointed out that it would be the home for much of the HD coverage of the Olympics starting next month, and I asked if they planned to add the channel anytime soon.

Their response was "hopefully" the channel would be added by the end of the month.

If true, it's a very good thing. :)

[gparris]

gb4fan92 is right, some us are more gullible than others, but it always is good to have a positive attitude in the face of TWC, or you can go elsewhere. :D

Every week I look at what we in Milwaukeeland TWC have vs. the other TWC regions and there are some regions that have that UHD channel in their HD package, but most others do not, contract with NBC-Universal or not. :(

Heck, there are some SD channels in other regions I wouldn't mind having that other TWC regions have (that aren't available in HD)!

So it is up to our Milwaukeeland-TWC office, even if the national contracts are signed and so on, whether or not we get that HD (and SD) channel. :mad:

To TWC, I have many times complained, written, begged and so on, to no avail.

What we really is need is some competition and we don't (yet have it). :confused:

[LoadStar]

All true enough... but do I have permission to say "told ya so" if it IS added before the end of the month? ;)

[gparris]

Quote:
"All true enough... but do I have permission to say "told ya so" if it IS added before the end of the month?"
All of us TWC HD subscribers wish you a very happy "told ya so" only if UHD is added permanently to our HD package, however. :D

NGC, National Geographic Channel HD is supposedly up for TWC addition to the regular offerings with digital service like the Discovery HD and TNT HD channels are, but that is still speculation with rumor (not always a bad thing).

ESPN2HD should come in springtime if the Disney contracts have it in there.

But remember this IS Milwaukeeland, not like the other areas that already have UHD and considering TWC is controlled by different managers here, you can hold your breath, but for only so long...hope you are right, LoadStar! :wave:

[gb4fan92]

All true enough... but do I have permission to say "told ya so" if it IS added before the end of the month? ;)

PERMISSION GRANTED!!! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[gparris]

Yeah, I give it to the time the Olympics begin and then it may be only a temporary HD channel, IMO, due to the local TWC "mindset". ;)

Hope you are right, LoadStar! :wave:

[LoadStar]

Yeah, I give it to the time the Olympics begin and then it may be only a temporary HD channel, IMO, due to the local TWC "mindset". ;)

Hope you are right, LoadStar! :wave:

Yeah, this is sort of what I'm expecting. Hopefully if the channel is added, it'll be hard for them to drop it again (as in, they'll hear about it from viewers).

[Mark Strube]

Customer (Mark Strube) 01/14/2006 01:16 PM
Hello,

I just read a press release that said MTV will be launching an HD music
network on Jan. 16th. Is your Milwaukee area service planning on
carrying that at launch or will it get picked up later?

Also, other areas with Time Warner have picked up Universal HD and I'm
highly interested in getting that... more than the MTV channel,
especially before the Olympics start next month.

You guys haven't added a single HD channel for a long time now, yet the
price on the bill went up... if this lasts much longer I'll be very
tempted to switch to a satellite service.

Thanks for your time,
-Mark Strube



Response 01/15/2006 05:44 PM
ACCOUNT# 001-108513601-000

Mr. Strube:

Thank you for writing to Time Warner Cable! My name is Bryon from Time Warner Cable's Correspondence Department.

Unfortunately, we can't give you a definite launch date for the channels you are requesting

Our Time Warner Cable Milwaukee Division has not yet reached an agreement with the network to carry the channel. The FCC requires that we have an agreement with a network before we can add it to our lineup.

We are anxious to please our customers and we appreciate your feedback. Your request is being forwarded to the Programming Department.

If we can answer any additional questions or account concerns, please feel free to respond to this email below. You will notice that your email has been assigned an incident number as to remain in constant contact with me until you feel your questions and concerns have been answered to your satisfaction. If we can assist you in the future with any questions or account concerns, please feel free to visit us online at http://www.timewarnercable.com/milwaukee or email us at timewarnerwi@custhelp.com.

Thank you for using Time Warner Cable!

Consumer Contact Department
Time Warner Cable

[kevbeck122]

Typical response.. same thing I got about WB back in May or June. Obviously getting new channels that customers want is one of their lowest priorities.

