[CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
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mjr @ 10th Sep 08:29AM:
[CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
A co-worker said his box reset last night. Nothing was working. Called RCN, they refreshed the box, and everything came back and "all his channel numbers were messed up... CNN moved into the 300's"
I figure he must have been crushed last night. He lives west of allentown, but not sure exactly where...
Anyway, looks like it's starting to happen..??
- Mike
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shadyman777 @ 10th Sep 08:39AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Well, the very first reports of people getting letters from RCN pointed to 9/24. HOWEVER, there were reports of people getting phone calls for an emergency truck roll due to a crush. The date it should of been completed, was 9/8. So, it's quite possible your friend was part of the first roll-out of the crush.
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Heggs @ 10th Sep 01:16PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
You are correct.It has started. The west end of Allentown is supposed to be the first to crush. RCN's new channel chart lists CNN as channel 351. Its showtime.... :D
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anon @ 10th Sep 03:48PM:
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anon @ 10th Sep 03:52PM:
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anon @ 10th Sep 08:19PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I'm on the west end of Allentown and came home today to a not so working television.
Can you guys give me a quick piece of info... do I need to get my box from RCN, or can I go out to say Best Buy and just get one there?
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tigrzeye @ 10th Sep 08:31PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Gotta' use RCN boxes unless you have Tivo boxes that use cable cards
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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anon @ 10th Sep 08:42PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Okay, sorry to be a pain in the ass, but is their a list of TiVo devices that would be compatible somewhere?
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shadyman777 @ 10th Sep 09:01PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by Nick3737 :
Okay, sorry to be a pain in the ass, but is their a list of TiVo devices that would be compatible somewhere?
Curious, did you receive a letter from RCN explaining any of this?
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tigrzeye @ 11th Sep 06:46AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
According to an article in the Morning Call today, some people say they never received any notification. The only way they knew something happened was a black screen on their TV or their TV was displaying a message to contact RCN.
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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lilhurricane @ 11th Sep 06:57AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Linkage (thanks TE)
»RCN customers hit with converter box surprise
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nycityny @ 11th Sep 12:37PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by Nick3737 :
Okay, sorry to be a pain in the ass, but is their a list of TiVo devices that would be compatible somewhere?
Any HIGH DEFINITION TIVO box will work, but you will still need to have a cablecard installed in the TIVO by RCN.
Keep in mind that TIVO requires a monthly subscription. They give discounts for pre-paying. A three year prepayment costs $299, or $8.31 per month. A one year prepayment is $129, or $10.75 per month. Without a prepayment it is $12.95/month. Additional boxes receive a discount of $9.95/month.
RCN charges $1.50 per month for a cablecard. Be sure to have them install an M-card as that will service the two tuners inside the TIVO.
Alternatively, you can just get a cable box from RCN. The first box is free, additional boxes are $2.95/month. Those boxes do not include DVR service for recording and are not HD.
If you go the TIVO route you have HD and recording ability. You can also lease DVR boxes from RCN for additional $.
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shadyman777 @ 11th Sep 12:57PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Alright cool, so they began crushing and it has been confirmed. I already have a two way connection, lets get my apartment complex crushed in Southside Easton!
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DanD @ 11th Sep 01:16PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
quote:
According to an article in the Morning Call today, some people say they never received any notification.
If it is anything like it was in Massachusetts, customers who did not have ANY converter boxes were notified that they would need a box for each tv. Any other customer did not receive notification (at least not in a separate mailing). I confirmed this with a few neighbors right before the Crush, who were shocked to hear that they would need boxes for all sets.
If this is still the case, then shame on RCN.
ALL customers should have been notified. Better still, RCN should have sent a postcard to ALL addresses in the area about to be crushed, with the new lineup. That way any non-RCN customer could see the choices, and may elect to sign up.
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wbertram @ 11th Sep 03:33PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by DanD : quote:
According to an article in the Morning Call today, some people say they never received any notification.
If it is anything like it was in Massachusetts, customers who did not have ANY converter boxes were notified that they would need a box for each tv. Any other customer did not receive notification (at least not in a separate mailing). I confirmed this with a few neighbors right before the Crush, who were shocked to hear that they would need boxes for all sets.
If this is still the case, then shame on RCN.
ALL customers should have been notified. Better still, RCN should have sent a postcard to ALL addresses in the area about to be crushed, with the new lineup. That way any non-RCN customer could see the choices, and may elect to sign up.
I have had an HD DVR for 4 years. I received a post card in late August, and an additional letter today. Both mailings indicated that I would need cable boxes for ALL TVs before the crush date, and both mailings indicated my crush date would be 9/24.
Maybe some people thought it was just junk mail, and didn't read it?
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anon @ 11th Sep 06:51PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I too live in the West End and was crushed on the 8th - without sufficient notification. Some people in my neighborhood did receive notification and the news of the crush was slowly spread by word of mouth.
To RCN's credit, I did receive an email from them on September 4th - 4 whole days before our crush and right before the holiday weekend. A tech could not make a visit until today, the 11th. If you get paper billing, you MAY notice under the section "RCN News" it does in fact mention the conversion. However, the print is small and there is nothing to draw your attention to this. (This was in September's billing, not August).
I'm usually not one to complain, but this was very poorly executed on RCN's part.
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shadyman777 @ 11th Sep 07:03PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
so to the people who've been crushed, how's the picture quality on the HD channels? Is HDNet still around on a channel number not listed? HDNet still works for me in the non-crushed area, so they didn't lose the feed to crush the area.
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anon @ 11th Sep 07:57PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
yes I would like to know if HDNET is still present and how he qulity is. I read all the comments from that Morning call article...it seems most of those people could care less about HD and just view it as a rate increase. Id rather pay a few dollars more for crystal clear HD over piss poor analog channels any day of the week.
Why spend 1500 on a new TV if your just watching SD on it...puh-leezz
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phil_lv @ 12th Sep 12:15AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Before you get the **new** converter boxes with the **upgraded** service, the new boxes are crud. you get NONE of the features of digital cable, except the ability to view. No channel guide, and the built in channel guide on my TV does not function anymore.
:mad:
I dont see the point for RCN, are they trying to drive customers away?
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kentonet @ 12th Sep 06:30AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by phil_lv :
Before you get the **new** converter boxes with the **upgraded** service, the new boxes are crud. you get NONE of the features of digital cable, except the ability to view. No channel guide, and the built in channel guide on my TV does not function anymore.
??
Assuming you're talking about the little DCT 700s, they do indeed support all the bells and whistles included in the service. Program guide and VoD work fine with them.
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mjr @ 12th Sep 08:32AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by phil_lv :
I dont see the point for RCN, are they trying to drive customers away?
Nope, they're trying to offer the HD channel offering that many customers have been asking for. They can offer 2 or 3 HD channels for every SD analog channel they remove. Every significant cable company will be doing this. RCN is just doing it ahead of most others.
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DanD @ 12th Sep 10:18AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
quote:
you get NONE of the features of digital cable, except the ability to view. No channel guide
Call RCN & have them send a Refresh signal to the box.
The guide and VOD do work on the DCT700.
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anon @ 12th Sep 06:11PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
HDNET is channel 1143.
