Since the topic came up in another thread, I thought I'd provide my experiences with DTAs, or Digital Transport Adapters. This doesn't directly relate to HDTV, but may be of interest.
I have a couple of TVs in my house that do not have digital cable boxes. As a result, just plugging the TV into the wall results in reception of channels up to 66. That leaves out a ton of channels normally included in the "Standard TV" package. The solution is a DTA or Digital Transport Adapter. I picked up a pair of these today and though I'd share my experience.
A digital transport adapter is a limited purpose box; they tune channels, and that's all. They have no on-screen channel guide, and no ability to receive switched digital channels or on-demand programming. They measure about 4.5" by 3.5", so they are rather unobtrusive already. If even a box that small won't fit in well into your setup, the package includes an infrared extender cable, allowing you to hide the box completely out of sight.
The ports on the back of the box are power, infrared (via 1/8" phone connector), cable in, and coax out. There is also an HDMI port, and the boxes are technically capable of receiving and displaying HD channels, although at this time the only HD channels they receive are the over-the-air broadcast channels. As a bit of a surprise, the package even includes a free HDMI cable.
Hooking the boxes up should be very easy. Connect the power, cable in, and either coax or HDMI out, turn on your TV, then call in and activate the box. For me, it wasn't as straightforward; on one of the boxes, it wasn't coded right, and therefore was missing a bunch of the channels. They also didn't receive the activation signal on first try, and I had to call in a second time to get that done.
If you have Time Warner and any televisions hooked directly up to the wall, you definitely want to get one of these boxes. You'll get the full set of channels you're already paying for, and also get them in clearer digital quality.
Edit: for those just joining this thread, even though the website lists a monthly cost of $0.00, they seem to be charging $0.99/mo for the DTAs.
Are they still offering these rent free until the end of the year? Did you just drop in to the TW store and ask for them?
There used to be an online link (which I can't fond now) that allow you to request one online. But the 'procedure' didn't work.
Yes, they are free. I wasn't aware that there was any sunset on that pricing. And yes, I just stopped in to the TWC store at Mayfair and requested them. You can also request them online at the following link:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/en/residential-home/support/topics/tv/digital-adapters.html (scroll down and click the link for "Order your Digital Adapter.")
As an aside, while I was there, I asked them to check if I was getting the best package for my money. I was hoping to get something better for the price I was paying, but the best they could do was cut my price down by about $37/mo. I'll take a cheaper monthly cable bill, thanks. :)
An interesting note I just noticed on that page for the tuning adapters:
"Starting on or about September 4th, 2013, some designated channels will be delivered in digital format only." The page then proceeds to give a specific date of 9/11/13 for the Wisconsin market.
Could this be the date for the full channel lineup change? Hmm....
Quote from: LoadStar;59550An interesting note I just noticed on that page for the tuning adapters:
"Starting on or about September 4th, 2013, some designated channels will be delivered in digital format only." The page then proceeds to give a specific date of 9/11/13 for the Wisconsin market.
Could this be the date for the full channel lineup change? Hmm....
Good point, many HDTV owners are probably using channel 6 instead of 1006 all the time and once they can't, they will find it to be a clearer and more detailed picture.
Even with the current contracts mess, I think if TWC goes through with the lineup change the OFF AIR channels will keep markers for channel reinstatement in the future.
I guess I'll have to get my parents a couple of these - which model did you get? The Cisco version? Are these capable of tuning the local HDs above 1000 (e.g. WTMJ is 1004 instead of 4.1)?
Quote from: beerbrat;59559I guess I'll have to get my parents a couple of these - which model did you get? The Cisco version? Are these capable of tuning the local HDs above 1000 (e.g. WTMJ is 1004 instead of 4.1)?
Yes, the Cisco DTA170HD.
Yes, they pull the same channel map as any other cable box (they take a good 4-5 minutes doing so at startup), so yeah, for right now the HD channels are above 1000.
I went to the TWC office here in Kenosha and they knew nothing about a DTA box. The only box they have has a .99 a month charge.
Asked about the changeover Sept. 11 and sthey know nothing about any changes. Hmmmm.
The employees working at the Kenosha offices aren't the brightest people around.