[FiberOptic]

Maybe it is time to bombard them with requests and threats of switching to sat :guns:

[LoadStar]

For the record, here's the response I got:

Recently you requested personal assistance from our on-line support center. Below is a summary of your request and our response.<br /><br />
We will assume your issue has been resolved if we do not hear from you within 24 hours.<br /><br />Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.<br /><br />You may also update this question by replying to this message. Because your reply will be automatically processed, you MUST enter your reply in the space below. Text entered into any other part of this message will be discarded.<br />[===> Please enter your reply below this line <===]<br /><br />[===> Please enter your reply above this line <===]<br /><br /><p><a href="http://timewarnerwi.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/timewarnerwi.cfg/php/enduser/acct_login.php?p_userid=xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxxxx&amp;p_ next_page=myq_upd.php&amp;p_refno=060111-000054&amp;p_created=1137012422">If your issue remains unresolved, please update this question here.</a></p><br />
<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
<tr><td class="header" colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0"><b>&nbsp;Subject</b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="text" colspan="2">Request: add Universal HD channel</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
<tr><td class="header" colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0"><b>&nbsp;Discussion Thread</b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="text" bgcolor="#C6D3BA"><b>&nbsp;Response (Vikisha A.)</b></td><td class="text" bgcolor="#C6D3BA" align="right">01/11/2006 06:03 PM</td></tr>
<tr><td class="text" colspan="2">Thank you for choosing Time Warner Cable.<br /><br />Hopefully the channel will be added by the end of the month.<br /><br />Please email us at timewarnerwi@custhelp.com if you have any concerns or questions regarding your cable service. You can find immediate answers to some your questions by visiting <a target="_blank" href="http://www.timewarnercable.com/Milwaukee">http://www.timewarnercable.com/Milwaukee</a>. Under the Customer Service Section, "Get Answers Now". <br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Vikisha M Akbar<br />Consumer Contact Representative<br />Time Warner Cable, Milwaukee</td></tr>
<tr><td class="text" bgcolor="#A0C4DE"><b>&nbsp;Customer (xxxxxxxxx)</b></td><td class="text" bgcolor="#A0C4DE" align="right">01/11/2006 02:47 PM</td></tr>
<tr><td class="text" colspan="2">I'm an existing customer and subscriber to the HD package (among other<br />services). I'm writing to find out if Time Warner (SE Wisconsin) has any<br />plans to carry "Universal HD," the High Definition channel from NBC<br />Universal. If not, please log this as a request to add the channel as<br />soon as possible. <br /><br /> <br /><br />With the Winter Olympics to begin on February 10, NBC and NBC Universal<br />plan to carry some of their HD coverage of the Olympics exclusively on<br />the Universal HD channel. <br /><br /> <br /><br />I did a quick web search and found a press release from Time Warner<br />corporate<br />(<a target="_blank" href="http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1122634,00.html">http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1122634,00.html</a>)<br />that indicates that a distribution agreement is already in place for the<br />channel, so it'd be excellent if the channel were to be added in time to<br />see some of the Olympics in HD.<br /><br /> <br /><br />-- <br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0"><b>&nbsp;Question Reference #060111-000054</b></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tr><td class="label" align="right" width="20%" nowrap><b>Product:&nbsp;</b></td><td class="data">Programming</td></tr>
<tr><td class="label" align="right" width="20%" nowrap><b>Sub-Product:&nbsp;</b></td><td class="data">Program Info</td></tr>
<tr><td class="label" align="right" width="20%" nowrap><b>Contact Information:&nbsp;</b></td><td class="data">xxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx</td></tr>
<tr><td class="label" align="right" width="20%" nowrap><b>Date Created:&nbsp;</b></td><td class="data">01/11/2006 02:47 PM</td></tr>
<tr><td class="label" align="right" width="20%" nowrap><b>Last Updated:&nbsp;</b></td><td class="data">01/11/2006 06:03 PM</td></tr>
<tr><td class="label" align="right" width="20%" nowrap><b>Status:&nbsp;</b></td><td class="data">Waiting</td></tr>
</table></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
</table>

[Tom Snyder]

Tim Cuprisin reports it's happening on January 31... Channel 532... In time for NBC's HD Olympics coverage.

See the article (http://www.jsonline.com/enter/tvradio/jan06/385981.asp)

[LoadStar]

I'll hold off saying anything until we actually see it. :)

[gparris]

Many TWC locations had the UHD channel before as a temporary channel
(not us, of course), then it disappered from the lineup to their dismay. :(

This was before the NBC-Universal contract signage, too, however, more recently.

