CoxCommunications
Latest
Cox subscribers in Northern Virginia now receiving tuning adapters
Cox Communications was one of the first cable carriers to openly admit that it would be handing out tuning adapters to those negatively affected by switched digital video implementations (read: CableCARD users) sans a fee. Now, it seems like the floodgates are officially open across the industry. On the same day that TWC users in Austin, Texas began scooping up tuning adapters of their own, we're seeing multiple reports from Northern Virginia that consumers are finally able to claim one from their local office. It doesn't seem as if installation is totally a breeze for everyone, but Cox has evidently trained its CSR staff to handle quirks quickly judging by positive vibes felt on the TiVoCommunity boards. Moral of the story? Your carrier just might have a TA with your name on it, but you may never find out without giving 'em a ring.[Thanks, Phillip]
Cox bringing Oklahoma a few new high-def channels
We have all ideas that the Sooner fanatics in Oklahoma are entirely too focused on making plans to attend the BCS National Championship game to bother with a few new HD channels from Cox, but we suppose this news will be relevant eventually. Based on a revamped high-definition lineup on the carrier's site, a number of new stations are on the horizon. A dedicated Versus HD (716) and AMC HD (795) will arrive today, while SPEED HD (728), FX HD (753), Cartoon Network HD (774) and FOX News HD (789) will land on December 31st; finally, Comedy Central HD is destined to "come soon." Go on, enjoy that well deserve spot against Florida -- but don't forget to check out your refreshed EPG while you're at it.[Thanks, Doc]
Cox dishes 13 new high-def channels to Hampton Roads, Virginia
After gifting Hampton Roads, Virginia with a few fresh high-definition channels in early November, the carrier has came bearing real gifts in December. Starting this week, users in the region will find 13 newcomers in beautiful HD, bringing the total to 47. The high-def additions are: Lifetime Network, Lifetime Movie Network, Hallmark Movie Channel, USA, MTV, CNBC, Nickelodeon, CMT, Sci-Fi, Spike, Bravo, VH1 and Planet Green. For whatever reason, Cox also threw in the SD version of Chiller, even though the HD version is more than accessible. At any rate, the company is also planning to serve up MLB Network beginning in the New Year, not to mention an undisclosed amount of new HD channels in 2009.
Cox adding slew of HD channels in Kansas / Arkansas
Cox is shuffling around the lineups down in Arkansas and Kansas, but relocation isn't the only process going down. A plethora of new high-definition channels are headed to both locales on November 18th, and here's a look at what's to come: SciFi HD, Bravo HD, Nickelodeon HD, Hallmark Movie Channel HD, Lifetime Movie Network HD, Planet Green HD, CMT HD, VH1 HD, MTV HD and Spike HD. For the full spill of what stations are moving, what stations are vanishing and what stations are being added to what slots, hit the read link and put those sleuthing skills to good use.
Cox using 700MHz winnings for mobile mystery device
As it promised it would, Cox went big in the glitzy 700MHz auction a few months ago, coming away with a nice chunk of spectrum valued at some $304 million. That amount of outlay is nothing to sneeze at -- and it sounds like Cox is fully prepared to take the investment seriously, with president Patrick Esser commenting this week that his company intends to invest over half a billion dollars into the airwaves by the time all is said and done. Where's that money going? Some sort of vague "differentiated product" that it believes will help it miraculously capture 20 percent of the wireless market share by providing "simple" calling plans, integration with Cox's other content and services, and a consistent user experience across all its platforms. Bottom line, he really couldn't have revealed any less than he did -- but if we had to guess, they're looking to do some phones that can consume media from their set-top boxes and vice versa. Starting up an all-new network on the 700MHz band sure doesn't seem like a very cost-effective (or coverage-effective) way to do that, though.
Cox bringing flurry of HD channels to Fredericksburg, VA
Cox has been beefing up the HD lineup in Eastern Virginia for some time now, but for whatever reason, residents of Fredericksburg have been casually overlooked -- until now, that is. According to a tipster, the aforementioned area will be gifted with not one, not two, but fourteen new high-definition channels "by mid-April." When all's said and done, the newcomers will bump the total HD options in the area up to 34, and if you're eager to know exactly which networks are on the way, head on the past the jump.[Thanks, Terrance N.]
Topeka, Kansas CBS affiliate stays on Cox while negotiations continue
Well, it's Saturday folks, and for Cox customers in Topeka, Kansas, WIBW-TV is still going strong. According to an updated article on the station's website, Topeka's CBS affiliate is going to remain on Cox Communications' lineup for just a few more days (at least), as "substantial progress" has reportedly been made in determining how much Cox should pay WIBW. As of now, the deadline has been pushed to March 8th, but at this point, we've no reason to believe the bigwigs at Cox won't come to their senses and pony up.[Thanks, Kevin O.]
Cox Northern Virginia gets Travel Channel HD and Cinemax HD
Just days after Cox dished out ten new HD channels in the Hampton Roads / Virginia Beach area, folks up in the Northern half of the state are being treated to a new pair. And we don't want to hear any grumblings of unfair treatment -- after all, you Fairfax County subscribers got 11 newcomers of your own back in December along with HD VOD in January. Nevertheless, Northern Virginia subscribers should now have access to Travel Channel HD and Cinemax HD on slots 732 and 733, respectively -- Happy Leap Day, indeed.[Thanks, Tim]
Cox adds six more HD channels to Kansas lineup
Although Topeka's CBS affiliate is about to be dropped by Cox Communications if it doesn't decide to pay up by midnight, the cable carrier is apparently trying to make up for said inconvenience by tossing in six new HD channels in the Kansas market. Exactly two months after these very folks were gifted with HGTV HD and Food Network HD -- and under three months after receiving CNN HD, TBS HD, Discovery HD and TLC HD -- along comes word that a half dozen newcomers have just stepped in. More specifically, a user report shows Travel Channel HD, Animal Planet HD, Science Channel HD, Versus / Golf HD, Cinemax HD, and NFL Network HD all showing up in the EPG and being available for viewing. We know, it would sting to lose CBS, but you folks definitely can't say you're starving for high-def.[Thanks, Cory T.]
Topeka, Kansas' CBS affiliate about to be dropped by Cox
As enthralled as we are to see new HD channels arrive in varying parts of the world, it's equally depressing to hear when any vanish. Nevertheless, we're looking at yet another classic battle between station and carrier in Topeka, Kansas, as the region's CBS affiliate (WIBW-TV) is threatening to remove its analog and digital HD signals from Cox unless it ponies up in a hurry. Needless to say, WIBW feels that it's not being compensated fairly from Cox for its retransmission of signals, and unless the two parties strike a deal before midnight on Friday, citizens in the area will have to bust out the antenna (or switch to satellite) to catch the looming March Madness. So, what exactly is WIBW asking for? A penny a day for each Cox subscriber.
Cox Arizona adding seven HD channels in March
Look out, desert dwellers, as Cox Communications is all set to dish out seven new HD channels to Arizona residents next month. On deck is TBS HD, Discovery Channel HD, Science Channel HD, Food Network HD, Animal Planet HD, Golf / Versus HD and History Channel HD. As of now, we've no idea where these will fit into the EPG, but you can phone up Cox and start to gripe if the whole lot doesn't arrive on March 18th.[Thanks, Ian Z.]
Cox adds ten new HD channels in Hampton Roads / Virginia Beach
Well, would you look at that. Nary 48 hours after we heard that Cox Communications was getting set to upgrade its fiber optic network in the Hampton, Virginia area, subscribers in said region are already reaping the benefits. Reportedly, Cox has dished out not one, not two, but ten new high-def options to customers in Hampton Roads / Virginia Beach. Wondering what those newcomers are? Try The CW HD, CNN HD, NHL Network HD, TLC HD, Versus / Golf HD, Animal Plant HD, Science Channel HD, Travel Channel HD, Food Network HD and yes, NFL Network HD as well. Talk about a solid way to start the weekend.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Cox adds nine HD channels in Lafayette, Louisiana -- for a price
Considering that Charter provides 44 HD options to its Louisiana subscribers, it was about time that Cox Communications did something to make its lineup look even close to comparable. Thankfully, the cable carrier has finally saw fit to add in nine (unnamed) high-def channels to its Lafayette lineup, and better still, subscribers will also see a boost in internet speeds. The move brings Cox's total HD count in the area to 33, but alas, it won't come free. Oh no, customers can expect programming packages (save for basic cable) to cost around $2 to $3 more per month for the boost in service after April 1st, but there's always satellite if you feel the value's just not there.
