Any rumours of when Rogers will make these available. :-?

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/demo/loading.html

I've heard Rogers is testing the unit currently but their is apparently lots of technical bugs to iron out before they offer it to their subscribers.

I wouldn't count on it until late 4rd quarter at the earliest based on how the unit is working now.

Is there definitely going to be an 'HD' version of this?

I think the only thing this needs is a bigger hard drive (400-500G drive :wink: ) and [perhaps a DVI interface] to be a true HD version John.


The box supports simultaneous recording of two shows (SD or HD) and the playback of one show (SD or HD). Yeah, that's right, you can record 2 shows and playback another all at the same time.

Also, the box can scale one show (SD or HD) within another (SD or HD) providing PIP capability (don't need it in your TV) or for viewing a show (SD or HD) in the program guide while you browse/record, etc.

The box can output to another hard drive via the IEEE1394 interface or to a HDTV monitor that has IEEE1394 support (the Sony XBR2s from Fall 2001 [and Mitsubishi's in the U.S.]). All of the scaling is done in the box, so I guess you don't need to do this via a DVI interface with uncompressed video.

More info here: http://www.scientificatlanta.com/customers/prod_sub_PVR.htm

with product specs for the 8000 and it's remote here:
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/customers/prod_sub_PVR2.htm
specifically:
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/customers/subscriber_pdfs/745538.pdf
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/customers/subscriber_pdfs/749362.pdf

I definately think that cable is the way to go over Satellite with these features and interactivity (that satellite can't do without a second phone line) at this point in time, especially with respect to HD (more channels too). Plus, at some point in the future you would hope that Rogers will offer these boxes to subscribers to purchase like the current 2000HD/3100HD boxes at reasonable prices. :lol:

I guess this is another good reason not to buy the Dig Cable box from Rogers.

The spec sheet says this unit only has a MP@ML MPEG2 decoder, so it doesn't decode HD. It may be able to pass HD data through the 1394 port, but that would require an external decoder (or one integrated into your TV).

Ah your right John... didn't see this:

===========
MPEG2 MP@ML
Standard Definition
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Digital Video Decompression
===========

but they are contradicting at the same time...

===========
Enhanced Graphics Engine:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Enables high-resolution 640 x 480 graphics while
simultaneously scaling standard- or high-definition
MPEG-2 video

Dual IEEE 1394 Interface
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Supports a 400 Mbps interconnection to home consumer
devices such as an HDTV set, hard disk drive,
camcorder, etc.
===========


I guess if you have one of the Sony XBR2 series (57" or 65") or the 34" XBR from Fall 2001, you're all set with this box if the cable company uses the same headend technology.


Darn... lemme know when the 8000HD (or whatever) is out with a huge PVR hard drive, DVI and HDMI interfaces and of course component video as well and we'll be all set for cable HD. :wink: :-?

I guess all they need to add to make it HD is MP@HL instead of MP@ML:

From Scientific Atlanta FAQ on the 3100 page
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/customers/subscriberimages/HDTV%20FAQs%20CTAM%20rev%203.pdf
5. What is MP@ML?
This stands for main profile at main level. This is the format used for most standard-definition
digital channels. It supports resolutions up to 720 x 480i and data rates up to 15 Mbps.

6. What is MP@HL?
This stands for main profile at high-level. This is the format used for high-definition digital
channels. It supports resolutions up to 1920 x 1080i and data rates up to 19.25 Mbps.