You lost me with the "slimline 5-LNB" is that something that goes with or is part of the dish?

You lost me with the "slimline 5-LNB" is that something that goes with or is part of the dish?

It's all one dish but there's other things that may be involved as well.
More answers on the DirecTV Web site here:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/customer/faqPage.jsp?assetId=C200036&Id=50003782#category3

You lost me with the "slimline 5-LNB" is that something that goes with or is part of the dish?

example (not endorsing newegg)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882250004&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Satellite+TV+-+Receivers+++Accessories-_-DIRECTV-_-82250004

Right now I have Comcast (have kept it becuase of the HOA situation) but I also have a dish for chinese TV only called Jade World. I am not sure if this dish is suitable or not or whether I might need another dish. Guess I will have to call and find out.

For those of you that have DirecTV do you need to have multiple dishes for their HD service? Also how do the locals work?

A single dish that reads the signals from all the satellites and gives you all the HD CHannels DirecTV has to offer. It's a larger dish than the original 18" dish that I had so mounting it may become an issue if you're in an apartment. If you're in a home, the HOA can't stop you from mounting a dish (or Over The Air antenna for that matter) regardless of what the Association documents read.

Condos and apartments, however, can restrict, since any mounting has to be on common areas, which they do control.

Locals come in just fine... You get all the locals in HD with the exception of PBS, since they still negotiating with DirecTV, I think, but those will be there someday.

What you do lose is the local "sub" channels. Most of the locals have subchannels where they broadcast other programming, be it weather or in some cases foreign language programming, like Channel 34 does. Only an over the air antenna can get those sub channels for you right now.

I am in a condo and I did have to get approval for the dish we currently have, which is on the smaller side. All of the dishes I have seen in the project are similar in that they are small, how large is the dish for HD?

The dish that you have is an 18" round dish or if it's oval shaped, it's 18x20. According to Solid Signal the AU9 SLimline is 22.5 in. x 32.5 in. Click here (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=02&CAT=&PROD=AU9-S#MORE) for the details.

Also, the dish you have weighs about 10 pounds. The 5lnb dish weighs in at 25 poounds.

Channel 25's digital news telecast is normally of very high quality, not quite HD quality but easier on the eyes than the telecast of WPEC's supposed HD news.

Last night WPBF added side bars indicating WPBF HD. However, the 4:3 video portion was blurry. A real step backwards for this station.

Apparantly managment of both of these station either don't watch their own broadcasts, or don't care about video quality.

Can't say I've noticed. 25 seems to take a very northerly view of things, I have to watch channel 5, and often I even get better south county news from Broward stations.

Well, WPBF is licensed to Tequesta and has their tower way up to the north near Stuart. It would explain the northern focus.

- Trip

It's 2:50 a.m. and I've been watching my SA8300HD turn itself off automatically and has been downloading something for the past ten minutes at least.... and it's still going!

I have no clue what it is.... Could be updated firmware, may be Channel One OnDemand, Tivo or a new PVR interface?

It just finished and is now rebooting. And off I go to check it out....

So, what was it?

Nothing here.

Nothing here.

not sure if it's new, but i noticed they have the program Ratings i.e. tv-14/pg/etc next to the programs when looking at the single line program guide.

also in the full screen guide there is a channel 999 ONDMD

It's 2:50 a.m. and I've been watching my SA8300HD turn itself off automatically and has been downloading something for the past ten minutes at least.... and it's still going!

I have no clue what it is.... Could be updated firmware, may be Channel One OnDemand, Tivo or a new PVR interface?

It just finished and is now rebooting. And off I go to check it out....

I frequently watch late at night and I hate it when this happens. Two or three times a week the 8300 will all of sudden reboot right while I'm in the middle of a program. Usually it takes about 5 minutes until I can resume my program but last night I fell asleep waiting for it to finish. I think you're correct and there was a major firmware download last night and that's what took so long. Hopefully we'll be getting something of substance on the 1st of July.

You are correct I also noticed (after posting) that the ratings now show up in the box.

Saturday Afternoon Baseball - NYY @ NYM on Fox (6/28/08)

After rain delay, game on. However, no HD. Watching via D* in West Palm Beach, FL. WFLX is local Fox channel (29).

Saturday Afternoon Baseball - NYY @ NYM on Fox (6/28/08)

After rain delay, game on. However, no HD. Watching via D* in West Palm Beach, FL. WFLX is local Fox channel (29).

same here....:(

wow Fox is a mess today, they switched to the Cubs game w/o any notice, then 5 minutes later back to the Yanks and now it is in HD...and now another rain delay...

Has anyone noticed that the closed captions on WPBF 25 have become gibberish in the last few days (over DirecTv)? The cc over 10.1 Miami are fine on identical programs, as are the cc on WPBF analog over Comcast. I don't get 25.1 on my antenna, so I can't tell if I have a problem with WPBF digital or with DirecTv. Any ideas?

I don't think I was dreaming but Wheel of Fortune is now in HD on WPBF. Didn't catch Jeopardy but I would think that would be in HD as well.

it was? I'll check it out, took long enough

I don't think I was dreaming but Wheel of Fortune is now in HD on WPBF. Didn't catch Jeopardy but I would think that would be in HD as well.

WPBF Also now has HD Banners on it's local news... didn't see an HD Broadcast this morning, but the curtains were there.

I frequently watch late at night and I hate it when this happens. Two or three times a week the 8300 will all of sudden reboot right while I'm in the middle of a program. Usually it takes about 5 minutes until I can resume my program but last night I fell asleep waiting for it to finish. I think you're correct and there was a major firmware download last night and that's what took so long. Hopefully we'll be getting something of substance on the 1st of July.

And we wait... It's a new month and nothing new. But there's signs of life (i.e. 999 OnDmd and stealth over-night software installations), so something BIG has to be coming... sooner or later. We wait more.

Meanwhile, a Comcast phone rep told me that she was told that Feb. '09 is that date they've been told when our (former Adelphia) system will be fully on par with the rest of Comcast S. Florida (Broward-Dade).

Sure she just wasn't confused about the Feb 09 transition to digital TV?

Not sure if we are getting something big more likely just Channel 1 OnDemand, but at least it is something.

Did anyone have trouble getting Channel 5-1 last night (Thursday) for their network evening news? The signal was anywhere from 5 to 65%. Normally I get it here in Fort Pierce by antenna at 78-82%.

Half the time Channel 42-1's signal is around 4%. The other half it is around 65%. What's up?

I can confirm I have been having trouble with channel 5 lately. Last night my wife forced me to watch the Miss Universe nonsense, and I initially tuned 5-1, but had to give up and go to 6-1 instead, as 5 was in and out, in and out, in and out until it drove me insane.

Is anyone having any trouble receiving channel 407 & 411 on Comcast (TNTHD and DSC HD Theater)? I have a cable card and can't get these channels for a week or so.

I never watch TNTHD as I hate what they do with movies(commercials, edits and Stretch-O-Vision) but DSC HD Theater has been working fine on my SA 8300HD DVR. I don't use a cable card.

Hope this isn't off-topic, but I wanted to ask this of other Comcast customers in the area. Has anyone else had their TV Guide listings go off after the last time Comcast rearranged their channels? Have been reading the forum and that there will be a switch from analog TV guide information to embedding it in the digital signals. Was wondering if Comcast made that switch. I have a Sony RDR-HX900 and it just stopping showing TV guide information after Comcast moved some of their channels in the 70s range. Have tried everything I could think of, including contacting Comcast and Sony and have had no luck fixing the situation.

Also wondering if anyone has suggestions for alternatives to Comcast if you live in a condo with strict no dish regulations. How is over the air ATSC reception? Would a digital to analog converter box with a smart antenna be able to pick up some decent signals in this area? Any suggestions on good antennas that can be used indoors (so there's no problem with condo associations restrictions)? I can pick up some NTSC signals okay now, but radio reception has always been very poor. Am wondering if digital TV signal reception will be decent or if the building will interfere with the signal like it does with radio. Any tips or suggestions on getting better signals in a condo would be much appreciated.

Federal law trumps condo commando regulations - they cannot prohibit you from having an antenna or a satellite dish. They can, however, restrict you from using common areas to mount either. You don't give us any clue where you live, but I will assume Palm Beach Country somewhere - any decent inside antenna will give you most, if not all, of the major Palm Beach channels, but again, your location will determine a lot. I live in Boca, I cannot get channel 25 on an inside antenna, for example.

411 is MTV HD... Sorry. Both channels (407 & 411) dont work for me.

411 is MTV HD... Sorry. Both channels (407 & 411) dont work for me.

Have you tried unplugged the STB from the power outlet yet? This will cause it to reboot and hopefully that will solve your problem. If you've already done that and it didn't help, I think it's time for you to call Comcast.

Have you tried unplugged the STB from the power outlet yet? This will cause it to reboot and hopefully that will solve your problem. If you've already done that and it didn't help, I think it's time for you to call Comcast.

I have a cable card on my HDTV. I tried unplugging the TV to no avail. I dont really want to call Comcast because of their horrible support of cable cards. They almost always just come out and replace the card. Of course, that means they need to send a tech who always hates cable cards. It then takes him 2 hours to program it with a rep on the other end of the phone who hates cable cards.....

I have a cable card on my HDTV.

Sorry, I forgot you had a cable card.


I tried unplugging the TV to no avail. I dont really want to call Comcast because of their horrible support of cable cards. They almost always just come out and replace the card. Of course, that means they need to send a tech who always hates cable cards. It then takes him 2 hours to program it with a rep on the other end of the phone who hates cable cards.....

Wow! Doesn't sound like fun. Does this happen often?

Hope this isn't off-topic, but I wanted to ask this of other Comcast customers in the area. Has anyone else had their TV Guide listings go off after the last time Comcast rearranged their channels? Have been reading the forum and that there will be a switch from analog TV guide information to embedding it in the digital signals. Was wondering if Comcast made that switch. I have a Sony RDR-HX900 and it just stopping showing TV guide information after Comcast moved some of their channels in the 70s range. Have tried everything I could think of, including contacting Comcast and Sony and have had no luck fixing the situation.

Also wondering if anyone has suggestions for alternatives to Comcast if you live in a condo with strict no dish regulations. How is over the air ATSC reception? Would a digital to analog converter box with a smart antenna be able to pick up some decent signals in this area? Any suggestions on good antennas that can be used indoors (so there's no problem with condo associations restrictions)? I can pick up some NTSC signals okay now, but radio reception has always been very poor. Am wondering if digital TV signal reception will be decent or if the building will interfere with the signal like it does with radio. Any tips or suggestions on getting better signals in a condo would be much appreciated.

I'm a DirecTV customer so I don't use Comcast digital. Only have the basic service running through the house, so I can't answer your question about the guide.

