There does not seem to be anything wrong with your 6208 to me. That is how they operate due to their cache. This has been fixed in the 6412.

I agree with JWhip...there is some delay in the 6208. I noticed the same behavior in changing between 173 and 174 and frequent freezes and blocking. Last week 7.15 was pushed out (South Jersey) which may have addressed the issue. The delay between channels is now minimal and rarely is there any blocking. Only the occasional stutter and audio drop, but much improved overall performance. Also, noticed improved PQ overall since update...can't wait for the 6412. Let us know the techs conclusion.

We're still on 7.07 up here in Philly - hopefully they'll push this out to all of us..

Anyone here know anything?

Those who have a 6208 and are using firewire do you the guides and menus get passed through the firewire? I had a firewire box earlier in the year and none of the menus or guides passed through the firewire.

miatasm, i'm located in egg harbor, atlantic county....served by the pleasantville comcast system. the two channels are definitely on 185 and 186, haven't had a chance to check 205 yet. Will tonight when i get home.

Any idea when the 6412 will be available in our area? I am seeing fall 04? Is this correct? Thanks!

Most likely not until November at the earliest.

Originally posted by JWhip
Most likely not until November at the earliest.

Great! Thanks for the info!

Originally posted by ndoggac
miatasm, i'm located in egg harbor, atlantic county....served by the pleasantville comcast system. the two channels are definitely on 185 and 186, haven't had a chance to check 205 yet. Will tonight when i get home.

Even then the extra channel is just a virtual one, don't know why they are mapping it to 185 down there it seems to be 205 everywhere else.

There does not seem to be anything wrong with your 6208 to me. That is how they operate due to their cache. This has been fixed in the 6412.

Thanks for that, J. You may in fact be right, but the tech seems to think that my cable signal needs boosting, and he's returning today with an amplifier.We shall see if that helps--I guess it can't hurt.
Waiting for firmware updates and, of course, the 6412.

ok , so why are oriole games still blacked out on INHD?

IN PHILA.

Good question. This was supposed to be fixed. I am looking into it. Too late to do anything about it though.

Orioles/Sox game not blacked-out in South Jersey...

What's up with FOX 29? 3rd weekend in a row with mono audio on FOX Saturday baseball. Same deal on the All-Star Game, I had to watch it on FOX 5 NY. Are they broadcasting in stereo at all?

Anyone catch Raiders of the Lost Ark in HD on UPN 57 today? Nice!

Anyone know if Comcast will be adding UPN HD in time for the fall season (or any other time soon)? I'd really hate to have to leave the antenna up for just one channel.

i'm leaving mine up.
never know when the cable could go out, or need to cancel cable might happen.

Heck, I still have my regular TV antenna up just in case, and I've had cable for over 20 years!!!

Tech TV on Comcast

I read a few months ago that Comcast bought Tech TV. Does anyone get it yet?

depends on were you are i guess.
i get it in delaware county on channel 134 its called "g4techtv" now.

also another orioles game is on inhd tonight.
but will it really be on?

Thanks whotony. Never looked for g4techtv. Found it on channel 138.

Okay -
After having the DVR for a week now -

Some minor complaints-

The channel changing lag is actually quite annoying - it's almost slower than my old DCT-2000. Hopefully this can improve a little bit with newer firmware based on other posts i've seen.

I can see this being a big complaint from customers if it isn't fixed by the time of the main rollout.

The on-screen guide - everytime i flip to it - it has some crazy time listed (1 am, etc.) but once i click to advance, it corrects itself. Wondering if this is just a known bug.

Really, those are my only beefs so far - the recording works great - and everything else i'm enjoying.

Less than a week here... 6208, firmware 7.15:

Channel lag not a problem.
Not loving the guide.

Ability to watch recorded HD is GREAT!

Really need the 2 tuner version... family members are perplexed when they turn on the TV to watch a show, and I have a recording going. They could switch inputs on the TV (to watch regular cable), but that's too confusing for them (girls). They usually just go to another room to watch.

Opinion to date:
-Terrific if you live alone.
-Terrific for a secondary display. This 6208 will end up in my basement theater, and the 6200 will be returned to the "main" display (family room HDTV).
-OK if the "technically un-enhanced" in the house have another TV they don't mind using if you're recording on the one they usually watch.
-Bad if they do mind using another tv, or don't have one.
-Bad if you wanna watch a show, while recording another (same as above really).

Overall, I like it. But if I wasn't planning on moving it to the theater, I'd return it and wait for the dual tuner version.

As of last night.....7.07 I am just outside of Philadelphia. Any idea when we'll see a firmware update?

Interesting comments on firmware. I had the 6200 with v 7.10. Had it replaced because of issues. They replaced it with a 5100 & had v 7.07 firmware. Took me 3 days before I figured out I could no longer record (they just left firewire unplugged) & when I went to plug it in...uh oh, no firewire & saw then that they had replaced my 6200 with the 5100. It took 3 additional days to get them back out & replace with the 6200 and guess what?? Back to v 7.10 firmware.

So I'm wondering if the firmware is hardware dependant? Will we not see v 7.14 until/unless we go to the 6208??

[i]
So I'm wondering if the firmware is hardware dependant? Will we not see v 7.14 until/unless we go to the 6208?? [/B]

I have the 6208 and my box is reading 7.07 Some people have to 6208 with the 7.14 update.....

:confused:

It seems NJ has moved to 7.15 while the Philly area is remaining back at 7.07.

Unfortunately, I have no idea who controls firmware decisions!

weekly question.......

anyone in delaware county have a 6208 yet>

South Jersey (6208) at 7.15 since the 16th...anyone else notice quite a bit of freezing and dropouts on INHD and INHD earlier tonight? This is the first time since the update that it has been this noticeable.

whotony, I know individuals in the Havertown and Drexel Hill areas with the 6208...both who were on the Comcast "contact list"...neither were ever contacted and were only sucessful by calling almost everyday.

Chris

Looking at the olympic schedule, I noticed that the majority of the soccer games are going to be shown on Telemundo. It figures that Comcast doesn't provide Telemundo... fortunately I have the DTV antenna setup to pull in WWSI-DT. I've looked up the transmitter location in Tuckerton, NJ.....so now all I have to do is go up on the roof to rotate the antenna. But before I risk life and limb, I figured I'd try pulling in the station with the antenna oriented towards Philly (more than 90 degrees away from Tuckerton from my location). The signal strength on my Samsung T-151 is half full, yet I still get bad break-ups. I'll end up turning the antenna no matter what, but was just wondering the quality of the signal once I do.

Is anyone seeing break-ups on this broadcast on a regular basis?
Does anyone watch this channel on a regular basis?? What's the signal performance history like?? Just wondering because I'm gonna have friends over to watch this, and I don't want the broadcast to be full of breakups.
Thanks in advance!

Does anyone else in south jersey think the digital channels look pretty bad, comcast must really compress the channels alot

Originally posted by shades
Does anyone else in south jersey think the digital channels look pretty bad, comcast must really compress the channels alot

Since the day I recieved my HDTV and Comcast Digital reciever I've had issues with the digital channels above 100. The regular tier cable and HDTV signals have been better than average to excellent. The high digital channels suffer from washout, lack of vibrance and just plain poor quality. Kind of reminds me of the early days of satellite tv with DirecTV and Primestar. Those issues were caused by dynamic compression and I'll bet that plays a part in this issue with Comcast.

Originally posted by progear
South Jersey (6208) at 7.15 since the 16th...anyone else notice quite a bit of freezing and dropouts on INHD and INHD earlier tonight? This is the first time since the update that it has been this noticeable.

whotony, I know individuals in the Havertown and Drexel Hill areas with the 6208...both who were on the Comcast "contact list"...neither were ever contacted and were only sucessful by calling almost everyday.

Chris

thanks chris.
i am obviously on the list.
but i guess i better start calling and even better going in.

Originally posted by whotony
weekly question.......

anyone in delaware county have a 6208 yet>

I have a 6208, I live In Newtown Square. Just call 1-800 COMCAST and tell them you want one. That's what I did.

Originally posted by shades
Does anyone else in south jersey think the digital channels look pretty bad, comcast must really compress the channels alot

Comcast uses the industry standard for it's digital channels. That standard is set by Cable Labs in Denver, CO. Comcast has increased it's system from 64 Quam to 256 Quam in the last 6 months. This, combined with an approved standard, should have your digital channels looking fabulous. But maybe you need one of their famous FREE service calls?

Originally posted by Dannytheman
I have a 6208, I live In Newtown Square. Just call 1-800 COMCAST and tell them you want one. That's what I did.

You had to call?
Even so, it's probably easier to get one being a Comcast employee.

Originally posted by Dannytheman
Comcast uses the industry standard for it's digital channels. That standard is set by Cable Labs in Denver, CO. Comcast has increased it's system from 64 Quam to 256 Quam in the last 6 months. This, combined with an approved standard, should have your digital channels looking fabulous. But maybe you need one of their famous FREE service calls?

I had someonme out the other day and he put an amp on just to see and it made no difference on digital channels, they all look like a previous poster said, washed out. you said they use 256 QAM, well according to my box when i go into the menu, it says 64 for digital channles and 256 only for HD

Originally posted by Dannytheman
Comcast uses the industry standard for it's digital channels. That standard is set by Cable Labs in Denver, CO. Comcast has increased it's system from 64 Quam to 256 Quam in the last 6 months. This, combined with an approved standard, should have your digital channels looking fabulous. But maybe you need one of their famous FREE service calls?

Dan, just some minor corrections, first its Q-A-M not Quam.