So can mhz40 tell us if this channel will be permanent as is this channel's availability in other TWC regions? :)

By this I mean is it going to be a part of the HD package like it is in those other locations?
Is this channel 532 being a free "teaser" until the Olympics are over and done with (then it is charged for by ordering the HD package)?

Note, too, that the location of this channel (532) is between the most under-used 531 (that special-events FSN-HD channel) and TNT-HD channel 533 which is part of the standard digital package you get along with channel 541, the Discovery HD channel.
That seems suspicious to me as this could be a temporary channel like those other locations experienced, not in line with the 545-548 HD package number lineup.
I think that this needs some clarification....thanks in advance. :)

[Mark Strube]

I won't let myself get too excited...

Ahh screw it... Battlestar Galactica in HD!!!!!!! {fart} :D

[mhz40]

[clip]So can mhz40 tell us if this channel will be permanent as is this channel's availability in other TWC regions? :)
[clip]Note, too, that the location of this channel (532) is between the most under-used 531 (that special-events FSN-HD channel) and TNT-HD channel 533 which is part of the standard digital package you get along with channel 541, the Discovery HD channel.
That seems suspicious to me as this could be a temporary channel like those other locations experienced, not in line with the 545-548 HD package number lineup.
I think that this needs some clarification....thanks in advance. :)

It will launch as a permanent HD service on 1/31. Enjoy...

[gparris]

Quote from our very-own mhz40:
"It will launch as a permanent HD service on 1/31. Enjoy..."

Thank you! :wave:

But will it be part of the HD package after the Olympics?
Other TWC locations (including the TWC-clone, Brighthouse Networks)
have it as part of their HD package...any details you can give us on that?
http://www.timewarnercable.com/albany/products/hdtv/tier.html

:D

[mhz40]

I have no specifics on package info, but my guess it that it would be stuffed into the HD package; since there is no analog counterpart like TNT or Discovery.

[gparris]

Thank you for your reply and we'll just have to wait and see...your assistance with this is appreciated. :D

[TPK]

I guess if I were to put some sort of date on when I would like to see Universal added to the TWC lineup here, it would be sometime before the Winter Olympics (I read earlier in this thread that Universal HD will carry some of the Winter Olympic games)... I would love to watch the Olympics in HD this year (woulnd't you?).. But I know that the Olympics are only 2 months away, so I would be shocked and surprised (albiet pleaseantly surprised) if we had Universal HD before then

Call me PLEASANTLY surprised!!!!

:rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock:

This is what I wanted, and never expected!!

Kudos to TWC.... This is good news indeed.... This is really REALY REALLY sweet!!!!

I promise I will wait at least 6 months before I bug TWC for more HD channels... ;)

[gb4fan92]

I promise I will wait at least 6 months before I bug TWC for more HD channels... ;)

You are being WAY TOO kind!!!

[TPK]

You are being WAY TOO kind!!!

Well, I suppose I just have some low expectations.... :rofl:

But seriously, I would be quite satisfied if, at this point in time, TWC adds an HD channel to their regular HD lineup every 6 months... That would be 2 channels a year, and I wouldn't expect TWC to do much more than that until HDTV has a much larger penetration into their customer base... Of course by adding more HD channels to their lineup it will drive a lot of their customers into getting an HD television in the first place...

Once, say, 50 percent of their customer base has an HDTV set in their home, then I would expect to see a wholesale shift of their channel lineup from SD to HD television... Their customer base will demand it, and by that time a majority of cable stations will be broadcasting in HD..

I suppose next I would like to see ESPN2 (before Badger football next year) and National Geographic added into the lineup...

[Joseph S]

I sure hope it doesn't come at the expense of losing the massive programming schedule on FSNHD. ;) ;)

:D

[joetwc727]

Here is a post from TWC internal site


Thursday, January 19th Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Tim Cuprisin's column will include information about new channels that TWC is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, January 31st.

The main focus of the write-up in his column will be on the January 31st launch of NBC Universal HD. NBC Universal HD will be added to the HD Package and air on Channel 532. NBC Universal HD will feature events from the 2006 Winter Olympics, which airs February 10 - February 26. In addition, NBC Universal HD offers great series including Law & Order: SVU and The District, movies such as Army of Darkness and Backdraft, and special events--all in high definition quality.

Also on January 31st, the following four new Free on Demand channels will be added to the digital line-up.

Excercise TV on Demand; Channel 1105 - Exercise TV is the first comprehensive ON DEMAND fitness network of its kind. All the hottest trends in fitness; including yoga routines, cardio, sculpting, toning and dance workouts - even sports-specific training and tips.