However, regarding the replacement for Comcast or OTA, without knowing where you live, it's hard to say what your options are as far as a replacement for Comcast. However, regarding the indoor antenna, if you go to www.antennaweb.org, and enter your address, you'll get a pretty good idea of what the OTA signal strength is in your area and suggestions on both indoor and outdoor antennas.

Also, a good source for purchasing an antenna is www.solidsignal.com. I purchased mine through them and got good recommendations and good pricing. I think that if you call them, they'll even help you determine what signals you may or may not get based on your location.

Wheel of Fortune sure looks good in HD on Channel 25.1 at 7:00 p.m. I guess I should have loaned them my DVR years ago. Anyone know when Channel 25 will have their news in HD?

I just got back from Europe after four weeks in Spain, France, Italy and Croatia. I'm off to California and Vancouver in eight days so I turned off my DirecTV for two months. It has been a challenging experience. I can't get Channel 12 in either HD or Analog, and Channel 42 and channel 5.1 have been disapointing. Last night (Tuesday night) Channel 9.1 and 18.1 from Orlando came in very strong. (My antenna is fixed in a southern position. Unfortunately, 9.1 is ABC and 18.1 is CW, which broadcast from Palm City, and come in strong.

I guess I need to move to Broward County so I can pick up Channel 5.1, 12.1, and 42.1.

I must say I'm impressed with Channel 34, puting HD on Channel 34.1 and 480i programming on Channels 34.2, 34.3, and 34.4.

Sunday morning, NBC6 was coming in at 90% strength. I haven't seen it since. I feel like I was watching a stripper. Wait, Wait, and Wait.

But I saved $190!

Sorry, I forgot you had a cable card.

Wow! Doesn't sound like fun. Does this happen often?

I've had my TV for about 2.5 years. In that time, I've gone through about 5 cable cards. 2 in the first year and 3 about a year ago when they switched the channels and over to Comcast control.

Last night around 8:00 p.m., I sat down to watch a HD nature show. Five minutes later, the signal went down to 4%. This channel seems to be off more than it is on.

This station has had technical problems with digital since it started broadcasting. Try listening with a dolby receiver, the dolby signal keeps cutting out. Hopefully when analog goes away they will get their act togother.

I've said before, I've given up on 42 being reliable. I usually watch 2 out of Miami, or the national PBS feed via satellite, but the programming isn't always the same.

Just checking to see if anyone is still having problems with 5-1. I've had no problems since installing my antenna 2 years ago. Now the signal bounces between 0 and 85 constantly. I've been having problems for the last month or so.

I'm glad I not the only one. My signal has gone down to 55%. I'm barely picking them up. 5-1 signal. 42.1 is a joke.

I live in East Delray Beach and have had a problem with channel 5's OTA signal
for the last 2 weeks or so. Very pixelated and unwatchable.
The other majors come in fine.
This seems to happen on a regular basis,it will look fine for a few months and then denigrate completely for a week or more until it returns to normal.
This time it has been bad for longer than normal, I wonder what is going on with channel 5 and their transmitter.

Don't think that this has been discussed yet, but ATT U-verse is coming to PBC.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/business/content/business/epaper/2008/07/21/0721uverse.html

Receiving WPTV with 75% signal on my computer tv tuner just fine tongith. It's hooked up to an attic antenna that hasn't moved in years.

I don't watch much off the antenna as I receive them through cable tv.

I've said before, I've given up on 42 being reliable. I usually watch 2 out of Miami, or the national PBS feed via satellite, but the programming isn't always the same.

Jeff,
Since when can we receive the national PBS feed? Just curious.:confused:

Not sure when it started, but you will find it in the high 300's, I think. It's only SD, but its there.

Jeff,
Since when can we receive the national PBS feed? Just curious.:confused:

I'm glad I not the only one. My signal has gone down to 55%. I'm barely picking them up. 5-1 signal. 42.1 is a joke.

I'm just trying to figure out if it's a problem with me or the station. Anyone up in Stuart having problems that previously didn't?

Don't think that this has been discussed yet, but ATT U-verse is coming to PBC.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/business/content/business/epaper/2008/07/21/0721uverse.html

I just got U-verse set up. I'm in Boynton Beach near Woolbright, just west of I-95.

I've not watched a lot of TV yet, but the HD channels look great so far. The user interface (Microsoft Mediaroom?) for the "cable" box (Cisco-branded SA IPN430MC) is some nice work.

I got the 10Mb/1.5Mb internet package as well. http://www.speedtest.net/result/302740867.png

VOIP isn't available yet, you can still use POTS on the same line though, as with DSL.

How many (and which) HD channels do you get?

How many (and which) HD channels do you get?

54 HD channels:

A&E HD
Animal Planet HD
Big Ten Network HD
Bravo HD
Cinemax HD
Cinemax HD - West
CNBC HD
CNN HD
Discovery Channel HD
ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD
Food Network HD
HBO Comedy HD
HBO Family HD
HBO HD
HBO HD - West
HBO2 - HD
HD Theater
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HGTV HD
History HD
Lifetime Movie Network HD
MHD
National Geographic Channel HD
NFL Network HD
Sci Fi Channel HD
Science Channel HD
Showtime HD
Showtime HD - West
Starz HD
Starz HD - West
Starz Kids & Family HD
TBS HD
The Learning Channel HD
TMC HD
TNT HD
Universal HD
USA Network HD
VERSUS / The Golf Channel HD
WBFS-HD-33 (MY NETWORK TV)
Wealth TV HD
WFLX-HD-29 (FOX)
WFOR-HD-4 (CBS)
WGN HD
WHDT-HD 59 (IND)
WPBF-HD-25 (ABC)
WPEC-HD-12 (CBS)
WPLG-HD-10 (ABC)
WPTV-HD-5 (NBC)
WSVN-HD-7 (FOX)
WTCN-HD-43 (MY NETWORK TV)
WTVX-HD-34 (THE CW)
WXEL-HD-42 (PBS)

I just got U-verse set up.

Can you tell us which exact U-verse package you have and what the total charges are, including tax? It's not yet available in my area(Hypoluxo/Turnpike) so AT&T's website will not let me build a package.

Thanks

Can you tell us which exact U-verse package you have and what the total charges are, including tax? It's not yet available in my area(Hypoluxo/Turnpike) so AT&T's website will not let me build a package.

Thanks

$99 for U400 package
$10 for HD package
$55 for 10/1.5Mb Internet

Unfortunately, I don't have the ability to look up what the details of the bill will be yet, so I don't know what the taxes are.

Sounds interesting, this coupled with Dish Network's TurboHD package might get me to finally dump Comcast.

The only thing about ATT U-verse is I wounder about the picture quality becuase I had read it was inferior to both cable and satellite.

$99 for U400 package
$10 for HD package
$55 for 10/1.5Mb Internet

Unfortunately, I don't have the ability to look up what the details of the bill will be yet, so I don't know what the taxes are.

How many TV's ?

How many TV's ?

The first decoder box is included. Extra boxes are $5 each (from what I've read on the uverseusers (http://www.uverseusers.com/) forum, they used to be free).

All of the boxes do HD, but only the first one is a DVR (160GB). They're supposedly working on some "Whole House" DVR system (WHDVR) where the extra decoder boxes can playback from the DVR box, but I also read that they've been working on it for 3 years now. :p

The first decoder box is included. Extra boxes are $5 each (from what I've read on the uverseusers (http://www.uverseusers.com/) forum, they used to be free).

All of the boxes do HD, but only the first one is a DVR (160GB). They're supposedly working on some "Whole House" DVR system (WHDVR) where the extra decoder boxes can playback from the DVR box, but I also read that they've been working on it for 3 years now. :p

so you only got one box ?

so you only got one box ?

I have two, but I didn't list the $5 for the second one in the costs I mentioned earlier.

I don't know if there's a limit on how many additional boxes you can get, but anyone thinking of getting U-Verse for TV should know that house-wide, you are limited to four different TV streams (channels) at once, of which a maximum of two of those four can be HD. So you can have up to 4 SD, 3SD 1HD, or 2SD 2HD at the same time. This includes DVR recordings.

If you run out of streams, you get a message with the option to stop a recording or remotely stop another coverter box from recieving a stream.

Edit: For anyone curious about prices/configurations, here's a screengrab from the pricing screen when I signed up:

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6282/uversepricesboyntonxh5.png

I have two, but I didn't list the $5 for the second one in the costs I mentioned earlier.

I don't know if there's a limit on how many additional boxes you can get, but anyone thinking of getting U-Verse for TV should know that house-wide, you are limited to four different TV streams (channels) at once, of which a maximum of two of those four can be HD. So you can have up to 4 SD, 3SD 1HD, or 2SD 2HD at the same time. This includes DVR recordings.

If you run out of streams, you get a message with the option to stop a recording or remotely stop another coverter box from recieving a stream.

Edit: For anyone curious about prices/configurations, here's a screengrab from the pricing screen when I signed up:

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6282/uversepricesboyntonxh5.png

looks like a good deal...is your price a promotional price for a certain amount of time ?

looks like a good deal...is your price a promotional price for a certain amount of time ?

I think the promotional deal is that the first month of TV is free. As best as I can tell, the monthly rates shown for the TV package are the normal monthly rates.

Can someone call and wake them up?

Can someone call and wake them up?

I have always said that these broadcasters need to have a section on their Web pages that gives the "STATUS" of the signal. But I guess that would take away from the hundreds of advertisements that clutter it up so bad that you can't find anything relevant. Also it would require someone to actually update the page daily which they don't seem to do. This is the only thing on their Web site:

Fox29 Goes Digital!
Fox29 has gone digital. From noon to midnight during the next week show our new digital TV - check it out, if you are able.

If you have any comments/problems with it, email us at bfigurella@raycommedia.com.

For anyone who has Comcast, does channel 999 work for you? It is shown as ONDMD but when you go to it, it has Not Authorized...

They seem to have been testing this channel for at least 1-2 months, any idea if they ever plan to activate it? Hopefully it will at least give us some of their "HD options" as they like to put it, when we would all prefer
"HD Channels". :mad:

Comcast likes to take their time before making new programming available.

I would like to know what has been hanging around on the QAM carriers of channels 74-80. I am guessing the digial simulast channels for the analogs.

Also noticed new HD graphics on WPTV. I like them a lot better then the other ones.

Not that I am at all suprised but they are taking their sweet arse time.

I just wanted to know if anyone in the Wellington, Royal Palm area is having problem with espn and espn HD (403 and 404). i have comcast and these 2 channels have been blank or pixilated for 2 weeks. Ive got a friend that lives 2 miles away and he is having the same problems.

Just installed the new Vista Media Center update that enables QAM programming within Media Center.

After it scanned the channels, it found 15 unencrypted channels and almost 300 encrypted. When I looked at the list of encrypted channels, I noticed they were given numeric names that correspond with its STB assignment.

