Colorado Springs, CO - HDTV [Text View] - Page 22

RockyMountainD

11-09-07, 07:42 AM

Does anyone have any idea when we might see the CW go to HD in Colorado Springs?

Oh, and by the way, my Moxi DVR finally gave up the ghost. It started rebooting on it's own and never came back up. I had to go down and exchange it for the DCH3412.

Now I know what you guys are talking about concerning the guide (awful). Yeah, my Moxi had a smaller hard drive but other than that was working great. I'd glady take it back over this thing. Immediately I noticed a picture difference in both HD and Standard. The quality isn't as good. Maybe it's because the DCH doesn't have pass through - I don't know. At any rate I've tried multiple configurations (1080i 720p etc), it just looks...."pixelly". I seem to notice quite a bit more artifacts, not nearly as much on HD (there is still some) but quite a bit more on SD. I'm on ADS and my Moxi diaplayed these channels so much better than then my current DCH3412. I'm running this through a component hook up directly to my Sony 55" HD. I suppose I could try HDMI but from other posts I've read it doesn't sound like it makes any difference. Plus, I'd have to go down and buy some cables.

My firmware is 18.21. Perhaps that'll be changing soon as Comcaster indicated in the post above.

I didn't notice much difference in PQ - although, as you said, native passthrough would help. What's your 4:3 Override set to? This can definitely affect SD PQ.

nthdgreee

11-09-07, 12:23 PM

I didn't notice much difference in PQ - although, as you said, native passthrough would help. What's your 4:3 Override set to? This can definitely affect SD PQ.

I currently have the 4:3 Override set to "Off". I had tried both 480i and 480p and came to the conclusion that "Off" seemed the best. 480p was the worst. It was a really soft, almost a blurry kind of picture. It definately took the sharpness out.

What I really notice the most is the amount of artifacts/pixels I see in any fast motion kind of stuff. I noticed these very little on the Moxi but it really stands out now. On HD it's not so bad but it's still there. The SD channels are the worst.

I guess my Sony just did a better job at handling the signal directly than does the DVR.

RockyMountainD

11-09-07, 01:47 PM

I currently have the 4:3 Override set to "Off". I had tried both 480i and 480p and came to the conclusion that "Off" seemed the best. 480p was the worst. It was a really soft, almost a blurry kind of picture. It definately took the sharpness out.

What I really notice the most is the amount of artifacts/pixels I see in any fast motion kind of stuff. I noticed these very little on the Moxi but it really stands out now. On HD it's not so bad but it's still there. The SD channels are the worst.

I guess my Sony just did a better job at handling the signal directly than does the DVR.

Interesting. If it's set to OFF, then the DVR will upconvert SD to whatever your HDMI/YPbPr OUTPUT is set to. Setting it to 480i will just pass through the signal. Wouldn't hurt to try HDMI. You can pick up a cable at WM for ~$30 and just take it back if it's not noticeably better.

What model Sony do you have?

nthdgreee

11-09-07, 03:52 PM

Interesting. If it's set to OFF, then the DVR will upconvert SD to whatever your HDMI/YPbPr OUTPUT is set to. Setting it to 480i will just pass through the signal. Wouldn't hurt to try HDMI. You can pick up a cable at WM for ~$30 and just take it back if it's not noticeably better.

What model Sony do you have?

I have the KDF-55WF65. I've always had YPbPr cables laying around so that's what I used when I first hooked everything up. I have the DVR set to ouput at 720p (my native resoultion). Whether there's any difference between this and the DVR default of 1080i I couldn't really tell.

This might just be the prompt I need to give HDMI a try. If it doesn't affect the picture at all at least it'll clear up some of the cable clutter.

RockyMountainD

11-09-07, 05:10 PM

I have the KDF-55WF65. I've always had YPbPr cables laying around so that's what I used when I first hooked everything up. I have the DVR set to ouput at 720p (my native resoultion). Whether there's any difference between this and the DVR default of 1080i I couldn't really tell.

This might just be the prompt I need to give HDMI a try. If it doesn't affect the picture at all at least it'll clear up some of the cable clutter.

I noticed little to no difference going from the MOXI to the 6412 or from the 6412 to the 3416. If you've checked all your cables and it's still having problems, you might try a box swap.

And I'm with ya on the clutter :)

MikeP

11-10-07, 11:36 PM

Question for Comcaster or anyone else the uses Comcast HD here in the Springs:

I have both a Moxi (downstairs) and a Moto 6412 (upstairs). And honestly both boxes are fine (especially since my Harmony remote can send the skip function to the 6412). But I've really been wanting to watch more of the HD On Demand stuff. I subscribe to *all* of the premium services, so there is a lot of content available.

But on my Moxi, I cannot get *any* Dolby Digital 5.1 sound for any HD (On Demand or not). I am using the SPDIF optical output going to my digital receiver/decoder, and I have Dolby Digital set in the Audio options in the Moxi. Is this a problem with the Moxi, or with Comcast, or with the content from HBO/Sho/etc? I doubt it's the source material because I never get 5.1 DD even with local HD channels. So is Comcast not sending the digital sound, or is the Moxi not sending it via the optical output?

The 6412 is only connected to a regular TV and doesn't have any DD decoder. But does the 6412 produce DD 5.1 for the HD channels and the HD On Demand? If it does, then I'd actually be happy to swap out the Moxi for it.

Also, I noticed in the 6412 service menu that the DVI output is disabled. Is there a way to enable this? Does Comcast provide any DVR that has a working DVI or HDMI output?

I'd really like to get a STB that outputs DD 5.1 and has a digital video output of some kind. The current Comcast On Demand stuff could really be a killer app if both of these issues were dealt with. As it is, it's still much much better to just rent DVDs for me here. So I'd appreciate any advice on this to decide which STB I need to be using. Thanks!

MikeP

11-11-07, 01:03 AM

Nevermind, I'm a complete idiot. I thought I had checked the optical cable carefully, but I noticed that even though I could see the red light from the back of the Moxi, there wasn't any red light at the end of the cable. Yep, I just had a bad optical cable (my first). Replaced it and now I get DD 5.1 from the Moxi.

Now I just need to try out the DVI and see if it's enabled and working.

Still curious about the DVI support in the 6412 though.

MikeP

11-11-07, 01:36 AM

No luck at all with the DVI on the Moxi. I have a Screenplay 7205, which is supposed to be fully HDCP compliant via DVI. I have the 4.1 software update on the Moxi. Connected the DVI and reset the Moxi several times and never got any picture. Does Comcast have the DVI disabled somehow? Does the 6412 have DVI? Does *any* DVR from Comcast have DVI that works?

The reason I need DVI is that I have an anamorphic lens for watching 2.35:1 aspect movies on my 2.35:1 screen. This requires the InFocus 7205 to be set to the Letterbox aspect mode, which unfortunately only works on its DVI input. So watching 2.35:1 movies with my anamorphic lens works great with DVDs on my PC via DVI and I'd like to get the same for the Comcast HD On Demand movies.

RockyMountainD

11-11-07, 10:54 AM

nthdgreee

11-11-07, 01:02 PM

I noticed little to no difference going from the MOXI to the 6412 or from the 6412 to the 3416. If you've checked all your cables and it's still having problems, you might try a box swap.

And I'm with ya on the clutter :)

Well I changed over to HDMI. It's hard to tell but I think the picture quality is better. Either way, most of what I watch is in HD and the quality is still pretty good. Plus I was able to clear up some cable clutter. I'll stick with it. Thanks for all your suggestions.

Hey Comcaster, any idea when we might see the CW in HD?

UPDATE
This was all my fault. I noticed today that the settings on my tv were set to a mode called "Vivid". Basically this enhanced the picture in such a way that it increased the sharpness while at the same time turning off the built in noise reduction. I'm not sure how it got into this mode. I feel like I should blame it on the dog so I don't look so dumb. Anyway, this is what caused all the edgyness. Once I discovered this I put the tv back into "Standard" mode and that was it. My picture is back to what it was when I had the Moxi. I'm glad that's over with. :)

springsHD=Horrid

11-13-07, 07:47 PM

TallGuy

11-14-07, 11:49 AM

According to http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=914047, DirecTV added Altitude-HD and Fox Sports Rocky Mtn-HD on 644-1 and 645-1 today, along with some more national HD and pay per view HD channels. I can't check for a while, but those will be nice to have especially with Nuggets and Avs in HD. I was wondering why they hadn't shown up in October when the NBA and NHL seasons started.

digitator

11-15-07, 03:14 PM

radckh

11-15-07, 03:29 PM

According to http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=914047, DirecTV added Altitude-HD and Fox Sports Rocky Mtn-HD on 644-1 and 645-1 today...

That's good to hear, although I'm wondering how much stuff will actually be in HD (other than Avs & Nuggets games). What I'm most wondering about are college football games and English Premiere League soccer games.

Can anyone report on if either of those are in HD on the new HD channels?

Thanks,
Rob

royrose

11-15-07, 08:42 PM

There are college football games that are shown nationally on Saturdays by being aired on multiple local Fox Sports channels. These are generally in HD. I am not sure about the soccer games.

They are shown on the Dish Network FSRM HD channel and presumably will now be on Direct TV.

Roy

kickson

11-17-07, 12:47 PM

Digital Man

11-18-07, 09:43 AM

eddie_d_lopez

11-18-07, 12:26 PM

Digital Man, really enjoyed your construction thread. wow, two years in the making, i'm impressed with the thoughtfulness you put into the project. your comment about the family watching shrek brought a smile to my face. that is the reward for all the hard work i'm sure, having the kids and wife finally enjoy the end-product.

congrats, and i'm waiting on the final photos... :)

Digital Man

11-18-07, 09:34 PM

RockyMountainD

11-19-07, 09:41 AM

I just completed my home theater and now I'm in need of a second DVR. I have a Moxi right now, but I understand that Comcast doesn't supply those anymore. I believe that Comcast now supplies Motorola DVRs. I have seen a bunch of model numbers thrown around. Can anyone tell me which Motorola model numbers are available through Comcast in Colorado Springs? I believe some models have larger hard drives, so I want to try and request the model number with the largest hard drive, since I'll be recording HD. It would be nice if the model could be upgraded to the Tivo software if Comcast ever brings that to our area, as I hear the interface is pretty bad on the Motorola boxes.

Also, does anyone run the Moxi's DVI output through an HDMI switching receiver such as my Denon 987? I know the Moxi used to not work through switching receivers, but I'm trying to find out if it works now.

Thanks,
Guy

The 64xx series has a built in analog tuner and the 34xx series is for digital only.

Any model number ending in 12 has a 120 gb hdd; if it ends in 16, it'll have a 160 gb hdd.

The DCH is the newest model and actually uses an m-card (like the Tivo series 3 boxes).

Thusly, the DCH3416 is the newest model and has the largest drive. They had quite a few in the office last time I visited. The Tivo software should work with this model (and yes, the iGuide is bad, but gets a little better with each release).

Digital Man

11-19-07, 09:54 AM

The 64xx series has a built in analog tuner and the 34xx series is for digital only.

Any model number ending in 12 has a 120 gb hdd; if it ends in 16, it'll have a 160 gb hdd.

The DCH is the newest model and actually uses an m-card (like the Tivo series 3 boxes).

Thusly, the DCH3416 is the newest model and has the largest drive. They had quite a few in the office last time I visited. The Tivo software should work with this model (and yes, the iGuide is bad, but gets a little better with each release).

Thanks, that's exactly the info I need. I'm getting ready to call them now.

Guy

cbalroman

11-19-07, 12:51 PM

FYI - Comcast will add NFL Network in HD around 11/19 in colorado springs and pueblo

Hi Comcaster,
I was wondering if NFL Network in HD is still suppose to launch in CSprings about this time?
I'm really looking forward to seeing the Thursday night games in HD!

RockyMountainD

11-19-07, 04:21 PM

Hi Comcaster,
I was wondering if NFL Network in HD is still suppose to launch in CSprings about this time?
I'm really looking forward to seeing the Thursday night games in HD!

Check channel 760.

eddie_d_lopez

11-20-07, 10:03 AM

Check channel 760.

or 676 in p-town.

Comcaster

11-21-07, 12:25 AM

Okay...now I know this is not technically an HD issue...but it really is bugging the crap out of me with this NBC thing. Does anyone else notice on the regular analog NBC channel 5 on comcast basic cable notice they are using the HD feed? The Sunday Night Football game looked horrid and so did Saturday Night Live. The picture looks like it would if you have that zoom option on your TV turned on and you can see the HD logo in the bottom left corner. I went to my HD that I get my HD over the air with and I see it...its not the stupid advertisement that says its in HD....

I emailed the comcrap tech support and this is what they told me

..........are all comcast people retards?

well..that comcaster guys seems alright....maybe he can slap some of these other comasters around some :D

I don't know how to capture just part of a quote, so forgive me for taking the entire thing.

This was looked at quite closely late last week when Horrid mentioned it. Funny thing is that I saw it occurring the same night as the post - but only through one program/show, then it self-corrected. The engineering folks looked at the signal for quite some time the next day and it wasn't occuring. The issue may be coming from KOAA (or maybe not) in that comcast takes the fiber signal that is given and drops it right onto the ADS lineup. What is curious about this is the later post that said it was occuring for someone without a digital box. that is interesting because the non-ads analog signal is coming off air without any interpretation - straight from cheyenne mountain.

The engineers said they would keep looking for the error.

BTW, Horrid, sorry for the service you received. Unfortunately the online chat team is not based in Csprings. This would have been a time where calling the 800Comcast number would have helped. you would have reached someone actually in colorado springs that could have pulled up the same signal that you were looking at to better isolate the issue. Not your problem, i know....

Comcaster

11-21-07, 12:45 AM

Haven't been here in awhile, but I was curious if anyone has heard anything about Falcon Broadband? It seems their regular prices are comparable to Comcast's triple play. I would be paying in the $90's for HD cable, DVR, and internet service? Anyone have any experience with them? Thanks!

Not to step across the line again (learned my lesson before) but - Falcon is available in a limited area in peyton/falcon. They are going into the first phase of Banning Lewis Ranch and they announced that they are going to build into Flying Horse Ranch. That's it. They claimed they were building N of Platte, W of academy, E of Union and S of Austin Bluffs when the franchise was passed a year ago, but a recent phone call over there said that area was "at least 18 months away if ever" (quote from call center agent in August 2007).