TBS on Demand; Channel 1123 - TBS on Demand offers favorite movies and original series from the network.

TNT on Demand; Channel 1124 – TNT on Demand offers favorite movies and original series from the network.

Adult Swim on Demand; Channel 1171 – Adult Swim on Demand offers programming from The Cartoon Network's late night Adult Swim-branded offerings.

Please ensure that all customer contact personnnel receive this information.


This announcement was updated by on 1/19/2006.

[Joseph S]

The District??? Did anyone even watch that the first time around? How about Monk and ND reruns????

Now that it's coming...

Do they stretch or OAR? I'm not a fan of TNT because I don't trust anything will be real HD unless I'm there to see it live, outside of Alias (Weekdays at 3pm).

[murdoc]

The District??? Did anyone even watch that the first time around? How about Monk and ND reruns????

Now that it's coming...

Do they stretch or OAR? I'm not a fan of TNT because I don't trust anything will be real HD unless I'm there to see it live, outside of Alias (Weekdays at 3pm).

Most movies I've seen are in OAR.

[Mark Strube]

Looking forward to Adult Swim ondemand as well. :D

I've always checked Cartoon ondemand to see if they've added an Adult Swim section... now it gets its own channel!! I hope it's not all crummy anime.

[Paul S.]

Looking forward to Adult Swim ondemand as well. :D

I've always checked Cartoon ondemand to see if they've added an Adult Swim section... now it gets its own channel!! I hope it's not all crummy anime.


x2

Hopefully there will ATHF and Squidbillies on there.

[Mark Strube]

From Wikipedia-

In mid-2004, Adult Swim launched a video on demand channel on various cable TV providers. The comedy section features several episodes from various Adult Swim original series, while the action section only features programs and movies licensed by Bandai Entertainment, some of which have never been broadcast on Adult Swim or CN. The anime series s-CRY-ed initially premiered on demand before debuting on the regular block in May 2005.

[MoreTorque99]

Just realized I had Universal HD here on Chater HD Cable... watched the Detroit Auto show on it last night. Very good PQ.

[kevbeck122]

With CableCARD.. will I get UHD added automatically? I'm just wondering because I noticed the channel scan is grayed out on the cable side of my TV.

[RLJSlick]

Now that we have that out of the way, we can now work on getting National Geo HD! :D

[mhz40]

Now that we have that out of the way, we can now work on getting National Geo HD! :D
Yup, right after you upgrade that Hitachi! (Just kiddin'... :blush: )

[gparris]

Today TWC channel 532 for Universal HD is up and running.

I am getting DD5.1 for some older Olympics programming.
Great to finally have an addition to the TWC HD lineup, thank you! :)

mhz40: Does he really have to update (replace) his Hitachi, first?

IMO, NGCHD (and MHD) are coming sooner, I think, than the ESPN2HD to TWC here. :D

[Mark Strube]

mhz40: Does he really have to update (replace) his Hitachi, first?

IMO, NGCHD (and MHD) are coming sooner, I think, than the ESPN2HD to TWC here. :D

I'd say no... TWC has a lot more money than he does. ;)

[SugarRay]

9:23 PM. Just checked 532. Didn't see HD Universal. Is it under the regular HD tier (IE the chs you get with the regular package) or the channels you get with HDESPN, HDNET, etc?

[LoadStar]

9:23 PM. Just checked 532. Didn't see HD Universal. Is it under the regular HD tier (IE the chs you get with the regular package) or the channels you get with HDESPN, HDNET, etc?

I'm pretty certain that it is part of the HD Package (i.e. with ESPN-HD, HDNet, InHD), not the free channels you get with the Digital Access Package (i.e. broadcasts, Discovery HD, TNT HD).

[gparris]

In all the TWC locations that had this channel already, as in earlier January, it is part of the HD Package.

Just because the numbering is not close to the other four, remember that the ESPNHD channel 530 is "nearby" and also part of the HD Package.

Whenever TWC gets ESPN2HD, it will probably be 528 to match the analogue 28.

NGCHD (National Geographic Channel HD) could appear as 570, but that is more isolated from the HD numbering, so maybe the SD channel will be moved or maybe not....just a guess on that one.

Someday, when TWC finds it important to update the website, it will explain this and hopefully, soon.
Other TWC regions that had this channel already, had their websites updated.

