Joe_R

Have you tried to amplify the signal, and/or use a rotator to fine tune it. That solution may end up costing you less than a complete bail out.

Noticed many problems when viewing this over Comcast last night - the upper right hand graphic of the scoreboard with the time remaining being the worst problem. It would first appear blurry and fuzzy - out of focus - before eventually sharpening up and looking right. This happened dozens of times and was noticeably distracting. Text and graphics in general seemed to cause problems all night long. In the fourth quarter, the screen went to a stop motion-effect for a series or two and became unwatchable. Had to switch to standard def ABC.

Anyone else notice this / was bothered by this?

I was viewing the game in Souderton, PA.

Same observations as Zippy watching via Comcast in Drexel Hill, PA

I was wondering why I have more trouble pulling in WPVI-DT than the other stations in Philly, and I noticed on the FCC website that they're only broadcasting at 500 kW versus 770kW for KYW-DT.

Does anybody know why 'PVI would be so low powered?

For a lark, I looked up WKBW-DT (Buffalo, NY), and they're over 700kW too - and Buffalo certainly isn't as big a market as Philly.

I called 'PVI several weeks ago because Monday Night Football in DT was unwatachable (OTA) and spoke with a nice guy who was the chief engineer, and I got the feeling that they feel DT is a nuisance..

I get NBC and CBS and soon Fox in HD from DirecTV, but it looks like ABC isn't going to let their HD signal on the bird. So I'm left with 'PVI, but they don't seem to be into the hi def game...

Any advice/opinions?

Thanks!

(I'm in Chester Springs, about 30 miles from the antenna farm, and using a Winegard SquareShooter - I get the other Philly stations OK, except for chanel 12's digital signal).

Can someone explain to me why FOX 29 drops to SD every hour to put up the station bug. I thought fox supplied them with the equipment to be able to do this in HD

They sent the equipment...but not the instructions :)

Originally posted by Franzius
Joe_R

Have you tried to amplify the signal, and/or use a rotator to fine tune it. That solution may end up costing you less than a complete bail out.

No rotor but I do have a CM 7777 preamp

Dan, the reason WPVI-DT is at 500 is that any higher power will cause interference with channel 65 analog. That is why WPVI does nit use their entire power allocation. Nonetheless, where you live, unless you have a hugh hill in front of you like I do, you should have no trouble at all locking onto WPVI-DT. As an example, UPN57's digital signal is at very low power albeit on channel 32 vs. 64. If you can pull that it, there is no reason not to get WPVI-DT.

Originally posted by Dan Herrmann
I was wondering why I have more trouble pulling in WPVI-DT than the other stations in Philly, and I noticed on the FCC website that they're only broadcasting at 500 kW versus 770kW for KYW-DT.

Does anybody know why 'PVI would be so low powered?

For a lark, I looked up WKBW-DT (Buffalo, NY), and they're over 700kW too - and Buffalo certainly isn't as big a market as Philly.

I called 'PVI several weeks ago because Monday Night Football in DT was unwatachable (OTA) and spoke with a nice guy who was the chief engineer, and I got the feeling that they feel DT is a nuisance..

I get NBC and CBS and soon Fox in HD from DirecTV, but it looks like ABC isn't going to let their HD signal on the bird. So I'm left with 'PVI, but they don't seem to be into the hi def game...

Any advice/opinions?

Thanks!

(I'm in Chester Springs, about 30 miles from the antenna farm, and using a Winegard SquareShooter - I get the other Philly stations OK, except for chanel 12's digital signal).

Call Jim Gilbert 215-878-9700
Hopefully he still works in the engineering dept. Last I talked...well, it was a long time ago. But at that time, he said they were at full power on a 1300ft. antenna.

I've tried the Samsung Sirt-150 and the LG LST4200a and both show the same problem with UPN Digital.In every episode of Veronica Mars, green horizontal and vertical lines pop up on the screen every few minutes.Anyone else see the same problem watching Hd on this station or when Veronica Mars is aired?

Is CSN showing away sixer games in HD this year, they said the game will be HD tomorrow but it is in New jersey

Anyone else see WPHL-DT freeze during smallville? I thought I lost the signal... nope, this time I guess they thought we'd like to see 20 minutes of a frozen Clark Kent.

Shades...Last season CSN ran several promos for road Flyers and Sixers games and incorrectly left the HD graphic in the spot. I was pumped until I found out that it was done in error...somehow it continues to happen down there...maybe someday!

Originally posted by shades
Is CSN showing away sixer games in HD this year, they said the game will be HD tomorrow but it is in New jersey

I would expect every Home game on CSN to be in HD. Away games would shock and delight.

I didn't see much of the Phillies lately, but I caught the last few minutes of the Phantoms game tonight and it seems like they have their PQ back to what it used to be... stellar.

I still think the Phillies games I saw weren't as good as the Padres or Red Sox (boo hiss choke), but oh well.

the sixers HD Schedule is out and looks like almost all Home games are in HD but there is one road game listed, in toronto,

Hi I'm new to this so forgive me if its a stupid question, I have a panasonic TH-42PD25U/P Plasma TV that comes with a NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner and a cable card slot. I also have blue ridge cable tv service in stroudsburg PA, i connected the cable directly to the plasma's coax in and scan for digital chanels and found nothing, do i require a cable card to receive unencrypted digital stations. I currently only have broadcast local service in standard Def. and SD staions come in fine.

Anyone catch the Phantoms game last night? The picture quality was terrible (out of focus and mosquito noise). I'm on Blue Ridge Cable in Ephrata. Did you folks with Comcast have a similar picture?

No i thought the PQ was very good with comcast

I've been having problems lately with Comcast HD in South Jersey. Yesterday afternoon both InHDs were pixellating (macroblocking) awfully, SHO was in and out, and KYW-DT(212) was out way more than in. The CSR said it was sun fade, which I have trouble buying, but sure enough when the sun went down all the stations came in better.

Odd.

WCAU-DT still seems to be crackling a bit...

Originally posted by gmelendez
Hi I'm new to this so forgive me if its a stupid question, I have a panasonic TH-42PD25U/P Plasma TV that comes with a NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner and a cable card slot. I also have blue ridge cable tv service in stroudsburg PA, i connected the cable directly to the plasma's coax in and scan for digital chanels and found nothing, do i require a cable card to receive unencrypted digital stations. I currently only have broadcast local service in standard Def. and SD staions come in fine.

If the TV has a QAM tuner and blue ridge offers your local channels in HD you should be able to get them without subscribing to anything other then basic service. Now if blue ridge is encrypting the local HD that is against FCC rules they can however encrypt any other HD channels. If that is the case you can contact the FCC if blue ridge is unwilling to help you. Another possibility is their is an issue with the TV.

Blue Ridge Cable requires customers to subscribe to digital basic and HD basic to get HD broadcast channels. If you don't think this practice is fair, the man to email is Mark Masenheimer (mmasenheimer@pencor.com) . He is very insistant that this policy does not violate FCC laws.

has anyone lost the ability to use the dvi output from the digital moto box ?
i've been using the dvi out with my mits 73713 for months but today when i turned it on i had a screen saying the dvi was no longer valid or something to that effect.
it said i have to switch to the component output.

plus i get black screen on dvi.

My condo bldg. was wired 19 yrs. ago; I am on the top floor of a mid-rise.

When I moved in, a few years ago, one wire had to be re-terminated. I tried an RG6 connector, but it was too loose, and an RG59 connector wouldn't fit. So, I waited for the installer to terminate it, but I don't know what he used, other than it was a compression fitting.

I think the wire must be RG59-QS.
(I didn't know until I searched that RG59-QS exists.)

Do you think HD/Digital will work?
And if the signal is too weak for HD what can be done?

I don't see how they could re-wire anything here.
(I know my splitters are 5-1000MHz.)

Originally posted by gmelendez
Hi I'm new to this so forgive me if its a stupid question, I have a panasonic TH-42PD25U/P Plasma TV that comes with a NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner and a cable card slot. I also have blue ridge cable tv service in stroudsburg PA, i connected the cable directly to the plasma's coax in and scan for digital chanels and found nothing, do i require a cable card to receive unencrypted digital stations. I currently only have broadcast local service in standard Def. and SD staions come in fine.

You should not need a CableCARD. You should contact Blue Ridge Cable to make sure they are sending out unencrypted off-air HD (assuming they have HD at all).

whotony wrote: "has anyone lost the ability to use the dvi output from the digital moto box ? i've been using the dvi out with my mits 73713 for months but today when i turned it on i had a screen saying the dvi was no longer valid or something to that effect.it said i have to switch to the component output...plus i get black screen on dvi."

I had a similar problem and calling Comcast to send a signal to the box worked. I had to wait for the signal, then after 40 minutes, I disconnected the electrical supply to the box, waited 60 seconds, then plugged it back in. Then some wierd shapes passed through the display, then a little while later it worked.

This may be a copy protection feature that goes haywire sometimes. It affects the DVI connection.

Originally posted by moelawn
whotony wrote: "has anyone lost the ability to use the dvi output from the digital moto box ? i've been using the dvi out with my mits 73713 for months but today when i turned it on i had a screen saying the dvi was no longer valid or something to that effect.it said i have to switch to the component output...plus i get black screen on dvi."

I had a similar problem and calling Comcast to send a signal to the box worked. I had to wait for the signal, then after 40 minutes, I disconnected the electrical supply to the box, waited 60 seconds, then plugged it back in. Then some wierd shapes passed through the display, then a little while later it worked.

This may be a copy protection feature that goes haywire sometimes. It affects the DVI connection.

I too have been using DVI via the 6200 for some time. No trouble here!

If Blue ridge is not sending out unencryoted locals and are sayinf they are allowed to do require you to sign up for anythign other then basic I would contact the FCC directly. I tried to find the text on their website that says they can not encrypot them but its almost impossible to find anything on their site.

Does anyone have an update on UPN HD? I know that in the past the argument was that only Enterprise was in HD, but it appears that more UPN shows are being broadcast in HD, such as Veronica Mars. I thought Comcast was going to add UPN HD after the CBS deal.

Has anyone else in New Jersey gotten the 6412?

