Milwaukee HDTV User Group

HDTV Forums => Milwaukee HDTV Programming => Topic started by: Gregg Lengling on Saturday Mar 13, 2010, 05:46:16 AM

Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Gregg Lengling on Saturday Mar 13, 2010, 05:46:16 AM
Well they have found the straw that broke the camel's back.  A year ago I threatened to leave and they gave me some concessions they said would be good for 2 years...however over the last year the bill has risen 40 dollars a month. So I said enough is enough, let's get rid of the 39.95 for phone and 3.95 for voice mail, thinking that my bill would drop at least 20 bucks when you consider they are going to screw me for not having tv/internet and phone bundled.  Boy I was wrong, my bill is going up $20.00 per month.  I said you've got to be kidding...anyhow  I'm weighing the diff between Dish and Directv right now and I've got DSL ordered....

Time Warner you guys are crazy, the economy tanks and you try to charge someone $140.00 a month for TV and another 49.95 for Internet...you're kidding me..

Run don't walk.:bang:
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Gregg Lengling on Wednesday Mar 17, 2010, 05:16:32 PM
TWC is history and decided on Dish and couldn't be happier....no more crummy compression artifacts on HD, the picture is loads better, I forgot how good HD can be I guess I just got used to what TWC was feeding me. Especially apparent on my 65" Sharp LCD....feels like my first HDTV all over again.....back to the days of the old RCA ....
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: LoadStar on Wednesday Mar 17, 2010, 06:22:44 PM
Just curious, but why is this a "sticky" thread?
Title: Wise move.............
Post by: Chinatown on Friday Mar 19, 2010, 04:48:58 PM
Quote from: Gregg Lengling;55181TWC is history and decided on Dish and couldn't be happier....no more crummy compression artifacts on HD, the picture is loads better, I forgot how good HD can be I guess I just got used to what TWC was feeding me. Especially apparent on my 65" Sharp LCD....feels like my first HDTV all over again.....back to the days of the old RCA ....


Have had both Direct & Dish. The real difference is the receivers. It was the reason I switched. Dual tuners, 4 tv's 2 HD Dvr units.

Be sure to add the sports pack when the NFL starts. Included in the $5.00 per month is the "Red Zone". Completely commercial free. Set the receiver on single tuner, use the Pip feature, and when the Packer game goes to commercial switch the view. However, be sure to use the facility before the games begin as it will be on till after 6:30.

Enjoy...................
Title: Love them and/or hate them, it's a choice
Post by: gparris on Friday Mar 19, 2010, 11:06:43 PM
I have TWC and it is a love and hate relationship; I had Directv 1997-2003.
-Love that TWC locally has added so many more HD channels than ever before and keep adding them - hate the SDV when it malfunctions.:mad:
-Love the new channel numbering they have now -  hate the DVRs, especially the 8300HDC I had to get when one of my DVRs died and needed replacing.:bang:

Right now I have a special pricing with TWC since I moved and it seems okay for now, but if the SDV keeps up with the pixelating on SyfyHD and others, it will be its very downfall, along with its crappy DVRs.

If Directv comes up with another DVR with Tivo in it, adds many more HD channels like BBCAHD (Dish has it) with its new satellite up (whenever those channels are to be actually added), I could be persuaded to go back to them, now that they use that single wire arrangement for 2 channel recordings.  

-Directv has 5 HD locals, which means for me that my bitch about them missing the 5 HD locals I watch is over vs. Dishnetwork, which still requires an antenna to get the other 2, which is not a good thing, at least for me. So for me, it would definitely be Directv in the future, but not now.
-Hope your decision to go with Dishnetwork is a happy one, Gregg! :D
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: nwerner on Saturday Mar 20, 2010, 10:36:41 AM
Quote from: gparris;55196I have TWC and it is a love and hate relationship; I had Directv 1997-2003.
-Love that TWC locally has added so many more HD channels than ever before and keep adding them - hate the SDV when it malfunctions.:mad:
-Love the new channel numbering they have now -  hate the DVRs, especially the 8300HDC I had to get when one of my DVRs died and needed replacing.:bang:

Right now I have a special pricing with TWC since I moved and it seems okay for now, but if the SDV keeps up with the pixelating on SyfyHD and others, it will be its very downfall, along with its crappy DVRs.