There are errors in the HD package site on some of the pages that were never corrected since ESPNHD was added and the drop down listings for other areas in SE Wisconsin other than the "metro" default for Milwaukee still has incorrect listings...go figure.
Contacting them does not help this, in my experience

[mhz40]

Yikes! What a horrible program lineup. Who wanted this channel?? Knight Rider!? The Equalizer?? Big deal. Can't wait for the Olympics to start...
Can't blame Universal... it seems like outside of live sports, HD content in general just sucks.

[Mark Strube]

I don't care... Battlestar Galactica!!

They really need to pad their airtime with that show more, it's only on two times one day of the week.

[gparris]

Yikes! What a horrible program lineup. Who wanted this channel?? Knight Rider!? The Equalizer?? Big deal. Can't wait for the Olympics to start...
Can't blame Universal... it seems like outside of live sports, HD content in general just sucks.

No, mhz40: It's fine...actually quite good, but BSG could be on a little more along with some more Sci-Fi. :D
FYI: I won't miss the Olympics, but that's me, it will just mess up the UnivHD schedule more. :(

Please have your company update the website to indicate this channel and the dropdowns for packages on the website for all SE Wisc. areas; it is confusing.

Further, the DigiPic packages erroneously claim in the HD Package adder that the channels Discovery HD and TNT HD are available with the HD package rather than any DigiPic package, an error that can confuse new HD subscribers.

[mhz40]

No, mhz40: It's fine...actually quite good, but BSG could be on a little more along with some more Sci-Fi. :D
FYI: I won't miss the Olympics, but that's me, it will just mess up the UnivHD schedule more. :(

Please have your company update the website to indicate this channel and the dropdowns for packages on the website for all SE Wisc. areas; it is confusing.

Further, the DigiPic packages erroneously claim in the HD Package adder that the channels Discovery HD and TNT HD are available with the HD package rather than any DigiPic package, an error that can confuse new HD subscribers.
I'm glad you will be enjoying the new channel and will pass your website comments on...

[gb4fan92]

Yikes! What a horrible program lineup. Who wanted this channel??

Well this is all TWC would give us!
Why is there something better coming? ;) ;)

[gb4fan92]

By the way, the current TWC channel guide shows that 2 hours of Quantum Leap should be on now. But The Legacy is showing according to UHD website.

[gparris]

I'm glad you will be enjoying the new channel and will pass your website comments on...

Thank you for your assistance and their assistance in advance.
An informed customer is your best customer, one that is not frustrated with pricing and choices. :)
Many of my HT setup clients have to be walked through the HD package and TWC option pricing as it is not clear to them, meaning me.
I cannot just say "go to the TWC website for pricing and options" and expect them to not call me back wondering what to do to minimize (or maximize) TWC's HD offerings on their new HDTV sets...it just gets frustrating, even for me. :D

[RLJSlick]

Hey Buddy that was a top of a line model....2 years ago! :)




Yup, right after you upgrade that Hitachi! (Just kiddin'... :blush: )

[LoadStar]

Yikes! What a horrible program lineup. Who wanted this channel?? Knight Rider!? The Equalizer?? Big deal. Can't wait for the Olympics to start...
Can't blame Universal... it seems like outside of live sports, HD content in general just sucks.

Well... since I was one who requested it, I did so mostly for the Olympics. I also requested it just to have SOMETHING additional to watch in High Def... ANYTHING is better than nothing.

True, reruns of Knight Rider in High Def aren't anything to be jumping up and down for joy for, but at least it's an additional channel that we didn't have before. And just like the other high def channels (thinking of InHD and HDNet specifically), there are the very occasional good shows in between the flotsam and jetsam.

My thought process when I sent the email was that any channel request by a customer would typically get filed away for future consideration, and nothing immediate would ever be done about it. Thanks to the fact that they were carrying the Olympics, I had a good reason to provide in my email that TWC Milwaukee should move a little quicker than usual. :D

[Mark Strube]

The problem is, we're not given many options... when it was known that Time Warner got a deal to carry UniversalHD, we knew it was just a matter of time before the local area picked it up... and the sooner the better!

Want a suggestion for GOOD channels that people will actually watch? Pick up the VOOM channels!! We weren't pining for a channel just to see David Hasselhoff in HD, we were pining for ANYTHING new. Sure we'd want VOOM or Starz HD... is it gonna happen? Who knows... I'd imagine a giant company like Time Warner would have more disposable dollars than Dish Network to get channels like that, but they're not forced to be as competitive as satellite is. Too bad.