Comcast, for the time being at least, has decided not to add UPN 57 due to bandwidth issues and lack of demand. I have been in contact with senior management at Comcast and have let them know that there is a lot of interest out here for them to add UPN 57. I would suggest that anyone who wants it, call or e-mail Comcast and let them know.

Does anyone know if UPN has plans to air Sixers games in HD anytime soon? It's so disappointing when they pick up a home game only to show in SD.

i tried to get the 6412 the other day.
delaware county.
the comcast offfice on pennell rd.

when i mentioned the 2 tuner dvr digital box they looked at me like i was crazy as if thinking, "2 tuner box. are you from dvr fantasy land?"

then i asked about the 1 tuner dvr and was told again that i have to have a service call to have it installed and set up.

Originally posted by JWhip
Comcast, for the time being at least, has decided not to add UPN 57 due to bandwidth issues and lack of demand. I have been in contact with senior management at Comcast and have let them know that there is a lot of interest out here for them to add UPN 57. I would suggest that anyone who wants it, call or e-mail Comcast and let them know.

Call or e-mail who? Anyone in particular?

I got a notice in the mail that Comcast is moving HD channels once again. Any insight as to why??

Shouldn't we have the option to buy the DCT5100 vs. renting it? Why can't we get these in the stores? Why are we forced to have their techs to set us up? With that said, I did see two on e-Bay. But never in stores. Can you say Monopoly...

I agree that having to pay to have a DVR, or cable box in general installed is ridiculous especially since the installer admitted to me he knew nothing about the 6208. All he did was bring the box to my house, I wouldn't let him touch my stuff so I hooked it up.

Originally posted by JWhip
Comcast, ... due to bandwidth issues ...
Bandwidth issues! Get rid of some of the analog channels:
QVC, HSN, Gameshow, Family, EWTN, Style, Golf, etc.
or move them to digital. Don't get me started!

Originally posted by JWhip
Comcast, for the time being at least, has decided not to add UPN 57 due to bandwidth issues and lack of demand. I have been in contact with senior management at Comcast and have let them know that there is a lot of interest out here for them to add UPN 57. I would suggest that anyone who wants it, call or e-mail Comcast and let them know.

On the list of HD channels People want UPN is way down on the list, they show nothing at all really, not even home games of the sports teams and are not this year either , i and most would much rather have TNT or HDNET

While I would love to see HDNet added, I wouldn't say UPN is way down on my list. It's probably number 2 or 3. I would LOVE to be able to see Enterprise in HD. Plus, they have around 4 other shows in HD now and their Friday night movie (I think)...probably about the same amount of HD programming as WB, and it's carried by Comcast.

My HD channel wishlist, in order:

HDNet
UPN HD
HDNet Movies
HD PPV/VOD (right now very limited selection on VOD)
Encore HD (when it's available)
TNT HD (way too many commercials, and I'm not a big sports fan)
NJN (PBS) (they sometimes show different HD stuff than WHYY)
Bravo HD
TBS HD (when it's available)

Can anyone supply me with a name of a "professional" installer to install my OTA? No one seems to install them anymore.

Thanks

Great...now both WCAU Channel 10 NBC and New York NBC 4 have screwed up audio. It sounds like they're just broadcasting the rear surround tracks. Just quiet background sound. It's hard for me to be sure, as I don't have a surround system.

Ya know...if NBC has decided they're not in the TV business, I wish they'd just sell their good shows to someone who has a clue and shut their doors.

Tom

Jerry, it really is not hard to do yourself. PM me with where you are in Wayne. If you are near me, you may have real OTA reception problems.

has anyone else noticed the sound problems with LOST every week this season.

i swear this week i was only getting sound from the front ctr channel.

the first few weeks the picture and sound was totally screwed up.

Various markets started rolling out the Moto6412 this week...any word from those 'in the know' on the Philly/South Jersey region? Also, some other threads have mentioned Comcasts digital simulcasting project which will ultimately address PQ issues...any rumors?

Thanks.

I assume Comcast will be adding ESPN2 HD?

Originally posted by whotony
has anyone else noticed the sound problems with LOST every week this season. i swear this week i was only getting sound from the front ctr channel.



ABC has had issues in the past with their DD 5.1. I've seen a few shows where there was no front at all including center and all you could hear was the surround channels of laughter.

The 6412's should be available this week the last I was told. There will be very few to be had at the outset. Comcast will be carrying ESPN2HD at the outset. This was confirmed for me by Comcast senior management.

Originally posted by JWhip
The 6412's should be available this week the last I was told. There will be very few to be had at the outset. Comcast will be carrying ESPN2HD at the outset. This was confirmed for me by Comcast senior management.

ESPN2 at the outset. That means..January?

Yes. That is what I have been told.

I'd be nice to see the Sixers on a digital channel of UPN since their analog is so piss poor. HD UPN Sixers would be beautiful.

My wish list for comcast (in order):

TNT-HD (because of all HD basketball now... a must)
HDNet-HDNet Movies.
Encore-HD (which is available I believe)
TMC-HD
PPV (On Demand prefered I guess)
...
..
.
Bravo-HD ... actually I don't want this at all.

They really do need to start axing some of those horrible analog channels to digital (or just get rid of them) but because they (Comcast) own some of those channel or are under contract we are screwed until then.

There is certainly plenty of bandwidth for additional channels. Traditional analog ends at channel 79 most cable plants can handle up to channel 135 so once digital channels are transitions to 256-QAM (which is what Comcast is doing now) there will be plenty of room of additional channels. But right now Comcast is optimizing their current channel line up and also doing digital simulcast (carrying all analog channels in digital so they look better for DVR).

Figure about 8 channels to digitize analog, 10 or 12 channels for existing digital. There is plenty of room for new digital channels.

I am going to be getting a 6412, but I don't know if the plug will fit through the opening in the back of the TV stand. (My UPS didn't.) Therefore, I don't know where it will go, when I do know, I will route the wires ahead of time.

So anyone with a 6412 or 6208, please tell me the height and width of the plug. (Metric would probably be most accurate.)

I assume the box dimensions are the same. The manual doesn't list them, AFAICT. Of course, plug dimensions are never listed, AFAIK.

Originally posted by JWhip
The 6412's should be available this week the last I was told. There will be very few to be had at the outset. Comcast will be carrying ESPN2HD at the outset. This was confirmed for me by Comcast senior management.

Doesn't the 6412 need the new guide? I was guessing that it did, and that I wouldn't be able to get a 6412 until my 6208 got the new guide.....

Of course Chestnut Hill always gets the new stuff later than the Main Line.

The FOX 29 news at 10PM on Sunday (10/31/04) has a logo overlayed in the lower right corner of the (16:9) HD feed. Too bad they got it working after the World Series, but perhaps we will not see FOX 29 go back to SD for legal IDs anymore.

Originally posted by dbrouda
The FOX 29 news at 10PM on Sunday (10/31/04) has a logo overlayed in the lower right corner of the (16:9) HD feed. Too bad they got it working after the World Series, but perhaps we will not see FOX 29 go back to SD for legal IDs anymore.

Yeah, because I forgot I was watching Fox between the 18 graphics saying it and the pathetic sound effects/constant promos. Oh I forgot I was near Philly too. ;)

Let's hope dbrouda is right.

Checked with Comcast today. There will be no UPN 57 added for quite some time. Maybe in the spring/summer. Not enough content to justify the bandwidth.

I wish, then, that they offered UPN HD content "On Demand". Why not load up Enterprise on their server and deliver it that way? The HD On Demand offerings aren't that tempting - this would help. And not carrying the digital channel is understandable if there's only one or two shows in HD. This seems like the best of both worlds...

Originally posted by JWhip
Checked with Comcast today. There will be no UPN 57 added for quite some time. Maybe in the spring/summer. Not enough content to justify the bandwidth.

Thanks for reporting back, it's very helpful to have your input even if it's not what we want to hear always. Are you willing to take a stab at the following?;

Knowing ESPN2 is coming, how would you stack up the addition of the oustanding HD channels not yet added from soonest to most distant (or not at all) with 1 being the soonest to 10 not at all;

1) HD NET (Mark Cuban)
2) HD Movies (Mark Cuban)
3) TNT HD
4) UPN HD
5) Any others?

Recognizing things change & knowing you've been asked this sort of thing before, answer if you can or just tell us you're not comfortable answering this if you don't want to answer. Or I guess no response tells us anyway doesn't it??


:)

Originally posted by JWhip
The 6412's should be available this week the last I was told. There will be very few to be had at the outset. Comcast will be carrying ESPN2HD at the outset. This was confirmed for me by Comcast senior management.


I was told by comcast this week that bucks county won't be getting the 6412 until March.....

The HD On Demand offerings aren't that tempting
An understatement! What iMAX show shall I not pay to watch in HD?

Pay a small fortune! It's like eight or nine bucks for a 50 minute Imax show, and that's about it. Way too much money for way too little entertainment.

It's almost cheaper to see Imax at the Franklin Center!

Originally posted by JWhip
Checked with Comcast today. There will be no UPN 57 added for quite some time. Maybe in the spring/summer. Not enough content to justify the bandwidth.

And they are right, if UPN showed sports teams in HD that would be a different story. of course you could make the argument that comcast is nothing but a bunch of liars and don't give a damn about the customer and would put on the the shopping channel HD if they could find a way ot make abuck and screw over people that don't watch that crap

I called Comcast yesterday about the 6412 and was told they were out of them in my area and will not have anymore till December.

Last week I was told they didn't have them at all and wouldn't till January.

So who knows.

JWhip
Checked with Comcast today. There will be no UPN 57 added for quite some time. Maybe in the spring/summer. Not enough content to justify the bandwidth.

I wrote to Channel 57 a few weeks ago on this issue. They replied that they are working on an agreement with Comcast, but won't sign anything until at least 50% of their prime-time shows are HDTV. They expected this to happen by year-end.

I got a message on my Comcast STB. They are going to shuffle the HD channels around starting Dec.2. I don't remember any specifics. Nothing about any new carries.

