Pdawg
Premium
join:2001-12-26
East Peoria, IL | HDTV Cable Boxes Does MediaCom offer HDTV cables boxes yet? If not, when do they think they will offer this service. I am in Central IL.
Thanks. | |
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 XtremeXP
join:2003-10-07
Albany, GA | Re: HDTV Cable Boxes I know we are suppose to be starting HDTV here in albany GA real soon probably early next year sorry haven't heard anything about IL. They have already shown us the boxes and how to hook up. Thats gonna be fun. | |
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anonomous coward
@merck.com | Re: HDTV Cable Boxes No, not next year please!!!!
I want HDTV now!!!! | |
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Alan Gordon
| Xtreme, I live in Terrell County (Albany DMA), I can see the "Welcome to Sasser" sign outside my window (If you know where "Mark's Melon Patch" is, I live next to that"). Now, we used to want cable, but it was not available to us, and so in '94, we got DirecTV. I have no interest in cable as a whole, but if we are (now?) eligible for cable, and especially the local channels in Hi-Def, I wouldn't mind leasing a box and getting the local channels (if you will offer such a package) in HD. Though I doubt we are eligible for such a thing, I must admit I would love to get such a package as I have trouble getting in WALB and WFXL from Albany in analog, I am unsure of the possibility of picking up it's digital signal, much less picking up a digital signal from WTVM and WRBL in Columbus. Please respond, interested in your comments.
Thanks!
~Alan | |
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| | XtremeXP
join:2003-10-07
Albany, GA | Re: HDTV Cable Boxes Sorry for the late reply Alan. Unfortunately cable isn't available in that area. | |
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IronDragon
Premium
join:2003-06-25
Des Moines, IA | HDTV is still in it's infancy.
My guess is as more programs are transmitted in hdtv you will start to see more options for that
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Once a Geek always a Geek | |
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Pdawg
Premium
join:2001-12-26
East Peoria, IL
| Re: HDTV Cable Boxes HDTV is not in its infancy. All local channels in central IL are sending HDTV signals, as well as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, etc. In fact all network channels must be HDTV compliant by 2005. I know to receive HDTV signals thru your cable provider requires a special HDTV box as well as your cable provider must be able to broadcast that signal to your box. That is why I ask how long until MediaCom gets to that point. I could buy a TV with a over the air tuner built-in and in central IL and I will be able to see ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and PBS in HDTV. I was hoping that MediaCom would offer something soon, but if not, I will use a HDTV antennae and receive the signals over the air.
Thanks. | |
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djkoolaide
join:2003-06-26
Davenport, IA
| well on my digital cable from mediacom, i can see that there is HBO HD, and stuff like that.. would that count as hdtv? you'd probably have to get a special box that has component or dvi outputs or something but i think thats the only hdtv offered atm | |
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ThaDark1
Don't Blame Me. I Voted For Pedro
Premium
join:2003-09-08
Newton, IA | I think IronDragon was referring to the HDTV service with MediaCom not HDTV in general.