The curious thing was that the 400-block (HD channels) ended some where in the 470's! Currently, the HD channels officially end at 440 (WXEL). This must mean that encrypted channels 441-47x must be new HD channels that are being cooked up. That's an additional 30-40 HD channels being prepared! Yay!

(Hope I'm right)

(Hope I'm right)
Hope so too! :)

Hope so too! :)

But I wouldn't hold my breath. ;)

Has anyone here with Comcast seen this ad for Comcast's HDTV where it's a game show asking who has the most HD Channels...DirecTV or Comcast? It then shows "Comcast always has more HD channels than DirecTV." How the hell can they get away with this? By my count, I have 28 HD channels here in Palm Beach Gardens...

Here is the ad (same thing as the one they are playing here) on Youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7cqJDU6VJw

I saw the commercial last night and thought the exact same thing. We don't even have their so-called "choices" although I think that is coming as Channel 999 has been in the guide for a while now but hasn't been activated. That will give us some On Demand HD but we all want real channels not choices.

Nearest I can tell, Comcast uses DirecTV's channel count, and compares it against how many HD programs run on their system in a day. So, if they both carry HD Channel X, DirecTV counts it as one, and Comcast counts it as, say 20, or however many HD programs run on channel X that day. Clever marketing spin, anyway.

The fine print says they are counting their VoD programming as well. That's one thing cable does better than satellite, is the VoD.

Would a digital to analog converter box with a smart antenna be able to pick up some decent signals in this area?

In case anyone's interested, recently got a Zenith DTT901 as recommended elsewhere on the forum. Wouldn't have been my first choice if I hadn't read some other forum posts, but I'm pretty happy with it so far. I'm getting a lot of the same local stations that I get through my analog TV sets. I am getting channel 4 (4.1) out of Miami which is hard for me to tune in decently by analog means. I was really hoping to get channel 33 (33.1), which I currently get very clearly through my analog set. Seem to be having some difficulty with reception for it. Can't see channel 34 at all using the converter box. Works okay on an analog set. Also noticed some problems tuning in ION on 67 on the converter box, but there's a similar transmission around channel 35. Works opposite on my analog TV, with 67 coming in stronger than the lower channel for ION. I picked up about 33 stations using the converter box, but they seem to tune in or out based on antenna settings and other factors. Still not at all used to the way stations either tune in or pixellate and disappear compared to analog's fuzzy but still viewable signals for low reception.

Based on my experience with the Zenith so far, doesn't look like a smart antenna is necessary, just a decent converter box. Am using it with the same antenna I used for tuning VHF, UHF on my analog TV.

Hoping to purchase another type of converter box and see how that works compared to the Zenith. Anyone have any recommendations for alternative CECBs that work well in the area and where to buy them? Suggestions appreciated. Thanks. I've noticed the CM7000 also seems to have good reviews on the AVS Forum. Has anyone seen any CM7000 units available for sale locally or is it basically only through mail order at this point?

The problem I see with these boxes is they only output 480i. One of the best things about OTA digital is the possibility of getting the very best HD signal available (to the average consumer, anyway).

As for antennas, I don't know where you live, but I will assume Palm Beach county - just about any antenna one step up from a coat hanger will pick up the 4 majors. Get a better antenna, and you stand a great chance of picking up the Miami DMA as well, especially if you live in the south county area.

For those interested in college football it looks like Comcast will be adding the Big 10 Network tomorrow. This according to an article on the Palm Beach Posts website. Probably the SD channel but at least it is something.

Nearest I can tell, Comcast uses DirecTV's channel count...

We're talking semantics here, but DirecTv uses the TV stations call numbers. That's what's Comcast is using for their QAM numbers (but not their normal lineup). I like the way Directv does it and wished the cable companies would follow suit (for their normal lineup). I understand they want to have it in tiers, but just put them on the number they are and organize everything else around it. Local stations should all have the same number (I can understand why national stations wouldn't) no matter what system your on IMO.

For those interested in college football it looks like Comcast will be adding the Big 10 Network tomorrow. This according to an article on the Palm Beach Posts website. Probably the SD channel but at least it is something.

Looks like you need to have there Digital Sports Package...

Monday, August 25, 2008

Comcast will add the Big Ten Network to its digital sports tier starting today in the Treasure Coast and by Thursday in Palm Beach County, the cable company said Monday.

That tier is available for an extra $5 above the starter service.

What I meant was, DirecTV counts broadcasters - cnnhd is one, DiscoveryHD is another, etc, etc, where the Comcast commercial is referring to how many programs on cnnHD are HD, how many on DiscoveryHD are in HD, and gives that number. That's pretty much dodging the issue - both counts are correct, but the difference in counting methods renders the comparison meaningless, unless you understand what's going on behind the scenes.

At any rate, before too long, the differences in count and quality will become meaningless, and then we are back to personal preference. Personally, I prefer less infrastructure between my TV and the source. With satellite, I can cut out Comcasts entire cable plant. That I like, especially given their performance in my area after the hurricane seasons of 04 and 05 (or was it 05 and 06?)

We're talking semantics here, but DirecTv uses the TV stations call numbers. That's what's Comcast is using for their QAM numbers (but not their normal lineup). I like the way Directv does it and wished the cable companies would follow suit (for their normal lineup). I understand they want to have it in tiers, but just put them on the number they are and organize everything else around it. Local stations should all have the same number (I can understand why national stations wouldn't) no matter what system your on IMO.

Just saw a Comcast commercial basically announcing that Channel 1 OnDemand will soon be available and will replace our current on demand channels. The ad did not say when it was coming other than "coming soon". It showed screen shots of the new service, saying something to the effect that on demand here will soon be getting a make-over, with a new look, style, features, more choices, etc. Well, we here knew it was coming, but now it's official.

Just saw a Comcast commercial basically announcing that Channel 1 OnDemand will soon be available and will replace our current on demand channels. The ad did not say when it was coming other than "coming soon". It showed screen shots of the new service, saying something to the effect that on demand here will soon be getting a make-over, with a new look, style, features, more choices, etc. Well, we here knew it was coming, but now it's official.
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/aug/29/parks-and-attractions/?printer=1/

I guess that's what the barker channel is for that can be picked up with a QAM tuner on channel 105-199. Looks like it fits into the interface.

Channel 1 OnDemand did go active today for Comcast. Haven't really explored it much yet to see what "choices" they have but at least it is all in one place now.

Channel 1 OnDemand did go active today for Comcast. Haven't really explored it much yet to see what "choices" they have but at least it is all in one place now.
Not here in the Stuart area!:mad:

You did check Channel 1, correct? They are no longer in the 900s. I believe both Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast were scheduled to get it today. No new HD channels unfortunately.

It depends upon which Comcast district you live in. I received a postcard in the mail today saying that Channel One is now active. I thought to myself, "Finally" and quickly turned to Channel One to see how it looked and if there were possibly any new channels added.

To my dissappointment it was still the same as it's always been. I unplugged the cable box hoping that a reboot would give me the new channel but it was to no avail.

I proceeded to call Comcast and the CSR who answered the phone said they were rolling it out in three phases and that I would have it on Friday. South County was receiving it today, Central County(Lake Worth, Lantana Etc.,) would be getting it tommorow and North County would be getting it on Friday.

I explained that I actually lived west of Lake Worth and south of Lantana but he said I am under the North District and it will be active late Thursday or early Friday. I also asked if we were getting any new HD channels and would Cinemax finally be in HD and he said he didn't see anything new on the list.

LRZNole, have you checked to see if there is any HD On Demand content and if so, was it anything worthwhile?

smithfarmer:

I just looked at it quickly before leaving for work. They had a category for HD movies (i think that is what they called it), which was basically the HD section from the old Movies OnDemand Channel 900. I didn't check the premium channel section to see if we have any HD there. My guess with all this is that it is the same as what we previously had just with new window dressing.

As far as new HD channels, the CSRs don't have clue either way so something could show up in the near future and they would have no idea.

LRZNole,

Thanks for the feedback. I kinda figured it would be just like you said(window dressing) but still hoped for something new. I'd imagine the interface has to be a huge improvement though.

It seems to be an improvement. Truthfully I will have a much better idea later when I get home and really explore it. After I give it the one over I will post what I think and if there is anything new.

I also received a post card about Channel 1; Called and CSR told they were having problems with changeover and were working on a solution. (Stuart area - Martin County).

It seems to be an improvement. Truthfully I will have a much better idea later when I get home and really explore it. After I give it the one over I will post what I think and if there is anything new.

Much appreciated.

Looked at it some more and it is what I thought. It is better in that everything is in a central location but there is really nothing new and there is no new HD "choices". I am not sure how bandwidth works and if by removing all of the former OnDemand Channels to one channel frees up space or not.

End result it looks nicer than before but is basically nothing new in terms of content.

At around 1am, my box shut itself off and performed a hard boot. I waited for the time to reappear and turned it back on. As expected, Channel 1 had arrived and, like lab rat exploring a maze, I went grabbed my remote and went exploring.

Here are my impressions:

1. Definitely this has a more "lively" style, layout, and design.
2. No BACK button is annoying and may have to get used to.
3. Use of graphical overlay controls throughout - nice touch!
4. Missing is the "View Related On Demand Videos" overlay control option for the Info button overlay control bar in linear channels that Comcast mentions on their national website.
5. GUIDE button still takes you to the old service menu.
6. The On Demand button takes you to a screen that tell you to go to channel 1, instead of taking you there.
7. The video barker continuously refers to network shows as being available "also in HD", but these seem to be M.I.A., as well as other content mentioned by the video barker. (more on this later)
8. The "Help & How-To" section was cool to see, with well-produced videos going over every Comcast DVR and On Demand feature.

My guess and possible explanation to the missing HD and other programing is the following. Our Channel 1 service was specifically designed for SA boxes, to bridge compatibility to Comcast's national-level service, which is driven on Motorola set-top boxes. I think what they did was simply installed the software to our local servers here, while leaving our local on demand video library pretty much alone and served to us locally with little change.

My guess is that they will continue making improvements and tweak at it, ironing out any bugs and any obstacles preventing them to connect it to national. Once our Channel 1 is online nationally, we will have the same items to choose from as anyone else in the country connected to Channel 1 on a Comcast system.

This is just my guess and I welcome anyone with inside information to enlighten us and let us know what's really happening.

WFLX problem. On DirecTv, last night and today, channel 29 is just a gray screen. 29.1 (OTA) is fine. All other satellite channels are fine. Does anyone else have this problem?

WFLX problem. On DirecTv, last night and today, channel 29 is just a gray screen. 29.1 (OTA) is fine. All other satellite channels are fine. Does anyone else have this problem?

yes i noticed this last night, did not check today...


other info: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=138542

LRZNole, PeterAlt,

Thanks for your observations.