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shadyman777 @ 12th Sep 06:49PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by Fenster :
HDNET is channel 1143.
thank you! Does it say you need to subscribe to it or is it included?
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anon @ 13th Sep 04:07AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
It's included unless RCN takes it away. HD Movies is on 1600.
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anon @ 13th Sep 10:27AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
they better not take it away that is one of the few channels that is good
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anon @ 13th Sep 11:14AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
is spike tv in HD on the new channel lineup ?
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shadyman777 @ 13th Sep 11:21AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by Maclin09 :
is spike tv in HD on the new channel lineup ?
Negative, Spike TV is a part of Viacom. Viacom wants a ton of money for access to the HD feeds of their channels.
Other Viacom Channels:
MTV
BET
Nickelodeon
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alershka @ 14th Sep 01:18PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Is there a "rough" roll out schedule? When is the crush is going to hit Bethlehem Township? I am currently the owner of multiple DVR's (four Tivo's and a Media Center PC) and I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do about the crush.
The Tivos are spread across two HD TV. One of my Tivo's is an HD hooked up to one of the TV's, but I don't currently have cable cards in them as I just pull the Clear QAM HD channels with it. I'm going to get another HD Tivo which I will have on my other TV but I want to make sure I will have time for a truck roll once the new Tivo arrives.
Thanks.
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mjr @ 14th Sep 01:42PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
RCN has an agreement with TiVo to offer TiVo's for rent sometime next year. You may want to consider this before spending more of your cash on a TiVo. Check this forum for more details. There are other threads about this.
- Mike
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alershka @ 14th Sep 03:07PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by mjr :
RCN has an agreement with TiVo to offer TiVo's for rent sometime next year. You may want to consider this before spending more of your cash on a TiVo. Check this forum for more details. There are other threads about this.
- Mike
With the fall TV season starting, I'm not sure I can wait until next year. We don't watch a ton of tv live and wind up time shifting a bunch of content to watch on Wednesdays. I pretty much need three tuners minimum to grab everything that my house will be watching on Thursday nights this year with Fox changing their lineup.
Two of my Tivo's have lifetime subs on them so I will be shutting off all of the analog tivo's and replacing the cost of the two I'm paying the multiuser Tivo fee on with a new Tivo on a multiuser discount fee.
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anon @ 14th Sep 06:35PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Noticed last night... both HDNet and HDMovies were removed from the included package, but are available for an additional subscription fee.
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tigrzeye @ 24th Sep 12:26PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Crush hit here on S. Cedar Crest Blvd. I came into the office today about noon and flipped on the TV while eating lunch and found all the nice new HD channels were available and in the 1000 and up channel range.
HDNet is on channel 1143 and I was able to view it. However, HDMovies which is on channel 1600 was unavailable and got the "to subscribe" page.
HD HD HD and more HD WOW... can't wait till it hits my area!!!!
:D :D :D
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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JeepMatt @ 24th Sep 01:56PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I have to admit i'm impressed how they are doing this in the LV.
Analogs gone and new HD's all at the same time!
--
"ONE team - ONE city - ONE dream!!"
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jay22381 @ 28th Sep 08:50PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
we get the crush on oct 8th on the south side of allentown
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Tink2725 @ 29th Sep 03:22PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I spoke to RCN yesterday about digital boxes. They do have cable cards but do all HDTV's have this slot?
I don't understand why RCN must come in the home to install each box. It's bad enough there charging for each box. I don't care to have a tech in my whole house. the last time they messed up the install and It took weeks to fix. Here it had to be reset or updated over the lines then it worked fine.
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mossd @ 29th Sep 04:20PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by Tink2725 :
I spoke to RCN yesterday about digital boxes. They do have cable cards but do all HDTV's have this slot?
As far as I know few TVs are sold with cablecard slots anymore.
We have a Tivo on our main TV with a cablecard in it (the Tivo), but I expect the card to pick up the updates for me, and the "free" box to go to our secondary TV (which is also an HDTV but has no cablecard slot).
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DanD @ 29th Sep 05:17PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
quote:
I don't understand why RCN must come in the home to install each box.
I didn't want RCN coming, either -- we were given the option to pick up the converter boxes at our local payment center. But, they wouldn't give them to me, because I wanted more than 3... RCN sent a complimentary truck roll & the tech who was there couldn't understand why they wouldn't just give me the boxes.
On the plus side, they replaced all the coax connections coming from the walls, replaced all outdoor splitters, and even got a bum box when trying to set one up, so it saved me a tech call to RCN.
There was one room that we were doing some work in, so we asked the tech if he could activate the box at a different outlet, disconnect it, and put a different box there, so we could then move it into the room once the work was done. He had no problem doing that.
So all & all, I was happy with the tech that came out to us.
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anon @ 30th Sep 03:19PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Just got the postcard bethlehem Twp east of rt 33 and the vineyard development are going to get crushed October 15th
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mjr @ 30th Sep 06:55PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Me too. West of 33, Bethlehem Township.
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shadyman777 @ 30th Sep 07:28PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
you're just getting your cards for a crush on October 15th? Lame.... I got my card a week ago with a crush date of October 27th.... I wish I got my card like you guys... only two weeks out, not I have to wait to get converted. I just wish they'd flip the switch for me and give me the HD asap.
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anon @ 30th Sep 07:29PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Oct 29th here in Forks PA. By the way....will QAM still work ?
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shadyman777 @ 30th Sep 07:55PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
for local channels only. nothing else will work without a box.
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ike @ 30th Sep 11:02PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I'm in Whitehall and was told we'd be crushed on 10/1 when I scheduled the STB install... I guess I'll find out in the morning... anyone know if the RCN HD-DVR's automatically pick up the channel number changes for scheduled programming?
As far as the install goes--I argued I didn't need since my installs were non-standard [we use ReplayTVs for our SD-TVs] and I know how to hook them up... but the rep kept giving the excuse that they needed to "remove filters"--I kept informing her that the last time a Tech was there to install our second HD-DVR removed the filters saying they were unnecessary.
And when the Tech that did come, he screwed it all up... my wife was home and I gave her instructions that he was to "just put the STB inline between the splitters and the TVs and to not worry about the ReplayTVs" (for which I had run A/V cables and needed to hook up an IR-blaster cable). Sure enough, I find in both cases, he took my splitters out of the loop and connected the STBs straight to the wall which then left me short on coax when I fixed his mistake. On top of that, in the living room he proceeded to plug one STB into an extension cord from a switched outlet (instead of the "can't be missed by a blind man" power strip 1-foot away mounted to the back of the TV cabinet), and then unplugged my wife's window candle instead of using the existing extension that the TV was plugged into cord in the bedroom...
Oh, and he didn't show up until 3pm--an hour after the 11-2 window, causing my wife to reschedule an appointment at the last minute. The only offer I got for complaining--3 months of HBO... my response was "Uh, no--because (1) I won't watch it and (2) I'll forget about it until the first month you start billing me for it...
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shadyman777 @ 30th Sep 11:15PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
that's crazy man! Last time I complained they gave me my HD-DVR free for a year!