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Patience Is A Virtue | |
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Thrawn2
Grand Admiral Thrawn
Premium
join:2001-04-09
Davenport, IA | same here. I know that hdtv is not new. I was just wondering how is mediacom coming along with it. | |
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jomama
join:2002-11-21
 ·Mediacom
| I am told CR has Motorola DSR5100's to lease. only channels offered are showtime and hbo. KCRG the local ABC feed was to be added but since they are only running half time (if that) and maybe for other reasons, it ain't on yet. Call for current pricing, but when they silently launched HD in August installation was $40 a box, with a monthly rent in the neighborhood of $10 a month. HBO and Showtime subscriptions required of course, same rate as regular digital. This is all assuming you were determined to own an actual HD capable display. I get the chance to see a lot of affluent homes with HD capable TV's in them and I have yet to see a HD box, most people into it have gone to Directv to get more offerings, and an antenna to receive all the digital networks that currently are available FREE today. | |
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wth
Premium
join:2002-02-20
Iowa City, IA
·Mediacom
| The real trick for mediacom will be to provide hdtv for n/c in a couple of years as the fcc pulls the plug on channels 2-13. Then mediacom will have to provide hdtv local programming in their basic packages. As for the converter box, you will have to rent it, or own a hdtv ready tv. | |
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bradleym
join:2002-08-05
Dunfermline, IL
·Mediacom
| Hey Pdawg
I'm in Central IL also and am currently receiving WEEK 25 (NBC) and WTVP 47 (PBS) in HD via an OTA HDTV receiver. I don't think that the Peoria CBS or ABC stations are doing any HD content yet. Also, FOX 43 in Bloomington is supposedly broadcasting in HD, but I can't get then in OTA at all. | |
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Pdawg
Premium
join:2001-12-26
East Peoria, IL
| WMBD uses the bottom of the barrel HDTV signal and it is active, their number is DT-30, and HOI is HDTV compatible too and the use the same rate as WEEK. What kind of antennae did you buy?
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Patrick MCSE / MCDBA
MediaCom Cable, 1500/128, Windows 2000 Server, Linksys 4-Port Router, nodes running both Win2K Pro and Win98SE | |
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redhat112
join:2003-09-14
Gulf Breeze, FL | They just got out the HDTV boxes here in october with a new channel lineup,and real video on demand,streaming movies to cable boxes is coming out this month.I live right down the street from the southeast headquarters,and we get alot of goodies! | |
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wth
Premium
join:2002-02-20
Iowa City, IA | Mediacom IS advertising HDTV in an ad being shown on the scorers table in Carver Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City IA | |
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clevelandmb
join:2003-11-12
Monticello, IL
| Mediacom has HDTV cable boxes - but only 4 channels, 2 HBO and 2 SHO. Got mine installed today and installer said first one he has seen. Was not sure how to hook up, but he got it done. Central had to "activate" the box.
Get my HDTV tomorrow, so will see how it works. Looks good on my old TV. But if cable does not get more HDTV very soon, they will see many leave and go to Direct TV. | |
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IronDragon
Premium
join:2003-06-25
Des Moines, IA
| Re: HDTV Cable Boxes In case anyone is wondering, below is a link to a site that lists what is available ( unfortunately not in all areas or with all providers ) in HDTV programming.
»www.hdpictures.com/sched.htm
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Once a Geek always a Geek | |
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IronDragon
Premium
join:2003-06-25
Des Moines, IA
| Re: HDTV Cable Boxes Most of the broadcast stations are only offering a part time HDTV broadcast. Take that and couple it with the fact that in order to carry an analog channel for a local station and a part time HDTV broadcast for that same station would use up 2 channels in the available spectrum for the same programming and you can start to understand why every channel that has even a part time HDTV signal isn't carried by every carrier.
My guess is that once the majority of the programming is broadcast in HDTV quality you will start to see more offerings of HDTV channels with most of the cable companies.
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Once a Geek always a Geek | |
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| | | | TazMainiac
join:2003-05-22
Marion, IA
| Re: HDTV Cable Boxes said by IronDragon  :
Most of the broadcast stations are only offering a part time HDTV broadcast. Take that and couple it with the fact that in order to carry an analog channel for a local station and a part time HDTV broadcast for that same station would use up 2 channels in the available spectrum for the same programming and you can start to understand why every channel that has even a part time HDTV signal isn't carried by every carrier.
Umm, didn't the FCC essentially give each broadcast station a 2nd channel to do precisely this? Once the switchover to digital is done (2010 and beyond) the original analog channel is given back to the FCC.
From what I understand, we have a chicken and egg problem. Little content and prices were too high, so no one bought HDTVs, so no one produced HDTV content, so no one bought HDTVs, and so on. Things are slowly getting better, but it's taking time.