Around 12:15 am my STB also did a hard reboot while I was in the middle of watching a recorded program. I find it quite annoying that these STB's do a hard reboot while in the powered on state. Many times this happens while I am viewing a program or while the DVR is recording a program and it causes me to miss an important part of a show. IMHO, these STB's should be programmed to wait until you turn them off for the evening or wait until the DVR has finished recording a program before they start downloading any updates.

You guys pretty much covered what the updated Channel One looks like, what it has for new program material(not much) and how it operates. Honestly, I'd rather have it back the way it was.

Upon first glance, the new graphical overlay seems to be more user friendly but after some extended time experimenting with it, I find it takes many more button presses to navigate through the sub-menus before you can find an actual program description to decide whether or not you might want to view a particular program.

As I see it, the most compelling reason for a software update (besides conforming to a companywide standard) should have been to allow a simpler, more intuitive way to navigate through the menus in order to find a program that you'd like to view, not make it more difficult. Comcast seems to have thrown the KISS(keep it simple, stupid) rule out the window.

As is stands right now, the Channel One implementation we have is still a far cry from the way it is in Broward and Miami-Dade counties and it might be a long, long time untill we reach parity with them. Whether it's due to the differences between the Moto and SA STB's, only Comcast can answer that question.

LRZNole, PeterAlt,
As is stands right now, the Channel One implementation we have is still a far cry from the way it is in Broward and Miami-Dade counties and it might be a long, long time untill we reach parity with them. Whether it's due to the differences between the Moto and SA STB's, only Comcast can answer that question.

I have new and corrected information upon today's "second look":

1. I was wrong about lack of a "back" button. The "last" button on the remote functions as "back".

2. The video tutorial talks in length about a "search" feature that's to no avail. I guess this feature isn't ready for us yet.

3. The video tutorial is specifically labled as being for the Scientific Atlantic version of Channel 1, confirming that a separate version had to be created for us former Adelphia customers.

Again, my guess is that this new software will act as a bridge to Comcast's national service. But before they can connect us, all features must first be implemented into the software and the bugs worked out. So, expect continued improvements before we're synced to national.

Again, my guess is that this new software will act as a bridge to Comcast's national service. But before they can connect us, all features must first be implemented into the software and the bugs worked out.

Agreed.


So, expect continued improvements before we're synced to national.

I have a feeling that won't really happen until the analog channels are shutdown in Feb 2009.

ADDENDUM TO MY LAST POST

The mailer Comcast sent about Channel 1 that I just took a look at says "Thousands of Choices Coming Soon" in a big bubble. I assume this statement is confirmation of plans to put us in sync with the national network soon. The national network, in addition to HD has some very interesting services, such as video dating and real estate ads on demand, as well as a voice mail mailbox for your phone service (for Comcast Digital voice customers).

Personally, I can't wait until we're part of the national network. Until then we're on a "second rate" transitional network system.

1. I was wrong about lack of a "back" button. The "last" button on the remote functions as "back".

Are you saying that when you're 4 sub-menus deep that hitting the "last button on the remote will take you to the previous sub-menu? I did that last night out of habit and it took me back to the last channel I was watching.

I guess I'll actually have to take a look around in the help menu.;)

Are you saying that when you're 4 sub-menus deep that hitting the "last button on the remote will take you to the previous sub-menu? I did that last night out of habit and it took me back to the last channel I was watching.

I guess I'll actually have to take a look around in the help menu.;)

Yes, that's what I'm saying and come to think of it, I had the same problem last night. I guess 'back' was implemented early today. And the video that had the detailed tutorial about the 'search' feature - as of 15 minutes ago when I checked - had been removed.

Also, Comcast would be wise if they used wide screen 720p as the service's native resolution, instead of 480i or 480p, or whatever they're using currently. It would provide the space currently being cut-off on the sides, a better resolution for content including smaller text to fit more descriptions into, as well as a solid non-flickering screen that's easy on the eyes especially for reading.

I did some looking around in the Help & Services menu earlier tonight wanting to watch the DVR tutorial videos you mentioned earlier. There were quite a few choices but Comcast wanted to charge me $3.95 for each one. WTF! I thought to myself this can't be right, how in the hell can they justify charging a customer who is simply trying to learn how to use their new software? I'll check back in a couple of days and if there is still a fee, I'll call customer service to see what they say.

Anyone with Dish network having trouble with 5-1 on the 622/722? I'm about to give up on them. I cannot get the channel to tune in any manner what-so-ever. The best i can get is a 30% lock.

Thanks--
Tom

can someone post the Comcast channels with channel # (other than 2-71) that you are able to get via Qam ?

Thanks..

Stew

can someone post the Comcast channels with channel # (other than 2-71) that you are able to get via Qam ?

Thanks..

Stew

For regular clearQAM and OTA channel assignment map, use the following link:

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineupui?Cmd=LocationProgramsWeb&Country=US&Postcode=33414

I pre-entered 33414 (Wellington), but the channel assignments should be the same throughout PBC and the TC. But you can give other zips a try, in case there are minor differences between zips. Definitely change the zip if you are looking for assignments outside of PBC or the TC.

Just added to Comcast's HD line-up: WHDT on channel 438. I'm just getting a blank screen right now. Any one getting this?

Just added to Comcast's HD line-up: WHDT on channel 438. I'm just getting a blank screen right now. Any one getting this?

I just have a blank screen as well. I've never heard of this channel, but the website ranks right up there as worst ever. http://www.whdt.net/

I think any additional HD channel is great, but can someone tell Comcast that adding a channel that maybe people have heard of would be a good idea? I still find it amazing we still don't have the channels they have in Broward.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WHDT

I just have a blank screen as well. I've never heard of this channel, but the website ranks right up there as worst ever. http://www.whdt.net/

I think any additional HD channel is great, but can someone tell Comcast that adding a channel that maybe people have heard of would be a good idea? I still find it amazing we still don't have the channels they have in Broward.

I don't think Comcast had a choice as far as this station being carried due to the FCC's 'must carry' rules. I do know this station was carried over an anolog Comcast channel. I'm guessing that this station recently completed its analog-to-digital transition, so for Comcast to continue to comply with regulations it must now carry WHDT in HD.

Comcast is carrying it in the spectrum above 750 MHz, higher than the frequencies of all Comcast's current channel assignments. I wonder if the reason we're not getting it is because this frequency is beyond the 750 MHz bandwidth Adelphia's systems were designed for. If that's the case, we will not be able to get this channel and any other new channel Comcast will add in the future that's placed above 750 MHz until they upgrade our neighborhoods or route new channels on lower frequencies using SDV (Switched Digital Video).

A side note -- I do know that Adelphia built 1 GHz system upgrades while the bancruptcy court controlled the company prior to selling it to Comcast, so those neighborhoods would be able to get channels assigned to frequencies over 750 MHz. Whether Comcast has upgraded system bandwidth after they took over, or if they're in the process of or plan to upgrade the rest of the system to 1 GHz I have no idea.

More news -- Just did a channel scan with my Sony to see if it would find WHDT as clearQAM. It didn't, but it found TNT-HD in the clear on 83.1 AND it found Superstation WTBS in HD (and in the clear) on 83.2!

My box was making more noise than usual last night around midnight or so. I checked it this morning to see if anything had been added but nothing seemed new. I'll check again later when I get home.

Peter, when you found the TBS channel was it working?

More news -- Just did a channel scan with my Sony to see if it would find WHDT as clearQAM. It didn't, but it found TNT-HD in the clear on 83.1 AND it found Superstation WTBS in HD (and in the clear) on 83.2!

Thanks for the info, got it on both my TV's had to re-scan on the Phillips, but the Sony I was able to tune directly to the channels...

2 weeks I was able to pick up FSNSouth(not FSNFL) on channel 106.351 they were showing an HD college football game, but it does not seem to be there now..

So you guys can pick up the channel but regular Comcast customers can't?

So you guys can pick up the channel but regular Comcast customers can't?

which channel do you not get ? I am a customer of Comcast, I have Basic Cable & Internet..

I don't get TBS HD, which you seem to be getting. The only thing in South Florida that was added seems to be WHDT, Channel 438 but it seems to be some sort of shopping channel from what I have seen so far.

I am assuming this is must carry as they used it to get on channel 17 on Comcast. The channel been MIA for months however.

The last time I looked at the FCC website, the transmitter in Palm Beach has a license at something like .005 watts.

I can pick up the transmitter in Miami on channel 44-1. They are showing jewlery shopping in HD right now.

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/5895/0916211300wg8.th.jpg (http://img161.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0916211300wg8.jpg)

I don't get TBS HD, which you seem to be getting. The only thing in South Florida that was added seems to be WHDT, Channel 438 but it seems to be some sort of shopping channel from what I have seen so far.

For some reason I am not surprised, that is Comcast for you. Maybe Peter has some insight as to why this is...

WHDT is America's 1st digital HD television station and is the largest broadcaster in South Florida. It transmits OTA in Miami-Fort Lauderdale (44.1); in West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce (*42.1); and OTA in Boston (26.1) on sister station WHDN.
(*) post transition channel
WHDT is carried in HD by Comcast (QAM 117, 753 MHz) and on all AT&T systems. The station offers general entertainment programming, world news, a jewelry show, independent films, local productions.
WHDT is presently showing a sampling from its fall program grid. Regular programming launches 21 September.

My box was making more noise than usual last night around midnight or so. I checked it this morning to see if anything had been added but nothing seemed new. I'll check again later when I get home.

Peter, when you found the TBS channel was it working?

Yep, and in beautiful 1080i! However, I checked my cable box and it looks like Comcast hasn't programmed it to tune in into TBS-HD yet. I wonder why.

Oh, and WHDT is coming in now on my cable box.

For some reason I am not surprised, that is Comcast for you. Maybe Peter has some insight as to why this is...

As I said in my last post, I am not getting it on the set-top-box, but through my Sony HDTV (connected with Comcast and picked up through the TV's built-in digital tuner through channel 83.2). If you have a TV with QAM-capable digital receiver, you will need to connect your cable directly to the set. If you have a box, do not use the RF out of the box to your TV as the RF output of the box will only output analog signals.

Looking at the sheduled programs for WHDT, I see that home shopping is just some of its programming, as other types of programming are also listed.

Even more news - Found a new feature in Channel 1 OnDemand. This only applies if you have more than 1 box in your home. If you order a video on one box, it will be available for viewing on all the boxes in your home, appearing in the "Saved Programs" section in the main menu on all boxes throughout your household. This feature is good to have in situations, for example, where you would order a PPV movie and you want to watch it again, or continue watching it where you turned it off, or want someone else in your house to also watch it in another room without having to pay twice for it, as was the case with the previous service.

More news -- Just did a channel scan with my Sony to see if it would find WHDT as clearQAM. It didn't, but it found TNT-HD in the clear on 83.1 AND it found Superstation WTBS in HD (and in the clear) on 83.2!