In most of NJ, its 256 QAM for HD & 64 QAM for Regular Digitals & Cable Modems. Some areas are just starting to use 256 for regular digitals, but its still not all of them. Even then 256 QAM will not improve picture quality on its own. 256 QAM will only allow data to pass through our Channel allocations faster. 64 QAM - 27 MB/s.....256 QAM - 39 MB/s (approx.)

Now Comcast could use that extra bandwidth to decrease the amount of compression used on the current channels. But my thoughts are that Comcast will use this extra bandwidth to add more Real Digital Content (HDTV, DTV, ect., not converted analog content) & also start the process of getting ready for the 2007 analog shutoff, by simulcasting current Analog content onto the digital line-up.

Hi All,

A couple of things. Comcast is coming out Tuesday, because of constant drop outs and part of the time half the HD channels show not available. Lightning traveled through the cable and they never replaced it, I think its time.

Cheers for WHYY carrying the DNC in HD, Jeers for them have a static bar across the bottom of the screen for the entire program. Considering they have a separate programming for the HD channel, they need to lighten up on the logos and bugs. They need to be more transparent!

Originally posted by Barrybud
Hi All,

A couple of things. Comcast is coming out Tuesday, because of constant drop outs and part of the time half the HD channels show not available. Lightning traveled through the cable and they never replaced it, I think its time.

Cheers for WHYY carrying the DNC in HD, Jeers for them have a static bar across the bottom of the screen for the entire program. Considering they have a separate programming for the HD channel, they need to lighten up on the logos and bugs. They need to be more transparent!

WHYY's carriage of the convention was not actually in HD, just SD...INHD carried all but the first night in HD (1080i) and had no logos other than the transparent INHD logo in the top left corner.

The HD feed seemed like it was originated from the pool cameras, so it begs the question, why did all the networks (including PBS) not carry the convention in HD?

Called Comcast to have my cable internet fees reduced (told them I got offer from Verizon) and got $19.99 for 6 months.

More importantly they told me they finally have DVR available in Pleasantville Comcast area. Tech coming out tomorrow to install. We'll see.

Originally posted by progear
6208.


whotony, I know individuals in the Havertown and Drexel Hill areas with the 6208...both who were on the Comcast "contact list"...neither were ever contacted and were only sucessful by calling almost everyday.

Chris

ok i just called and was told the 6208 is available, despite what the web site says.

but.
ok it's 9.95 extra a month, ok expected that.
but they wanted me to pay $22 to have it installed.
she said they like to install their own equipment.

i said i can install it myself, have with everything else.

but she said i should wait untill a free install deal is offered and apolagized but they cant take off the fee.

so i said no thatnks. i'm not gonna pay comcast 22 bucks to hook up a few cables and wires wile i can do it myself for nothing.

ok another orioles game will be on 8/03.
http://inhd.com/products/viewProduct.jsp?prodId=19505

will we see it?

from inhd.com...

See it:

INHD - August 3 (LIVE)
7:00pm/ 4:00pm

Now while it's not an HD channel - the Inquirer reported today we'll be having College Sports TV added to our digital lineups in September.

I'm actually psyched for this - and i'm sure they'll add it to their upcoming "sports tier" which is set to be rolled out.

If anyone is interested, Check Comcast Channel 770.

ENJOY!

David

here's a pic of one of the cameras at the CBP, PHILLIES.

in case anyone was interested.

http://home.comcast.net/~whotony/phillies/IMG_0953.JPG

Originally posted by faceoff
If anyone is interested, Check Comcast Channel 770.

ENJOY!

David

I checked it out, no 770 channel??

Originally posted by Carl Jones
I checked it out, no 770 channel??

Sorry, I didn't finish, I was going to say I'm in MontCo - so It's probablt at least in MontCo and Bux - I would have assumed that New Castle and North would also get it in HD.

David

hd ppv color bars.

delaware county.

Not sure how applicable this is but take it for what it's worth...

I had my HDTV hooked up last year with a 5100. Got the upgrade to 6200/6208 and was charged the $22 fee mentioned above to "visit" and upgrade my box.

There was a related problem and they needed to revisit and asked them if I was going to pay another service charge since I now payed for 2 "HDTV hookup" fees which I thought was ridiculous in the first place since I could do it myself but even more upset since they just had to switch boxes and not even change wires/confirm I had the "right kind" of TV, etc.

The CSR then says "oh, you shouldn't be charged that HD hookup fee a second time..." and subsequently credited me back the second visit "fee". Now I'm not sure if she was right in doing this and I also have several HD boxes and alot of premium services so this may have also been to keep a high-paying customer "happy" but it might pay to ask if you already have the HD box in place and payed already once...

good idea adam.
i'll give that a go.

I live in Chester County, near West Chester. As a DirecTV subscriber, I receive my local HDTV through an attic mounted OTA antenna.

This weekend I have been unable to receive at all WPVI's multi-casting channels, ABC News Now on 6-2 and the weather radar on 6-3. The regular digital channle 6-1 is coming in at its normal signal strength.

Is it just me, or are 6-2 and 6-3 down for some reason?

Stu

Originally posted by StuSuss
I live in Chester County, near West Chester. As a DirecTV subscriber, I receive my local HDTV through an attic mounted OTA antenna.

This weekend I have been unable to receive at all WPVI's multi-casting channels, ABC News Now on 6-2 and the weather radar on 6-3. The regular digital channle 6-1 is coming in at its normal signal strength.

Is it just me, or are 6-2 and 6-3 down for some reason?

Stu

All 3 DT channels were donw early this morning. However, I noticed that all 3 (6-1, 6-2, 6-3) now have the same feed as analog. It started sometime on Saturday.

I'm also in Chester Co and I also have had problems with channel 6.1, 6,2, 6.3 + 12.1 + 12.2 since last night. Channels 6.1 is back up now but channels 6.2, 6.3 + 12.1,12.2 are MIA. Hopefully things are fixed when everybody gets back to work tomorrow.

Stu:
Have you been normally been able to pick up 12.1 + 12.2 in your location ?

MrSixPack:

I only have an attic antenna. 12.1 and 12.2 are the weakest signal and least dependable for reception with 10.1 close behind.

Well-
added the new sports tier today-

So far, no channels have sound -

And NBA TV and GOL tv don't even come in - looks like someone didn't work out all the kinks...

Hopefully they get this straightened out quick!

everything fine here in EHT....

Fox Sports World was the only thing I was really missing the demise of the HU card ;)


Can't wait to watch Chelsea vs. AC Milan tonight.

I just made the move to HD, and I'm growing short of patience with Comcast...no digital UPN (which means no HD ST: Enterprise :(), and from what I'm being told, the 6208 PVR or the dual-tuner version may or may not be available for me by the start of the new fall season...I'm on the "list" for the PVR, live in New Castle County, DE...but from what I hear, Comcast employees and many others got 'em:( ) Without a PVR, the money I've spent just doesn't make sense, as I am a full-time student and working full-time...I'm about 30 miles south of Philly, what are the odds on digital tv reception via another STB from Voom or DirectTV?

Originally posted by whotony
ok another orioles game will be on 8/03.
http://inhd.com/products/viewProduct.jsp?prodId=19505

will we see it?

from inhd.com...

Okay - i'm 2/3rd's of the way there -

Called in - had a hit sent to my box - now i have audio on the 4 Fox channels - but still NADA for NBA TV - and GOL Tv just shows "channel should be available shortly".

Originally posted by jeepmatt
Okay - i'm 2/3rd's of the way there -

Called in - had a hit sent to my box - now i have audio on the 4 Fox channels - but still NADA for NBA TV - and GOL Tv just shows "channel should be available shortly".

Actually, GolTV wouldn't be "nada", it would be "Nil". :D

Hopefully they will be up soon.

ENJOY!

David

What a crazy night!

Now my DVR has a channel lineup for another area on it!

Ugh...

What are the channel numbers for the Sports Tier? I'm not home for a few more weeks so I have to call home to find out if we get it yet and channel numbers would be helpful.

They're in the 260's and 270's.

Originally posted by jankm
What are the channel numbers for the Sports Tier? I'm not home for a few more weeks so I have to call home to find out if we get it yet and channel numbers would be helpful.

You have to call Comcast to tell them to add the "Sports Tier". It's $5.00/month additional.

ENJOY!

David

Has anyone locally had their display ISF calibrated? If so, how did it go & by whom?

Whoaa..... Comcast has FSW??? How did that get under my radar?

Is this available in S.Jersey???

The Fox Sports Tier (Atl, Central, Pacfic, and World) got added yesterday, along with NBA TV and GOL Tv..

Well- home over lunch..

Gol TV is finally coming in - but still a blank screen for NBA Tv...looks like we're getting closer!

Originally posted by DaveInBerlinNJ
Whoaa..... Comcast has FSW??? How did that get under my radar?

Is this available in S.Jersey???

Yep, check your 260's Dave........

Originally posted by Carl Jones
Has anyone locally had their display ISF calibrated? If so, how did it go & by whom?

Try Overture on RT 202, just off of 95. I didn't have my TV done but I know some who have a while back. Expensive, but worth it from what I could tell.

Don't know if anyone here is a Phish fan (maybe your kids are?) but PBS ran "IT - A Phish Concert Special" last night and I thought it was FANTASTIC. Very well made documentary, all high def, but the most impressive aspect was the sound quality -- the Dolby Digital sound was phenomenal, I assume all the live concert music was taken from a sound board. There is no band out there like Phish and there never will be, so I'm sure you either hate 'em or love 'em. I just think their raw musical talent really shined in this special.

WAY TO GO PBS!!!

I mention this because I'm sure it will be on again as they tend to cycle their programs frequently. I'm not even sure this was its premiere, but I never noticed it listed in the past. Its 90 minutes long.

