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Verizon denied temporary block on TWC's anti-FiOS ads
Just an update on the Time Warner Cable/Verizon FiOS legal spat, Multichannel News is reporting a federal judge denied Verizon's request for a temporary restraining order to get the ads its deemed misleading off the air immediately. We can see why they'd think that, with the ads seeming to imply FiOS requires a dish (it doesn't) and that Time Warner uses fiber too (not really the same), but Judge Lewis Kaplan didn't feel it necessary to block them before a hearing on Verizon's preliminary injunction motion April 21. Check out the ads on our previous post and see how accurate they appear to you. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
TWC rolls out seven new HD channels in Hudson Valley region of NY
When Time Warner Cable dropped its HD bombshell on New York and New Jersey earlier this month, we were told that the whole gang of newcomers would filter over to the Hudson Valley region later in the year. Judging by an update on the carrier's site, a small portion of those will be joining the EPG in the aforementioned area in just weeks. Effective April 30th, users in and around Kingston, Middletown, Newburgh, and Poughkeepsie can expect to see Food Network HD (736), Fox Business News HD (758), Hallmark Movie Channel HD (784), HGTV HD (763), Versus / Golf HD (773) and Travel Channel HD (780). Just a day later, Fox News HD will be arriving on slot 762. Sure, it's nowhere near 50, but it's a solid start. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
Time Warner Cable bringing Fox News HD to Brooklyn / Queens, NY
Not satisfied with finding Versus / Golf HD on your EPG a little early? For Time Warner Cable customers located in Brooklyn / Queens, New York, here's another tidbit to appease your insatiable appetite for more high-def. On an updated Channel Changes page for the aforementioned locales, TWC clearly notes that Fox News HD will be headed to those lineups on May 1st in slot 744. Unfortunately, there's no word on when (or if) this newcomer will spread out to other areas, but given the history of TWC not treating all boroughs equally, we wouldn't hold our breath (you hear, Manhattanites?). [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Jason]
Verizon sues Time Warner Cable over some dumb ads
Hey, we hate lawsuits just as much as the next guy, but we're finding it hard to fault Verizon for this one. Verizon and Time Warner Cable arrived in court on Wednesday to settle a tiff over some ads that Verizon claims offer up misleading info about Verizon's FiOS service. Listed among the complaints include supposed false implications by TWC that FiOS requires a satellite dish, doesn't include phone, broadband and video, and that Time Warner's network is better. Time Warner Cable is naturally calling the lawsuit "without merit." Verizon wants TWC to stop running the ads and issue a retraction, as well as compensate them for lost revenue. We're not positive which ad Verizon is referring to, but if it's anything like the ad after the break -- which has some downright false implications about Time Warner Cable using fiber optics "for over a decade" -- then Verizon very well might have something here. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family] Update: Reader Max sent us in a version of the ad in which it's actually implied that Verizon requires a satellite dish for its FiOS service. Seriously, you can't make this crap up -- well, apparently TWC can. Ad after the break.
TWC New York fast-tracks Versus / Golf HD in time for NHL playoffs
Check it: Time Warner Cable has seemingly inserted Versus / Golf HD into the lineup some 20 days prior than expected, presumably to satisfy demands of avid hockey fans wanting their NHL playoffs in high-definition. We've had numerous reports from varying regions in the Empire State affirming that the channel is now live on slot 794, but be sure and drop a note in comments if you've somehow been left out. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Time Warner Cable to push services in 700 Wal-Mart locations
We've certainly seen companies use the well-trafficked floors of Wal-Mart to springboard certain products and / or services before, but this one has us scratching our noggins, for sure. Apparently Time Warner Cable has secured a deal that will allow it to market its cable, broadband internet access and digital phone service in nearly 700 Wal-Mart locations. Reportedly, customers can sign up for any of the provider's services from within the store (at "Connection Centers"), but here comes the curious part: after they leave, they're required to either phone up TWC in order to complete the transaction and get their service(s) hooked up or wait 24-hours for the carrier to contact them. In essence, what we've got here is a bona fide marketing push -- from what we can tell, nothing about this process makes things noticeably easier for the customer than just phoning up Time Warner Cable from the comfort of their own home. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
Binghamton, NY dips in TWC's pool of HD channels once more