Available in Martin County also, thanks. WTBS-HD would be a nice to have for MLB playoffs.

WHDT is America's 1st digital HD television station and is the largest broadcaster in South Florida. It transmits OTA in Miami-Fort Lauderdale (44.1); in West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce (*42.1); and OTA in Boston (26.1) on sister station WHDN.
(*) post transition channel
WHDT is carried in HD by Comcast (QAM 117, 753 MHz) and on all AT&T systems. The station offers general entertainment programming, world news, a jewelry show, independent films, local productions.
WHDT is presently showing a sampling from its fall program grid. Regular programming launches 21 September.
Thank you for contributing to this forum.

WHTD is available in Martin County on Comcast 438, but I couldn't find it via QAM on any of the 117 channels.

A couple of questions.

Where is your WPB-FP tower? What is the ERP and antenna height?

Since WXEL is using 42.1, how can one tune to your signal?

Since WXEL is using 42.1, how can one tune to your signal?

If he's following the PSIP standard, it should map to 59-1.

WHDT is America's 1st digital HD television station and is the largest broadcaster in South Florida. It transmits OTA in Miami-Fort Lauderdale (44.1); in West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce (*42.1); and OTA in Boston (26.1) on sister station WHDN.
(*) post transition channel
WHDT is carried in HD by Comcast (QAM 117, 753 MHz) and on all AT&T systems. The station offers general entertainment programming, world news, a jewelry show, independent films, local productions.
WHDT is presently showing a sampling from its fall program grid. Regular programming launches 21 September.

Mr Steiner:

I'd say welcome to the forum, but it appears you've been here for quite some time. :D

I have several questions of my own.

Do you operate stations in the Naples area? I remember reading that somewhere.

Why did you request to move to 42? You claimed in your FCC filing that 44 is no good due to interference with WTOG-DT in Tampa, but 42 has WXPX-DT from the exact same transmitter site in the Tampa area, only 3 dB weaker (and about 60 feet higher, which probably offsets the weaker power level). Won't this continue to be a problem for you?

When do you expect the FCC to grant your relocation from 44 to 42?

Thanks. =)

- Trip

Thanks for the info, got it on both my TV's had to re-scan on the Phillips, but the Sony I was able to tune directly to the channels...

2 weeks I was able to pick up FSNSouth(not FSNFL) on channel 106.351 they were showing an HD college football game, but it does not seem to be there now..

As I said in my last post, I am not getting it on the set-top-box, but through my Sony HDTV (connected with Comcast and picked up through the TV's built-in digital tuner through channel 83.2). If you have a TV with QAM-capable digital receiver, you will need to connect your cable directly to the set. If you have a box, do not use the RF out of the box to your TV as the RF output of the box will only output analog signals.

Looking at the sheduled programs for WHDT, I see that home shopping is just some of its programming, as other types of programming are also listed.

:confused:

I understood your post...wonder how long it will last ? Do you think it will go away, once/if they add it to the channel line up

Due to the odd combination of WHDT's city of license in north Martin county and the location of its post transition transmitter (in downtown WPB), the station currently can operate only a minimum facility from its STA site in Stuart on out-of-core channel 59.1. WHDT must maintain a city-grade signal in Stuart while also not exceeding the north limit of its final CP broadcast contour. Unless you reside in Stuart you will not likely receive the station's OTA broadcast.

WHDT's in-core allocation channel is presently in use by WXEL for their analog service. Post transition, WHDT will switch on its million watt facility at Centurion Tower in WPB and broadcast on channel 42.1.

The station's in-core channel assignment to channel 42.1 is the result of extensive tests of co-channel interference from various Tampa stations whose signals can propagate across Lake Okeechobee under certain conditions of quiescent wind and high dew point (low Brewster angle ducting). The interference is primarily to Comcast's central cable headend in Lake Worth, an adjacent channel operation on 45, and at WHDT's digital translator which serves Miami on 44.1. The problem is mitigated by use of selective polarization and use of channel 42.1.

With respect to home reception from Comcast, all viewers within the WPB DMA are legally required to be able to receive WHDT in the clear using only the cable receiver in their DTV set. Unlike the HD signals from other local stations being carried by Comcast, at the moment only WHDT signal is a "must carry" HD signal and must be made available to all of Comcast's basic subscribers. It is possible that Comcast has not removed encryption from CATV channel 117 and this would result in a blank screen, or perhaps prevent a DTV set from finding the channel altogether after a scan. If so then you should report this condition to Comcast customer service. I will also look into it.

Comcast has strongly opposed the FCC's mandatory carriage rules for DTV stations in general, HD stations in particular, and to this day the mandatory delivery of all local TV station signals to all of its customers whether these be customers on Comcast's analog cable system, or customers who subscribe to Comcast's digital system. Comcast likes to call this "dual carriage" and is presently defying the FCC by refusing to carry WHDT's signal (in down-converted analog form) on the station's former analog channel 17. The matter has been in litigation for nearly a year.

WHDT filed a carriage complaint with the FCC after Comcast refused to carry WHDT's HD signal last year. Last month the Commission ordered Comcast to comply with the DTV carriage rules and restore WHDT without signal degradation. It did not relieve Comcast from its general carriage obligation to provide the signals from all full service TV stations in the DMA to all of Comcast subscribers. The FCC considers Comcast analog cable service to be a separate service from its digital cable service, just as if Comcast purchased two cable systems which both serve the WPB DMA. Carrying local TV on one system does not relieve Comcast from having to carry the same local stations on the other. Comcast intends to make WHDT a "test case".

(The FCC has been very explicit that its full distribution rule is NOT "dual carriage". No cable company has filed a federal lawsuit to challenge the FCC, but instead, the cable industry has induced cable system programmers to file a challenge to the FCC rule. This is to skirt direct conflict with the FCC and avoid a severe cable operator sanction, since cable operators must comply with all FCC rules even during and court challenge. The losers are Comcast analog subscribers who are charged a basic fee for all local TV but do not receive what they pay for.)

WHDT's HD Naples operation must await post transition relocation plans. We will provide
HD service throughout all of the Fort Myers-Naples market on 32.1 next year.

The FCC channel allocation change to 42.1 should become final later this month.

with basic comcast cable i get Tnt hd channel 83.3 and Tbs Hd channel 83.4

now if i could find espn hd i would be set

Can I ask a question here? I've been reading about Comcast's requirements to carry local HD to its basic subscribers.

If I have a TV with an ATSC tuner, and basic comcast cable in the house how do I go about receiving their HD signals on the local channels? My TV does not have QAM, so that's not an option.

Just curious as to how this would work.

THanks!

If I have a TV with an ATSC tuner, and basic comcast cable in the house how do I go about receiving their HD signals on the local channels? My TV does not have QAM, so that's not an option.The digital and HD channels are broadcast using QAM modulation on cable. Without a QAM tuner in your tv, you will need a cable box.


Thanks for the updates on WHDT's progress Mark. We look forward to seeing your station go full power after the digital transition.

The cable Q&A's appear to be well supervised. If anyone has questions about D*TV service in the area, I'll be glad to help. Otherwise, most of this thread is Greek to me.

Looks like Channel 42 has a "spread" going on. 1080i and they have the other two channels going. They also got their repeater signal up on the St. Lucie/Indian River County Line in digital; unfortunately on Channel 31, which is Channel 6's signal in Miami. I have not noticed a conflict yet, but I have picked up Channel 6's signal at 86% up here in Ft. Pierce in the past.

With the Orlando stations stronger in Vero Beach (CBS and NBC), perhaps I should shoot my antenna north to Orlando?

Personally, I think that WXEL got the bad deal with the FCC. Their digital channel 27 is also the same channel for an Orlando channel that broadcasts at 1,000,000 watts, while theilr repeater signal in St. Lucie County is the same signal as Channel 6 in Miami, which is also 1,000,000 watts.

with basic comcast cable i get Tnt hd channel 83.3 and Tbs Hd channel 83.4

now if i could find espn hd i would be set

ESPN 1 and ESPN 2 are somewhere between 80-82, sharing a single channel (i.e 80.1/80.2). However, Comcast started encrypting these the moment the FCC's "must carry" HD rules went into effect. We used to get Mojo-HD, Discovery HD Theater, A&E-HD, and Nat Geo HD without encryption.

Comcast did not have to encrypt these for it to comply with the new FCC rules. In fact, the FCC rules say nothing about encrytion, other than that the re-transmitted broadcast stations (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CW, PBS, etc.) must be carried in HD and must not be encrypted.

Before the rules went into effect, Comcast carried most - not all - of the stations they were required to carry in HD. When the time came when they had to comply, they starting airing the rest of what they previously did not carry, but at the same time they encrypted the HD basic cable channels that are uneffected by the FCC ruling.

It's as if Comcast wants you to blame the FCC for this, even though this law has nothing to do the scrambling of basic cable channels, which I think Comcast wants everyone to believe in order to pressure the FCC to reverse its HD "Must Carry" rule. I can't think of any other reason why Comcast is encrypting these channels, since these channels are already paid for by basic cable customers!

There's two basic services on Comcast, in Palm Beach County that I know of. There's basic cable, which I think is channels 1-22 (or maybe 23) that does not include ESPN, TNT Etc. That's $16 per month

Then there's Expanded basic - which includes channels 1-73 (and does include ESPN, CNN, TNT, TBS etc.). That runs somewhere between $55 and $60 per month.

However, I don't know that Comcast is required by law to provide anything other than BROADCAST (i.e. OTA) channels in HD over basic cable service. Which means that you'll get CBS/NBC/FOX/CW/PBS etc via QAM in HD (when available), but not any of the others since they're cable stations and not broadcast over the air.

I suspect that's why you're seeing what you're seeing. I don't have a QAM tuner in my TV (I have the BASIC service plus DirecTV) so I can't tell you for sure.

Is the Jax-Ind game showing lots of artifacting and "tearing" for everyone or just us Directv subscribers? It looks pretty bad. I'm viewing the WPEC feed.

Update:
And now it looks like they've killed the HD feed.

I can't think of any other reason why Comcast is encrypting these channels, since these channels are already paid for by basic cable customers!

I can. To entice more people to upgrade to digital service and hopefully increase DVR subscriptions while they're at it.

Comcast CSR: Oh, you'd like to get a digital box? Can I interest you in a DVR?.....

;)

Has anyone experienced any problem using the HDMI output on the S/A 4250HDC STB? I've read there were problems about a year ago, but nothing recently, where it didn't output and you had to use the component outputs.

The reason I ask this on this thread and to keep within the topic, I picked up this box at my local Comcast office, while awaiting arrival of a new HDTV. I asked for the S/A 8300 and but told they only issue them if you take the DVR package. So I had to take the 4250HDC. I've read that there were software updates, in other systems, to this box that corrected this problem with HDMI but I am more concerned if there are or have been problems experienced in the WPB / Treasure coast area of Comcast.