Tell me more about SDV.  I was under the impression that it is supposed to help with a better picture but am now hearing about pixelation.  Is that a problem on other channels?  The reason I ask is because if I ever were to switch from D* I'd have to go back to TWC and if there are any problems with the new satellite preventing new HD channels that switch might come sooner rather than later for this guy.
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: gparris on Saturday Mar 20, 2010, 02:15:56 PM
SDV is switched digital video, making all bandwidth work for all HD channels in your local node, so all channels do not go to every sub, only when you switch a channel, so bandwidth is preserved and you get full capacity.

TWC may be trying to accomplish this up to a point, creating the ability to add the many HD channels it has, but it has not maintained the HD quality, especially during fast moving scenes on its HD channels from my experience.

I watched SyFyHD on Dish and Directv and saw no pixelation, only on TWC.

Keep your Directv if you can, maybe more HD channels and a better DVR will happen, thanks for asking.:wave:
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: nwerner on Saturday Mar 20, 2010, 04:10:24 PM
Thanks for your help.  I really don't want to leave Directv as I think that they have the best HD picture quality of all the major providers.  I am just sick of waiting for ESPNU, Travel, BBCA, and PBS HD.  Luckily, they have NFL network
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: ArgMeMatey on Sunday Mar 21, 2010, 09:14:22 AM
Quote from: nwerner;55199Tell me more about SDV.  I was under the impression that it is supposed to help with a better picture but am now hearing about pixelation.  Is that a problem on other channels?  The reason I ask is because if I ever were to switch from D* I'd have to go back to TWC and if there are any problems with the new satellite preventing new HD channels that switch might come sooner rather than later for this guy.

If I understand how this works, TW is probably stuck between a rock and a hard place.  They are still throwing away a lot of bandwidth on analog.  SDV, besides technical issues, probably has trouble at peak times.  They have to gauge the statistics that tell them the difference between average diversity, peak diversity, and saying "oops, we don't have enough bandwidth right now to give you that channel".  

I am sure they would love to get rid of analog, but I am also sure that even among their digital subscribers, many or most use analog for their "additional" TVs.  This still gives TW an edge over UVerse and satellite.
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: basshive on Sunday Mar 21, 2010, 10:04:24 AM
Quote from: nwerner;55201Thanks for your help.  I really don't want to leave Directv as I think that they have the best HD picture quality of all the major providers.  I am just sick of waiting for ESPNU, Travel, BBCA, and PBS HD.  Luckily, they have NFL network


I think it would be wise to wait 2 months as most of these channels should be lit up with the new sat, and hopefully more premiums!
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: nwerner on Sunday Mar 21, 2010, 10:58:23 AM
Quote from: basshive;55205I think it would be wise to wait 2 months as most of these channels should be lit up with the new sat, and hopefully more premiums!

Oh yeah, I am not going anywhere unless some sort of press release came out saying that there were inoperable problems with the new D12 satellite.  In the meantime, I will wait patiently, continue to spend copious amounts of time on this site and dbstalk, and see what happens.

Thanks for the comments on the switched digital.  That might help explain why I see pixelation at the in-laws house.  Now I just need to explain it to them which is a whole other story
Title: OH, one more thing...........
Post by: Chinatown on Sunday Mar 21, 2010, 11:01:07 AM
Quote from: gparris;55196I have TWC and it is a love and hate relationship; I had Directv 1997-2003.
-Love that TWC locally has added so many more HD channels than ever before and keep adding them - hate the SDV when it malfunctions.:mad:
-Love the new channel numbering they have now -  hate the DVRs, especially the 8300HDC I had to get when one of my DVRs died and needed replacing.:bang:

Right now I have a special pricing with TWC since I moved and it seems okay for now, but if the SDV keeps up with the pixelating on SyfyHD and others, it will be its very downfall, along with its crappy DVRs.

