Milwaukee HDTV User Group

HDTV Forums => Milwaukee HDTV Technical Issues => Topic started by: TiVo Dude on Wednesday Sep 10, 2008, 09:11:21 PM

Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Wednesday Sep 10, 2008, 09:11:21 PM
Hey all.  Question.

I just had two S-Cards installed on my brand new HD TiVo, and have already found myself missing the SDV HD channels like TNT and Discovery.  I did some research (some on this forum) and found that the tuning adapters being produced by Motorola and others have been passed for consumer use and at this point it is only a matter of the local cable companies putting them into our hands.  I understand that the SDV push may have outpaced the distribution of these adapters, and that's fine.  I can wait a few months as long as I have my network HD.

But here's the thing.  I called TWC today to ask when I might be able to procure a tuning adapter, and I was told by both a tech support rep and a customer service rep that they have no idea what a tuning adapter is.  Furthermore, the customer service rep told me that TWC also plans to "phase out" (her words) the CableCards completely.

So my questions are:

Is this simply a case of speaking to someone with too low a paygrade?  Are these people just not high enough up to know TWC's plans regarding adapters?

Does anyone know of TWC's plans regarding adapters, or even a possible timeframe?

If TWC is indeed not going to make tuning adapters available, how does that fit in with the FCC regulations regarding consumers' freedom of choice regarding equipment such as CableCards?

If TWC is also planning to phase out CableCards (which seems doubtful, considering the law regarding the pesky little buggers, unless they have another option coming online for TiVo users), isn't this just basically illegal?

I don't know if any of the rest of you out there are dealing with this, but it seems frustrating, not so much because of the hardware issues, but because of the ignorance of the TWC grunts.  I mean, I learned all of this in an afternoon of internet browsing, but the people who work for the cable company don't know anything about it?  I'm not exactly brimming with confidence here.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any thoughts or info.

Thanks!

-TiVo Dude
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: tencom on Wednesday Sep 10, 2008, 09:23:46 PM
either does nobody else
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: kevbeck122 on Wednesday Sep 10, 2008, 10:47:58 PM
This is the latest news I could find: http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=159407&site=cdn.  Sometime this year.. nobody knows when.  I'm sure the majority of the techs or customer service reps know nothing about the adapter and probably won't be told about it until it's about ready to be deployed.

Cablecard isn't going away... TWC's newer (crappier) boxes have M-cards in them.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: UncleMeat on Thursday Sep 11, 2008, 09:13:55 PM
CableCARD should not be going anywhere, yet.  FCC basically requires that TWC and others support it.  However, it's little surprise that TWC sales/call-center folks are saying they want to stop supporting it as there is more money in selling their proprietary technology with increasing rental costs and greater availability of packages to sign up for.

For the record, I was told the same thing by TWC.  I signed up for a cablecard package anyway.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: basshive on Friday Sep 12, 2008, 09:17:52 AM
Just to note, I would not expect anyone at TWC to know about tuning adapters since the likelyhood that they themselves are going to provide them is pretty slim. I would expect these to be items coming directly from Tivo themselves.

As for the reps saying cards are being phased out, I think that is non-sense.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Friday Sep 12, 2008, 01:16:05 PM
Quote from: basshive;48169Just to note, I would not expect anyone at TWC to know about tuning adapters since the likelyhood that they themselves are going to provide them is pretty slim. I would expect these to be items coming directly from Tivo themselves.

Nope. The devices are specific to the head-end equipment that each cable company uses, so it's up to the cable company to provide the correct tuning adapter. It was never intended for TiVo to provide the adapters.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: basshive on Friday Sep 12, 2008, 01:55:45 PM
I just read this -

QuoteCable operators who currently use or are planning to use switched digital technology are working on integrating Tuning Adapters into their cable systems over the next few months.

So now its even more concerning no one knows anything about these locally!

Cox in Phx is giving them to Tivo 3 / HD owners free!
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: BlueOtto on Monday Sep 15, 2008, 10:05:26 AM
I am interested in the status of a tuning adapter from TWC as well.  No one we spoke to with TWC seemed to have any clue.  Should we be writing them so they at least know the interest?  Calling often (until they get a clue...)?  If there is no indication that anything is happening... that is not good.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: BlueOtto on Thursday Sep 18, 2008, 02:30:09 PM
I sent an email to TWC regarding the tuning adapters.  Although not what we want to hear, I found it interesting and at least they don't seem inept in this email.

First, my email:

Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Hello,

I have two questions about Time Warner Cable in WI/Milwaukee area:

1. Do you offer a Tuning Adapter?  If not, when will one be available?

[A tuning adapter allows the Tivo Series 3 to access channels newly being provided by SDV.  I am guessing that is all of the new HD channels that TW is offering-- so without a tuning adapter, people with Tivo Series 3 cannot watch any of these channels.  There is info about this from Tivo at http://www.tivo.com/switched/. ]

2. Do you offer both M-Card and S-Card CableCARDs?

Thank-you for the information.


--------------------------
Reply from TWC:

Dear [BlueOtto],

Thank you for writing to Time Warner Cable.

At this time tuning adapters are not yet available for Series 3 Tivo devices. The cable cards we have now are one-directional and are not capable of receiving the SDV channels. I'm sorry but it has not been communicated to us when tuning adapters or bi-directional cards will be made available.

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/wisconsin or email us at timewarnerwi@twcable.com.

Thank you for using Time Warner Cable!

Sincerely,

Steven
Consumer Contact Specialist
Time Warner Cable
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: OlsonNet on Thursday Sep 18, 2008, 03:40:52 PM
I'm guessing 99% of CSRs (phone or e-mail) won't have an idea what these things are.

In the letter TW sent to us CableCARD users, they said that the tuning adapters would be provided free of charge once available, so it's just a waiting game.

I'd imagine TiVo will do what they can to press the issue as it's in their best interest to get these adapters out there to increase sales from people who are on the fence about getting a TiVo because they don't currently get all the channels.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Thursday Sep 18, 2008, 06:47:56 PM
Quote from: BlueOtto;48265I sent an email to TWC regarding the tuning adapters.  Although not what we want to hear, I found it interesting and at least they don't seem inept in this email.

First, my email:

Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Hello,

I have two questions about Time Warner Cable in WI/Milwaukee area:

1. Do you offer a Tuning Adapter?  If not, when will one be available?

[A tuning adapter allows the Tivo Series 3 to access channels newly being provided by SDV.  I am guessing that is all of the new HD channels that TW is offering-- so without a tuning adapter, people with Tivo Series 3 cannot watch any of these channels.  There is info about this from Tivo at http://www.tivo.com/switched/. ]

2. Do you offer both M-Card and S-Card CableCARDs?

Thank-you for the information.


--------------------------
Reply from TWC:

Dear [BlueOtto],

Thank you for writing to Time Warner Cable.

At this time tuning adapters are not yet available for Series 3 Tivo devices. The cable cards we have now are one-directional and are not capable of receiving the SDV channels. I'm sorry but it has not been communicated to us when tuning adapters or bi-directional cards will be made available.

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/wisconsin or email us at timewarnerwi@twcable.com.

Thank you for using Time Warner Cable!

Sincerely,

Steven
Consumer Contact Specialist
Time Warner Cable

Points for seeming to be familiar with a tuning adapter, I suppose.

However, he never actually answers the question about M-Card vs. S-Card. He talks about bidirectional cable cards, so he might be confused and thinking an S-Card is a unidirectional and M-Card is a bi-directional, and answering the question that way.

Good luck in getting someone who knows what _really_ is the difference between an M-Card and an S-Card.
Title: FCC Fine
Post by: MDR on Thursday Oct 16, 2008, 08:57:28 PM
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6606078.html?nid=4262

Possible recourse for people needing Tuning adapters.

MDR
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Thursday Oct 30, 2008, 09:08:08 AM
Here's some interesting news:

http://www.timewarnercable.com/Wisconsin/products/cable/sdv/default.html

Sounds like they might finally be getting this moving!
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: OlsonNet on Thursday Oct 30, 2008, 10:25:43 AM
Quote from: TiVo Dude;48945Here's some interesting news:

http://www.timewarnercable.com/Wisconsin/products/cable/sdv/default.html

Sounds like they might finally be getting this moving!

Thanks for the link. Although I wonder if they put that page up for legit reasons because these are being close to being ready or just to get the FCC off their backs about the delay.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Monday Nov 24, 2008, 09:49:04 AM
So we're creeping up on the end of the year, which is when these things have been promised.  Anybody heard anything regarding delivery yet?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: UncleMeat on Monday Nov 24, 2008, 08:19:42 PM
I'll let everyone know what I can find out tomorrow.  I am going to call in tomorrow and find somebody who can give me a real answer.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Wednesday Nov 26, 2008, 08:50:32 PM
I went to TWC (Mayfair) and explained that I did not want to pay the service increase if I still do not have the Tuning Adapter in which I can receive channels via sdv.  I was speaking to a Supervisor (of course they knew nothing about the tuning adapter) and was unwilling to authorize any type of credit to make up the difference of the price increase because in her words "I have no idea how long we would extend you this credit".

