Any news on Firewire TW HDTV boxes?

[mrmike]

I own a Firewire HD-Capable time shifting device (D-VHS deck).
I would like to use that device with my cable as I can with my OTA HD channels.
There is no method to support this other than Firewire or an integrated DVR (which I would be expected to pay extra for and which replicates functionality I already own).
I have no desire (zero, nada) to be tied down to TV schedules again for my viewing pleasure after 5 years free from those chains.
What's the mystery?

I realize that digital recording scares the pants off media providers but it's not like this is news.  It's been years in the making.  5C is out there.  It works (mostly).  It's not rocket surgery :p .

-MM

[borghe]

at this very second, the only answer is to either live in a Comcast region with firewire turned on, buy one of the many OTA-only options with firewire output turned on, or go to DirecTV and get one of the boxes that support 169Time and have it modded with that.

Also be aware that not all D-VHS decks can decode MPEG2. Some decks rely on the fact that it is connected to an HDTV tuner and just send the HDTV signal back out the firewire and to the box's tuner. So if you have a VCR that can't decode and HDTV signal you will need to get a box that will accept and playback it back instead.

[mrmike]

The point being that the task which I wish to undertake is the one that the FCC mandate is intended to enable.  The fact that TWC can't see their way clear to make this happen is just another example of why single-source services suck.

And most OTA boxes that output Firewire also input and decode it.  As does my D-VHS deck (A JVC, the Mitsu ones do not).

[Joseph S]

I have been told they are on order and will be called when they are in. We shall see.

[Detritus]

SA8250 or did mhz40 really mean SA3250?

[Detritus]

Anybody know? What make/model cable box has active firewire now?

[Joseph S]

None. They're in complete violation of the mandate.

[mhz40]

I'm not privy to what is included in the 'official' mandate, but there is a firewire capable box available to SE WI cable customers of Time Warner.  With component and DVI units around, I'm not sure why anyone would want/need one yet; but they are available.  Maybe Joseph can fill us (well, at least me) in on the benefits...
Cheers...

[Joseph S]

I already posted what the mandate states and what the source is on page one of this thread.

Essentially, if they offer HD boxes they had to have firewire enabled and fully functional by 4/1/04.

[mhz40]

OK.. Actually the quote I read in your post was 'functional'.  'Fully functional' is not part of the document.  So yes, there is a set top with a 'functional 1394 port' .  Some cable systems missed the deadline of 4/1 because of issues out of their control, but the gear has been around for weeks now.  Maybe a month already.  From what I understand, the current units support HD display devices that support EAS and HD-VHS.  Go get yourself one if you have the urge...
I'd still like to know what the big advantage to the whole thing is...

[Detritus]

mhz40, I've tried calling and also stopping by some locations with no luck. Nobody even has a clue what Firewire or 1394 could possibly be.

Could you please specify what unit we need to ask for? I know you posted SA 8250, but that does not exist according to SA's website. Only a 3250 exists. Is that what we need to get Firewire?

[Joseph S]

Some cable systems missed the deadline of 4/1 because of issues out of their control

Couldn't be further from the truth. They still haven't even ordered the boxes and the tech essentially claimed he didn't/couldn't and wouldn't  do a damn thing to speak to his superiors about it. "Not in our sector." "They haven't sent us a memo." "Not in the warehouse."

Corp CSR stating only that I will be notified if available.  :bang

. Only a 3250 exists. Is that what we need to get Firewire?

"That's Green Bay, we don't have that model." "Not in our sector (rpt)." "We're not going to order for one customer." "I know what the mandate says." ...:

[Detritus]

I still haven't gotten an answer from anybody to my simple question :eek:

What cable converter do I need to ask for? Is it the SA 3250HD? :confused:

Now if somebody could tell me which local office has 'em, that of course would be a big bonus.

mhz40, as to why people might want Firewire, DVHS comes to mind, as well as being able to run fewer cables that cost less and can be run for longer distances.

[mhz40]

Yup.  It's got to be a 3250HD.  Ithought all the emails I read were 8250...  come to find out (as usual) the forum knows all..
If you get someone that don't know it exists, ask for a supervisor.
Just beware... no interactive guide or graphics on the 1394 output (so I've read... never saw the interface actually working since I don't have that port on my gear).

[Joseph S]

That is for Green Bay only.

Milwaukee TWC has ZERO 3250s and have ordered ZERO 3250s and their tech reps will insult you for asking about why their "sector" hasn't ordered any or equivalents to comply.