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Archive for the 'Cox Communications' Tag

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Cox adding 15 HD channels in December

November 13th, 2009, 3:18 pm by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress
Visit the Gadgetress Guide to Cox Cable services in Orange County at <a href=

View complete HD channel lineups:

View list of Cox Cable's HD channels
Time Warner Cable HD channel list
HD channels from Verizon FiOS.

Cox Communications just told me that Orange County customers will be getting 15 new HD channels by Dec. 15. Two others were added this week.

The Rancho Santa Margarita cable provider can do this because it is shifting some non-HD channels to the new technology and freeing up space. For more on how this technology works and why certain customers won’t be able to access the affected 100 channels, read the earlier story “Cox moving 100 channels to on-demand format.

Cox is set to end 2009 with 82 HD channels, ahead of Time Warner Cable, with 75, but behind local leader Verizon FiOS, which has 133. See the full list of Cox HD channels HERE.

Here are the newest HD channels:

Cox HD Ch. # Channel Name New
1 E! HD Added 11/11/09
2 Fox News HD Added 11/11/09
3 734 KMEX HD Added 12/15/09
4 735 KFTR HD Added 12/15/09
5 737 MLB Network HD Added 12/15/09
6 738 NBA TV HD Added 12/15/09
7 719 ABC Family HD Added 12/15/09
8 720 Disney HD Added 12/15/09
9 778 HBO2 HD Added 12/15/09
10 775 Hallmark Movie Channel HD Added 12/15/09
11 776 Lifetime Movie Network HD Added 12/15/09
12 743 MSNBC HD Added 12/15/09
13 726 MoreMAX HD Added 12/15/09
14 779 The Movie Channel HD Added 12/15/09
15 780 Encore HD Added 12/15/09
16 742 Fox Business HD Added 12/15/09
17 729 Biography HD Added 12/15/09

Most recent Cox Cable news:

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • | 11 Comments »

Cox moving 100 channels to on-demand format

November 13th, 2009, 1:28 pm by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Cox CableBeginning Nov. 25, Cox Communications in Orange County will roll out a new technology that will change how viewers watch 100 channels. Most won’t notice a difference but a small number — less than 1 percent — won’t be able to see the channels at all. (Thanks to reader TiVoGirl for the tip.)

In a letter mailed to customers this week,  Cox said it is migrating to the Switched Digital Video platform, which is one way cable companies can offer customers more channels. This opens up space for Cox to offer more HD channels. I’ll get to those new channels in my next post. UPDATE: And here’s that post: “Cox adding 15 HD channels in December.”

Cox, like other cable providers, is operating at maximum channel capacity. It can only air a certain number of channels 24 hours a day. But some channels take up more room than others — one analog channel occupies the same space as about 12 to 15 digital channels. Switching those analog channels to digital is one way for cable companies to free up space. This is what Time Warner is doing (see story: Time Warner makes room for 100 HD channels, kicks out others“).

The other method is by moving to switched digital video, which converts channels to a type of on-demand-only service. Customers still use their remotes as normal, turning to the channel they want. The majority of customers won’t notice the change — only, I’m told, a slight delay when they turn to a switched channel. But customers who don’t have a set-top box and rely on CableCARDs won’t be able to access the channels. Alternatives for these users are below.

“Switched Digital will allow us to maximize our network capacity, enable increased HD channels and entertainment options in the future. For example, now we have over 400 HD programming options [hours] and we continue to launch more HD channels,” said Cox spokeswoman Lana Ong. (Corrected at 4:45 p.m. Ong says she meant to say 400 HD hours of programming is available.)

Here are the affected channels — 100 in all: Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • • • • • | 18 Comments »

Cox finally coming out with multi-room DVR

October 23rd, 2009, 3:11 am by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Cox CableUpdate, 1:11 p.m.: Added a few more details about Cox’s upcoming service.

Cox Communications has confirmed that the elusive multi-room DVR is on target for an end-of-the-year launch. That’s right, in two months, Cox cable TV subscribers should have the option of a DVR that can be accessed from other rooms in your house.

“At this time we can’t talk about specifics yet, but our plans are still on target,” said Lana Ong, the local Cox spokeswoman who told me about the DVR’s 2009 launch.