[LoadStar]

To follow up to mhz40's comment... I would agree, most of the HD programs we have right now suck.

Some of it is good brands with lousy execution. For example:
- I'm sure Universal's got a huge library of stuff I'd love to see in HD - but precious little of it is carried on Universal HD.
- Discovery has several shows that would be fun to see in HD, such as Mythbusters, but are not carried on Discovery HD Theater.
- TNT has the rights to TONS of great drama series, but they're already down one strike because of they way they butcher the shows to fit in extra commercial time. Strikes two and three for me is their decision to carry the 4:3 version of shows originally broadcast in widescreen (Angel, for instance) - then they go and stretch and crop that 4:3 version for TNT-HD!!! AUGH! (At the very least, WHY don't they pillarbox 4:3 programming, instead of faux widescreening it?)
- FSN has tons of sports programming - NONE of which is carried on FSN HD. Heck, we'd be happy with an upconverted version of the standard channel. Heck, I'd be happy with a friggin test pattern or full screen FSN logo instead of having the channel black 99% of the time.

As for HDnet and InHD, much of their programming seems to exist strictly to be HD programming. That is, if it wasn't in HD, few people in their right mind would EVER stop and watch it.

Still... those criticisms aside, the HD programming we have right now is a lot like the rest of the channels carried on cable. There are a few good programs in between lots of really lame ones. The reason we wait with baited breath for new HD channels - like the maligned Universal HD - is that each new channel brings with it the possibility for even one new show to watch in HD.

[Paul S.]

We weren't pining for a channel just to see David Hasselhoff in HD, .

Speak for yourself! lol




Anyone notice that INHD shows boobies and buhgina late at night? Suprised the hell out of me... :eek:

[gparris]

Quote: "Still... those criticisms aside, the HD programming we have right now is a lot like the rest of the channels carried on cable. There are a few good programs in between lots of really lame ones. The reason we wait with baited breath for new HD channels - like the maligned Universal HD - is that each new channel brings with it the possibility for even one new show to watch in HD."

Good, then no matter what HD channel gets put on it is still a wonderful event because in the mix of good and bad programming on ANY channel, you might come up with a mix of HD progamming to watch...I would suggest a DVR. :)
With the DVR (like so many of us do have at least one) you can record those shows, like Paul S. mentioned and fill up your HDD with much to watch, you just have to do it on many channels, not just a few.
It is the many channels, as in more HD channels like the UHD addition, that up the odds you will find something that you like to watch (recorded quite possibly) that way. :D

[gparris]

I'm glad you will be enjoying the new channel and will pass your website comments on...

Today I noticed the TWC website had the corrected pricing and layout for the DigiPic package page regarding HD channels and Universal HD..thank you. :)

However, at the very bottom of the HDTV page, it mentions to get the HD Package the Digital Access Package must be subscribed to...but there is no mention of pricing there or anywhere in the website.
Note, too, it still does not inform the customer as to IF you will still get the Discovery HD and TNT HD channels like you do with the DigiPic packages...do you?

Sometimes the HD subscriber just wants those 5 HD locals, Discovery HD and TNTHD plus the newer 6-HD channel Package without HD movie channels/DigiPic selections.
I would hope that the TWC website should explain how to get this subscription for the customer to better maximize the HD subsribing/viewing experience.

So far, with the DigiPic webpage fixed along with the HDTV page you have to make assumptions about the Digital Access Package or just get the DigiPic 1000 and be done with it. :(

Second, although the Starz and Encore channels are not HD (yet or for TWC subs)
there still is no adder pricing on their website despite my calls and emails in the past.
I understand why basic cable and extended basic pricing are local-dependent on pricing, so that is not posted on the general webpages, but nothing exists anywhere else about this Digital Access Package and how it relates to HD channel pricing and what you get with it.

Finally, the drop-down channel selections for Metro, Milwaukee, etc are not including the UHD channel as of today...does that require a web designer to fix that?
Is there anyone to contact to get those fixed, too? Thanks in advance! :wave:

[RS922]

With the Digital Access package, channels 531 (Fox Sports Special Events), 533-TNT HD and 541 Discovery HD are available. Also included are some NBA & NHL events when carried on INHD1-Ch 545.

[gparris]

RS922: Thank you for the input...now all we need to do is add this information to the TWC website with Digital Access Package pricing and they will have more HD subscribers happy (and added). :)

[Joseph S]

Dragonheart looks awfully nice in OAR HD. Do they stretch Knight Rider?

