Digital Access vs. Digipic

[rickules61]

Hi all,
I've been lurking about this forum for a while and finally decided to register so forgive me if my question is lame or posted to the wrong place.
I have TW Digital Access service in Milwaukee plus the HD package on my SA3250HD box. (Yeah it's old but I don't need DVR).
My current service gives me access to channels 1-99 but nothing in the 100-199 range. Fine.
I have been getting all the HD channels in the 500 range including the new ones added a few weeks ago.
Then today I started getting the latest batch except for these:
ScienceHD on 520
ESPN News on 529
HallmarkHD on 546
When I tune to them I get the screen that says "call Customer Care to receive this channel"

My question is this: Do I need to get a version of Digipic to access these channels or just wait until TW gets their SH*T together?

Thanks,
Rick

[gparris]

Sometimes the older boxes do not access the newer HD channel additions like these are supposed to do.
TWC keeps pushing their cable boxes vs. cablecards (until that tuning device is avail.), so you should get what is considered "Free HD" they keep on bragging about if you get the other HD channels outside of the HD package and premiums.

-I would locate a knowledgeable service rep and ask them to hit your box and see what happens before exchanging it for another one.

[kevbeck122]

Yeah.. I'm assuming it's because the SD equivalent of those three channels fall in between 100-199.  I have digital access and get the same message.  Digipic doesn't exist anymore... digital standard will get you those channels.  It's $5 more a month than digital access.

[rickules61]

Well I called TWC and upgraded to Digital Standard. We all know of their convoluted pricing and the dude gave me a new figure that was only a buck-something more than my current price. Plus by getting Digital Standard I can now take advantage of an $8/mo. discount offered by my employer.
I guess I'll just wait and see about the bill but I do get all the proper channels now.
Thanks for the replies.

R.

[rickules61]

Well, I called TWC and upgraded to Digital Standard. We all know of their convoluted pricing and the dude gave me a new figure that was only a buck-something more than my current price. Plus by getting Digital Standard I can now take advantage of an $8/mo. discount offered by my employer.
I guess I'll just wait and see about the bill but I do get all the proper channels now.
Thanks for the replies.

R.

[aaron]

I had the exact same problem, I wasn't getting 520/529/546, TWC sent out a tech and he was able to get it to work by calling the dispatcher and having them send a signal to my box.

[gparris]

Considering what you get for "Digital Standard" at  $5 more a month, I wonder why TWC keeps the "Digital Access" at all, but that's just me, I guess.
When our HT clients call up TWC for pricing, some (or most CSRs) quote the Digital Standard pricing with one non-DVR box fee (HD or not, it's the same).
Additionally, they also try to push a DVR on them with free fees on a trial basis.

[Jack 1000]

This is correct:

The DigiPic packages have now changed and are now Digital Standard and Digital Access.  Some packages may say Digital Standard, or Digital Value depending on your service agreement.  But the main thing is:

Digital Access is analog channels 2-99, plus the IPG, Digital Music Channels, and Movies on Demand/Free Movies On Demand.  Other than the IPG, Digital Music Stations, and On Demand PPV and Free Movies On Demand, Digital Access is basically Analog Cable with those basic digital features I mentioned above.

Digital Standard is what is recommended.  It gives you all of Digital Access PLUS all the channels after 99 and the options I mentioned above. (Except for the Digital Sports Package, which is optional.)  The Digital Sports Package is channels 106-120 and is $4.95/mo extra.

New Digital cable subs should request as a minimum the DIGITAL STANDARD PACKAGE and than if they choose to do so, work up from that point.  I am sure that you will be able to get some deals, especially if your negotiating skills are good!

Jack

[gparris]

Correct.
Digital Standard is really the cable "platform" to go for, after you go from standard cable service (without a cablebox, channels 2-99).
After that, all you do is add the sports, On Demand channels or premium channels, including the very limited HD Package to maximize your HD channel availablity.