There's two basic services on Comcast, in Palm Beach County that I know of. There's basic cable, which I think is channels 1-22 (or maybe 23) that does not include ESPN, TNT Etc. That's $16 per month

Then there's Expanded basic - which includes channels 1-73 (and does include ESPN, CNN, TNT, TBS etc.). That runs somewhere between $55 and $60 per month.

However, I don't know that Comcast is required by law to provide anything other than BROADCAST (i.e. OTA) channels in HD over basic cable service. Which means that you'll get CBS/NBC/FOX/CW/PBS etc via QAM in HD (when available), but not any of the others since they're cable stations and not broadcast over the air.

I suspect that's why you're seeing what you're seeing. I don't have a QAM tuner in my TV (I have the BASIC service plus DirecTV) so I can't tell you for sure.

That was exactly my point but told from another perspective. When the latest FCC 'Must Carry' rules took effect, Comcast responded by meeting these rules quite litterally, conforming exactly and precisely everything they were required to do - and nothing more, pleasing lawyers and inconveniencing customers by airing unencrypted what the law says must be carried in an unencrypted format and nothing more.

Clearly, content that is not governed by these rules (but is licenced or owned by Comcast for cable distribution to its subscribers) may be transmitted, if Comcast chose to do so, without encryption as well. Whether these unregulated channels are carried free and clear or not even carried at all is all 100% of Comcast's discretion and choosing.

Traditionally, basic cable channels were never scrambled. I know of no one who couldn't catch up with the news on CNN, for example, by plugging in that new TV set to the house cable wiring. The days you needed a cable box in order to get CNN became obsolete when TV's became 'cable-ready'.

Again, they don't have keep basic cable in the clear. The law has no effect on those channels. But they also don't have to encrypt them. The fact is that they began to encrypt these basic cable channels on the very day regulation went into effect that was designed to force cable companies to "give a little more" to its paying customers, Comcast actually took away whatever it could in the area of unregulated content.

What's going to happen when we go 100% digital? Will a rabbit ear antenna actually pick up more channels than a direct Comcast connection through a paying service subscriber? I can understand the whole digital rights management paronia sweeping the entire entertainment industry, but this is truly reaching levels of insanity. Paying customers should always get red carpet treatment and not with suspicion.

Many communities purchase the basic cable package in bulk (some even include premium channels). Tell me how one, who may live in such community, could conspire cable theft for basic cable? The very least Comcast can do to transmit the service package paid for by these communities cleared of encryption at these communities' fiber node.

Would the TBS HD channel be in the clear and not available to Comcast customers becuase they are testing the channel?

with basic comcast cable i get Tnt hd channel 83.3 and Tbs Hd channel 83.4

now if i could find espn hd i would be set

as of today I do not get these channels any more :(

That was exactly my point but told from another perspective. When the latest FCC 'Must Carry' rules took effect, Comcast responded by meeting these rules quite litterally, conforming exactly and precisely everything they were required to do - and nothing more, pleasing lawyers and inconveniencing customers by airing unencrypted what the law says must be carried in an unencrypted format and nothing more.

Clearly, content that is not governed by these rules (but is licenced or owned by Comcast for cable distribution to its subscribers) may be transmitted, if Comcast chose to do so, without encryption as well. Whether these unregulated channels are carried free and clear or not even carried at all is all 100% of Comcast's discretion and choosing.

Traditionally, basic cable channels were never scrambled. I know of no one who couldn't catch up with the news on CNN, for example, by plugging in that new TV set to the house cable wiring. The days you needed a cable box in order to get CNN became obsolete when TV's became 'cable-ready'.

Again, they don't have keep basic cable in the clear. The law has no effect on those channels. But they also don't have to encrypt them. The fact is that they began to encrypt these basic cable channels on the very day regulation went into effect that was designed to force cable companies to "give a little more" to its paying customers, Comcast actually took away whatever it could in the area of unregulated content.

What's going to happen when we go 100% digital? Will a rabbit ear antenna actually pick up more channels than a direct Comcast connection through a paying service subscriber? I can understand the whole digital rights management paronia sweeping the entire entertainment industry, but this is truly reaching levels of insanity. Paying customers should always get red carpet treatment and not with suspicion.

Many communities purchase the basic cable package in bulk (some even include premium channels). Tell me how one, who may live in such community, could conspire cable theft for basic cable? The very least Comcast can do to transmit the service package paid for by these communities cleared of encryption at these communities' fiber node.

Great points... and I don't disagree with anything you say. It will be interesting to see what happens on the two or three sets I have connected to basic cable, without a box, next February. If I have to pay Comcast for a digital box after that day, well, I'll completely drop them and use the cable wiring in the house for an SWM setup from DirecTV and add a couple of receivers... much cheaper and better than Comcast.

If I can still receive an SD digital signal over their cable, I'll keep the basic cable, which I primarily use for network viewing and I don't care if I get CNN or MSNBC in HD or not. I can also use that in an emergency if something should happen to my dish.

I guess that time will tell.

I'm thinking about buying another smaller HDTV for my office at home. But before I make the investment, can someone please tell me what channels they offer in QAM that are HD for the basic cable package (Channels 1-99).

THanks!

TBS HD was added by Comcast this morning in South County.

I have TBSHD here in Palm Beach Gardens on channel 421.

Of course we're still short:

Cinemax HD
CNNHD
TLCHD
AMCHD
FAMHD
DISNEYHD
ScienceHD

that they have in Broward.

I can't for the life of me figure out why we don't have Cinemax HD. They have had the contract for years and all premium channels should have their respective HD channel in my opinion. It is really quite a joke.

I can't for the life of me figure out why we don't have Cinemax HD. They have had the contract for years and all premium channels should have their respective HD channel in my opinion. It is really quite a joke.

I totally agree! Especially now that Cinemax touts all of their content as being broadcast in HD, it makes no sense at all that they aren't giving us a Cinemax HD channel. You'd think that Comcast would put forth the effort to make sure that those who are paying extra for a premium channel would be able to get it in HD.

I have TBSHD here in Palm Beach Gardens on channel 421.


Just in time for MLB playoffs, thanks Comcast.

You are a COMMUNICATIONS company. Why keep it a secret?

I'm thinking about buying another smaller HDTV for my office at home. But before I make the investment, can someone please tell me what channels they offer in QAM that are HD for the basic cable package (Channels 1-99).

THanks!

I have a QAM tunner and all i get is CBS,abc,nbc ,CW

as of today I do not get these channels any more :(


Just checked, I don't get them anymore either:(

"WHDT's in-core allocation channel is presently in use by WXEL for their analog service. Post transition, WHDT will switch on its million watt facility at Centurion Tower in WPB and broadcast on channel 42.1."

How tall is this tower? Will I be able to pick up this station in Fort Pierce. Currently, I can pick up all of the West Palm digital Stations in Ft. Pierce with an antenna except WPEC and WHDT.

Looks like this WHDT HD channel is another one that doesn't show what is listed in the guide. Every time I go to watch something it is some German car show that doesn't look HD.

Thanks Comcast, and to think maybe we could have had Cinemax HD instead. :mad:

My DirecTV guide shows that only Channel 25 will have the debates in HD.

I have a QAM tunner and all i get is CBS,abc,nbc ,CW

THanks... still debating the purchase... but getting close to making a decision. I suppose I can always have DirecTV come in and drop another set of lines into the room.

Did a scan (comcast) tonight and now I'm picking up HGTV HD, Discovery HD, Animal Plant HD, & Sports HD.

Did a scan (comcast) tonight and now I'm picking up HGTV HD, Discovery HD, Animal Plant HD, & Sports HD.

Is this via QAM

Is this via QAM

Sorry yes, for comcast. It was kind of late when I found out, hence the lack of channels #'s too in my post.

I jut did a scan on my sharp lcd tv and i don't get them,but i get channel 0 now they were selling earrings in HD.

I jut did a scan on my sharp lcd tv and i don't get them,but i get channel 0 now they were selling earrings in HD.

You're right, they're now gone...another teaser from comcast.

You're right, they're now gone...another teaser from comcast.

They are probably reading this thread...

Great news!

As I was turning the channels, I came upon a Comcast commercial advertising for Showtime HD OnDemand. My initial thought was that this was one of those Dade-Broward commercials that accidentally got played in PBC/TC.

I thought, what the heck and tuned to Channel 1 and selected "HD OnDemand" and behold I am seeing four HD OnDemand subcategories. Up until now the only HD OnDemand we were getting were pay-per-view movies. I have not yet explored to see what's new, but I suspect we now have the HD versions of the OnDemand premium channels as well as HD versions of the OnDemand non-premium cable networks!

Yay! Now, I'm off to explore!

Ah, just got a major disappointment.

The only thing added is a car racing series that's in HD from the Speed Channel!

No Showtime HD OnDemand. Maybe that commercial really wasn't for us, or maybe they accidentally played it in our market too early as they could be in the process of setting things up....

Has anyone ever received an answer from Comcast as to why Cinemax HD is not avilable to us?:confused:

I have TBSHD here in Palm Beach Gardens on channel 421.

Of course we're still short:

Cinemax HD
CNNHD
TLCHD
AMCHD
FAMHD
DISNEYHD
ScienceHD

that they have in Broward.
I hate that we don't have CNN-HD on Comcast here in West Palm Beach. Anyone know when this might happen?

I guess I was sort of right yesterday. Just checked HD OnDemand today and more free content was added. Still no premiums, but at least I am seeing more stuff added on a daily basis now. Naturally, its just a matter of time before it's all there. It looks like the plan isn't to sync us with Dade-Broward but to have our content run in parallel with Dade-Broward. Don't know if that's a good thing, but at least there'll be more content.

Does anyone think we have a chance of ever getting Verizon Fios down here in South Florida? I know they have it in the Tampa area.

Does anyone think we have a chance of ever getting Verizon Fios down here in South Florida? I know they have it in the Tampa area.

No because we are in AT&T country. It's in Tampa because Tampa's "Bell" company was GTE, which merged with Verizon. Bell South had plans to build a system very much like Fios but AT&T pulled the plug on those plans once they had completed its merger with Bell South.

Our only hope to ever see anything like Fios here is if Comcast commits to total war on all services it competes with against AT&T and if AT&T is quick to respond to the challenge, and if Comcast is quick to respond to AT&T's response, and so on and and so forth.

Such wars are already in full swing in a few markets where Verizon Fios and Comcast compete.

I remember reading in the Sun Sentinel a couple of monthd ago that Verizon definitely planned on having a presence in S Fla. If and when that actually does come to pass, it will most definitely be quite a few years away.

No because we are in AT&T country. It's in Tampa because Tampa's "Bell" company was GTE, which merged with Verizon.
Bingo. GTE, yes... BellSouth, no.

