Over the course of the last months, I’ve made a couple of recommendations for universal remotes. There are several good ones out there, and many folks prefer the “hardware” of a universal remote with physical, tactile buttons that emulate, to one extent or another, the remotes we’ve all used over time. Universal remotes get rid of the “clutter” of multiple remotes to control different devices, and certainly have a place in a complex A/V system.
A relatively recent trend has been to weld remote functions to the ubiquitous smartphone/tablet paradigm. I’ve had a Samsung remote application on my iPhone for some time, and it works great with my TV (via built in wi-fi). As a practical matter, however, it tends to be the “backup” when I can’t put my hands on the hardware remote–a second choice not for any particular reason as it is a pretty good app with all of the basic remote functions available.
It was just a matter of time before a number of companies introduced a “universal” paradigm to the app-based remote, and it turns out that there are a number of good ones out there. Certainly a number of ill-conceived, hastily executed ones as well.
Whether you go this route or the more conventional “Harmony” style hardware is mostly a matter of taste. Some practical considerations intrude; i.e. Do you really want your 3 year old scaling a chair to the kitchen counter top, trying to grab your $500+ smartphone so he can watch QwickDraw McGraw on Saturday morning??? Probably not. The crash to a tiled floor is hard on both the smartphone and the kid. Compared to an emergency room visit, dedicated universal remotes are relatively cheap.
But if your circumstances and preferences are such that an app-based universal remote is an option, I’d recommend that you check out the following:
Griffin Beacon–This one got an “editor’s pick” from Wired magazine, and appears to be well engineered and easy to set up. The hardware IR (which communicates with the phone/tablet via Bluetooth) is good looking, battery powered (so it can be placed anywhere), and effective. The software is very versatile, but arguably not as streamlined as it could be, although it does a nice job of integrating program search and channel functions for virtually every cable and satellite provider in the US. It also manages to integrate your Netflix queue and preferences with the IPG of (dare I say it) your primary media provider. The Griffin package runs $80 retail, but is widely available for 50 bucks.
L5 Universal Remote for iOS–This remote operates by use of a “dongle” which plugs into the Apple connector on the bottom of the iPad/iPod/iPhone. The advantage here would be that the “remote” hardware is small and doesn’t require additional batteries to operate. The disadvantage is that the hardware is small and easy to lose in the cushions of your couch. The other salient point is that this particular package “learns” all the commands from your remotes that you use, and you have the flexibility to design only what you want and use from the various remotes you have. Some would argue this is more difficult to set up, but is a great boon to those who have older or “limited run” hardware. As an audiophile, I have an “optical switcher ” for digital audio which is not in any database for remotes, anywhere. This unit is also a remote only, and does not integrate channel guides–again, a matter of personal preference. The L5 is iOS only and retails for $65, but is available from Amazon for $45.
If any of our readers has had additional experience (positive or negative) with other packages in this genre, post a comment and we will share with our general readership.
Until next time….
Loading ...
Steve Stanfill's Recent Comments
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a complex and dynamic space. As an Internet provider, we work to ensure content provided through our own portal is easy to use while also adhering to the rules put forth by those content owners regarding the distribution of their content. It is frustrating when it isn’t clear whether content is protected or not. We have limited control over the Digital Rights Management in our portal, but your feedback is noted. It is not our company’s intention to “entrap” anybody, nor to reduce or eliminate service as a result of an honest mistake. DRM and the knotty issues associated with it will be one of the spaces we will monitor as its sure to continue to change in the coming months and years. If you have specific issues viewing content that WOW! has provided on our Portal, please give our customer care center a call and they can assist you further.
My thoughts are that the iPod was not only a terrific product that elegantly filled a consumer segment (which I think the iPad does as well), but also was the genesis of an entirely new, and very successful distribution model for media. Apple TV, multiple succeeding generations of iPods, and (to a certain extent) the iPad simply have extended that model forward and refined it. The iPad is a great product (I want one!), but I still think it’s evolutionary rather than revolutionary, usefully filling a niche between the MacBook Pro and the iPhone.
The multi-room DVR functions you describe are currently in development within our video engineering group. Multiple vendors of customer premises equipment (CPE) are being evaluated for the best combination of features and value. No release date has been set as of yet, but this is in the pipeline. More to come…
I do not know the model of modem you purchased, but DOCSIS 3.0 compatibility is just starting to show up in this type of customer equipment, so I’m not sure it would be compatible with 3.0 anyway. But in all honesty, the DOCSIS standard was designed to be continually “backward” compatible, so if you purchase a modem that is compliant with say, 2.2 DOCSIS, it should work fine on a 2.0, 1.1, or 1.0 system as well. Presumably most manufacturers will adhere to that standard, and not default to excessively slow speeds with different DOCSIS systems. If you really defaulted to 56K, you may have a faulty unit or may need a different configuration file load than what is currently present on your modem.