Originally posted by hd_addicted
I got a message on my Comcast STB. They are going to shuffle the HD channels around starting Dec.2. I don't remember any specifics. Nothing about any new carries.

I received a note in the mail from Comcast showing the HD re-shuffle coming in December, nothing mentioned about new carries. JWhip is noted by his absense when I ask about new carries!!

In which tier are the HD Standard channels (CSN, ESPN, DISC, INHD 1 & 2); is it Digital Classic or Digital Plus?
(I am in the Willow Grove service area)

If it is Classic, does anyone know if they plan to put future HD Std. channels there as well, for the foreseeable future?

(I am aware that HD locals are in Ltd. Basic and HD premiums are part of each premium.)

I'm sure you all know that Directv has UPN and Star Trek in HD :p

Originally posted by hd_addicted
I got a message on my Comcast STB. They are going to shuffle the HD channels around starting Dec.2. I don't remember any specifics. Nothing about any new carries.

The just reshuffled everything a few months ago, they did a lousy job if you ask me, i don't understand A porn channel right after teh HD channlels and G4TECHTV in the middle of movie channels

Does anyone know if CSN has any plans on broadcasting Daily news live and sportsnite in HD?

Originally posted by Tyro
I'm sure you all know that Directv has UPN and Star Trek in HD :p

People actually still watch that junk? sad excuse for a star trek franchise

Shades wrote, referring to "Enterprise," apparently: "People actually still watch that junk? sad excuse for a star trek franchise." See my reply in AVS Forum > DVD and Movies > Digital Software Discussion and Reviews ("reply to shades" included in subject line so just search for "shades" (off topic here I think).

Did anyone else have problems receiving OTA signal from WPVI last night?

According to a poster on DSLReports...

6412's have made it to Philly - WITH the I-Guide loaded..

Dang...how he got his hands on that I have no idea..

INHD2 is blacking out the NFL GOTW on my INHD2.
Jwhip, Faceoff any ideas.?
If you remember I didn't have INHD2 when I first got Comcsat at my new house, until we got it corrected.

Sometimes the NFL GOTW is blacked out and sometimes it's not.
Seems the earlier times are blacked out and the repeat is not.
Sometimes. Maybe sometimes they (Comcast) forget to hit the blackout switch.

Originally posted by jeepmatt
According to a poster on DSLReports...

6412's have made it to Philly - WITH the I-Guide loaded..

Dang...how he got his hands on that I have no idea.. That's me! I got two 6412s installed yesterday afternoon. I'm in center city. Here is a link to my review of the 6412 and i-Guide:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=464986

It's the 8th post down.

Two!!!
Just talked with a Comcast CSR, she didn't know anything about them.
I can't even get one and you've got 2! Grumble, grumble.

I've been calling nearly every day. When I called Wednesday it appeared to be the first day they were available. At first the CSR said they weren't available, but I always ask them to confirm that with someone. He did, came back and said they were available, and scheduled me for an install.

Apparantly they've had the boxes for a couple weeks but have been waiting on the remote controls with the "swap" button. The remote I got still doesn't have the swap button, but the "TV/VCR" button had been reprogramed to do the swap function.

As far as availability, I don't know if the suburbs get their boxes from a different warehouse or not. That might explain why I was able to get one (oops, I mean two ;) ), but they're not yet available where you are.

How much per month are they charging for the 6412?

Same as the 6208: $9.95 per box.

Originally posted by hd_addicted
Sometimes the NFL GOTW is blacked out and sometimes it's not.
Seems the earlier times are blacked out and the repeat is not.
Sometimes. Maybe sometimes they (Comcast) forget to hit the blackout switch. It should never be blacked out, it's a glich that needs to be corrected.

I think that the GOTW is also broadcast on the NFL Network and Comcast blacks out the INHD2 version due to some prior agreement.
I wonder if they're converting NFL Films footage to HD for the GOTW?

Every US citizen should be assigned a VPF (Voting Power Factor), based on their education....
An MIT scientist would have higher voting power than a high school dropout hick from Kansas

I guess that explains four more years. BUT, I saw it on INHD2!!:)

I represent that! I am not from Kansas! :)

Carl,

Fabulous!! Please list the program...I have roughly 59,459,765 friends that need to see it (but whose counting) :)

Chris

Originally posted by hd_addicted
Two!!!
Just talked with a Comcast CSR, she didn't know anything about them.
I can't even get one and you've got 2! Grumble, grumble.
What is your service area?

Does anyone in the Service Areas of: Willow Grove, Lower Merion, or Norristown have a 6412 installed or an install appointment?

Reply to hd_addicted and others who want to see NFL Game of the Week in HD.

Maybe the deal is the first INDH feed has to be after the first NFL Network feed.

Originally posted by QZ1
What is your service area?
Blue Bell. And I haven't seen a blue bell anywhere.

reply to hd_addicted.

Blue Bell.

Formerly Pigeontown.

I like Pigeontown better.

Originally posted by hd_addicted
Blue Bell. And I haven't seen a blue bell anywhere.
IIRC, Blue Bell (Whitpain Twp.) is in the Norristown service area, which is now called the Montgomery County area; eventhough there are other service areas in Montco., like Willow Grove and Lower Merion.

Called Comcast on Friday. They said 6412 not qavailable until 2005 in this area.

Called today. 5412 to be delivered on Tuesday.

Anyone if the area looking to get rid of an OTA HD Tuner? I just picked up a Samsung HL-P4663W and need something to tune in some HD stations. I am not convinced on getting Comcast HD. Shoot me an email!

After watching my recording of the Sixers from Friday night the picture looked great... right up until the "fuzzy" issue popped up. While not as bad as last year it is still there. Bah!

In which tier are the HD Standard channels (CSN, ESPN, DISC, INHD 1 & 2); is it Digital Classic or Digital Plus? (I am in the Willow Grove service area)

If it is Classic, does anyone know, if they plan to put future HD Std. channels there as well, for the foreseeable future?

(I am aware that HD locals are in Ltd. Basic and HD premiums are part of each premium.)

Originally posted by RGrizzzz
Anyone if the area looking to get rid of an OTA HD Tuner? I just picked up a Samsung HL-P4663W and need something to tune in some HD stations. I am not convinced on getting Comcast HD. Shoot me an email!

The HD locals are included for free on even the most basic Comcast package ($18.99/month where I live). It's required by the FCC. If you're already paying rent for a Comcast STB, you should have them give you the HD capable version and you'll get the locals for free. If you want Disccovery HD, HBO HD, etc., you'll have to bump up to digital cable.

Oh, and Comcast phone reps will play dumb and tell you that you need digital to get HD locals, but that's not accurate. They're on every package right down to the limited basic plan.

best--

Rob Parker

Originally posted by hd_addicted
I think that the GOTW is also broadcast on the NFL Network and Comcast blacks out the INHD2 version due to some prior agreement.
I wonder if they're converting NFL Films footage to HD for the GOTW?

DirecTV customers can watch GOTW in HD on channel 98 every Wednesday and Thursday night at 9PM eastern. It's the only program that the NFL Network offers in HD and it's a true NFL Films HD production. It's not being "converted" in the traditional sense of the word. The 16MM film is printed into a video server at HD resolution, edited and then dumped to HD tape.

rp

Just curious if anyone caught Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of the Rings last night on 17-1. It was in HD...but I'm in Central NJ and I'm able to get a quasi-stable signal....and I was wondering if anyone else viewing OTA had signal issues. I haven't rotated my antenna towards Philly since ABC/NBC went live out of NYC almost a year ago....so I figured I wouldnt' be able to get a solid signal on WPHL-DT since that station was always an issue for me when I was facing Philly.

The dropouts I was getting weren't pixelation issues/smearing....but rather just plain "black" screens every now and then. I didn't know if it was my signal strength....or issues with the presentation from the station. Part 2 of Fellowship is on tonight I believe. Picture looked pretty sharp for the 10-15 minutes that I watched.

I'm using a Hughes E86 STB with a CM-4228 antenna and a Winegard pre-amp.

FYI: Noticed that Urban Cableworks in West Philadelphia/Manayunk/Roxborough has just added 5 new HD channels: TNT, UPN57, WB17, and INHD1/2.

Hopefully Comcast will follow their example and add TNT and UPN!

The Eagles/Steelers PQ sucked yesterday.
I'm pissed about the outcome, so I'm good to rant here, WTXF through Comcast was the worst Fox game (comparing other Fox games on the Ticket)
I had 5 buddies over who call me the HD freak, and this Eagles game didn't even look HD.
I had to switch to Jets/Buffalo so they could see what NFLHD looks like.
DrHill---you were right, this FOX game was crap.
It's not the 720vs1080 arguement either, cause Ravens/Browns looked fantastic last night.
And Fox has a commercial saying something like "broadcast in FOX 5.1 HD, 720 format, the highest standard available."
BULL$HIT.!

Has anyone been in further touch with WCAU NBC 10 about their digital 10-1 channel? The switch to a new decoder resolved their audio troubles, but there is still some misconfiguration that resists channel "lock in" from their OTA broadcast.

When I point my STB to 10-1, it has been consistently taking 10-15 seconds to lock in the signal (as compared to about 3 seconds max with other channels). The STB displays "no signal" for a while, although the digital channel indicator (a green light on my Samsung) is locked in firm. On a channel with reception or multipath issues, that green light will normally flash while the STB tries to get a stable signal to lock in. But I think the 10-1 signal is strong, just misconfigured somehow. Once the STB locks it in, the reception is stable where I am: no dropouts, etc.

Their PSIP data is also misconfigured: they are still an hour ahead of everyone else. (Didn't they listen to their own news anchors who drubbed into our skulls to "Fall back" a few weekends ago?)

I wonder if they are even aware of the problems. (And at times I wonder if they even care.)

--Philly Tim

Originally posted by Philly Tim
When I point my STB to 10-1, it has been consistently taking 10-15 seconds to lock in the signal (as compared to about 3 seconds max with other channels).
Not denying there's a problem, but my DST-3000 locks in and displays a picture in less than 2 seconds...

Maybe some non-comformance in the stream is causing problems on some, but not all set-top boxes.

- Mike

Originally posted by Plasma George
The Eagles/Steelers PQ sucked yesterday.
I'm pissed about the outcome, so I'm good to rant here, WTXF through Comcast was the worst Fox game (comparing other Fox games on the Ticket)
I had 5 buddies over who call me the HD freak, and this Eagles game didn't even look HD.
I had to switch to Jets/Buffalo so they could see what NFLHD looks like.
DrHill---you were right, this FOX game was crap.
It's not the 720vs1080 arguement either, cause Ravens/Browns looked fantastic last night.
And Fox has a commercial saying something like "broadcast in FOX 5.1 HD, 720 format, the highest standard available."
BULL$HIT.!

I misse the Game in Hd but saw teh highlights on ESPN, i thought ESPN was just having problems ,that looked horrible, and i don't mean just horrible for HD, that was horrible for anything

Originally posted by Plasma George
The Eagles/Steelers PQ sucked yesterday.
I'm pissed about the outcome, so I'm good to rant here, WTXF through Comcast was the worst Fox game (comparing other Fox games on the Ticket)
I had 5 buddies over who call me the HD freak, and this Eagles game didn't even look HD.
I had to switch to Jets/Buffalo so they could see what NFLHD looks like.
DrHill---you were right, this FOX game was crap.
It's not the 720vs1080 arguement either, cause Ravens/Browns looked fantastic last night.
And Fox has a commercial saying something like "broadcast in FOX 5.1 HD, 720 format, the highest standard available."
BULL$HIT.!

Our fox is going the extra mile to either f something up or set something up wrong.

ESPN looks great and is the most consistent football broadcaster, though CBS when it is on its A game is a large step above ESPN. ESPN brings their A game every week though. Fox has yet to.

Is anyone getting a signal from WPVI-DT? Its now 21:23 and I have nothing.

Is WHYY-DT broadcasting any signal? I haven't had any programming in days, yet there is a signal.

I'm getting ABC and WHYY via Comcast fine. No idea OTA, but would assume the same.

i have the signal since the beginning of the game.
but it is very soft and when they put a graphic in screen it becomes very out of focus.
reminds me of same stuff going on with comcast hd the last year or so.

did 'phl forget to turn on hd tonight for the "rings"?

Very soft MNF game.
The sideline shots of the woman were so soft, but other camera shots looked good.
Why ABC is still suffering and ESPN is solid HD>????
DR Hill...CBS games are the best NFLHD I've ever seen.!
Simply gorgeous, which is why I commited $200 for the ST...to see these beautiful daytime HD games.
Buffalo/Jets was unbelievable detail w/ lifelike colors on the jersey/field.
Rams/PAtriots was great detail, but indoors with artificial lighting, IMHO natural sunlight looks more lifelike, and has more looking through a window effect.

Does the new NFL TV deal mean that DirectTV has Sunday ticket exclusively through 2010? I had hoped that Sunday Ticket would be coming to cable in 2006 with a few HD channels. Any Comcast folks out there know the specifics?

Thanks.

I just called Comcast and they told me that they were currently out of the 6412 but to call back in a week or so. I didn't feel a high level of confidence in that I had to explain to the customer rep what it was, but we'll see...

Supposed to get 6412 installed Friday (replacing 6208) in EHT, Pleasantville, NJ system.

We'll see.....

This was the worst game of the year that was broadcast OTA. I'm seriously considering moving my antenna from the attic to the roof. There was no wind or rain to contend with. Anyone know if Fox reception is so bad because of the strength of the signal that is broadcast from Roxboro ?

In my experience CBS is the best channel for reception and quality of the picture. They're miles ahead of ABC and Fox. I don't have ESPN-HD to compare to but the Eagles-Redskins game on 12/12 should be simulcast on ESPN-HD and our local ABC station.

Go Eagles !!

Originally posted by drhill
I'm getting ABC and WHYY via Comcast fine. No idea OTA, but would assume the same.

Seems my HD-Tivo is the problem. They updated the software last week and OTA reception is one of many problems I've experienced. DTV is replacing my unit.

Thanks!

All,
Lost audio on WPVI 6-1 OTA...anyone else.

Originally posted by mrsixpack
This was the worst game of the year that was broadcast OTA. I'm seriously considering moving my antenna from the attic to the roof. There was no wind or rain to contend with. Anyone know if Fox reception is so bad because of the strength of the signal that is broadcast from Roxboro ?

In my experience CBS is the best channel for reception and quality of the picture. They're miles ahead of ABC and Fox. I don't have ESPN-HD to compare to but the Eagles-Redskins game on 12/12 should be simulcast on ESPN-HD and our local ABC station.

Go Eagles !! I'm pretty sure the 12/12 game will be on ESPNHD only. Preseason games are simulcast locally, but not regular season games.
I wouldn't bother moving your antenna if you thought PQ was poor, that's a national FOX deal, not your reception. Unless your poor PQ was freezing and blocking.

Originally posted by Plasma George
I'm pretty sure the 12/12 game will be on ESPNHD only. Preseason games are simulcast locally, but not regular season games.

Actually, the ESPN games are routinely broadcast on a 'local' channel in home markets in order to accommodate people who don't have cable. WPVI has simulcast Eagles regular season ESPN games for several years now. The NFL prides itself on the fact that - barring a blackout situation - fans can see every game from their home town team on regular OTA TV.

The question I have relates to whether the feed on WPVI's digital channel that night will be ESPN's actual HD feed in 16x9 or a 4x3 version in SD with black on the sides.

Originally posted by Plasma George
I wouldn't bother moving your antenna if you thought PQ was poor, that's a national FOX deal, not your reception. Unless your poor PQ was freezing and blocking.

Agreed. The Steelers/Eagles game was far and away the worst HD NFL game I've ever seen. Something was wrong from the jump.

Rob

Hey, Plasma George. You're like the only guy I've ever seen who correctly capitalizes FOX. Rather remarkable. I mean nearly everyone else on the planet, from newspaper writers to TV broadcasters writes "Fox". I think the network gave up trying to fight that battle. I used to work for the company so maybe I'm hyper-critical but you wouldn't do "Abc", "Espn" or "Wpvi"! :)

Rob

MNF had the soft "fuzzy" issue that ABC had last year and in the NBA playoffs two years ago.

Until they get it right I will always think of it as "FUX".

Originally posted by drhill
MNF had the soft "fuzzy" issue that ABC had last year and in the NBA playoffs two years ago.

Until they get it right I will always think of it as "FUX".

I have been seeing that on every ABC game this year. It's not just WPVI as I can pull in WABC and observed the same problem.

Two points - last time WPVI carried an ESPN feed, it was SD on their digital channel (and HD on ESPN HD).

I always spell FOX as Fox, because it's sort of a proper name, not an acronym. Unless it means Fighting Over Xenophobia or something....

Originally posted by dbrouda
I have been seeing that on every ABC game this year. It's not just WPVI as I can pull in WABC and observed the same problem.

I email them on this issue especially with the graphics here was there response:

We are very familiar with the pre-filter setting in the configuration of our Flexicoder. Several years ago we were observing the same symptoms as you were last night on MNF. Both Harris and ABC engineering advised us of the fix and we thought we had the problem solved until......


We recently put a new Flexicoder online so we could use our original unit as a backup. When our new Flexicoder was configured, the technician attempted to mirror the configuration settings from the original Flexicoder but unfortunately left the pre-filter setting set to "adaptive", which is the default setting. The "adaptive" setting does not work. The encoder continuously tries to "adapt" to the most desirable filter setting but never settles on any one setting. The visual result of this continuous attempt at a filter setting is the video repeatedly goes sharp then soft (or in and out of focus). Subsequently, the pre-filter needs to be set to a "fixed level".


After reading your email, I went to Master Control to see where the pre-filter was set on the new Flexicoder and discovered that, indeed, it was still in the default setting (adaptive). So, I change the setting to "fixed level 2". While I was there I checked the old (original) Flexicoder, which had been on-line up until a couple of weeks ago, and found that it's pre-filter was still set correctly at "fixed level 2". That's my story, and I'm stickn' to it. Hopefully you won't see that happen again. Thanks for your input.


James D. Gilbert
VP of Engineering
WPVI-TV Ch.6

Great to see their response.
Will be interesting to see if there's a difference, I'll check out their primetime shows as they are soft as hell too(According to Jim, Desperate House Wives--wife watches it during SNF--sucks, but Hatcher is amazing)
Seems like all film converted to HD is very soft, CBS primetime is soft too(CSI), as compared to what's on CBS on Sundays.!
Webboy--very jealous of your 50" plasma.

Apparently Comcast Sportsnet needs to be made aware of this also. The HD Sixers game are horrible, in and out of focus, especially after graphics etc.

Did anyone else experience problems during Frontline on WHYY-DT?
On Comcast the were several black screen (except for the WHYY logo) events lasting several seconds.
Also, numerous audio dropouts.
That Nova seemed like a repeat, too.

Originally posted by Plasma George

Seems like all film converted to HD is very soft...

Oh, I don't know about that. Have you watched "Lost" at all?

Film is inherently sharper than HD video. A lot of programs shot in video use enhancement, and I admit a good deal of film transfers I've seen either don't, or actually roll off the high end so the actors look better. It's all in the transfer.

At any rate, film per se is capable of at least twice the reolution of HDTV. And "Lost", shot on 35mm film, has some of the best PQ I've ever seen!

I checked with CSN and they also use a flexcoder. I pointed out this issue to them with fixed vs. adaptive and am waiting to hear back.

Originally posted by Plasma George
Great to see their response.
Will be interesting to see if there's a difference, I'll check out their primetime shows as they are soft as hell too(According to Jim, Desperate House Wives--wife watches it during SNF--sucks, but Hatcher is amazing)
Seems like all film converted to HD is very soft, CBS primetime is soft too(CSI), as compared to what's on CBS on Sundays.!
Webboy--very jealous of your 50" plasma.
Ive notices some softness too but not on the CBS stuff CSI looks great over here.
The 50 has been joy since its birth xbox looks down right amazing cant wait for the weekend to play Halo 2 on the plasma.

How do you like the ED screen as im looking to buy the new panny 42 for the bedroom. I guess i'll have to make a gallary to show off my stuff at this point.

PS love you "coffee table sub" that my friend is a great idea...

Originally posted by bgartz
What is the STB are you using? a Samsung with Directv? I have an issue with sound on 57-1, and a couple others have also. The only work around I have seen is to remove the local network setttings from the STB. When I do that I get sound on 57-1, when I add them back in, I lose sound only on 57-1..

--Brad

I have the new RCA D* HD box (DTC-210? I think) and I'm having problems with sound on 57-1 and 6-1 with 100% signal. I'll try this fix when I get home, is anybody else having this problem?

Thanks
Chris

Webboy, I have an older 42" panasonic 42 pwd4uy and now the 50" 7uy. The 42 is now in the bedroom. At 8 feet or more, the sde is not an issue for me. I also agree that CSI has never looked soft, on either my 34", 42" or 50".

CSN confirmed for me that their flexcoder was set to adaptive. It is now set to fixed. Hope this cures the intermittent fuzziness.

Originally posted by JWhip
CSN confirmed for me that their flexcoder was set to adaptive. It is now set to fixed. Hope this cures the intermittent fuzziness.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you JWhip. We'll see tonight, but I'd bet my first born... (good thing I don't have kids and I'm not selling futures... yet ;) ) this was the problem.


While we have your attention JWhip... TNT HD on Comcast? ;)

Originally posted by webboy10169
I email them on this issue especially with the graphics here was there response:

We are very familiar with the pre-filter setting in the configuration of our Flexicoder. Several years ago we were observing the same symptoms as you were last night on MNF. Both Harris and ABC engineering advised us of the fix and we thought we had the problem solved until......


We recently put a new Flexicoder online so we could use our original unit as a backup. When our new Flexicoder was configured, the technician attempted to mirror the configuration settings from the original Flexicoder but unfortunately left the pre-filter setting set to "adaptive", which is the default setting. The "adaptive" setting does not work. The encoder continuously tries to "adapt" to the most desirable filter setting but never settles on any one setting. The visual result of this continuous attempt at a filter setting is the video repeatedly goes sharp then soft (or in and out of focus). Subsequently, the pre-filter needs to be set to a "fixed level".


After reading your email, I went to Master Control to see where the pre-filter was set on the new Flexicoder and discovered that, indeed, it was still in the default setting (adaptive). So, I change the setting to "fixed level 2". While I was there I checked the old (original) Flexicoder, which had been on-line up until a couple of weeks ago, and found that it's pre-filter was still set correctly at "fixed level 2". That's my story, and I'm stickn' to it. Hopefully you won't see that happen again. Thanks for your input.


James D. Gilbert
VP of Engineering
WPVI-TV Ch.6

Nice. Good work and thanks to James of WPVI and webboy10169.

No TNT-HD on Comcast. Sorry. At least not yet.

Sigh, oh well. Bandwidth or money issues?

Either way I can't wait till they convert to all digital.

What about the renamed Bravo HD channel? or HDnet, any word on those? if Comcast wants to stay ahead of Directv They better start adding more HD, they have no shot at Suday ticket now so cable needs something to have over satelite

Originally posted by JWhip
Webboy, I have an older 42" panasonic 42 pwd4uy and now the 50" 7uy. The 42 is now in the bedroom. At 8 feet or more, the sde is not an issue for me. I also agree that CSI has never looked soft, on either my 34", 42" or 50".

Just bought the 7 series for my brothers house its sitting on the floor waiting for the wall to be built with the new features of that one im tempted to replace my 5 series for the 7 and move the 5 to the bedroom. But the wife decided to buy dining room furniture this week so now im looking at the ED 7 series for the bedroom. With so little HD program available it doesnt make sence to buy HD for the bedroom at this point.

My thinking is replace the 50" with a 65 in a few years (9 series???) move the 50 to the bedroom and put the 42ED in the guest bedroom or in my office as a computer monitor.
:)
ps good job on getting comcast to look at there flexcoder...

Sixers game seems to have fixed the fuzzy problem.

Sweet, very happy about that.

Though it looks more like real good 720p then good 1080i. I swear it was more detailed two years ago.

Watching on my new 50" Panasonic, the picture was very detailed.

Originally posted by JWhip
Watching on my new 50" Panasonic, the picture was very detailed. Are you comparing to other Sixers games.?
We have to wait for INHD to have an NBA game at the same time, and you can jump channels, you, me, our wives will see an obvious difference in detail.
Kind of like jumping from CBS to FOX on Sundays. (good FOX game, not like the Birds/Stillers pathetic broadcast--had to explain to my friends not all HDTV is created equal)

WPVI OTA - anybody else seeing a lot more problems lately? KYW, 'CAU, and even FOX and UPN OTA are fine.

Lots of breakups out here about 7 miles N of Exton PA.

It's strange, because 'PVI used to always come in A-OK.

I have only see the last two on the 50" They both looked great with the exception of the now hopefully gone fuzziness issue. The detail increase over the 42" is astonishing. The floor boards, logos, etc. Very good. I have also watched some Phillies games I have stored on DVHS tape and they also look excellent. Looks like very good 1080i to me. Maybe not as sharp as the best CBS I have seen but very very close.

Originally posted by Dan Herrmann
WPVI OTA - anybody else seeing a lot more problems lately? KYW, 'CAU, and even FOX and UPN OTA are fine.

Lots of breakups out here about 7 miles N of Exton PA.

It's strange, because 'PVI used to always come in A-OK.

I also cannot receive WHYY-DT. It may be my DTV HD-Tivo unit but both WPVI and WHYY were fine about 2 weeks ago.

I can't believe the fuzziness problem was a single setting and it took over a year to discover the simple fix.

All this through the power of the web... it's always astonishing to me how so much knowledge tends to be disseminated here on the web and that those who should be in the know (television repair technicians, cable operators and CSRs, etc.) often don't know and never heard of AVSforum.

Thanks to those at ABC and WHYY who at least check in here once in awhile or correspond with forum users. AVSforum should be required reading for those in the business of television.

Originally posted by Dan Herrmann
WPVI OTA - anybody else seeing a lot more problems lately?
Yes, I'm getting strong signals from the rest too.. But in the last week or so, PVI dropped from the mid 70's to 100 on my DST-3000 to the 30's to 50's... Never had a problem in the past, and now typically have to watch via analog cable... CBS, FOX, NBC are all pegged at 100...


I'm using an attic mounted Antenna (DAT-75) in Bethlehem, 42 Miles away, with no pre-amp, and about 65ft. of RG-6...

Again, this had never been a problem in the past...

- Mike

New user here. Does anyone have any recommendations where I can get my Sony KDF 50WE655 professionally calibrated in the Philly region?

I found a place called Worldwide Stereo in Montgomeryville in the Imaging Science website. Called them and they seemed pretty knowledgable. Anyone have any experience with them, or other professionals? Thanks.

Wow, DNL in HD on CSN today. Looks great.

Originally posted by mjr
Yes, I'm getting strong signals from the rest too.. But in the last week or so, PVI dropped from the mid 70's to 100 on my DST-3000 to the 30's to 50's... Never had a problem in the past, and now typically have to watch via analog cable... CBS, FOX, NBC are all pegged at 100...


I'm using an attic mounted Antenna (DAT-75) in Bethlehem, 42 Miles away, with no pre-amp, and about 65ft. of RG-6...

Again, this had never been a problem in the past...

- Mike

I'm a lot closer than you (8 miles from the Roxborough tower farm) however I don't have a direct lone of sight. But I still had good reception for months now until two week ago. My WHYY-DT signal is in the low 30s.

I have a Channel Master 4228 in the attic w/7777 preamp in the basement.
My new replacement HD-Tivo unit arrived today but I won't be able to connect it until tomorrow. I will run a signal compare between the units. Apparently the most recent DTV software update has caused many of the early HD-Tivos to fails.

Originally posted by whsbuss
I'm a lot closer than you (8 miles from the Roxborough tower farm) however I don't have a direct lone of sight. But I still had good reception for months now until two week ago. My WHYY-DT signal is in the low 30s.

My new replacement HD-Tivo unit arrived today but I won't be able to connect it until tomorrow. I will run a signal compare between the units. Apparently the most recent DTV software update has caused many of the early HD-Tivos to fails.

Please keep us updated on this. I have never had what I would call 'decent' reception from any of the antennas I've tried and I live in Northern Liberties, 7 miles from the towers. The Silver Sensor has worked the best and it's just sitting inside the cabinet that my TiVo lives in. I had a CM4228 (with and without the CM5777 amp) and a Winegard Square Shooter (with and without amp) on my roof and got next to nothing. I'm wondering if my tuner(s) is/are bad.

Rob

Originally posted by rpfotog
Please keep us updated on this. I have never had what I would call 'decent' reception from any of the antennas I've tried and I live in Northern Liberties, 7 miles from the towers. The Silver Sensor has worked the best and it's just sitting inside the cabinet that my TiVo lives in. I had a CM4228 (with and without the CM5777 amp) and a Winegard Square Shooter (with and without amp) on my roof and got next to nothing. I'm wondering if my tuner(s) is/are bad.

Rob It's almost definitely not your tuners. I'm in center city too (Washington West) and can't get squat with an antenna. I've tried multiple antennas, both indoor and outdoor, and my reception was sporadic at best. I think anyone that lives in the path of the skyscrapers is going to have problems unless you live in a highrise yourself.

That's why I gave up on Directv and went with Comcast. I'm pretty happy except for the buggy dual-tuner DVR, but that should be fixed shortly.

Originally posted by JWhip
Wow, DNL in HD on CSN today. Looks great.

Yeah, wow. Great surprise today.

Regarding the Sixers, it just seems a bit soft right around the players in far away shots... or maybe my memory just made the games from a long time ago better.

Originally posted by stoli412
It's almost definitely not your tuners. I'm in center city too (Washington West) and can't get squat with an antenna. I've tried multiple antennas, both indoor and outdoor, and my reception was sporadic at best. I think anyone that lives in the path of the skyscrapers is going to have problems unless you live in a highrise yourself.

The thing is...the skyscrapers (read: Center City) are roughly 45 degrees away from the direction I need to point in order to hit Roxboro. They should not have a blocking effect. If anything, I would think that they might create mutipath problems. They're really rather small on the horizon as viewed from the roof of my 3 story row house. Picture the view from the Girard Ave. exit as you're heading south on I-95. The buildings are at roughly 2 o'clock. I'm aiming at Roxboro which is at roughly 4 o'clock. Maybe Temple university is somehow affecting my path.

Originally posted by stoli412
That's why I gave up on Directv and went with Comcast. I'm pretty happy except for the buggy dual-tuner DVR, but that should be fixed shortly.

I'm thrilled with DirecTV and have had such negative experiences with Comcast that I can't bring myself to give them any money. Plus, I really wanted to watch the Champ Car races on HDNet (they looked incredible), and I can get every digital OTA channel that I want except FOX29, which doesn't even register on the signal strength meter. Of course PAX and the religious channel are rock solid! KYW comes in easily and WPVI is acceptable (a 10 seccond freeze or two every hour). The only network programming I watch in HD is football. I routinely miss the Eagles in HD as I work every Sunday and I always know the result before I get home.

I suppose if you're a big hockey or basketball fan then you have to get CSN. I can understand that. I can live just fine without 'em. I really don't dig hoops and I can live without watching hockey in HD. I only see a handfull of games anyway. And the sooner baseball dies and gets out of all of our lives the better. It's a great game but the prople who own, play and officiate it need a real overhaul.

Rob Parker

Originally posted by rpfotog
I suppose if you're a big hockey or basketball fan then you have to get CSN. I can understand that. I can live just fine without 'em. I really don't dig hoops and I can live without watching hockey in HD. I only see a handfull of games anyway. And the sooner baseball dies and gets out of all of our lives the better. It's a great game but the prople who own, play and officiate it need a real overhaul.

Rob Parker I really feel the same way, especially during the Hockey and B-ball regular seasons, BUT when Playoff time hits, and this city is buzzing, it's HD games on the plasma with the friends and family.
(Sixers cameback the other night at home, and the stadium was rocking)
HD + 5.1 really locks you into the game like nothing TV EVER offered before, and the buzz around the city has been a part of my life handed down from my parents when I was young.
I have be a part of that, hence can't be without CSN, moreover CSN-HD.

I installed my new replacement HD-Tivo box this morning and OTA is a bit better. WPVI was a bit stronger but not by much. WHYY is still in the 20s.

I re-adjusted my 4228 antenna and all but WHYY improved about 5%. No matter what I do I cannot receive WHYY-DT. So either they have reduced their power or its my location. Hard to believe I had signals in the 60s a month ago.

WPVI-DT still bounces a bit which causes some dropouts. But I can live with it for now. Hope it holds for the Eagles on MNF.

Yep 'PVI is still lower than the other bigs in Philly.

Geeze - I get WPHL-DT better than WPVI-DT sometimes. That's just not right.

Problem is that I don't think 'PVI cares...

Originally posted by whsbuss
No matter what I do I cannot receive WHYY-DT. So either they have reduced their power or its my location. Hard to believe I had signals in the 60s a month ago.

WPVI-DT still bounces a bit which causes some dropouts. But I can live with it for now. Hope it holds for the Eagles on MNF.

I used to be able to get WHYY pretty solid and now it's gone. Started a couple weeks ago. Something happened.

Also, the signal strength meters on my HD TiVo do not show the same signal strength for both tuners on certain channels. For instance, WPVI fluctuates between 0 and 40 on tuner 1 and right around 55 on tuner 2. Some channels appear to have similar signal strengths on both tuners. I get a solid 71 on UPN57 on both tuners. I've found that I sometimes have to actually force Monday Night Football to tune on tuner 2 because tuner 1 won't lock in. Huge bummer but at least I've found a solution and can watch the game. I wonder if while recording an OTA signal, the HD TiVo uses the strongest tuner or just arbitrarily picks one. If that's the case, I could come home to a blank (tuner 1) recording even though tuner 2 was able to get a good enough signal.

Rob Parker

--You can tuner piano but you can tuner fish.

Originally posted by rpfotog
I used to be able to get WHYY pretty solid and now it's gone. Started a couple weeks ago. Something happened.

Also, the signal strength meters on my HD TiVo do not show the same signal strength for both tuners on certain channels. For instance, WPVI fluctuates between 0 and 40 on tuner 1 and right around 55 on tuner 2. Some channels appear to have similar signal strengths on both tuners. I get a solid 71 on UPN57 on both tuners. I've found that I sometimes have to actually force Monday Night Football to tune on tuner 2 because tuner 1 won't lock in. Huge bummer but at least I've found a solution and can watch the game. I wonder if while recording an OTA signal, the HD TiVo uses the strongest tuner or just arbitrarily picks one. If that's the case, I could come home to a blank (tuner 1) recording even though tuner 2 was able to get a good enough signal.

Rob Parker

--You can tuner piano but you can tuner fish.

I can tell you that the latest software updates (d and e) in the past few weeks actually broke my original HD-Tivo I got back in June. That's when I really noticed OTA reception to bounce all over the place.

After reading through the thread on tivocommunity.com I decided to have DTV replace my unit. So far, its been OK (only one day). There is talk of tuner problems with the latest updates. THis could be what you are experincing.

Also I'm glad to hear others are having problems with WHYY-DT. All of my OTA station are better than WPVI-DT. Hope WHYY can get their problems rectified.

Originally posted by JWhip
Wow, DNL in HD on CSN today. Looks great.

i was kinda bumed when they went to sportsnite and it was not in HD. They need to step up there game a little bit here, i use to watch sportsnite more then ESPN but since espn went to HD i have been watchin much more. They are showing clips in HD as well which looks really nice. Keep up the good work both networks.

DNL will be in HD on nights when there is no home Sixers or Flyers games.

Cool, be nice for HD highlights too.

I see that Comcast (Willow Grove) discounts the HD STB from $5 to 0, when one upgrades from Digital Classic or Plus to Digital Silver (one premium) or above. Likewise, does the HD DVR get reduced from $10 to $5 with Digital Silver?

WHSBuss: I am in Doylestown and have 55-60 signal on my hipix as always. I also have a toshiba and an HD tivo with no problems. I am using a Winegard PR-4400 in attic split to 4 STBs/cards as I have for 3 years.

Also, if there were software updates that came I havent noticed the difference. my HR10-250 is about the same "vintage" as yours.

for what its worth

Originally posted by JWhip
DNL will be in HD on nights when there is no home Sixers or Flyers games.

Why only when there is no home game?

Originally posted by mjr
But in the last week or so, PVI dropped from the mid 70's to 100 on my DST-3000 to the 30's to 50's... Never had a problem in the past, and now typically have to watch via analog cable...
Received a response to a query regarding this from the man himself (Jim Gilbert, VP of Eng.) I won't quote his response directly, but he basically said, there has been no change at the station that he believes would affect our signal strength... It's possible with leaves off of trees now that winter has set in, that we're picking up additional multipath that had been previously blocked... Just enough to cause a CNR degradation. Perhaps I need to get back into the attic to tweak the antenna... I'll probably wait another week... (Especially since my lingering cough was today diagnosed as pneumonia...)

I'm still amazed that my query was responded to in less than 90 minutes by Mr. Gilbert. Excellent! And very much appreciated.

- Mike

Just this evening, I was able to watch HDTV programs for the first time after I received my 26" Sharp LCD TV with built-in HDTV tuner. Even though I am happy to receive such programs, I must confess that I am not that much impressed, perhaps that the programs I watched were shot on film and not shown live like a news program. I was able to get Philadelphia stations such as ABC, CBS, NBC, UPN, PBS, but for some reason I could not get FOX or WB, even though I pointed my indoor antenna (Silver Sensor) 160 degrees to where the towers are located.

Even though I did receive some technical problems, such as digital pixelation, my first day with HDTV has been mostly positive as someone who lives in Central New Jersey. Now if I can get FOX or WB in Philadelphia, even though I live about 38 miles north from the city...

Originally posted by mjr
Received a response to a query regarding this from the man himself (Jim Gilbert, VP of Eng.) I won't quote his response directly, but he basically said, there has been no change at the station that he believes would affect our signal strength... It's possible with leaves off of trees now that winter has set in, that we're picking up additional multipath that had been previously blocked... Just enough to cause a CNR degradation. Perhaps I need to get back into the attic to tweak the antenna... I'll probably wait another week... (Especially since my lingering cough was today diagnosed as pneumonia...)

I'm still amazed that my query was responded to in less than 90 minutes by Mr. Gilbert. Excellent! And very much appreciated.

- Mike

Thanks for the update. I did re-adjust my attic antenna (CM 4228) yesterday and so far WPVI-DT is holding. I agree with Jim Gilbert's asssessment that leaves being dropped can affect the signal. In fact I have a 100 footer in the path and that makes sense. What I can't understand is why WHYY-DT is only giving me 20% signal no matter what I do with the antenna, when it was once in the mid 60s.

Has anyone else been experiencing problems with FOX29's HD feed lately? For the past few days, it has been pixelated, stuttering, and the audio has been intermittent on my receiver. I just checked again and now I have no signal at all...I've never had any problems receiving the feed before.

In addition to Jack1313's question above about FOX, can anyone confirm that next weeks Eagles game is in HD? After seeing that FOX has relegated next weeks birds game to "regional action" when plugging next weeks schedule, I checked TitanTV HD schedule for next week and the early game is listed in HD, but the Eagles/Skins are not...

yes it is, don;t go to TITANTV, they always make mistakes, check here for footabll games in HD http://www.directvsports.com/Subscriptions/NFLSundayTicket/Schedule/

I lost audio on 6-1 OTA about a week ago. I haven't had audio on 57-1 for much longer than that. Anyone else?

QZ1 when I traded in my digital box which was discounted to 0, I started paying the full $9.95 for the DVR. It appears there is no discount, but if anyone hears anything different let me know.

I was thinking I should leave or threatent o leave to see what kind of deal I can get on it. It doesn't seem fair that just because you are already a customer that all the discounts (free dvr for a year) are offered to non-customers.

I have the 6208 and lately it seems to be cutting out on me an awful lot. I'll flip channels or something than all of the sudden the box loses connectivity and the guide resets (loses all of it's information). It's like it's updating the firmware only I can;t see why it would be doing this so often. It seems like it's done this 4 or 5 time in the last couple of weeks.

Has anyone seen anything like that?

Has anyone in Comcast, Montgomerty County, PA gotten a 6412 yet?


I had a service call for today specifically to get a dual tuner.

Of course, the guy shows up with a single tuner and calls in & gets the story "they won't have dual tuner until december".

So someone screwed up in allowing me to place the order.

Also,

when I got my single tuner back in the summer, I had a special phone # to call & talk to a "Dave" since the single tuner was not for general consumption yet.

Of course, I misplaced the number & now can't find "Dave".

Anyone else have a special number ?

I stopped by the Comcast office on Parkside Avenue in Ewing Twp, NJ and the CSR said that they were out of 6208's but that the 6412's were due to arrive in about 3 weeks, so it looks like December is when the units will become available for Comcast customers in the greater Philadelphia area.

I got a 6412 last week. Called the CSR and they sent a fellow out to swap it for the 6208. They are available, but in short supply.

If any other Samsung STB owners lose audio on 6-1 WPVI, try re-scanning for OTA digital channels. That was suggested to me by James Gilbert of WPVI, and it worked. Whew - thought I was going to have watch Monday Night Football tonight in SD.

6412's are available throughout the Philadelphia region. Keep calling until you get someone who will get you one. The supplies vary from system to system. The 6412 is a HUGE improvement over the 6412 except for the analog channels which look the same.

Mike3 wrote that his " .... 6208 is cutting out ... the box loses connectivity and the guide resets (loses all of it's information) [and that this has happened 4 or 5 times] in the last couple of weeks."

Had the same problem and had to do the following: 1. Comcast had to fix a problem with their signal booster, which for me is at the electric box. It was cutting in and out due to the electric supply plug being loose, 2. I had to eliminate my splitter, which had enabled me to have CATV channels that could surf with the TV set's own tuner. I had another split elsewhere in the house and the cable guy said that maybe two splits in one household causes too much degradation of the signal. So our 6208 was not receiving a clear transmission.

What may be true is that the box needs to have continuous communication in via the line from Comcast.

OTA 6-1 Philly seems like the graphics for monday night football are no longer fuzzy. Thank god. so far so good.

Originally posted by webboy10169
OTA 6-1 Philly seems like the graphics for monday night football are no longer fuzzy. Thank god. so far so good.

Yea, I agree. The graphics looked much better. However I thought the overall PQ of WPVI's signal was quite soft and looked kind of fuzzy/hazy. Many of the side-line shots has lots of contrast but weak color depth.

--- just my 2-cents worth

Originally posted by JWhip
6412's are available throughout the Philadelphia region. Keep calling until you get someone who will get you one. The supplies vary from system to system. The 6412 is a HUGE improvement over the 6412 except for the analog channels which look the same.

I was able to get one last week in the Wilmington/New Castle market & came with the silver remote (came with a large orange sticker on it denoting wrong remote). The swap function is programmed on the TV/Video button. It doesn't have the 30 second skip, but other posts on the forum tell you how to do that (a must have).

I've recorded several things now with NO problem. My DVI and firewire connections work great but I haven't tried recording to my DVHS yet. I have the Pio 1110HD & use the Wide mode on SD to fill my screen. Using the previous 6200 I was still able to read the scrolling ticker at the bottom of the screen, with the 6412 I'm no longer able to read the bottom ticker in that mode. Also the guide menu screen is out of my area of view on the bottom in this view. Minor annoyances vs. this box but if anyone has thoughts (other than shifting the image on the setup screen which doesn't solve this problem) please let me know. Image quality is the same as for the 6200.

After never had or used a TIVO to compare but I gotta tell you, the iGuide is leaps & bounds ahead of what we're used to from Comcast & the ability to record & watch something else & timeshift which is difficult at best with my DVHS is a Godsend!!

Blackngold75

I lost audio on 6-1 and 57-1. Using a Samsung TS160 DRTV reciever.
Had to remove zip code from Local Markets to get audio back. Tried to
rescan without any luck. As a result the guide data is useless.

Originally posted by MJR0309
Blackngold75

I lost audio on 6-1 and 57-1. Using a Samsung TS160 DRTV reciever.
Had to remove zip code from Local Markets to get audio back. Tried to
rescan without any luck. As a result the guide data is useless.

I haven't had audio on 57-1 for a couple of months. Re-scanning only brought back audio for me on 6-1. Strange that I still had audio on 6-2 and 6-3?

blackngold75 -

Also had audio on 6-2 and 6-3. Strange??. Thanks for the reply.
Do you have the TS-160. ?? Starting having a problem with the picture-
in-guide....Video is stuck on espn and breaking up. i guess i will have to have it looked at.

Originally posted by emann
Has anyone in Comcast, Montgomerty County, PA gotten a 6412 yet?


Yes. I am in Montgomery County PA and I have the 6412.

Andy

Originally posted by emann
Has anyone in Comcast, Montgomerty County, PA gotten a 6412 yet?

I had a service call for today specifically to get a dual tuner.
Of course, the guy shows up with a single tuner and calls in & gets the story "they won't have dual tuner until december". So someone screwed up in allowing me to place the order. Also,when I got my single tuner back in the summer, I had a special phone # to call & talk to a "Dave" since the single tuner was not for general consumption yet. Of course, I misplaced the number & now can't find "Dave". Anyone else have a special number ?

Emann, I'm in Bucks County and called Comcast CSR last Thursday who said some 6412's where in and set a appointment for Sunday. When the rep came, he brought in 6208 (which I already had since May). He then found a 6412 in the truck and installed it (but forgot to give me the newer remote). Much like your story, I originally received a call from "Dave" last May and got a 6208 installed before the general release. I tried calling Dave's number, but it's a cell # assigned to another Comcast employee not involved with installs.

My advice to all around Philly is to keep calling EVERY day until you hit a CSR that knows about the dual tuners and sets an appointment to get it installed. [My work order had "dual tuner" specified on it]

FYI, I like the dual tuner, the i-Guide is good!

JohnF

Once again, JWhip's advice is right on target.
I called Comcast the last two days and inquired about upgrading from the 6208 to the 6412. One day I got "Not until December" and yesterday I got "Not until January." I just got off the phone today with a confirmed appointment for this Thursday, November 18. I will be charged an $18 service fee.
If you want this box, call early and often.

When my 6412 arrived without the "swap" remote I went the next week to the warehouse and got one. I was assured there that the ~$20 delivery fee I thought I was being charged for the 6412 delivery was not actually on my account. I guess I'll just have to see what the next bill brings.....

Originally posted by CKarras
When my 6412 arrived without the "swap" remote I went the next week to the warehouse and got one. I was assured there that the ~$20 delivery fee I thought I was being charged for the 6412 delivery was not actually on my account. I guess I'll just have to see what the next bill brings.....

CKarras, when I inquired about getting the right remote for my 6412 (they left a 2500 remote) I was told the the 6208 Silver remote has the "input on/off" button programmed for "swap". Did you get that remote or the new 6412 with the PIP/Swap buttons at the bottom? [I have a picture of it in the attachment below] Thanks!

JohnF

I confess that I have not read this whole thread, yet! I got the same remote as for the 6208 (NOT the one in your image) except the TV/VCR button switched tuners and has a little sticker next to it that says "swap." There was also a card inserted with the instructions for the remote (which said nothing about dual tuner DVRs) that said that the button on the remote might not have the "swap" lable but that it would still work the same. The remote in your image is supposedly still coming, I guess.

My problem is that I did get a CSR who wrote "dual tuner" on the order form, but then the work order got farmed out to a contractor. It evidently should have stayed internal since the 6412 is new.

The contractor who came out didn't have any 6412's.

I really don't want to keep calling till I get another CSR who will say, "dual tuner - no problem" and then route the order thru normal channels where it gets farmed out again.

I can't keep scheduling time off & have them keep coming with 6208's.

Maybe I'll try one more time, maybe I'll wait till "December" or "January"

The picture of the newer remote comes directly from Comcast's online demo of the dual tuner. From what I understand, PIP has not been enabled. Thanks!

JohnF

JohnF- I edited my response to make it more clear. I missed the buttons at the bottom of your image.

If I don't have enough signal for HD, I read that they could increase the tap or require an amp.

Would Comcast provide an amp or do I have to buy it?

If purchased, do you recommend buying it from them or another place?

Loss of CSN-HD with Moto 6412 dual tuner box. We got our dual tuner DVR box today. Does anyone know why we would have lost Channel 200, which for Comcast Coatesville subscribers is Comcast Sportsnet HD. That channel had worked fine for us with the non-DVR HD Comcast box that we swapped for this new one. Does anyone know why this would happen? I already requested and received a re-initialization of the box.

MOELAWN,

I'm having the same problem here in Delaware County. I don't think it's the box though cause the other night I received channel 200 perfectly fine with the 6412. Go figure.

Originally posted by MJR0309
Blackngold75

I lost audio on 6-1 and 57-1. Using a Samsung TS160 DRTV reciever.
Had to remove zip code from Local Markets to get audio back. Tried to
rescan without any luck. As a result the guide data is useless.

I have the same STB - Samsung TS160 - and lost audio over a month or so ago on 57-1. Last week, audio on 6-1 disappeared. Followed suggestion to re-scan, but no change. Then, removed zip codes from setup, re-scanned, and audio returned to both stations.

This must be a bug in the Samsung's firmware.

Update re Channel 200 - Comcast Sportsnet-HD. It's back as of 7AM on 11-17-04. Just a coincidence that this channel went down when they delivered our 6412 STB I guess.

I watch WPVI-DT OTA.

I compared it to my friends ABC station in NYC and their picture quality is SO much better.

Could it because of those crappy subchannels that WPVI has (i.e. ABCNews Now and the worthless weather one) taking away bandwidth from the HD channel?

Zack - did you have any trouble ordering the 6412? I've called every day this week and am told there's no HD DVR's in Chester County each time.