She did give me the name of her supervisor who is Tyler Colby (tyler.colby@twccable.com).  If you want it can't hurt to do the same and say that you do not want to pay an increase fee until the tuning adapter is available.  I made it clear i will pay my bill, but i don't want to pay the increase until the tuning adapter is made available to cable card customers.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Saturday Dec 06, 2008, 09:11:16 AM
Any word yet, UncleMeat?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: akam2 on Tuesday Dec 09, 2008, 08:57:49 PM
http://www.timewarnercable.com/Wisconsin/products/cable/sdv/default.html

click order form on the bottom, it will get you on the list to get the adapter
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: nick3092 on Wednesday Dec 10, 2008, 06:52:42 AM
Quote from: akam2;49528http://www.timewarnercable.com/Wisconsin/products/cable/sdv/default.html

click order form on the bottom, it will get you on the list to get the adapter

The question isn't how to get on the list.  It's if anyone knows when they will actually be available.  This link was already posted in this thread.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: VictorWI on Tuesday Jan 06, 2009, 11:08:29 AM
Quote from: nick3092;49533The question isn't how to get on the list.  It's if anyone knows when they will actually be available.  This link was already posted in this thread.
Later this year came and went.  Has anyone received an adapter?  Considering TW (don't ask why) but not unless I can use TiVo's HD box.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: sknaf on Thursday Jan 08, 2009, 02:25:53 AM
I have a couple S3 boxes, and would like to use them for more than OTA.  I use TW for my internet, so I already have the cable to the house, but unless they come up with a solution for SDV I am not going to pay them for anything more.  Also I ready that the S3 cannot handle the mutli cards, so I would need 4 cards * $4/month each.  So at an extra $16 a month + $40 to "hook them up" seems out of line for pricing.

  -Knaf
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Friday Jan 09, 2009, 12:37:47 PM
Here's my darkly amusing chat transcript with a TW-Milwaukee CS rep today:

(I posted a question regarding the tuning adapters in the login screen)
Nicole:    Good morning.
TiVo Dude:    Hi
Nicole:    I have not heard anything about us getting a adapter.
Nicole:    I apologize for the inconvenience, but no new information has come out about that.
TiVo Dude:    So what about the FCC ruling that says TiVo users have a legal right to the same content as users who have TW cable boxes?
TiVo Dude:    That seems to apply here.
TiVo Dude:    I get a grand total of six HD channels at the moment.  I believe TW offers three or four times that many.  And TW's own website said that we would have tuning adapters by the end of 2008.
Nicole:    I understand that.  To my understanding, the adapters and still is beta testing to make sure that they work.
TiVo Dude:    So do we have an ETA at this point?
Nicole:    At this time, we still do not have one.
TiVo Dude:    So does it seem accurate to say that I'm paying the same amount of money for cable as everyone else and getting about 1/4 as many HD channels?
Nicole:    Looking at the account, you are paying less for digital cable then other customers. With or without the cable box and cable cards.
TiVo Dude:    How so?
Nicole:    Right now you pay about $15.00 for the cable services.
Nicole:    Looks like you get your standard cable services with the place that you live.
Nicole:    So you only pay for the extras on the account.
Nicole:    The extra channels (100-199) that you asked for and the cable card.
TiVo Dude:    Unless everyone else with digital cable at my apartment complex only get five HD channels, I don't quite see what that has to do with my problem.
Nicole:    I don't know what everyone else in your apartment complex has as far as cable services.  You were sent a letter stating that this was going to happen.  I also believe that there was a offer to upgrade the services at a discounted rate.  At this time, there nothing that I would be able to do.
Nicole:    I have nothing to discount the services that you have.  And the Road Runner services are already discounted to $21.80 and  month.
TiVo Dude:    So I'm paying for digital cable with HD access, and because I have a TiVo I don't recieve most of those HD channels, and even though the FCC requires equal access to cable services for third-party hardware users, and even though Time-Warner Cable is already issuing tuning adapters in other markets (such as Austin, TX), I have no reason to seek a remedy?  I realize that this is not your fault, but speaking to the situation in general, that seems pretty unfair.
Nicole:    I understand that, however, you have that option to go and get a HD box until we get the adapter.  We also have the DVR as a option.
TiVo Dude:    So I have the option of paying more money to buy/rent equipment that the FCC has ruled I shouldn't have to buy/rent if I have a TiVo and a CableCARD?  I question the legality of that.
Nicole:    That is the only thing that I can think of to resolve the issue that you are having.  If you get a HD box, we would be able to discount the cost of it. But that would be the only thing that would resolve the issue at hand.
TiVo Dude:    Let me try a different avenue here.  TW Austin is already issuing tuning adapters.  Now, I understand that TW Austin is not TW Milwaukee, and that different areas are going to progress at different rates, but wouldn't it be fair to assume that someone somewhere at TW Milwaukee would know (or at least have an estimate) of when the tuning adapters will be available?
Nicole:    If there was someone who knows, they are not telling anyone.  I have just asked 2 Lead reps, they assist the supervisors, and my supervisor, there has not been any new news that came out about them.  We all know that TW Austin has them, but they are still is beta testing. If I had any new news about it, I would love to let you know. But I don't.
TiVo Dude:    Fair enough.  Well, since I'm already paying for a TiVo subscription and have no desire to tack an additional box rental on top of that, and since the tuning adapters promised to me by TW before the end of 2008 are still nowhere to be seen, and since there is apparently no way to discount my package even though I'm not receiving full service, I guess I'll just get back to watching my few available HD channels and hope that the higher-ups at TW take some pity on the TiVo users sometime soon.  But really, thanks for putting up with my ranting here.  I'm sure this isn't your favorite type of chat to deal with...
Nicole:    I have talked with you before. I know that is it hard when you have a TiVo. If there was any other way, I would be the first to let you know.  If you have any questions or just want to know an update, please let us know.
TiVo Dude:    Alright, thanks for your help and clarification.
Nicole:    You are welcome.

I felt kind of bad picking on poor Nicole, as this is obviously happening above her paygrade, but still, this is getting kind of ridiculous.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: ArgMeMatey on Friday Jan 09, 2009, 01:48:29 PM
Quote from: TiVo Dude;49982I felt kind of bad picking on poor Nicole, as this is obviously happening above her paygrade, but still, this is getting kind of ridiculous.

I haven't kept up but Milwaukee used to regulate cable services, as did most of the burbs.  Maybe the state is doing that now since the new 207 legislation passed.  I think it was 207, anyway.  Of course it could be that digital services aren't regulated locally.  

My point is that if TW is in violation of the FCC rules, your transcript would be a pretty good starting point for a complaint to the FCC, or state or local regulators.  If your complaint were found to have merit, TW would probably be required to provide a remedy or face fines.  

You could do a bit of advance work on the merit issue and propose to TW that they give you a DVR for whatever you would have paid for the necessary Cable Cards.  Something like that.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Monday Jan 12, 2009, 02:21:56 PM
Well if you have any faith left in TWC I've got what sounds like good news. 3 different TWC sources all saying the same thing.

1)  I just got off the phone with a "video specialist" from TWC. Much to my surprise she was familiar with the devices and had read some internal communication about them. She even knew they were for TiVo's. She indicated that the Tuning Adapters will be available for customers to pickup around the end of this month [January]. She had not been given a solid date but said they were supposed to be available earlier this month. She also said the adapters will be available at all the TWC "payment" centers.

2)  I also received an email today from TWC here's the transcript:

Dear Time Warner Cable Customer,

Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.

The tuning adapters should be available within the next week or two
for customers to retrieve.

Again, Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.
Consumer Contact Team-Time Warner Cable

Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Do you offer a Tuning Adapter? If not, when will one be available?

3) Also received the following email today from the waiting list:

January 12, 2009

Thank you for your request for the SDV Tuning Adapter.  Your Pre-Order has been received and your information recorded.  At this time the Tuning Adapter is not available in all TWC areas and we continue testing to ensure that this equipment meets the highest levels of customer satisfaction.  We expect the Tuning Adapters to be released sometime in January in many remaining areas of the country.   Although we do not have a specific release date for your area, once the Tuning Adapter becomes available a service representative will contact you to schedule the installation.

Thank you,

D. Jacobs
Corporate Tuning Adapter Desk
Time Warner Cable
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Tuesday Jan 13, 2009, 11:33:50 AM
Sounds cautiously optimistic, TiVo HD XL.  Out of curiosity, where are you located?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Tuesday Jan 13, 2009, 06:33:32 PM
Quote from: TiVo Dude;50040Sounds cautiously optimistic, TiVo HD XL.  Out of curiosity, where are you located?

I'm in a Milwaukee area suburb using the Milwaukee Metro Lineup. Based on what I'm hearing from the Reps I'm planning to pick one up at either Mayfair Mall or in Cedarburg or where ever they show up around here. Mayfair Mall is the one they usually speak of though I hate travelling through malls. Of course I have to suspect that they'll run out of these devices given the mismanagement of this rollout thus far. I'll call and drive around until I find one. I just bought a TiVo HD XL and the CableCards install is scheduled to happen before next week. While I became a little upset reading of these stories of the freakish ineptness of TWC I can only imagine what it must be like to have waited for this device since last year especially since these simple devices were first demonstrated nearly a year or more ago and certified back last summer. And with TWC popping off all the good HD channels onto this SDV platform that must have sucked. I've noticed that most of what I watch seems to SDVed already leaving me with a useless big TiVo device if these folks don't stop dragging their feet. I myself just in the last week or so have spoken with about 9 or 10 different CSRs and only the last one I spoke with even had a clue. One guy told me that I was in the minority because there aren't that many CableCard installs out there as if to say who cares. He blamed the Federal Government for moving to slowly with the 2.0 standard (tru2way) and delaying the rollout and causing these issues. This same CSR told me that these devices would be coming from TiVo and not TWC. Why don't these people even read their own freakin' website for crying out loud? For goodness sake I literally spent like 20 minutes on the web and I know more about TWC and how they do business than 90% of their CSRs do. Heck I could pull up google and give better answers than they have given me. It's a sad state of affairs when only a few support people in a large company even have a clue. All most of them seem to be capable of is saying stupid things with authority and scheduling "truck rolls".