DOCSIS 3.0 upgrades are being continually installed in our system as indicated in my original post. But even upgraded systems will continue to operate on older DOCSIS standards until a formal launch of 3.0 in any given area. This will be determined by a number of factors, including back office systems support, customer care training, competitive considerations, and so forth. You may stay tuned to this space, as I’m sure we will announce DOCSIS 3.0 availability here as well as the customer portal.
Thanks for the information. While I stand on my statement of “backward compatibility” with DOCSIS as a standard, I checked into some fine points associated with this paradigm. Our Sigma cable modem configuration system downloads a configuration file (called a “bin” file) that “fine tunes” each model of modem utilized on the network. Our staff maintains “bin” files primarily for the modem models that have been tested thoroughly in our labs, then rolled out to our customers. We do not test, nor provide specific “bin” files for, every modem make and model out there. When an unknown modem presents itself to the system, it downloads a generic “bin” file that allows it to sync with the network, but in practice usually defaults to a DOCSIS 1.0 standard, even if the modem is 2.x capable. Doing so results in some negative consequences, particularly in congested conditions, which DOCSIS 2.x handles much better than 1.0. So strictly speaking, it’s compatible, but a little like running regular gas in a sports car designed for premium.
Bottom line, presently I would not recommend purchase of any modem other than the models that WOW! currently distributes in its network to its customers on a lease basis. Those models have full support and will behave as though they were WOW! owned. I have asked our data team for a list of modems that are currently supported by specific “bin” files that are maintained by our technical staff, and I will post that list in an upcoming blog entry.
As you pointed out, the DOCSIS 3.0 capable modem pool is pretty slim at present. As WOW! deploys this technology, any 3.0 modem fully supported will be vetted in our labs and have specific “bin” files created for it to enable the features and speeds we intend to offer. I do not know which 3.0 modems will be supported, as there is likely to be model proliferation in the next year. Historically, the company has supported a number of models from Arris, and a number from Cisco. Motorola has not historically been in the mix. I will, however, recommend to our data folks that we get models into the lab sooner than later to provide additional guidance to customers to avoid this problem.
I hope this is helpful. I appreciate your feedback, and your current frustration as well. Hopefully, this guidance will help those customers who wish to purchase their own equipment.
Thanks,
Steve
Aubrey357 I’m sorry for any confusion or mixed signals we’ve sent regarding your modem purchase. We are not currently pursuing plans for specific Motorola CPE support; to directly address your question as to why is simply because we don’t have an established business relationship with Motorola, and would need their full participation for successful lab trials. As I stated, before a modem is widely deployed in our system (with associated specific bin files), it is put through its paces in our lab to ensure compatibility and durability in practical service scenarios. Rather than testing and certifying every model of CPE out there, we instead must point our resources to ensuring that our broad base of deployed (as well as new models that supercede older designs from time to time) Cisco and Arris modems are working flawlessly with our network. Should the situation with Moto CPE change in the future, I will certainly let you know. We all very much appreciate your business and understand your concerns. We would hate to lose you as a customer but understand that you need to make a decision that works for your home and technology needs. I would be glad to further discuss your specific situation privately – please feel free to email me at any time.
Kind Regards,
Steve
Aubrey and Bob:
Again, I appreciate your comments. One of the purposes of this blog has been to “tune in” to customer concerns–I have discussed this issue with a number of folks at the firm, and we are taking action on a couple of fronts.
First, we are meeting with Motorola this week to (among other things) solicit their help in developing specific bin files for modems that they sell to the retail market. This will not happen overnight, but steps are being taken to support a number of these devices down the road.
At this point, virtually all Scientific Atlanta/Cisco (not Linksys) and Arris modems are supported fully. As others are added, we will publish a list in this forum as well as notify our customer care group. In the meantime, we appreciate your business and will strive to open other options for customer owned CPE.
Kind Regards,
Steve
I really like the show. The music is great, and while the story line gets a little over the top sometimes, as long as you don’t take it too seriously, it’s terrifically entertaining. (That’s crazy!–why would anyone do….wait a minute, I knew a kid like that in high school!)
I would hold on to it if I were you. While DOCSIS 3.0 deployment is indeterminate at this time, the engineering team is looking at developing a specific bin file for this modem in the reasonably short term so that it will perform well under 2.0, as I indicated in an earlier response. I don’t have a specific date on this yet, but again, I’d hold onto the modem.
