More Time Warner Bashing

[bigcheeshead]

So I got sick of playing with OTA antenna every time I switched channels and decided to go with Warner Cable for the locals. I called last month to schedule an appointment to have it setup.
Two weeks later a technician shows up with a "digital" box.  The technician tried to convince me that "digital" was much better then HD box. Riight!!! Thirty minutes later he did realize that the paperwork did state HD. So now I had to reschedule AGAIN, for another appointment.
Fine, two weeks later no one shows up for the appointment. After calling TW I was told that the technician called but no one answered. I explained to the customer rep that it's an imposible considering that I had my cell phone with me at all times and even if I did missed it the cell phone would show the missed call. The customer rep, who apparently, never took a customer service class,  promptly accused me of lying and told me that it will take 3 1/2 weeks for my next appointment.
Guess I'll be playing with the antenna for a few months longer, well at least until TW follows the same path to extinction that Ameritech went with their "Outstanding customer service" .

[mhz40]

Assuming your cable is already connected from the first install attempt, I suggest you try to pickup a HD box and do a self install.  That way you can't miss your own appointment!

MHz40

[Tom Snyder]

That assumes there's enough signal strength to just plug the box in and go. In my case they had to plug an amp inline to amplify the signal.

And that was a brand new house, brand new cable from a brand new box in  brand new subdivision.

[Youth Minister]

Are those amps available for purchase at Radio Shack?  If so, how much?  Between cable and Road Runner, I have several splits from the run into the house and initially didn't have enough signal to produce HD images.  I've rerouted to try and get as pure of a signal as possible, but would be interested in an amp.  Also, would TWC come and put one in free of charge?

[Mike Sura]

I had the same problem, call TW and they'll come out for free and add or rewire so everything works right. In my case they ran new wire for the cable modem and all new splitters where the cable came into the house. The tech also went outside to the box that feeds my house. Don't know if did anything out there however. So before buying anything yourself, call TW and you might get it for free.

[agrundman]

My recent experience with Time Warner has been excellent.  I bought a high definition television about a month ago.  Time Warner was at my house shortly thereafter to exchange my cable box with an SA 3100 HD receiver.

That receiver did not work correctly (displayed lots of white & black pixels).  The technician who came to look at it later couldn't solve the problem, so I called and asked to speak to a supervisor.

Once getting the supervisor involved, the process of correcting the problem went very well.  He was flexible with his times of coming to my house and ultimately solved it by communicating with other TW reps. in other cities.

Turns out that certain serial numbers of the SA 3100 HD receivers had problems.  He was able to get a series that did not have the problem, tested it in his office, and came out and installed it.  This entire process with the supervisor took only two days to resolve.

I will agree with some of the complaints I see on this website regarding TWC's customer service line (not the brightest folks in the world).  However, I think the key is to get a supervisor involved if you are having issues that you can't solve because working with him was excellent.

[FreQi]

It's so stupid that Supervisors have become the Tier1 tech support, and Tech Support is basically Tier0.  "Back in my day" the people that answered the phones (I was one of them) knew how to fix stuff.  Not just pass the call up the chain.
[/rant]

[mhz40]

Originally posted by Tom Snyder
That assumes there's enough signal strength to just plug the box in and go. In my case they had to plug an amp inline to amplify the signal.

And that was a brand new house, brand new cable from a brand new box in  brand new subdivision.

Yes, assuming levels are good.  During install, this routine check should be made.  Depending on what transpired during the first visit, this may or may not have happened.
House amps may be needed in some cases, especially in newer construction where large lots require the use of long service drops or where many (generally >4) outlets are desired.

[ugyvel]

I live in mid-mequon and never have to change antenna position.  You're a bit west, but aren't all the stations at approximately the same compass point for you?  Maybe a different antenna would enable you to avoid the TWC hassle.

[bigcheeshead]

I think the reason I have to mess with the antenna is due to the fact that woods start at my back yard and my antennas are internal. External antenna at the apartment complex only gets channel 4 at 100% and 0% on CBS and ABC
   If you know of a better indoor HDTV antenna besides the zenith and the double bowtie please let me know.

[Tom Snyder]

I'm also in Germantown, with an acre of woods behind my house to the East.  I get great signal strengths with my Double Bowtie. But mine is up high, near the crest of a cathedral ceiling. That extra height made all the difference for me.  Even in the Summer with the woods in full  jungle mode.

Is there a way you can elevate yours? Put it in an attic or at least right up at the celing?

[bigcheeshead]

I went out and bought a cheap $20 outdoor UHF antenna.  I mounted the damn thing about 35 feet off the ground and positioned it for what seems like a perfect reception. I still can't win.

1. Channel 4 comes in at 100% but drops down to 0 for about 2 seconds every minute or two. VERY ANNOYING.
2. CBS comes in at steady 72% but I'm getting pixelation often, see my other thread regarding this.
3. Channel 12 I can't get on the outside antenna at all but I can get it at 100% with the zenith antenna.
4. PBS seems to be lost who know where these days.

[Gregg Lengling]

PBS changed their PSIP......just dial up channel 8 now...they don't redirect to 10.

[FreQi]

One thing I didn't know until I fought with my antenna for a good week was you should aim the butt end of the antenna word the towers. So instead of pointing the antenna so it would point at the towers like an arrow, turn it 180 degrees so it opens up toward the towers, as if to catch the signal. That fixed me right up.