Just use the online form to order one and they'll ship you a digital adapter from Milwaukee. You should have it in a day.
To be fair, even the people at the dedicated phone line for the "digital adapters" (the name that Time Warner uses for the DTAs) seemed as confused about the concept of the DTAs as the people in the Kenosha office. To me, it sort of felt like the same sort of thing that happens when I used to call into the main support number with a CableCard support issue. The guy I worked with at the Mayfair office didn't even blink when I went in there to pick them up though.
If there does end up being a charge, I apologize; I did ask like 3 times, and they said the DTAs are free. Believe me, if there's a charge, I'll be back at the store complaining loudly as well.
Am I missing something? Sounds like it's just an external clear QAM tuner.
The cut sheet says it can tune encryption using DNCS and uDTA but I have no idea if Time Warner is using anything compatible.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps10771/7023333_a.pdf
Quote from: ArgMeMatey;59569Am I missing something? Sounds like it's just an external clear QAM tuner.
Nope. It is more like a very very stripped down cable box.
This box uses the normal cable box channel map, meaning that all the channels are in their appropriate channel slots. In addition, it gives you access to all the non-SDV digital channels in the standard TV package, most of which aren't transmitted in clear QAM. (Far as I know, the only channels Time Warner transmits in clear QAM are the broadcast stations.)
Quote from: ArgMeMatey;59569Am I missing something? Sounds like it's just an external clear QAM tuner.
The cut sheet says it can tune encryption using DNCS and uDTA but I have no idea if Time Warner is using anything compatible.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/video/ps8611/ps8612/ps10771/7023333_a.pdf
I believe this area uses PowerKEY conditional access, which this box is compatible with.
Think of this as a *very* stripped down cable box. This box uses the normal cable box channel map, meaning that all the channels are in their appropriate channel slots.
In addition, because this box is compatible with PowerKEY, it gives you access to all the non-SDV digital channels in the standard TV package, most of which aren't transmitted in clear QAM. (Far as I know, the only channels Time Warner transmits in clear QAM are the broadcast stations.)
This box theoretically could tune in *any* digital channel that isn't SDV if Time Warner allowed it, but they aren't activating anything on these boxes except the standard package.
They are also shown as free via the website ordering.
$0.00 Total Charges, $0.00 Monthly charges and Free Shipping
Grrrrr...... I just got my bill, and yeah, they're charging $0.99 for the DTA.
@%#&!
Good thing I printed out the receipt showing no one-time or monthly charges. If they try to charge me for my DTA's I will send them a copy. :bang:
Quote from: LoadStar;59571because this box is compatible with PowerKEY, it gives you access to all the non-SDV digital channels in the standard TV package, most of which aren't transmitted in clear QAM. (Far as I know, the only channels Time Warner transmits in clear QAM are the broadcast stations.)
Thanks. For some reason I had thought you were saying this box only tuned broadcast (OTA) stations in QAM. Reading back, I am not sure where I got that idea. So you're saying it gets you standard and basic in QAM, encrypted and non-encrypted, as long as the channels aren't switched digital, right?
Any idea whether they are providing these for what I think they call BASIC customers as well? That's the program that includes OTA NTSC, basic NTSC, and OTA Clear QAM. It cost about $20 a few years ago.
The pair of DTA's I ordered arrived today and neither goes past searching for channels. I called TW and they are rolling a tech to see what is happening. They do seem to respond quickly to Signature service customer issues. Seems like this should just work out of the box but no dice for me.
Quote from: jfelbab;59598The pair of DTA's I ordered arrived today and neither goes past searching for channels. I called TW and they are rolling a tech to see what is happening. They do seem to respond quickly to Signature service customer issues. Seems like this should just work out of the box but no dice for me.
I thought the usual MO for these was that you had to hook it up, turn it on, and then call them with the MAC address to get it authorized. (Presumably this removes the incentive for theft in transit.)
Quote from: ArgMeMatey;59599I thought the usual MO for these was that you had to hook it up, turn it on, and then call them with the MAC address to get it authorized. (Presumably this removes the incentive for theft in transit.)