By the way, I just received another encouraging email from TWC today:

Dear Time Warner Cable Customer,

Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.

I have gotten information that the tuning adapters will available
for customers as of next week. I
apologize for the inconvenience, I know the transition is within
the next month. There was a delay
in the adapters being shipped.

Again, Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.
Consumer Contact Team-Time Warner Cable
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Tuesday Jan 13, 2009, 08:01:23 PM
Cool!  I hope this is truth from the mouth of TWC, even though that seems mutually exclusive.

I'm in Whitefish Bay myself, so it sounds like the info you received would hold true for me too.  If you track one down, be sure to post so I can try to follow your route to HD happiness!
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Saturday Jan 17, 2009, 04:33:43 PM
Has anyone spotted the tuners at the Mayfair Mall location, yet?

Patrick
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Tuesday Jan 20, 2009, 07:48:32 PM
Update from TWC message I received today. Yet another delay. :bang:

QuoteDear XXXX,

Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.

I apologize for the inconvenience. I was informed that the adapters will be available by the 15th of February, if not sooner. It appears there has been a delay in the shipment.

Again, Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.
Consumer Contact Team-Time Warner Cable
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: OlsonNet on Tuesday Jan 20, 2009, 08:34:05 PM
i'm guessing there will be quite a few more "delays in the shipment" :(

i should have known the possibility of getting one this week was too good to be true. :bang:
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Tuesday Jan 27, 2009, 08:16:35 PM
Delay confirmed. TWC message follows:

Dear Time Warner Cable Customer,

Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.

I apologize for the inconvenience. There is a delay with the tuning adapters being distributed, you can go online to the Time Warner Cable website, and search for tuning adapters and it will direct you to the page to register for one.

Again, Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.
Consumer Contact Team-Time Warner Cable
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Tuesday Jan 27, 2009, 11:06:43 PM
Disgusting and ridiculous.  In other words: Time Warner Cable. :bang:
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Wednesday Jan 28, 2009, 05:46:50 AM
It's beyond infuriating to me that a company charging us monthly for products we are NOT receiving has no imposed timeline for compliance. This is starting to feel a lot like waiting for the next release of Windows.

A version that works, I mean. :rof:
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Thursday Jan 29, 2009, 09:57:20 PM
File A Complaint
http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm

PHONE: Our Consumer & Mediation Specialists are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET to answer your questions and assist you in filing a complaint. Call toll-free at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL- FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY.

For all the other methods, download/print the complaint form:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/Form2000F.pdf

POSTAL: Send your complaint to the following address, making sure to include copies of all supporting information.

Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Complaints
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554

FAX: The completed complaint form may be faxed toll-free to: 1-866-418-0232. Be sure to include all required information to prevent delay in the processing of your complaint.

http://esupport.fcc.gov/crs/htm/faxGuidelines.htm

EMAIL: You may email your completed complaint form and supporting documents to fccinfo@fcc.gov
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Friday Feb 06, 2009, 12:09:05 PM
I just filed my official complaint online with the FCC.  This is getting stupid, no?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Friday Feb 06, 2009, 03:24:47 PM
Beyond stupid, actually.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: OlsonNet on Friday Feb 06, 2009, 03:32:36 PM
It was stupid months ago. Over 5 months missing all these channels.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: OlsonNet on Friday Feb 13, 2009, 05:51:23 PM
anyone have any updates? i'm guessing the 2/15 date someone was given will be just like all the other dates they've given us in the past - meaningless.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Friday Feb 13, 2009, 08:05:56 PM
Quote from: OlsonNet;50758anyone have any updates?

Nothing here. :mad:
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Saturday Feb 14, 2009, 09:35:43 AM
I encourage everyone with CableCards/TiVos or those just wanting to use devices other than TWC SA and Pioneer boxes to file a complaint.
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/Form2000F.pdf

The whole point of the ruling was to free consumers from cable provider issued crap and foster competition.

The more complaints they receive, the better. You could in theory file one complaint for each day you have been ripped off by not receiving the channels you are paying for and mention TWC WI's blatant disregard for the FCC mandates and rulings and for continuing to exhibit monopolistic behaviors.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Saturday Feb 14, 2009, 10:02:21 AM
Quote from: TiVo HD XL;50764I encourage everyone with CableCards/TiVos or those just wanting to use devices other than TWC SA and Pioneer boxes to file a complaint.

+1

If they're not available by the last date they promised (tomorrow), you can bet I'll be doing that.

The FCC is responsive. The last time I wrote them a complaint, I received an individual, hand-signed response letter summarizing their investigation.

Thanks for the link to the form. Since it's a single page PDF you can type right into and print, so nobody's got an excuse for not doing it. :D
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Saturday Feb 14, 2009, 10:26:36 AM
Just sent the following email to Time Warner Milwaukee. Others - please join in. Their email address is timewarnerwi AT twcable.com

--

I am writing again to inquire of the status of cable card availability that will allow TWC subscribers to view Switched Digital Video channels with their Tivo products. As you are well aware, we have been paying for these non-viewable channels since Switched Digital Video was rolled out in the Milwaukee market. As you are also well aware, the FCC requires cable companies to provide these cards as an alternative to set top boxes, so all subscribers may access their full complement of channels.

The last time I wrote to you, you said that February 15, 2009 would be the date the cable cards would be available at the Mayfair Mall Milwaukee location. Will the cards be available tomorrow, as promised?

If not, there is a contingent of Milwaukee area Time Warner Customers who are prepared to file formal complaints with the FCC for Time Warner's continued violation of the requirement to provide these cards to their consumers. The thought that a company would continue to require its customers to pay for services they are not receiving is not only absurd, it is unconscionable.

Please advise – thank you.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Saturday Feb 14, 2009, 01:28:16 PM
I just received this today from TWC WI:

Dear Time Warner Cable Customer,

Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.

At this time, we have not received further notification on when the adapters will be available, due to the switching of the DTV transition. Once we recieve a response, I will send you an email to advise.

Again, Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.
Consumer Contact Team


Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Hi. Where can I pick up my Tuning Adapter in the Milwaukee Area or
when will they be available?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: OlsonNet on Saturday Feb 14, 2009, 04:36:09 PM
What does the DTV transition have to do with anything? Other cities have had these for months. I am so disgusted by all of this.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Saturday Feb 14, 2009, 07:50:55 PM
Same response from TWC for me - see below. My FCC complaint is going out in Monday's mail - with weekly repeats until this problem is resolved. This is insane.

--

Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.

I apologize for the inconvenience. At this time, there is no actual date for the tuning adapters, due to the change in date for the DTV transition. I am awaiting word from my superiors, in regards to when the adapters will become available. Once I receive notice that the adapters are ready, I will send an email to you to let you know they are available.

Again, Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.

Consumer Contact Team
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Sunday Feb 15, 2009, 12:03:18 AM
Quote from: vixyswillie;50774Same response from TWC for me - see below. My FCC complaint is going out in Monday's mail - with weekly repeats until this problem is resolved. This is insane.

--

Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.

I apologize for the inconvenience. At this time, there is no actual date for the tuning adapters, due to the change in date for the DTV transition. I am awaiting word from my superiors, in regards to when the adapters will become available. Once I receive notice that the adapters are ready, I will send an email to you to let you know they are available.

Again, Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable.

Consumer Contact Team

What the *%@# does the change in the date for analog OTA termination have to do with digital cable tuning resolvers? They're not even TRYING to come up with real excuses anymore, are they?

If I got a response like that, I'd be raising holy hell with everyone I could reach at TWC. To me, it's pretty blatant that this is a deliberate effort to continue to offer reduced services to those with CableCards.

My suggestion: not only do the FCC complaint, but start an EECB (Executive Email Carpet Bomb) as well.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Sunday Feb 15, 2009, 09:10:26 AM
Quote from: LoadStar;50778My suggestion: not only do the FCC complaint, but start an EECB (Executive Email Carpet Bomb) as well.

Excellent suggestion. For those (like myself :D) who didn't know what an EECB even was - much less how to do one - here's a link that's pretty informative:

How To Launch An Executive Email Carpet Bomb (http://consumerist.com/consumer/complaint-letters/how-to-launch-an-executive-email-carpet-bomb-259713.php)


If anyone comes up with the exec list and corporate email format for TWC, please post here so we can all share.

Also - does anyone have a link to the specific FCC regulation that mandates cable company compliance with making cable cards available to its customers? I think the specific regulation would be helpful to include.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to read the Wisconsin laws governing email spam (http://nxt.legis.state.wi.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&d=stats&jd=ch.%20947) and abide by them before sending any unsolicited messages to Time Warner executives. Any attempt to conceal your identity or to use threatening or harassing language is expressly prohibited in the Wisconsin statutes.[/COLOR]
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Sunday Feb 15, 2009, 09:36:59 AM
OK - finding a list of the 24 current execs wasn't a problem. :) Here's the link:

TWC Management Overview (http://www.timewarnercable.com/Corporate/about/management/default.html)

And - according to the comments posted at this link (http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/windjammer-communications-picks-some-time-warner-rural-customers/2008-07-14), the email format for Glenn Britt (President and CEO of Time Warner) and others is firstname DOT lastname AT twcable DOT com.

Can't hurt to give this a try and see if it has any effect.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Sunday Feb 15, 2009, 09:47:46 AM
The FCC regulation that requires cable companies to allow non-cable company provided devices to access their networks (e.g., CableCARD) is the Telecommunications Act of 1996, specifically, Section 629.

More information is available here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CableCARD).