If Directv comes up with another DVR with Tivo in it, adds many more HD channels like BBCAHD (Dish has it) with its new satellite up (whenever those channels are to be actually added), I could be persuaded to go back to them, now that they use that single wire arrangement for 2 channel recordings.  

-Directv has 5 HD locals, which means for me that my bitch about them missing the 5 HD locals I watch is over vs. Dishnetwork, which still requires an antenna to get the other 2, which is not a good thing, at least for me. So for me, it would definitely be Directv in the future, but not now.
-Hope your decision to go with Dishnetwork is a happy one, Gregg! :D


relative to the locals. All Dish receivers come with an OTA connection. I have a roof top antenna which pulls in all the locals. They are then integrated into the programming guide once they are scanned. Depending where you live, a rabbit ears may work, as my brother who lives in New Berlin was able to get his that way.
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: gparris on Sunday Mar 21, 2010, 11:04:53 AM
Quote from: ArgMeMatey;55204If I understand how this works, TW is probably stuck between a rock and a hard place.  They are still throwing away a lot of bandwidth on analog.  SDV, besides technical issues, probably has trouble at peak times.  They have to gauge the statistics that tell them the difference between average diversity, peak diversity, and saying "oops, we don't have enough bandwidth right now to give you that channel".  

I am sure they would love to get rid of analog, but I am also sure that even among their digital subscribers, many or most use analog for their "additional" TVs.  This still gives TW an edge over UVerse and satellite.

You're right, even I have a couple of old TV's in guest rooms that use no boxes, but I would get them if I had to if it meant TWC would go all-digital to improve HD service or at least cut the number of analog channels down a bit more.
TWC is stuck in a hard place with SDV as an option it cannot escape and it is trying to maximize its capacity, but at the expense of bandwidth, it would seem, at least to me. :D
-Off subject (a bit), all the discussion about "3D TV" is a bit weird to me if cable can't get its "act together" and get high quality HD -2D pictures on every  HD channel at the very least, while adding more to remain competitive is just wrong.
For me, at least, a high-quality, full bandwidth 2D HD picture on a HDTV screen is still breathtaking, almost 3D-like and without the need for wearing 3D glasses.;)

So Dish and Directv have it "made" there, their version of SDV is adding another satellite vs. cable, which has to pull some other tricks up its technological "sleeve" as it already has its infrastructure built out already, including that ball-and-chain called analog to drag along.
Title: As to the DVR.....................
Post by: Chinatown on Sunday Mar 21, 2010, 11:13:09 AM
Quote from: gparris;55200SDV is switched digital video, making all bandwidth work for all HD channels in your local node, so all channels do not go to every sub, only when you switch a channel, so bandwidth is preserved and you get full capacity.

TWC may be trying to accomplish this up to a point, creating the ability to add the many HD channels it has, but it has not maintained the HD quality, especially during fast moving scenes on its HD channels from my experience.

I watched SyFyHD on Dish and Directv and saw no pixelation, only on TWC.

Keep your Directv if you can, maybe more HD channels and a better DVR will happen, thanks for asking.:wave:


The new Directv Tivo is coming out sometime this year. However, the odds of anyone getting it as a new subscriber are a million to one. You will get whatever the installer has on his truck, which more then likely will be the current inept models.

Of course, you could demand to know who the specific installer is.  Then call them to find out if they have any HD Tivo receivers, and grease the wheels of progress. Just a thought.
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Jack 1000 on Sunday Mar 21, 2010, 11:56:39 AM
Our HD picture is usually awesome on TWC.  The only time where pixiation might occur for a day or two is when they are adding channels to the system or updating something.  Otherwise, it has been great!

I can't take Dish because of trees, and I would not take U-VERSE because our phone lines I don't think could handle it. (Our little crappy subdivision that has lines about thirty years old or more.  I don't think the lines could handle the bandwidth.)

Jack
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Gregg Lengling on Sunday Mar 21, 2010, 06:37:25 PM
Well it's been almost a week since I switched..and I can happily say I'm not looking back. Been very happy with the quality of the HD via Dish, it is a vast improvement over TWC.  Of course I'm a little more cirtical then most users, having a 1080p capable 65" Sharpe LCD, but the HD was always soft on TWC and in fast motion or very quick action scenes, explosions and the like, TWC was full of pixilating and artifacts...I'm seeing none of that on Dish and can say it's almost as good as BlueRay...but not quite.

Only downfall I have right now is both my BlueRay and Dish Receivers have only Toslink optical outputs for digital audio and my Bose system has only 1 toslink input so I have to switch the optical cable when I go play a blue ray (for DVDs I just use the Bose), I wish that the DVR and/or the BlueRay would have had an optional Coaxial (rca plug type) digital audio output so I wouldn't have to play the cable swap game.

Oh and by the way the CallerID feature works great on all the boxes, plugged a phone line and up it came.....actually nicer than TWC's display.
Title: Here is a fix for the audio problem...........
Post by: Chinatown on Sunday Mar 21, 2010, 06:47:50 PM
http://www.amazon.com/Nyrius-SW100-Digital-Selector-Compatible/dp/B000812QC6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1269215218&sr=1-1-fkmr0
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Gregg Lengling on Monday Mar 22, 2010, 07:43:45 AM
Quote from: Chinatown;55216http://www.amazon.com/Nyrius-SW100-Digital-Selector-Compatible/dp/B000812QC6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1269215218&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Cool, I looked a few years ago about toslink switches and didn't find any so never thought about searching the net...thanks, I'll have to order one...but dang I'll have to get up to switch...lol
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: klwillis45 on Monday Mar 22, 2010, 09:03:55 AM
Quote from: Gregg Lengling;55217but dang I'll have to get up to switch...lol

Then try something like this instead. (http://www.shoptronics.com/optical-audio-toslink-switch.html)
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Rick_EE on Monday Mar 22, 2010, 11:36:25 AM
or This (http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Optical-Toslink-Coaxial-Converter/dp/B000I98ZQY) as a optical to digital coax converter.
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Blitzburgh on Monday Mar 22, 2010, 12:14:43 PM
DirecTV is king....nuff said
Title: Different strokes..............
Post by: Chinatown on Monday Mar 22, 2010, 12:42:40 PM
Quote from: Blitzburgh;55220DirecTV is king....nuff said


For different folkes..........
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Blitzburgh on Tuesday Mar 23, 2010, 12:25:51 PM
Quote from: Chinatown;55221For different folkes..........

I agree 100%, everyone can get whatever they want. If you want the best Picture Quality, Customer Service, Chennel  Selection, NFL Sunday Ticket. Get the King!! :D
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: kevbeck122 on Tuesday Mar 23, 2010, 12:42:32 PM
Quote from: Chinatown;55210The new Directv Tivo is coming out sometime this year. However, the odds of anyone getting it as a new subscriber are a million to one. You will get whatever the installer has on his truck, which more then likely will be the current inept models.

Of course, you could demand to know who the specific installer is.  Then call them to find out if they have any HD Tivo receivers, and grease the wheels of progress. Just a thought.

The Tivo box will most likely be a choice that the customer will have if they want the Tivo service... unless DirecTV/Tivo decide to run Tivo software on the existing HR boxes.
Title: I have had both "D" & "E"
Post by: Chinatown on Tuesday Mar 23, 2010, 01:04:39 PM
Quote from: kevbeck122;55225The Tivo box will most likely be a choice that the customer will have if they want the Tivo service... unless DirecTV/Tivo decide to run Tivo software on the existing HR boxes.


And I think it is extremely wish full thinking that the potential subscriber will be able to demand the Tivo DVR.  You will get  what the installer has on the truck.

On the other hand, "E" only has the VIP 622/722. The only difference between them is recording space.