I first heard about this device from Cox in March 2007 during a visit to its Rancho Santa Margarita headquarters. At the time, Cox officials were just exploring new cable TV technologies. See my earlier story, “New TV tricks from your cable company.”

EXTRA: Got a question for Time Warner Cable? Get it answered. Click HERE

Now, 2.5 years later, Cox could be the first Orange County cable company to offer the multi-room DVR. (Sorry, Time Warner customers — no updates are available on when we will get ours although the company had said it plans to have one this year.) Nationwide, Cox did announce earlier this year that it will offer a multi-room DVR, but no updates have been offered. The news today is specifically for customers in Orange County. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • | 19 Comments »

It’s official: Cox to offer ESPN360 in Orange County

September 25th, 2009, 5:05 pm by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

ESPN360.com arrives for Cox customers.

Cox Cable in Orange County will start offering free access to ESPN360.com beginning Sept. 30.

The site launched in August with cable provider Comcast Corp. It  provides live coverage of several types of sporting events, from college football and NBA basketball games, the FIFA World Cup and golf’s U.S. Open. The site says it offers more than 3,500 live global sports a year.

But ESPN360 may be overlooking the fans who appreciate sports the most: HDTV viewers. Access is limited to Cox Internet subscribers — business and residential customers included.

So, don’t expect big-screen TV action here unless you have a large computer monitor. Users must sit in front of their PC to watch games. At least widescreen and standard options are available. Users will also be able to pause, fast forward and rewind the video.

ESPN360 can deliver 15 simultaneous live events and viewers can toggle between games in a main viewing window. Besides the live games, there are also archived events.

Cox users will be able to access the site on Sept. 30. The notice about the new feature is available HERE (thanks Jim!).

Recent stories about sports and TV service:

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • • • • | 5 Comments »

Cox fix for TiVo users delayed

September 25th, 2009, 12:02 pm by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

TiVo logoThe local Cox Communication delayed plans this week to be the first company wide to roll out the first Motorola- TiVo adapters. Cox was busy unveiling new software for its video-on-demand service. Cox now hopes to offer the TiVo device in Orange County before the end of the year.

That leaves some TiVo users without access to on-demand movies and shows, plus any channel that has been turned into an on-demand channel.

Because of a change in technology, TiVo users who rely on CableCARDs are unable to request on-demand shows without this adapter. This change doesn’t affect TiVo users who have a set-top box from the cable provider.

Cable companies are moving to the new switched digital video technology in order to use the pipe to a customer’s home more efficiently. By reducing the number of nominal channels streamed 24/7, a cable company can add new high-definition channels to the stream. The other channels are still there, but only broadcast when requested by the subscriber. To watch those, a TiVo user with a CableCARD will need this new adapter.

“We’ve maxed out on bandwidth,” said Lana Ong, spokeswoman for the Rancho Santa Margarita cable provider.

Earlier stories on TiVo and switched digital technology:

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • • • • | 16 Comments »

Cox rolls out new On-Demand software, features

September 24th, 2009, 7:02 am by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Cox cable customers should soon notice that watching TV shows or movies on demand looks a bit different. It’s “easier to navigate and control,” says the company.

The Rancho Santa Margarita cable provider began rolling out a software upgrade called “ShowRunner” this week. The upgrade updates only Cox’s video-on-demand offering.

The noticeable feature updates to the On Demand service include:

  • Instant replay button to rewind 10 seconds.
  • Movies and shows now organized by categories and accessed using the remote control’s arrow keys.
  • An “Info” button to see more details about free previews or the show itself.

New Cox On-Demand software is Rovi Corp.'s ShowRunner.

ShowRunner  is part of the existing “Passport” software used by Cox to power the on-screen TV guide. It was developed by Rovi Corp., previously known as Macrovision. Interestingly, the company has also revamped its guide technology with “Liquid,” which comes out next year. It looks really cool offering a 3D-ish look at what’s on TV.

But  Cox has “no plans right now to roll out the (Liquid) Rovi guide,” according to spokeswoman Lana Ong.

Cox, however, is bracing itself right now in case customers have trouble with the new ShowRunner system. I haven’t received any complaints about it, unlike when Time Warner Cable introduced new software in July. Cox says that if any customer is having issues to please call 949-240-1212.

Cox offers a ShowRunner video tutorial online at this link. More tutorials on the new system are available on Cox Oklahoma site, at this link.