Originally posted by miatasm
Try Overture on RT 202, just off of 95. I didn't have my TV done but I know some who have a while back. Expensive, but worth it from what I could tell.

Thanks. That's who I plan to use I guess. Not many choices around here...BUT, the ISF guy showed up today & didn't have a clue on my Pio plasma. Stayed about 20 minutes & said he'd have to do more "homework" & someone would call me back to re-schedule. Doesn't give me the "warm & fuzzies".

Is the sports tier included in the platinum package??

No-
The sports tier is an additional $4.95 / month.

Originally posted by Carl Jones
Has anyone locally had their display ISF calibrated? If so, how did it go & by whom?

http://lionav.com/mgreggloewen.html

i would check that web site.
gregg has been doing my tv for years and it looks fabulous.
he did my mits 73713 a few months ago.

he is reasonable and will answer any question you have.
send him an email.

Still no NBA Tv on 273 for me YET this morning -

Day 3 of the sports tier and still can't watch the 1 channel i wanted.

Just a blank screen...

Also for some reason they put it on 749 as well - and that's also blank.

Grrrrrrrrr

Originally posted by jeepmatt
Still no NBA Tv on 273 for me YET this morning -

Day 3 of the sports tier and still can't watch the 1 channel i wanted.

Just a blank screen...

Also for some reason they put it on 749 as well - and that's also blank.

Grrrrrrrrr

Hi Matt,

Not 100% sure on this - I THINK that the NBA League Pass Channels start at Channel 750 - so that would probably be why it's ther also.

D!

The addition of the Sports Tier is great news. Fox Sports World is our favorite channel around here. We actually left cable for Dish several years ago when Comcast dropped FSW from their service (and suffered through every winter with virtually no Flyers coverage since). Yes, I really did give up HD Flyers for my soccer channels. Well NO more! We found out about the new sports tier on AVS yesterday morning, cancelled the Dish, and signed up for comcast. Dish also carried Gol TV which is a very nice soccer channel too (Serie A, loads of South American matches). If you're a soccer fan these two are a must. FSW also covers a lot of international Rugby and Aussie rules football. Can't wait.

Can anyone who has the Sports Tier already comment on the picture quality (especially Fox Sports World). Dish used to compress the heck out of that channel.


Thanks

Actually, the PQ for FSW is not at all bad - better than the other three Fox Sports channels in this tier. The thing that really bugs me, is that FSW audio is mono, at least that's what my receiver says. The other ones in the line up are Dolby Digital, but not FSW. What's up with that?

Looking forward to the FA Community Shield live this Sunday....

Originally posted by whotony
http://lionav.com/mgreggloewen.html

i would check that web site.
gregg has been doing my tv for years and it looks fabulous.
he did my mits 73713 a few months ago.

he is reasonable and will answer any question you have.
send him an email.

Thanks for the tip, I'll follow up.

so what is on these sports tier channels that would get me to pay another $5 ?

Originally posted by whotony
ok another orioles game will be on 8/03.
http://inhd.com/products/viewProduct.jsp?prodId=19505

will we see it?

from inhd.com...

blacked out again.

ok so who can i call to ask why orioles, 100 miles away have the games blacked out?

Picture quality of all the Fox sports channels and GOL are quite nice -

I can't tell you the quality of NBA Tv, since it's not working (at least on my system) :-)

Just found out from another contact that my area's system is having transmission problems with NBA Tv and they're working on it.

jeepmatt,

My Fox channels looked good! EPL again schweeeeeettttt!!!!!
GOL was breaking up a bit. Don't watch NBA, sorry.


whotony,

You get fox coverage of 3 regional Fox areas... I believe: New England?, South?, West coast? ...and Fox Sports World (international sports). GOL TV (soccer, mainly games from Spanish speaking areas)... NBA TV, and a Golf channel.

If you are a soccer fan, the $4.95 is money well spent. EPL "game of the week" was $20 a shot on PPV. Now I'm gonna get MANY more games, at ONE-SIXTEENTH the price... and all the news around the games, and cricket, and rugby (and I can DVR them... oh man, pinch me)

Other reasons: if you actually follow a team/s (any sport) from one of the regional areas. Or are interested in their point of view on a sports topic.

Or you really love basketball or golf.

Being a soccer fan, I couldn't be happier. FSW was the only reason I ever even thought about getting satellite.

Is it sick to love your cable provider?
Comcast rocks.


edit: Fox regions are "Atlantic", "Central", "Pacific"
No golf channel... sorry, must have seen golf on one of the regionals... I'm not a golfer, so I just quickly change the channel when I see golf normally!

All channels coming in fine right now.

Anyone have any problems getting the Starz HD channel? Mine wasn't coming up this morning....

I didn't see Starz HD this morning, but it's coming in crystal clear for me right now.

Still no NBA TV :-(

Originally posted by csmith75
Anyone have any problems getting the Starz HD channel? Mine wasn't coming up this morning....


Actually, I've been experiencing a lot of drop-outs on Starz-HD lately (as well as PBSHD, DHDT, and a bit less in INHD 1+2).


I have the 6208 (7.15)

-Dan

I've been seeing those same dropouts (Discovery HD, PBSHD & StarzHD)

Comcast Sports tier - these are the channels I get in my area in Montgomery County, PA.

262 - Fox Sports Atlantic
263 - Fox Sports Central
264 - Fox Sports Pacific
267 - Fox Sports World
268 - Gol TV
273 - NBA TV


Looks like DVR's are now available to all. I got an e-mail from Comcast today stating that DVR's are now available, plus they have updated their web site.

http://www.comcast.com/tvgdvr/

I too have experienced more dropouts as of late, but from what I recall it was mostly the locals so I just assumed it was related to all the weather we've been experiencing.

Haven't been receiving Fox29 reliably for the past two years and suddenly this week I'm getting a nice strong signal (under various weather conditions). Have they moved or re-polarized their transmitter recently?
We're about 40 miles north-east of Roxbury, 10 miles north of Trenton and I had read some time back that Fox29 was using a directional broadcast antenna that generally would only produce a strong signal to the west and south. Any update on this?

Does anyone have a list of the Philly locals transmission methods for sending their signal to Comcast?

Microwave? OTA? Fiber? Other?

WHYY-DT is received OTA by Comcast.

I'm a Comcast HD subscriber in Jenkintown, PA. I've had HD service virtually as long as Comcast has been providing it through the Willow Grove area. Today I had the Moto 6208 box installed place of my 6200. I wasn't home for the installation, so I don't know what happened. My wife says that after the box was installed the serviceman showed her that the HD worked. This evening when I got home to try it our, all I get through the 6208 box are constant drop-outs and pixelation on HD Channels 181 (NBC), 182 (CBS) and 190 (PBS). Anyone else having similar problems? I have a service call set up for this coming Wednesday, but I'm not particularly impressed with the service techs that Comcast sends out. The one who put the new box in today told my wife that this past Saturday they told him that he would be installing the 6208's and that "he didn't need any training for them since they hook up exactly like the 6200's." Obviously Comcast spares no expense in training its personnel. Can anyone suggest anything. Obviously, I want to get this resolved before the Olympics and the weekend football games. Thanks, in advance

Hey look, ghetto fuzzyness on ABC's football again. Way to go multicasting. Bah!

Looks pretty good to me!!!! I'm really not complaining!!!!

The tech who came out to install my 6208 told me that they were trained 8 months ago and he admitted it wasn't thorough training. I knew more about it then he did. He didn't even know how big the hard drive was!

Originally posted by bastein
I'm a Comcast HD subscriber in Jenkintown, PA. I've had HD service virtually as long as Comcast has been providing it through the Willow Grove area. Today I had the Moto 6208 box installed place of my 6200. I wasn't home for the installation, so I don't know what happened. My wife says that after the box was installed the serviceman showed her that the HD worked. This evening when I got home to try it our, all I get through the 6208 box are constant drop-outs and pixelation on HD Channels 181 (NBC), 182 (CBS) and 190 (PBS). Anyone else having similar problems? I have a service call set up for this coming Wednesday, but I'm not particularly impressed with the service techs that Comcast sends out. The one who put the new box in today told my wife that this past Saturday they told him that he would be installing the 6208's and that "he didn't need any training for them since they hook up exactly like the 6200's." Obviously Comcast spares no expense in training its personnel. Can anyone suggest anything. Obviously, I want to get this resolved before the Olympics and the weekend football games. Thanks, in advance

I don't have a 6208, I have a 6200, (from Willow Grove) and I am experiencing the same drop outs and pixelization you described, but only on 190 PBS. Every other channel is good. It happened every weekday last week, Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday it was perfect. Monday comes, and the same old s*** maybe it's a coincidence, dont' know.

So, I call Comcast, and of course, as always, they know of no problems. And the most incredible thing is they say " We don't have an HD TV to test it here, but we don't have any reports of problems". They suggest to unplug the box to reset it. I said, "I have done that many times this summer because of the bogus firmware (7.10) and DVI connections, that won't work".

"Gee, you should'nt have to unplug the box that much".

"Never mind".

Sorry I don't have any suggestions, but you're not alone.

Got my DVR yesterday. Called Friday, installer came out Monday. Actually got the same tech who installed my HD box last March.

He just switched up the boxes, didn't need to move anything. Was on the phone setting it up longer than actual install.

DVR very easy to use.

With the DVR and new box coming in a few months and addition of new channels to the Philadelphia area that might have my D* become extinct.

6200 and 6208 are the EXACT same hook up. I installed it myself in about 5 minutes. I am not employed by Comcast. I have exactly 0 hours training. There are 3 options in the setup menu. It's very straightforward.