Finally, an exceptionally toned down shot over the bow - look very closely at what you are promised before taking the leap (provided you even live in one of these areas). I have done some pretty detailed comparisons of DTV/Qwest, Dish, Falcon, Porchlight and Comcast - if you truly put apples-to-apples and compare price (including comparable packages, additional boxes, HD, HD/DVRs), install fees, channels (SD and HD), internet speed, service, taxes, features (VOD, internet speed, Voip structure, calling features), benefits etc you will find that marketing is exactly that, a bit of a game. And that will end my *very* measured response :)

kickson

11-21-07, 01:49 AM

Not to step across the line again (learned my lesson before) but - Falcon is available in a limited area in peyton/falcon. They are going into the first phase of Banning Lewis Ranch and they announced that they are going to build into Flying Horse Ranch. That's it. They claimed they were building N of Platte, W of academy, E of Union and S of Austin Bluffs when the franchise was passed a year ago, but a recent phone call over there said that area was "at least 18 months away if ever" (quote from call center agent in August 2007).

Finally, an exceptionally toned down shot over the bow - look very closely at what you are promised before taking the leap (provided you even live in one of these areas). I have done some pretty detailed comparisons of DTV/Qwest, Dish, Falcon, Porchlight and Comcast - if you truly put apples-to-apples and compare price (including comparable packages, additional boxes, HD, HD/DVRs), install fees, channels (SD and HD), internet speed, service, taxes, features (VOD, internet speed, Voip structure, calling features), benefits etc you will find that marketing is exactly that, a bit of a game. And that will end my *very* measured response :)

Thanks for that reply. I do live in one of the Falcon BB areas, and I know my double play fees with Comcast will end soon. I didn't account for the tax fees, but after all that it should still be cheaper than what I am expecting my Comcast bill to be. I guess I'm more concerned with how their overall service is, but it seems nobody has any experience with them.

Comcaster

11-21-07, 01:56 PM

Thanks for that reply. I do live in one of the Falcon BB areas, and I know my double play fees with Comcast will end soon. I didn't account for the tax fees, but after all that it should still be cheaper than what I am expecting my Comcast bill to be. I guess I'm more concerned with how their overall service is, but it seems nobody has any experience with them.

Kickson - you may be in luck. If you only have video and internet on a promotional offer (a double play), you can likely repackage into a 12 month promotional triple play offer by including phone service. Assuming you have digital cable with internet (non promotional at approx $97/mo to $109/mo + a la carte programming, taxes, etc), you can go to digital cable, internet and phone for about $113/mo + a la carte, taxes, etc). There are a lot of variables, but generally by adding phone you can re-up into a triple play promotional package/price.

nthdgreee

11-21-07, 02:27 PM

Is Channel 760 (NFL Network HD) supposed to be up and running now? As of last night I was still getting the "Not Authorized" message.

Comcaster

11-21-07, 03:28 PM

Is Channel 760 (NFL Network HD) supposed to be up and running now? As of last night I was still getting the "Not Authorized" message.

It is up and running on 760 in Csprings. Is it possible that you do not have NFL Network as part of your subscription? If so, "Sports & Entertainment" tier, where NFL Network lives, is currently free for 6 months (you need to call in to subscribe to the tier).

If you have the tier and you are not getting NFL net in HD, then there is a service problem.

tlbradl

11-21-07, 08:47 PM

Anyone got any advice on *moving* to Denver on Dish so that I can get Denver locals in HD?

jkozlow3

11-22-07, 12:19 PM

Anyone got any advice on *moving* to Denver on Dish so that I can get Denver locals in HD?

Yep, it's super easy. Just call and tell them that you need to change your service address and that you still want to keep receiving your bills in the springs. Tell them you've moved your equipment to Denver but still travel back and forth a lot and maintain the 2 residences (they could care less what you tell them).

For the address, give them an address of an apartment building and make up a false apartment number (i.e #4357B). No 2 people can have accounts at the same residence, so just make sure it's a fake apartment number that probably doesn't exist.

Keep in mind that if you place a service call, they will show up at your SERVICE address.

stuebe

11-22-07, 10:16 PM

Nope. I have Sports tier and no NFL network on the normal channel or HD. I actually couldn't care less about the game, so I didn't bother calling. But something isn't quite right.

The way to check is, I believe, if you are getting 174 and 176, you should also be getting 177 (NFL Network). A call would probably fix it but it's too much trouble.

ocezam

11-24-07, 12:12 PM

I don't know how to capture just part of a quote, so forgive me for taking the entire thing.

Capture the entire quote, then delete what you don't want, Simple.

tlbradl

11-26-07, 12:20 PM

Thanks, jkozlow3, it worked just like you said. :-)

jorange

11-26-07, 09:01 PM

SteelCity66

11-27-07, 12:31 AM

Hey has anyone else noticed signal strength and symbol quality issues with KKTV recently?

Just OTA.

Historically it has worked fine but in the last week or so this stations seems to have degraded and now tonight it is very weak. Trying to find out if this is my setup or an issue with the station.

Thanks,
--jake

I've been getting some breakup in the KKTV signal lately. I first noticed it on Friday, but it continued all weekend. I usually only watch football on KKTV though, so it may have started earlier and may still be on going.

jorange

11-27-07, 03:03 PM

I've been getting some breakup in the KKTV signal lately. I first noticed it on Friday, but it continued all weekend. I usually only watch football on KKTV though, so it may have started earlier and may still be on going.

Yeah I think they have something going on or going wrong. Last night I doublecheked my whole setup, and even messed with the antenna trying to get better signal. I managed to eek out a few more % but it is still very weak compared to the other channels and their own signal historically.

DanHuff

11-28-07, 10:44 AM

Anyone know when the WB (Ch 57) will be digital?

The sister station (CH 2) in Denver is already, and that is the last one we need in our area.

TallGuy

11-28-07, 11:50 PM

Anyone know when the WB (Ch 57) will be digital?

The sister station (CH 2) in Denver is already, and that is the last one we need in our area.
My guess is February 17, 2009 or whatever the digital requirement is. For HD, my guess is whenever the station wins the lottery. :cool:

Comcaster

11-29-07, 12:01 AM

Firmware 18.35 for Comcast customers should upload in the next few days. Nothing interesting in the offering outside of bug fixes.

RockyMountainD

11-29-07, 12:04 PM

Firmware 18.35 for Comcast customers should upload in the next few days. Nothing interesting in the offering outside of bug fixes.

Thanks.

Any timeline for the new iGuide software (A25?).

mux1

11-29-07, 02:40 PM

Hey has anyone else noticed signal strength and symbol quality issues with KKTV recently?

Just OTA.

Historically it has worked fine but in the last week or so this stations seems to have degraded and now tonight it is very weak. Trying to find out if this is my setup or an issue with the station.

Thanks,
--jake

I noticed that too! I purchased a Tivo HD last Saturday and had a hard time getting my stations tuned (dropped Comcast and am only doing OTA now). I bought a powered antenna and was finally able to get KKTV to 80% signal strength (the worst of the local OTA digital channels). Prior to this I didn't have as much trouble... Now KOAA is the strongest.

HateNewNHL

11-30-07, 12:00 AM

Firmware 18.35 for Comcast customers should upload in the next few days. Nothing interesting in the offering outside of bug fixes.

Is this for specific boxes only (I have the 6412)?

My box takes coffee breaks from time to time, especially if a new command from the remote has not been sent in for awhile. Nothing worse than having to wait 30s-1min just to be able to respond a command. Ideas? Is this common to the 6412?

What is the max hard drive size we can get from a comcast box these days? I have a 120GB and have realized that if I am out of town for more than 7 days, I start losing recordings because the hard drive isnt big enough (HD recordings of course killing me). What is the resistance for enabling USB hard drive support???? What an idea: for $75, I can buy a 500GB external drive and not worry about any of this. Quite frustrating indeed.

RockyMountainD

11-30-07, 09:36 AM

Is this for specific boxes only (I have the 6412)?

My box takes coffee breaks from time to time, especially if a new command from the remote has not been sent in for awhile. Nothing worse than having to wait 30s-1min just to be able to respond a command. Ideas? Is this common to the 6412?

What is the max hard drive size we can get from a comcast box these days? I have a 120GB and have realized that if I am out of town for more than 7 days, I start losing recordings because the hard drive isnt big enough (HD recordings of course killing me). What is the resistance for enabling USB hard drive support???? What an idea: for $75, I can buy a 500GB external drive and not worry about any of this. Quite frustrating indeed.

You can get a 160gb box, the DCH3416. That's as big as these things get right now.

I've heard rumors the next software update might just fix the remote buffer bug.

RockyMountainD

11-30-07, 09:37 AM

Firmware 18.35 for Comcast customers should upload in the next few days. Nothing interesting in the offering outside of bug fixes.

Looks like this fixed the "green" screen bug. Thanks!

Comcaster

12-02-07, 10:45 PM

Is this for specific boxes only (I have the 6412)?

.

I've had the DCH3416 for about 4 months now. While my DCT6412 did exactly what you are talking about - queing up remote commands (talk about maddening!), the new box has yet to do that.

Comcaster

12-02-07, 10:48 PM

Comcasters: Rumor has it that 2 more HD channels will be coming around 12/11 to csprings.

Comcaster

12-02-07, 10:55 PM

What is the resistance for enabling USB hard drive support???? What an idea: for $75, I can buy a 500GB external drive and not worry about any of this. Quite frustrating indeed.

Hollywood (say in a melodic voice, perhaps it will help).

Digital rights are a huge deal right now. The people that own the shows that we watch don't want us to be able to use the USB ports on our DVRs to move shows around to non-contained places like hard drives where they can be uploaded to websites, shared via peer-to-peer, etc.

In the meantime, the DVR USB port sits there looking at us begging to be used for all of the great things it could do if only it were allowed.

TallGuy

12-03-07, 12:29 AM

Hollywood (say in a melodic voice, perhaps it will help).

Digital rights are a huge deal right now. The people that own the shows that we watch don't want us to be able to use the USB ports on our DVRs to move shows around to non-contained places like hard drives where they can be uploaded to websites, shared via peer-to-peer, etc.

In the meantime, the DVR USB port sits there looking at us begging to be used for all of the great things it could do if only it were allowed.

Yeah but many of the other DVRs alllow USB drives to be added - satellite DVRs and either Time Warner or Cox if I recall.

pg_rider

12-03-07, 09:29 AM

Comcasters: Rumor has it that 2 more HD channels will be coming around 12/11 to csprings.

Any hints? :)

eddie_d_lopez

12-03-07, 11:45 AM

Any hints? :)

based on chatter on the big board, most likely cnn and usa. although the history channel is also a possibility.

Comcaster, is p-town in the mix as well?

HateNewNHL

12-03-07, 08:21 PM

I am rooting for History!!! That would be a great addition.

Comcaster

12-03-07, 08:30 PM

HistoryHD and Discovery HD (not to be confused with Discovery Home Theatre). And EddieLopez, unfortunately only in Colorado Springs for now, but soon in Pueblo.

RockyMountainD

12-03-07, 09:27 PM

HistoryHD and Discovery HD (not to be confused with Discovery Home Theatre). And EddieLopez, unfortunately only in Colorado Springs for now, but soon in Pueblo.

Nice...now need Sci-Fi and TLC :)

Snuffy101

12-03-07, 09:43 PM

I am rooting for History!!! That would be a great addition.I get all of the mentioned HD channels right now from D*. The History Cannel is a disappointment, in that most of its programming is stretch-o-vision. A lot of Discovery HD is zoomed and cropped SD, but still is has great programming and the PQ for their REAL HD is near perfect.

Comcaster

12-03-07, 11:05 PM

I get all of the mentioned HD channels right now from D*. The History Cannel is a disappointment, in that most of its programming is stretch-o-vision. A lot of Discovery HD is zoomed and cropped SD, but still is has great programming and the PQ for HD is near perfect.

Snuffy, I think you make an incredibly good point. The 'race' to HD has created some pretty crappy product. Weather Channel, for instance, says they won't be ready for full HD broadcasts until their new HD newsroom is completed in the spring - but that did not keep them from launching a supposed HD channel - at the bequest of a he-who-must-not-be-named programming provider. IMO it is setting the stage for messing up HD content going into the future - and not to get all deep and foreboding, but I think it marginalizes true HD to the point that programmers will be more likely to put out nonHD HD and overcompressed HD far into the future because consumers have grown to accept it as normal. A possible comparison of VHS vs. Beta - the latter was a much better technology while the former was cheaper and quicker - and we, the consumer paid in the long term.

Satcom15

12-09-07, 08:06 PM

Was it just me? Or did others see a repetitive introduction to 60 Minutes interlaced with a few seconds of football on KKTV this evening? I noticed it went on for about 4 minutes before they had the problem corrected. Finally got to 60 Minutes about 2 minutes into the first story. Good Job! Is this an example of the future of Digital TV that lies before us? LOL

HateNewNHL

12-09-07, 08:08 PM

Firmware 18.35 for Comcast customers should upload in the next few days. Nothing interesting in the offering outside of bug fixes.

Anyway to force this firmware update? I left my box unplugged overnight but I am still on 16.35

ryttingm

12-10-07, 03:33 PM

My sagetv box picked up how the grinch stole christmas on KRDO the other night. The biggest thing I noticed was that during the show it did not appear to switch from widescreen HD to put up the weather ticker. Did KRDO finally get equipment to do HD overlays?

-Mike

chanceG

12-10-07, 04:12 PM

My sagetv box picked up

How do you like SageTV? Is there a monthly or yearly subscription fee involved? I heard they've got a new Beta Mac version that supports the HDHR. I'm going to give it a try.

Comcaster

12-10-07, 05:30 PM

Did KRDO finally get equipment to do HD overlays?

-Mike

yes they did.

ryttingm

12-11-07, 10:15 AM

How do you like SageTV? Is there a monthly or yearly subscription fee involved? I heard they've got a new Beta Mac version that supports the HDHR. I'm going to give it a try.

I've been using MCE for over a year and made the switch to sage about 3 weeks ago. I am extremely happy with the switch. Here are some of the reasons.

1. Sage extender plays ripped dvds. I now have access to my entire dvd library on our tv in the bedroom. ( had to transcode my dvds to mpg for my MCE extender, making for double the disk space)
2. I just ordered my HD sage extender!
2a. HD extender without vista!
3. Native support for more than 2 analog and 2 digital tuners.
4. Recording engine will prefer HD over analog when it has the choice.
5. All media is integrated into the same interface (vs BeyondTV)
6. Intelligent recording a la Tivo suggestions ( very good IMO )
7. Constantly in development with new features ( vs stale MCE )

Those are just a few of the reasons I'm in love with my sagetv box. The software costs 80 dollars and there are no monthly fees. The programming data is provided by zap2it, but sage has an agreement with zap2it such that sage owners are not affected by the changes at zap2it. I just purchased an HD media extender for 200 dollars and it should arrive on thursday or friday of this week.

-Mike

chanceG

12-11-07, 11:18 AM

That all sounds good. I've downloaded the latest Beta but have yet to give it a try. If it does DD5.1 well and has TiVo like Season Passes, I'm sure I'll soon be a customer! Thanks.

ryttingm

12-11-07, 04:06 PM

That all sounds good. I've downloaded the latest Beta but have yet to give it a try. If it does DD5.1 well and has TiVo like Season Passes, I'm sure I'll soon be a customer! Thanks.