Hope this helps everyone.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Monday Feb 16, 2009, 07:26:20 AM
Quote from: vixyswillie;50766Just sent the following email to Time Warner Milwaukee. Others - please join in. Their email address is timewarnerwi AT twcable.com

--

I am writing again to inquire of the status of cable card availability that will allow TWC subscribers to view Switched Digital Video channels with their Tivo products. As you are well aware, we have been paying for these non-viewable channels since Switched Digital Video was rolled out in the Milwaukee market. As you are also well aware, the FCC requires cable companies to provide these cards as an alternative to set top boxes, so all subscribers may access their full complement of channels.

The last time I wrote to you, you said that February 15, 2009 would be the date the cable cards would be available at the Mayfair Mall Milwaukee location. Will the cards be available tomorrow, as promised?

If not, there is a contingent of Milwaukee area Time Warner Customers who are prepared to file formal complaints with the FCC for Time Warner's continued violation of the requirement to provide these cards to their consumers. The thought that a company would continue to require its customers to pay for services they are not receiving is not only absurd, it is unconscionable.

Please advise – thank you.


So is the issue not being able to get cable cards or a tuning adapter?  I had no problem getting cable cards but a tuning adapter has been impossible to get.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Monday Feb 16, 2009, 08:05:46 AM
Yes - my bad. It's the tuning adapter that's needed - and not being provided.

I have an email I'm going to be sending to the TW execs this week, in addition to my complaint to the FCC, asking that this matter be investigated and resolved.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: BlueOtto on Monday Feb 16, 2009, 10:22:08 AM
I filled out the online FCC complaint web form with the following comments given:

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires cable companies to allow non cable company provided devices to access their networks.  Since September 2008, Time Warner has made use of SDV (Switched Digital Video).  To allow other devices, such as Tivo, to access SDV channels Time Warner needs to provide a "Tuning Adapter".  Tivo has been ready for this change since early 2008.  Time Warner has made several promises to me that the Tuning Adapter would be coming soon, first saying in the next month or two, then by the end of 2008, and then in the next few weeks -- but it is February now and it is still not released.  Many channels are unavailable without the Tuning Adapter - a violation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.  They also refuse to refund or discount any cost for the missing channels.  I would like the FCC to hold Time Warner to the requirements in the Telecommunications Act.  Thank-you.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: BlueOtto on Monday Feb 16, 2009, 10:31:23 AM
Is this the type of story that the local news would like to investigate and report on (like "4 On Your Side") -- consumer protection story?  A little bad local press might get their attention??  Just an idea.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Monday Feb 16, 2009, 10:41:35 AM
I agree that this is a great idea - but think we should give the TW execs a chance to respond to our concerns first. If none of us have been able to make any headway with our local customer support reps and their superiors, then it's time to move our concerns further up the food chain.

I wrote an email draft I intend to send to the exec list I posted yesterday, which ironically includes a similar comment. I'll post the text of the email here when I get home tonight, in case anyone wishes to follow the same process.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Monday Feb 16, 2009, 12:35:02 PM
Quote from: vixyswillie;50800I agree that this is a great idea - but think we should give the TW execs a chance to respond to our concerns first. If none of us have been able to make any headway with our local customer support reps and their superiors, then it's time to move our concerns further up the food chain.

I wrote an email draft I intend to send to the exec list I posted yesterday, which ironically includes a similar comment. I'll post the text of the email here when I get home tonight, in case anyone wishes to follow the same process.

Please post your text I will send it from my TWC email.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Monday Feb 16, 2009, 12:38:25 PM
Quote from: spolebitski;50802Please post your text I will send it from my TWC email.

Happy to do that. Look for it later this evening.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Monday Feb 16, 2009, 06:19:49 PM
Here's the text of my email for those who would like to use all or part of it. Hope it helps.

--

February 16, 2009

NAME
TITLE

Please pardon this unsolicited request, but as cable subscribers in Southeast Wisconsin whose pleas continue to go unheard, we are hoping that you can assist.

As you know, Section 629 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires cable companies to allow non-cable company provided devices to access their networks. This requirement facilitated the development of CableCARDS, in both S-card (or "single stream") and M-card (or "multiple stream") device types. CableCARD devices are standard equipment on many high definition TVs and digital video recording devices (such as Tivo).

Prior to the rollout of Switched Digital Video in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin market, we were extremely pleased with the responsiveness and support of Time Warner Cable. We are Tivo users and were absolutely delighted with the services we were able to access with the two S-card devices that were installed by our local Time Warner technicians.

When Time Warner Milwaukee began experimenting with Switched Digital Video in September 2008, our installed S-cards no longer allowed us to access some of the high definition channels we were paying for as a part of our subscription package. Because of the nature of the S-card devices, any channel being broadcast using Switched Digital Video was simply not viewable.

We have pleaded with Time Warner to either (1) provide tuning adapters that are compatible with Switched Digital Video technology and allow us to view these channels, or (2) provide us with a credit on our monthly bill for the channels we cannot view until development and rollout of the tuning adapters is accomplished. Our inquiries have been responded to in a polite and timely fashion, but all have contained anticipated dates of availability for the tuners that have come and gone. Our most recent request for assistance was met with the following reply:

"Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable. I apologize for the inconvenience. At this time, there is no actual date for the tuning adapters, due to the change in date for the DTV transition. I am awaiting word from my superiors, in regards to when the adapters will become available. Once I receive notice that the adapters are ready, I will send an email to you to let you know they are available. Again, Thank-you for writing Time Warner Cable. Consumer Contact Team." (inquiry reference #___)

My wife and I have been loyal subscribers of Time Warner Cable for years, have paid every bill in a timely fashion and are forced to continue to pay for services we do not receive. Given the latest response from Time Warner Customer Support, it appears that there is no anticipated date for the resolution of this matter. We are left to consider other means to redress our concerns, including filing formal complaints with the FCC and contacting local media sources to raise public awareness of these fraudulent practices.

We trust that we will not need to resort to these methods in order for our voices to be heard. We implore you to order a full investigation into this matter so the current situation may be swiftly resolved. The thought that any company would continue to require its customers to pay for services they are not receiving is not only absurd, it is unconscionable and unethical.

Thank you, in advance, for your response and action.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Monday Feb 16, 2009, 08:11:22 PM
I like this idea. If someone is willing to contact Fox 6 or 4 on your side that would be great. Shine the light on them and that may give them the impetus to start getting these devices out.

Quote from: BlueOtto;50798Is this the type of story that the local news would like to investigate and report on (like "4 On Your Side") -- consumer protection story?  A little bad local press might get their attention??  Just an idea.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Monday Feb 16, 2009, 10:42:11 PM
The following email address are valid (I used the firstname.lastname@twcable.com - these were replies that they opened the message)

tom.mathews@twcable.com
landel.hobbs@twcable.com
barry.rosenblum@twcable.com
ellen.east@twcable.com
carl.rossetti@twcable.com
stephen.pagano@twcable.com
peter.stern@twcable.com
joan.gillman@twcable.com
gail.mackinnon@twcable.com
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Monday Feb 16, 2009, 10:43:17 PM
I say we send this email each day to the above email address until we get the tuning adapter.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: nick3092 on Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, 05:41:13 AM
Quote from: spolebitski;50819I say we send this email each day to the above email address until we get the tuning adapter.

Working for a large corporation myself, I can tell you doing so will not get you any results.  In fact, it will do the opposite.  You will loose any credibility, and become "that crazy guy who e-mails us every day".  It's one thing if multiple people e-mail them once, its another if people just do it continuously.

Now that you have e-mailed them, you are better off following other paths if they do not respond.  Contact the FCC, the BBB, Fox 6, 4 On Your Side, etc...  Apply pressure from all sides, not just continuously sending e-mails that will quickly become ignored.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, 07:39:31 AM
Completely agree. What's more - daily, unsolicited email messages are more commonly called spam - and there are Wisconsin laws against it (see my edited post above). We certainly don't want it in our own email inboxes, so let's not send it to the inboxes of others.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, 04:40:43 PM
I have received two responses from:
Mike Hayashi
Mike Lajoie

Both said they will look into this matter.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, 04:43:42 PM
Quote from: vixyswillie;50824Completely agree. What's more - daily, unsolicited email messages are more commonly called spam - and there are Wisconsin laws against it (see my edited post above). We certainly don't want it in our own email inboxes, so let's not send it to the inboxes of others.

I disagree however, I fell that if we say nothing they will ignore us.  We deserve more than vague answers and bland time lines.

... The tuning adapters are being testes and we hope to have them available soon...

I think they need to start answering questions, why has it been delayed several times, why was the switch to SDV done prior to testing the tuning adapters etc.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: OlsonNet on Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, 06:18:00 PM
I'd have thought TiVo would have been more interested in speeding up the process of getting these adapters out as well.

I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who have either delayed purchasing a TiVo HD or decided to go with the cable company DVR because of this issue.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: BlueOtto on Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, 06:59:09 PM
Tivo has been ready for this for a long time.  I want to say a year, but I'm not sure if that's accurate.  They updated their software to prepare for SDV and tuning adapters long ago.  They've got a very clear and concise description of SDV, how it impacts Tivo users, and what to do about it on their website (http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/technicalsupport/compatibilityhelp/Switched_Video_Cable_Details.html).  It is not Tivo that has been dragging their heels.  The cable companies have virtually no incentive to offer the tuning adapters.  They must develop the adapters to spec, make and test them to work with their system, and give them away for free.  They'd rather have you use their own equipment that consumers need to pay extra for and which the cable companies have full control over and allow them to upsell more products (like PPV) to you.  It is not surprising that TW does not want this to happen and keeps delaying it... but government regulations require it.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, 07:00:52 PM
Quote from: spolebitski;50829I have received two responses from:
Mike Hayashi
Mike Lajoie

Both said they will look into this matter.