Thanks,
Steve
So many options, so little time! The good news is that there are well engineered options available in each of these technologies. Heretofore, I have not compared plasma technology to the LCD/LED options out there, but I will discuss plasma technology in more detail in a future post. But if you’re anxious to move ahead, my quick recommendation would be to audition one of the new LED sets. I’ve seen some that have truly stunning video, and the underlying display technology is both robust and quite simple. From an engineering perspective, that should translate into a trouble free viewing experience for many years.
Thanks for your comment.
Steve
Support for the Moto SB6120 will be forthcoming late third quarter/early fourth quarter this year. A significant upgrade to the Sigma provisioning system is necessary for this support to be invoked, and that is presently scheduled in early September. This upgrade is necessary for other third party modem support as well.
At this point, virtually all Scientific Atlanta/Cisco (not Linksys) and Arris modems are supported fully. As others are added after the upgrade, a list will be published in this forum.
Thanks,
Steve
Arien:
In theory, 3G and 4G networks should not have significantly more latency than “hard line HSD”–Both RF and copper should carry signal at close to the speed of light. Satellite is at a comparative disadvantage because even at those speeds, latency is introduced due to the distances involved in the “round trip” from space.
In practice, however, my empirical experience is that RF wireless networks have significantly more latency than their hard wired competition. I’m left to wonder whether the latency I’ve experienced is due to some other aspect of the network design, or whether it’s just the “Boston Syndrome” (too many cars, not enough road).
Thanks,
Steve
The cliché from “the dark side” is forgiven
Interesting perspective, Arlen. A few years ago there was a Qwest commercial that featured a realistic scene of young people around a burning campfire, sitting on logs, visiting, crickets in the background–you get the idea. Suddenly lights come on, the kids are still there, haven’t moved, now sitting on family room couches, but the rest of the image disappears…Dad says (the Presumed Party Crasher and Keeper of the Light Switch/Media Experience), “time for bed, you can take up the camping again in the morning…” or something to that effect. Anyway, while that kind of interaction isn’t quite yet technically feasible, I don’t think it’s beyond the realm of possibility. As you point out, there are certainly ways that 3D could be mixed with other technologies to create stunning media experiences…I just don’t think the world needs or will appreciate 3D Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore.
Thanks Ray. I too enjoy digital photography. Because I shoot in RAW format, and my cameras are high megapixel counts, I only get about 63 pictures on that same 2G card! But you’re absolutely right in the fact that digital has almost completely replaced film for amateurs and semi pros alike, and the reasons are obvious. Some pros still hold on to the film paradigm in the medium format and large format space, but In fact, it’s difficult to find good film developers these days, even as a pro. If you’re still shooting film, you are likely to have to have your own darkroom to get the results you desire. And for most photographers, even pros, film is just not worth the hassle. Hasselblad medium format cameras, long a (film based) staple of the pro photographer, are now available with high performance 39 megapixel digital backs which arguably can outperform any film emulsion, present or past.
Stay tuned next week for discussion on “high dynamic range” photography and video. There are some very interesting applications in this area that are exclusive to digital photography.
Pete:
As I’ve indicated before, WOW! is in process of implementing support (via the Sigma provisioning system) for the Moto SB6120. It should be ready sometime during the fourth quarter of 2010. This support will be available in all service areas. This statement does not imply that this support will be at the DOCSIS 3.0 standard as that product will be released at a later time. CSR’s will be fully briefed as to the availability of this support for this modem.
Thanks,
Steve
Only one possible two word answer: Revenue Enhancement!
Thanks Arlen and Cristin. To one extent or another, we’ve probably all encountered “technology in search of relevance” as consumers as well as professionals. In my world, that is the first question my engineering team must ask themselves. “Is this technology going to translate into a better customer experience?” If the answer is “no” or even only a “maybe”, we slide that pan to the back of the stove and look for something that will.
Karyn:
What great fun! I’ve always been partial to Jack Russell terriers, and Jessie does not disappoint. Thanks for such a fun post!
Arlen:
I don’t know if there are any published recommendations on that. I suspect it would vary by the piece of equipment. For me personally, if I’m leaving the house for a week or more, I usually do pull the plug of most of my electronics if it doesn’t involve moving the equipment to do that.
Thanks,
Steve
Eddie:
I have an inquiry into the engineering team responsible for the supporting bin file. I know they’re working on it as I visited with them last week on this issue. I just don’t have timetable yet at this point. I will let you know when I hear back from them.
Steve
Please look for an announcement the next couple of weeks in the technical blog. We will announce availability dates for the Moto bin files.
Thanks,
Steve
Jeff:
I don’t know for sure, but if it is a new buildout, the likelihood is that DOCSIS 3.0 will be installed at the get go. Please understand, though, that until our marketing folks release a DOCSIS 3.0 product, the hardware may be capable, but will not operate as DOCSIS 3.0 until we release that product.