DD5.1 is a function of what decoder you have. I have a separate receiver so I just do a direct pass through to my receiver which does the decoding. So in my case DD is perfect :)

Season passes in Sage are called favorites. You can have show favorites, or keyword favorites based on title, description, actor, director, etc.

-Mike

Digital Man

12-11-07, 10:11 PM

It is up and running on 760 in Csprings. Is it possible that you do not have NFL Network as part of your subscription? If so, "Sports & Entertainment" tier, where NFL Network lives, is currently free for 6 months (you need to call in to subscribe to the tier).

If you have the tier and you are not getting NFL net in HD, then there is a service problem.

The NFL Network is so irritating. It's ridiculous that I have to up my Comcast subscription just to see one Bronco's game on Thursday. I'll never watch anything else in the "Sports & Entertainment" tier, so it's a kind of a waste to add it just for one game. I do appreciate you letting us know there is a free trial. Can I add it, and cancel it in 6 months with no fees at all?

Anyone come up with any other ways to see the Bronco's game on Thursday?

Guy

TallGuy

12-11-07, 11:03 PM

Anyone come up with any other ways to see the Bronco's game on Thursday?

Guy

Sure - here (http://www.directv.com). :D

ryttingm

12-12-07, 11:08 AM

The NFL Network is so irritating. It's ridiculous that I have to
Anyone come up with any other ways to see the Bronco's game on Thursday?

Guy

KWGN (CW2) out of denver is broadcasting the game. Fortunately, KWGN is also broadcast on comcast channel 22 here in the springs.

-Mike

Comcaster

12-12-07, 03:56 PM

KWGN (CW2) out of denver is broadcasting the game. Fortunately, KWGN is also broadcast on comcast channel 22 here in the springs.

-Mike

Mike is correct. The game should be on 22 in the springs (basic cable) and 2 in Pueblo (basic cable).

Comcaster

12-12-07, 04:02 PM

The NFL Network is so irritating. It's ridiculous that I have to up my Comcast subscription just to see one Bronco's game on Thursday. I'll never watch anything else in the "Sports & Entertainment" tier, so it's a kind of a waste to add it just for one game. I do appreciate you letting us know there is a free trial. Can I add it, and cancel it in 6 months with no fees at all?

Guy

Yes, you can add it for free for 6 months and take it away for free any time prior to the end of 6 months.

While you have it, you will also have Broncos and NFL VOD content which allows you to watch the meat of every bronco game this season as well as every game around the league from last week. You also get documentaries from the bronco superbowl wins, interviews with players, coaches and alumni, press conferences, tours of mile high stadium, cheerleaders and more....pretty cool stuff if you care about all things Broncos.

eddie_d_lopez

12-13-07, 12:01 PM

...pretty cool stuff if you care about all things Broncos.
umm, not really...

:)

milehighmike

12-13-07, 07:34 PM

According to the Denver Post this AM, the Bronco's game on KWGN may be blacked out on cable in the Springs, Pueblo, and Grand Junction. I'm sure they'll be a post or two if it is.

Snuffy101

12-15-07, 12:40 PM

According to the Denver Post this AM, the Bronco's game on KWGN may be blacked out on cable in the Springs, Pueblo, and Grand Junction. I'm sure they'll be a post or two if it is.It should have been blacked out in all of Colorado, Grrrrrr.

KamashDad

12-15-07, 09:01 PM

Comcasters: Rumor has it that 2 more HD channels will be coming around 12/11 to csprings.

I'm getting History Channel in 720p on Comcast 41.1 (QAM), haven't found DiscoveryHD yet.

royrose

12-18-07, 10:27 AM

So, it looks like KTSC is not airing The News Hour with Jim Lehrer in HD. To present it in HD they would have to delay it which they haven't done with HD material yet. I wonder if they have plans to be able to do that before the analog cut off in '09.

By the way, The News Hour in HD is sent as a separate feed, so stations that carry "the PBS HD Channel" full time do not show the news hour in HD unless they switch over to that feed or capture it and show it on a delayed basis.The Alburquerque PBS digital channel in that situation: 24 hour HD but no News Hour HD as of yet.

Roy

serpy

12-19-07, 03:20 PM

Just got on the OTA / USB tuner / HTPC bandwagon.

Yeah, KKTV was the hardest of the DTV broadcast networks to get. At best I'm getting 4 yellow bars according to Vista Media Center. As in signal strength, I dunno what that converts to, but so far still smooth playback.

Since I'm a newb, anyone in the Springs have any good recommendations for indoor antennas, tips, advice, better reception etc?

Snuffy101

12-20-07, 05:29 PM

Yesterday, I was checking signal strengths on my D* H20 for local OTA channels and found something interesting. Channel 8-1 was reading 83-87 and 8-2 was reading 96-100. I thought both sub channels were on the same carrier and would therefore read the same, apparently I was wrong. Can anyone explain this? :confused:

Frank Zimkas

12-24-07, 12:57 AM

Jonnyb99

12-24-07, 10:50 AM

So are y'all receiving KKTV? I cannot seem to pick it up. I have a an indoor antenna connected to D*'s H20. All other locals are coming in fine.

Frank Zimkas

12-24-07, 10:52 AM

Well Texas is quite a distance from the transmitter.

Satcom15

12-25-07, 03:32 PM

Wonder if anyone can ask these questions (Comcaster?):

A friend of mine has a Motorola Cable box on COMCAST Colo Spgs, but it looks like an older model. I could not get at it easily to see the model number. The input/output appears to be limited to RCA plugs for audio (there might be a "yellow" video RCA jack) and F-type connectors for RF/Cable. There are no HDMI, component, S-Video, or composite video connectors. She gets the full digital lineup from the cable company, but the input to her LCD is from a cable connection out of the cable box. She also has a composite video connection (yellow RCA plug) for her DVD player. I think the DVD player has component video (B, G, R Connectors) as does the LCD. The picture quality does not appear all that great off the cable and I'm wondering if has something to do with the connection type between the cable box and LCD. Motion blurs, it appears "noisy" sometimes, and the picture does not seem as crisp as that on her old CRT, etc.

So my questions:

1. Is there a newer cable box that has something other than RF connections (e.g. HDMI, composite, component, S-Video)?

2. If so should she consider swapping boxes? Or, is the RF (coax) cable connection between the box and LCD the best it can get?

3. Should the DVD composite video connection be changed to Component or S-(if there is a connection) Video? Don't belive there is an HDMI port. As far as I can tell the picture looks pretty good when playing DVDs, but maybe it could be better by going to another format.

It seems to me from what I've read the pecking order of signal quality connections goes like (best to worst)

1. HDMI
2. Component video
3. S-Video
4. Composite video
5. RF (Analog & Digital?)

But is this necessarily true with cable or OTA transmissions? One would think that an additional layer of processing would affect the "pure" signal arriving over the cable and that feeding the signal directly to the TV would result in the best picture quality. But maybe I'm wrong - I'm an old analog RF kind of guy, so what do I know in today's digital age. LOL

Anyway, just thought I'd ask the community. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or comments.

Jonnyb99

12-27-07, 03:08 PM

Well Texas is quite a distance from the transmitter.

Very funny. My wife and I were in the Springs visiting my parents. I couldn't seem to tune in KKTV.

Frank Zimkas

12-27-07, 03:22 PM

:)

Kinda strange, KKTV is the stongest signal on my setup.

Snuffy101

12-27-07, 03:39 PM

Very funny. My wife and I were in the Springs visiting my parents. I couldn't seem to tune in KKTV.Since KKTV is the only Digital station in the Springs transmitting over VHF (ch. 10), all others are UHF, your antenna may be the culprit. Some UHF (only) antennas just don’t receive VHF frequencies very well.

jlachanc

12-28-07, 01:46 AM

Wonder if anyone can ask these questions

1. Is there a newer cable box that has something other than RF connections (e.g. HDMI, composite, component, S-Video)?

JL: Yes. These can be found usually on Comcast's website. DVI and HDMI connections are really only needed if she has a HDTV. To view HD programming, a HD compatible cable box is needed. This will have the needed outputs.

2. If so should she consider swapping boxes? Or, is the RF (coax) cable connection between the box and LCD the best it can get?

JL: If she has a HDTV, I would swap the box to get the HD channels. This way you get the benefit of HD programming. To get digital channels I believe you also need a cable box or cable card. Digital channels have better quality than analog.

3. Should the DVD composite video connection be changed to Component or S-(if there is a connection) Video? Don't belive there is an HDMI port. As far as I can tell the picture looks pretty good when playing DVDs, but maybe it could be better by going to another format.

JL: For the best quality, Component would be my first choice in this situation, s-video second.

It seems to me from what I've read the pecking order of signal quality connections goes like (best to worst)

1. HDMI
2. Component video
3. S-Video
4. Composite video
5. RF (Analog & Digital?)

JL: HDMI, DVI, and component video are capable of the same high quality video. Hardware variations can create differences. If done right, you should not be able to see the difference between component and HDMI. S-video is in the right place. I think RF is better than composite, but am not sure of the technical concerns. Composite is generally the worst. Keep in mind, HD is carried over RF, (digitally). S-vid and composite do not support HD.

But is this necessarily true with cable or OTA transmissions?

JL: Don't know much about OTA, but others here do.

Satcom15

12-28-07, 10:30 AM

jla,
Thanks for the information. These forums are so cool - someone out there always has a great answer to questions. Now, if I could just come to grips with and understand all the HDTV jargon/technology to make a good choice of an LCD ... LOL
Cheers

pugmaster2k

12-28-07, 05:49 PM

TallGuy

12-29-07, 06:34 PM

Is there a site that details where Colorado Springs sits ranking/timeframe wise on having locals available in HD through DirecTV?

For the last 2 years, I have requested a waiver every six months from DirecTV to receive the West Coast broadcast in HD, until an agreement with the local stations is reached. Each time, my waiver is denied, and the last two notices have indicated the reason being that an agreement has been reached with the local networks for immediate rollout. (The last notice was received 4 months ago.)

Any feedback or sources to get a more definitive timeline would be greatly appreciated.
I would love to know that too. Seems like a month ago I saw a list of new cities that D* will light up in mid-2008, and Colorado Springs was not on the list. I'm getting tired of the dropouts on KOAA 5-1 up here. I don't know what the deal is receiving it in the middle of Gleneagle - maybe a multipath spot - but my friend a block away can't get it at all. Sometimes mine is 22-23db and it locks, and sometimes it's 19-21db and it doesn't.

It is pretty contradictory for D* to deny the waiver saying "immediate rollout", when we could be 6-12 months away or more. Although I thought the local stations get to decide on the waivers, and they deny them all because they want all the eyeballs they can get no matter what.

Snuffy101

12-29-07, 07:36 PM

... Although I thought the local stations get to decide on the waivers, and they deny them all because they want all the eyeballs they can get no matter what.The local stations were the ones that denied all my waivers, actually it was D* who helped me request the waivers. Yep, the locals don't want you to miss their local commercials, etc. One local station even said it had to do with FCC regulations :confused:

Satcom15

12-30-07, 01:55 AM

I don't suppose filing a complaint with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission or FCC will do anything either. Silly me, I always thought these regulatory organizations were supposed to look out for the best interest of the public. So Snuffy, in light of that tongue in cheek comment, maybe your last statement is closer to the truth than you think. ;-)

Snuffy101

12-30-07, 12:10 PM

^
Yup, the FCC looks out for viewers/customers like the FAA looks out for airline passengers :rolleyes:

HateNewNHL

12-30-07, 04:24 PM

Terrible PQ today. I am watching on Crumcast

royrose

12-30-07, 06:57 PM

It's bad over the air as well. Blame FOX. Not the big national game, send backup equipment to Denver?

Roy

Snuffy101

12-30-07, 09:49 PM

Terrible PQ today. I am watching on CrumcastI think it was upconverted SD, even the graphics looked bad, jagged edges, shallow color, etc. At least it was 16X9 :rolleyes:

serpy

12-31-07, 02:27 PM

Very funny. My wife and I were in the Springs visiting my parents. I couldn't seem to tune in KKTV.

I know one of my problems with the elusive kktv was that I was over amplifying my indoor antenna. turned down the knob / amp and now I am able to get all the available major network OTA channels without tweaking the antennas for specific channels.

then again, according to antennaweb.org I'm about 10 miles out of the towers.

Satcom15

12-31-07, 05:43 PM

serpy

01-02-08, 11:51 AM

Serpy,
You live 10 miles from Cheyenne Mtn? I wouldn't think an amp is needed that close to the transmitter site. Have you tried just the antenna connected to the TV with no amp? And as someone else mentioned, KKTV is the only local channel using a VHF signal. Everyone else is using a UHF signal. That kind of sucks since that means a separate (and larger) antenna just for KKTV (so you can watch the weather crawls interrupting the HD signal). LOL
Cheers.

Satcom15,

Thanks for the input. Yeah, I'm between fillmore and garden of the gods, right next to the freeway. I have LOS of cheyenne mt., but it does no good since i'm too cheap to put up an outdoor antennae.

As you can tell, i'm new to this OTA hdtv. My indoor antenna is one of those powered combo deals with the rabbit ears and circle. the rabbit ears are vhf and the circle is for uhf right? forgive me if i got that backwards.

For now i'm pretty pleased. ironically, vista media center is now telling me that KKTV is actually my strongest signal, with 6 solid green bars, and PBS (DTSC?) is now the weakest with 4 yellow bars. The other channels are 5 greens. I have the amp knob just barely turned on. With it off, some channels come in choppy.

i do say, it was a real treat on the 1st, bowl games galore in hd. :D

Comcaster

01-02-08, 11:13 PM

The satellite home viewers act (SHVA as it is called) is responsible for whether you are allowed to get non local network signals. The act defined "grade B contours" in which a reasonable signal can be received with an off-air antenna. If you are within the "grade B contour" the local network can decline your waiver request without further merit. And yes, the act says that the waiver is submitted to the local broadcaster who determines whether you are worthy. If you are outside the contour, the station is supposed to provide proof that you can get the signal. Usually, they will deny the first request regardless of where it is and see if the consumer will complain. If you resubmit, the station will usually pay more attention. The problem, of course, is unless you are on the edge of the viewing area - say in Trinidad - you are within the contour and have little hope for a waiver - even if you are in a cave in manitou springs and have no hope for a signal.

The 'why' is pretty well described above. It is all about eye-balls for advertisers. The local broadcast network gets the rights to your eyes and therefore protect its advertising revenue. None of the broadcasters want you watching car commercials from LA or NY when you should be shopping and buying at motor city.

