Sa8000hd

[DoubleDAZ]

57U. I thought I'd move this out of the Cox-Phoenix forum because I have several questions and maybe you (or someone else) can enlighten me.

First of all, your comment on the SA3250HD was certainly a bubble burster. Somewhere I got the idea that the 3250 added PVR capability for non-HD channels (though now I'm not sure why they would do that). I must have miss-read something or confused it with something on the SA8000, sigh...

Anyway, I'm glad I added my $.02 to the other forum or I'd be waiting for the 3250 thinking it was something it isn't. Looks like I might need to reconsider my decision to wait for a new HD STB from Cox before jumping into HD. But, before I do, let me make sure I now understand things more clearly.

1. I get the impression that the SA3250HD really only "fixes" some problems in the SA3100HD while adding a DVI connection.
a. Is it worth waiting for Cox to support it?
b. Will the DVI give significantly better PQ than Component?

2. From what you've said (and what I read on the SA site), the SA8000HD is what I ultimately need to give me the integrated capability I'm looking for (HD and DVR). They will be showing it at the NCTA Show next month. Do you know what that might mean with regard to availability for cable companies and, ultimately, us?

3. Is there any way to use the new technology before cable companies get around to adding support? I assume the answer is No, but it never hurts to ask just in case something has changed in how they support this kind of technology.

Thanks in advance,

[57U]

1a - you could ask Cox if they plan to support it or the new 4200, which is essentially a 3250 with modem.

1b - probably not, if there is a difference it'll probably be "slight".

2 - Not sure about the show. Rogers cable have promised an HDPVR (probably the SA8000HD) before the end of 2003. As for other companies, one can only guess, or gauge based on past experience. For example, Rogers launched the SA3100HD in early 2002 - when did it come to Cox.

3. Likely not. Most cable companies need to "activate" the STB, but each company is different... and this is changing... Many cable companies (and customers) like the fact that the cable companies supply/rent the STB. Then there can be no "finger pointing". If you buy the box separately , then the cable company can say it's the box if you have a problem...

Here's a link to the various SA products.

http://www.sciatl.com/customers/prod_cataloglist.htm

The final 8000HD should be very similar to the 8000, with the following differences:

- record HD
- larger HDD (180-250GB?)
- Price - several hundred $ more.

[DoubleDAZ]

Thanks for the quick reply. It seems like Cox rolled out HDTV service with the SA3100HD, but I'm not sure of that or when. I wasn't really paying much attention to HD until we bought the new TV earlier this year.

After I bought the TV I contacted Cox about HDTV programming. They mentioned the SA3100HD, but they also indicated they were working with a vendor on a new HD STB with PVR to be available sometime later this year. That's why I decided to wait a while before jumping in. That might also be what got me confused on the 3250. hopefully, they were talking about the SA8000HD.

As understand it, most cable companies seem to support only one vendor. Since they now support SA, I assume that will continue for the immediate future. The same was true when they first rolled out internet servie, but they quickly added support for more vendors.

If they weren't talking about the SA8000HD, maybe I'll move to Canada so I can get Rogers Cable. :D

Cheers,

[57U]

Originally posted by DoubleDAZ If they weren't talking about the SA8000HD, maybe I'll move to Canada so I can get Rogers Cable. Rogers covers Eastern Canada only. Western Canada is covered by Shaw and they lag Rogers by at least a year. The major centers in Western Canada only got HD very recently. Shaw uses Motorola.

[mike reed]

For now, I'm stuck on the 3100HD as well. Of course I'd love to have the DVR support, but given the trade off of no-HD, I'll stick with the 3100HD for now.

Of course I'm prodding TWC (Austin, TX) to beta their 8000HD for them... but the customer service from TWC Austin is very, very poor - even worse than many of the other TWC affiliates I see chatted about.

FWIW, I sent CBS a nice letter commending their HD support - they're far and away ahead of the game and providing me a great viewing experience - it's even changed my show selections and I'm hooked on their shows now!

Also, I got to see an NBA game on ABC-HD the other night. Simply amazing. From the full-court shot you could see the lines between the floorboards.

Anyway, back to the topic, I'm hoping that Austin will have HD+PVR boxes sooner than I think - but I'd glady trade that for Discovery HD. Especially since they've got the new CG documentary coming up about the evolution of man.

Mike :)

[DoubleDAZ]

Unfortunately the CBS affiliate here in Phoenix is not yet carrying the newtork HD. I just received a note from the Programming Director that this will be corrected by the end of summer. That is the main reason I see no need to hurry into HD and can wait a while longer to see if the 8000 will become available this year from Cox.

Cheers, Dave