Thanks for being our customer.
Steve
John:
We will offer DOCSIS 3.0 modems/emta for lease when the DOCSIS 3.0 product is formally rolled out. I have no dates on that yet–much of our plant has been upgraded to support it, but our product marketing folks will be the group that will determine the timing and make the announcement formally.
Having a DOCSIS 3.0 modem on the system will not operate at 3.0 speeds at this time.
Thanks,
Steve
Bismark:
Support of 3D content is being evaluated at this time. We will let our customers know via this blog and other marketing efforts of plans and timing on this initiative. Thanks for being a loyal WOW! customer!
Steve
It’s a good question, Brad. I haven’t seen too much out there in the way of end user equipment yet, but the specification is surely compelling. For those that don’t know, WiFi direct is a new specification out there that allows interconnection of wifi enabled devices without an “intermediate” network–very handy for sending data to displays, printers, peer to peer applications, etc. Bluetooth is a similar technology that is pretty thoroughly embedded in this same application space, so it will be interesting to see if the “wifi direct” specification takes hold. It has the advantage of being compatible with most current wifi devices in terms of connectivity, so–we’ll see.
Well, Arlen, as you point out, it will be the very large screen sizes that perceptively benefit from this technology. As to whether the results could be seen on a smaller screen–like today, that would depend on program content and other factors not necessarily related to raw resolution.
UHD TV might be an area where 80% of the costs of programming, carriage, and CPE equipment yield 20% of the results. Given the huge bandwidth requirements, UHD resolution certainly has to be considered an area of diminishing returns.
I’ll be interested to see if HDR (high dynamic range) video takes hold as that is an area where the electronic equivalent does not yet equal or exceed the eye’s capability to perceive. There are substantial changes in production of content, but little would change in distribution or presentation methods. My sense is that HDR may or may not take hold, but it represents a substantial difference in perceived picture without a lot of technical baggage.
Thanks,
Steve
It does seem that 20/20 hindsight is much more accurate than any foresight can be, both in the context of general acceptance of new technology as well as any ill effects which might result from its use. I had mentioned in a blog early last year that, while Avatar was artistically stunning, I had a visceral reaction to the 3D that was unpleasant. I’m not sure I’d be inclined personally to spend the extra money to have access to this particular technology, but certainly there are those out there who think it’s the best thing since pre-sliced bread. Your point about depth perception development in children certainly bears scrutiny, although I’d be inclined to look at too much time in front of any monitor (2D or 3D) being the larger problem developmentally for most children.
Steve
Good to hear from you artur. Should some pre-release beta customers be needed for testing, we will certainly contact you.
Thanks,
Steve
Kelley:
Our digital transition does not imply switched video at this time. This is purely replacing analog television channels with digital equivalents to increase bandwidth on the plant for additional channels and HD content.
Thanks,
Steve
David:
I am glad you see the immediate advantages to this transition. We hope that all our customers will enjoy the additional content options.
As to your second question, it depends entirely on the type of PC tuner that you own. If it is designed to pick up analog television (NTSC analog tuner) it will no longer work under the new system. If it is digitally based (digital QAM tuner), it will work fine with the new system. As an aside, if it supports digital ATSC, “over the air” digital signals will also work fine.
If your tuner appears to be analog based, an option will be to use a digital terminal adapter to convert the digital signal to analog. Ironically, any PC based tuner then has to convert analog back to digital to display the video appropriately. If you’d like to send me the make and model of your tuner, perhaps I could research this a bit for you and make a recommendation.
Thanks,
Steve
Dear buckeye:
It is mostly the “obvious”–poles breaking, transmission coax and fiber stretching and/or snapping under the weight. On January 26 2009, the Evansville area (and south) experienced a nasty ice storm which, in areas south of Evansville, pretty much took down all power and communication infrastructure that wasn’t buried in the ground. A couple of my engineers were without power at their homes for over a month as crews scrambled to rebuild.
Thanks,
Steve
Dear Mike:
Thanks for your comment. We would love to be your full service provider. Please take a look at the technical blog entry from last week. It describes our current “all digital” strategy that will allow expansion of our current video line up. Hopefully that will help “seal the deal” for you as a full service customer.
Kind Regards,
Steve
Dear Mattom:
I’ve sent your issue over to our engineering team who replied that they know of no issues that should cause the kind of problem you’re describing. I will also forward your issue to a team lead in our customer care center to see if they can determine the issue. We may have to roll a truck to check your signal levels at your location. You are free to email me directly if your problem is not solved in the next little bit.