But yeah, Let us know if the signal just works tomorrow or if you had to do anything. I was curious about that... but not too curious since i'm not scheduled till 10/27
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tigrzeye @ 1st Oct 12:07AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
We were crushed at our office on the 24th. Didn't need to do anything on our HD box there. Turned on the TV the next day at lunch and all the new channels were there and working.
Sure wish they would get to it here in Northampton!! Haven't even received any notification yet as to date of crush. I heard rumors of around Thanksgiving.. :( :( but nothing official yet.
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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Heggs @ 1st Oct 04:20AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Tigrzeye,
The west end of Allentown was done first now there in Bethlehem and Forks Township. Don't you see the trend? They are jumping over the urban areas. Center,East and South Allentown were skipped and so was the city of Bethlehem. My only reasoning is that they went to the higher echelon of subscribers where they have several TV's and would want all of them to have HD converters($) . Also maybe they only want to deal with a minimal of people first with problems than hundreds of people in the cities. As far as when Catty and probably Northampton will get crushed, see my other post "Catty crushed 2010?"
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tigrzeye @ 1st Oct 06:49AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Maybe.... but last night at a Chamber mixer I was talking to a woman who complained that her RCN bill was $79 per month and she wasn't about to pay more for cable boxes. She had 2 TV's! She didn't have an HD TV in the house, and didn't plan too. She threatened to cancel and got lowered to about $40 per month.
Now there is a High End customer !!! LOL :D :D
RCN made a bundle on that one through the crush!!
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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jay22381 @ 1st Oct 09:20AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
the south side of allentown gets the crush on oct 8th and 8th street gets the crush today.
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anon @ 1st Oct 11:06AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Here's a side of this story that I can't confirm. I was told by someone with connections to RCN that the areas with the highest amount of "extras" on their accounts are indeed center city. Yes, you'd think just the opposite. But from what this person states, the very people on assisted living, are the ones opting up the extras. You can read that the way you want. But this person states that on average, more premium services are sold to the urban areas, then out in the upper scale suburban areas.
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anon @ 1st Oct 08:31PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Is all of Whitehall getting crashed today...i'm in the Cemeton area, never got a post card!
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ike @ 1st Oct 09:08PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by JPS :
Is all of Whitehall getting crashed today...i'm in the Cemeton area, never got a post card!
Don't know--Hokey hasn't been crushed yet, and I doubt (hope) they wouldn't do it during prime-time TV... we'll see what things look like in the morning....
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anon @ 1st Oct 09:53PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Is there some master list posted somewhere that has the crush dates listed by location?
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Heggs @ 2nd Oct 12:58AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
There is no master list I say Forest? and Butler?are getting upgraded and North Whitehall on November 15th and North/Bath November 23 and the rest of Easton begining of Dec. I thought maybe they have the bigger cities broken down to streets(blocks). Maybe some other people can call and get some more info.
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shadyman777 @ 2nd Oct 07:37AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
the rollout is really wierd. I live in southside easton and have gotten my card with a crush date of October 27th. I thought this thing was going from West to East? This is all crazy! I won't complain though, cause i'll be getting HD sooner than most I guess :)
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Heggs @ 2nd Oct 09:24AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I editied my last reply before I posted it and cut out some of it by mistake thats why it sounds confusing. I actually got those locations from the RCN customer upgrade center.I called the number on there website last night and a girl there read off those areas I have listed on my last reply. I asked where is Forest and Butler? Never heard of those towns in the Valley,thats why it might be broken down to streets in the bigger cities IMO. So maybe other people can call and see what info they can get.
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syborg1404 @ 2nd Oct 12:54PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I live in Forks Township. We got our "crush" postcard yesterday setting the date for November 3rd. We have to add two boxes for a pair of frequently unused TVs upstairs, but the added HD on the main set makes it all worthwhile.
I'm hoping that when the Tivo boxes become available that we'll be able to use the HD DVR function even more than our current Motorola box.
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anon @ 5th Oct 07:16PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Well...got my 2 digital boxes and one DVR box. Both digital box remotes don't work with my combo (off brand) TV's. How frustrating, I have to use two remotes with these sets. The installer said this is a problem with a lot of combo TV's.
The installer hooked up the main TV and asked if I had a HDMI cable. I said no and he hooked it up with a co-axle cable and said it wont look much different. He made sure they all had a picture, but the boxes had to "reprogram" and that would take some time then split. Everything did work, but the HD channels were a disappointment. I had to switch over my DVD HDMI cable to receive the HD channels in HD.
Shouldn't RCN supply the appropriate cable to receive HD?
Overall a disappointment.
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DanD @ 5th Oct 07:36PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
quote:
Shouldn't RCN supply the appropriate cable to receive HD?
Many years ago, when I first got HD, the tech left me some component cables (before HDMI was even around). He never told me that RCN was going to charge me $25 for them...
When we got out boxes, we were told that cables would be provided at a cost. So I made sure that I had the appropriate cables (mostly composite) when the tech came with the other boxes...
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tigrzeye @ 5th Oct 09:04PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Just an FYI.. if RCN provided the HDMI cable they would charge way too much for it !! Monoprice.com is the place to buy HDMI cables and much more.
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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shadyman777 @ 5th Oct 09:04PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
i got a hdmi cable for free from rcn.... they never charged my account!
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anon @ 5th Oct 10:31PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I received a few HD channels with my TV tunner without the box (cable straight into the TV), why would I need an HDMI cable from the DVR?
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shadyman777 @ 5th Oct 11:25PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by JPS :
I received a few HD channels with my TV tunner without the box (cable straight into the TV), why would I need an HDMI cable from the DVR?
You're right, you used to be able to plug a HDTV in without a box and receive free HD channels. However, after you get crushed (or you may already be) and say for example you spring for a HD box, you can go from your HD box's coax cable to your TV's coax tuner and get the HD channels no issue. The main reason, to go HDMI, is it's the best quality out there right now for HDTV.
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anon @ 6th Oct 10:20AM:
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anon @ 6th Oct 11:53AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
HDMI cables cost like 2 dollars if you know where to look..not so much of a victory :)...but it is if your under the impression monster cables are the only hdmi cables there are
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tigrzeye @ 6th Oct 02:23PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
While researching whether a particular local township allowed for "drop" marketing, I came across this in the ordinances persuant to cable co's. operating in the township:
Operator shall not employ any converter or
other equipment or technology that would interfere with and/or inhibit the use of standard
electronic reception or entertainment devices or dual screen televisions or dedicated
remote controls unless with notice to and consent of________
What is "standard electronic reception" in the case of a cable company?
One would think RCN complied wouldn't one??? ;)
Don't get me wrong I love the fact the crush is happening but not everyone does.
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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tigrzeye @ 6th Oct 02:32PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
and here is more from their ordinances:
Operator shall make available a basic broadcast service tier to which subscription may
be required for access to any other tier of service. Such basic tier shall, at a minimum,
consist of:
A. All broadcast television signals carried in fulfillment of the requirements of
§614 of the Cable Act of 1992.
B. All active public, educational and governmental access channel(s).
Signal Transmission.
Operator shall not scramble or otherwise encode, for the entire term of this franchise,
any of the basic broadcast services described in §241 herein and in accordance with
Federal law, unless operator provided suitable means to descramble or decode said services.