Great news! :)
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, 07:32:02 PM
I got address rejection messages from the remote mail server for:

robert.marcus AT twcable.com
william.goetz AT twcable.com

The rest seemed to go through fine. We'll see what happens.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, 08:03:28 PM
Well. That didn't take long - about 10 minutes, actually. :D

I just got off the phone with Jack Herbert, President of Network Operations for the Midwest Region of Time Warner. He was forwarded a copy of my email by two executives on the list.

Mr. Herbert wanted to personally thank me for writing, apologized profusely for the problems I've been experiencing, affirmed that this is not the kind of service Time Warner wants to provide its customers, expressed appreciation for my "clear and very well-written letter," and asked for my patience as they finalize testing for the tuning adapters in the Milwaukee area. He anticipates that this will be completed in two weeks (possibly less), gave me his direct dial number, and promised that he would personally see that a technician comes to install the tuning adapter in my home as soon as they are available.

He closed by saying that the only way they can respond to these kinds of issues and problems is by hearing from their customers, so for those who have not yet written the execs - I would highly recommend it. It's clearly the way to go.

Hats off to LoadStar for the outstanding suggestion of the EECB. It obviously works! I'll definitely remember that next time.

Here's hoping that the tuning adapters will be coming very soon. Thanks to all for your creative ideas and involvement!
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, 09:17:11 PM
I have also received an email from Jack Herbert he emailed only because he tried to call me but was unable to reach me.  He wants to hear from me and "speak to me in person" about this issue.  From his email and the above he is very sincere and wants only to improve service.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, 09:39:26 PM
Glad it helped!

I don't normally like to use the EECB - it's a good way to **** off a large number of very important people simultaneously - but when they continually miss deadlines then start trotting out really LAME excuses that don't even make sense anymore, that's when it crosses the line.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Wednesday Feb 18, 2009, 06:56:01 PM
Wel, well.  Looks like going to the higher-ups is the way to go.  I just heard from Jack Herbert myself, who told me the same basic information he gave to vixyswillie.  He also listened to my frustrations regarding getting my hands on an m-card instead of my current unstable s-cards and said he would try to make it happen.  A very nice guy, and like vw said, he seems genuinely sorry for the situation and wants to rectify it ASAP.  He said that he's working on the final rollout methods for the tuning adapters and will be in touch when he knows how we can get them, suggesting that those who have contacted him will get preference, so if you haven't made contact yet, I'd give it a try.  To avoid the delay of getting passed up the foodchain, his direct email is jack.herbert@twcable.com.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: JeffreyC2007 on Thursday Feb 19, 2009, 03:12:55 AM
Any good news yet???

I have been lurking around this particular thread for a few weeks and im just disgusted by TWC.

Although I am a twc custumer, I don't have a tivo, but i am fully aware of the SDV & Tuning Adapter Nightmare you all are experiencing.  

Has anyone contacted a local news station about this?

Good Luck to you all.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Thursday Feb 19, 2009, 05:43:29 AM
Quote from: JeffreyC2007;50868Any good news yet???

Yes - read up.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: BlueOtto on Thursday Feb 19, 2009, 08:38:29 AM
Well.... yes and no.  Until someone actually has one *in hand* and working, we really can't consider this any more than just another promise like all the others.  The previous promises sounded sincere as well...  I hope this is real this time, but you can't fault me for being somewhat skeptical still.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Thursday Feb 19, 2009, 09:17:50 AM
A personal contact by and direct access to a regional executive in response to an addressed concern - with a promise to deliver the goods in a specified timeline - qualifies as "good news" for me. While the receipt of a working tuner is the obvious measure of success, I'm nonetheless encouraged by our progress.

Time will tell the full story. :)
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: BlueOtto on Thursday Feb 19, 2009, 09:46:34 AM
Definitely... I am hopeful!
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: JeffreyC2007 on Thursday Feb 19, 2009, 11:21:20 AM
Quote from: vixyswillie;50873Yes - read up.

???  but where is the good news? Has anyone physically obtained one? I've seen the letter to the FCC & the emails to the TWC "High Officials" but does anyone physically have one? thats the news i'm looking for.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Friday Feb 20, 2009, 07:06:03 PM
I spoke to Jack Herbert today.  He was apologetic to the situation and wants me to have the great service TWC offers.  He did say they were in the final stages of testing and it has not gone the best in the past 24 hours.  He did say that people will be working on this over the weekend.  At the beginning of the week he gave a time frame of 2 weeks (via new email) today he told me it would be a couple of weeks.  Lets give it 1 - 2 more weeks but after that i'm not sure what the next move would be.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Friday Feb 20, 2009, 09:21:33 PM
So according to 'Jack Herbert' the 'testing' would be finished by Friday, March 6, 2009. I've heard the within '2 weeks' extrapolation more than once. I must admit that I'm a little baffled at why such a small seemingly simplistic device would be generating so many problems during testing in the Milwaukee area especially since these devices have purportedly been up and running in Austin, TX and other places for a while now. I sent jack.herbert@twcable.com an email on 02/18 and have not received a response.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: akam2 on Friday Feb 20, 2009, 09:41:41 PM
good to hear
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: JeffreyC2007 on Monday Feb 23, 2009, 08:35:00 PM
so what have you all been doing with your Tivo's in the mean time? Did anyone you of get the SA boxes with Navigator that TWC offers until the tuner adapters are ready? Or are you all still using your Tivo's and not receiving the SDV channels?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Monday Feb 23, 2009, 09:18:38 PM
I have just sat and complained on this forum ... where is my tuning adapter ...  I was offered a cable box for $4.00 a month, not a dvr but a cable box to watch the channels I don't get due to SDV ... I said no thank-you to that ... all I get is "it's coming - We're in the final stages of testing ... I hope TWC follows through with its latest statement "within 2 weeks"
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: OlsonNet on Monday Feb 23, 2009, 11:15:26 PM
I got a regular box, but I ended up just putting it in another room as it was too difficult to remember to watch the things on the SDV channels live as I'm used to TiVo'ing everything. I'll return it when (if) the tuning adapters come out.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Wednesday Feb 25, 2009, 06:10:42 PM
Looks like that infamous rolling "two weeks" keeps on rolling. It's been on a roll at least since mid-January. I just got this email response today from Jack Herbert. He's the one on the far right of this photo: http://www.ctammidwest.com/images/eventphotos/2006_BallTAM/Scott-Monica-Gary.jpg

-- Original Message --

Good afternoon,

Thank you for the email.  As I mentioned to several other TIVO HD users,
we are concluding tests and I am hopeful the product will be ready for
distribution within the next two weeks. We will contact you when the
tuning adapters become available.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Best regards,
Jack Herbert
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: OlsonNet on Wednesday Feb 25, 2009, 09:35:14 PM
got the exact same e-mail today
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Friday Feb 27, 2009, 01:04:59 PM
Got a form letter from the FCC today notifying me that they had registered my complaint and will be looking into it.  Not that that's really news at this point, but it's something.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Saturday Feb 28, 2009, 01:33:42 PM
TWC is here now installing the tuning adapter and a m-card
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Saturday Feb 28, 2009, 02:11:53 PM
Did they contact you to make the appointment?  Did you ask for an M-card specifically?  Inquiring minds want to know!
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Saturday Feb 28, 2009, 02:56:48 PM
Quote from: spolebitski;51043TWC is here now installing the tuning adapter and a m-card

Now that's what I'm sayin'! :rock:

Yes - details, please!
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Saturday Feb 28, 2009, 03:59:48 PM
No details I am still without SDV channels?  TWC is still working on the tuning adapter and tivo setup.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Saturday Feb 28, 2009, 05:07:55 PM
Take good notes on what was ultimately needed to get things working, as I'm sure the rest of us will have similar issues. If past history in getting the S cards up and running is any indicator, you'll be having that tech back at least two more times. :rolleyes:
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Saturday Feb 28, 2009, 05:16:00 PM
I took a few hours but the Tuning Adapter is working.  I get all the HD SDV channels.  The m card does not work as of yet, but this is working with 2 S-Cards.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Saturday Feb 28, 2009, 05:22:18 PM
Quote from: spolebitski;51050I took a few hours but the Tuning Adapter is working.  I get all the HD SDV channels.

I call that progress! :guitar:
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: OlsonNet on Saturday Feb 28, 2009, 06:41:06 PM
Can you answer TiVo Dude's question - did they contact you and had you already signed up to get on the list online?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Sunday Mar 01, 2009, 12:34:55 PM
I was on the list (several times).  I also had been into the TWC Mayfair office almost weekly asking about it, educating, and speaking to supervisors about this issue.  I was talking to someone from Green Bay (a higher up).  For whatever reason I got the call Thursday asking when I can set an appointment for an installation for the Tuning Adapter.  

The techs yesterday said I was the first (could have meant first install for them as a team).  The Tuning Adapter is working great with 2 S-cards but they spent about 4 hours to get it to work with 1 M-card.  The M-card method did not work, could have been the M-card or the system is not configured to work with the M-card.  

Good news, Tuning Adapters are here or very close to be released.  M-cards are here and close to being released.

The TWC techs were very knowledgeable regarding the Tuning Adapter and were familiar with the TiVo setup (navigated it flawlessly).
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Sunday Mar 01, 2009, 12:42:07 PM
Thanks for the update. I've emailed Jack Herbert to inquire further (sent yesterday - no reply as of yet) and will be following up with a phone call if I don't hear anything tomorrow.