Directv and Dish would like nothing more than to offer you the distant network packages. They pick these up for free and uplink them (usually OTA and then via fiber backhaul to an uplink site). They would love to get $5-$7 in revenue from you. Dish, in fact, was sued a bit back for violating the SHVA distant network rule and was ordered to shut down the service to a majority of its customers (that it couldn't prove waivers existed for).

If the springs doesn't get local nets from DBS in the next year, things will get dicey in feb 09 with the digital transmission as those signals don't travel as far and it may shake up the SHVA rules - or at least tighten them down.

that's too much typing for now...happy new year.

Comcaster

01-02-08, 11:21 PM

[QUOTE=pugmaster2k;12615078] the last two notices have indicated the reason being that an agreement has been reached with the local networks for immediate rollout. (The last notice was received 4 months ago.)
QUOTE]

Since the local broadcasters are all part of larger station owners (KKTV - Gray broadcasting, etc) with stations in other markets, there are likely agreements in place. It is probably more of a bandwidth issue with Dtv and dish.

TotallyPreWired

01-03-08, 10:05 AM

RockyMountainD

01-03-08, 06:53 PM

Comcaster

01-03-08, 07:30 PM

Comcaster,

I won a TivoHD and will be setting it up next month. What are the odds I can get an M-card (like those in the DCH boxes) for it? Back in September, the local techs only had S-cards.

Thanks.

I have heard that you can now get either S-Card or M-Card in Colorado Springs/Pueblo.

RockyMountainD

01-03-08, 08:25 PM

I have heard that you can now get either S-Card or M-Card in Colorado Springs/Pueblo.

Excellent. Thanks.

jlachanc

01-03-08, 11:44 PM

I have heard that you can now get either S-Card or M-Card in Colorado Springs/Pueblo.

Please post if anyone successfully gets a M-cards installed. Santa gave me a Tivo S3 this year, but the cable installer did not think they had the M cards. Then again, it took him over 2 hours to get them working in the Tivo...

RockyMountainD

01-04-08, 08:44 AM

Please post if anyone successfully gets a M-cards installed. Santa gave me a Tivo S3 this year, but the cable installer did not think they had the M cards. Then again, it took him over 2 hours to get them working in the Tivo...

S3s need two cards, be they S- or M-, right? I'll definitely let you know how my quest goes.

And I feel your pain on the install. Last year, I went through 5 cards & 2 vistis to find 2 cards that work :eek:

jlachanc

01-04-08, 12:52 PM

S3s need two cards, be they S- or M-, right? I'll definitely let you know how my quest goes.

And I feel your pain on the install. Last year, I went through 5 cards & 2 vistis to find 2 cards that work :eek:

Yes, the S3 and Tivo HD both need two S or M cards.
My advice for anyone getting this set up is the following:

1. When you schedule the guy to come out, have the CSR put a note on the work order to bring 4 or more cards with him.

2. No matter what the tech says, MAKE him follow the directions that come with the Tivo for the set up. Specifically, make sure they provision one card at at time, by putting the first card in slot #1. Do NOT let them put both cards in at once no matter how much of an "expert" they claim to be. Doing this turns a 20 min. process into 2 or more hours.

Cheers,
Jason

RockyMountainD

01-04-08, 01:50 PM

Yes, the S3 and Tivo HD both need two S or M cards.
My advice for anyone getting this set up is the following:

1. When you schedule the guy to come out, have the CSR put a note on the work order to bring 4 or more cards with him.

2. No matter what the tech says, MAKE him follow the directions that come with the Tivo for the set up. Specifically, make sure they provision one card at at time, by putting the first card in slot #1. Do NOT let them put both cards in at once no matter how much of an "expert" they claim to be. Doing this turns a 20 min. process into 2 or more hours.

Cheers,
Jason

The HD can use just one M card. I'll have him bring many :)

cdb

01-04-08, 03:50 PM

I know this is a tardy response to pugmaster2k, and to TallGuy's questions on 12/28 and 12/29 regarding DMA's.

Here is a website for you: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=65321 There are 6 0r 7 links to get different sortings on DMA

http://hr20.dbstalk.com/html/DTV_HDLIL_DATE.html This is by date. D* is averaging about 14 a year, so Colorado Springs/Pueblo should be in line for HD Locals by about 2010....? They are up to 70 and we are in the mid 90's.

Hope this answers some questions.

TallGuy

01-05-08, 12:00 AM

I don't think an average of 14 a year is what should be projected into the future. When they launch the DirecTV11 or whatever it's called in 2008, that should create a bunch of capacity and they should add them quicker... They never give too many specifics other than the 1500 channel total capacity when both of the recently built satellites get up there. Anyway, I'm hoping for 2008 sometime and then maybe I won't have any more dropouts on KOAA 5-1.

jlachanc

01-05-08, 12:15 AM

The HD can use just one M card. I'll have him bring many :)

I stand corrected. Just make sure he gets it in the right slot or you'll be sorry. :D

RockyMountainD

01-05-08, 05:02 PM

I stand corrected. Just make sure he gets it in the right slot or you'll be sorry. :D

Went down to the office today - they said they only have S-cards to give out. Oh well...least I'll be getting me some tivo again :)

Comcaster

01-05-08, 11:05 PM

Went down to the office today - they said they only have S-cards to give out. Oh well...least I'll be getting me some tivo again :)

Let me check with my source again on M-cards. He said last week that they were available. I do know that you cannot pick up any sort of cable card from the office. They require them to be be installed by a technician.

RockyMountainD

01-06-08, 10:26 AM

Let me check with my source again on M-cards. He said last week that they were available. I do know that you cannot pick up any sort of cable card from the office. They require them to be be installed by a technician.

Thanks.

Local customer service told me I could pick up cards there. I had to drop off one of my DVRs anyway so it wasn't a big deal, but the call center might need a cable card refresher.

Whilst in the office, a guy from the warehouse was there and said they didn't stock M-cards, but I'm not sure he knew what I was talking about. I told him to give me a screwdriver and I'd show him what an M-card looked like (pointing at the back of the DCH3416) :)

If you can find some, please PM me for appt. details and perhaps the tech can bring a few out when they roll for my install later this week. I'd prefer a single M-card as it would eliminate a potential point of failure.

HateNewNHL

01-06-08, 11:35 PM

Helping out a friend.

When you “move“ on D*, they want a specific address at your new location. Does this need to be a real verifiable address, and if so, where does one get ahold of one of these??

chanceG

01-07-08, 09:51 AM

It does, and it doesn't. In the days before I obtained a real Denver DMA address (we bought a cabin), I made up a non-existent one in Larkspur (GoogleMaps helps in this regard). The CSR said that they couldn't find it in their database. I held firm (while silently panicking), and the CSR forced it in the system anyway. It was that way for >5yrs.

mtnsean

01-08-08, 10:06 AM

Hi folks-

It's been a while since I've followed this thread, so forgive me if this has already been answered. I'm with DTV and have 2 x HR10-250's that I have finally decided to go ahead and replace with the DTV HD-DVR box (sadly, since I hate giving up my Tivos!). I've read some decent reviews of the DTV boxes, so hopefully I'll learn to like them.

Here's my problem though - the local DTV installer called today (the day of my appt.) and said they only had the HR21 model, which lacks an OTA tuner. That's a deal breaker for me since DTV doesn't carry our locals in HD. He said he might get some more HR20's (which have the OTA tuner) in another shipment, so we rescheduled. Has anyone had any recent luck getting HR20's from DTV?

Thanks,
Sean

Snuffy101

01-08-08, 12:03 PM

^
Apparently, they have stopped making the H20 and HR20 boxes, but your installer should be able to obtain refurbished HR20s. Like everything else with DirecTV, you will have to push-push-push to get satisfaction. Calling and threatening to cancel and go with cable usually gets their attention and will bump you up to the ‘retention techs’, who may be able to help.

Comcaster

01-08-08, 03:15 PM

I validated that M-Cards are indeed available through Comcast. My understanding is that they have blue labels (while S-Cards have a 'pinkish' label). They are not treated any differently by the technicians so you need to specifically ask for one and make sure that the customer rep places it on the work order that will generate to the technician.

jlachanc

01-08-08, 04:13 PM

I validated that M-Cards are indeed available through Comcast. .

Interesting; thank you Comcaster. Do the M cards allow Video On Demand and the like to work?

RockyMountainD

01-08-08, 06:08 PM

Interesting; thank you Comcaster. Do the M cards allow Video On Demand and the like to work?

Ditto. Thanks.

The Tivo boxes themselves aren't two way, so no VOD or PPV.

The M-cards just allow multiple streams - so you can have a "dual tuner" box with a single card. That is unless you have an S3. For now, they treat M-cards as single stream cards.

Rmassey

01-09-08, 10:26 AM

RockyD, if you get an M-card, please let us know what it bills for once you get any Comcast billing issues resolved. I wonder if they will charge you 2x because it serves two tuners on the THD or if there is a cost savings because it is one card.

RockyMountainD

01-09-08, 11:28 AM

RockyD, if you get an M-card, please let us know what it bills for once you get the any Comcast billing issues resolved. I wonder if they will charge you 2x because it serves two tuners on the THD or if there is a cost savings because it is one card.

Will do.

Technically, it should be free (1st card is free, 2nd is $1.50 IIRC). But I think it's all packaged now where they just add a "tivo 3" pack to your account. I was told by the rep at the office that this is all I'd have to pay, but last September, I had $10 charge as well. I know what a pain the billing can be (from both sides), so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I'll let you know how it goes.

jlachanc

01-09-08, 01:13 PM

Will do.

Technically, it should be free (1st card is free, 2nd is $1.50 IIRC).

I'll let you know how it goes.

Agreed. With all cable cards, the 1st one is free, so with the M-card you should not be charged anything.
So far I have not had any issues, but I've not received my first bill yet. The CSR did know about the S3 though, which was reassuring.
FYI, if you have any issues with the CSR, refer them to this link: http://www.comcast.com/customers/faq/FaqDetails.ashx?ID=2651
You can also get to it from Comcast's main home page by searching on "Cablecard". In theory, their own FAQ should resolve any issues.

Now I have to decide if I want to go through the hassle of switching to an M-card to save the $1.91/month, $22.92/year, $1948.20/lifetime. :D

Good luck,
Jason

Comcaster

01-09-08, 11:26 PM

It looks like remote programming of your DVR is coming soon. As seen on www.fancast.com:
This year, Fancast will enable you to program your DVR recordings in advance from your computer. You’ll never miss a show again – at least if you miss on, it won’t be our fault. You’ll also be able to set your VOD bookmarks from your computer. It will be as simple as logging onto the site and choosing the programs that you want to record. It’s one more example of how we are always thinking about ways that we can simplify your entertainment experience. Better, easier and more efficient. We want you to be able to sit back and watch…whatever you want, when you want.

RockyMountainD

01-10-08, 10:14 AM

So Comcast tech (employee) arrived yesterday with 4 new, pink Motorola M-cards. First card worked like a charm and I'm lovin' TiVo land once again. Thanks, Comcaster for the M-card help!!

I'll pick up an external 500 GB external drive tomorrow - can't run out of drive space with all the playoff games this weekend :)

Unfortunately, the TiVo HD still has the same issue (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=5861132) it had back in September. Just hoping TiVo will fix soon. Very annoying.

I'll keep an eye on the bill next month. Hope it's not too jacked up.

Rmassey

01-11-08, 10:40 AM

Technically, it should be free (1st card is free, 2nd is $1.50 IIRC).
So other than the first CC free, this info posted in Oct. by Comcaster has changed?

First STB or Cable Card on your account is $0.00/mo
Total of two (2) STB's and/or Cable Card's on your account is $6.95/mo
Total of Three (3) STB's and/or Cable Card's on your account is $9.95/mo
Total of Four (4) STB's and/or Cable Card's on your account is $14.95/mo
Total of five (5) STB's and/or Cable Card's on your account is $19.95/mo
Total of Six (6) STB's and/or Cable Card's on your account is $24.95/mo

RockyMountainD

01-11-08, 01:35 PM

So other than the first CC free, this info posted in Oct. by Comcaster has changed?

Guess I'll find out soon :)

Comcaster

01-11-08, 11:19 PM

So other than the first CC free, this info posted in Oct. by Comcaster has changed?

The post was mostly right but sorta wrong. The additional outlet fees are correct, but the CableCard fees depend on the number of cable cards you have in relation to the number of pieces of equipment you have. While written by a circus performer, the link that Jlachanc posted above spells it out:

"If additional CableCARDs are needed for other devices that are installed on additional outlets, you will not be charged for the first CableCARD installed on this outlet as the cost is included in the additional outlet fee. In addition to the cost of the digital cable service, you will not be charged a regulated fee of up to $1.91 for the second CableCARD on the additional outlet. "

What this says is that your second box or outlet will be charged the additional outlet rate ($6.95), not the regulated fee. If your second box or outlet requires two cable cards, you will have the $1.91 regulated fee tacked on the additional outlet fee ($6.95+$1.91)...same for three ($9.95 or $9.95+$1.91), four, five and so on as listed in the previous post.

Comcaster

01-11-08, 11:25 PM

RockyMountainD

01-11-08, 11:46 PM

The post was mostly right but sorta wrong. The additional outlet fees are correct, but the CableCard fees depend on the number of cable cards you have in relation to the number of pieces of equipment you have. While written by a circus performer, the link that Jlachanc posted above spells it out:

"If additional CableCARDs are needed for other devices that are installed on additional outlets, you will not be charged for the first CableCARD installed on this outlet as the cost is included in the additional outlet fee. In addition to the cost of the digital cable service, you will not be charged a regulated fee of up to $1.91 for the second CableCARD on the additional outlet. "

What this says is that your second box or outlet will be charged the additional outlet rate ($6.95), not the regulated fee. If your second box or outlet requires two cable cards, you will have the $1.91 regulated fee tacked on the additional outlet fee ($6.95+$1.91)...same for three ($9.95 or $9.95+$1.91), four, five and so on as listed in the previous post.

That makes sense I guess - at least your post from October makes sense. So I've got a Comcast-supplied HD DVR that will cost me 11.95. I've got a TiVo HD that should cost 6.95. I'll watch my bill and see if that's the case.

RockyMountainD

01-11-08, 11:52 PM

RockyMountainD (and others) - While I pretend I know quite a bit about Comcast I have a question. I spent 30 minutes tonight drooling over the HDTivo box at Best Buy. Perhaps I was driven by RockyMountainD's new toy, or I even could admit that the A25 guide is less the best. Anyway, what is the plan or timing on a TiVo box passing through VOD? I would have snapped up an HDTiVo tonight, but I can't go without access to VOD - I use it as much as my DVR (can't tell you the last time I watched live TV). So what's the skinny?

Thanks.

:)

For now, get the TiVo HD & keep a basic non-dvr HD STB for VOD (DCH2000?). Or spend an extra $200 and get the S3 - you'll need two cablecards, but it can use any esata drive for added storage (think terabyte!), whereas the HD can only use the Western Digital My DVR Expander (500GB for $200).