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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anon @ 6th Oct 03:05PM:
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Heggs @ 6th Oct 03:58PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I talked to an RCN installer last week and he said they must keep the basic broadcast channels availible because of an emergency type situation (911?) and as per the Cable Act of 1992. So when I do a digital tuner scan now with the cable hooked up direct I am still getting all the locals 3,6,10,17,57,29 and 39 . So I would think these channels are here to stay.But what if you are satisfied with just them,are they going to have a very basic basic tier for $5.00 a month! :D It really makes no sense cause they give you the first converter free,why settle for 7 channels, but again if your other TV's in the house have a digital tuner in them you would not need a converter ,just watch the locals and save $2.95 a month per TV. I have no idea why anyone would do that but there again why is the government making it mandatory to keep local broadcast availible on your digital tuner?
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anon @ 6th Oct 05:42PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
That's what I do. 99% of the video I watch is on 1% of the channels (I.e., the local broadcast networks - which are free and in the clear). Why would I pay $2.95 a month to have a box that I won't use? I get the free box for when I want to watch something other then the broadcasts, and on my flat panel in the bedroom and kitchen, I do a QAM channel scan and get all the locals for free. That includes the local broadcast HDs (I.e., KYW HD, WPVI HD, WLVT HD, WTXF HD, WCAU HD, WPPX HD, WPHL HD, & WHYY HD). And according to the comming soon list, we'll have WFMZ HD and WNEP HD. Most of the good shows are on these channels anyway, so I'm happy!
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tigrzeye @ 9th Oct 06:52AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Just an update... although it says here
»www.rcn.com/j/morehd?ibid=Banner···MoreHD#3
that you will need to schedule a truck roll to your house to add converter boxes and can not pick them up at RCN's office, I stopped in at the Ave. C office while dropping off a payment to ask. The rep behind the window said that boxes CAN be picked up there and CUSTOMER INSTALLED ??? I also spoke to a friend who works at RCN and they said that there are lines there daily waiting to pick up boxes. As I was turning from the window the next guy in the door had heard my question and his response as he approached the rep was "and I'm one of the those that need boxes, three of them" (paraphrased).
SO I guess you can get additional boxes now at the Ave C office..
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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alanisrox69 @ 9th Oct 02:25PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by tigrzeye :Just an update... although it says here
»
www.rcn.com/j/morehd?ibid=Banner···MoreHD#3that you will need to schedule a truck roll to your house to add converter boxes and can not pick them up at RCN's office, I stopped in at the Ave. C office while dropping off a payment to ask. The rep behind the window said that boxes CAN be picked up there and CUSTOMER INSTALLED ??? I also spoke to a friend who works at RCN and they said that there are lines there daily waiting to pick up boxes. As I was turning from the window the next guy in the door had heard my question and his response as he approached the rep was "and I'm one of the those that need boxes, three of them" (paraphrased).
SO I guess you can get additional boxes now at the Ave C office..
I wonder if they give out DVR boxes tho
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tigrzeye @ 9th Oct 02:32PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I didn't get specific as to which boxes as I will probably be going for a couple DCT700's when closer to the time needed.
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If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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tigrzeye @ 10th Oct 03:59PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Today I dropped by RCN on Ave C to return a DVR for my boss.
The line of customers was out the door. This is by no means a scientific survey but of the 10 or so in line 30% of them were there to return boxes and cancel services. One said they went with satellite TV, one just went back to antenna feed, and one said I don't really need TV.
Like I said not scientific but it was, shall we say, enlightening!
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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mjr @ 10th Oct 08:08PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Got the robocall today. Looks like they're still on schedule for October 15th. Bethlehem Twp, West of Rt 33...
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shadyman777 @ 12th Oct 12:07PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I got a second mailer Saturday stating more information about the crush. Saying it'd be within the next 15 days so if I needed boxes I need to hurry and get them. Also in this envelope, They had a printout of the channel lineup, which is nice so now i won't have to look the channels up online or on my iPhone 3GS :P
Curious... Remember back in the day when RCN had a sticker you put on the back of your remote... do they still offer this sticker? This isn't a question from me, it's for my grandfather who keeps nagging that he can't use his illegal splits anymore without a box.
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Heggs @ 12th Oct 12:42PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Shady,
Have you seen any HD channels yet from somebody that has been crushed. I was wondering if they are rate shaping and how does the quality of the HD look?
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shadyman777 @ 12th Oct 01:20PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I have not. I'm going to assume though, that the HD channels i'm currently getting pre-crush are the same as if i have been crushed since in theory it'd be the same quality over the lines for all areas whether they hit area or not.
Which means, all the channels are a lot better picture quality than their SD counterpart. But over the past year though, the quality, in my eyes anyway, saw a slight downward shift torwards SOME pixaliation. I stress SOME because it's very very hard to notice.
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tigrzeye @ 12th Oct 02:16PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
All I can say is the new HD channels look great here at the office.
Makes me envious as I can't watch it much here and then when I get home, no crush yet so the same ole HD channels there.
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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at18289 @ 15th Oct 01:50PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Bethlehem Twp East of RT. 33 is Crushed
It is gonna take a little while to get used to to the new channel #'s
But overall it looks good and all my season recordings transfered to the new channel assignments seamlessly
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jondar9 @ 15th Oct 02:57PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by at18289 :
Bethlehem Twp East of RT. 33 is Crushed
Well, analog is gone, but both my DCT700 and 2224 are still showing the pre-crush lineup, even after a power reset on them both.
Still waiting for guided setup on one of the TiVoHDs to complete to see if the cablecards were switched, but right now we only look half-crushed. :(
Edit: Nope, the cablecards haven't received the new lineup either, so we've lost analog and that's it.
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at18289 @ 15th Oct 10:47PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
My guide is updated try holding the power button until it says boot and then release it it should take a few minutes and then update.
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jondar9 @ 16th Oct 07:43AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
All crushed now finally, thanks to a great tech named Annette. An hour on the phone the first time, then 30 minutes later both cablecards and both boxes reverted to the old lineup! Another half hour wasted on the phone with the call center, trying to convince the barely understandable gentleman that no, I didn't want a truck roll scheduled for 10/22...if all 4 of my devices reverted lineups there's obviously something wrong elsewhere. Thank goodness Localcare can get you in touch with a tech who is actually helpful.
It *would* have been nice of RCN to mention somewhere that there's a small block of channels that currently don't match the printed channel lineup they mailed out (97-126). Especially since those are the exact channels that the TiVo asks about when re-running guided setup (Hint: say "yes" to QVC on 103.)
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alanisrox69 @ 19th Oct 09:03PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Just got this in the mail the other day from SecTV. Thought it was pretty funny as they boast about their "high quality" nonsense. They put 3 HD channels on one QAM and bandwidth shape everything to oblivious SD bitrates.
Can't wait to get crushed RCN. Hurry it up will ya? :p
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alershka @ 20th Oct 11:11AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Woke up this morning to the crush (Bethlehem Township, South West of Route 33). Tuner in my pc only broadcasts on channel 4 (I think) letting me know I need a cable box. My Tivo's are showing channels but I need to do another guided setup to get the lineup correct. I'll do that when I get home.