If you are having PQ issues, then you need a service call. The problem is very likely NOT due to the setup of your 6208.

For what it's worth...

I've had the 6208 for about a month, and recently began having pixelezation when changing between the digital broadcast channels (ie, 180-184). Today, comcast came to the house for the third time to address the problem.

The first guy thought the signal might be low, but didn't have an amp, so he scheduled another appointment for the amp to be installed.

The second guys put the amp in, and re-configured the cable wiring. No improvement.

The third guy, according to my wife (I wasn't home,) removed the amplifier, saying the signal was fine, removed a splitter the second guys (or maybe the first guy) put in, and replaced the 6208, which is sort of what I thought needed to be done in the first place. My wife says it's better. We'll see...

jandron,

I had similar effects on my 6208 in the range you described as well, but after 7.15 upgrade problem went away...as did occasional freezing and audio drops. Check your firmware...I've had 7.15 since the middle of July (South Jersey), but based on various threads, it appears that many areas haven't rec'd it yet.

Chris.

How is the recording quality of the DVR? I plan on using the DVR to record programs, and then archiving select portions of them to my DVD recorder. For example, if I DVR the Letterman show, and then choose to "save" the musical guest's performance, I will be able to do so to my Panasonic DVD recorder.

Does the Comcast DVR allow you to select the quality of the recording, like a VCR - i.e. SP, EP, etc. ?

I am hoping the quality is near-broadcast as they tout on the web-site.

**

Also, how many days out does the "search" function go on the Comcast DVR? I think TiVo is at least one week, maybe two. Can you search by actor or keyword instead of program title? I certainly hope so!

Thanks for your feedback.

No quality settings (unlike TiVo/ReplayTV). For digital/HD channels this is to be expected (they don't re-encode). For analog channels, it runs it through an MPEG encoder and they could allow varying the rate, but I think they decided it was too confusing for people. Also drives are a lot bigger than when TiVo/Replay came out (though HD will eat those 80GB drives for lunch).

OK, I am in Wayne, about 8 miles from the antenna farm in Conshohocken. NBC is set to broadcast the olympics in HD seperate from the "live" broadcast to be looped. The opening ceremonies are to be broadcast in SD starting at 8pm Friday. An HD feed of the ceremony is to start at 9. TitanTV lists 10.1 broadcasting the ceremony starting at 8 in SD. Does this mean we do not get the olympics in HD? Is nbc 10 not going to carry the HD feed? Or is this a mistake by TitanTV?

Does anyone know if 10 is going to broadcast the olympics OTA on 10.1 in hd ot not?


I really wanted to see the ceremonies along with the games in HD.

NBC's HD coverage of the Olympics will be delayed by one day. WCAU-DT Philadelphia will have the Olympics in HD, incluidng the opening ceremonies.


NBC has a cool little tool that you can use to see what's on the NBC HDTV channel on their website:


http://nbcolympics.zap2it.com/grid.jsp?state=1&from=1092369600000&stations=11705_16300_10139_11207_10057_10239_20459_&station_id=20459&zone=-5_1&genre=-1

"For the first time by a U.S. broadcaster at a Summer Olympics, NBC will provide high definition coverage. NBC's separate, unique HDTV coverage on NBC's digital affiliates, presented by Sony Electronics Inc., will provide HDTV coverage on delay of six sports from the only main Olympic venues provided in high definition by the Olympic host broadcaster. Those sports include swimming, diving, gymnastics, track and field, medal rounds of basketball and the men's soccer gold medal final. The HDTV coverage will total 399 hours and is a completely different production from the standard definition broadcast on the network. NBC has 124 HDTV affiliates with the potential to cover 86 percent of the country."

from http://www.nbcolympics.com/tvlistings/5016748/detail.html

Friday, August 13, 2004
8PM- 9PM Salt Lake HDTV Highlights Show
9PM -1AM Opening Ceremony of 2004 Athens Summer Games


Saturday, August 14 Opening Ceremony of 2004 Athens Summer Games repeats all day until 4AM Sunday


Sunday August 15 - Sunday, August 29 Competition coverage begins daily at 4AM, with original shows lasting six to eight hours depending on the day's events. Shows will be repeated until 4AM the following day.


Monday, August 30 4AM-First airing of the Closing Ceremony 12 Noon-HDTV Olympic coverage ends

The Q knoweth of which he speaks.

Can Telemundo from Philly/Atlantic City (broadcast from Tuckerton) initiate the "must-carry" rule with Comcast? If they can, anyone know why they haven't yet? It would be nice to have them on Comcast so I don't have to get up on the roof and rotate my antenna towards Tuckerton!

To comcast cable subscribers:
Did comcast tech ground your cable (the one from the street to your house) to your house ground? Mine is not and it looks like it is causing me ground loop problem. I heard the code requires it to be done. Comcast rep has no idea what I am talking about, just wondering how's your installation looks like? Thanks!

Mine is grounded to a cold water pipe just after it enters the house. I don't now is Comcast did that or the orginial homeowner.

That is correct, usually water pipe is used for house ground. Could you explain more how it get done? Does the cable go to a splitter (say 1 to 3) first, then one of the 3 outputs goes to the water pipe? Is there a special device attach to the water pipe so the cable can connect to it? Thanks!

My head hurts from all the reading & conflicting information on the 6208 in different threads. Can someone be so kind as to clear the Firewire/DVHS issue for me? Does firmware v7.10 or v7.15 allow recording to the JVC 30K via Firewire? Thanks!

There's a grounding coupler in the cable line which has a wire that goes to the water pipe. The water pipe a standard ground clamp on it to which the wire is attached.

Last night's Falcons vs. Ravens game looked pretty good in HD, but I did not receive the 5.1 circle surround that ESPN had graphically promoted at the top of the broadcast.

Did anyone else receiving this game on Comcast HD notice the sound it defaulted to on your receiver?

Does Comcast control this or ESPN??

Thanks.

Spoke w/ the rep @ comcast...can't get the 6208 in Mount Laurel. Can anyone confirm this??

I'm getting one in Burlington in a week or so.

Originally posted by zippychimp
Last night's Falcons vs. Ravens game looked pretty good in HD, but I did not receive the 5.1 circle surround that ESPN had graphically promoted at the top of the broadcast.

Did anyone else receiving this game on Comcast HD notice the sound it defaulted to on your receiver?

Does Comcast control this or ESPN??

Thanks.

you have to have a reciever that decodes the brand "circle surround".

I have a pretty high-end Denon receiver. It definitely does 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound.

If ESPN says it's 5.1 then shouldn't that display on the on-screen guide when you hit "INFO". It just had the Dolby logo, not 5.1. When it's 5.1 on other programs - it says so on the on-screen display above the title.

Did anyone hear it in 5.1 last night?

ESPN uses circle surround and NOT Dolby Digital 5.1. Unless your receiver/processor is eqipped to decode circle surround, and not many are, all you will get is dolby pro logic.

Anyone watching the WCAU-DT Off-air Olympic ceremonies?

Getting horrible pixellation, stuttering and sound drops, almost once a minute. Just wondering if it's me or "them"

kjroddy - I'm glad you posted something... we got breakups the whole time we watched (from 10:20-midnight). I wasn't sure if it was the affiliate or our cable company. I'm in the LV and get WCAU-DT through RCN.

I hope this doesn't persist... I could tolerate it for something that doesn't require full attention, but if there are breakups during an intense competition, it'll completely ruin the enjoyment.

RE: Olympics on NBC-HD

I watched it OTA and had the same pixelation and dropout problems too. I'm glad someone posted something about it because I thought it was me too, but I guess its likely a source problem. A couple things I noticed about the broadcast that kind of annoyed me

1. The broadcasters for HD were two random people, not Katie Couric and Bob Costas (which were on the regular broadcast)

2. The on-screen graphics for the regular broadcast were much more informative than the HD broadcast (which had basically none). The regular broadcast had graphics that gave you facts about the different countries, which countries were coming up, crap like that

3. Not really annoying but, commercial breaks were only like 30 seconds long, and there was literally only one commercial shown during the break, and it was the same Sony HD commercial over and over again. I thought that was kind of weird.

Is it going to be like this for the whole Olympics?? Just wondering.

p.s. otherwise I found the stock Greece HD footage really impressive

Over on the TiVo Community forums someone who says they have been working with WCAU on their HD transmitter says that they had gotten the whole full-power setup working in February, but apparently tried to give it "one more tweak" last week, and broke it.

Originally posted by kjroddy
Over on the TiVo Community forums someone who says they have been working with WCAU on their HD transmitter says that they had gotten the whole full-power setup working in February, but apparently tried to give it "one more tweak" last week, and broke it.

Yea at first I thought it was my Comcast cable, but now listening to you all, it confirms my worst fears, a terrible WCAU broadcast. Anybody have any information on where to ask these guys what's really going on (i.e. station engineer e-mail)? I tried NBC10's general feedback, but apparently the address connected to that form is broken. Listening to kjroddy, it sounds like it might be terrible like this for awhile. In addition to the pixelation, is anyone actually getting the promised DD5.1 surround broadcast? Cause i'm not

I left feedback via their website - www.nbc10.com - not sure whether they'll take any notice, although I did get a reply when I complained about the delayed HD coverage of the last Olympics... lot of good that did :rolleyes:

In between the drop-outs it was Dolby 2.0 off-air as well.

It's 9:30 on Saturday night, I'm watching the repeat of the opening ceremony, and the pixelation and audio dropouts are still terrible. At least every minute, maybe every 30 seconds. Usually a combo of audio dropout and video pixelation in the bottom half of the screen.