The person at the activation number never asked about a MAC address and said that it should just work out of the box. :huh?: At any rate, a tech will be here shortly to address whatever is needed. :Smash:
The procedure with the DTAs:
1) Hook up in *all* DTAs on your account and turn them all on.
2) Call into the telephone number that appears on the screen. Choose the option to activate the boxes.
3) The system will send an activation signal to the boxes.
You don't need to provide the MAC address; they'll just send a "hit" to all the boxes associated with the account.
Quote from: LoadStar;59603The procedure with the DTAs:
1) Hook up in *all* DTAs on your account and turn them all on.
2) Call into the telephone number that appears on the screen. Choose the option to activate the boxes.
3) The system will send an activation signal to the boxes.
You don't need to provide the MAC address; they'll just send a "hit" to all the boxes associated with the account.
I hooked them up and called the phone number listed in the instructions. However, no number appeared on my TV screens, only a message saying "Scanning for channels" that never went away on either box.
A tech was dispatched and he had no idea what was happening. He called someone who seemed to know what needed to be done and both boxes came on-line and then shortly downloaded an upgrade. All up and running now with much better PQ than before, as I expected.
I installed one a few nights ago. Hooked it up, it downloaded an update and did a channel scan, then popped up a screen telling me to call the number to have it activated.
I called the number, and the automated system failed. It sent me to a service rep who had no idea what a "Digital Adapter" or DTA was. She gave me a new number to call for "Level 3 activations".
Called the second number and after the normal automated phone system and the obligatory 20 minute wait, the guy I got had no idea what a "Digital Adapter" or DTA was. I explained to him what the previous lady had said - that I would be calling "Level 3 Activations" - but he said no, he was not level 3 but he could connect me to them.
After finally getting to level 3, I told the guy my story. He played along a bit inferring he didn't know what a DTA was either, but about 30 seconds into the conversation the programming popped on.
In all, it took me about 45 minutes on the phone. Thank God for level 3!
Quote from: LoadStar;59591Grrrrr...... I just got my bill, and yeah, they're charging $0.99 for the DTA.
@%#&!
Just received a letter from TWC and they say the digital adapters are free till 2015.
Got that same letter today. It also announced the demise of around 10 analog channels and noted that they would be digital only after 9/11/13.
The channels affected are WPXE-iTV (Ch15), WVCY (Ch23), WWRS-TBN (CH21), WMLV (Ch7), LMN (Ch65), Golf Channel (Ch28), CNBC (Ch47), EWTN (Ch97) TWC (Ch64) along with Public Educational and Government Access programming.
Loadstar, If they are billing you already, call and point them to this letter, dated 8/9/2013.
Quote from: jfelbab;59625Got that same letter today. It also announced the demise of around 10 analog channels and noted that they would be digital only after 9/11/13.
The channels affected are WPXE-iTV (Ch15), WVCY (Ch23), WWRS-TBN (CH21), WMLV (Ch7), LMN (Ch65), Golf Channel (Ch28), CNBC (Ch47), EWTN (Ch97) TWC (Ch64) along with Public Educational and Government Access programming.
Loadstar, If they are billing you already, call and point them to this letter, dated 8/9/2013.
This means, if each analogue channel holds the space of at least 2 HD channels, these going digital-only, the prospect of maybe 20 more HD channels that can be added and with those FOX channels being added (other thread), a workable thing from that perspective.
Quote from: gparris;59629This means, if each analogue channel holds the space of at least 2 HD channels, these going digital-only, the prospect of maybe 20 more HD channels that can be added and with those FOX channels being added (other thread), a workable thing from that perspective.
To what extent does TW reduce data (internet) congestion by segmenting the network vs. allocating additional spectrum to data?
I am wondering if some of the free space will be used for internet market-wide, both to increase capacity and provide higher tiers of service, or if they tend to build out fiber closer and closer to customers for the same effect.
This whole DTA thing must be a mess for TWC, or they didn't get much of a response the last time they tried this. They started rolling these out last November... sent a letter out stating the exact same thing you are all getting now. Only then, I think they said the DTAs were free through the end of the year (2012). I picked one up at the Mayfair store shortly before switching back to DIRECTV last year. They told me it wouldn't work for a week or so, til it was "officially supported", but I was able to get the non SDV digital channels and local HD after letting it sit for a few hours IIRC. Maybe had to call in too, but don't remember.