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anon @ 20th Oct 11:12AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I love good HD quality and many others do and they will choose RCN.
Itwont be long before EVERYONE has an HDTV and will look RCN.
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anon @ 21st Oct 05:57PM:
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Heggs @ 23rd Oct 10:31AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Just talked to a friend who lives in the east side of Allentown that was supposed too get crushed Oct.29th. He said he got a card in the mail yesterday saying now it will be Nov.29th! Looks like a few bumps developed on the road to the crush. When he told be that,I called RCN and asked if I was still looking around the Nov.17th time frame for the Whitehall/Catty area they said now it appears to be Dec. 21st ! :huh: Guess it will be sorta like a Christmas present!
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tigrzeye @ 23rd Oct 12:46PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I've seen more RCN trucks than normal working on lines lately. 2 weeks ago they were on Race St. at Willowbrook Rd. area. (now Verizon trucks are there ...lol) And yesterday I saw them working on RT. 329 west of Airport Rd. There has been a lot of activity.
I hope it is not as delayed as it appears by the last couple posts, but it sure won't surprise me any either. :huh:
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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Enjoralas @ 23rd Oct 01:18PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I live just off Willowbrook and travel that way 5 days a week for work, nearly every day for the past 6 weeks there's been RCN, Verizon and/or PPL trucks at that intersection. Often one, sometimes two, and a few times all three companies. Verizon has been there the most. Not sure exactly what's going down there, suspect it's improvements for the development they're putting in down Willowbrook.
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anon @ 23rd Oct 04:48PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Heyyyy...Im supposed to get crushed Oct 29th in forks township....
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rcnman @ 23rd Oct 07:28PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Hi Everyone, I just wanted everyone to know that I have received word from executive management in the PA market that they are on schedule for Crush and there are no delays at the present time.
Have a great weekend :)
Jason
--
Jason Nealis,
Sr. Director, Video Product and Video Operations
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shadyman777 @ 23rd Oct 09:29PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by rcnman :
Hi Everyone, I just wanted everyone to know that I have received word from executive management in the PA market that they are on schedule for Crush and there are no delays at the present time.
A few people I personally know never got crushed on October 22nd like they were told they would be via the letters/phone call they got. Got me a little worried until I told them to try unplugging their box, waiting a minute, then plugging it back in which caused them to get the brand new line-up.
Is this going to effect my DVR if I have to remotely "crush" my own box? Kinda curious. I get crushed the 27th, got two letters and a robo call, all confirming the 27th... i'm pretty damn excited....
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alanisrox69 @ 24th Oct 04:55AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by rcnman :
Hi Everyone, I just wanted everyone to know that I have received word from executive management in the PA market that they are on schedule for Crush and there are no delays at the present time.
Have a great weekend :)
Jason
Would be nice to know the 'schedule' so we can follow the dates :)
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shadyman777 @ 24th Oct 07:57PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by alanisrox69 :
Would be nice to know the 'schedule' so we can follow the dates :)
Have you not gotten your notice from RCN about the crush with a date? I've gotten two letters and two phone calls about it now. October 27th! Lilhurricane, get your fireworks script ready!!!
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lilhurricane @ 24th Oct 08:13PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
..not yet ..soon ;)
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tigrzeye @ 24th Oct 08:37PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
No letters .. no calls .. no nuttin here in Northampton ..
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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alanisrox69 @ 24th Oct 09:05PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by shadyman777 :
Have you not gotten your notice from RCN about the crush with a date? I've gotten two letters and two phone calls about it now. October 27th! Lilhurricane, get your fireworks script ready!!!
Nada here yet.
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tigrzeye @ 25th Oct 08:05AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
My quandary is that I WANT to get additional DCT700 boxes for a couple TV's. But I also, even though it's only $2.95, would like to get 1 free box too. I read or was told that you can only get the boxes at RCN's Ave. C location if you are withing 1 month of getting crushed. Okay that is a good idea to cut down the line to get boxes. But some of us really do want to get a jump on it. I need to program mine into my home automation system, as they will be hidden, set up IR emitters, etc. Can I get 2 now and 1 will be free? Or am I not eligible for any free DCT700's because I already have STB's in my home?? Inquiring minds want to know. ;)
Could an RCN member on here give a little guidance please as I am getting conflicting stories. Please :D
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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quattrog @ 25th Oct 10:58AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Tigrzeye, I'm in Allen Twsp just outside of Northampton. I called last week. I set up for additional boxes to be installed this Wednesday, Oct 28. That was the earliest due to the 30 day window. From what I was told, we're scheduled for Dec 8. So it would appear I'm getting these just outside the 30 window. But anyway. Here's also more info. I recently signed up for a triple play deal. Which included 1 HD DVR and 1 Standard STB. When I first called about a month ago, I was told that I was not going to be getting any additional "free" SD stb because I was already get a "free" one in my current deal. I argued, but to no avail. Anyway, this last time I called, I got a different story. I was told that RCN is not going to "look" at anything the customer currently has. That going forward, everyone, regarding of what they currently have, will get 1 free SD stb. So, that's what I'm getting. One additional SD stb free, and one additional HD stb for $9.95/month. I tried to get a better rate on the hd stb, but no luck. That's when they offered me 3 months of HBO for free.
I was just over to my brother's place in Fountain Hill. He got crushed a week or so ago. Not sure I like the 4 digit HD channels. But do like the addition of so many hd channels. Many that I'll never view though. Like an HD version of G4. My wife will like the HD Bravo, since she's into the reality shows on that channel. But then again, she never cares if she's watching HD or not. Most times not. Anyway, hope this is more info for you. Like others have posted here, It sure would be sweet if we could program the hd boxes so that when you enter say, channel 6 for the Philly ABC, it automatically takes you to the HD version. I guess that's what those expensive Harmony remotes are for.
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tigrzeye @ 25th Oct 11:40AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I am also physically in Allen Twp. but Northampton borough is only one building lot away... Anyhow.. I guess I will trek on down to Ave. C tomorrow and ask a few questions. If I come back with two DCT700's and one of them free, so much the better. Don't care for the Dec. 8th date for the crush, but then I had originally heard "around" Thanksgiving so not that far off.
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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anon @ 25th Oct 06:17PM:
msg deleted
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alanisrox69 @ 27th Oct 02:00PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Wahooooo!
My letter came today, I'm getting crushed on Nov 12th!
Yippeee
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shadyman777 @ 27th Oct 02:07PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Yahoooooooooooooooo! I've been crushed!!!! Lilhurricane, light up the fireworks!!
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lilhurricane @ 27th Oct 02:32PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by shadyman777 :
Yahoooooooooooooooo! I've been crushed!!!! Lilhurricane, light up the fireworks!!
Hooray!
:)
[att=1]
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anon @ 27th Oct 05:01PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
congrats on the crush...so how is the
HD quality ? Any rateshaping going on ? I am due for crush on oct 29
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anon @ 27th Oct 07:06PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
still no notice in whitehall....i'm jealous!!!!
