TWC Box

[Dogorox]

What is the best non-dvr HD converter to get from TWC? I've heard there are different models available and that some work better than others. Any help would be appreciated.

I have component and HDMI inputs available, and I want to hook up my DVD as well. Do any come with component passthrough for my DVD? the folks at TWC are pretty uninformed when it comes to there own equipment.

[Mark Strube]

I would reccommend requesting the Scientific Atlanta 3250HD. No problems with ours, and my experience with the Pioneer boxes was nothing but buggy. Also, I believe the SA might have more active standard-definiton outputs, and firewire ports (which I think are active for non-protected channels... anyone confirm?).

[Joseph S]

3250HD
Good points: Firewire ports - Work for 5C enabled D-VHS or just the locals for PC recording (2 active ports for daisy chaining), DVI (requires HDCP), Component, L/R and digital audio outputs.

Bad points: Gray sidebars instead of black. When TWC resets or "updates" the box once a week you may miss a firewire 5C DVHS recording due to a corrupted connection. Analog station and digital station audio levels are out of whack. It also uses the Pioneer software the other boxes have so your tweaking of the box is limited.

[Mark Strube]

I actually like the gray sidebars... but that's just personal preference.  

[oz]

I have a question about the 3250HD.  When you press the Source button in the lower-left hand corner, does it change the picture size on HD channels (zoom, stretch, etc).  It does on my HD-DVR but does not on my current non-DVR HD box. I like that feature.

[Joseph S]

have a question about the 3250HD. When you press the Source button in the lower-left hand corner, does it change the picture size on HD channels (zoom, stretch, etc). It does on my HD-DVR but does not on my current non-DVR HD box. I like that feature.

It has a "Bypass" button at that spot. It does what you say for SD channels, but that was the first and last time I'll be pushing that button.

[Den Mayer]

I've been using a SA-3250-HD Cable set top box in GBay via Time Warner

  Cable for 2 years, 2 months now....   First 2 months was component

  Video out....   Last two years has been DVI Video out......

 I activate all 6 SA-3250-HD DVI video out formats for my Sony 34HS510 CRT.

 Unit works fine and is functionally 100% dependable.

 I do not know of a better 'regular' Cable Box.......

[Mark Strube]

I have a question about the 3250HD.  When you press the Source button in the lower-left hand corner, does it change the picture size on HD channels (zoom, stretch, etc).  It does on my HD-DVR but does not on my current non-DVR HD box. I like that feature.

It'll only do that for SD channels, just like the Pioneer boxes. The HD-DVR is the only box that will do it on both HD and SD channels.

[Dogorox]

Thanks for the input guys. I went in to my local TWC office and they didn't have any SA's then but will be getting some new type boxes soon. I'll post when (if? lol) I get one.

[Mark Strube]

New type eh? Interesting... let us know what you end up with, if it's actually a new model we should all swarm out to get.

[Joseph S]

Sure hope new type means "new model with Firewire." I practically had to beg for the firewire box even though it required by law. Nobody at the centers or call support stations had a clue what I was talking about. "mhz40" saved the day.

[Mark Strube]

I'd only be interested in firewire if it'd let me record from stations I can't already record from over the air (the CABLE channels... ya know... the ones I'm paying all that money for). :bang: