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HD shortages: They're not just for Europe anymore

by Richard Lawler posted Apr 14th 2006 at 7:31PM

We've heard quite a bit about how shortages may prevent European soccer football (whatever) fans from checking out the World Cup in high definition, but what about HDTV owners in the good ol' U.S. of A? This article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch details the problems some are having getting hold of high definition cable boxes, and according to cable company representatives, such shortages are common across the country.

Tis a shame that in this land of plenty, some are still being forced to go without. As you enjoy your 1080i, 720p or otherwise this Good Friday remember those who are forced to get by on 480i, the children who are being (bit)starved and the ignorant (up)converted masses. Something must be done.

Does Charter do DVI?

by Richard Lawler posted Mar 31st 2006 at 1:08PM

DVIHD Beat reader Chris wrote us about a problem he is having trying to connect his cable box via DVI, and found that it was not enabled.

"Just thought i would send a little experience your way tonight. I just spent half an hour on the phone with charter cable. I have all my services through them and through the 8 months we have had service with them, they have been great. Until today. I just ordered a DVI cable and received it. My wife and I get home to hook it up, snuggle and bask in the DVI HD glory in our home. But wait, it isn't working. What??!?!? that isn't right it wouldn't work.

I contacted charter for a little assistance and they tell me that the DVI option is locked out on all the boxes because no one uses them. How the hell do they know that? They don't give anyone a chance to try it out! I spoke with several folks about this because i was ticked. I love HD. with the component cable hooked up, but I was just plain excited with the idea of hooking it up with DVI and now Charter has shot it down.

Charter claims they have to pay a third party to unlock that feature on the box. what a crock! After searching the web, it turns out other folks have run into this also!"

Chris is in the St. Louis area and has a Motorola BMC9012 Moxi DVR. This review of the box noted that several featues (including DVI) are disabled, but an update provided that capability if your provider chooses to enable it. This thread on AVS Forums provides some more insight, hopefully the update will be rolled out soon. Any other HD Beat readers run into a similar situation with their cable provider or know of a way to get that perfectly good digital output working?






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