I'm guessing TiVo will have a 2-way device by the end of the year - OCAP/OpenCable/tru2way type of thing.

Rmassey

01-12-08, 12:08 AM

The post was mostly right...

Thanks Comcaster :)

blackiedog

01-12-08, 02:39 PM

Today I have the Comcast HD DVR (6412III). It seems to me I could reduce my cable bill by switching to the Tivo HD DVR and get a better product in the process. Please tell me where I am wrong.

I am paying $12 a month for the 6412, plus another $12 for the expanded digital classic channels - this is required to get the Comcast HD DVR service. I never watch the expanded channels. So, by switching to the Tivo box, I can save on the $12/month for the "digital classic", plus $12/month for the DVR fee (but I will pick up a $12/month Tivo fee) lastly, according to a previous post the first CABLECARD is free (I'll get a M-series).

First, is this right? Will Comcast allow me to get the non-premium HD channels without the "digital classic" and will Comcast provision the Cablecard to pickup channels 2-98 digitally (ADS)? Are there any "magic words" to use when talking to the Comcast rep to make this happen?

RockyMountainD

01-12-08, 07:23 PM

...First, is this right? Will Comcast allow me to get the non-premium HD channels without the "digital classic" and will Comcast provision the Cablecard to pickup channels 2-98 digitally (ADS)? Are there any "magic words" to use when talking to the Comcast rep to make this happen?

Not sure about minimum package needed to get the HD channels. Maybe Comcaster knows?

Comcaster

01-12-08, 08:10 PM

Today I have the Comcast HD DVR (6412III).

Will Comcast allow me to get the non-premium HD channels without the "digital classic" and will Comcast provision the Cablecard to pickup channels 2-98 digitally (ADS)? Are there any "magic words" to use when talking to the Comcast rep to make this happen?

Downgrade to "Digital Starter Cable" and you will continue to have your HD/DVR without those pesky digital classic channels that you don't want to pay for. When you signed up for the DVR it was possible that there was a programming requirement (level of service) needed in order to get the box. Once you have the box, you can have whatever level of digital service you want and keep the box - there is no programming or contract comitment to any service level. A quick call into the call center and you shoud be good to go.

Comcaster

01-12-08, 08:17 PM

Not sure about minimum package needed to get the HD channels. Maybe Comcaster knows?

A requirement for HD channels was changed recently. Now you will get whatever HD channels you also subscribe to in SD. So if you get discovery in SD, you will get it in HD> If you subscribe to National Geo in SD, you get it in HD etc, etc, etc.

jlachanc

01-13-08, 01:35 AM

A requirement for HD channels was changed recently. Now you will get whatever HD channels you also subscribe to in SD. So if you get discovery in SD, you will get it in HD> If you subscribe to National Geo in SD, you get it in HD etc, etc, etc.

Thanks, Comcaster, this is good info. I was under the impression you had to have a digital package to get HD.

mtnsean

01-13-08, 09:07 AM

I went to the Comcast site to try to get a comparison quote and it was useless - it seems to be forcing me to pick both Digital Starter and Digital Classic for HD? I'm trying to figure out what would be my ongoing monthly fee for the following, assuming I bought two TivoHD receivers:

- basic cable (ESPN, Comedy Central, CNN, etc. - the usual ones, nothing fancy)
- HD local channels, plus HD versions of ESPN, Discovery, etc.)
- HBO HD
- pairs of cablecards for both units.

Right now I pay about $80/month to DirecTV for the above with 2 x HD Tivos (HR10-250's). What would Comcast charge me? Let's not factor in any savings with internet just yet so I can really do apples to apples versus DirecTV. The Comcast quoting tool is hopelessly confusing.

Thanks,
Sean

eddie_d_lopez

01-13-08, 12:47 PM

Thanks, Comcaster, this is good info. I was under the impression you had to have a digital package to get HD.

i would like clarification on this topic as well.

comcaster, are you saying that with the basic cable package (w/o the digital starter sub), one would receive a certain # of HD channels (locals, TNT, etc...)?

thanks in advance for any information...

Snuffy101

01-13-08, 06:37 PM

I keep getting mail ads from Comcast with prices of $## for the first 3 or 6 months with no mention of what it will be later. IMO, this is rather deceptive, even more so with all the questions and confusion from their customers on this thread about their packages and pricing. How can you find out what programming/equipment is available and at what cost? Their web site wants your address to get in, when all that should be needed is your Zip. At least DirecTV is pretty up-front with their offerings, albeit rather high priced.

Satcom15

01-13-08, 10:27 PM

I echo Snuffy's comment on pricing. But I go beyond that. I'm a pretty techno savvy guy (I'm a satcom engineer, hence the handle - even worked on the uplink sites of the "militarized" version of DTH satellite broadcast system). Still, I find the whole matter of digital TV including equipment, service providers, HDTV, recording, formats, rapid changes in technology, programming content, channel lineups/packages, etc. unecessarily complex and complicated. Why can't there be al a carte channel selection for example? 500 channels and I only watch 6. Sheesh. I know everybody wants (and needs) to make a buck on entertainment. It just seems like the whole issue of television is so difficult to comprehend these days. Now imagine Granny and the looming 2009 switch from analog to digital trying to figure things out. If that isn't a recipe for disaster and fraud... Ahhh, give me the good old days of roof top antennas for 6 OTA VHF/UHF channels with attendant multipath interference caused by aircraft flying nearby, buzzes every 30 seconds from the local Air Force AC&W radar ... Ah, the good old days. If only the whole thing was easier. OK, enough griping. LOL

68sting

01-13-08, 11:46 PM

I havne't been here in a long time so please forgive my question. Are all the locals in HD yet. If so what channels are they on. Any update would be appreciated.

TallGuy

01-14-08, 12:05 AM

The big 5 networks are in HD both over the air and on Comcast cable. The Colorado Springs networks should be coming to DirecTV in 2008 (probably/maybe) and Dish Network at some point.

RockyMountainD

01-14-08, 10:10 AM

Comcaster

01-14-08, 10:25 AM

i would like clarification on this topic as well.

comcaster, are you saying that with the basic cable package (w/o the digital starter sub), one would receive a certain # of HD channels (locals, TNT, etc...)?

thanks in advance for any information...

Let's define basic cable. basic cable means 20-35 channels for $18-$25/month. This is not probably what you are talking about.

If you mean the package that is $47-$51/month, called "Standard Cable"...then all you need is some form of digital cable - which begins with "Digital Starter" @ $1.00 more per month and an HD or HD/DVR box. You will get the HD versions of the SD programming you subscribe to. This is a newer policy and may not be universal throughout the country (hence the website confusion). If you have the "Digital Starter" package and an HD or HD/DVR box, you should receive: MOJO, KOAAHD, KTSC HD, KKTV HD, KRDO HD, KXRM HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, TNT HD, HD Theatre, Vs/Golf HD, Universal HD, MHD, A&E HD, TBS HD, History HD (CoSpgs only), Discovery HD (CoSpgs only) plus access to the VOD content in HD for each of these channels.

If you have "Digital Classic" @ $11.95 more per month over "Standard Cable" and an HD or HD/DVR box, you will also get National Geographic HD (and the 45 SD channels in the package).

Rmassey

01-14-08, 10:41 AM

If only the whole thing was easier....

It is easy now with OTA HD in COS. Put up an antenna, plug it into your HDTV or standalone HD Tivo and you are done. Free HDTV is yours for the taking here in COS. No Sat or Cable bill required :) if you want to record it, but a Tivo HD for $250-ish and pay $12.95/mo to Tivo. Still a bargain IMO.

Rmassey

01-14-08, 10:50 AM

the package that is $47-$51/month, called "Standard Cable"...then all you need is some form of digital cable - which begins with "Digital Starter" @ $1.00 more per month and an HD or HD/DVR box.

So, let's say $52 + HD/DVR box @ $11.95 = $63.95/mo

any other fees for one HD DVR setup?

Comcaster

01-14-08, 11:23 AM

So, let's say $52 + HD/DVR box @ $11.95 = $63.95/mo

any other fees for one HD DVR setup?

That should be it (plus taxes). Remember that is 'normal rates'. A new customer or even an existing one would get a promotional rate for signing up.

RockyMountainD

01-14-08, 11:37 AM

...Why can't there be al a carte channel selection for example?...

A La Carte programming...touchy (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6516180.html) subject :)

mtnsean

01-14-08, 01:43 PM

That should be it (plus taxes). Remember that is 'normal rates'. A new customer or even an existing one would get a promotional rate for signing up.

Wouldn't there also be a fee to rent the cable card(s)?

Thanks,
Sean

RSLann

01-14-08, 01:57 PM

Quote Comcaster
"If you mean the package that is $47-$51/month, called "Standard Cable"...then all you need is some form of digital cable - which begins with "Digital Starter" @ $1.00 more per month and an HD or HD/DVR box. You will get the HD versions of the SD programming you subscribe to."

Comcaster,
If our TV's have built in HD tuners would we still have to rent HD or HD/DVR boxes if we sign up for "Digital Starter" service?

Rich

Comcaster

01-14-08, 03:40 PM

Comcaster,
If our TV's have built in HD tuners would we still have to rent HD or HD/DVR boxes if we sign up for "Digital Starter" service?

Rich

The HD Tuner in a TV is only good for picking up OTA HD signals. If you want cable delivered HD signals, you will need either a cable card (if your TV accepts them) or a Cable box. As discovered here (I learned something new today), it is apparently less expensive to have a cable card as your HD source, though you will lose access to all of that SD and HD VOD programming. So 1st cable card is included in every 'digital' tier and will give you access to your hd programming. Or you can get an HD cable box ($7.00/mo). Or you can get an HD/DVR cable box ($11.95/mo).

Comcaster

01-14-08, 03:47 PM

RSLann

01-14-08, 04:00 PM

The HD Tuner in a TV is only good for picking up OTA HD signals. If you want cable delivered HD signals, you will need either a cable card (if your TV accepts them) or a Cable box.

Comcaster,
Thanks for the quick reply. Both of my HD TV's currently display one HD channel, History HD. In the past, Adelphia and for awhile Comcast delivered ESPN HD and Discovery Theater HD, easily picked up by our TV's HD tuners. I hope we soon get to the point that all providers deliver both SD and HD channels for all simulcast programming.

Rich

Comcaster

01-14-08, 11:22 PM

Comcaster,
Thanks for the quick reply. Both of my HD TV's currently display one HD channel, History HD. In the past, Adelphia and for awhile Comcast delivered ESPN HD and Discovery Theater HD, easily picked up by our TV's HD tuners.

Rich

I think that all channels (HD and SD) are supposed to be encrypted - meaning Comcast uses proprietary technology to encode the signal that supposedly can only be decoded by a cable card or cable box. I'm no engineer and I could be wrong as I have seen posts from others that say they can pick up the specific QAM for certain channels (others care to comment?). I have heard that Adelphia did not encrypt the channels, but Comcast started to about 8 months ago.

Comcaster

01-14-08, 11:25 PM

Wouldn't there also be a fee to rent the cable card(s)?

Thanks,
Sean

See the fee schedule for boxes further up the thread. Your first cable card or cable box (non HD/DVR) is included in package pricing. Since cable cards decode HD you do not have to pay an additional fee for HD. If you use a cable box instead of a cable card, you have to get an HD or HD/DVR box which are more than a 'regular' digital box - $7.00/mo for HD only, $11.95/mo for HD/DVR.

RockyMountainD

01-15-08, 09:31 AM

I think that all channels (HD and SD) are supposed to be encrypted - meaning Comcast uses proprietary technology to encode the signal that supposedly can only be decoded by a cable card or cable box. I'm no engineer and I could be wrong as I have seen posts from others that say they can pick up the specific QAM for certain channels (others care to comment?). I have heard that Adelphia did not encrypt the channels, but Comcast started to about 8 months ago.

The only HD you should be able to pick up in the clear are the locals. Anything else is probably an oversight ;)

ranger0293

01-15-08, 12:43 PM

I just signed up for DirecTV today, after having Century/Adelphia/Comcast for years and years. It wasn't until after I had paid that they specifically let me know that I couldn't get HD local channels (only SD). I read earlier in this thread that they should be getting the HD versions on DirecTV soon, but does anyone have an approximate date?

Rmassey

01-15-08, 04:04 PM

suzeo99

01-15-08, 04:07 PM

We've done half - bagged Directv for plain OTA but we need to record. What I can't seem to figure out is will the HD Tivo record two OTA shows at once? It says it will record 2 cable shows at once. I am not sure of the inputs/tuners. Does it even have its own digital tuner. One or two?

Thanks

Susan

It is easy now with OTA HD in COS. Put up an antenna, plug it into your HDTV or standalone HD Tivo and you are done. Free HDTV is yours for the taking here in COS. No Sat or Cable bill required :) if you want to record it, but a Tivo HD for $250-ish and pay $12.95/mo to Tivo. Still a bargain IMO.

ranger0293

01-15-08, 04:30 PM

ranger, did you get an HD/DVR with D*?

if so, which model HR20(Silver) or HR21(Black).

I'm curious as I have a neighbor that wants to upgrade to HD with D*. I hear the HR20 (w/ OTA input) is hard to get. Most current installs are the HR21 (w/o OTA input), yet D* does not offer HD locals in COS. This seems like a bit of a gap in available HW and programming content for COS subs to get HD locals.

I didn't get anything yet. An installer is supposed to contact me within 3 days to set up an appointment.

I just found out about the fact that the newer models don't have an OTA plugin. I know that in the end it's my fault, but I don't know why they don't specifically point out that you can't get local HD. To me it's like selling a nice car with AC and leather seats and satellite radio, but without a steering wheel. It makes no sense whatsoever, and I'm pretty much seething right now.

When the installer calls I'll see if they have the model with the OTA plug. If they do, then I'll stick with it and see about getting an OTA antenna (on a side note, I'm 15.3 miles from Cheyenne Mountains, Dublin and Powers is the nearest cross street, can anyone recommend a good OTA antenna that will get me NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX OTA HD?). If I can't get it, then I'll stick with Comcast. I can't imagine having to watch the Super Bowl on SD again.

Rmassey

01-15-08, 06:33 PM

will the HD Tivo record two OTA shows at once?
Yes, I do it all the time :)

Rmassey

01-15-08, 06:36 PM

can anyone recommend a good OTA antenna
I live up North off Baptist Rd and get all OTA HD in the 90s.

Here's what I use
http://www.antennasdirect.com/DB4_HDTV_antenna.html

with a preamp
http://www.antennasdirect.com/antenna_amplifier.html

Iwanthd

01-15-08, 08:12 PM

I didn't get anything yet. An installer is supposed to contact me within 3 days to set up an appointment.