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shadyman777 @ 27th Oct 07:32PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by Maclin09 :
congrats on the crush...so how is the
HD quality ? Any rateshaping going on ? I am due for crush on oct 29
Quality is freaking awesome! This is the best thing that RCN has done. The channel numbering is a little confusing.... but that's because I memorized the 171-194 range... now it's a lot more than that in the 1000's haha. You will enjoy the crush Maclin09! It hit my box right after I got up. I turned my TV on at 6ish and a few minutes after being a little depressed, my box restarted and it was all smooth sailing from there.
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Heggs @ 28th Oct 10:08AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Whitehall / Catasauqua node not supposed to get crushed until Dec.21st :( Merry Christmas! We won't receive notice until around Thanksgiving at the earliest (30 days before crush). Maybe they should hire more manpower from the other RCN areas to kick this thing in gear faster. I saw 2 RCN trucks with Maryland tags on them tonight at McDonalds in Bethlehem. They probably already hired everybody in the Lehigh Valley with a heartbeat and a pair of cutters and a crimping tool!
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anon @ 28th Oct 09:49AM:
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JeepMatt @ 28th Oct 10:25AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I'm a FIOS customer, but have been intrigued with the LV "crush" process.
It seems to me they aren't doing this by headend, but it almost seems like by neighborhood.
Does anyone know how they are making these changes? Is it like an old-school rebuild where they are cutting over actual fiber / coax nodes to a new connection?
--
"ONE team - ONE city - ONE dream!!"
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lilhurricane @ 28th Oct 10:49AM:
(topic move) [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Moderator Action
The post that was here, has been moved to a new topic .. »[Need Info] Tivo & New Digital signals
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tigrzeye @ 28th Oct 07:51PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Hey all got a question... if after the crush you still get a few channels, nationals and locals, without a box, is that with any TV?? Or do you need a new TV with digital tuner??
--
If you don't know ask. I ask a lot, know a little.
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shadyman777 @ 28th Oct 08:23PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I would imagine with the signal being 100% digital... you'd need a digital tuner.
But I will say, discovery HD theater comes in and I do not have the expanded HD package.... i ain't complaining... just sayin
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anon @ 28th Oct 09:58PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Hey Just curious...I am scheduled to be crushed tomorrow...will it be "crushed" in the AM or sometime thruout the day ? My official day is the 29th
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shadyman777 @ 29th Oct 08:58AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I was scheduled for this past tuesday, the 27th, and it hit around 6:15ish in the am while I was watching the news. The reboot with the new lineup didn't take long at all. So, I'm going to assume, that you've been crushed since it's 9am local time. Congratz! The lineup is awesome! soooooo many new HD choices it's AWESOME.
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alanisrox69 @ 29th Oct 05:53PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by JeepMatt :
I'm a FIOS customer, but have been intrigued with the LV "crush" process.
It seems to me they aren't doing this by headend, but it almost seems like by neighborhood.
Does anyone know how they are making these changes? Is it like an old-school rebuild where they are cutting over actual fiber / coax nodes to a new connection?
I would like to know this too actually! I'll find out soon enough once I'm crushed I guess.
said by Maclin09 :
congrats on the crush...so how is the
HD quality ? Any rateshaping going on ? I am due for crush on oct 29
looks like you'll get the crush before me, but once I do, I'll be posting a rateshape statistics thread on post-crush rateshape status.
-Derek-
--
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cypherstream @ 1st Nov 06:08PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by JeepMatt :
I'm a FIOS customer, but have been intrigued with the LV "crush" process.
It seems to me they aren't doing this by headend, but it almost seems like by neighborhood.
Does anyone know how they are making these changes? Is it like an old-school rebuild where they are cutting over actual fiber / coax nodes to a new connection?
I'd like to know this too.
But to guess...
I'd say the fiber that connects the node being "crushed" is switched out at the combining network over to a new laser, which is part of a completely different combining network (different RF plan). The DAC sends a new channel map to the OM-1000 connected to that second virtual cable plant. Cable operators always boast about the big cost associated with going all digital. Normally you may think, "what cost your just removing analog modulators and only adding new digital qams when ready to introduce more services. The only cost is labor unhooking and pulling out ancient 1U rack equipment. "
Not exactly... Sounds like they built two headends in the facility. That's quite a lot of cost and equipment to do. Then of course slowly transfer fibers from one combining network to the other. When it's all done rip out the "old" headend.
Not every equipment needs to be duplicated... but some does ensuring a cost associated with it. I guess it's easier to do this way so things can be tested and slowly migrated over. Imagine something going wrong and the ENTIRE plant is offline. CSR's phone queues will be off the hook!
It's like they took LHV and split it into two hub configurations.
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syborg1404 @ 2nd Nov 11:50AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
It's amazing how localized the crush is being conducted. My neighbor - on the same block as I am but not on the same street - was scheduled for 10/29. RCN even called to say that it was happening that day and that TVs with no boxes would stop working. It went through that morning right on schedule.
I am scheduled for tomorrow (11/3).
I assume it's dependent upon what digital switch your physical address is on. But I find it interesting that two houses that are next to each other get two different dates.
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ike @ 4th Nov 12:07AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by JPS :
still no notice in whitehall....i'm jealous!!!!
Same here (Hokey)--when I called in mid-September, they said I had to hurry because we would be crushed on 10/1.... I guess that was just wrong or a way to get me paying for boxes for an extra month...
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ike @ 4th Nov 12:10AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by Heggs :
Whitehall / Catasauqua node not supposed to get crushed until Dec.21st
What!?! $@#%! customer service...
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syborg1404 @ 6th Nov 06:58PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
The crush came on schedule....no hitches or hangups. Other than learning the channel numbers, it's a definite hit. The Weather Channel HD doesn't have the local feed, but I'm sure that will happen in due time.
All that HD content is welcome!!
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alanisrox69 @ 11th Nov 11:06PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
My crush comes tomorrow!!!
I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve....instead of Santa, it's where's Crush? Where's Crush? Did he make it to Bethlehem yet? *sets out cookies and milk*
:D
What time has it been happening? early morning?
--
CHECK YOUR FSLC TAXES!!!
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Heggs @ 12th Nov 11:27AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Hey, can somebody that is crushed and has HD post how good the clarity of it is? This post went dead now that most people are crushed.It don't happen at my house till Dec.8th. I just wanted a sorta semi-pro review of the clarity and quality of the HD.I know there is a lot more HD channels but I am concerned about rate shaping and does it look better than the pre crush era. Thanks in advance.
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mightyhog @ 12th Nov 10:35AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Nazareth seems to be getting hit on Dec 8th. I'm in Upper Naz. and my mother is in the borough. We both have the same date for the crush. Can't wait. Maybe my internet speed will return from it's year long hiatus after the crush.
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shadyman777 @ 12th Nov 01:11PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
nothing looks rate shapped.... Then again, I might be mistaken. Anything is better than the SD channels I was forced to watch before. They look horrible now, worse than pre crush. I was never one that cared for true HD or not, All I wanted was a picture that was more clear, which HD brings even if rate shapped, and the 16x9 widescreen ratio that HD also brings. The HD channels don't look horrible, if that's what you're asking. I believe it would also depend on if the station is messing with the signals streching something non-HD to put on their HD feed. Many variables to seek, little information given unfortunatly.