Quote from: ArgMeMatey;59632To what extent does TW reduce data (internet) congestion by segmenting the network vs. allocating additional spectrum to data?
I am wondering if some of the free space will be used for internet market-wide, both to increase capacity and provide higher tiers of service, or if they tend to build out fiber closer and closer to customers for the same effect.
They are currently bonding 4 channels on the downstream for internet, with 1 upstream channel (for DOCSIS 3 modems). Technically they could offer a max of 152 down/9 up service with the current setup if they had the bandwidth available at the node. I don't seem them adding more channels for internet in the near future (except for maybe upstream), but they could do an 8x4 channel bond setup to get a max of about 304 down/108 up.
At this point if they wanted to provide higher tiers, they just need to up the bandwidth to the nodes and/or upgrade the CMTS equipment (converts the fiber at the node to coax) if it can't handle the additional bandwidth.
Finally got these suckers. I ordered 2 for my parents on 8/5...that order was for some reason held up and was never shipped. I went to the Southridge store today with my dad. The service rep acknowledged the existing order - said my dad was already being charged the .99/box for the boxes that never shipped. twc dude cancelled that order and set us up under the free box promotion and gave us 2 new boxes.
So if you're being charged for the boxes, I'd be on the phone raising a fuss.
Just got off chat with TWC support. My latest bill shows a 99 cent charge for the DTA I have. the first 'Analyst' agreed that they should be free, and transferred me to someone else to address the issue. This new 'Analyst' spend almost a half hour trying to find confirmation that the DTA's were free until 2015 but could not. He ended up just giving me a 12 month 99 cent credit.
I didn't find my letter until after the chat.
I didn't see an option on the TW site for how many boxes to order.
It just states :"These Easy Connect Kit(s) will be shipped to you:
TV Equipment"
We have 3 dvr and 5 straight hook ups. Are the just automatically sending 5? (I doubt it...)
Thanks for starting this thread Loadstar. I had been wondering how these boxes worked since my elderly father in law stopped getting a few channels on his directly connected TV.
He just ordered one and I'll be driving over to set it up later this week.
Hopefully it will be a smooth install...
Quote from: LoadStar;59538the boxes are technically capable of receiving and displaying HD channels, although at this time the only HD channels they receive are the over-the-air broadcast channels.
After having only locals in HD for the first month or two of having a DTA on a bedroom TV, I noticed that all of a sudden I'm getting the following cable channels in HD, as well:
ABC Family
A&E
Discovery
ESPN
FX
Hallmark
HGTV
History
TBS
TNT
USA
Quote from: InsulinJunkie;59726After having only locals in HD for the first month or two of having a DTA on a bedroom TV, I noticed that all of a sudden I'm getting the following cable channels in HD, as well:
ABC Family
A&E
Discovery
ESPN
FX
Hallmark
HGTV
History
TBS
TNT
USA
Interesting... I will have to check on ours when I get home tonight. I wonder if they're starting the rollout of the channel map that merges the HD and SD channels together?
Quote from: LoadStar;59727Interesting... I will have to check on ours when I get home tonight.
I just checked, and I can confirm this report. Now, this probably only affects those who already have those channels in their subscription; those who have just standard may not get them. Still, for those who do, this now makes the DTA very useful as a low-cost cable box for a lower usage TV such as in a guest room or basement or such.
I just picked up my DTA today, haven't hooked it up yet. Does anyone know where the link is showing these are free until 2015? I'm being charged $0.99 as of now.
Those of you in the Milwaukee area with a TV connected to a DTA....
Is Food Channel (ch 66 and ch 151) still working for you?
As of a a few days ago, we no longer were able to get Food on either 66 or 151. Called TWC and the rep rebooted/reconfigured the DTA twice, and still no ch 66. Opening the DTA menu/channel list has 66 dimmed out.
Connected a TV directly to the cable and let it scan. Determined that ch 66 was still there as an analog signal.
TWC rep said she would set up a CT(?) scan, and if it still wasn't working by Thursday to call back in.
Just checked, 66 and 151 are working here.
Thanks for checking.