I just found out about the fact that the newer models don't have an OTA plugin. I know that in the end it's my fault, but I don't know why they don't specifically point out that you can't get local HD. To me it's like selling a nice car with AC and leather seats and satellite radio, but without a steering wheel. It makes no sense whatsoever, and I'm pretty much seething right now.

When the installer calls I'll see if they have the model with the OTA plug. If they do, then I'll stick with it and see about getting an OTA antenna (on a side note, I'm 15.3 miles from Cheyenne Mountains, Dublin and Powers is the nearest cross street, can anyone recommend a good OTA antenna that will get me NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX OTA HD?). If I can't get it, then I'll stick with Comcast. I can't imagine having to watch the Super Bowl on SD again.

Directv announced a solution for those that need OTA and have the HR-21. It is a add-on device that connects to the HR-21 via USB and has two OTA tuners that will record in the same manner as the HR20.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=115134

Digital Man

01-15-08, 09:24 PM

For those of you that are tired of reading about Comcast, I want to apologize for being so prolific over the last couple of weeks. There seem to be so many good questions, but I will try to be a bit more reserved going forward.

No, please don't hold back. Your posts about Comcast are very much appreciated by many of us. It is so nice to have a knowledgeable source of accurate Comcast info.

Guy

Digital Man

01-15-08, 09:41 PM

OK, I have tried many times to understand my Comcast bill and I give up. I suspect I'm getting gouged since my monthly bill is so high, but when I look at their website I can't make any sense of it. I'm trying to understand what exactly I'm paying for, and what options I have to reduce my bill.

I do have one HDTV one one SD tv, and certainly want as many HD channels as reasonable (except pay channels like HBO). I do want access to VOD as well. I just added a second HD DVR so that increased my rate a lot, so I'm looking for other options to bring it down a little. Here is my latest bill:

12/27 - 1/26 Standard Cable 51.55
(Includes Basic And Expanded Basic)

12/27 - 1/26 Preferred Package 14.95
Includes Preferred Channels, Digital
Music, Interactive Program Guide, PPV
Access, Digital Converter And Remote, If
Applicable.

12/27 - 1/26 Dvr/hdtv 11.95

12/27 - 1/26 DVR Additional Service 11.95

12/27 - 1/26 Digital Additional Pkg 6.95
Includes: Digital Additional Service,
Digital Converter And Remote.

Cable Television Monthly Charges: $97.35

The second DVR added $11.95 plus $6.95 to my monthly bill.

When I look at the Comcast website, I just can't find most of the tiers or packages I have, and what channels each of them gets me. The Comcast website lists things like "Analog, Starter, Family Tier, Preferred, Digital Classic Extra, Digital Classic, Digital HDTV, etc.

So what is included in the "Standard Cable - Includes Basic and Expanded Basic" I see on my bill? I can't find these on the website.

It looks like I also have the "Preferred Package" on my bill, which I assume adds the Preferred channels that are actually listed on the Comcast site.

Also, can anyone help me figure out exactly which channels I would get if I switched to the "Digital Starter" package Comcaster mentioned. I can't find that mentioned on the Comcast website.

I'm just looking for ways to reduce my high Comcast bill, so any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Guy

Satcom15

01-15-08, 10:29 PM

EEEK! Digital Man, you just reinforced my earlier post. Does TV REALLY have to be so complicated (and this is just a billing concern - add in the technical side)? Think of poor Grandma trying to figure this all out. ;-)

Comcaster, I know you provide great service in responding to all our technical questions (keep it up, even though we know you have opinions - its still great information that is appreciated very much by all - A big THANK YOU!). But really, is there anyway we can flow our concerns about "non-technical" matters such as pricing, packages, channel line-ups, programming etc. to the suits? I chuckle at this irrational thought - who am I, a mere consumer mortal, to even voice it. LOL I'm probably not alone though in thinking there is an underlying feeling of discontent in this area out here in the trenches. If only our voices could be heard and acted on ...

Rmassey

01-16-08, 12:35 AM

Directv announced a solution for those that need OTA and have the HR-21. It is a add-on device that connects to the HR-21 via USB and has two OTA tuners that will record in the same manner as the HR20.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=115134

Yes, and the fact that they want to charge customers $59 for it unbelievable IMO. :rolleyes:

Let's take out the OTA tuner, then charge users for an add on device to fix our lacking HD/DVR. :cool:

RockyMountainD

01-16-08, 09:36 AM

Yes, and the fact that they want to charge customers $59 for it unbelievable IMO. :rolleyes:

Let's take out the OTA tuner, then charge users for an add on device to fix our lacking HD/DVR. :cool:

This is one of the main reasons I chose to spend my $$$ on TiVo / Comcast instead of D*.

ranger0293

01-16-08, 10:41 AM

I live up North off Baptist Rd and get all OTA HD in the 90s.

Here's what I use
link

with a preamp
link

Wow, that thing looks huge.

Rmassey

01-16-08, 10:55 AM

Wow, that thing looks huge.
The DB4 antenna is about the size of a BBQ grill and very easy to mount on a J-pole.

RJO

01-16-08, 10:57 AM

Anybody know why KKTV (CBS) ch 11 was not broadcasting in HD last night? I had recorded NCIS as it being a new episode and was very disappointed later in the evening when I began to watch it as it was not in HD even though it was advertised in begining as being in HD where available. If it is not the damn weather crawls then it is something else at KKTV not allowing HD broadcast and it is extremely upsetting to not be able to rely on KKTV for HD. Come on KKTV Tim! What is happening over there?

Comcaster

01-16-08, 11:01 AM

Perhaps this will help. Here are non-promotional prices, packages and channels for colorado springs:

Programming: Note all 'Digital' packages include one SD converter box, interactive program guide, remote, and 9000+ hours of VOD (85% of content is free/included)

Basic Cable ($18.54): 24 channels (basic channels - 2 thru 23)
Family Tier ($37.19): 41 channels (inc mostly kids programming).
Standard Cable ($51.55): 80 channels (usual suspects - 2 thru 99)
Digital Starter ($52.55): 129 channels (84 video, 45 music).
Digital Classic ($63.50): 173 channels (128 video, 45 music).
Digital Preferred ($66.50): 197 channels (152 video, 45 music).
Digital Classic Extra ($71.50): 201 channels (156 video, 45 music).
Digital Silver ($81.99): 197 channels + choice of premium plex
Digital Preferred Plus ($93.99): 197 channels + HBO and Starz
Digitial Premier ($111.99): 201 channels + all premium plexes
HDTV: (see equip cost, w/ HD equip, no other HD fee - can have any level of digital): 23 channels + 250 HDVOD choices.

Equipment: Note that all standard cable channels automatically go to all TVs in home without need for box and no add'l cost. Also note previous discussion on cable cards (M vs S).

1st SD digital outlet/cable card (included in package)
Two digital outlets/cable card ($6.95)
Three digital outlets/cable card ($9.95)
Four digital outlets/cable card ($14.95)
Five digital outlets/cable card ($19.95)
HD only digital box ($7.00/mo/ea)
HD/DVR ($11.95/mo/ea)

A final note - Outside of initial install fees (generally less than $30) there are no upfront costs for boxes and no programming commitments/contracts. Also, I would strongly recommend bundling services to include internet and home phone - the rates improve dramatically - and virtually everyone is eligible for some sort of bundle discount (even if you have had cable for years) <-- this last part is my advertisement

Rmassey

01-16-08, 11:01 AM

This is one of the main reasons I chose to spend my $$$ on TiVo / Comcast instead of D*.
I hear ya.... I had a good working OTA HD recording setup with the HR10-250 from D*, but no upgrade path to stay with Tivo. That and considering I watch 99% OTA HD, I was not keen on the $70/mo sat bill to continue with this setup. Enter the Tivo S3/THD which gives me OTA HD recording for $8.xx/mo. The HW is paid for after 6-7 months once I canceled my D* bill in June. At this point, my $400 S3 is paid for, now I'm working on payback of the THD.

SWCOLORADOTV

01-16-08, 09:16 PM

Hi Members, My brother lives in Fowler. Does anyone know if he can
pick up OTA digital there? If he can what are the frequencies and the
virtual channels? thanks for your help..........

RockyMountainD

01-17-08, 09:37 AM

Hi Members, My brother lives in Fowler. Does anyone know if he can
pick up OTA digital there? If he can what are the frequencies and the
virtual channels? thanks for your help..........

Give Antennaweb.org (http://antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx) a try.

Snuffy101

01-17-08, 12:31 PM

suzeo99

01-17-08, 02:05 PM

jorange

01-18-08, 02:57 PM

Is KKTV broadcasting under less power than it used to? We have been receiving KKTV DT over the air since it was turned on (back in 2003)? We have always just used rabbit ears to pull it in. We would have times when the signal wasn't great but in the last few weeks we just get nothing! All the other channels come in well but sometimes 8 is a little blocky. KKTV used to come in so well - I am just wondering if anyone knows if anything has changed recently.

Thanks

Susan

Hey Susan,
I had a similar problem and actually contacted one of the KKTV engineers after checking my whole setup. He said that nothing had changed and that I was probably not getting as much signal from multiplathing with the winter season. That doesn't seem to add up.

There is a website somewhere that lists broadcast powers, I can't seem to find it right now though.

Anyway long story short my signal quality for KKTV and others had gone down and symbol quality was not very good either. I wound up getting a better antenna and haven't had any problems since.

--jake

Azalo

01-18-08, 03:17 PM

When the installer calls I'll see if they have the model with the OTA plug. If they do, then I'll stick with it and see about getting an OTA antenna (on a side note, I'm 15.3 miles from Cheyenne Mountains, Dublin and Powers is the nearest cross street, can anyone recommend a good OTA antenna that will get me NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX OTA HD?). If I can't get it, then I'll stick with Comcast. I can't imagine having to watch the Super Bowl on SD again.

I live by Dublin and Powers and I get great reception for all the local channels.
I use the DB2, its not very big at all.

http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-DB2-Directional-Antenna/dp/B000EHUE7I******pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1200687306&sr=8-2

Comcaster

01-18-08, 03:43 PM

FWIW -
From now until February 17, consumers that purchase their own TiVo HD, and sign up for 1 year of monthly service (at $12.95/month), will receive the first three months of service for free. The ad on the TiVo site is slightly confusing— it reads "TiVo HD DVR + 1 year TiVo service @ $12.95/mo… Total $299.99;" you're in fact getting the TiVo HD and 3 months of free service on a $12.95/month contract for that $299.99.

Satcom15

01-19-08, 04:20 PM

Hi Comcaster,
Here is a question for you. A friend has an older model cable box with only RF output. Here are the numbers I got off the box. Its a Motorola

CATV converter
F/G470626-010-00
DCT2224/1161 ACDEG
GI 1045TCG092
AX00G94XXXR6
0000275646016124

I'm not which of those will help in dentifying thew model so I thought I'd include them all.

She has an LCD Flat panel and subscribes to one of the standard digital packages with VOD. I'm not too keen about the display compared with the composite video from her DVD player. Motion tends to blur and its just not as sharp as I would like to see (not surprising given the RF input).

Is there a replacement box that has a better video signal output (e.g. S-Video, component, composite, HDMI, etc.) she should consider? And would there be a an additional cost for the other box? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Cheers

joymcc

01-19-08, 05:56 PM

We are happy D* subscribers and currently have two HD-DVR receivers - one is an HR20 and the other is an HR21. We got tired of waiting for D* to give local HD channels to Colorado Springs so decided to go OTA on the HR20. We live near North Carefree and Powers and use an RCA brand indoor antenna. Most of the local HD channels come in beautifully. We occasionally have trouble with PBS and will get a 771 message. Lately 21-1 has been spotty on the weekends and will come in loud and clear during the week. I'm curious to see if anyone else is having that problem.

Comcaster

01-19-08, 09:07 PM

Hi Comcaster,
Its a Motorola

DCT2224/1161 ACDEG

She has an LCD Flat panel and subscribes to one of the standard digital packages with VOD. I'm not too keen about the display compared with the composite video from her DVD player. Motion tends to blur and its just not as sharp as I would like to see (not surprising given the RF input).

Is there a replacement box that has a better video signal output (e.g. S-Video, component, composite, HDMI, etc.) she should consider? And would there be a an additional cost for the other box? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Cheers

The box would generally known as a DCT2000. A couple of thoughts. First, the RF input is definitely a problem. She could go into the local office and swap this box for a different SD DCT box that has a more robust 'jack pack' for no additional monthly cost or swap out cost - free. Just have her look at the back. Newer SD DCT models have at least s-video. The second thing she needs to do is make sure she is getting all digital from comcast. Since comcast has both analog and all digital, it is a matter of making sure her account is mapped to the "all digital headend" - this is also free. This just takes a quick call to the call center (or should happen automatically if she swaps the box out). Third, she really ought to think about HD with that LCD TV or at least an HD box. An HD only (non DVR) box is $7.00 additional per month and will have component and likely HDMI connections. The $7.00/mo includes all HD channels she subscribes to in SD.

hope that helps.

Satcom15

01-20-08, 11:09 AM

Hi Comcaster,
Thanks for the information. I'll run it by her and see what she wants to do. Of course now I'll have to put in a new interior wall cable run (she doesn't like having the cables show). LOL Oh well it was pretty easy and looks nice. I put in an elevated power plug and signal outlet box behind the TV. Cabling connects to outlet boxes near floor level with patch cables inside the wall between cover plates with appropriate connectors. Then I connected the TV mounted on the wall to the upper boxes. Looks good with no cables hanging down. Very neat and tidy - a must in her house.

BTW if anyone wants to do something like that, its pretty easy (as long as its a vertical run in an interior wall with no cross members between studs). Home Depot has all kinds of outlet boxes and interfaces (e.g. F-Type, RCA, HDMI, etc.). Cut the outlet box holes with a keyhole saw, install the boxes (get the kind with the self cinching "wings" that tighten against the drywall), drop connection cables down inside the wall, connect to the appropriate faceplate connector and its done. It was actually a simple and cool project. Even I, Mr. 10 Thumbs, could do it.
Cheers

msbob

01-20-08, 02:42 PM

Satcom15

01-20-08, 06:19 PM

Hey guys,

I'm not finding anything in search about this so hoping one of you can help. I have DirecTV with an off air antenna hooked up. My signal for 11-1 is a lot weaker than the rest (50-70 for it, 85 and higher for all others). Any ideas?

I'm presuming that KKTV is giving you problems. Unfortunately, they are the only local channel broadcasting on a VHF frequency, everyone else uses a UHF frequency. So if you have a UHF only antenna, the KKTV signal will be weaker than the other channels. If you have a VHF/UHF antenna and the signal is still weak, then its probably something with their transmission and out of your control. Soooo, make sure the right antenna is being used first.