Disappointing about the M card - but as long as your two S cards are working and you can see the SDV channels without a hitch, that'll suit me just fine.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: OlsonNet on Monday Mar 02, 2009, 04:00:00 PM
Got a call today setting up an appointment to install the TA. Finally!
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Monday Mar 02, 2009, 04:40:07 PM
Great to hear that the installs are coming along. Let us know how it goes.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: jolson247 on Tuesday Mar 03, 2009, 01:08:41 AM
Quote from: spolebitski;51061I was on the list (several times).  I also had been into the TWC Mayfair office almost weekly asking about it, educating, and speaking to supervisors about this issue.  I was talking to someone from Green Bay (a higher up).  For whatever reason I got the call Thursday asking when I can set an appointment for an installation for the Tuning Adapter.  

The techs yesterday said I was the first (could have meant first install for them as a team).  The Tuning Adapter is working great with 2 S-cards but they spent about 4 hours to get it to work with 1 M-card.  The M-card method did not work, could have been the M-card or the system is not configured to work with the M-card.  

Good news, Tuning Adapters are here or very close to be released.  M-cards are here and close to being released.

The TWC techs were very knowledgeable regarding the Tuning Adapter and were familiar with the TiVo setup (navigated it flawlessly).

Any idea if TWC in Green Bay has these tuning adapters and if this kind of an install would work up there?  I'm relocating at the end of the month and, while my dad's cable box (non-DVR) isn't the worst thing in the world, I've been waiting for TWC-TiVo functionality to come around for the last year - and now I'm moving to Green Bay!  Thanks.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Tuesday Mar 03, 2009, 07:52:40 AM
To update:

I was contacted last night regarding installation of a tuning adapter.  As of right now, I'm scheduled for the 11-1 window on Saturday.  I was told that this is still a sort of "test" rollout, so I'm guessing not everyone is getting one right now.  I was also told that they're taking the M-card issue seriously, as they've heard/discovered that M-cards are less cantankerous than S-cards (I think I told them that about a dozen times myself).  As of right now, the M-cards they have are not working with the tuning adapters, but they hope to get a new design of M-card in soon and solve that issue.  They seemed to think that they might have the new ones in by my install on Saturday, but weren't for sure.  They did say that at this point, the adapters are working fine, and they were continuing to test all areas during this initial rollout.  Apparently, they only do one install at a time on these boxes, because they have a limited number of tech support available for the technicians if there's trouble.

So that's the downlow at the moment.  Feel free to drop any questions, and I'll fill you in if I know the answer!
Title: Success...
Post by: BlueOtto on Tuesday Mar 03, 2009, 10:46:10 AM
Success: Time Warner called yesterday to schedule an appointment to install the tuning adapter.  The technician came this morning.  He was here for about 45 minutes, but essentially (from what I could tell) all that actually needed to be done was plug in the box and restart the Tivo, and some inputting of numbers/serials into their system.  He mentioned that this was his first install, but that there was about 200 people on the list to get it.

It is the Cisco tuning adapter.  A little bit larger box than I had hoped.  But it tunes all the HD channels now, so we're happy.

As we were chatting about Tivo, he also brought up the M-Cards (much to my surprise!).  He said he tried to bring one along, but there were none available, which, he said, was probably just as well so as not to complicate things when we already had a working 2 S-Card setup.  But he suggested trying to get the M-Card down the road to save that $3 or so per month.  I'll probably wait a month or two until things settle down with the tuning adapters and then look into it.
Title: Jealous
Post by: plpmke on Tuesday Mar 03, 2009, 02:38:29 PM
As I've tracked this issue on this forum for a couple of months now, I got VERY excited to see an email from tuningadapter@twcable.com in my inbox this afternoon!  Unfortunately, it was a similar email to the auto response from when I put my name on "the list" a couple of months ago.

I won't complain about the situation on this forum too much, since I haven't had as much of a cash outlay for incomplete service as others have (my bill is only $12.51 per month for the HD-only tier with two S-cards...my basic cable and RR Business Class are including in my rent).  Of course the only HD channels beyond locals I get for my $12.51 a month are ESPN and TNT.

Hopefully we are getting close to the end of this issue for everyone!

(now I have to order a 1TB replacement drive for my TiVo HD so I have room for all the new content!)  yippie!
Title: M-Cards
Post by: Talkincat on Tuesday Mar 03, 2009, 08:07:31 PM
One thing to keep in mind with the installers is that TiVo Series 3 devices aren't capable of using M-Card.  The TiVo HD and TiVo HD XL boxes can use M-Cards, but the Series 3 can't.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Tuesday Mar 03, 2009, 08:30:22 PM
I guess one thing I'd like to know is has anybody with the Tuning Adapter been able to order a PPV via phone or some other mechanism then was able to receive the PPV on the TiVo on one of the (502,801,802...etc.) type channels. This is a must for me. I understand you can't order a PPV with a TiVo but according to the documentation you should be able to receive the PPV if it was ordered using something else. Once I can get that working I'm chucking out this SA 8300HDC hunk of junk I've been paying $20 per month for.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Tuesday Mar 03, 2009, 08:44:02 PM
Any chance amazon can't solve your pov demands?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Tuesday Mar 03, 2009, 08:53:54 PM
Quote from: spolebitski;51098Any chance amazon can't solve your pov demands?

Nope, thanks for the suggestion but I doubt they carry UFC events (correct me if I'm wrong) and I don't really watch movies so the "on demand", NetFlix, etc. type services are meaningless to me. Can't speak for others.

I think phone-ordered PPV should come through on the TiVo, I was just wondering had anyone with a Tuning Adapter verified this yet?

I have yet to be contacted by these slow-moving ______ .
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: WPXE ION on Wednesday Mar 04, 2009, 09:12:26 AM
What is the monthly fee for this? Also do you need the digital package to get the cards, or just regular cable? At home I just have the extended cable package with RR. I have been looking into either a Tivo or DTVPal for the house.

Thanks.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Friday Mar 06, 2009, 10:00:17 PM
Well what do you know. I've been contacted by TWC. They'll either mail the Tuning Adapter to me or have a technician install it. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Friday Mar 06, 2009, 11:06:37 PM
Anyone have any luck with the M-cards yet?  The tech said he would be back to install the M-card or he would make sure I was only billed for one.  Haven't heard from him since.

Also I got my bill today and i went from paying aprox $80 to over $100 a month.  This might be just my bill but whenever a tech is involved i get these extra cable card charges then credits then service charges then credits and on and on.  The bill is so confusing that when I take in the Mayfair they look at as well and are not sure what is going on.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Saturday Mar 07, 2009, 07:27:01 AM
Quote from: TiVo HD XL;51139Well what do you know. I've been contacted by TWC. They'll either mail the Tuning Adapter to me or have a technician install it. I'll let you all know how it goes.

+1

Tech is coming next week.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Saturday Mar 07, 2009, 09:54:27 AM
My tech should roll up today between 11 and 1, so once the long-promised installation is done, I'll update everyone.

:rock:
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo Dude on Saturday Mar 07, 2009, 03:21:00 PM
Okay, the adapter is officially installed and working!  Woohoo!

Details:

-It's not a terribly lengthy setup.  Gotta wait for the adapter to sync with the TiVo, then you're off and rolling.  With some additional issues brought on by some bad splitters and cable they had to replace, the install was about half an hour.

-The box itself is wider than I would've liked (about 3/4 of the width of the actual TiVo) but it's quite thin and not terribly deep, so finding a spot for it isn't hard, especially since it doesn't need to be visible for remote access.

-Now that it works, we get pretty much every HD channel listed on our TiVo lineup screen (barring premium channels and some specialty sports channels).  Also interestingly, we now get a number of SD channels in the 100s that we didn't have access to before, so be sure and scan through all your channels manually to see what you do and don't get at this point.

-The installation techs made an offhand comment estimating that they've got about 210 or so TiVo customers throughout Wisconsin.  Of course, they may have been referring specifically to HD TiVo customers, but I thought it was an interesting number regardless.

-Regarding M-cards, they said that they have gotten new M-cards in, but because of some sort of TWC system-wide upgrade yesterday, they are unable to install them at this time.  That said, they will be scheduling truck rolls to switch out people's S-cards for M-cards soon.  An even brighter upside to this is that TWC will now only be charging TiVo customers for one S-card rental per month (I guess to show that they're not forcing S-cards on us to make more money).  I thought this was a huge step in the right direction when dealing with TiVo customers.

So I guess that's the end of the long saga of the TWC tuning adapter coming to Milwaukee.  It's been a frustrating trip, but ultimately worth getting all this glorious HD.  For those of you still waiting, the cavalry is coming!  

Thanks to everyone for support during the dark days of SD and SDV.

:wave:
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Saturday Mar 07, 2009, 08:03:46 PM
Great to hear you're up and running. I should be good to go sometime Tuesday evening.

Agree that this thread has been great. It certainly resulted in getting some action that might otherwise have taken longer. Thanks to everyone for their help and united front. :D
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Saturday Mar 07, 2009, 10:36:05 PM
Someone want to hook me up with a TiVo HD so I can get in on this action? ;)
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: vixyswillie on Wednesday Mar 11, 2009, 05:56:50 AM
They guys came last night and installed my tuning adapter. The process was pretty painless - but did require the tech to use the lower of the two USB slots on the back of the unit. He first plugged it into the top slot - but the green light on the front of the box just kept blinking and the unit failed to initialize. Once the lower slot was chosen, it initialized immediately. All of my missing channels are now present and accounted for. Great to finally have that taken care of!