[Mark Strube]

I believe every show & movie on UniversalHD is in true HD. Only some commercials are SD.

[Joseph S]

But Knight Rider is a 4:3 source

[Mark Strube]

Then it must be cropped. I can tell when something's stretched, and I can tell when something's upconverted... this is neither.

[Mark Strube]

Didn't really think this deserved its own new thread so since we were talking about this in this thread-

On Adult Swim On Demand... Aqua Teen episodes 45 & 46 are mixed up. I don't know if there's any other mistakes.

[gparris]

With the Digital Access package, channels 531 (Fox Sports Special Events), 533-TNT HD and 541 Discovery HD are available. Also included are some NBA & NHL events when carried on INHD1-Ch 545.

I don't think so. :o

Per the reply I got from got from them in an email as follows:

"The Digital Access Package offers the following channels:
Standard Service - channels 1-99
On-screen program guide
Access to Pay Per View - channels 800-895, 1000, and 1800.
Music Choice - channels 901-945
Free On Demand - channels 1100-1180, and 1999.
Thank you for writing to Time Warner Cable."

I am going with DigiPic 1000 plus HD package for recommendations as the lowest pricing to get all the available HD channels TWC offers less HBO/Showtime HD.

You WILL get the HD channels locally, like you get with a HD box or QAM tuner, but that is it....NO Discovery HD or TNTHD, FSNHD is available with that Digital Access Package...sorry. :rolleyes:

[Joseph S]

Digital Access does work. Despite the pathetic $5 difference, I'm not getting Digipic to prove a minor point. Their current blackmail price scheme forcing analog garbage is ridiculous. Comcast has all channels digital and the sub 100s are unscrambled as well so you don't need to rent a box from them. When I move I'm either getting Comcast, Satellite, FIOS, etc. I won't be purchasing TWC again because of their lack of an HDTV package and horrific analogs. The lowest package only allows Sho and HBO plus the limited locals, you cannot get TNT, Disc, INHD, ESPN, etc.

[gparris]

Yes, the Digital Access Package does work, but it doesn't get you Disc HD or TNTHD (per TWC email), but you can acquire the HD package with it...seems odd. :rolleyes:
Maybe that is why the Digital Access Package pricing is nowhere to be found on the TWC website nor do the channel offering dropdowns work the way they're supposed to-give the customer what is offfered completely channel-wise with this package so they can make an intelligent decision for HD access. :(

As for Comcast, it is offered in areas just like TWC that are region/local specific.
Right now, Comcast does not offer UHD permanently or even TNTHD unless the locale Comcast acquired has sufficient bandwidth (many are older systems), however, they do not have a specific HD package, just tier levels for everything.

Verizon FIOS and AT&T Lightspeed offer/will offer UHD among many other channels in HD from what I have experienced, but it uses a system called IPTV and for cable companies to offer that it would mean different equipment and cable boxes....but it looks like the future of HDTV delivery to me...great potential! :D

[LoadStar]

Sorry, gparris, but you're wrong.

Digital Access Package DOES indeed include TNT HD and Discovery HD Theater, along with WITI HD, WDJT HD, WTMJ HD, WISN HD, and WMVT HD, and WMVS-DT subchannels.

How do I know? Until about 3 weeks ago, I was subscribed to Digital Access Package, and nothing else (well, nothing cable related, at least). And those are most definitely the stations I received.

I have since added the HD package so that I can get some of the olympics coverage in HD on Universal HD, of course. I am now subscribed to the HD package and the Digital Access Package, which gets me 2-99, 500-506, 510-560, the InDemand channels (not including Premium InDemand channels such as HBO InDemand), and MusicChoice.

[gparris]

Thank you....make no mistake about it-the quote I got was from those so-called TWC help people-his signature on the email:
The Digital Access Package offers the following channels:

Standard Service - channels 1-99
On-screen program guide
Access to Pay Per View - channels 800-895, 1000, and 1800.
Music Choice - channels 901-945
Free On Demand - channels 1100-1180, and 1999.

To access a listing of the channels in the Digital Access Package, please visit http://www.timewarnercable.com/CustomerService/CLU/TWCCLUs.ashx?menu=Programming.

Thank you for writing to Time Warner Cable.