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alanisrox69 @ 12th Nov 01:30PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by Heggs :
Hey, can somebody that is crushed and has HD post how good the clarity of it is? This post went dead now that most people are crushed.It don't happen at my house till Dec.8th. I just wanted a sorta semi-pro review of the clarity and quality of the HD.I know there is a lot more HD channels but I am concerned about rate shaping and does it look better than the pre crush era. Thanks in advance.
Just got crushed. checked a few channels before heading to work. All the HDs that were rateshaped pre-crush ARE STILL BEING SHAPED. HBOHD, MAXHD, SHOHD, TMCHD, STARZHD -- CBSHD, ABCHD, FOXHD, NBCHD -- all have rateshaping license applied.
:( :( :(
Also, MGMHD says it's a subscription service.
-Derek-
--
CHECK YOUR FSLC TAXES!!!
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cypherstream @ 12th Nov 04:50PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I'm sure those channels are still coming out of the same cherry picker / dm6400 or whatever they are using. Going to take a lot of reconfiguration to re multiplex those channels. Let's get one thing done at a time.
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alanisrox69 @ 12th Nov 07:38PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by cypherstream :
I'm sure those channels are still coming out of the same cherry picker / dm6400 or whatever they are using. Going to take a lot of reconfiguration to re multiplex those channels. Let's get one thing done at a time.
The thing is, there's no reason for the license to be applied. all the channels are 2 per QAM, so plenty of bandwidth for each channel to run at their native bitrates, with room leftover!
-Derek-
--
CHECK YOUR FSLC TAXES!!!
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shadyman777 @ 12th Nov 10:13PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
how do you know they are still rate shaped? I honestly can't even tell.
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kentonet @ 12th Nov 10:21PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
By looking at the headers on the feed. If the header is modified then it usually means there's rateshaping (or at least a license) applied.
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alanisrox69 @ 12th Nov 10:24PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by kentonet :
By looking at the headers on the feed. If the header is modified then it usually means there's rateshaping (or at least a license) applied.
Bingo!
Not to mention I cap the same segment from OTA and it's apparent the RCN feed has been altered.
--
CHECK YOUR FSLC TAXES!!!
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cypherstream @ 12th Nov 10:52PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
But even if the feature is turned on, one HD stream cannot exceed 19.2mbps. So if there are only 2 HD streams per QAM, there would be no reason for the encoder to rate shape. Are you seeing a variable bit rate on your captures? What is the average bit rate on some of the channels? Some are very low from the source, like Universal HD is only about 8~9mbps from the Sattelite. Some others like Starz only run about 12~13 mbps at times. HGTV and Food Network should still have 19.2mbps feeds, as well as Palladia, Discovery HD Theater, and most of the sports channels.
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alanisrox69 @ 12th Nov 11:14PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by cypherstream :
But even if the feature is turned on, one HD stream cannot exceed 19.2mbps. So if there are only 2 HD streams per QAM, there would be no reason for the encoder to rate shape. Are you seeing a variable bit rate on your captures? What is the average bit rate on some of the channels? Some are very low from the source, like Universal HD is only about 8~9mbps from the Sattelite. Some others like Starz only run about 12~13 mbps at times. HGTV and Food Network should still have 19.2mbps feeds, as well as Palladia, Discovery HD Theater, and most of the sports channels.
The feeds are generally being reduced 500kbps-1mbps on average.
I know what feeds run from all the sources as I have access to a c-band downlink of all the master feeds.
I'm just saying, for instance, HBO has a header of 14mbps (so the bitrate won't exceed 14mbps at any given point) but RCN has shaping license applied. There is no reason to apply the license since half a QAM is 19.39mbps and 14mbps is well under 19.39........
-Derek-
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CHECK YOUR FSLC TAXES!!!
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cypherstream @ 13th Nov 07:35AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
But maybe the licence is globally applied, so that one day if they need to reconfigure things, they can put stuff that "needs" to be rate shaped. The question is, can the licence be applied but disabled, and turned on at a whim if needed down the road? I wonder what technology they are using, Imagine Communications ICE, Cisco, Harmonic, BigBand Networks, etc...
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Heggs @ 13th Nov 11:28AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Thanks everyone on the input of my question. Derek, great explanation of rate shaping and the license,cause I remember when I got my HD converter box over a year ago I could easily see the difference between the rate shaped HD and the non rate shaped HD. TBS,CBS and HD Net clearly had a better resolution or "wow" picture,when you would look at Fox NFL live and TBS MLB live if you could not see TBS was much more vivid then get your eyes checked.Now I don't see that "wow" look in any of the HD's,I mean its good don't get me wrong but that super resolution is gone thats why I posted asking to see what the crush HD was looking like.But I believe with the crush that the majority of the people will see a clearer picture be it digital or HD and be very happy with it as some were looking at snowy pictures, lines and distortion on there channels when it was analog.Now that all the channels look clear they will be satisfied.But true HD gives you an unmistakeable outstanding picture. Also I think RCN has made a big step forward in a new technology with the crush and the potential is now there for all kinds of advancement,lets sit back and let the dust settle and see if they take the ball and run with it. Sorry for the long post and off thread. I guess we need a new thread on the "RCN HD Quality" :) now that the crush will be winding down shortly.
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anon @ 13th Nov 04:10PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Since the LV is a mix of one and two way areas, is RCN rateshaping HD to help protect the bandwidth in some of the older legacy areas? It seems easier to just to modify the signal at the head end, and pass it on to everyone rather than modify it for the individual nodes that need it. Just a thought.
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cypherstream @ 13th Nov 04:34PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by CBL B0X :
Since the LV is a mix of one and two way areas, is RCN rateshaping HD to help protect the bandwidth in some of the older legacy areas? It seems easier to just to modify the signal at the head end, and pass it on to everyone rather than modify it for the individual nodes that need it. Just a thought.
No. One way area's would not have a return path, which is 5-42 MHz (typically).
54-750 or 860 MHz should be available in the forward path... Although if those amplifiers can't pass a return, I'd be surprised if they went higher then 550 MHz.
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anon @ 13th Nov 05:48PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
good info on teh rateshaping. I see it too...The network channels BLOW AWAY the pay channels on my plasma.
IMO at least....lets hope RCNMAN doesnt go into hiding as far as commenting on this issue. That happened with the whole lehigh valley crush thing and I am sure a lot of customers jumped ship when they didnt have to(or want to). If they just new the crush date was coming soon it would have been good enough for most.
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Heggs @ 13th Nov 11:41PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Maclin,I know back in April I decided to switch from RCN to Service Electric because they had so many more HD channels and I like the Ironpigs and there was no crush seen coming from RCN so I called Service and got an install date and then when I went to cancel RCN the person looked at my bill and told me I was paying to much and he could cut my bill down $15 and give me Mach 10! He also said the crush is commg in June. So I thought this deal is to good to pass up so I waited it out and kept RCN and it paid off even though I get crushed Dec.8th and it wasn't June. It still would have been nice to know in advance. I think a few people jumped ship an got Service or Verizon and wish they would have stayed with RCN now but like you said,who knew when it was coming?