Thanks for your patience.
Steve
Again, DOCSIS 3.0 will be rolled out at some point but is not currently supported. As to the 6120, we have a fair number of customers who are using that modem with great success. Shouldn’t be a problem to proceed.
Steve
If your set has a QAM digital tuner, it will receive all unencrypted channels (both HD and SD) just fine. See this week’s post for further clarification.
Thanks,
Steve
All good points. There is lots of confusion out there regarding digital tuners and what will work in any given situation. I’ve attempted to address this subject further in my blog this week. Hopefully that will be helpful.
Steve
Mike:
WOW! is looking to release a “whole house DVR product” as part of a larger initiative later this year. It will come with some pretty significant “bells and whistles”, so if you can wait, it will be pretty terrific. Thanks for your loyalty and support.
Steve
David:
The new system in the works has a 500 gig hard drive standard, with the capability to add more as a user via an eSATA interface. That’s more than the “single DVR” solutions currently available from WOW! (at 180 gig and 320 gig). I appreciate your comment about recording space. I’ve got a TB on my DLNA server and I’m not sure it’s enough!
Steve
No, most of the “Basic” lineup will be encrypted, as specified by contract with the content providers. Local channels (including HD) and community channels will not be encrypted, and so will be accessible via a QAM digital tuner.
Benson:
I’m sorry your customer service experience was less than it should have been. You are absolutely right. This digital conversion was a business decision by WOW! to allow the distribution of more content options to our customers. The “over the air” digital conversion was indeed mandated by the FCC, and left a lot of consumers with televisions they couldn’t use without an outboard box. Over WOW!, those same analog sets will continue to receive 20 or so analog channels without any cable box of any kind, and, analog VCR equipment will continue to work for those channels as well. For your particular situation, it doesn’t sound like this is ideal; however, we are simply in a situation where our customers are demanding more content options, and the only way to deliver those options is to move most of the content to the digital tier. We’ve also made an effort to price the necessary outboard equipment as reasonably as possible, and at less than our competition in most markets. It is our hope and expectation that our customers will see the new content options and be pleased with the choices we have made here. Certainly for those with older analog VCR’s, there will be the loss of some functionality under the new digital system.
Thanks,
Steve
Jim:
It’s a good question–one where I don’t know if there is a single answer. You are surely welcome to give me your information and I’ll pass it on to the various engineering teams as those opportunities come up. If there is a more formal process, I will let you know.
Steve
Here’s the thing. Our contracts with our content providers specifically require most digital channels to be encrypted. For some reason, the industry is a little paranoid about unencrypted digital content and the potential for digital “bootlegging”. Analog is apparently okay because analog or digital recording technologies off of analog feeds supposedly introduce artifacts that degrade quality. Whether you believe that or not (I’m skeptical), the fact remains that our contractual obligations mandate encryption protection for most digital content.
Technically it’s quite possible to produce this type of device, but again, because it defeats the purpose of digital encryption, it’s not likely to see production.
I understand your concern. On a product release, so many things can happen to delay or change the schedule that our corporate marketing folks are understandably quite reluctant to tip their hand too soon. But to your point, some “heads up” is helpful to effectively plan changes in your personal set up. Regarding your comment on digital encryption, I understand and agree with you, but you understand why WOW! must follow our contractual obligations as a matter of business integrity.
A whole house DVR solution is in the works, and will be released later in the year. This solution will also have robust recording of multiple streams as well as other “bells and whistles” that will please the most tech-savvy videophile. Stay tuned here for further details and schedule.
Being the technology guy, I have to rely on others regarding contractual matters associated with this transition. I do know from industry knowledge that content providers are absolutely part of this equation. We’ll have to agree to disagree on that one.
On the strictly technical issues, upgrading to 1Ghz plant is not an inexpensive exercise, and would require a significant investment in time and capital to achieve. I also believe that killing analog outright would not have been well received by customers–too many ATSC tuners still out there which function perfectly well.
I appreciate your perspective and angst on this issue. I’ll draw attention to your post within the company to share that perspective as broadly as possible.
Steve
Your logic is impeccable. It would seem that content providers would be more interested–within a household–to get more eyes on their content than in DRM. I know that our contract negotiations guy has hit this issue pretty hard. From WOW!’s perspective, the ability to save the capital investment on the DTA’s in households with digital tuners would be highly desirable. Turner, Fox, ESPN, are you listening?
I have also been intrigued as to how Insight has been able to do this, in that I know that their contractual obligations are similar to ours. At this point, let me just promise that this issue is being worked at the executive level of the organization. More to come….