Are the M cards going to be our next crusade? :rolleyes:
Title: Rollout in full force now?
Post by: thesamurai on Tuesday Mar 17, 2009, 07:21:01 PM
Okay, Time Warner made my day yesterday.  (Hard to believe that I ever wrote a sentence like that!)

I received a call last evening from someone named Jason from Time Warner.  He informed me that my tuning adapter and instructions would be sent out today or tomorrow in the mail and that I could install it easily myself.  He told me that he would likely follow-up with me in a few days to see how it was working.

I quizzed him about the M-card situation.  He said that they were working on a solution to that and it would either be 1) getting new M-cards out to those that have S-cards or 2) crediting everyone for one of the S-cards (I didn't ask whether this would be retroactive or only go-forward).  He said that they are going to resolve this situation very shortly.  Their preference is to use the M-cards however he wasn't sure they were going to be allowed to purchase them.  And another thing he said was if they went with the replacement cards, he didn't know if it would be a truck roll, a mail-out replacement, or even a service center walk-in replacement.  I was a bit amazed at this since they are so adamant about a truck roll for the initial install.

He said that they knew who had cards and who had Tivos, etc.  He said that the Tivo HD and Tivo XL boxes all had the same device ID prefix, so they could tell who needed what and they would contact those affected about the M-card/S-card situation.

He seemed knowledgeable and not your average CSR.  I can now get my second Tivo set up.  Gee, I've only paid for a full year of service on that one.  I chose not to install that one with Time Warner since there were these problems and I used a Time-Warner DVR instead.

I await my mail....hopefully by the weekend I'll be watching new HD channels!
:stpat
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: honduh chicken on Tuesday Mar 17, 2009, 10:03:10 PM
Quote from: thesamurai;51256Okay, Time Warner made my day yesterday.  (Hard to believe that I ever wrote a sentence like that!)

I received a call last evening from someone named Jason from Time Warner.  He informed me that my tuning adapter and instructions would be sent out today or tomorrow in the mail and that I could install it easily myself.  He told me that he would likely follow-up with me in a few days to see how it was working.

I quizzed him about the M-card situation.  He said that they were working on a solution to that and it would either be 1) getting new M-cards out to those that have S-cards or 2) crediting everyone for one of the S-cards (I didn't ask whether this would be retroactive or only go-forward).  He said that they are going to resolve this situation very shortly.  Their preference is to use the M-cards however he wasn't sure they were going to be allowed to purchase them.  And another thing he said was if they went with the replacement cards, he didn't know if it would be a truck roll, a mail-out replacement, or even a service center walk-in replacement.  I was a bit amazed at this since they are so adamant about a truck roll for the initial install.

He said that they knew who had cards and who had Tivos, etc.  He said that the Tivo HD and Tivo XL boxes all had the same device ID prefix, so they could tell who needed what and they would contact those affected about the M-card/S-card situation.

He seemed knowledgeable and not your average CSR.  I can now get my second Tivo set up.  Gee, I've only paid for a full year of service on that one.  I chose not to install that one with Time Warner since there were these problems and I used a Time-Warner DVR instead.

I await my mail....hopefully by the weekend I'll be watching new HD channels!
:stpat

Too bad I hadn't found this thread 3 mos ago..  I figured I was on my own in this crusade.  

Dispite my absence in this thread, I assure you I contributed to the cause!

I filed a complaint with the FCC and the FTC re: TWC's performance in this matter.

I've also sent certified letters threatening to start the ball on a Class Action, citing the suit filed against Comcast in CA circuit court.

Well,  last week I got a call from someone at TWC telling me they were going to ship my CA on monday, and I got it today.  It's installed and working great.  

simple to hook up, no need for an installer.  

The only thing you notice right off the bat is the laggy-ness of tuning in a SDV channel.  In some cases it's 5+ seconds before I get video, and another second or two before the audio stream comes in.  Then I'll get a split second stutter in the audio, like it'll go out for a second or two then come back.  It only happens with you first tune a channel.  It's the same lag and stutter that I've always gotten on the music channels.  

I've been advised by my attorney to remain a customer and keep my account in good standing.

So do you guys think we really made a difference?  I know we're an extremely small market segment (Tivo Users) and I was told quite frankly that if they had a choice between scrapping the Tuning Adapter implementation all together that it would have been more economical for the company to just sacrifice their Tivo customers than it was to roll these things out and maintain them.

The Exec I spoke to was "floored" by the loyalty of the "Tivo Crowd".  

By this point in the conversation my only response was, "If you would make available a set-top box that wasn't a steaming pile dog ****, Tivo might not exist any more".

Agreed?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: honduh chicken on Tuesday Mar 17, 2009, 10:27:15 PM
So what advantage will an M card give me over the (2) S cards I currently have? (besides being billed for 1 card instead of two)
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Wednesday Mar 18, 2009, 08:06:23 AM
Quote from: honduh chicken;51261So what advantage will an M card give me over the (2) S cards I currently have? (besides being billed for 1 card instead of two)

That's it. One card instead of two to have to be installed and be billed for.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Saturday Mar 21, 2009, 06:30:02 PM
Ok, I picked up a TiVo HD today... what is the best route to getting it hooked up? Can I just call up Time Warner and ask for a cablecard and tuning resolver installation?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: Tivoman44 on Sunday Mar 22, 2009, 09:05:20 AM
Go to this link to get the tuning adapter.  http://www.timewarnercable.com/Wisconsin/site.faqs/Cable/SwitchedDi/How-do-I-get-a-Tuning-Adapter  I own a Tivo Series 3, have one multi stream cable card and the tuning adaptor and it works like a charm.  Someone said it above, but TWC is required to support the cable cards.  I remember reading somewhere how in 2008 the FCC fined TWC for not supporting it.  Basically their are only two things that it cannot support, On Demand, and caller ID on the TV if you have digital phone.   Fill out that form for a tuning adaptor, I also emailed Jack Herbert, the VP of the mid region for TWC.  If the people at TWC call center keep saying how they will phase out the cable card, then I say file a complaint w/ the FCC, also email your local rep, I believe Jim Sensenbrener (last name spelling?) is the member of the US house of reps for the milwaukee area.  Also get the news involved.  Competition is a good thing, and we should have a choice.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Sunday Mar 22, 2009, 12:04:37 PM
Well I finally received the SA-branded cisco tuning adapter in the mail and plugged it all up according to the instructions and it did not work. However, this morning a couple of TWC techs came in and thrashed around for an hour and a half and long behold it started to work at some point. The problem seemed to be some internal data entry error at TWC or a surge protector installed locally or both. I really think that Jack Herbert email got this going at least a little faster than normal. From what I understand, the first people with cable cards to get the tuning adapters were those who emailed Jack. The devices should now be available for pickup but you need to call first. Also realize that these techs have not all been trained on how to install cable cards and tuning adapters. By the way, I have 2 s-cards so there was no m-card hassle like others have noted. Also for those of you who order PPVs, the lead tech explained that you should be able to order the PPV via "phone" and watch it on the TiVo. Of course I have not actually seen this work yet and neither had he.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Monday Mar 23, 2009, 05:41:34 PM
I just scheduled my cablecard install with Time Warner. My first reaction: wow, their phone people have gotten SO much better than I ever remember them being. They were friendly and very easy to deal with. (It used to be like talking to workers from the DMV.)

I asked about the M-card vs. S-Card issue - surprisingly, she seemed familiar with the fact that there were the two kinds, but unfortunately didn't have any updated information about when the M-Cards would be available. She did not offer any discount or anything - that I'll ask the tech about when he comes.

I asked them to include a tuning adapter in with the truck roll; she didn't seem to know what a tuning adapter even was, but she offered to put it in the notes for the tech to see if by some chance he would be able to bring one along. I'm not holding my breath. (I filled out the form already on the website.)

So... I guess I'll see what happens on Saturday when they come out!
Title: Magic Ticket?
Post by: plpmke on Wednesday Mar 25, 2009, 07:31:14 PM
OK...my bad...I had just posted a long post about my lack of success on getting SOME, IF ANY info from TWC on tuning adapters via phone support and stopping at Mayfair or MLK Drive...

Then, not more than ten minutes after I posted, TWC called to let me know they would be sending my tuning adapter out via USPS and I should receive it next week.  The rep also offered up the info, without me asking, that they were hoping to roll-out M-cards immediately after the Tuning Adapters have been fully distributed, though he couldn't promise.  He said the M-cards they have been testing have worked without fail, but he didn't know if when they rolled them out they would be available via service center "pick-up" or via USPS. (He didn't even get close to mentioning a truck-roll for M-CARDS.)

FYI
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: Klankster on Thursday Mar 26, 2009, 12:04:35 AM
I got the call from TWC last night telling me that the tuning adapter would be shipped out for my TiVo probably today -- Finally!  Interestingly, the tech had me go to the unit and bring up the cablecard diagnostics because he noticed that they had not been configured properly!  I had noticed occasional error messages when they first set up the cablecards, but we have been using our old DirecTV TiVo until we got the tuning adapter, so we weren't watching the TWC feed much.

So he got the cablecards all reconfigured and with a little luck, I'll get the tuning adapter in the next day or so, and it'll work.  Then it's adios, DirecTV.

I have to admit, the series 3 TiVo is even more attractive now that we can watch HD feeds from Netflix on it -- Something that has worked very well for us, and has been our heaviest use of the series 3 unit so far.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Saturday Mar 28, 2009, 12:24:33 PM
Well... I've got TWC here now. They are trying to install both the tuning adapter and what they say is the first M card they have attempted to install. So far, not so much luck.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: Klankster on Saturday Mar 28, 2009, 12:57:09 PM
My tuning adapter arrived on Thursday and I got it hooked up yesterday.  Worked pretty much right off the bat -- The installation instructions TWC gives differ from those in the device's manual, so just to be on the safe side I rebooted the TiVo unit after installation.

