Thinking of switching cable boxes...

[Skipjack]

Right now I have the SA box from TWC (the 2300 or something like that).  The thing I don't like about this box is the fact that I don't get any digital audio out of it on any channels below 100 (TWC's analog lineup).    This drives my wife nuts, because she has to figure out how to switch audio inputs on the receiver... which in turn drives me nuts.

Anyway,  I was at a friend's house over the summer and he had the Pioneer box and seemed to get digital audio on those channels.  He lives out in Mukwonago and AFIK, they're TWC as well.

Can anyone in the Milwaukee area verify if they get digital audio out of all channels on the Pioneer box?

Also, what is the general consensus on both boxes?  Is one better than the other picture-wise?  I remember some issues with the Pioneer boxes initially.. are those still valid?  

Another bonus would be the DVI output.. freeing up a component input on my set.  How is the DVI picture compared to component?


Thanks in advance!

[mhz40]

Right now I have the SA box from TWC (the 2300 or something like that).  The thing I don't like about this box is the fact that I don't get any digital audio out of it on any channels below 100 (TWC's analog lineup).    This drives my wife nuts, because she has to figure out how to switch audio inputs on the receiver... which in turn drives me nuts.

Anyway,  I was at a friend's house over the summer and he had the Pioneer box and seemed to get digital audio on those channels.  He lives out in Mukwonago and AFIK, they're TWC as well.

Can anyone in the Milwaukee area verify if they get digital audio out of all channels on the Pioneer box?

Also, what is the general consensus on both boxes?  Is one better than the other picture-wise?  I remember some issues with the Pioneer boxes initially.. are those still valid?  

Another bonus would be the DVI output.. freeing up a component input on my set.  How is the DVI picture compared to component?


Thanks in advance!

If you want any chance of DVI compatibility, go with the Pioneer 3510-HD... and the thing converts analog audio to digital on the SPDIF output.

IMO, DVI is nice... but not well suited in a cable channel-surfing enviornment where every channel could be a different format.

[George99]

The DVI output on the Pioneer 3510HD is nice and works but you need to be sure to get a DVI-D cable... cause as stated in manual a DVD-I won't fit.  I didn't notice any substantial picture difference using the DVI cable.  However, unfortunately, picture would break up for a second or two while my set was locking on to signal. Not nice to look at when you're surfing.  Of course your set may not have this problem.  I've disconnected the DVI and use component only now.

[Skipjack]

Thanks for the heads up on the DVI, guys.   Honestly I don't really need to use the DVI, the digital out is more important to me than freeing up a component input.

DVI-D eh, George?  I'll have to check, but I think I have a boatload of those at work which would be great as I hate paying for things.

[Skipjack]

Okay.. I just talked to the TWC kiosk at Mayfair mall and apparently I can trade my box there for the Pioneer 3510HD which is great since I work down the street from there.

However, the guy I talked to said the DVI output is not supported at this time and probably wont be until summer.

Like I said, the DVI is not a huge deal to me, but you guys say you're using (or have used) it.  Do they just not know if it's going to work for me or not?

[aaron31182]

I don't think they know if it will work or not. I got my 3510 over a year ago and the DVI port has worked since day 1. However, I've found it isn't all it was cracked up to be. It didn't look any better, and made channel surfing worse as was all ready stated. If you have a DLP or some kind of non-crt set it might be worth it but on my CRT rear projection it didn't do anything. It's a nice STB though! Good luck with it.

[mhz40]

Right now I have the SA box from TWC (the 2300 or something like that).  The thing I don't like about this box is the fact that I don't get any digital audio out of it on any channels below 100 (TWC's analog lineup).    This drives my wife nuts, because she has to figure out how to switch audio inputs on the receiver... which in turn drives me nuts.

Anyway,  I was at a friend's house over the summer and he had the Pioneer box and seemed to get digital audio on those channels.  He lives out in Mukwonago and AFIK, they're TWC as well.

Can anyone in the Milwaukee area verify if they get digital audio out of all channels on the Pioneer box?

Also, what is the general consensus on both boxes?  Is one better than the other picture-wise?  I remember some issues with the Pioneer boxes initially.. are those still valid?  

Another bonus would be the DVI output.. freeing up a component input on my set.  How is the DVI picture compared to component?


Thanks in advance!

HD + SPDIF output on all channels + DVI = Pioneer 3510HD

[IMO], DVI isn't good for the cable surfing world.  Almost every time you change channels, the monitor has to re-sync with the new source.  Component is better, since you can lock the output format to the native display on your monitor.  I tried both and went back to component.  Find a DVD player with DVI if you want to chew up the DVI imput with something... [/IMO]

[Skipjack]

Find a DVD player with DVI if you want to chew up the DVI imput with something...

lol... thanks.  That's a good idea.