Recent Cox cable news:

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • • • • • | 27 Comments »

Cox offers O.C. free peek at Versus sports channel

September 17th, 2009, 2:28 pm by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Versus TV, a sports channelCox Communications is offering its Orange County customers a free preview of Versus, the sports channel known for broadcasting bull riding, hockey and college football. Versus is the channel that caused a big hubbub last month when DirecTV customers stopped carrying it. (Whoops, I didn’t mean customers.)

Versus, on channel 334  and channel 717 765 for HD, is free to all Cox digital customers until Nov. 30. (Corrected 9/21/09)

The channel, previously called the Outdoor Life Network, changed its name to Versus in 2006. Cox picked up the HD channel in 2007, and it’s now is part of Cox’s Sports and Info digital tier. That tier starts at $62.49 and includes standard digital cable TV service.

Versus is also part of Time Warner Cable’s lineup (channel 267 and 469), Verizon FiOS (Channel 90 and 590), AT&T U-verse (channel 640 and 1640) and Dish Network (151).

Dish is also offering its customers free access to the channel until Dec. 2.

More TV news:

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • • • | 7 Comments »

Best home phone service? Winner isn’t a phone company

September 17th, 2009, 9:31 am by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Cox CableIn this wacky world of telecom service, the highest ranked telephone service in the West isn’t a telephone company, according to the 2009 J.D. Power report on  Residential Telephone Customer Satisfaction.

Cable TV provider Cox Communications took the lead in the West and East regions of the United States for having the most satisfied telephone customers. (The North and South regions also had TV companies offering phone service ranked at top.) It was the third year that traditional cable  TV companies were at the top. (Click image below to enlarge)

J.D. Power ranks Cox as top phone service in West.

This may sound like a coup, but don’t forget, last year’s TV service winners were the traditional phone companies, AT&T and Verizon. (Read earlier story: “What TV service has most satisfied customers? (Hint: Not cable)“)

Consumers are looking for alternatives to their long time TV or telephone provider. And in Orange County in the last few years, we’ve been getting that as Time Warner and Cox add phone service, and AT&T and Verizon add TV service. What the JD Power reports really show is that competition is improving service. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in: service • • • • • • • • | 12 Comments »

Cox says no to new NFL channel, but offers alternatives

September 12th, 2009, 8:45 am by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Cox has no plans to carry NFL RedZone.Football season officially starts Sunday and the NFL has created a new channel allowing TV providers to offer more games and coverage to viewers.

But neither cable company in Orange County has signed on to offer the NFL RedZone. Other TV providers — including AT&T U-verse, Verizon FIOS and Dish Network — are offering the channel.

For Cox Communications, the cable company has “no plans to carry the NFL RedZone channel,” said Lana Ong, a spokeswoman for the Rancho Santa Margarita company.

“However,” she added, “Cox knows how important football coverage is for our customers so this year, Cox will offer up to 375 football games including over 170 NFL games and more than 350 football games in HD at no additional cost for Cox customers.”

Cox offers digital cable customers access to the NFL Network, NFL Network HD and NFL On Demand including NFL Replay which offers extended highlights from every single NFL game played that week.

No response yet from Time Warner Cable, which isn’t offering RedZone or the NFL Network. But according to several reports, it looks like football fans won’t get the same coverage on Time Warner.

Earlier coverage on sports TV:
OCRegister.com football page


Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • • • • | 33 Comments »

Help Cox Cable give $17,500 to the most deserving local charities

August 18th, 2009, 11:20 am by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Cox Cares, the community-grant-giving arm of Cox Communications, is offering $10k to local charties.As mentioned earlier, Cox Communications, Orange County’s main TV provider in the south, has $17,500 to give away to charity. Now, it’s time for the public to chime in on which organization is most worthy.

The Cox Cares program narrowed down a record 114 applications to 10 finalists. Last year, the program received 42 applications so obviously, non-profits are seeking out new funding. Cox has grants of $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 available.

The 2009 finalists include: the American Diabetes Association, Art & Creativity for Healing, the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, the Blind Children’s Learning Center, Family Assistance Ministries, Fristers, Human Options, the Illumination Foundation, My HERO Project and Shanti Orange County.

While Cox does rely on a group of associates and local leaders to judge a charity’s impact on youth, seniors and education, this year it wants input from the community (that’s you, dear reader).