To those that are following this thread:
WOW! made the decision this past weekend to unencrypt the basic tier that has recently moved to digital in Columbus and Cleveland. I’m a technical guy, so I don’t know what went on “behind the scenes” to make this possible, but I’m gratified that is the decision. This means that those of you with digital QAM tuners on “non-primary” sets can pick up digital basic just as you could using an analog tuner before. A DTA will not be required if the set has a digital QAM tuner. Analog sets will still require the device for the basic tier, although as indicated earlier will be able to continue to tune 20 channels or so in each market without a DTA.
My understanding is that Columbus has been placed in the clear, and that Cleveland will follow suit within 2 weeks. Other areas have not yet been moved to digital, but will be unencrypted from the beginning of the transition. A blog with further technical details will be forthcoming this week.
Regards,
Steve
Thanks Arlen. That proportion of “older” sets is a little higher than I expected, but good to know that the information is useful.
Steve
Tim:
Your understanding is correct in that all “over the air” feeds are available in HD to QAM digital tuners, but that HD content in the basic tier will need an HD cable box to present properly to the set. I believe the thinking here was that the “unencrypted” digital content was meant to replace the analog (SD) content only.
Thanks,
Steve
I will pass your thoughts along. Thanks.
Steve
Thanks for the story! Mind if I send it to Comcast?
Steve
I do not know the answer to your question. I will forward to our video engineering VP for a direct response.
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks for your feedback. I think for the first few weeks of transition in each market, there will be a need to rescan channels relatively often as new channels are added, etc. I know that’s an inconvenience. I will ask our video team regarding a potential email notification option.
Steve
I have made mention of the planned “whole house DVR” solution that will be rolled out this fall. Stay tuned. It will be really good.
Steve
Dear ldkronos:
Currently the non-premium HD channels are marked “Copy Freely” because they are encrypted, and per our current contracts with our providers this is adequate. But to speak to long term, there is always the possibility that DRM restrictions will become tighter with our content providers as contracts are renegotiated. Bottom line, WOW! wouldn’t be able to commit to the current paradigm long term simply because contractual obligations may change.
Steve
Kelley:
I’ll pass this on to the GM in the Michigan market. I, too, live outside our plant boundaries in Indiana, and I routinely petition my local market folks to add service to my area–hasn’t happened yet, but I remain hopeful.
Thanks,
Steve
Most development shops seem to have an inflated sense of “revolutionary” from time to time.
The whole house DVR product will be released generally sometime in the 4th quarter. It is in beta now with employees. Preliminary reports suggest it will be very good…”evolutionary” though it may be!
Steve
Thanks Jim. I’m sure that there are those out there that are interested in your experience. We hope and expect that giving our customers the option of purchasing their own equipment helps us build long term, positive customer relationships.
Steve
Bob:
The first transitions from analog to digital are scheduled mid July in Chicago. Obviously, that schedule is fluid somewhat depending on call center loads, etc. but that is the plan of record for now.
Steve
Dear ViceVersa:
You may experience some of this behavior in your DOCSIS 3.0 capable modem as our engineering team prepares to roll out DOCSIS 3.0. Whether you see “blue” or not, at this point your speeds will be limited to the purchased speed of the particular package you have.
Thanks,
Steve
Ron:
H.264 certainly is the codec of choice when weighing quality of picture vs. bandwidth requirements. You are correct in that MPEG 2 is more embedded in infrastructure at this point, but most distributors are in the process of converting to H.264 technology. Some are further along than others, but to your point, the legacy infrastructure and set tops both play a role in “technical stationary inertia”. But, unlike motion JPEG, the MPEG variants have enough common ground that migration will be a much more fluid process. Some newer set tops have chip sets that will support both MPEG2 and MPEG4 variants with appropriate software loads, so it is just a matter of time.
Steve
Just an additional bit of trivia. USA Today reported yesterday that the Hubble space telescope pulled in its millionth image on July 4, 2011. Hubble’s millionth observation was a look at the chemistry revealed by light from the planet HAT-P-7b, a gas giant planet larger than Jupiter orbiting very close to its star–therefore known as a “roaster”.
Dear SRT:
As DOCSIS 3.0 is being deployed, your bonding light may come and go. But you won’t have any difference in speed unless and until you upgrade your speed package, should you choose to do so. Bonding is typically used at the higher speed levels that are being introduced this fall. But until you upgrade your speed package, whether the blue light is on or not should make no difference. Hope this helps.
Steve
Ben:
Great question. I posed this to Gary Nilsen, our VP of Engineering (aka: “king video guru”), and he indicated that the DTA devices are strictly “one-way”, so the head end systems would not have any idea how long one had been on line (or off line). He suspects that your experience may have been a fluke associated with multiple power-down/brownout experiences associated with the storm activity we’ve had in the midwest this year. Certainly a power outage that might have occurred during video maintenance could also have caused this situation. Odd, though that the other DTA in the house were unaffected. Bottom line, if it becomes troublesome, he suggested swapping out the DTA for a new piece of equipment, and we’ll be happy to do that for you.