I'll be very disappointed if the whole Olympics are like this.

Thanks to the others for saying they had the problem - I was ready to blame my Sammy 165. I'm watching OTA, I have plenty of signal strength, so that's not it.

Still going on... I'm trying to watch OTA.

Whomever is to blame... they should ashamed of themselves!

Found out DVR is available in Bala Cynwyd now. Question - does the DVR take the place of the STB or do you have to have a STB PLUS the DVR?

thanks for your help

shacke

Some here. was watching around early AM......................Could not take it anymore, audio dropout and video pixelation thought it was my OTA hardware

Originally posted by shacke
Found out DVR is available in Bala Cynwyd now. Question - does the DVR take the place of the STB or do you have to have a STB PLUS the DVR?

thanks for your help

shacke

All in one box ;)

Watching syncro-diving this morning on Comcast. Besides all of the horrible audio drops and pixelation, the NBC-HD feed has been replaced twice so far by the WTFX-D (I've seen "3rd Rock from the Sun" and "Mash" so far. One could argue, however, that a decent MASH episode is probably more entertaining than syncronized diving, but I digress.)

I would have to assume that this is a Comcast issue, as I could not see WCAU rebroadcasting Fox on it HD Olympics channel!

I have a feeling that Sony isn't going to sell too many HDTV's in the Philly area based on this broadcast.

Let's get it together NBC-10 and Comcast, you can do better than this!


-Dan

Appears to have been fixed at 1pm, Sun. the 15th. No dropouts or pixels for 15 min. now. Maybe the Fox appearance was evidence of their working on it.

For some strange reason, my Comcast 6208 is the only receipt of the NBC-HD feed without pixelation.

I have 3 different OTA setups all with the symptoms everyone is describing but as of this morning, Comcast appears fine while I simultaneously see dropouts on the other STBs and HTPC....

doesn't comcast receive the signals OTA and re-transmit??

I can confirm that here. Didn't even think to look at my OTA through my Voom box assuming if Comcast was fixed, they were, too, but yep, it is still crap. Perhaps Comcast actually has people good enough to rescue a bad source feed? I find that hard to believe but kudos to them right now nonetheless.

and the OTA feed is still pixelating. confirming its a Philly problem, channel 84 on Directv is perfect.

Perhaps Comcast just switched to D* Ch 84 ;)

One more time on this. I understand somewhat why KYW is doing this
(something about a lawsuit from someone complaining about burn-in)
but it's still annoying - and no other station in Philly is doing it!

I'll have to decide now whether to watch "Survivor" (my only reality
programming guilty pleasure) on the analog channel or put up with the annoying gray bars on the digital one!


Originally posted by DTGallagher
So who decided to add the gray bars to the KYW-DT 4:3 content?
They're incredibly annoying, and I suspect they also compromise the
picture's color. Is this being done to all SD content? (I'll admit I'm not
watching much in the summer.)

I hope they stop this bad idea. I like watching the digital channel for SD content for the improved clarity of the picture, but I'll have to go back to the analog channel if this continues

Originally posted by petersbar
and the OTA feed is still pixelating. confirming its a Philly problem, channel 84 on Directv is perfect.

Boy I wish I would have checked here first, I went out and added a preamp, and it still does it, I was pissed, untill I found out it is a NBC issue, now I am really pissed, any idea if they know about it or can fix it??

I am in the same boat since friday. I really should have looked here first. I ran new line from the antenna was on the roof ckecking direction and everything, then called a few friends with HD off air and found out they were having the same problems with OA. Signal is great 92 to 93but a lot of audio drops and pixalation. Called WCAU and was unable to get any help will call tomorrow I have the station enigeeners # and name at work.
It is 10:15pm and we are still having problems. Glad to see it was not on my end for a change:)

I'm seeing problems too on both my Hueghs -E86 and both my Fusion OTA PC receivere cards. Has anybody had any luck in contacting WCAU?

Hey all-

Just to chime in - SAME PROBLEM - the WCAU-DT OTA feed is GARBAGE.

I am using a Samsung Ts360 D* receiver, and the 10-1 channel has tons of pixelation and sound drops - at least every minute or two. NBC10 was the hardest OTA channel for me to lock onto when I got my antenna, so I thought it could be a reception problem - SO happy to hear its NBC's fault - especially when I can switch to 84 (directv) and I have none of those problems.

As far as audio - WCAU-DT comes up as DD2.0, and I am getting 5.1 from D* ch 84.

I will send feedback to NBC asap - this is unacceptable.

Lee

Update:

Sent NBC10 feedback via their website - I encourage others to do the same so we can get some action!

http://www.nbc10.com/News/1433300/detail.html

I just contacted the WCAU station engineer and posted a new topic on the subject. Sorry I could not post sooner I had his name and # at the office. New topic is Phiadelphia WCAU channel 10 pixalation.

Thanks for the information. We all appreciate you were able to talk to someone.

but why start a new thread? There were already 20 messages about the issue in this thread.. Now we all have to check two threads for updates!!!

Anyway, we appreciate the initiative! Thanks again.

- Mike

Sorry didnt want to upset anyone as far as a new post . I justed wanted to make it easier for people looking for an answer to find it quickly. I dont post often but when I do I really try to make it user friendly and since the HD Olympics are a big deal and alot of new people are looking for answers I thought this would be the best way to do it since the main topic is the signal issue in the Philly area.

Dish Network and DirecTV have perfect pictures and they are getting their feed from NBC in Greece. Can not understand why WCAU Plhiladelphia has screwed up the broadcast. The Olympics come up every year and a half to two years, how could WCAU not be prepared? Dish Network and DirecTV are doing a great job.

Press release today that Comcast has agreed with the NFL Network to add it this month to the digital lineup.

WOOHOO!

First College Sports TV, now NFL!

Nice moves...especially for the sports crack heads like me!

Originally posted by jeepmatt
Press release today that Comcast has agreed with the NFL Network to add it this month to the digital lineup.

WOOHOO!

First College Sports TV, now NFL!

Nice moves...especially for the sports crack heads like me!

Here's the link: ENJOY!

David

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/7583282

question for anyone with comcast contacts or info-

any chance comcast will be carrying the HD feed of the NFL Network?

The best part of the NFL Network being added to Comcast is it bodes well for cable's determination to secure the Sunday Ticket package starting with the 2006 season.

At that point, any serious HDTV viewer would be insane to choose the dish over cable!

Another great feature of the NFL Network will be the extended game highlights included ON DEMAND each week. I will be in heaven!

So when should we expect the NFL network in SD and HD? :gives JWhip puppy dog eyes: :)

Am checking on that one DrHill

You know it dawned on me that I haven't told you that "you're the man" lately. You are the man! :)

Wow, even just the SD channel would be great. Comcast needs to just get HDNet channels now (TNT would be nice, but I can certainly wait on that for awhile).

Thanks for answering my question up above. I searched the thread and found no FAQ - is there one? I have a bunch of questions about setting up the DVR service (right now I dont have even digital). The pressing questions I have now are...

There is supposed to be a new dual tuner DVR coming out = is there an estimated date for that?

Is it still difficult to get the 6208 over the other units? If so, can someone give me the lowdown on the process?

Is changing channels delayed with the box? (my everso brief foray in to digital cable ended because of delay when switching channels that drove me nutty)


Thanks again.

shacke
bala cynwyd

THe dual tuner 6412 may be out by sometime in October. It is being beta tested now. The channels are slow to change on the 6208, but that may be improved with the firmware upgrade due out this week in SE Pa. The 6412 changes channels much faster as it does not automatically go into cache unlike the 6412. The 6412 has its own set of issues but I have been told it is a big improvement over the 6208. Call Comcast and they can get you a 6208.

...I get it as an extra channel with the Sunday Ticket...but I'm not having it turned on until Sept. 12th.
This channel makes for excellent Fantasy Football studying.
And then the other question is...DTV has another channel for the HD games...which will be expanded this year with more HD stuff.
So Jwhip, Faceoff, when is it being turned on for us, and will there be 2 channels.?
Thanks as always for your efforts.

JWhip-

Is the 7.15 firmware coming to SE PA this week? I'll be on the lookout for it..

thanks for the headsup..

Matt

He told me it'd be pushed tomorrow 8/18. I'm (supposed to be) getting the 6208 this Saturday. I wonder what firmware it'll come with & if it's an older one, how long before 7.15 gets pushed down. With DirecTV & VOOM, it's usually by next day.

First off - did anyone see the O's game last night on InHD?

Here's more onthe NFL Deal - http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/040816/media_comcast_1.html


ENJOY!

David

yes i forgot to post that the O's were finally not blacked out here.
now can anyone tell me why the giants were blacked out on nflnetwork the other night?

Originally posted by whotony
yes i forgot to post that the O's were finally not blacked out here.
now can anyone tell me why the giants were blacked out on nflnetwork the other night?

How are you getting NFLNetwork???

David

Originally posted by faceoff
First off - did anyone see the O's game last night on InHD?
David YES.!
And I didn't even realize that O's are usually blacked out.
Thanks Comcast, David...do you know when the NFL Network turns on.?
My draft is Sept 6th, I need to study more.!

7.15 is due 8/18. I am not sure if it will be 12:01 a.m. or later in the day. The last firmware came out at 12:01 a.m.

Thanks. For 6208 units w/older firmware that are installed after 8/18, do you know if the update to 7.15 happens right away, overnight or later?

I do not know.

Hopefully we may see something tomorrow morning upon awakening.

Hopefully we may see something tomorrow morning upon awakening.

Originally posted by faceoff
How are you getting NFLNetwork???

David i forgot to mention, on voom and directv.

Just got up - and BAMM!

