TWC adds two new HD Movie Channels at 1867 & 1868

[Skaggs]

LOOK AT BOTTOM FOR UPDATE

Wednesday morning (1/28/04), TWC added two new High Definition movie channels to their lineup at channels 1867 and 1868.

These two new channels are HDN and HDNM. When you switch to these channels, you receive a message stating, "NOT AUTHORIZED: To order HDN service on 1867, please call [phone]."

The TWC rep that answered that at that phone number stated, "We haven't gotten any information on these channels yet."

When asked if we are going to have to pay for these two new channels, the rep stated, "The word is that they will be free for a month or so and then become pay channels."

He also stated he did not know when they will be activated.

As of 5:40AM 1/28/04, there was nothing new posted on the TWC Albany HDTV web page.

UPDATE: As of 3:00PM 1/28/04, the HDNet and HDNetMovies channels are working on the Albany TWC system, channels 1867 and 1868. Included in the digital cable package for now, but for how long?
UPDATE #2: The free trials for the two HDnet channels ended on March 31, 2004.

[kia303]

PAY, I thought they were included in the HD package, sheesh. I might have to rethink my new HT hobby.
EDIT--Info from a member on the SPoT is that it will be an additional $3.99 per month, not sure if this is true and/or verified.

[Hankster]

Yes. I called TWC yesterday afternoon. When I went to work the Not Authorized screen was up. While I was at work I called to see if it would be on, the rep told me they are both $3.99 per month and he would go ahead and turn them on for me.

[Hankster]

That was my reply on Home Theater Spot. The $3.99 price is for both channels, not each.

[Skaggs]

I get them and I did not tell TWC to "turn them on". They are included in the digital cable package.

[Skaggs]

Albany TWC updated its' HDTV Programming webpage with HDNet info today.

There was no mention of eventually having to pay for the two additional channels.

Channel 1867: HDNet
HDNet is the first all high definition national television network. HDNet features a variety of HDTV programming, including live sports, sitcoms, dramas, action series, documentaries, travel programs, music concerts and shows, special events and news features, including the popular HDNet World Report -- all in spectacular HDTV.

Channel 1868: HDNet Movies
HDNet Movies delivers a commercial-free schedule of full-length feature films converted from 35mm to high-definition, including titles from an extensive library of films. HDNet Movies will feature a mix of theatrical releases, made-for-TV movies, independent films and shorts.

[kia303]

I have 1867 and 1868 and I did not call to have them turned on, so I am wondering if this will be a free preview to get your interest, and then possibly a monthly fee in addition to your digital package??

[horrorfan2112]

I also have the channels and did not have to have them turned on . I got the unauthorized screen for a couple of hours then all of a sudden they were on . I called and spoke to a customer service rep and she had no knowledge of a future payment for this channel. ;D

[kia303]

Almost like I had insider trading information, big surprise, TWC is going to charge for HDNet after the free preview.

[horrorfan2112]

figures that they would be charging for the channels .. no big deal though I will pay for them ..even though there isnt very much to watch on them . Its funny to me just what I will watch just because it's in hd. Hd is sorta like crack in that way . The lion king is going to be broadcast in hdtv this saturday night and that should be awesome..

[Skaggs]

When I reviewed my TWC bill for April 2004, I noticed an "HD Premium Tier Service" charge of $5.00. So, I called TWC and asked what it was. The CSR said it was for my Digital Cable package. I told her that I have Digital Cable free for the first six months, as it states on the bill, so that wasn't it.

She put me on hold to go talk to her supervisor. When she came back, she said it was for the two new premium HD channels, HDnet and HDnet movies. I replied that these were free in the month of March and there should be no charge, as I did not authorize TWC to add this to my bill. Besides, the two channels were turned off on April 1st and I can't view them.

She talked to her supervisor again and told me she would remove the $5.00 charge, which (as you can see from the actual bill below) was a prorated amount of the $3.95 monthly charge to take me through the end of my billing cycle...April 8th.

I then asked what the "Hollywood Pack Services" were and she said they are channels between 790-800 that are included free if you subscribe to a premium channel, like HBO.