I remember reading in the Sun Sentinel a couple of monthd ago that Verizon definitely planned on having a presence in S Fla. If and when that actually does come to pass, it will most definitely be quite a few years away.

The only way I can see this as as possibly is if they use their wireless franchise and build up higher compression rates with greater use of bandwidth to deliver video. I know they have been testing this in some markets, but it is very limited in the number of channels it delivers.

I don't see them digging a third network of fiber cables. They would need permission from every municipality and county. There is yet another alternative... They could work with FPL and use their infrastructure...

Don't forget, fellas, satellite TV is a viable competetive option if you have line of sight.

For the third day in a row, they've added free basic cable channels and network programming to HD OnDemand. So far they've added MTV, NBC, Mojo, Nat Geo, Nickelodeon, and others. No movie channels yet.

Showtime HD OnDemand and Cinemax HD OnDemand are both listed now! I got there by going through Premium Channels on the main menu.

NBC is shutting down it's 'Weather Plus' service nationwide
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/10/nbc_shutting_down_weather_plus.php
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NBC is shutting down it's 'Weather Plus' service nationwide

It is all about them buying the Weather Channel even though they say it has nothing to do with that.. None of the Weather Plus guys are on the Today Show anymore doing fill in's. Now, it all Jim Cantori.

On another topic for the D* peeps out there... is anyone getting the "local on the 8's" WPB weather on the Weather Channel? Supposedly D* changed to spot beam us last week that enables the local weather on the Weather Channel, but I am still not seeing it yet.

How come comcast dropped years ago, WSVN 7 Miami from the west palm beach lineup

It is all about them buying the Weather Channel even though they say it has nothing to do with that.. None of the Weather Plus guys are on the Today Show anymore doing fill in's. Now, it all Jim Cantori.

On another topic for the D* peeps out there... is anyone getting the "local on the 8's" WPB weather on the Weather Channel? Supposedly D* changed to spot beam us last week that enables the local weather on the Weather Channel, but I am still not seeing it yet.

I am getting the local on the 8's with D*. It only works on the SD channel of the Weather Channel and I believe you need a receiver that has the interactive features.

It is not as good as cable's but it is a start.

We have three new HD channels: ABC Family, Disney Channel, and the Science Channel! Also, I read somewhere that iNDemand anounced it will be terminating its Mojo HD network. No word if and what will replace it.

Just noticed them too. I also see they reclaimed analog channels 70-73.

Hope their CSR's are ready for the massive influx of phone calls today.

I'm getting a "Not Authorized" on 243 (EWTN) and 280 (Shop NBC):rolleyes:

The wife wants to know why Oprah (where available) and Entertainment Tonight says HD but Channel 5 shows SD?

Here's where 70-73 moved to:

HGTV (70) = 26
FOOD (71) = 29
EWTN (72) = 243
Comedy Central (73) = 39

I got this info from comcast's webpage: http://www.comcast.com/Customers/clu/ChannelLineup.ashx

Yeah they were just moved so I don't think they reclaimed analog channels, did they? I thought all channels under 100 were analog no?

The wife wants to know why Oprah (where available) and Entertainment Tonight says HD but Channel 5 shows SD?The local affiliates have to have HD recording and play back equipment. WPTV doesn't have this or they would be shown in HD.

WPBF didn't show Wheel of Fortune or Jepodary in HD for a while till they got the equipment.

*****

As for Comcast. They did reclaim channels 70-73. These channels now have QAM signals on them. Hopefully for more HD channels soon.

We have three new HD channels: ABC Family, Disney Channel, and the Science Channel! Also, I read somewhere that iNDemand anounced it will be terminating its Mojo HD network. No word if and what will replace it.

I'm hoping it's HDNet and/or HDNet Movies. Comcast recently came to terms with Mark Cuban and have finally signed a carriage agreement.

To my shock, I think we've been syncted up with Comcast's Channel 1 OnDemand national system! As you may know from my updates here, new HD (free and premium) content has been added daily for the past few days over our local Channel 1 "gateway". It's been a few shows here, a few shows there, but just a drop in the bucket compared to what other Comcast systems nationwide have had access to.

Well, I just went to check what today's "few new additions" were (if any) and to my astonishment, they've let the floodgates loose! Pages and pages of new submenus, leading to more submenus, leading to pages and pages full of free HD movies and HD cable and broadcast network programming.

With this and the new HD linear channels they've added lately, it looks like Comcast (locally) is finally getting its act together! I wonder if their new competition with AT&T and the satellite companies being more competitive lately has anything to do with this. Hmmmm....

I hope it continues ..... !

With this and the new HD linear channels they've added lately, it looks like Comcast (locally) is finally getting its act together! I wonder if their new competition with AT&T and the satellite companies being more competitive lately has anything to do with this. Hmmmm....And I am sure all these changes will be a nice excuse for another rate increase because of "it's increased value" b.s. that they always say.

Did anyone else have a problem with WFLX Fox 29 on D* last night? I got a blank screen with a "Searching for signal" message until I reset.

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/10/nbcu_offers_hd_sports_net_to_s.php

Here's where 70-73 moved to:

HGTV (70) = 26
FOOD (71) = 29
EWTN (72) = 243
Comedy Central (73) = 39

I got this info from comcast's webpage: http://www.comcast.com/Customers/clu/ChannelLineup.ashx


26 was Style (now 118)
29 was HBO Signature (now[was] 304)
39 was ShopNBC (now 280)

[QUOTE=Panth1;14866994]The local affiliates have to have HD recording and play back equipment. WPTV doesn't have this or they would be shown in HD.
/QUOTE]

WPTV has the HD recorder b/c they show the Today Show delayed on Sunday... Even if they didn't, I think Best Buy is having a sale this weekend!:)

I am getting the local on the 8's with D*. It only works on the SD channel of the Weather Channel and I believe you need a receiver that has the interactive features.

It is not as good as cable's but it is a start.

Thanks. I was looking at the TWCHD...

How come comcast dropped years ago, WSVN 7 Miami from the west palm beach lineup

They dropped it because Fox 29 in WPB petitioned for them to be dropped, since FOX 29 is the Fox affiliate in the WPB market. It's all because of advertising revenues and arbitrary station assignments by DMA (designated market areas) by the FCC. FOX29 according to the FCC is the exclusive carrier of Fox programming in the WPB market.

It's no different than why (at least they used to do this) the CW programming during prime time from Miami was blocked and you were referred to the WPB CW station (channel 34).

I'm surprised that WPBF hasn't petitioned to have WPLG from Miami removed as well. The only reason I can think of for that is common ownership of the stations of some sort.

Noticed over the past few days with Comcast that both ABC and CBS HD channels been having intermittent (1sec) sound drops....

However, last night CSI was broadcast in Non HD with absolutely no vocals...just ambient sounds (cars, chairs,etc) WEIRD:eek:\\

Anyone else....gonna give them a call after coffee!

Had the same experience last nite on both D* snd 12-1 ota. Must have been either a network problem or a channel 12 snafu.

Noticed over the past few days with Comcast that both ABC and CBS HD channels been having intermittent (1sec) sound drops....

However, last night CSI was broadcast in Non HD with absolutely no vocals...just ambient sounds (cars, chairs,etc) WEIRD:eek:\\

Anyone else....gonna give them a call after coffee!

Experienced the same CSI voice dropout (got the background/ambient audio only) for the first half...had taped it and for a while I was scurrying to check all the connections when the voices came on...

Anyone in WPB notice this Sat. evening that WPBF/CBS channel 12-1/12-2 is showing up on Channel 13-3/13-4? Or is it just me?

Saw this on the Palm Beach Post website, in case anyone missed it...

Comcast has switched the channels for some of your favorite basic cable networks.

Here's the latest lineup:

Comedy Central is now on cable channel 39.

The Food Network is now on cable channel 29.

HGTV is now on cable channel 26.

For now, these channels are not on basic cable:

EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network, is no longer on basic cable channel 72.

CMT is no longer on cable channel 81.

Oxygen is no longer on cable channel 83.

Style is no longer on cable channel 26.

Those channels are available in digital channel packages

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/10/20/1020comcast.html

Was in the local office to exchange an STB and picked up a new channel lineup. Expect major changes around 10/31. For example, local HD's move to the 200's.

Having STB reliability problems. Has anyone tried a TIVO box with Comcast?

I'm getting tired of waiting for Comcast to add additional HD channels.

Has anyone local compared DirecTV to Dish Network? If so, any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks.

Either of them are better than Comcast in my opinion. At the moment DirecTV has more available HD channels, but Dish will be catching up by next year. Beyond that, they are largely comparable unless you are super-picky (in which case, you will be getting into compression arguments, DVR brand arguments, and, probably, Monster cable arguments for good measure)

Dish is out. They don't have CBS HD in our area. :(

Antenna reception is excellent in this area, though.

Antenna reception is excellent in this area, though.

But doesn't that become a pain with setting up recoding via the HD-DVR?

I don't know about Dish, but OTA integrates with DirecTV's DVRs and you can tune, view, and record through the guide same as if it came down from the satellite.

Note - some DVR models require an external AM21 tuner that plugs into the DVR, sold by DirecTV for $50. Others have the tuner directly built in.

Hmmmmm....

I'll vouch for what Jeff Says.... my antenna works great with my DirecTV HR20-700 and Hr21-100 with an AM-21.

Also have it split to my TiVo Series 2 and directly to my TV, so I can get broadcast anytime, regardless of rain fade, cable outage, etc.

We are not getting the HD pass through of the Va Tech vs. Florida State game.

Not up here, either!

Any other Comcast cutomers in the western Boynton Beach/Lake Worth area lose any of their digital channels? I can get digital channels 100-114 but they are stuttering and freezing. Nothing in the 200/300's and in the 400's, except for HBOHD and SHOHD which are also freezing up, almost all of the other HD channels are blank. I've also lost all guide data. This has been going on since last night. Called Comcast this morning and their CS reps are clueless as to what's causing the problem.

Anyone know the phone number for the engineering dept for WPTF?

We are not getting the HD pass through of the Va Tech vs. Florida State game.
Being new to HDTV, where does the fault usually lie? Is it the network, the local affiliate, or the cable provider?

Being new to HDTV, where does the fault usually lie? Is it the network, the local affiliate, or the cable provider?

99% of the time it is the local affiliate forgetting to to flip the switch. I"m doing some research to see what happened in this case.

Are we really at the mercy of some idiot not flipping a switch, can't we have a computer do it automatically?

Neither did the folks in Miami (10-1)

Are we really at the mercy of some idiot not flipping a switch, can't we have a computer do it automatically?

Most stations have this process automated but there is a human who should be monitoring in case it does not work or in times when a manual override is needed.

Are we really at the mercy of some idiot not flipping a switch, can't we have a computer do it automatically?

