Difference between Contour and HD DVR without it?

Which HD DVR? Contour is just Trio, but is now accessible through a new iPad/iPhone app. Without the app., it is just the DVR running with Trio (Contour.) Only the "Record 6" DVR (Cisco 9865HDC) can use the new app.

I have the 8642HDC.  It is branded Contour and recommends shows for me to watch based on my viewing habits.  If this is Contour, then I have and am paying for the service when I did not opt for it.  If it isn't, then I'm paying for the service even though I don't have it.  Point is, I did not select it during the online ordering process  yet I am being charged for it.

GeoffNA said:

I have the 8642HDC.  It is branded Contour and recommends shows for me to watch based on my viewing habits.  If this is Contour, then I have and am paying for the service when I did not opt for it.  If it isn't, then I'm paying for the service even though I don't have it.  Point is, I did not select it during the online ordering process  yet I am being charged for it.

Contour is just the new name for the TRIO program guide. TRIO has been able to make recommendations since late December of 2012. I am aware of no "service" Contour adds if you're not using the iPad/iPhone app. I, too, have the 8642HDC, and have used it for about a year. Just 2-tuners, no iPad app access, but "CONTOUR" is proudly displayed in the bottom left corner of the guide.

What "Contour" service are you being charged for, and how much is the charge?

Domino,

Thanks in advance for your replies.  Here is what it says on my bill:

So I am getting charged for Contour service even though I did not choose it online.  I should be getting charged $9.99 + $8.50 for the standard HD DVR receiver.   I have a tech coming out Wednesday to replace the box but maybe they don't need to come out.

I guess I have no way to tell if I have Contour or not.  Maybe it's just a simple bill change they need to make and not a box change.  I have no idea and customer service, while courteous, did not seem to know for certain either.

GeoffNA said:

Domino,

Thanks in advance for your replies.  Here is what it says on my bill:

Contour TV Package
Includes:
Contour Guide
DVR Service
Contour Service
		$19.99

Contour Receiver

$8.50

So I am getting charged for Contour service even though I did not choose it online.  I should be getting charged $9.99 + $8.50 for the standard HD DVR receiver.   I have a tech coming out Wednesday to replace the box but maybe they don't need to come out.

I guess I have no way to tell if I have Contour or not.  Maybe it's just a simple bill change they need to make and not a box change.  I have no idea and customer service, while courteous, did not seem to know for certain either.

Please note that there is a difference between the Contour guide (just Trio renamed) and the Contour service, which I thought was just the "Record 6" DVR and the iPad app access. The Contour service fee of $10 is only mandatory with the "Record 6" DVR (or so I thought.) It seems Cox takes much pleasure in renaming and re-bundling services as a way to increase income. My opinion is that with the 8642HDC DVR you should only be paying the $8.50 DVR rental fee, the $9.99 DVR service fee, and maybe the $5.00 "Plus" package fee.

Stick with your 8642HDC. The "step down "8420HDC" is slow as molasses, and comes with the 4:3 Passport Guide. The "step-up" 9865HDC (Record 6) DVR is faster, but still quite buggy (as you've read here.)

Hi GeoffNA,

The purpose of the Cox TV Support Forum is to allow customers to discuss technical topics related to Cox Cable TV with other customers. Since this doesn't fit the purpose of this forum, I will be locking the thread,  If you need help with billing or other account specific issues, please reach us on Twitter at @coxhelp, visit us on Facebook, or at coxhelp@cox.com.