Scientific-Atlanta Innovation Delivers Dual Tuner DVR/HD Set-Top to Time Warner Cable

[Gregg Lengling]

The Western Show --
Scientific-Atlanta announced today the availability of its integrated dual
tuner high-definition digital video recorder set-top solution. The new
Explorer(R) 8000HD(TM) High Definition Digital Video Recorder (DVR) will
deliver two highly compelling video services -- the control and convenience of
a Digital Video Recorder and stunning High Definition Television (HDTV) video
with digital surround sound. The industry leader in the deployment of DVRs and
high-definition television service, Time Warner Cable is now initiating the
deployment of HD/DVR set tops in its Green Bay Division, which serves over
150,000 customers in northeast Wisconsin.
    "The combination of HD's incredible video and audio and the ability to
watch television on your own time creates a fantastic entertainment experience
for our customers," said John Lochner, vice president of marketing, Time
Warner Cable-Green Bay. "The payback on our investment in digital, high
definition and DVR capabilities comes in two ways -- highly satisfied
customers and new avenues for revenue and growth."
    "Our Explorer 8000HD high definition digital video recorder product offers
a tremendous opportunity for cable operators to aggressively go after and win
back satellite's best subscribers," said Michael Harney, corporate senior vice
president and president of Subscriber Networks, Scientific-Atlanta. "The
combination of fourth-generation HDTV technology and dual tuner HD-DVR
capability, along with the availability of HD-VOD entertainment content in the
future, will create an outstanding and unsurpassed entertainment experience
for cable subscribers."
    The 8000HD represents the next step in the progression of the proven
Scientific-Atlanta DVR platform. Scientific-Atlanta has shipped more than
500,000 Explorer 8000 DVR set-tops to date.  With the addition of HD
capability, cable operators can take advantage of this leading edge set-top
technology to further enhance their video offering, increase subscriber
satisfaction, and enable new revenue streams. With cable TV's large number of
HD programming channels, the combination of DVR and HD holds great potential
as a valuable marketing tool for cable operators as they compete with DBS for
customers. And, with the growth and revenue potential that HD video on demand
(VOD) service provides, cable operators can extend the benefits of their
investment in the Explorer 8000HD.
    "The new 8000HD expands the popularity of the DVR experience as HD content
is added to the consumer's viewing options," added Harney. "In Scientific-
Atlanta's more than 20 years of delivering set-tops, rarely has there been
such a wave of enthusiasm from consumers toward their cable operators that
compares with the favorable response we have seen associated with the
availability of DVR."

    About Scientific-Atlanta
    Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. (NYSE: SFA) ( http://www.scientificatlanta.com )
is a leading supplier of digital content distribution systems, transmission
networks for broadband access to the home, digital interactive set-tops and
subscriber systems designed for video, high-speed Internet and voice over IP
(VoIP) networks, and worldwide customer service and support.

    "Forward-looking statements," as defined in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may be included in this news release. A variety
of factors could cause Scientific-Atlanta's actual results to differ from the
anticipated results expressed in such forward-looking statements. Investors
are referred to Scientific-Atlanta's Cautionary Statements (Exhibit 99.1 to
the Company's most recent Form 10-Q), which statements are incorporated into
this news release by reference.


      
SOURCE Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.scientificatlanta.com

[gparris]

If Green Bay is getting them, now, WHEN will we get these HD DVRs?

I have 2 EACH: 1 HD set top box and 1 DVR, for a total of 4 boxes for each HDTV set.

I would really, really, want only a one-box solution for a total of 2 HD DVRs, besides saving me almost $185/year and the ability to time-shift my 500-channel-area HD programmes.

How long do I (we) in Milwaukeeland have to wait
(and pay more), TWC? :eek:

GreenBay got the SD-DVRs first, too. Maybe because they are in a smaller demographic, right?
Then we got then them almost right after....but what is the lead time THIS time?

These are really cool boxes. I had a thread posting about these a while ago with some technical data attached.
Then I asked to be a guina pig due to my unusual 2-HD set situation, but got no reply from TWC.

[agrundman]

Does the new SA receiver actually record the HD programs?  Or, does the receiver just transmit HD programs and record non-HD programs?  The article doesn't explicitly say this.  I would only want this if the DVR records HD programs for later playback.  I think that would be great.

[The Law]

I'd also like to know if the SA box as the Aspect Ration Control that the Pioneer has.  My previous SA did not and hurt picture quality becuase of that.

[gparris]

Yes to both!

The new SA8000HD will RECORD up to 2 HD programmes simultaneously while you watch a third already recorded, just like the current SA8000 in standard def does already.

Additionally, this model allows for stretching all 4:3 480i material like the Pioneer box does.

See the SA website and do a search for 8000HD!:)

There is a demo and links to visit on this model.

Happy waiting (along with the rest of us) for this hot product!

:wave:

[mhz40]

Time Warner Cable is now initiating the deployment of HD/DVR set tops in its Green Bay Division, which serves over 150,000 customers in northeast Wisconsin.

If they are announcing that they are available now, it's kind of a round-a-bout way of saying so...
It will be interesting to see what the initial feedback will be from early adopters.

[Gregg Lengling]

Well if there isn't someone on the panel in that area...my sister and brother-in-law are just waiting for their new set and ordering the HD box.  I'll make sure they get the new one and they can review it for you guys and gals.

[borghe]

Green Bay is a TWC test market AFAIK. They received digital cable, road runner, dvr, and now HD-DVR before Milwaukee.. Also of note is their 150K subscriber base.. I truly wonder if TWC Milwaukee has that number count... not saying they don't, but I see a whole lot of dishes up in the metro and suburban areas...

[agrotto]

Any idea if TWC is deploying the 80GB or 160GB models in Green Bay?

[oz]

And how much will it cost? I think DVR is now $6.95/month for the non-HD model.

[borghe]

80GB or 160GB?? Ouch.. I actually didn't believe you but found the datasheet...

I realize something is better than nothing, but with Dish PVR921 right around the corner and HDTivo available nationally within a quarter, such tiny hard drives for HD content seems like a shot in the foot (not to mention the Motorolla cable box which I believe comes with a 250GB drive also).

The 80GB model will only let you store around 8.5 hours, and that isn't taking into account the hour buffer.. obviously I am only talking about HD, but isn't that what everyone comes to this site for? :p

They really need to get a bigger drive in there.

[tbarney]

Any idea how much the HD DVR is extra per month?  Is it $5 just like the SD DVR ?

[mhz40]

I believe external drives will be supported.

[FreQi]

I can't seem to find a specs sheet on the 8000HD.  Does anyone know if it's got DVI out?  My Projector uses DVI for HDTV input rather than RGB-HV like the other SciAtl HD boxes.