Petrus
03-09-2004, 11:44 PM
TimeWarner called me last night and is sending me the new HD/DVR, SA8000HD. Anyone tried these yet? Can you use the DVI or do you use the component? Can you stretch non-HD? Thanks!
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View Full Version : SA 8000HD on TimeWarner
57U
03-09-2004, 11:51 PM
1. Do a search for SA8000HD, I think there are a couple of people with them.
2. I believe the firmware for DVI is "Beta" but may be working. Depends on whether the port is "activated" by your cable company.
3. Some also have firewire ports which may or may not be active - possible addition of an external HDD for additional storage to be "configured" by the STB (but not a PC as far as I know).
4. If they're like the SA3250HD, the STB will stretch both SD & HD - the stretch is a simple linear horizontal stretch, as well as a zoom. (if that's what you were asking). If you're asking if the TV can stretch, then as long as you configure the STB to output SD as 480i, then the anwer is also yes.
2. I believe the firmware for DVI is "Beta" but may be working. Depends on whether the port is "activated" by your cable company.
3. Some also have firewire ports which may or may not be active - possible addition of an external HDD for additional storage to be "configured" by the STB (but not a PC as far as I know).
4. If they're like the SA3250HD, the STB will stretch both SD & HD - the stretch is a simple linear horizontal stretch, as well as a zoom. (if that's what you were asking). If you're asking if the TV can stretch, then as long as you configure the STB to output SD as 480i, then the anwer is also yes.
DoubleDAZ
03-10-2004, 08:18 AM
FWIW, there is a very large thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=352604) over on AVS dealing with the SA8000HD and experiences in various TWC markets.
humdinger70
04-07-2004, 12:02 PM
I have a question - if (and when) I get the hi-def capable PVR, does it require the use of a DVI connection to view the material that I record at hi-def? I have a 3-year old RPTV (Mitsubishi WS-55807) that doesn't have it. It's only available on the extra cost "Promise Module" (see the Mitsubishi TV thread on it). The only connection I use right now is the component cables between my HD set top box (Pioneer 3510HD) and my TV.
57U
04-07-2004, 12:55 PM
All STBs (with or without DVRs) to date have component video outs for viewing HD material.
summerfun
04-08-2004, 12:50 AM
We have a contact at our local TWC. He is beta testing the SA8000HD DVR right now. They do have a working DVI port, but it is not working on his system. Everything is in beta right now and they are trying to work out the bugs. We hope to have the units soon.
mfabien
05-20-2004, 02:39 PM
For SD channels you may want to read post # 9 at:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=10086
I have a SA 8000 HD and it works very well. To skip commercials on recorded programs or movies, click the fast forward 3 times and count 10 seconds and press FF once again.
Here in Montreal, my cable company says the DVI and Firewires should be activated next month. In your case, the Firewires should be active now and if not, your cable company must do so upon your request (FCC ruling). Your DVI should also be activated in June, if there are no complications.
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=10086
I have a SA 8000 HD and it works very well. To skip commercials on recorded programs or movies, click the fast forward 3 times and count 10 seconds and press FF once again.
Here in Montreal, my cable company says the DVI and Firewires should be activated next month. In your case, the Firewires should be active now and if not, your cable company must do so upon your request (FCC ruling). Your DVI should also be activated in June, if there are no complications.
FamundaCheese
05-24-2004, 06:52 PM
Ok here's the lowdown, I have a Sony KP-51ws510. I also have an SA 8000HD
box. The picture quality is terrible, the DVI slot doesnt work due to, and i quote,
"issue with the local stations concerned over recording their programs." When i asked the customer service rep if i could use an aftermarket HD box i was told NO, that it wouldnt work with their service. I have to use the SA 8000HD. The other problem i've noticed with the 8000HD is that it overrides your TV settings.
Where i normal could use 4 different viewingn options with the tv, Wide Zoom, Normal, Full Mode and Zoom Mode, now with the 8000HD i can only use the settings built into the box, Normal, Stretch or Zoom. I also asked the TW rep if using a signal booste would help the picture quality. She said no. I went and bought one anyways and guess what, it improved the quality. Needless to say right now im not very impressed with TW in San Antonio.