Talk about patience paying off -- in just the last week, the previously HD-deprived region of Binghamton, New York has received ten new high-def channels from Time Warner Cable. Granted, residents are certainly not satisfied yet (hey, can't blame you there), but as of now, subscribers can tune into Versus / Golf HD (807), TBS HD (822), CNN HD (824) and Food Network HD (827). If we had to guess, we'd bet these are being beamed out via SDV, but we wouldn't mind hearing a little confirmation either way from Binghamton-based CableCARD users. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Armando]
Time Warner Cable to add six HD channels in San Diego, CA
Just days after Cox flipped the switch on SciFi HD in the always classy city of San Diego, Time Warner Cable has announced that it will bolster its high-def family by adding in a new half dozen this Tuesday. As of April 8th, TWC subscribers in and around San Diego, California should have access to Discovery HD (743), Animal Planet HD (764), TLC HD (755), HGTV HD (753), Food Network HD (751) and CNN HD (726). According to Marc Farrar, vice president of public affairs for the carrier's San Diego division, the company is "poised to add even more HD channels to the lineup this year," though no specifics were doled out beyond that. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, creanium]
TWC finally updates Binghamton, NY lineup with 6 newcomers
It's been far, far too long since Binghamton, New York got any HD love from Time Warner, but just days after Rochester received an update in the upstate, a different half dozen have made the trek south. Just this week, TWC launched Universal HD, A&E HD, Discovery HD, TLC HD, Animal Planet HD and Science Channel HD, and we're hearing that all six are being delivered via SDV. Tough news for CableCARD users to swallow, but hopefully a remedy will be around sooner rather than later. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Armando]
Time Warner Cable drops HD bombshell on New York / New Jersey
Lookee here, it's all coming true. The bits we heard about a massive HD rollout coming to Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, NY (not to mention New Jersey) are now being confirmed by Time Warner Cable. On April 30th, the three previously highlighted areas will have access to 50 HD channels, while those very stations will be available to all digital subscribers in Manhattan (!!!), New Jersey, the Hudson Valley region and Mt. Vernon "later this year." Additionally, TWC is gearing up to add over 250 HD VOD options, launch Enhanced HDTV (which includes Start Over) and position itself "to carry 100 high-definition channels" in NY and NJ by the close of 2008. Progress is a wonderful thing, innit? Check the full list of upcoming HD channels in the read link. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
TWC brings a new half dozen to Rochester, New York
Rochester's on a roll, and it seems like there's no sign of things slowing down. Just weeks after Time Warner Cable gifted subscribers in the area with the Discovery HD suite and a trio of other high-def favorites, along comes six more sure to please the sports fanatics in the house. Effective immediately, non-CableCARD customers (yep, these are being brought to you courtesy of SDV) in the upstate can find CNN HD (1020), Outdoor HD (1042), MSG HD (1043), NHL HD (1044), Food Network HD (1045) and SportsNet NY (1046). Sure, it's not quite Brooklyn territory, but it's certainly better than what midtown Manhattan's dealing with. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Claude]
Time Warner adds Discovery HD suite in Columbia, SC
It's been quite the day for Time Warner Cable, which has not only blessed North Texas with 11 new HD channels (though snubbed those in the outskirts mightily), it also found time to gift the Triad region in North Carolina with the Discovery HD suite. Lo and behold, Columbia, South Carolina has received those very same four channels, too. We're talking Animal Planet HD, Science Channel HD, Discovery Channel HD and TLC HD, but alas, all four are being delivered via SDV, so HD TiVo users are currently out of luck. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, ebrough]
TWC adds 11 HD channels in Dallas, Texas region
Considering that Time Warner Cable has been beefing up the HD lineups in San Antonio, Austin, Waco and other areas of Central Texas, it's about time the slighted Dallas region got their due. As of today, TWC is dropping 11 high-def newcomers in Dallas, Plano, Richardson and Mesquite, and we're told that other local cities "should get the new feeds, and more, in the next nine months." According to company spokesman Gary Underwood, North Texas "should have around 50 HD channels, not counting HD video-on-demand, by the end of the year." These 11 bring the total in the area up to 31, which catapults it above FiOS TV but still situates it well below U-verse and the two sat providers. Still, you lucky North Texas folks are some of the few enjoying March Madness on Demand in high-def, so click on through for the list of newbies and hush that complaining for at least, oh, a week day or two. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Len]
TWC adds Discovery suite to Piedmont Triad region of NC