Having dual  tuners/PIP far outclasses anything "D" has.
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Klankster on Tuesday Mar 23, 2010, 06:52:25 PM
Seriously, when DirecTV comes out with the new Tivo box, I'll probably switch back from TWC, where I went when DirecTV abandoned my HR10-250 Tivo box.  I got a Series3 Tivo to use on TWC, but the experience has been so awful I can't wait to jump ship when the chance comes.

The TWC HD quality is a freaking JOKE.  Watch something like "Speed Racer" in HD on TWC sometime and you'll see what I mean.  The worst compression artifacts I've ever seen on all the fast motion.

And that's assuming the Series3 works with the half-a$$ "Tuning Adapter" TWC uses.  Mine drops out the signal CONSTANTLY despite multiple service calls.  And the real fun is the tuning adapter's blinking light and failure to tune at the end of EVERY MONTH since getting the damned thing.  The "Tier 3" service guy thinks it's some routine scan of the system that turns off my tuning adapter at the end of every month.

Yeah, I won't look back.  Believe me.
Title: differ
Post by: budda on Tuesday Mar 23, 2010, 11:10:39 PM
Quote from: Blitzburgh;55224I agree 100%, everyone can get whatever they want. If you want the best Picture Quality, Customer Service, Chennel  Selection, NFL Sunday Ticket. Get the King!! :D

I believe Dish has better SD and HD picture. Unless you are a trans plant, or a gambling degenerate , Sunday ticket is a waste. Price and packages after all come over to me sign up crap, As well as price and cost , just better equipment. Have to go with Dish!  JMO:rock:
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: sp44again on Thursday Mar 25, 2010, 12:10:10 PM
Does Dish have multi-room viewing?
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: kevbeck122 on Thursday Mar 25, 2010, 12:55:07 PM
Quote from: Chinatown;55226And I think it is extremely wish full thinking that the potential subscriber will be able to demand the Tivo DVR.  You will get  what the installer has on the truck.

On the other hand, "E" only has the VIP 622/722. The only difference between them is recording space.

Having dual  tuners/PIP far outclasses anything "D" has.

If as a new customer you order the Tivo service with your package, I'm sure the installer won't come with a regular HR2x HD DVR.  You might be put on a waiting list if demand is high, but I doubt they'll deny you Tivo if you want it.

Now that there's talks of Dish buying Tivo (just so that they can get out of the legal problems they're having with Tivo), we might not even see the new D* Tivo box anyways... Hopefully the rumor is false.
Title: Yes.........................
Post by: Chinatown on Thursday Mar 25, 2010, 01:10:38 PM
I have 2 Vip Hd Dvr's.  & 4 tv's 2 HD one in the living room and one upstairs/2 sd, one in the kitchen the other in the basement. The sd's have IR remotes and the length of coverage is flawless.

In addition, I split the kitchen set with coax. This allows that 16" flat screen to be  taken outside to our enclosed patio during the summer, to watch the Brewer games, etc. without any lose of picture quality.

If I set them at single viewing I can watch the same program on the companion tv. If I set them on dual then there is independent viewing. The Dvr can be programmed from either set. This whole setup relieved us of 200' of less wiring.

Not be beat a dead horse, but the Vip receivers are state of the art, superior to "D" or cable., but that is just my opinion.

But, hey, search the internet and form your own opinion.
Title: Me Too -- I Agree
Post by: Stanley Kritzik on Thursday Mar 25, 2010, 02:57:35 PM
Quote from: Blitzburgh;55224I agree 100%, everyone can get whatever they want. If you want the best Picture Quality, Customer Service, Chennel  Selection, NFL Sunday Ticket. Get the King!! :D

And, in a few weeks, when the new satellite in in place and working, there'll be even more HD chanels with a few in 3D also coming for the venturesome among us.