I believe that HDTV over cable television is a different beast from HDTV over the air. CATV systems needed different/modified standards for some reason. This just got resolved at the end of last year .
Pete | |
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| | | | | fernanra
join:2003-09-15
Leesburg, GA | Re: HDTV Cable Boxes According to the article Mediacom wasn't among the companies who signed the agreement. | |
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BAINCH
Premium,VIP,MVM
join:2003-04-02
Middletown, NY
| Mediacom is working to bring HDTV service to many of our service areas. Mediacom is offering limited HDTV service in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids,IA, the Quad Cities, Charleston, IL and some suburbs of Minneapolis. By the beginning of next year areas of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, central IL, and NE Indiana will be HDTV active.
HDTV content availability is a challenge. We are negotiating with cable networks and broadcasters for the rights to carry their HDTV feeds.
Mediacom initially launched HDTV service using Motorola's DCT 5100 advanced settop box. Mediacom has since upgraded to the DCT 6200. The current output configuration is component (YpbPr), but the DCT 6200 is fitted with
DVI and 1394 outputs that be enabled later next year. | |
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| poolShark
join:2002-11-21
Marshall, IL
| Re: HDTV Cable Boxes Hey, Bainch
Can I ask a couple of questions.
said by BAINCH :
Mediacom is offering limited HDTV service in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids,IA, the Quad Cities, Charleston, IL and some suburbs of Minneapolis.
Mediacom has since upgraded to the DCT 6200.
1. By upgrading to the 6200, do you mean the 6200 series or Mediacom is using the one without the integrated hard drive? I have been wanting to get a Tivo, but would much rather have an integrated unit such as the DTC6208. If just using the model without the hard drive, when will Mediacom be offering integrated DVR STBs for HD and non-HD?
2. Is the rent fee for the 6200 the same as the standard digital STB and if not, do you know what it is? Also, is the HD feed of HBO and Showtime part of their respective packages or do you incur an extra subscription fee? I'm in the Marshall area, just south-east of Charleston, if that affects your answer.
3. I still have a standard TV, but planning on upgrading soon. Would Mediacom allow me to upgrade to the 6200 before I had my HDTV? At least that way I could benefit from the faster box and S-Video out. My current DTC2000 is so slow and no S-Video. | |
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BAINCH
Premium,VIP,MVM
join:2003-04-02
Middletown, NY
| Re: HDTV Cable Boxes 1. At this time we are using the first model in the DCT 6200 series which is the HD-only settop box. Mediacom will be using the DCT 6208 DVR/HD box in our DVR launch markets. Initial launches (TBD) will begin in late Q1 2004.
2. The rental fee for the 6200 is $11.00 ($6 more than the standard digital box). HBO HD and Showtime HD are passed-through to HBO and Showtime subscribers at no additional cost. We will also pass-through HD broadcasters as they come online.
3. There are no restrictions to renting a DCT 6200. | |
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| | | poolShark
join:2002-11-21
Marshall, IL | Re: HDTV Cable Boxes Sounds good. Hope my market is one of the initial DVR launch markets. I'll be signing up for one of those as soon as I hear it's available. | |
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| | | | JBark
join:2003-06-26
Spring Valley, MN
| Re: HDTV Cable Boxes Feel free to add SE Minnesota as one of your test markets. Especially Spring Valley 
I'm currently in the process of building a home theatre in my basement, and I would love to not have to get a dish or an antenna to get HDTV. | |
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hindsite
@mchsi.com
| I'm in central IL (Monticello) and just got a Mediacom HD box. I was delivered a 5100, not a 6200. Had to provide my own cables - the box was delivered with only the power cord! Also, even though I get HBO & SHO on the regular box, only HBO is showing in HD. When I called customer care, they said SHO will come on sometime in Feb?!?! | |
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Thrawn2
Grand Admiral Thrawn
Premium
join:2001-04-09
Davenport, IA | When will mediacom get like ESPN HD and ABC HD the sport stuff? | |
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BAINCH
Premium,VIP,MVM
join:2003-04-02
Middletown, NY | Re: HDTV Cable Boxes Would probably need someone from Disney to respond to that. | |
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Thrawn2
Grand Admiral Thrawn
Premium
join:2001-04-09
Davenport, IA | Why are they not giving mediacom HDTV and why would they do that to mediacom. | |
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marigolds
Gainfully employed, finally
Premium,MVM
join:2002-05-13
Saint Louis, MO
| Because that is the way that ESPN and Disney play?