Neither did the folks in Miami (10-1)

99% of the time it is the local affiliate forgetting to to flip the switch. I"m doing some research to see what happened in this case.

Hmm... was it listed as an HD game... not all the college games are in HD...

The HD Sports Guide had it listed in HD (www.hdsportsguide.com) and they are ususally correct.

Hmm... was it listed as an HD game... not all the college games are in HD...

Looks like to was a chase were HD Sports Guide was wrong. The UCLA game and FSU game both were not in HD. This is rare for ABC as I remember a press release before the season saying all ABC Regional College Football games would be in HD. Previously ABC only did the primetime game and select regional games in HD. There must be a shortage of production equipment.

has anyone else noticed an increase in Comcast bandwidth on the HD channels? I was watching football all weekend and did notice any motion artifacts. It is just me?

Just to update everyone, WPTV DT began broadcasting Ellen, Oprah, Dr. Phil and Entertainment Tonight in HD this week. We have also produced and are airing local promotional spots within these shows in HD as well. Enjoy! Dave

Thanks. When are you going to test your permanent digital channel assignment?

Stuart News reporting channel lineup changes for Comcast:

12/1/08 - MOJO (408) - Discontinued

12/8/08 - Versus HD (408) & Golf HD (405)- Added

12/17/08 - MLB Network - (741) - Added

Lately, I've been receiving an error code SRM-A001 when attempting to watch a VOD. If I re-boot the box (SA-4250HDC) there is no problem. It doesn't happen all the time but it is becoming more frequent. Customer service has no solution other than a re-boot. Has any one else been experiencing this?

While doing a search, I came accross a few press releases by several companies with information that pertains to us PBC-TC Comcast customers. Apparently, a while ago, Comcast announced that it was developing software with the TiVo brand for use with its set-top boxes for its customers. Recently, they began beta testing that software in a few markets where they have Motorola set top boxes. Statements by Comcast and other sources during the TiVo launch for the Motorola boxes indicate that Comcast has given TiVo funds to develop for them TiVo software for Comcast customers with Scientific Atlanta set-tops (that's us)! Of course, Comcast wouldn't foot the bill if they didn't think there was a chance to profit from this... Comcast will give its customers an option to upgrade their DVR software with the new TiVo software for an extra $2/month.

Peter:

Any idea as to when?

Thanks.

If you have this service take a look at the restored HD Bond films. Tried from Russia with Love. Outstanding video quality makes this mediocre film a pleasure to watch.

A great freebie, thanks Comcast.

BTW, the Comcast box/remote control is very susceptible to spurious IR from CFL lamps. If you are haveing problems with the remote try masking tape over the sensor. It solved my problem.

Tivo on an SA DVR, Awesome!! I have really missed using the TIVO software. It would definitely be worth $2 a month to me. I wonder if it would be $2 per month per home or per box.:confused:

Peter:

Any idea as to when?

Thanks.

No idea as to when. Nothing I read gave any time table. Considering that Comcast already started rolling out the service in areas where it uses Moto boxes and that Dade-Broward uses the Moto boxes and they haven't started rolling out the service there and that development just started on the TiVo software for SA boxes, it could be awhile. (Sorry for the run-on)

Do a Google search for "Comcast + Scientific Atlantic" to find the same sources I read.

My neighborhood has a bulk agreement with Comcast for expanded basic and HBO and I received this notification from my HOA the other day. It seems to be confirmation that new STB's will be needed for anything other than the most basic cable service that Comcast will offer after the analog shutdown happens in Feb '09.

I currently have two displays with HD DVR's and the other two displays in my home are simply hooked up via the coax cable in their respective rooms. They will only be giving one free box per household and will charge for any additional STB's that a customer requires so it looks like I'll have to rent an additional STB.

Tivo on an SA DVR, Awesome!! I have really missed using the TIVO software. It would definitely be worth $2 a month to me. I wonder if it would be $2 per month per home or per box.:confused:

I've never used Tivo, just Comcast's DVR. Are they really that different?

As far as the cost, I'm sure it will be per device.

I've never used Tivo, just Comcast's DVR. Are they really that different?

As far as the cost, I'm sure it will be per device.

Tivo's software is much more intuitive and smarter. Plus you can set up programs remotely, which is really nice.

Any other Comcast cutomers in the western Boynton Beach/Lake Worth area lose any of their digital channels? I can get digital channels 100-114 but they are stuttering and freezing. Nothing in the 200/300's and in the 400's, except for HBOHD and SHOHD which are also freezing up, almost all of the other HD channels are blank. I've also lost all guide data. This has been going on since last night. Called Comcast this morning and their CS reps are clueless as to what's causing the problem.

I haven't lost any channels, but it's doing nearly the same thing here as yours. 104-118 are stuttering and freezing as well as 403 and 404. By any chance were they able to resolve your issue? I'm in the Boca - Delray Area.

I haven't lost any channels, but it's doing nearly the same thing here as yours. 104-118 are stuttering and freezing as well as 403 and 404. By any chance were they able to resolve your issue? I'm in the Boca - Delray Area.

A service tech came out and after doing a signal check on my STB he proclaimed that my signal was to low. He went into my attic and replaced the connector from the main cable that brings the signal in from the street, replaced the splitter and connectors to the other cables that feed the rest of my house.

The tech said the old connectors and splitters were causing too much of a signal loss. He also said that I might need a powered amp($80 install fee) in the future to boost the signal because the signal being split to five outlets is too much.

November 12, 2008 11:49 AM
Dish to Sell Converter Box With DVR Functions

By Danny King

Dish Network next week will start selling what it says is the first digital-to-analog converter box that includes digital video recorder functions, as it tries to retain customers in advance of the U.S. switchover to all-digital broadcasting in February.

The No. 2 U.S. satellite television service, behind DirecTV, will let subscribers start preordering the set-top box Nov. 19, with sales expected to start in mid-December, Dish said in a statement Tuesday.

The DTVPal DVR, which will be able to record either 150 hours of standard-definition programming or 30 hours of HD, will cost $249, including a $50 rebate from Dish.

The set-top box is part of an effort by Dish to stem customer defection to cable companies or telecommunications services. Earlier this week, the company said its third-quarter earnings fell 54% as it lost customers for the second straight quarter, despite spending more to keep them.

I was told almost that exact same thing 15 years ago, when I last had cable. Interesting how little things have changed in the S. Florida cable landscape. FYI, I did try a booster, and eliminated unneeded splitters, and the picture quality changed zero. Of course, it was 100% analog back then, unlike now where there is a fair bit of digital.

A service tech came out and after doing a signal check on my STB he proclaimed that my signal was to low. He went into my attic and replaced the connector from the main cable that brings the signal in from the street, replaced the splitter and connectors to the other cables that feed the rest of my house.

The tech said the old connectors and splitters were causing too much of a signal loss. He also said that I might need a powered amp($80 install fee) in the future to boost the signal because the signal being split to five outlets is too much.

So one of the biggest UFC fights ever is this weekend and Comcast still can get in it HD. At this point I want to switch to satellite. Is there anything I need to know before making the switch? What do you recommend? Do they compress signal as much as Comsuck?

Since DirecTV lit up its two new satellites, they are putting out full 1920x1080i HD on the MPEG4 channels. Compression artifacts are few, and usually only noticeable on some SD only channels. I have no first-hand personal knowledge of Dish, except that their last satellite launch did not make orbit and it is said that the are maxing out at 1440x1080 on HD. I always recommend going to satellite over cable down in this neck of the woods, in any case.

I noticed a new feature on the Comcast SA 8300 HD DVR recording options tonight in Palm Beach Gardens. They added Record First Run Only on this Channel. This will be a great addition if it works well.

I also noticed a show previously set up was no longer set up despite it being what I think is first run. I set it up again and that is when I noticed the new option. Best to check to make sure your recordings are all still set up. I only noticed it for one show. The rest seem fine.

Regards,
rjd

Is there any reason why via Comcast, channels 12.1 (CBS) and 25.1 (ABC) are not clear channels, whereas 5.1 (NBC) and 29.1 (Fox) are clear?

The U.S. Senate today approved legislation that would cushion the digital TV switchover by allowing stations to air analog emergency messages and billboards informing of the switch for 30 days after the Feb. 17 switchover.

The legislation, which still awaits a House vote, passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Under the legislation, TV stations still would be required to switch their primary channel feeds to digital on Feb. 17. For 30 days thereafter, they could offer analog emergency information or DTV education information.

In an emergency, weather or other public-service messages could air.

Is there any reason why via Comcast, channels 12.1 (CBS) and 25.1 (ABC) are not clear channels, whereas 5.1 (NBC) and 29.1 (Fox) are clear?I receive CBS and ABC from cable channel 107 and NBC and FOX from cable channel 81 with my tv's QAM tuner.


The U.S. Senate today approved legislation that would cushion the digital TV switchover by allowing stations to air analog emergency messages and billboards informing of the switch for 30 days after the Feb. 17 switchover.That's going to create a whole new set of problems especially for those digital stations that are moving to a channel currently occupied by an analog station.

Is there any reason why via Comcast, channels 12.1 (CBS) and 25.1 (ABC) are not clear channels, whereas 5.1 (NBC) and 29.1 (Fox) are clear?

Up until a week ago I got 12 great...then about a week ago I lost the signal completely...no clue...will go up the attic and try adusting the antenna...

Is there any reason why via Comcast, channels 12.1 (CBS) and 25.1 (ABC) are not clear channels, whereas 5.1 (NBC) and 29.1 (Fox) are clear?No problems in Danforth, I get good reception on these channels on cable and OTA.

No problems in Danforth, I get good reception on these channels on cable and OTA.
Strange! I get them OTA with an indoor antenna but not with the cable. The TVGOS in my TV maps them, including the program content which is always up to date, but screen shows "No Signal" when you attempt to view them. The same occurs with 12.2 and 25.2.

Strange! I get them OTA with an indoor antenna but not with the cable. The TVGOS in my TV maps them, including the program content which is always up to date, but screen shows "No Signal" when you attempt to view them. The same occurs with 12.2 and 25.2.
If you are using a cable box try a reboot. Unplug or press/hold both VOL+ and VOL- , then press INFO on front of box.

If you are using a cable box try a reboot. Unplug or press/hold both VOL+ and VOL- , then press INFO on front of box.

I am only talking about not receiving these channels via the QAM tuner in the TV. I have no problems via the cable box.

I am only talking about not receiving these channels via the QAM tuner in the TV. I have no problems via the cable box.
Did you try a TV channel rescan?

Did you try a TV channel rescan?
Yes but no change.

I pick up the following channels via TV's QAM tuner:
5.1, 5.2, 29.1, 29.2, 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.4, 42.1, 42.2, 42.3, 44.1 and 57.1. I also pick up channels identified as 106.351 & 117.584 without any signal.