Question about TWC HD Converter

[louisd13]

I have reseaserched on this site and determined that TWC is using the SA 3100HD box in SE Wisconsin  Please Correct me if I am wrong (The rep I called said that it is either SA or Pioneer.  Anybody know what HD pioneer box I would get?).  My question is, does anybody know if I hook up this box (or the pioneer) to my SD tv through S Video will I be able to at least see the HD Channels (I know they would only be in SD)?  or do the HD Channels only output video to the Component output on the box.  The reason I ask is that I am getting an HDTV in the very near future (1-2 months, c'mon tax return money!!), and I figured since the HD box is an even swap for my digital box now why not wire up the box now and just add the tv when I get it.  For now I would be able to get the local channels in Dolby 5.1.  I also read that HDTV output to a SD TV would look as good as DVD, so That would be a slight upgrade in picture quality anyways.  So my overall question is should I bother doing this, or would it be a wast of time.  Thanks for your help.

[mr_yeti]

This box will only output HD signals through the component video output. As for the Pioneer issue, when the box is booted up it says it's a Pioneer. Not sure exactly why that is -- possibly Pioneer manufactures the box for SA?

It wouldn't hurt anything to get the box now, but nothing exciting will happen, either.

[brewtownska]

I think mr_yeti answered your question well, but my added 2cents is that YES you should call now to request a box, knowing that they may not have any to give you for a while.  When I got my cable installed a few weeks ago (finally took the plunge and bought a house), the installer made mention that they don't have many of the HD boxes to go around anymore.  So don't assume you can call and have it installed next week...it may be more like a 3 week or longer wait.  Granted I have no inside info, so someone could easily prove me wrong if they know someone working at TWC, but I figured the heads-up may be worth it if it saves you some grief waiting until after you get your TV.

[louisd13]

I have read that the SA 4200HD boxes will be out soon and that they WILL output HD programming through S video and even coax connections (at SD resolutions).  Does anybody know when TWC plans to start offering the 4200 box?  Thanks.

[brewtownska]

I've bugged TWC 2 different times, and both times they told me they had no plans as of now to offer a new box, but as soon as one is available, they would let me know (I have no idea if they truly keep track of who they are supposed to contact when that sort of thing happens).

The other question I asked them was when they were to offer the boxes with the built in Digital Video Recorder (DVR)...at least that one they confirmed was coming, but they didn't have a date for.

Both of those questions were asked and answered via TWC's online help section.  It actually doesn't take them long to answer, but usually the answer is never any help

[louisd13]

Thanks for all your help!!

[mr_yeti]

I'll just chime in here and say a little something about Time-Warner keeping track of customer concerns.

A while back, I engaged in extensive emailing with their customer service department about the inclusion of CBS 58-DT in their lineup. I cc'd Bev Greenberg (searching this site for this name will yield contact information) on several of the emails I sent. Lo and behold, the day CBS was to be added, I received a phone call at home to let me know, which impressed me a great deal. They didn't have to do this, and I certainly wasn't expecting it.

Bottom line: if you want to improve your chances of being in the loop if and when the new boxes become available, make a general nuisance of yourself.

[kjnorman]

TWC have a pioneer HD box in testing right now, however I have been told that it is likely to be six months before it is released to the public.

As for HD PVRs, well my understanding is that the only PVRs that TWC is looking at are SD ones.  I do not believe that these will be capable of recording HD.

Being a Tivo addic (near 95% of my viewing is prerecorded) I cancelled my HD box for the lack of ability to record.