I wrote this email to Time Warner late Saturday night (3/10) after being rather pissed off at not being able to watch the Sabres game in HD:

• Subject: Sabres/Devils Game Not Shown On HDNet 770

  Why was the Sabres/Devils game not shown on HDNet channel 770 this evening?

  I have a feeling that I know the answer: blackout rules. If that’s the case, I can live with it. But could you please not have it in the guide as being on the HD channel?

  It’s bad enough that 99% of the HD hockey I get watch is on channel 5.1 off my antenna, but to basically tease that a Sabres game will be on in HD is not necessary.

I got my reply back today:

• Thank you for using Time Warner Cable Online Customer Support.

  I am sorry for HDNet showing the Sabres game would be offered on this channel. We, as Time Warner, can’t make a network change the information that unfortunately shows on our guide. The issue is if MSG is broadcasting the game they have exclusive rights to the game, which disallows HDNet to broadcast. However, if Versus has the right to the game they may allow HDNet to broadcast. I understand it’s frustrating, and all I can suggest is that if you know the game will be on MSG it won’t be broadcasted on HDNet.

  Thank you,
  Time Warner Cable Customer Support

My reply:

• Thanks for writing me back.

  You’re saying that Time Warner can’t manually edit their own guide? Doesn’t that seem kinda silly.

  And I think you’re confusing HDNet with INHD2 (the now defunct channel) as Versus used to show their games on INHD2 (HDNet’s NHL contract is separate)

  Put in the good word for me & request that Time Warner get the Versus HD channel before the NHL Playoffs start

So not only can’t Time Warner edit what’s on their own guide, they also have personal working for them that confuse HDNet with INHD as this is the 2nd person I’ve spoken to via email that didn’t know the difference.

I’m not saying that the reps should know what’s on every channel, but they don’t have to make guesses.