Sincerely,

Consumer Contact Department
Time Warner Cable

Maybe this TWC assistant needs training for sending out erroneous information.
Heck, maybe they all need training there, as no one can seem to insert the pricing for this package on their website or provide useful and correct drop downs for the darn channel selections...very poor on their part...but this is the real email. :mad:

So to reiterate:
To get the new Universal HD channel you must subscribe to the HD package for $6.95 a month plus the Digital Access Package for WHATEVER it costs. :rolleyes:

You get as a subscriber, per LoadStar (not a TWC employee), all the extended standard and basic cable channels, music channels and those 500-506 plus 510-560 channels (with the HD package)...nice....will inform my HD clients and friends.
Many of them do not watch HBO and Showtime unless there is a series on and dislike the offerings in the DigiPic 1000. :D

[LoadStar]

Thank you....make no mistake about it-the quote I got was from those so-called TWC help people-his signature on the email:
The Digital Access Package offers the following channels:

Standard Service - channels 1-99
On-screen program guide
Access to Pay Per View - channels 800-895, 1000, and 1800.
Music Choice - channels 901-945
Free On Demand - channels 1100-1180, and 1999.

To access a listing of the channels in the Digital Access Package, please visit http://www.timewarnercable.com/CustomerService/CLU/TWCCLUs.ashx?menu=Programming.

Thank you for writing to Time Warner Cable.

Sincerely,

Consumer Contact Department
Time Warner Cable

Maybe this TWC assistant needs training for sending out erroneous information.
Heck, maybe they all need training there, as no one can seem to insert the pricing for this package on their website or provide useful and correct drop downs for the darn channel selections...very poor on their part...but this is the real email. :mad:

So to reiterate:
To get the new Universal HD channel you must subscribe to the HD package for $6.95 a month plus the Digital Access Package for WHATEVER it costs. :rolleyes:

You get as a subscriber, per LoadStar (not a TWC employee), all the extended standard and basic cable channels, music channels and those 500-506 plus 510-560 channels (with the HD package)...nice....will inform my HD clients and friends.
Many of them do not watch HBO and Showtime unless there is a series on and dislike the offerings in the DigiPic 1000. :D

Yeah... the online pages pretty much blow. And yes, the TWC employee forgot about the free HD channels (and I'm not terribly surprised by that.)

The paper guides you can pick up at any of the offices are much better. I'm looking at the current one - dated "December 2005 Central" on the front - and it clearly says "5 free channels of local HDTV" and "3 Free HDTV Satellite Services", and right below that it says "Free HDTV Programming available with Digital Access Package or above."

If I get the chance, I'll scan this in and throw it up on the web for you.

[Joseph S]

So to reiterate:
To get the new Universal HD channel you must subscribe to the HD package for $6.95 a month plus the Digital Access Package for WHATEVER it costs.
Subtract $5 from Digipic 1000 and that's your price. ~$40+. It's ridiculous because I have no use for:
Standard Service - channels 1-99
On-screen program guide
Access to Pay Per View - channels 800-895, 1000, and 1800.
Music Choice - channels 901-945
Free On Demand - channels 1100-1180, and 1999.
Whatsoever.

All I want is 500-550 range and nothing else.

[gparris]

Thank you for the comments...Joseph S. :)

I never use those On-Demand channels, either, despite how cable companies always think these are so great...that is what I have a DVR for. :cool:

As far as those music channels, these are so lame - I have XM built into my A/V receiver.:D

I do access the WB and Sci-fi channels in the analogue area, but that's me.
Whenever the CW comes out, Sinclair can keeps its corporate paws off it as I want it in HD on TWC.
The Sci-Fi Channel can at very least be migrated to digital channels like TWC has in so many other areas around the country for a better picture.

I check around for the link to the pricing for this "Digital Access Package" and so far, nothing.
It is almost like TWC wants you to "DigiPic" instead of "Access". :rolleyes:

[Joseph S]

Price was $44.95 per my Nov bill, it's now 46.99 for this month. :(

[gparris]

Digital Access Package is now $46.99? Went up $2 in January, just like the DigiPics plans. :eek:
So to get UHD, you have to get either DAP or DigiPic 1000 for $5 more-$51.99
plus the $6.95 for the HD package.
I wonder if the HBO and Showtime HD channels cost more without the DigiPic plans
(if you wanted them both to maximize your HD channel availability)? :(
Thanks for the info...now we all know that it is either $53.94 or $58.94 for either to get UHD and the other HD package channels, including Discovery HD and TNTHD along with the 5 HD locals...okay. ;)