Firmware 7.15 on the box here in Montco PA - channel changing is MUCH snappier.

NICE!

Thanks Comcast!

Yes, 7.15 here also, much faster channel changing and more importantly, the firewire output to my 40k works perfectly. Now time to clear the hard drive.

I got 7.15 this morning also. My handshake problem between the plasma and the box is gone. I no longer have to turn the units on/off in a percise order.

Good to know. Thanks for the update. I'm getting Comcast & the 6208 installed on Saturday. Can't wait!

For those of you using D*tv for your hi-def. How are you watching the Olympics on channel 84? I thought when you upgraded to HD, you used your antenna to get the locals? Do you still need an antenna for OTA?

Thanks, George

Originally posted by jeepmatt
Just got up - and BAMM!

Firmware 7.15 on the box here in Montco PA - channel changing is MUCH snappier.

NICE!

Thanks Comcast!


Hello,

It has not reached Harrisburg.

:For those of you using D*tv for your hi-def. How are you watching the Olympics on channel 84? I thought when you upgraded to HD, you used your antenna to get the locals? Do you still need an antenna for OTA?"

D*sh has a national HI Def NBCHD feed, but I'm getting it OTA. I'm dissapointed with Olym, HD coverate anyway.. biggest issue lot's of folks are complaining about is the delayed coverage with the HD trasmission.. Who wants to watch yesterdays news?

Originally posted by JWhip
Yes, 7.15 here also, much faster channel changing and more importantly, the forewire output to my 40k works perfectly. Now time to clear the hard drive.

Yes, here in Delaware also. FINALLY firewire is clean & crisp. Now to record!!!

Originally posted by mendes9
:For those of you using D*tv for your hi-def. How are you watching the Olympics on channel 84? I thought when you upgraded to HD, you used your antenna to get the locals? Do you still need an antenna for OTA?"



It's simulcast via DTV on 84 HD. Those of us with both OTA and 84 can now drive ourselves crazy by comparing the two channels. (10.1 and 84)

Hi. I have yet to sign up yet for HD service with Comcast.

- What channels are offered in HD at this point?

- Is there a quality difference in getting OTA locals vs. via cable?

Appreciate any response.

shacke
Bala Cynwyd

Comcast offers 3, 6, 10. 12, 17 and 29 with 57 to come in the fall. Also, Comcast Sportsnet, ESPN, INHD, INHD2, Discovery, HBO, Showtime, Starz, Cinimax. THere is no difference between the pq of the OTA vs. cable.

JWhip-
Any word yet on when NFL Netowrk (or CSTV) will reach us here in Philly?

Apparently other areas in the country have gotten it already.

Thanks!
Matt

PS - funny thing about the firmware update yesterday - my roommate was like - "damn, the channel changes alot quicker today - what did you do it?"

:p

Still on 7.07 in NW Philadelphia.....

Thank you Jwhip. :)

Ok, so I call Comcast to order DVR and they say it is not available but last week they said it was. She also said they are only available in "test" markets and I told her that I assure her many people in the Philly area have the DVRs! She said "no sir"

Does anyone in my area have the DVR? I am in Bala Cynwyd.

:confused:

Still on 7.07 in NW Philadelphia.....
It appears a lot of people in the Philly area & other Comcast areas around the U.S. have gotten 7.15. I wonder how they decide which areas get the latest firmware & why they don't just send it out everywhere. I expect requesting the firmware from Comcast won't help.

got 7.15!!! in Lansdale, PA!

woot, and JVC 30K works nice now

anyone try connecting 6200 to PC now that we got 7.15
maybe those "panasonic" drivers work
and we can caputre right to HD

mitch

Just recorded from 6208 to my XP laptop. It works.

7.15 in Malvern.

Originally posted by zippychimp
...it bodes well for cable's determination to secure the Sunday Ticket package starting with the 2006 season.

At that point, any serious HDTV viewer would be insane to choose the dish over cable!

Until then, DirecTV subscribers will enjoy the next two years of Sunday Ticket while you get nothing on Comcast. And you're assuming that two years from now, cable will have added compelling content while satellite will stay the same. I don't think that'll happen. Things will progress on all fronts.

I switched to DirecTV three years ago because of the high cost of Comcast and my frustration with its support system. Right now, my DirecTV bill is STILL $10/month less than my crummy Comcast service when I left them in 2001!

If you're a Philly sports addict then you have to have Comcast for the Phils, Flyers and Sixers. I don't watch hockey or basketball and I'm so down on the Phillies that I don't miss Sportsnet one bit. I understand that HDNet isn't available on Comcast. It's one of my favorite HD channels on the dish. Champ Car races look AMAZING in HD!

Another great feature of the NFL Network will be the extended game highlights included ON DEMAND each week. I will be in heaven!

It's great to be able to see highlights from every game on Monday and when they update it with post game sound and coaches press conferences it's even better.

Rob

Originally posted by JWhip
Comcast offers 3, 6, 10. 12, 17 and 29 with 57 to come in the fall. Also, Comcast Sportsnet, ESPN, INHD, INHD2, Discovery, HBO, Showtime, Starz, Cinimax. THere is no difference between the pq of the OTA vs. cable.

I had Comcast HD and found a HUGE difference between OTA vs. cable - the cable signal was very compressed.... OTA would always win, hands down!

TRhat has not been my experience at all nor the experience of many others. I have done direct comparisons and have found no difference.

IMHO, OTA is more prestine and less compresed than Comcast for the locals. It could just be the difference between decoders in the Hueghs-E86 and the Motorola 62xx.

I'm actually pretty disapointed in Comcast's HD quality to be quite frank. I'm viewing via 50" Sammy DLP and component ins at 1080i for both the D* box (used for OTA) and the Comcast box.

I will say that Comcast's SD channels are even worse via the Moto 62xx. The compression and banding on the digital channels is awful and the anaolg channels are way worse and don't even compare to my Sammy's own built-in tuner. I'm wondering if my 62xx box is a bit beat or if this is just as good as it gets with comcast.

Originally posted by Drew_N
Just recorded from 6208 to my XP laptop. It works.

7.15 in Malvern.
Drew,
How do I check my firmware's version if it is 7.15? Also, how do you setup recording stuff to your PC via the 6208?

Originally posted by rpfotog
If you're a Philly sports addict then you have to have Comcast for the Phils, Flyers and Sixers. I don't watch hockey or basketball and I'm so down on the Phillies that I don't miss Sportsnet one bit. I understand that HDNet isn't available on Comcast. It's one of my favorite HD channels on the dish. Champ Car races look AMAZING in HD!
Rob It's difficult to live in the Philly area (born/raised/educated), and not be a sports nut. Even if it's a down year, I'm down with them. It's in the blood from my father, his father, and to my 3year old son---going back to the 50s, 60s and 70s. So, ComcastSportsNet is a must have as being passionate about Philly sports DEFINES Philadelphia. This fact for thousands and thousands in our area, will always be the achillies heal for market penetration for DirecTv. PLUS adding these teams homes games in HD is a dream of mine ever since I first saw what HD was all about.
Had DirecTv, IMHO INHD1 and 2 have better programming, with similar 1080i show off material--don't miss HDNET.
In fact, getting NFL ST alacarte, and have the option for $10/month for HDNETs--no thanks.

My DST3000 (clone Hughes E86) has identical PQ as Comcast, maybe les since the distance from the burbs is 30-40, getting freezing and blocking..never with Comcast.
Could be something with your Moto STB, cause comparing HBO/MAX HD, Comcst PQ is stunning, where I saw really soft images on these channels with DirecTv.

This thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=403695) in the HDTV recorders forum tells you how to get setup. Lots and lots of great information in there.

I don't have the box in front of me, but I believe you go to: Menu- Setup- Cable Box- See Configuration- one of the entries on that page is Firmware.


I too have OTA (Dish 6000) vs 6208 and have noticed no difference in picture. I usually use Comcast because there's less breakups.

Thanks Drew. I do see that I've got 7.15 and I'll check out the thread you are refering to.

Originally posted by seanmcgpa
I had Comcast HD and found a HUGE difference between OTA vs. cable - the cable signal was very compressed.... OTA would always win, hands down!

Since Comcast does not do ANY compression on HD signals, I wonder what makes you say that?

I have not noticed any difference.

Originally posted by shacke
Ok, so I call Comcast to order DVR and they say it is not available but last week they said it was. She also said they are only available in "test" markets and I told her that I assure her many people in the Philly area have the DVRs! She said "no sir"

Does anyone in my area have the DVR? I am in Bala Cynwyd.

:confused:

Single Tuner HD DVR's are available. Try again. They are testing DUAL tuners, not single tuners.

Drew, Thanks again. I got it working. My shuttle XPC is now able to record the transport streams right off the 6208. Sweet! They playback great!

I did notice that channels like HBO-HD and the other encrypted channels are not valid transport streams. I assume that this is because the PC is not a vaild C5 device.

I was able to capture InHD1 and 2 at 1080i and it looks great!

Originally posted by JWhip
Yes, 7.15 here also, much faster channel changing [snip]. Now time to clear the hard drive.
We got it at 2:10am or so on the night after an American won gold in women's saber fencing - I was recording the repeat of primetime coverage at the time. Pissed me off - I was watching at the time! The 5100 DL'd at the same time. It was smart enough to start recording again when it came on after the DL (a minute or two after rebooting), but had no guide data and no idea what it was recording for 15-20 minutes.

Hadn't noticed channel-change speed - too busy with other stuff to watch it other than a bit of Olympics here and there.