It all came up just fine, I now have access to all the HD channels with the exception of the Weather Channel HD, for which it puts up an alert that says my tuning adapter is not configured for that channel, which I thought was kind of odd.  Anybody else seeing that?

Anyway, I'm pretty pleased with the experience, they let me self-install which surprised me.  I figured they'd send out a tech, which was totally unnecessary but they seem to want to do that anyway normally.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Saturday Mar 28, 2009, 01:29:14 PM
WOOOHOOO!

Tuning adapter and M-Card both working! (Data entry with the pairing back at the head end, I believe - the Host ID wasn't entered quite right.)
Title: What Weather Channel HD?
Post by: gparris on Saturday Mar 28, 2009, 02:30:30 PM
Quote from: Klankster;51426My tuning adapter arrived on Thursday and I got it hooked up yesterday.  Worked pretty much right off the bat -- The installation instructions TWC gives differ from those in the device's manual, so just to be on the safe side I rebooted the TiVo unit after installation.

It all came up just fine, I now have access to all the HD channels with the exception of the Weather Channel HD, for which it puts up an alert that says my tuning adapter is not configured for that channel, which I thought was kind of odd.  Anybody else seeing that?

In my area we don't have the Weather Channel HD, only the analogue version on channel  64, maybe you don't have it yet, either.:huh?:
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: Klankster on Saturday Mar 28, 2009, 02:37:15 PM
Quote from: LoadStar;51427WOOOHOOO!

Tuning adapter and M-Card both working! (Data entry with the pairing back at the head end, I believe - the Host ID wasn't entered quite right.)

YES!!!  Glad to hear it, LoadStar.  The incorrect Host Id was the problem here as well -- I'm just glad they saw it before I tried to hook up the tuning adapter!  I wonder how many people have their Cablecards set up incorrectly...
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: TiVo HD XL on Saturday Mar 28, 2009, 07:05:52 PM
Anybody manage to get any TWC PPV (Pay-Per-View) shows (channels 502 or 801, 802, etc.) showing on a TiVo after using the phone to order them? Anybody here even care for PPVs?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: Klankster on Saturday Mar 28, 2009, 09:24:59 PM
Well, I'll tell you this -- We stopped ordering PPV movies on our DirecTV TiVo when they started this "must watch in 24 hours or it will be deleted" crap.  I couldn't believe it.  So we decided that was the end of that -- we normally would set up a record and watch it several days later when we had time, but the new policy, which was apparently dictated by the motion picture industry, ruined that.

Now we either get Netflix DVDs or instant view feeds via the Series 3 TiVo.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: spolebitski on Monday Mar 30, 2009, 10:42:08 PM
Quote from: Tivoman44;51322Go to this link to get the tuning adapter.  http://www.timewarnercable.com/Wisconsin/site.faqs/Cable/SwitchedDi/How-do-I-get-a-Tuning-Adapter  I own a Tivo Series 3, have one multi stream cable card and the tuning adaptor and it works like a charm.  Someone said it above, but TWC is required to support the cable cards.  I remember reading somewhere how in 2008 the FCC fined TWC for not supporting it.  Basically their are only two things that it cannot support, On Demand, and caller ID on the TV if you have digital phone.   Fill out that form for a tuning adaptor, I also emailed Jack Herbert, the VP of the mid region for TWC.  If the people at TWC call center keep saying how they will phase out the cable card, then I say file a complaint w/ the FCC, also email your local rep, I believe Jim Sensenbrener (last name spelling?) is the member of the US house of reps for the milwaukee area.  Also get the news involved.  Competition is a good thing, and we should have a choice.

So I was a real pain in the butt regarding the Tuning Adapter from November to February.  I have been in the TWC Mayfair location twice already to inquire about when M-Cards will be available (as they brought one out when they installed the Tuning Adapter - but it did not work properly - personally I think it wasn't set right when they called in the numbers). Should I just trust that TWC will call me as soon as they get them in or is it one of those things well put it off until you keep bugging use so we can collect an extra 3 bucks a month from you?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: Danno321 on Saturday Nov 21, 2009, 08:33:03 AM
Quote from: LoadStar;51427WOOOHOOO!

Tuning adapter and M-Card both working! (Data entry with the pairing back at the head end, I believe - the Host ID wasn't entered quite right.)

If you would be so kind, what is the monthly fee for 1) the M-Stream CableCard and 2) SDV Tuning Adapter?
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Saturday Nov 21, 2009, 09:36:01 AM
Quote from: Danno321;53982If you would be so kind, what is the monthly fee for 1) the M-Stream CableCard and 2) SDV Tuning Adapter?

Tuning Adapter: free
M-Card: $2.50
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: Danno321 on Saturday Nov 21, 2009, 09:46:31 AM
Quote from: LoadStar;53984Tuning Adapter: free
M-Card: $2.50

Great news!  I was expecting the TA to be around $10/month.  I am getting a Moxi!
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: sknaf on Saturday Nov 21, 2009, 03:00:25 PM
I have 2 S3 boxes.  So I need 4 s-cards.
I thought TW said they were about $4 ea.
Are the S cards more, or did I talk to the wrong person.

It rubs me wrong to have to pay $16 more just to have tivo,
so I am only OTA now.

  ~Knaf
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: Danno321 on Saturday Nov 21, 2009, 04:42:41 PM
Quote from: sknaf;53988I have 2 S3 boxes.  So I need 4 s-cards.
I thought TW said they were about $4 ea.
Are the S cards more, or did I talk to the wrong person.

It rubs me wrong to have to pay $16 more just to have tivo,
so I am only OTA now.

  ~Knaf

The Moxi I am getting is the 500GB HD DVR with eSATA support.  It has one M-Card slot for recording 2 channels at a time just like TWC's DVRs.   If it works well, then I am getting the Moxi Mate that connects to the Moxi DVR over Ethernet to replace my SA8300HDC.  This should save me about TWC $40-50 per month.  Moxi and Mate will be $800 so payback in 16 months.  But sooner than that as I attach value to more capable Moxi box and an actually better HD picture.  So I will put payback at 12 months.  I think TWC should stop renting mediocre set top boxes and tell the subscriber to buy a box and TWC will supply the M-Card and SDV box.  And why can't the SDV and M-Card be engineered to work with a moxi/tivo/? without an outboard SDV adapter box???
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: LoadStar on Saturday Nov 21, 2009, 08:51:52 PM
Quote from: sknaf;53988I have 2 S3 boxes.  So I need 4 s-cards.
I thought TW said they were about $4 ea.
Are the S cards more, or did I talk to the wrong person.

It rubs me wrong to have to pay $16 more just to have tivo,
so I am only OTA now.

  ~Knaf

Yeah, that's the unfortunate part about TiVo S3 vs. TiVo HD. As I understand, you can use M-Cards in the S3, but they only function as S-Cards, and so if you want to activate both tuners, you'd need two cards regardless. :(

I went back and looked through my statements... looks like up until this last billing period, the CableCard rate was $3.40/mo, and that's what the updated list of charges said it would be for 2010. However, as of the November bill, there is a note that says that the new rate for CableCard is $2.50/mo. I don't begin to understand what Time Warner is doing there.
Title: TWC and Tuning Adapters
Post by: honduh chicken on Friday Apr 09, 2010, 11:03:06 PM
I finally dumped TWC!  I couldn't handle the stuttering, Tivo reboots, and shitty tuning adapter any longer.  Unfortunately because I loved my Tivo, but it had to go!  Can't wait until the DirecTV Tivo comes out now.  Until then I'm using Dish network.  Their DVR SUCKS hard, but the picture and sound quality is leaps and bounds above cable. As far as I'm concerned, TWC can shove their shitty old copper coax right up their penis shaft.  No more switched digital, no more tuning adapter, no more stuttering and digital distortion and pixlation, no more rate hikes, no more network black outs, no more TWC store.  After 20 years, they aren't welcome in my home any longer.  Cut the cable.
Title: There was a better way, but no...
Post by: gparris on Saturday Apr 10, 2010, 08:51:23 AM
Quote from: honduh chicken;55343I finally dumped TWC!  I couldn't handle the stuttering, Tivo reboots, and shitty tuning adapter any longer.  Unfortunately because I loved my Tivo, but it had to go!  Can't wait until the DirecTV Tivo comes out now.  Until then I'm using Dish network.  Their DVR SUCKS hard, but the picture and sound quality is leaps and bounds above cable. As far as I'm concerned, TWC can shove their shitty old copper coax right up their penis shaft.  No more switched digital, no more tuning adapter, no more stuttering and digital distortion and pixlation, no more rate hikes, no more network black outs, no more TWC store.  After 20 years, they aren't welcome in my home any longer.  Cut the cable.

DirecTivo was great when I had it years ago in its SD form, back in 2003, then I went to TWC because I moved and got a great deal from TWC and they finally had HD DVRs I didn't have to come with upfront money for at the time.

TWC's SDV is bad, there were other ways to get around the many analog-only subscribers to keep them happy, but SDV just doesn't cut it.
How TWC can run TV ads about rainfade when they have big SDV crashes like a few weeks ago when it all went down, including heavy pixelation in action scenes and so on-something satellite never has (that I have witnessed).;)
Tuning adapters and cable cards can get aggravating, my clients tell this also, so much they moved on to other choices for pay TV other than TWC, but they never went OTA-only because they wanted more selection as a household.