Stan
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Matt Heebner on Thursday Mar 25, 2010, 04:24:58 PM
QuoteUnless you are a trans plant, or a gambling degenerate


WRONG WRONG WRONG....oh man, like how wrong can you be about this....
Sunday ticket is not for transplants or gambling degenerates....I mean seriously who thinks like that ????








its for us fantasy football addicts man....:D
Title: Feel the love
Post by: budda on Thursday Mar 25, 2010, 06:04:15 PM
Quote from: Matt Heebner;55257WRONG WRONG WRONG....oh man, like how wrong can you be about this....
Sunday ticket is not for transplants or gambling degenerates....I mean seriously who thinks like that ????








its for us fantasy football addicts man....:D

I am sooo sorry, no betting in fantasy football. Dnile is not a river. If you just wanted info. You have internet, NFL network. Red zone. Distant locals. ESPN and on and on. None of which are another 325.00, Also not really being able to watch more then one game at a time. Or driving the people nuts in the same room as you.  Now I am not saying NFL ticket is not cool, cuz it is. And in the fantasy pools,, sorry leagues I am in. Make up at least 325 in my compensation. And yes Lord Football is the greatest Television sport of our time. But having the pleasure of paying another 325 a year on top of all the other fee's. Sorry not feeling the love on that one...... Just playing,, glad you are happy with your product as am I. Peace{fart}
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: ArgMeMatey on Thursday Mar 25, 2010, 09:58:06 PM
Quote from: budda;55258I am sooo sorry, no betting in fantasy football. Dnile is not a river. If you just wanted info. You have internet, NFL network. Red zone. Distant locals. ESPN and on and on. None of which are another 325.00, Also not really being able to watch more then one game at a time. Or driving the people nuts in the same room as you.  Now I am not saying NFL ticket is not cool, cuz it is. And in the fantasy pools,, sorry leagues I am in. Make up at least 325 in my compensation. And yes Lord Football is the greatest Television sport of our time. But having the pleasure of paying another 325 a year on top of all the other fee's. Sorry not feeling the love on that one...... Just playing,, glad you are happy with your product as am I. Peace

See now, this is a pretty interesting tangent.  The NFL is looking at all this right now and thinking about how great it would be if they could cut out the middleman and just stream directly to online subscribers and cut out all the satellite, cable, and even OTA middlemen.  

On the up side, you pay them and advertisers pay them to reach you.  Subscribers have a lot less collective bargaining clout that DirecTV, Dish, or the OTA networks.  

On the down side, they would have to collect accounts and deal with subscriber issues.  

It would be like declaring war on their biggest customers, but if they can ease in, it might be over before it starts.
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: sp44again on Friday Mar 26, 2010, 12:17:29 PM
Who pays $325 for ST? That's crazy. I call them up for a deal.
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Blitzburgh on Tuesday Mar 30, 2010, 12:07:49 PM
Quote from: budda;55245I believe Dish has better SD and HD picture. Unless you are a trans plant, or a gambling degenerate , Sunday ticket is a waste. Price and packages after all come over to me sign up crap, As well as price and cost , just better equipment. Have to go with Dish!  JMO:rock:

LOL...Your to funny. Do you have stock in E*?

If you love the NFL,  Sunday Ticket is mandatory and the price is not bad for what your getting...all the games in your living room... The only bad thing you have to get SF for HD.... that part is BS.
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: klwillis45 on Tuesday Mar 30, 2010, 12:39:09 PM
Quote from: Blitzburgh;55283LOL...Your to funny. Do you have stock in E*?

:rofl: The irony here is fantastic.

There is no perfect provider & all companies have their subtle & not-so subtle differences. You just have to do your due dillegence & find out which one works best for you.
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: Jack 1000 on Wednesday Apr 28, 2010, 11:58:51 AM
Why is this thread pinned?

Jack
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: LoadStar on Wednesday Apr 28, 2010, 06:14:42 PM
Quote from: Jack 1000;55464Why is this thread pinned?

Jack

I asked that way back at the beginning of the thread and was ignored.
Title: Goodby TWC
Post by: gb4fan92 on Wednesday Apr 28, 2010, 07:48:11 PM
Quote from: Jack 1000;55464Why is this thread pinned?

Jack

Maybe its a sticky to remind people what to say when leaving TWC! :D:D