The UI still sucks.... :-)

For extra freaky action, my 2 new ReplayTV's arrive next week; one will be controlling (at times) the 6208. Which will be a total pain-in-the-ass, since we have to leave the 6208 on for that to work, and the "all-on/off" button on the 6208 (that my father-in-law is in love with now) turns off the cable box. I'll probably have to split the signal and record all the analog stuff with the Replay's tuner directly (which means no recording the analog HBO/etc channels, which isn't a big deal).

God do I wish that CE manufacturers had agreed on a control bus - ANY control bus!

I am archiving aa lot of great stuff as demo material. Love it.

Originally posted by Dannytheman
Since Comcast does not do ANY compression on HD signals, I wonder what makes you say that?

I have not noticed any difference.

I *HIGHLY* doubt that Comcast doesn't compress their local HD signals.

In any case, when I switched back and forth between OTA and Comcast local HD, the difference was dramatically in favor of OTA.

For those of you watching the Olympics - the Eggles are on in HD tonight.

ENJOY!

David

Hello,

I have a DVI switcher to switch between my 6208 and my HTPC with a MyHD OTA card. I have not seen a discernable difference in picture quality between Comcast and OTA antenna on my Sammy DLP over DVI. I check every so often. Comcast does not compress. Typically, there are two HD channels per QAM "channel." Comcast uses 256 QAM; so, there is no need to further compress the channels to make them fit in the QAM carrier channel.

Still waiting for 7.15 in Harrisburg...

Originally posted by faceoff
For those of you watching the Olympics - the Eggles are on in HD tonight.

ENJOY!

David

And the PQ was simply put... AMAZING. Unfortunately, I was too sick to attend the game, but was stunned by the overall quality of the picture. The natural turf at the Linc looked great on HD. I had a couple of reception issues here and there, but I believe it was on my end.

CBS certainly knows their HD. Thank you!

BTW, David, it's IGGLES! ;)

Originally posted by onejake
And the PQ was simply put... AMAZING. Unfortunately, I was too sick to attend the game, but was stunned by the overall quality of the picture. The natural turf at the Linc looked great on HD. I had a couple of reception issues here and there, but I believe it was on my end.

CBS certainly knows their HD. Thank you!

BTW, David, it's IGGLES! ;)

Regarding the PQ - gotta agree 100%. .

You say IGGLES! I say EGGLES! It got the message through.

ENJOY!!!!

David

Seanmcgpa, I don't know where you live as you do not list it, but, I can assure you that Comcast , at least in this market, does not compress their HD signal. I specifically checked between OTA CBS last night during the Eagles game and saw no difference. People see what they want to see I guess.

i thought the picture on the eagles look awful . at least for much of the first quater.
tons of pixalating and motion blur.
i saw the same ota on voom and through my directv reciever, and on comcast dig cable.

looked better in the second half, but this was not even close to how good cbs football looked all last season.

JWhip - Any idea when/what location we might see NFL network? Also, I thought our channel lineup was supposed to change in the middle of August. Did I remember the wrong date?

Thanks.

I do not know Drew. I can check next week. The channel remapping will prbably take place on AUgust 31st but I do not know for usre. Frankly, I am not all that interested in the NFL Network as I do not subscribe to digital plus which you need to get it. I have digital classic only. I will have access to it on Direct TV with my Sunday Ticket subscription. I am really only interested in their HD offerings only. If Comcast wants to give it to me for free...........!

Originally posted by JWhip
I do not know Drew. I can check next week. The channel remapping will prbably take place on AUgust 31st but I do not know for usre. Frankly, I am not all that interested in the NFL Network as I do not subscribe to digital plus which you need to get it. I have digital classic only. I will have access to it on Direct TV with my Sunday Ticket subscription. I am really only interested in their HD offerings only. If Comcast wants to give it to me for free...........!

8/31's what I'm hearing - at least for MontCo!

David

Originally posted by JWhip
Seanmcgpa, I don't know where you live as you do not list it, but, I can assure you that Comcast , at least in this market, does not compress their HD signal. I specifically checked between OTA CBS last night during the Eagles game and saw no difference. People see what they want to see I guess.

I guarantee, i would bet my life and my families life that here in south jersey although they have said they do not compress the HD chanenls that they are full of it. and you can bet that if they don't in your area eventually they will, we need more shopping channles and other garbage. plus all the analog channles will be broadcast in digital also ,where they geting the space? they are not removing the analog signals for awhile.

One other thing, if it is true they will add UPN57 HD, my questions is why? they show nothing in HD other than Enterprise, if they showed the phillies and other games in hd great but they don't, i would rather have TNT or Bravo added

Ugh, Williamstown people. ;)

Notice there are very few PPV channels now? That is where they have gotten space to add channels lately.

Originally posted by drhill
Ugh, Williamstown people. ;)

Notice there are very few PPV channels now? That is where they have gotten space to add channels lately.

To the best of my knowledge (which sometimes is pretty lacking) most (not all) of the movies that are, or would have been available on PPV are available through VOD.

David

Originally posted by drhill
Ugh, Williamstown people. ;)

Notice there are very few PPV channels now? That is where they have gotten space to add channels lately.

there are still 10 regualr PPV plus 5 adult PPV plus they just added another shopping channel plus the spanish tier, plus the sports tier, the 500 channel univers is not all that great, terrible pq on digital channels because of compression, some channels other than the premium are un watchable, the analog look much better

There is a difference between compression of SD vs. HD channels. There is no compression of HD channels in the eastern region of Comcast. Frankly, I do not really care whether there is on SD channels. Compressed or not, SD looks horrible. HD is my primary concern. I watch SD on my 19 year old analog set anyway.

Originally posted by shades
I guarantee, i would bet my life and my families life that here in south jersey although they have said they do not compress the HD chanenls that they are full of it. and you can bet that if they don't in your area eventually they will, we need more shopping channles and other garbage. plus all the analog channles will be broadcast in digital also ,where they geting the space? they are not removing the analog signals for awhile.

The HD's are not compressed, why you would bet your families life on that I'm not really sure :confused: . Digital channels start as analog, then are converted to digital which requires some compression in most cases.

And the answer to your question of where they are going to get the "space"............256 QAM is your answer.......

Originally posted by miatasm
The HD's are not compressed, why you would bet your families life on that I'm not really sure :confused: . Digital channels start as analog, then are converted to digital which requires some compression in most cases.

And the answer to your question of where they are going to get the "space"............256 QAM is your answer.......

While it is technically correct that HD channels (and SD) are not recompressed by Comcast or any other cable company, they can do what's called rate shaping which will reduce the bit rate of the programs which can cause reduced picture quality. Thus it is possible to fit 3 HDs into a 256QAM regardless of if those HD had original bit rates of 19Mbps or not.

I suspect that with the upciming channel changes this is what is, in part, happening. Last night I was over a friends house who had his HD channels on the 'new' channel numbers and the PQ was really bad with any motion compred to what I am used watching at my house.

If my PQ degardes after the channel changes, Comcast will certainly be hearing from me.

Comcast does NOT use rate shaping of any kind. Changing the channel numbers will have no effect on PQ as they are virtual channel numbers only. The signals themselves will not change. Geez guys.... Oh I forget, this is a Philadelphia (or should I say Negadelphia) thread.

Not to change the topic but does anyone know if WTXF has any plans on increasing their digital transmitter strength anytime soon? At the shore it's the only network I can't receive.

Ditto......JWhip.......They'll see what they want to see........

I have no idea why anyone would order a PPV anymore (except special event and adult, btw the playboy channel has mucho compression :P ) since when you VOD stuff you get it for a full day and can pause/rewind/ etc.

The premium channel SD's aren't that bad, but it's still SD so why does it matter.

Originally posted by JWhip
Comcast does NOT use rate shaping of any kind. Changing the channel numbers will have no effect on PQ as they are virtual channel numbers only. The signals themselves will not change. Geez guys.... Oh I forget, this is a Philadelphia (or should I say Negadelphia) thread.

In general, I believe Comcast, in many areas, uses a product from Terayon called a CherryPicker. Among other things, this product can reduce the bit rate on HD channels. (There are also products from Big Band and Motorola that do the same thing.)

Often, when virtual channel changes are made they are done in conjunction with equipment changes at the headend. I was merely speculating that since I noticed a difference in encoding quality off a system that was already updated with the new channel numbers that the possibility existed that rate shaping was the cause. If that is the case, I would not be happy if I notice a degradation in PQ after the new channels are assigned.

While it is certainly possible the virtual channel changes are for marketting purposes only, I doubt it.

This is a quote from this article about rate-shaping:

http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2003/1003/10c.htm

At Comcast Corp., the MSO has not yet employed rate-shaping, although the company has toyed with it in the lab, says Mark Hess, Comcast’s VP of digital television. He does not rule out HD rate-shaping in the future, noting that it depends largely on the content, and the quality of the content. For now, “we’re allowing the product providers to take advantage of as much bandwidth as they need or require,” Hess says.

“We’re not going to make the picture quality go down just to save bandwidth,” he adds. “Right now, the key consideration is picture quality.”

Rate-shaping becomes more problematic when HD signals are bit-reduced at the point of origination. At a facility like the Comcast Media Center (CMC), for example, HD feeds (such as InDemand’s two linear HD channels and Discovery HD Theater) are originated, then multiplexed together and beamed up to a satellite.

Gary Traver, senior vice president and chief operating officer at the CMC, notes that a raw high bit-rate feed of HD video files can flow at a rate of up to 45 Mbps. Those files are reduced in bit rate before they are multiplexed and sent up to the satellite. To then add another layer of rate-shaping at the headend can be detrimental, says Traver.