Steve
Go figure indeed. Odd, though that two different DTA’s would freeze on the same channel in the same place. Almost seems like something coming from AMC froze the equipment, but there would be no technical explanation for that that I can think of. May run this past our video guru to see if he has any ideas, but in the meantime, the poltergeist explanation is as good as any!
Steve
Jamie:
Increased speed packages are in the works, and will be available in the next six months. DOCSIS 3.0 does allow speeds in the xxxM range, but WOW! currently contemplates speed packages at less than the maximum allowed by the technology. There are a number of reasons for this, not the least of which are marketability and price points. I hope this is helpful.
Steve
Interesting (and very likely completely correct) perspective. A couple of weeks ago I did a “unofficial” count of blu-ray movies available on Amazon.com in 3D. I counted 47 titles on that particular day, and I noted that more than half of them were “eye-candy” releases that were made primarily to show off the technology, but had little intrinsic artistic merit. Like you, I’m not optimistic that 3D will take off–at least not at the level the industry chain you referred to would like to see. I think that there is legitimate artistic possibility for the technology, but with the exception of two releases so far, the rest are mundane at best.
Nick:
These packages will be available in the next 120 days.
Steve
Cleveland should be rolled out mid to late October if the current schedule holds. In answer to your other question, there is a relationship, yes. The video product that includes whole house DVR will also include a bunch of other new features, and will roll out sometime early next year.
Steve
It does not involve TiVo, no, but it is a “new” system that will bridge IP video technologies with conventional QAM streams. We feel it will be a great hit with our customers.
Steve
There are some revamps in the works for speeds in existing product. I will pass on your feedback on the “upload” component. With DOCSIS 3.0, there will be some additional options there.
Steve
I will pass on all this feedback to the product development folks. With DOCSIS 3.0, there is the opportunity to increase that upload capacity with the better network management the new protocols allow. Thanks for your feedback.
Steve
Should happen in the month of October or early November, God willin’ and the creek don’t freeze
Steve
Jamie:
We have many customers who are using the SB6120 with no issues. We may need to escalate your problem to engineering. Reply by private email if you would like me to do that for you.
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks for your feedback. I had a short conversation with our marketing folks about this “data symmetry” issue over the last few days, and will have further conversations as opportunity allows. I’m sure there will be more to come on this.
Our customer care employees are some of the best in the business–I really believe that because I know the executive Customer Care team works very hard at training their reps to be up to speed. That said, most are not technologists, and focus on “customer packages” and feature sets rather than any underlying technology. We explain the technology underlying those products in this forum so that those who have interest in the “hows” and “wherefores” know where we are going as a company. You did pronounce it correctly, by the way.
I will post a tentative schedule in this blog on the availability of DOCSIS 3.0 packages once that schedule is determined definitively and our CCC is made aware of it so that they may respond. The new speed packages are presently available in the Evansville market, and the others will follow suit soon.
Thanks,
Steve
The “whole house DVR” is coming as well, but general release will likely be first quarter of next year, certainly no sooner than that. We will make sure that information is posted here as that project progresses.
Steve
Nope, I don’t know why. If your signal level is good, and you’ve not had historical problems, I don’t think a trunk roll would be required. I will throw this one to the CCC management and get a response from them as to their thinking on this one.
Steve
I actually grew up in rural Western Montana on a cattle ranch, so have experienced the “other side” of the debate first hand. I’m old enough though that there were no effective subsidies for rural carriers when I lived there, except for some “kickback” from the unified ATT for long distance calls.
In fact, I remember that we tried to get the phone company to install a line into a second home on the place, effectively a “bunkhouse” for our ranch hands that was located about 2.5 miles from the main buildings. The phone company informed us that such an installation would cost us $20K upfront, plus a commitment to keep service for 10 years. While not an insignificant sum now, it was astronomical in those days, and completely out of the question. So my Dad, not willing to take “no” for an answer, called one of the local fellows at the phone company, and made arrangements to purchase cable to do the job ourselves, and we did. We buried two and a half miles of cable to the other house, and did the install ourselves. It was my first telephony installation. Needless to say, more followed in subsequent years!
Steve
Bismark:
At present, WOW! is waiting for customer feedback relative to 3D. As you have probably read in this forum, there is considerable controversy on this subject. We will plan on 3D implementation as customer feedback dictates that course of action, so I appreciate your feedback and will pass it on to our programming people. Thanks.