In a move sure to make those in the neighboring Triangle exceedingly envious, Time Warner Cable has seen fit to add in the Discovery suite to its HD lineup just down I-40 in Greensboro / High Point / Winston-Salem. As of today, subscribers in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina can turn their attention to TLC HD (546), Animal Planet HD (547), Science Channel HD (548) and Discovery Channel HD (549). Here in Raleigh, we're still doing without, but hopefully TWC will string the newcomers down sooner rather than later. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Prime and Mike]
Comcast, Time Warner, Sprint, and Clearwire could join forces on WiMAX, help from Google and Intel possible
As unlikely as this sounds, rivals Time Warner Cable and Comcast are apparently in talks with Sprint and Clearwire over establishing a nationwide WiMAX network. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the companies are scrambling to get a deal wrapped up by CTIA -- which takes place at the beginning of April -- and could see an influx of cash from both Google and Intel in excess of $1 billion. It seems the odd-couple partners are keen to cut into heavyweights Verizon and AT&T's ever-expanding range of at-home and mobile services by offering their own take on a high-speed data and voice system to consumers. Clearly this combination would deflate AT&T and Verizon's big FCC bandwidth-nabs a little (and it explains why the cable players weren't interested in the 700MHz auction), but it's questionable whether this rag-tag team of wild card players would seriously court the public's eye. They say America loves an underdog -- even if it's a gigantic, super-rich, corporate underdog.[Via mocoNews]
Time Warner Cable brings Discovery suite to Albany, New York
Just days after Time Warner Cable gifted Rochester-area citizens with the Discovery suite of HD channels, an eagle-eyed reader located in Albany has noticed that those very channels have also joined their lineup. Effective immediately, those located in and around the capital of the great state of New York can check out Science Channel HD (1825), Animal Planet HD (1835), Discovery Channel HD (1836) and TLC HD (1844). At this point, we're wondering if TWC will ever provide a noticeable boost to the ridiculously deprived Manhattan EPG, but three cheers for Albany, regardless. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Mike]
ESPNews HD set for launch March 30
Right on schedule, ESPNews HD is coming March 30. With carriage agreements previously reported with DirecTV, Comcast and Time Warner Cable, we expect (read: demand) to get it day one. As seen in the graphics, ESPNews' traditional BottomLine now frames the top, left and bottom of 16x9 main video space. Everything's been tweaked -- it appears ESPN has learned much from the launch of its first two HD networks -- from a more moderate (and hopefully less prone to burn-in) steel blue color scheme, redone music with an orchestra-performed theme and all-new set backed by ESPN's multimedia newsroom. Called a "milestone concept" and "must have" for its exclusive HD content (a first for ESPN) ESPN VP Bryan Burns thinks it's hot, check more pics after the break then decide for yourself at 8 a.m. Sunday, March 30; if your carrier isn't up to speed, check out the simulcast on ESPN HD for the first hour, then ESPN2 HD in 30 minute chunks at 11:30 a.m. and p.m.
Time Warner Cable signs up for March Madness VOD
Following Comcast's footsteps, Time Warner Cable has just made it official: it will also be offering its subscribers CBS Sports' March Madness on demand content free of charge. In case you weren't already aware, this will allow customers to access game highlights and historical NCAA March Madness vignettes via video-on-demand, but unfortunately, only users in North Texas will see said programming in high-definition. Now, more than ever, the rest of the TWC nation could really use HD VOD, eh? [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
TWC bringing Discovery suite to Rochester, New York
As the lineup changes continue to emerge in New York, along comes word that the Discovery suite of high-def channels are set to land in Rochester tomorrow. That's right, nary a month after picking up History Channel HD, HGTV HD and Lifetime Movie Network HD, you folks in the upstate can soon look forward to seeing Discovery Channel HD (1036), TLC HD (1023), Science Channel HD (1024) and Animal Planet HD (1068). No word on whether or not these will be delivered via SDV, but we're guessing so. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Mike S.]
TWC brings more HD to Staten Island and Syracuse, NY
Just as we expected, Time Warner Cable is delivering five new HD channels to its all-digital Staten Island market, and while midtown NYC gets left out (again), folks braving the chill up in Syracuse have three more reasons to stay indoors. Aside from gaining NY1 on slot 701, Staten Island residents will also see the Discovery suit showing up in their EPG, which includes Science Channel HD (775), TLC HD (752), Discovery HD (766) and Animal Planet HD (786). As for Syracuse, locals in the region can now tune into History Channel HD (818), TBS HD (822) and CNN HD (824). As for surrounding areas, we haven't heard anything official concerning the possibility of these networks spreading, but as always, keep a sharp eye on that channel lineup and drop us a line if any newcomers pop up. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, Vin P. and Michael V.]