:mad:
box. The picture quality is terrible, the DVI slot doesnt work due to, and i quote,
"issue with the local stations concerned over recording their programs." When i asked the customer service rep if i could use an aftermarket HD box i was told NO, that it wouldnt work with their service. I have to use the SA 8000HD. The other problem i've noticed with the 8000HD is that it overrides your TV settings.
Where i normal could use 4 different viewingn options with the tv, Wide Zoom, Normal, Full Mode and Zoom Mode, now with the 8000HD i can only use the settings built into the box, Normal, Stretch or Zoom. I also asked the TW rep if using a signal booste would help the picture quality. She said no. I went and bought one anyways and guess what, it improved the quality. Needless to say right now im not very impressed with TW in San Antonio.
:mad:
57U
05-24-2004, 07:58 PM
Please ensure that you set up the SA8000HD properly. See the FAQ on SA STBs - near the bottom of that post are some hints. If your STB doesn't allow the "passthrough" or "upconvert1" options yet, it will as soon as the firmware is updated to allow those options, and then your TV will be able to do the stretching. Let us know how it turns out once you do the proper setup. The "fixed" picture format will not allow the TV to stretch.
The DVI slot may also not be working properly yet due to the firmware. Remember that these STBs are very new and they are still working out some of the bugs. This issue has been noted and SA are working on "fixes" for some TVs. It's not because of copy concerns, it's because the "handshake" between the STB and the TV are not being done "properly". Once the STB knows it's connected to a TV and not a PC, there will not be a problem. If your TV doesn't have HDCP, then this handshake may not take place and you may have to use the component video connection, like a lot of other people.
Almost all cable companies restrict the STBs that can be used on their system. Part of the reason is to ensure a quality and compatible product.
Remember that your Sony is only capable of stretching SD channels. The SA8000HD will stretch the HD channels in addition, even if only the "basic" linear stretch.
Check your signal strength with and without the amp. (see the FAQ mentioned above.). If the strength is low without the amp, ask TW to get you a better signal to your house. An amp is rarely necessary with the proper "drop" and connections. An amp may improve your analogue channels, however I don't see how it can improve HD channels because, as with most digital signals, you either get them or you don't.
The DVI slot may also not be working properly yet due to the firmware. Remember that these STBs are very new and they are still working out some of the bugs. This issue has been noted and SA are working on "fixes" for some TVs. It's not because of copy concerns, it's because the "handshake" between the STB and the TV are not being done "properly". Once the STB knows it's connected to a TV and not a PC, there will not be a problem. If your TV doesn't have HDCP, then this handshake may not take place and you may have to use the component video connection, like a lot of other people.
Almost all cable companies restrict the STBs that can be used on their system. Part of the reason is to ensure a quality and compatible product.
Remember that your Sony is only capable of stretching SD channels. The SA8000HD will stretch the HD channels in addition, even if only the "basic" linear stretch.
Check your signal strength with and without the amp. (see the FAQ mentioned above.). If the strength is low without the amp, ask TW to get you a better signal to your house. An amp is rarely necessary with the proper "drop" and connections. An amp may improve your analogue channels, however I don't see how it can improve HD channels because, as with most digital signals, you either get them or you don't.
FamundaCheese
05-24-2004, 10:40 PM
So i accessed my signal strenth information on my 8000HD. On the current fdc, it said level 21 dbmv , freq 75 Mhz, s/n 25. For the current qam it says 7 dbmv and s/n 36. Im new to all this so i have to ask, is that good or bad levels? Please help.
57U
05-25-2004, 12:23 AM
It's the QAM information you're after. It probably says -7dB? and 36dB s/n? These are both good readings. If your reading is really +7dB, you may actually be "overboosting" your STB and could cause damage. An ideal number is zero dB. I believe these levels are discussed in the FAQ.
Please provide feedback on the other setup issues (like passthrough and if it's available) when you have the time. Thanks.
Please provide feedback on the other setup issues (like passthrough and if it's available) when you have the time. Thanks.