Vote at www.cox-cares.org/grants/finalists before Sept. 4. A detailed summary of each finalist’s purpose is posted on Cox’s site. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in mid-September.

Much of the money, says Cox, was donated by its 1,000 employees in Rancho Santa Margarita. The local office has donated $600,000 over the years to 95 local nonprofit organizations.

Recent Cox Cable news:


Check out the Gadgetress Guide to local TV services

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • | 3 Comments »

Consumers unsatisfied with TV service, says report (duh)

May 19th, 2009, 10:32 am by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Rate your TV companyUPDATE, 12:36 p.m.: Added a poll

More so now than last year, Americans are more satisfied with airline service, fast food, restaurants, and, well almost everything, according to the latest results of The American Customer Satisfaction Index. 

The one exception? Their TV provider. Not a big surprise here. 

While the overall index from the University of Michigan report was up 0.4 percent to 76 points on a 100-point scale, customer satisfaction with cable and satellite TV fell 2 percent to 63 points. (And one local exception here: Cox Communications, which improved its score to 66. More below on Cox.)

Individual results shouldn’t shock readers, who know which TV company they like to complain about most. And looking at the historical chart below, TV companies have never fared that well. If we were to grade this on an A-F ranking, that means the services scored a D- with most of the cable companies landing a big F, with the exception of Cox. (Maybe next year, the organization will include newcomers AT&T U-verse and Verizon FiOS TV.)

UPDATE, 12:36 p.m.: Editors wanted me to add a poll so here it is:
_____________________________________ 

Who/what's to blame for poor TV customer satisfaction?
  • Add an Answer
View Results

_____________________________________ 

However, the standout has to be DirecTV, which scored 71 out of 100. That’s been a pretty consistent number over the years, and is several points above all the cable TV companies. Check out the chart from ACSI (also posted HERE on the organization’s site). Numbers are out of a possible 100 points: 

 

  2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Charter Communications 63 53 55 56 56 55 55 54 51
Comcast 64 56 55 56 58 60 56 54 59
Time Warner Cable 63 61 61 60 61 61 58 59 59
Cable & Satellite TV 64 61 61 61 61 63 62 64 63
DISH Network 71 68 71 71 68 68 67 65 64
Cox Communications NM NM NM 63 63 63 63 63 66
All Others 62 63 60 60 59 63 66 69 70
DIRECTV 70 70 72 71 67 71 67 68 71

 

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • • • • • • | 43 Comments »

Cox Cable plans price hikes in 2009

January 2nd, 2009, 12:39 pm by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Unlike Time Warner Cable and AT&T U-verse, Cox Communications in Orange County hasn’t notified customers that its cable TV prices will go up this year. That’s because the actual increase has not been determined.

Prices are expected to go up in 2009, Lana Ong, the media representative with Cox’s Orange County division, said Friday.

Cox already raised its video prices last March, and upped its Internet service by $2 in October.

______________________________________

Shoulld paid-TV prices increase in 2009?
  • Add an Answer
View Results

______________________________________

With the economy still in sad shape, TV companies are moving ahead with plans to squeeze more money from their customers. Time Warner Cable and AT&T U-verse both plan 2009 rate increases (Read “Time Warner Cable raising prices in 2009 ” and “AT&T U-verse raising TV prices.”)

A very public battle showcasing the TV industry’s quest for more money occurred on New Year’s Eve, when Viacom Inc. — the owner of popular channels Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and MTV — threatened to halt programs to Time Warner Cable customers at midnight. Viacom asked for more money per channel, which Time Warner  called outrageous. The midnight blackout was averted after the two sides came to a private agreement.

The latest round of price increases are around 5 to 50 percent, depending on the package and plan. Time Warner’s largest increases affected the lower-priced packages while AT&T’s U-Verse rate hike impacts new users the most.

Back in March, Cox’s digital TV tiers went up by $1. In exchange for the price increase, Ong said that customers got 18 more HD channels (for a total of 51 by year’s end), 13 more international channels, and more OnDemand shows. The price of its analog TV service, which includes basic and expanded service, did not increase.

“At this time, we intend to do a price increase in 2009 but we don’t have a confirmed date yet,” Ong said.

Earlier:

Posted in: Video & TV • • • • • • • | 8 Comments »

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