Currently they are pushing many cable companies to carry ESPN on their basic cable tier before they get the other channels as well as carrying the full range of ABC/Disney/ESPN channels in expanded basic.
That would of course create somewhere about a $1.50 cost increase for basic cable and a $2 or so cost increase for expanded basic (cost, not price; I am sure the price increase would be higher).
Cox is threatening to remove ESPN from the expanded basic tier, which has ESPN/Disney telling their viewers to cancel any Cox subscriptions.
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ISCABBS - the oldest and largest BBS on the Internet
telnet://whip.isca.uiowa.edu
Member: American Association of Geographers, American Geophysical Union, American Water Resources Association | |
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Rich S
@207.109.x.x
| I recently set up a home theater room in my newly finished basement and had Mediacom install a HDTV cable box. The installation guy mentioned that unofficially Mediacom is planning to roll out with additional HDTV channels that could arrive sometime in January. He advised me to keep an eye on the Mediacom website specific to my area for an announcement that might be appearing this month (I'm in Urbandale, IA). I hope such an announcement gets made (can anyone confirm what I heard?), although I think the extra $6/mo is worth it already for the 5 HDTV channels (2 HBO, 2 Showtime, 1 local CBS) I get now plus the digital audio output that allows me to get 5.1 digital audio with several movies.
Can anyone provide a better estimate of when DVI output will be enabled beyond simply saying 2004? I have a HDTV with DVI input, but I have no A/V components with DVI output enabled. I've seen from looking around at AVS Forums that DVI allows for a big improvement in picture quality beyond component video. | |
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marigolds
Gainfully employed, finally
Premium,MVM
join:2002-05-13
Saint Louis, MO
| HDTV channels are available in Iowa City, but corrections need to be made with TV Guide to make them accessible.
Mediacom is also purchasing "next generation" HDTV converter boxes. If people have some specific questions, I can try to get more details on Monday about that.
Negotiations are ongoing for more HDTV channels.
VOD will be available soon and while TVs with built in HDTV tuners (available this month) should function, they will not be able to access pay per view and VOD.
If people can give me some specific (and hopefully Iowa City related to some extent) HDTV questions, I can ask those at the meeting on Monday.
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ISCABBS - the oldest and largest BBS on the Internet
telnet://whip.isca.uiowa.edu
Member: American Association of Geographers, American Geophysical Union, American Water Resources Association | |
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daveddd
@qwest.net | Re: Note: Iowa City Only Do you know when mediacom will add KCRG to its HDTV programming? | |
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marigolds
Gainfully employed, finally
Premium,MVM
join:2002-05-13
Saint Louis, MO
| Well, if you had asked two days ago, I could have asked last night I will try to get an answer to that first chance I can get.
In the meantime, the channels above 800 on the TV Guide listing are the HDTV channels. Mediacom is upgrading the HDTV DCTs as they were not satisfied with the previous ones. More details on that soon hopefully as well.
--
ISCABBS - the oldest and largest BBS on the Internet
telnet://whip.isca.uiowa.edu
Member: American Association of Geographers, American Geophysical Union, American Water Resources Association | |
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Kevdogia
@mchsi.com |  Re: HDTV Cable Boxes
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davcamp4
@qwest.net | any word on the KCRG HD or any other HD Channels. If they keep wanting to raise prices they should at least be able to keep up with technology. I think even bravo is in HD now. | |
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