“You want to minimize the number of steps on the concatenation activity on the digital signal,” he says. Using HD VOD files as an example, he notes it’s better to take a high-bit rate feed and compress it in one step. This ensures the parameters of compression are determined in one place. “It’s easier to control the outcome,” Traver says.

Where are you getting this speculative information about Rate shaping & when / how Comcast makes changes to their system?

Let me sum up that article......they will be screwing up the HD signals in the near future ,love that quote," right now PQ is most important":rolleyes: , oh yeah like i said i can see with my own eyes, they are doing something already i am not delusional and there is no problem with my TV. i love how some people just take the word of comcast.

Oh so you would rather them have been "screwing HD" up since the beginning. Why do you take such quotes like "PQ is the most important, right now" as a negative?

I love how some ppl are quick to look at what Comcast MAY be doing in the future, & are quick to blame them whenever anything goes even a little wrong. I agree that there may not be a problem with your TV, but I'm on the fence about you being delusional......:) Believe me I don't take the word of Comcast on anything.....;)

If he had said PQ is the most important thats one thing, but when you drop in that right now to it that makes a big difference and says alot. ok maybe i am slightly delusional, the PQ looks better tonite . but i still say they are doing something because the others channles have looked consistently the same yet all HD channels have not

This article (http://www.broadband-pbimedia.com/cgi/cw/show_mag.cgi?pub=cw&mon=040703&file=no_one_deliver.inc) provides a nice chart on how MSOs deliver HD. Picture quality will be the major selling point for years to come. At some point, analog cable channels will disappear. MSOs will go totally digital. Knowing this, I really can't see why Comcast would employ rate-shaping and lose the competitive advantage.

That what I meant to say. Thanks Joe. If Comcast employs Rate Shaping it will be only a temporary solution, as the analogs go away they will be replaced with Digital. One thing to take into consideration is that when all channels go Digital, they all won't be doing HD. Some OTA broadcasters would rather use their 6MHz to send out - 4 - SD Digital channels rather than 1 HD & 1 SD. Things will be getting very interesting over the next couple of years, to say the least.

Originally posted by miatasm
This is a quote from this article about rate-shaping:

http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2003/1003/10c.htm

At Comcast Corp., the MSO has not yet employed rate-shaping, although the company has toyed with it in the lab, says Mark Hess, Comcast’s VP of digital television. He does not rule out HD rate-shaping in the future, noting that it depends largely on the content, and the quality of the content. For now, “we’re allowing the product providers to take advantage of as much bandwidth as they need or require,” Hess says.
FYI, this article is almost a year old (Oct 2003)

The other article from Cable world is even older... (April 7, 2003)...

After I received the 7.15 firmware upgrade, Comcast Sports net (HD) has a stretched picture, and the audio sounds like an echo chamber. Only channel with this problem.

Also, I am noticing ditigal channels where fast motions tile. Did not have this before.

Is the 7.15, or am I having signal problems.

Thanks, Mike

I'm in Burlington, NJ & got the Comcast/Moto 6208 two days ago. For the most part, I'm loving it. Having never had a TiVo-like DVR, I can now appreciate what all the fuss is about. For me, the best thing is being able to record to my JVC 30K DVHS via Firewire. In the past month, I've had DirecTV, VOOM & now Comcast. I've loved VOOM (& will miss it a little), but a DVR plus a functional Firewire are deal-breakers for me! But, even w/the v7.15 firmware my 6208 came with, I've got a few issues... (it'd be too much to ask for a hi-def hardware w/o any) ;)

The Firewire connection is definitely finicky. First, the JVC 30K must usually turn on before the 6208 to establish a good connection. Second, the 6208 sometimes just makes a clicking noise, turns off & back on. It appears the Firewire connection is causing this. The bad thing is that the Guide data is all lost & it takes hours for the full Guide to reload.

The 6208's DVI output sometimes shows a split screen, with the image chopped off & repeated. But, this anomaly only affects the DVI output, not the DVR/DVHS recording. Thankfully, going up/down one channel & back usually corrects the issue.

I'm also getting pixellation & stutters on some channels sometimes, mainly HBO-HD & InHD1. The installer who came put quite a few connectors (like this (http://www.prodvb.com/catalog/images/dvbnexus/large.SS-0056P.jpg) or this kind (http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/hires/rca/EC.RCA.VH66.JPG)) from the street box to my 6208. Does this affect signal quality? (or do only splitters do so?) The pixellation/stutters only happen sometimes, so I'm wondering if it may be a heat issue? The 6208 box does get very hot. I have it in my a/v rack right now & I'm wondering if I need to put it on top of the rack.

Finally, as people have already mentioned, the 80GB hard drive is too small for hi-def purposes. That's why being able to archive to DVHS is a huge deal for me. I'm concerned about what Comcast will do in the near future with Firewire & 5C, but I've got my fingers crossed they'll leave things status quo.

Technically the connectors you saw being used shouldn't cause any loss of signal level, assuming they were properly installed........

Comcast does not control 5c or HDCP....they merely pass the protection protocol from the Broadcaster to the end user, untouched.

Originally posted by Brajesh
I'm in Burlington, NJ & got the Comcast/Moto 6208 two days ago. For the most part, I'm loving it. Having never had a TiVo-like DVR, I can now appreciate what all the fuss is about.

I agree 100% with your review. I have not used my JVC 30K yet. Still looking for the right firewire cable pin set. Been to two Radio shacks an all they have is the duel 6 six pin cable..............What a pain

The thing I like most about the 62xx is it did not cost me $1000 like the Tivo unit. Looking forward to the 6212 due out this fall or so I was told by the tech that installed my unit.

CIrcuit City and best buy have the 4 to 6 pin firewire cbales

You need a 6-to-4 pin Firewire cable (http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/20056849/Images/CB-80906.jpg). Get it for cheap off eBay. The seller's name (who I got mine from) is jamigo2 & you can get one shipped for $5.50. I have no affiliation w/him.

I haven't tried recording from HBO yet. Someone in the 'DVD Recorders' forum mentioned that HBO has implemented "copy never" or "copy once" (he wasn't clear) as of 6/1. You guys still able to dump HBO from the 6208's hard drive to DVHS?

thx about the firewire info guys. all i had was 6 to 6 cable for my Samsung ota box.

I do not know about HBO. I only get HBO from Direct TV. It is my understanding that it is copy protected. I would assume that it is copy once not copy never.

I have the 6200 (waiting for the 6412 to come out), but I'm able to record HBO fine now that v 7.15 is out.

Originally posted by Brajesh
I haven't tried recording from HBO yet. Someone in the 'DVD Recorders' forum mentioned that HBO has implemented "copy never" or "copy once" (he wasn't clear) as of 6/1. You guys still able to dump HBO from the 6208's hard drive to DVHS?

I record from the 6208 quite often (HBO, Showtime, Starz) and have never had a problem.

Originally posted by miatasm
Technically the connectors you saw being used shouldn't cause any loss of signal level, assuming they were properly installed........

Comcast does not control 5c or HDCP....they merely pass the protection protocol from the Broadcaster to the end user, untouched.

They can control it or they can pass it for any given channel.

Originally posted by math08
After I received the 7.15 firmware upgrade, Comcast Sports net (HD) has a stretched picture, and the audio sounds like an echo chamber.

Is the 7.15, or am I having signal problems.

Thanks, Mike

i dont know about the audio but the video has always been stretched when not showing hd materioal.

This was an issue I had last year and thought was fixed. I could not find the past thread to see who the eventual contact was. On WPVI HD through Comcast and OTA there is an audio delay that makes it look like I am watching a dubbed movie. The possible solutions last year ran from my TV to the national feed out of NY. I think it ended up being some setting in the WPVI control room that caused a synch problem. Anyone else recall this and how to escalate? I sent info to the on line WPVI comments address.

has been out of synch about 3 days now.

Not sure if anyone is curious or not, but here's some bitrates from the channels around 9:30pm 8/23.

173-ESPNHD 18Mbps
174-INHD 17Mbps
175-INHD2 17Mbps
179-HBO 14.2Mbps
180-ABC 25Mbps
181-NBC 25Mbps
182-CBS 25Mbps
183-FOX 25Mbps
184-WB 25Mbps
186-Disc 18.2Mbps
190-PBS 25Mbps
194 WPVI2 15mbps
195 WPVI3 15Mbps

Random Digital SD channel 1.9976 Mbps
Random Analog channel 8.5 Mbps

Some interesting rates there. HBO seems awfully low while the 15 for the two WPVI sub channels seems like a waste, unless they have no choice. Seems the major networks get 25 across the board. This was all seen through firewire to XP.

Theres something wrong there as OTA 8vsb can only do 19.39 Mb/s. Am I missing something????

Originally posted by Drew_N

Some interesting rates there. HBO seems awfully low while the 15 for the two WPVI sub channels seems like a waste, unless they have no choice. Seems the major networks get 25 across the board. This was all seen through firewire to XP.

Seems that whatever program you were using did not properly calculate or measure the bit rate for the off airs.

As for WPVI's SD channels, their news channel makes some sense, but honestly, there is a lot of wasted bandwidth in the radar. They are doing that as full motion video at several Mbps...it could easily be done at 1/2 if even less bandwidth (Just I-frames or even MPEG stills at several hundred kbps).

While I personally find the radar useful at times, Monday Night Football quality does not need to suffer.

The MNF quality last night was awful. THis morning the games highlights on ESPNHD looked much better than on WPVI last night. There is no question in my mind that these two subchannles are ruining the quality of ABC's HD broadcasts. If that is the case, why bother? Last nights' game looked almost as bad as SD.

Maybe someone can contact the esteemed James Gilbert to see if WPVI can adjust their bitrate during HD telecasts. But somehow, I doubt he will even care.