Steve
Absolutely! We’ll watch for it!
Steve
In general, all Arris and Cisco (not Linksys) modems are supported, as well as the SB6120 Motorola. Depending on the chip sets used, there may be others in the Motorola line that will respond to the 6120 bin file. I will research this further and let you know.
Steve
I am researching which other modems might be compatible with the currently available bin file for Motorola. I will post here when I know more.
Steve
My internal sources tell me that the DPC3010 is compatible with the current Cisco bin file, and that there are a number of these working on the network presently. Apparently, Motorola does not always use the base chip sets and firmware which necessitates some minor bin file changes for certain models. We will pull some of these additional models in the lab and do some testing, but realistically if will probably be 90 days or so before any data will be available from that lab work. We will update on this forum as more information becomes available.
Steve
Let me give as much guidance as possible here. The price for Ultra TV is $25/month for the “gateway” and two media players. Now this equipment would effectively replace set top equipment for two televisions, so whatever you pay for set top leases for the first two sets in your home plus your cable modem would effectively go away. That, of course, varies by customer by virtue of the equipment previously selected (HD DVR, standard set top, etc.) The effective “upgrade” cost would be the delta of your current leases and the new lease of $25. If you presently have two HD DVRs for example, you might actually come out ahead on the deal, but most customers would see some effective increase commensurate with the additional features available as compared with their current equipment.
The “video package price” does not change with Ultra TV, so whatever you have presently there would remain the same. The easiest way to determine any cost delta for Ultra TV would be to call our customer care center (1-866-4WOW-NOW) and have them analyze your equipment cost relative to your upgrade. Cost to upgrade will vary by customer.
Thanks,
Steve
My understanding is that a media player can replace at DTA if your set has a composite (yellow RCA) video connection. Most folks I think will probably continue to use DTA’s for their analog sets, and use the media players for their “main” viewing environments.
Steve
The wireless network is integrated into the gateway. It is not, however, the medium used to transmit video to the media players–existing coax is used for that.
It wouldn’t be that difficult to integrate your existing 802.x network as an extension to the wireless network of the media gateway. The use of the integrated cable modem is required for the gateway to function properly, so a second conventional modem isn’t an option.
Steve
At this point, Ultra requires a truck roll to install. It’s a fairly complex system, and the technician will run it through a battery of tests to ensure that it functions properly in the home. At some point, once all the procedures are routine, it may be that “self install” will be a possibility, but not yet.
I think it would work just fine. You’d probably want to make sure that you used something other than 192.168.xxx.xxx for one of the local wireless networks, but that’s easy to set up. My experience with Apple wireless routers generally is that they’re pretty versatile in situations like this. I’m a little surprised that the Time Capsule can’t be configured as a wireless extender.
Right now, the interface is web based, but there are resources looking at the phone/tablet app-based option. The streaming question is more about licensing than technology. See these blog posts on that discussion.
DRM and the iPad
Part Deux
Steve
Darwin:
The “server” can sit in a closet somewhere as long as it has access to power and the cable plant, both external and internal to the home. Additional set top boxes are $15/month/media player. The system does support DLNA, and allows streaming of media to the box. As far as external files being stored on the server, I believe the primary function of the HD is reserved for DVR functions. You can, however, attach either an external hard disk or thumb drive to the USB port, so could presumably use media stored there and played on the system. I know of no one that has actually done this, however.
Steve
The external hard drive is specifically for DVR assets only. In fact, the way the system works is that it formats the internal hard drive and the external drive as “one big storage bin”. This allows seamless integration of the external drive and allows the user to determine how large a storage space to configure. It won’t actually allow the user to place “other media” on the external drive since everything written to the external drive is encrypted in deference to restrictions imposed by our content providers. You can always use a NAS for “other media” and stream media over the WiFi connection to the server.
Jamie:
I’ve asked Gary Nilsen (one of my peers on the video side of the business) about your problem, and he thinks that your cable card may not be properly paired with the set and/or the server. Send me a private email with your account info and he will check into it for you.
Steve
I will get back with you on a custom profile for Slingbox for the Ultra. I think it’s pretty basic at this point, but I’m sure Sling will get something more functional soon.
I hope your install went well–by now you know that only RG6 is run to the media players, and that rewiring should be kept to a minimum.
Steve
My understanding is that you do need to have internet service as part of the bundle when you opt for UltraTV. But sometimes the engineers are the last to know changes that our marketing folks make. My suggestion would be to pose that question to our customer care team.
DTA’s can be accommodated with minimum rewiring. I wouldn’t let that hold you back from this product if it appeals to you.
Thank you Erik. This may be a solution for some of our readers.
Steve