Cox upgrading fiber optic network in Hampton, Virginia
In an apparent attempt to fend off competition from Verizon, Cox Communications has just announced its intentions to upgrade the fiber optic network in and around the Hampton, Virginia area. If you'll recall, the company already upgraded its network in Newport News and began deploying switched digital video in certain locales, but this latest initiative will reportedly provide "additional capacity to expand its digital television programming" and boost internet speeds in Hampton. For subscribers that may see brief outages as the work takes place, you'll reportedly be notified two days prior -- you know, so you can mentally prepare for living sans cable for a few moments that afternoon.
Cox vows to keep analog signals around for three years after cutover
We already heard that the FCC was giving broadcasters a bit more flexibility with the 2009 digital TV switchover, and apparently, Cox Communications is taking full advantage of its rights. According to the cable company's own website, it will be keeping analog signals around for three full years after US television stations switch over to digital broadcasts on February 17, 2009. More specifically, the firm states that it "recognizes that some customers will still have analog-only TVs [after the cutover date]," thus it has promised to continue offering "analog broadcast signals for at least three years after the deadline for those customers that have not upgraded all TVs to Cox Digital Cable." And if you were curious, Cox also proclaims that said signal will be "down-converted from its digital format," but doesn't stop to encourage site visitors to, oh we don't know, apply for a coupon and pick up a DTV converter box. Either way, it's this or hand out free STBs.[Image courtesy of ViandsEnterprises, thanks Student Driver]
Cox Oklahoma adding HGTV, Travel Channel, and Food Network in HD
Just last summer, AT&T rolled its U-verse service into Oklahoma City and threw the ball back in Cox's court. Now, the latter is beefing up its own lineup ever so slightly in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Starting on February 12th, subscribers in both regions will purportedly be able to tune into HGTV HD, Travel Channel HD and Food Network HD on channels 737, 744 and 745. We know -- you all were wishing for a few more than three, but hopefully it's just a sign of things to come, eh?[Thanks, Philip]
CNN, Golf / Versus finally added to Cox's New Orleans lineup
Although Cox inked a deal to snag CNN HD (and TBS HD, mind you) some three months back, it seems as if customers in New Orleans, Louisiana are just now getting a taste. According to a tipster, Cox has just recently threw CNN and Golf / Versus into the high-definition lineup, but stations such as History Channel HD, Science HD and NHL Network HD are still sorely missing. Anyone else enjoying the (admittedly late) newcomers in the area?[Thanks, Jose R.]
Cox brings HD VOD to Northern Virginia
Not even a month after Cox Communications blessed those in Northern Virginia with 11 new high-definition channels, the cable company is now giving NoVa residents even more HD options. Similar to the rollout seen last summer in Southern California, Cox is giving customers in Fairfax County access to over 20 Starz! and Showtime on-demand flicks in HD. Interestingly, it's still a bit unclear whether any additional HD VOD content was added aside from films on those two channels, so for any Cox subscribers located in this here region, why not fire up your service and give us the skinny?
Cox customers in Kansas get two more HD channels
Not even a fortnight after Cox Communications added four new HD options to its Kansas lineup, along comes news that two more channels have popped up sans warning. According to tipster Kevin, the provider has added HGTV HD and Food Network HD on channels 627 and 628, respectively. The more the merrier, right?[Thanks, Kevin O.]
Cox Arizona getting VOD via SSD-based servers
It's one thing to get video-on-demand, but it's another thing if that content is being served up via Concurrent's MediaHawk 4500. Apparently, Cox Communications' Arizona division will be using the aforementioned media server -- which automatically detects failures and re-routes streams to alternate paths -- to dish out VOD content to its customers. Additionally, the unit relies on solid state discs, presumably making everything a bit snappier for the end user. We're not told whether HD material will be included in this VOD rollout, but nevertheless, deployment is scheduled to begin in Q1 of next year.[Via Multichannel News]