Would have been nice if KKTV had been able to use a UHF frequency - then a small UHF antenna could serve all OTA broadcasts. As it is now KKTV operations mean that a larger antenna is required. Bummer :(

Hope the above helps.
Cheers.

Maiisoh

01-20-08, 07:44 PM

Well, the D* installer was just out to install our 2nd hd-dvr and again they try to get your hopes up by telling us that the local hd chanels will be up and running either this month or next month at the latest. When I asked him why they lie to us when all the other D* forums don't show Colorado Springs anywhere close to getting them. Al he could say was that their D* handlers tell them to tell everyone this because they were told that we really are close. He stated that our chanels will be broadcast on the 99 degree sat since they are only using six of the transponders now and it has room for local hd's. Anyone hear anything like this or any other info as to when we will get them?

Oh, by the way, I got the new hd-dvr for free (xcept for the $19.95 install charge) by calling the Win Back Department and asking them what kind of deal they could work out for me by upgrading one of my old receivers for a hd-dvr. I thought I did good on the 1st one when I paid $99.00 for it and was pleasantly surprised when she told me no charge.

ranger0293

01-20-08, 10:04 PM

Can anyone give me a synopsis of QAM in Colorado Springs?

1. Does it exist?
2. Do the HD locals come through it?
3. Do you need a Comcast box to receive them, or just a QAM receiver?

Thanks.

HateNewNHL

01-20-08, 11:17 PM

RockyMountainD

01-20-08, 11:35 PM

Can anyone give me a synopsis of QAM in Colorado Springs?

1. Does it exist?
2. Do the HD locals come through it?
3. Do you need a Comcast box to receive them, or just a QAM receiver?

Thanks.

Yes, yes and just a QAM receiver.

You won't get much more than the locals, however.

Comcaster

01-21-08, 12:11 AM

This question is for Comcaster.

Through another thread, the channels that Comcast has HD contracts to carry include: Sci-Fi HD, Animal Planet HD, Discovery HD, The Learning Channel HD, NHL Network HD, USA Network HD, The History Channel HD, CNN HD, TBS HD, NFL Network HD, Food Network HD, HGTV HD, National Geographic HD, A&E HD, Local Sports Net(s) like FSN, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, TNT HD, HD Theater, MOJO, VSGLF Golf Channel HD / Versus HD, Universal HD, MHD, HBO HD, Cinemax HD, Showtime HD, Starz HD, ABC HD, NBC HD, CBS HD, FOX HD, My Network TV HD, The CW HD, PBS Digital.

My question is how is it decided as to which channel(s) is next to be added? One would think there are some regional preferences. Is Comcast doing focus groups or local market reasearch to see what we would want most? Any thoughts of some seasonal offerings like replacing NFL HD after the superbowl with NHL HD until the Stanley Cup playoffs are over?

I understand there are bandwidth limitations to providing everything, but how much does the HD on Demand consume (or waste IMO)?

Oh, what the heck happened to HD Net and HD Net Movies? Those were dropped over a year ago with no timely replacement. IMO, these channels has some of the best PQ. These continue to exist on Dish and D* so it is not like they went out of business.

1. Yes, adding channels boils down to bandwidth management, not contract hold ups. More are definitely on the way.
2. Which channels to add is decided on customer demand. Customers can 'vote' for channels by asking a call center rep to submit a request on your behalf. Channels are added based on local desires.
3. SD vs. HD VOD does not have an impact on overall bandwidth. VOD streams occupy a certain section of bandwidth - the amount consumed within that section is driven by usage by customers. If many customers are using VOD, more bandwidth is used up to the allowed parameter, if it is not being used, less is consumed. This is what makes VOD beautiful and unlike normal channels. Normal channels occupy bandwidth whether the service is being watched or not, while VOD is only active when a customer is watching. This is the basis for Switched Digital (SDV) and will open up all sorts of bandwidth for new services when deployed for linear channels.
4. HD Net. I think we all like these channels and would like to see it back.

Hope that helps.

Rmassey

01-21-08, 09:40 AM

With Dish offering an HD only package for $29.99 next month ...
http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/121634-new-dishhd-29-99-hd-only-package-details.html
Any plans for Comcast to offer a similar pkg? I'm sure D* will follow soon with a competing pkg.

Many of us don't want to have to pay for a bunch of crappy SD channels just to get to the few HD channels offered. I'd consider the Dish HD, but having an S3 & THD, I'd rather see this offered from Comcast.

BTW, I'd like to see HDNet + HDNet Movies back as well. These were the few HD channels I actually watched when I was a D* sub.

eddie_d_lopez

01-21-08, 12:02 PM

Many of us don't want to have to pay for a bunch of crappy SD channels just to get to the few HD channels offered.

i feel the same way. for many a year now, my viewing selections have been limited to only what is available in hd...

RJO

01-21-08, 04:16 PM

I was watching the AFC championship game on KKTV and noticed frequent video break ups. Anybody know if this is an issue with the local transmission from KKTV or a CBS network issue?

rajkej

01-22-08, 08:45 AM

I had no breakups at all watching the AFC game on KKTV OTA. I live in Woodmoor and have an amp on my antenna. Maybe your antenna needs a bit of a boost.

Snuffy101

01-22-08, 05:38 PM

I was watching the AFC championship game on KKTV and noticed frequent video break ups. Anybody know if this is an issue with the local transmission from KKTV or a CBS network issue?I had no problems with the game on KKTV, but there are a lot of “multipath” problems right now due to the weather and snow on the ground. This is probably causing more problems with reception of KKTV, since it is a VHF signal as opposed to all the other stations, which are UHF.

sband

01-25-08, 11:37 PM

More issues from KKTV:

I have the DB2 antenna, and a signal amplifier. I get ABC, NBC and FOX, but CBS (KKTV) and PBS don't come in at all. Is there anything else I can do to try and pick those up?

I live about 15 miles away from Cheyenne Mountain. Also, this is the first night I've tried the antenna, so maybe the signal might clear up in the future.

TallGuy

01-26-08, 09:59 AM

That is strange to get ABC (24) and FOX (22), but not PBS (26), since the frequencies are all UHF and so close, and seemingly similar signal strengths. Other than moving your antenna around, and checking cables, I can't think of anything else to try.

I'm thinking about trying a DB4 outside instead of my giant mast antenna in the attic which no longer receives KOAA 5-1. Does anyone know if the mast it comes with will attach to stucco?

sband

01-26-08, 10:32 AM

I have the antenna aimed out of a window. Will the window cut down the power significantly? It's the same height as it will be when I get around to mounting it... I'm just wondering if a window would cause that much signal loss.

Rmassey

01-26-08, 11:24 AM

I'm thinking about trying a DB4 outside instead of my giant mast antenna in the attic which no longer receives KOAA 5-1. Does anyone know if the mast it comes with will attach to stucco?
I used a J-bar from an old dish (also FS by AD) to mount my DB4 on stucco. It works fine and I get a good signal with the mast mounted pre-amp that I previously mentioned.

TG, I live just up the street from you in FoxRun (in the trees) and I get KOAA from 96-100% on a THD. I have not had any signal problems mentioned recently here on KOAA.

If you ever want to stop by to check out my install, just send me a PM and you can drop by.

lsilvest

01-26-08, 11:41 AM

I moved into Pueblo West 2 years ago and heard there were problems getting a good signal out here, but attributed a lot of that to analog signals. And, being stubborn anyway, I put up a Radio Shack 120 (10ft) VHF/UHF antennae with a ChannelMaster amp and the signal is perfect on all of the digital channels. Even the analog signals aren't bad.

Does Comcast or DirecTV give you the local digital channels for MyKKTV or the Retro network if you have an HD subscription (or Comcast for regular digital)?

Comcaster

01-26-08, 04:48 PM

Does Comcast or DirecTV give you the local digital channels for MyKKTV or the Retro network if you have an HD subscription (or Comcast for regular digital)?

Retro and MyKKTV are on Comcast digital starter (as well as OTA). They are not on Directv or Dish. Other local channels in the same boat:

KKTV No Wait weather
KWHS
Weatherscan (cos)
News First Now (KOAA)
SD11 (cos)
SD20 (cos)
UCCS channel
Pikes Peak Library (cos)
CET
CSU Pueblo (pueblo)
KOAAHD
KRDOHD
KKTVHD
KXRMHD
KTSCHD
KUSA/NBC Denver
KCNC/CBS Denver
KMGH/ABC Denver (pueblo)
KWGN/CW Denver
KDBI/PBS Denver (?)
The Mtn

sband

01-26-08, 05:18 PM

Turns out once I shortened the cables from my antenna to the receiver, I was able to pick up CBS and PBS. I'm a happy camper.

Media Center is an amazing PVR. I've used Tivo and Comcast's and DirecTV's, but none are as responsive as Media Center. It's too bad those other boxes can't beef up their internals (I know, cost and everything).

pg_rider

01-28-08, 09:39 AM

Comcaster

01-28-08, 08:06 PM

Hey Comcaster, do you know of any plans for Comcast to pick up SpeedHD? I think they start broadcasting in February...

Related question -- assuming it's not getting picked up in HD, if I complain enough to Comcast would there be any chance of Speed being moved to the digital tier? :) It's almost unwatchable in it's current analog version...

Haven't heard about SpeedHD specifically. As for the SD analog...you should be able to get it in digital now...by getting your house switched to the all digital headend. At that point, you won't have any channels in analog anymore. call into the call center and say that you would like your account switched from the analog map to the digital map.

cheers.

Rmassey

01-29-08, 09:55 AM

With Dish offering an HD only package for $29.99 next month ...
http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/121634-new-dishhd-29-99-hd-only-package-details.html
Any plans for Comcast to offer a similar pkg? I'm sure D* will follow soon with a competing pkg.

C'mon guys, nobody interested in an all HD pkg, or are you all just hooked on some single silly nitch SD channel (or sports) to not give this any consideration? As much as I hate to pay for any TV, this one got my attention.

RockyMountainD

01-29-08, 11:38 AM

C'mon guys, nobody interested in an all HD pkg, or are you all just hooked on some single silly nitch SD channel (or sports) to not give this any consideration? As much as I hate to pay for any TV, this one got my attention.

About 1/2 those channels would have programming I'd watch (although I'd probably stare at any good HD image).

No locals in HD, low quality HD (I've heard Dish is the worst of the bunch), and no TiVo. The price is good, but I'll pass :)

Rmassey

01-29-08, 12:22 PM

About 1/2 those channels would have programming I'd watch (although I'd probably stare at any good HD image).

No locals in HD, low quality HD (I've heard Dish is the worst of the bunch), and no TiVo. The price is good, but I'll pass :)

What, you're not gonna run home to watch the Kung Fu Hd channel on a Dish HD PVR? :D

I hear ya, It'd be nice to get ala-carte HD channel selection, but they would prob end up costing us $20/mo per HD channel without being bundled in with shop/news/religious/sports programming :rolleyes:

Rmassey

01-29-08, 01:47 PM

This (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22399227/) is an interesting post on MSNBC.

Sorry Comcaster, I'm just the messenger ;)

Azalo

01-29-08, 02:22 PM

Any insiders know if DTV has negotiated for the rights to the HD feeds of the local stations yet. I get all the networks fine OTA but just wondering.

Rmassey

01-29-08, 02:47 PM

Any insiders know if DTV has negotiated for the rights to the HD feeds of the local stations yet. I get all the networks fine OTA but just wondering.
Per the DMA List (http://hr20.dbstalk.com/html/DTV_LIL_STATE.html#Co) COS is #93. It does not seem they provide in any numerical order. I see Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-San Luis Obispo, CA is #122 and has HD available

I'd guess 2009 before we see sat providers offering HD locals.

If you get HD locals via OTA, why do you need them from D* ?

Satcom15

01-29-08, 08:26 PM

A la Carte HD TV, now there's a great concept for the consumer that won't fly. :D If only ...

pg_rider

01-30-08, 03:55 PM

As for the SD analog...you should be able to get it in digital now...by getting your house switched to the all digital headend. At that point, you won't have any channels in analog anymore. call into the call center and say that you would like your account switched from the analog map to the digital map.
Thanks for the info, but not sure I follow -- are you saying that if I get switched to the digital map then every channel (i.e. those below 100) will be digital? That would be awesome! Weird that it has to be requested though -- why isn't it an automatic transition?

Anyway, when you say put a call into the call center, do you mean the local Comcast office, or the national number?

Comcaster

01-30-08, 05:48 PM

Thanks for the info, but not sure I follow -- are you saying that if I get switched to the digital map then every channel (i.e. those below 100) will be digital? That would be awesome! Weird that it has to be requested though -- why isn't it an automatic transition?

Anyway, when you say put a call into the call center, do you mean the local Comcast office, or the national number?

Yes! Every channel you receive will be all digital - including locals, the channels between 2-99, the digital channels..everything. Every TV that has a digital box attached to it will become 100% digital picture and sound.

Why isn't it automatic? It will be. For now it is generally done only when a technician is in the home to make sure no problems pop up. Why would problems pop up? All digital is transmitted in 256qam which has much tighter specs - bad wiring or splitters in the home can wreck havoc with 256qam.

Yes, call into the call center 888-824-4010, 1-800-comcast - either will usually get you a rep in the springs.

Comcaster

01-30-08, 09:57 PM

This (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22399227/) is an interesting post on MSNBC.

Sorry Comcaster, I'm just the messenger ;)

Grumble, grumble. The mass media has revealed the dark secret. How did this happen? I sense a traitor among Lord Voldemort's minons!
:D

sband

01-31-08, 10:28 AM

Did anyone lose their antenna signal last night? I thought that maybe it was the cloud cover, but today it's nice and clear but I still get nothing.

I wonder if my antenna and/or tuner died....

jorange

01-31-08, 12:39 PM

Did anyone lose their antenna signal last night? I thought that maybe it was the cloud cover, but today it's nice and clear but I still get nothing.

I wonder if my antenna and/or tuner died....

Mine was working fine last night up until I went to bed at about 10 PM. Just an OTA HD setup.

ryttingm

01-31-08, 11:32 PM

Yes! Every channel you receive will be all digital - including locals, the channels between 2-99, the digital channels..everything. Every TV that has a digital box attached to it will become 100% digital picture and sound.

Why isn't it automatic? It will be.

Sigh, I really hope that this doesn't happen anytime soon. I still need analog cable to feed my 4 tuner sagetv system. The extremely poor decisions that were made regarding cable card on the PC have made it extremely difficult for those of us that actually want a choice when it comes to recording and viewing our entertainment.

-Mike

Rmassey

01-31-08, 11:37 PM

...have made it extremely difficult for those of us that actually want a choice when it comes to recording and viewing our entertainment.
Which is EXACTLY what content providers want. This gives them control and an opportunity to part you with your money.