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alanisrox69 @ 13th Nov 11:53PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by MACLIN09 :
good info on teh rateshaping. I see it too...The network channels BLOW AWAY the pay channels on my plasma.
IMO at least....lets hope RCNMAN doesnt go into hiding as far as commenting on this issue. That happened with the whole lehigh valley crush thing and I am sure a lot of customers jumped ship when they didnt have to(or want to). If they just new the crush date was coming soon it would have been good enough for most.
Part of the problem is also...all the secondary HD premiums (like ShoTooHD, Starz KidsHD, etc etc) are all pumped out from the source as 4-6mbps h264 feeds. They are encoded for DirecTV and Dish, so RCN simply downlinks those low quality highly compressed HD feeds and re-encodes them to mpeg-2 to be compatible with our Moto boxes.
Since the source is crappy quality -- the output will be.
The MAIN premium HD channels are all sent out in mpeg-2 from the source (with bitrates ranging in the high 14's to 16's) -- HBOHD, MAXHD, SHOHD, STARZHD, TMCHD etc etc.
It's these channels that the rateshaping license is applied and SHOULD NOT BE since there is plenty of room on the QAMs for them to run at their native bitrates.
-Derek-
--
CHECK YOUR FSLC TAXES!!!
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ike @ 14th Nov 09:17PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by ike :said by Heggs :
Whitehall / Catasauqua node not supposed to get crushed until Dec.21st
What!?! $@#%! customer service...
Just got my post card today: Dec. 17 for Hokendauqua.
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Heggs @ 15th Nov 03:18AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
They were only 4 days off for you.That customer service girl was pretty close I talked to for your area. I get crushed Dec. 8th here in Catty along with the Northampton,Bath area. Looks like they bumped the dates up some which is nice. Hokey/Whitehall node is probably the last phase of the crush.RCN wanted it wrapped up by the end of the year and it looks like they are well on there way of doing it.
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ike @ 15th Nov 08:26AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by Heggs :
They were only 4 days off for you.That customer service girl was pretty close I talked to for your area. I get crushed Dec. 8th here in Catty along with the Northampton,Bath area. Looks like they bumped the dates up some which is nice. Hokey/Whitehall node is probably the last phase of the crush.RCN wanted it wrapped up by the end of the year and it looks like they are well on there way of doing it.
I don't mind that we're last, but I do mind that when I called back in September (after the first postcard), I was told I had to hurry and get STBs by 10/1...
I'm just a bit miffed that (1) my wife missed an appointed because the tech was late (didn't get there until an hour after the "window"), (2) I had to rework the installs (didn't follow my detailed instructions and removed splitters to DVRs that I wanted to use as-is until I could set up IR-blasters, etc.), (3) I had to have a tech out at all (I think I've seen that we can now go to Ave. C to get them...) and (4) have been paying for STBs I really haven't needed for the last two months.
Eh, well... time to go reduce my blood pressure and set my fantasy football lineup (side note: when will the NFL figure out it can make more money from "Sunday Ticket" if they permit cable companies to sell it as well... I'd be willing to pay RCN for that...)
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shadyman777 @ 15th Nov 01:41PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
said by ike :
Eh, well... time to go reduce my blood pressure and set my fantasy football lineup (side note: when will the NFL figure out it can make more money from "Sunday Ticket" if they permit cable companies to sell it as well... I'd be willing to pay RCN for that...)
I would also be willing to buy Sunday Ticket as well. Only if RCN could deliver the games in HD and inlude NFL Red Zone in the package. If the games aren't in HD, i'd have a tough time getting the package.
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Heggs @ 15th Nov 01:43PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Ike,I did not know you received a postcard to be ready for Oct. 1st ! That bites, I can see why you would be upset. You were on your way to being one of the first crushed and now it turns out to be more like a 2 1/2 month delay. Plus they told you to quick get your STB's and all that. Your right that was bad. I know the eastside of Allentown was supposed to be Oct.27th and my friend showed me his postcard from RCN saying it has been delayed until Nov.27th. Oh well by the end of Dec.it will just be a thing of the past. Todays technology is like this Jone's, you better keep up.
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anon @ 15th Nov 02:02PM:
msg deleted
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anon @ 15th Nov 09:19PM:
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anon @ 17th Nov 09:05PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
I am Crushed. :(
About two years ago I got rid of my converter box so I wouldn't have to surf through 200 channels to find what I do get. (and to save 5.00 a month rental fees) It was so nice that I could program my TV to receive the channels with a signal so that when I surf I only get what I get. Now I have 1000 chanels of which I only get 50 0r 60, and I really only watch about 10 with any frequency. RCN is forcing me to plow through hundreds of channels that I neither get nor want to watch the few I do. The result is that I don't "call to subscribe today!", I just turn off the TV or hit the Redbox, the Blue box(block buster) or the mail box(netflix). Advertisers should know that more and more people like me are turning away from TV and going to movies only. RCN pisses me off. If Service Electric had better internet or if Fios werre available in my area, RCN would be a distant unpleasant memory for me. :(
Crushed in Wilson
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DanD @ 17th Nov 11:20PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
quote:
RCN is forcing me to plow through hundreds of channels that I neither get nor want to watch the few I do.
The best way to get around this is to add the channels that you do watch to your favorites... then just push the FAVorites button on your remote to surf through them...
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anon @ 18th Nov 08:00AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
That was a helpful suggestion. This feature is symptomatic of all of the poor design choices and complete lack of responsiveness by RCN. You can only scroll in on direction through favorites. This is ok if you only have 4 or 5. Why did RCN not bother to offer any literature with the converters that tell you how to find features? Shouldn't there be some form of set-up instruction? No, I am left in the dark to figure it out for myself as usual.
Crushed in Wilson
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quattrog @ 18th Nov 08:50AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
One other thing you can do, is you have the ability to create a list of channels to skip. Then when you surf up/down, these channels will not show up. They still show on the guide though. I wish there was a way to also exclude them from the guide as well. I agree like everyone else. I only watch a small percentage of the channels that we currently get. Would be nice to truely customize the box to only show what you want.
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anon @ 20th Nov 05:56PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Today my father called up RCN and ordered our boxes. I will be getting an HD box but am curious as to what the model box is. Does anyone know what HD box(es) RCN are distributing? The CSR told my dad I would need RCA (yuck) or component cables to connect...unfortunately I have spare HDMI but not component.
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DanD @ 20th Nov 06:10PM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
quote:
Does anyone know what HD box(es) RCN are distributing?
My original HD box did not have HDMI -- I exchanged it at my payment center for a different model (DCH3200). Then, I exchanged that for a DCX3200 -- that is a "1/2-size" all black box, that sit either horizontal or vertical... no clock on that one, but it looks pretty sleek
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quattrog @ 21st Nov 09:03AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
DanD, can you post a picture of that new hd box? I have the older, larger 3200 box and would love to get something smaller. I will have to check to see if they are even available here in the LHV area.
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DanD @ 21st Nov 09:20AM:
Re: [CATV] Anyone Crushed in the LV yet???
Here is a picture of it.
Also, here is the link to it on Motorola's web site:
»www.motorola.com/staticfiles/Bus···heet.pdf
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