Comcaster

02-01-08, 10:35 AM

Sigh, I really hope that this doesn't happen anytime soon. I still need analog cable to feed my 4 tuner sagetv system. The extremely poor decisions that were made regarding cable card on the PC have made it extremely difficult for those of us that actually want a choice when it comes to recording and viewing our entertainment.

-Mike

I should have been more specific. The analog channels will remain exactly as they are for the foreseeable future. The change will be that digital customers will automatically be put in the all digital map. ADS means All-Digital-Simulcast, meaning that digital is simulcast alongside the existing analog.

- People with analog only will keep analog only.
- People with digital will become digital only.

- - - - but think of what could be done with all of that analog bandwidth if it were converted to digital, 1200 sd digital channels, 240 HD channels!

RockyMountainD

02-01-08, 10:54 AM

ryttingm

02-01-08, 03:28 PM

If Comcast did go digital only, would one of the digital-to-analog converter boxes (https://www.dtv2009.gov/) keep you in business?

These boxes are for OTA transmission only, not encrypted QAM. I can already record digital OTA because it's not encrypted :). I can, of course, use digital set top boxes, output over analog, then capture using my tuner card. However, my dual tuner analog card would become a single tuner at that point since there is only 1 video input. In addition, I plan to switch to the digital tier when Hauppage releases their new HD component capture card in the upcoming months. This will allow me to get the cable HD channels I've been missing (Hello Altitude HD!) But I'd still like to keep my analog channels for capture by my Hauppage PVR-500 dual tuner card. I guess I'll just have to adapt when the transition occurs.

-Mike

radckh

02-01-08, 03:43 PM

My parents just got 2 Moto HD DVRs from Comcast installed but the installer had no manuals for them!
I found the hardware manuals on Motorola's web site (which basically just shows how to hook everything up which the installer already did), but what they really need is a manual for the remote and the DVR's User Interface. I looked around on Comcast.com and couldn't find anything like this.

Does anyone know if there is a manual on-line for these features?
Or are my parents going to have to drive down to the office to get one?

Thanks,
Rob

TallGuy

02-01-08, 03:59 PM

Anybody know where I could find a J-bar for sale in town today? Home Depot says they don't carry them. Wanted to install my new DB4 on the house this weekend...

Satcom15

02-01-08, 06:28 PM

All,
As I suspected there is widespread confusion over the upcoming 2009 analog to digial TV conversion according to a Consumer Reports study just released in the last 24 hours. Its going to be a mess with many not knowing what is about to happen, alternatives, costs, etc. There has been a very poor job of informing the public too. For details, check out this article on Yahoo (saw pretty much the same thing on CNN this morning as well).

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080131/ap_on_go_ot/digital_tv

Here's the lead off sentence:

"Much of what consumers are learning about the looming shift to digital broadcasting is just plain wrong and could end up costing them money, according to a survey."

Just think of poor Granny with no technical smarts wanting basic TV service. Sheesh. :(

RockyMountainD

02-01-08, 11:05 PM

TallGuy

02-02-08, 12:57 PM

Anybody know where I could find a J-bar for sale in town today? Home Depot says they don't carry them. Wanted to install my new DB4 on the house this weekend...

I got some different Radio Shack brackets to put it up, and now it's snowing... But using this DB4 antenna in the house as a test shows that KKTV 11-1 as a very low signal - I'm realizing that the DB4 is probably not VHF... Will have to see if it does OK once I get it high up on the house. I do think I have a couple of concrete roof houses right in the way of Cheyenne Mountain.

pg_rider

02-02-08, 04:33 PM

Anybody know what channel 890 is going to be on Comcast? It's been there for a couple days now with no info...

GatoViejo

02-02-08, 06:41 PM

I got some different Radio Shack brackets to put it up, and now it's snowing... But using this DB4 antenna in the house as a test shows that KKTV 11-1 as a very low signal - I'm realizing that the DB4 is probably not VHF... Will have to see if it does OK once I get it high up on the house. I do think I have a couple of concrete roof houses right in the way of Cheyenne Mountain.

Based on the graphs here:

http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html

you will be lucky if height matters much. The Channel Master 4228 has a a nice VHF peak at channel 10, if you give up on the DB-4.

Rob62551

02-04-08, 08:26 PM

It's a political channel in thier VOD lineup. JUST what I wanted!!

Rob62551

02-04-08, 08:33 PM

Digital Man

02-04-08, 08:49 PM

Comcaster

02-05-08, 11:11 PM

I called these fine folks and guess what???? They have no idea what analog or digital maopping means.. Can ANYONE help me find someone at Comcast that knows anything about anything? I am frustrated and I know I am losing patience. Convince me not to go Dish.

The reason some may find difficulty in getting someone to understand what you are looking for is that you are getting a tip that is not widely known or distributed. ADS/all digital is being rolled out in small phases while technicians are in the home. The 800 number people are not generally in the know and have not been fully trained to do this - its not their fault on this one - you just happen to know more than they do because you are 'in' on a little known fact. I assume that when Comcast is ready to roll ADS out to the general public, all of the 800 number people will be trained and ready to help.

In the meantime, you will probably need to 'help' the 800 people out, since they hold the keys to all digital glory (even though they don't know it). I would suggest the following:
1. call in and ask the first person if they know how to get your account to the all-digital channel map. If they say, 'huh?', or 'everyone is already digital' or 'you have digital', then perhaps you should hang up and try again.
2. If you get someone that seems to have an idea what you are talking about, then proceed by asking them to move you to the all-digital map by opening the mapping tool and changing you over. This should take a minute or two as they open some program on their computer.
3. You should now have all digital. If you don't have it (ie you still have analog pictures between 2-99), then repeat.

good luck.

Comcaster

02-05-08, 11:13 PM

When I called them and eventually got someone that understood what I was asking for, they told me that my area had already been upgraded to Analog / Digital Simultcasting. So I got it without having to ask. I seem to remember somewhere back in this thread someone mentioned a way to determine if you already have it.

Guy

Unless you signed up for Comcast in the last 6 months, added digital in the last 6 months, changed your box out in the last 6 months or had a technician in your home in the last 6 months - i can assure you that you don't actually have all digital (see post right above this one).

If you have a 700 or 34XX series box you most assuredly have all digital as these boxes do not even have an analog tuner in them. 2000 and 64XX series boxes have both an analog tuner and digital tuner.

Rmassey

02-06-08, 08:11 PM

1. call in and ask the first person if they know how to get your account to the all-digital channel map. If they say, 'huh?', or 'everyone is already digital' or 'you have digital', then perhaps you should hang up and try again.

Thanks for the tip Comcaster and no offense, but this is just sad. Comcast REALLY needs to invest in educating their CSRs and not shift the burden to consumers. This same situation played out when the S3 was released and continues to this day with less than knowledgeable CSRs and tech staff. Given the premium price Comcast charges in most areas, I don't think this is asking too much

lsilvest

02-07-08, 01:29 AM

I had to laugh at the comment about the cable splits - typical Comcast argument when they have a weak signal (sorry, Comcaster, but it's why I have D*). Another advantage of OTA digital - I had my signal split 4 ways already, and just added 2 tuners in a pvr, expecting to have to add a distribution amp and was pleasantly surprised when there was no noticeable loss of signal either visibly or in the tuner readings.

I just hope the locals get their heads out and realize just what they've got with the new digital feeds that can greatly increase their revenues. I've been watching the Retro channel quite a bit as a pleasant alternative to "Reality" TV during this strike (us retros still enjoy "Get Smart" and "Airwolf"). Too bad they can't measure the viewership of OTA other than Nielsen. If I could get USA, Sci-Fi, FSNRM and ESPN OTA, it'd be goodbye D* too. These could be possibilities down the line - not free, but cheaper than the bloated packages we have to ingest now.

Satcom15

02-08-08, 07:26 PM

lsilvest,
That's an interesting thought. I wonder if there is spectrum out there that would support broadcast of those specialized channels, maybe in the Ka band (20-30 GHz) portion of the spectrum? Alernatively, perhaps the internet and streaming video has promise as an alternative to unwanted channels "packaged" with the ones you really want. Al a Carte TV, Hmmm. LOL

Comcaster

02-08-08, 07:41 PM

I had to laugh at the comment about the cable splits - typical Comcast argument when they have a weak signal (sorry, Comcaster, but it's why I have D*). Another advantage of OTA digital - I had my signal split 4 ways already, and just added 2 tuners in a pvr, expecting to have to add a distribution amp and was pleasantly surprised when there was no noticeable loss of signal either visibly or in the tuner readings.

.

I'm not sure i follow. I assume you have directv for reasons outside of signal weakness. If that is the reason, you ought to consider comcast for the many features you don't get with satellite since signal strength is not an issue (perhaps it was with Adelphia) - it's meaningless in an all digital world until you get to black out or pixelation - which wouldn't happen. You should be able to go 5-7 outlets deep in a typical home without the need for amplification - and in most cases instead of an amp a second connection would be placed in the home (an amp by definition turns up the noise just as much as it turns up the signal and is a terrible means of driving signal IMO)

royrose

02-08-08, 11:03 PM

OK, I'll bite. What are "the many features you don't get with satellite"? To let you know where I stand, I am a satisfied Dish network customer and I am not interested in pay per view or VOD.

Roy

eddie_d_lopez

02-09-08, 01:49 PM

one big advantage w/cable is receivers are not required for every set in the home. i have 7 sets, not all hd, and sat receiver charges would be outrageous.

otherwise, i would switch to sat...

lsilvest

02-09-08, 02:15 PM

I'm not sure i follow. I assume you have directv for reasons outside of signal weakness. IMO)

Why I don't love Comcast.......let me count the ways.

When I moved back to Colorado 2 years ago, I had Comcast and just analog TV, 2 sets each with a vcr. My signal was very weak and so were all of my neighbors that had Comcast. I called Comcast and got nothing but a run around. I finally got a technician out to check and all along told them it was not just my signal, but neighbors as well. The tech kept saying the signal was fine. I put up with it for a little while until I got a 42" plasma, then it was unthinkable, even digital wouldn't help since most of the signals at that time were analog anyway. I got another tech out and he admitted there was apparently a problem somewhere down the line, but he didn't know where and didn't know if they would spend the time checking it or not (my internet speeds were nothing to crow about either).

I wasn't a fan of theirs to begin with. I had been in Arizona, had Adelphia (couldn't get locals on satellite where I was) and thought they were bad until
Comcast took over and service got even worse.

I've had cable in various places (including Pueblo long before Comcast) since it was available in this country, and cable companies in general have never had great reputations for service, but in all honesty, Comcast has the worst combination of arrogance, indifference and quality that I have ever seen.

So, I put up an antennae for HD, got D* for the other channels (which are fine on analog sets and actually pretty good for the most part with just SD on the plasma - I have an upconverter on my Harmon Kardon AV receiver that does a great job, and Quest DSL which is much faster and much more consistent than Comcast ever was.

On top of this, just a month ago I was up in Longmont (a Comcast area also), and my parents had lost 4 channels a while ago because they only had analog, and two of them were favorites of theirs (they are 91 and 88 respectively). My sister (who is not very technically knowledgeable) got them an STB from Comcast so they could get those channels, but that only took care of one set. They really needed 4, but could live with 2. I found out they were actually entitled to 2 with no charge for a year, so I went down to Comcast to get them another (we were still within a year of when they thought they had received the letter). I was told they had to have gotten it by last July, so now they would have to pay "$7.95 a month!!!!" for each box.
When it warms up and the STB coupons arrive from the FCC, their old antennae that I put up years ago will be hooked up for 1 or 2 of their sets, and guess who the provider will be for their other 2/3?

Comcaster

02-09-08, 07:27 PM

At the risk of being flamed or being asked to leave the board for being promotional. Some features may be of little value to some folks, but they are important to others - this is a list of what's not available on dish network regardless of perceived value.

Please don't kill me :-)

- Standard cable to all sets in the house without additional outlet fees
- News from the Denver stations (NBC, CBS)
- The Denver CW
- The Mtn
- Local springs stations in HD
- Local weather on the weather channel
- Local weather from KKTV
- News First Now from KOAA
- Free HD/DVRs and HD only boxes (no upfront, only monthly fee)
- Ability to swap gear at your leisure if something breaks or a newer version comes up
- No contracts
- Lowest cost HD service ($7.00/mo)
- A local office to go to (no shipping things around)
- Public access channels
- Local sports.
- CET high school sports
- MLB extra innings (not on dish network)
- Retro TV
- MyNetwork
- VOD. Now I know you mentioned you didn't care about VOD, but you should as it is a tremendous feature that isn't possible looking at a satellite 22,000 miles up in space. At any given time, linear TV has 300 things to watch. With VOD, your number of things to watch balloons to 6300, and I am only talking about free stuff - not PPV. You want to watch a cooking show, focusing on beef, that is japanese? Done. You want to watch a music video? There are over 300 to choose from. Free. Start it when you want. Like to exercise? Free shows with yoga, pilates, step class, cycling, tai chi - just press a button. Want to watch a free episode of Myth Busters, Dirty Jobs, Cash Cab, How its made, Trading Spaces, Miami Ink, What not to Wear, Real World Sydney, Parking Wars, Chriss Angel, Daily show, South Park, Fantasy Island, The Facts of Life (really!), Monk, Dragon Tales, Bob the Builder, Sesame Street, Thomas, Barney, Teletubbies, Scooby Doo, Tom & Jerry, Modern Marvels - you get the point and I just scratched the surface (and I got tired of flipping through the options).
- VOD PPV. This is what most people think VOD is. It is actually a much smaller part (in comparision) than the free stuff. Here you can pay $.99 an episode for some network shows like NCIS and you can watch hundreds of movies the same day that it shows up at blockbuster. VOD PPV is available before regular satellite PPV.
- Subscription VOD. If you subscribe to a movie service like HBO, you get the VOD version of that service for free. So you get many of the movies that show on the linear channel, but you get to start, stop, pause, FF and RW then at your leisure - HBO alone has 48 movies I can watch for free right now. You also get things like full season's worth of episodes of The Sopranos, Rome, Sex and the City, Bill Maher, Curb your enthusiam, The Wire, Entourage, Oz, - and that's just HBO.

VOD is a vastly misunderstood killer app.

Rmassey

02-09-08, 07:42 PM

OK. so now here's the 'real' list of Cable features from a consumers perspective

- HD locals - This will be a non issue once sat catches up or it's a non issue now if you put up an antenna

- No contracts - You can essentially tell Comcast to stick it whenever you like , not an option with Sat providers and 2 yr contracts

- No upfront costs - Low/no cost DVRs, but they suck so what's the point. OK, for JSP, that doesn't know/care about which DVR they get.

- Ability to use real HD DVR - Tivo HD / S3, but the CC/AOL fees will kill you after of course you call endlessly to resolve the inevitable billing issues.

VOD is basically a revenue enhancement vehicle by any/all providers to get your already $100/mo cable bill to be even higher.