Edit: And just told the same again. No HD boxes at all in C.C.

DRew, I and a number of others have the 6412 in Chester County. They are available. In fact, Chester County has a very good supply. Ask for a superviser when you call again.

Drew_N asked how much trouble I had ordering the 6412? It was a pain. I was offered one a few weeks ago, came home from work early to meet the installer for a 3-5 PM and the installer was a no-show. I called to complain about the no-show. They said that they ran out of these units and that somebody was supposed to call me to cancel. It took a couple more weeks for them to bring one.

I just jumped into this post to tell you all that channel 200 (Philadelphia Area (CSN HD) ) is working. Some people got a little nervous lastnight but I posted then that I had the same problem BUT earlier in the day channel 200 worked. Happy 6412ing......................

Re Channel 200, CSN-HD, apparently is was out in some areas and Comcast had other problems due to some kind of an event with a fiber optic connection. The cable guy who came out to check my signal said something happened that affected several channels.

What I don't understand is why all Comcast telephone reps don't receive an e-mail about events like this. I asked the rep whether a system wide problem was occuring, and she replied that she had no notice of anything wrong. Had I known of it, I would not have requested a tech visit. The telephone rep figured that I had a bad signal and that this was causing me to have some channels not come in.

Hello,

I recently called to get 6412 in BUCKS county.. and they said that they don't have availability in Bucks county.. anyone else call and get someone who said that, or said, oh sure I can get one to you in BUCKS County?

I'll call back if I can say, oh, well, how about this person in Levittown who got one.. or this person in Bristol... etc..

Help me out here, guys.. we have had a couple of times where we have had to record on VHS!!! because we can't watch everything we want to in time periods. Thanks!

Originally posted by bronowyn
Hello,

I recently called to get 6412 in BUCKS county.. and they said that they don't have availability in Bucks county.. anyone else call and get someone who said that, or said, oh sure I can get one to you in BUCKS County?

I'll call back if I can say, oh, well, how about this person in Levittown who got one.. or this person in Bristol... etc..

Help me out here, guys.. we have had a couple of times where we have had to record on VHS!!! because we can't watch everything we want to in time periods. Thanks!

Dawn, I 'm in Feasterville down Street Road and have been calling everyday for about 2 weeks; got the same response as you. Then last Thursday, I got a CSR who said they were in limited supply and offered to schedule an appointment on Sunday. I jumped on it. When the installer came, he brought a 6208 even though the work order stated Dual-Tuner. He went back to his truck and "found" a 6412. Was installed (but he forgot to leave the new remote, but I reprogrammed my 6208 remote for the 'Swap" button as posted in other threads).

Just keep calling everyday, I'm sure you'll eventually hit a rep that can get one installed.

I like it, especially the dual tuner and the improved i-guide with "Series Recording." Good luck!

JohnF

Same here, one day nothing, the next day they were available. Pretty sad I had to show the installer how to use it......

EHT on the Pleasantville, NJ system.

This thing rocks by the way!

I just called, and the CSR said they could come out on Saturday. I want to call back because I would have rather just exchanged boxes, as I don't want to get charged for it.

I was saying to her... "Crystal"... that I have a 6208 and I want a 6412... she said "we don't go by numbers here... blah blah blah... so I triple-checked that I was getting the dual tuner box... but I think I'm going to call again just to make sure with another CSR that I am getting what I asked for.

I'm going to push again, that I don't want to get charged for this... if I get trouble... I'm going to talk to a supervisor... I'll keep you guys up to date.

I guess I get screwed out of watching my Sixers in HD tonight? pissed.
They are home and on TNT instead of CSNHD. Really sux.

JWhip, thanks for the advice. After a long battle with the CSR putting me on hold and avoiding me, I finally talked to a supervisor. Unfortunately she denied emphatically that they are available. Oh and she said you are wrong. ;) Ms. Brown was her name. She finally agreed to take my name and call me, which I think we know that won't happen.

I saw in another thread you were looking for ISF calibration. I highly recommend Eliab from Avical. He did my Toshiba CRT RPTV and a few months ago my 60" XBR. He does a great job of tweaking and letting you know what he's doing along the way. He's in Jersey and makes the trip down for tours and individual appointments as well. http://www.avical.com/

Comcast takes enough hits on these boards so I think its only fair to give them props when deserved. I've been calling about the 6412 for several weeks and got the usual "we'll put on the list...we'll contact you, December, January, beginning of the year, etc...
So I figured I'd keep calling every other day until I actually get one...you know the routine...
I actually got home from work today and there was a message..."We're calling you to let you know we have your 6412 so call us back!"
I was dumb founded...I didn't know how to respond...they called back...I can't believe it...they called back!!!

So props to Comcast and the CSRs who said WE WILL call you this time...I can take them off my speed dial at work at last.

Right, progear, but when you call back any bets on whether they can find "your" 6412?

I confirmed for a Sunday install...the CSR knew that I currently have a 6208 and wanted the 6412 upgrade. I offered to pick it up and do the install myself (as I did with the 6208), but they were coming direct from the warehouse so that wasn't an option...but NO FEE for the installation so I don't have any problem with them coming out.
I will be watching closely however, as I don't like anyone touching my setup...so the CC dude better know his stuff! He or she can touch the component cable, the optical audio, and the power cord...thats it!

On second thought, maybe I'll meet him at the door with the 6208 in hand...:D

Reply to progear: Be real nice to the tech. The tech may have some much improved component cables to give you. Way better than the ones that they gave out with the first HD STB's.

Thanks Zack...the ones they supplied with the 5100, were much better than I originally expected...in fact, when CC dude came out to install 5100 he hooked me up, literally, with a bag full of optical, spdif, spare components, S-vid, etc...can never have too many extra cables...but if they have newer ones, I'll ask...

Chris.

A cautionary tale for my friend progear and all others:

As previously posted, my 6412 install (upgrade from 6208) appointment was today. In my haste to get this box, I went against my better judgment and scheduled this for a time when my wife only would be at home (unlike my original 5100 and 6208 installs, which I was present for and essentially hooked up on my own, with my own cables). I figured, all this guy needs to do is swap out the 6208 and reconnect the 6412 the same way. My wife gave that exact instruction. Needless to say, it didn't go quite that smoothly. The tech managed to correctly connect the DVI cable (which I don't really use yet because I haven't tweaked that input on my Sony GWII), as well as the SPDIF to my receiver. The component input, however, didn't work at all. Then I noticed that the sound on the DVI was coming from the TV (my TV speakers have been turned off since day 1). After 30 minutes of aggravation, I realized the tech had run two of the component cables into analog audio outputs of the cable box, and run them to the analog audio input of the TV paired with the component input, and turned on the speakers. The sole remaining prong of the component cable was in the component video Y output on the box and Pb input on the TV. Swell. By the way, he either left the 6208 remote or didn't have a 6412 remote with the swap button. Thankfully I was able to find the instructions in the 5412 Iguide thread to program the swap function onto the VCR/TV button, and then teach that button to my MX-500.

I repeat a thought I have expressed here before: how many people get hosed on these installs and have no idea what they are missing? If I didn't know better, the lack of a remote would render the 2 tuners meaningless. I really do think Comcast is providing a great product, but this isn't right.

Afterthough: First impressions of the new box and interface are good. Channel changing is blazing compared to the old box. But is anyone else not getting CSN or ESPN HD right now? It's always something!

Lesson One: Watch CC dude very closely...
Lesson Two: Frisk CC dude for NEW REMOTE...
Lesson Three: If at all possible, do a self-install...

Thanks trick...as I stated in an earlier post, maybe I'll disconnect 6208 and meet CC dude out front with box in hand, and make the swap on the porch!

Did CC dude provide DVI cable?

Hello all, I just moved into center city philadelphia from coastal NJ. Comcast shows up tomorrow to 'install' my cable. the CSR told me they do not use SA3250 here in philly which was my previous comcast box. what should i expect? and can anyone give me any pointers on dealing with comcast of philly? tnx!

Comcast tech installed my 6412 yesterday.

I hadn't checked this thread recently so I didn't know about the remote issue.

Yesterday, I couldn't figure out how to get to the second tuner. After checking in with this thread I realized I had the wrong remote so I called comcast. They said to go to the local office (off Airport road in West Chester) and exchange it for the right remote.

Drove to the local office and they said they did not have any of the correct remotes, and that they have reprogrammed the single tuner remote by making the TV/VCR button act as the "swap" button.. They said that the reprogrammed remotes have a round black dot sticker on them, and that the install tech was supposed to have left a paper explaining this. The remote I had brought over had the sticker so they gave it back to me. I still haven't tried it yet.

JT

JT,
If the TV/VCR button does not work, there are incredibly simple instructions on page four of the "Comcast 6412 with I Guide" thread in the HDTV Recorders section. It literally takes about 10 seconds. The same post includes instructions to reprogram a button to become a 30 second skip. Very useful for replaying network TV.

Thanks for the heads up.

I found the needed button programming info, now reading the rest of the thread!

JT

To trickd, re not being able to pick up all stations after the install of the 6412. It takes a long time to load all the stations. I did not get CSN-HD and three other channels for 24 hours.

To trickd, re not being able to pick up all stations after the install of the 6412. It takes a long time to load all the stations. I did not get CSN-HD and three other channels for 24 hours.

Got my 6412 installed. FABULOUS! We stopped splitting the signal to my TV (so we can watch and record something at the same time)...

Picture looks great. Guide, though buggy is really cool... I wish the PIP feature worked... I would like to watch what's on the other SWAPPED tuner.

BTW... I scoured the other threads and you boys might find this interesting...

Codes for MUTE, 30-sec skip, and swap:

Here is the exact procedure to program a swap or 30 second skip to the remote.

1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip), 00141 (for Mute) or 00236 (for Swap).
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip or swap function to.

I did get that old crappy remote (they actually tried to take our 6208 remote away and give us one with LESS features!)..

I then mentioned... i have a picture of the correct remote, found it in AVS, and explained how there are 5 buttons missing even on the 6208 remote... and the one they were giving us would have been even worse!

I wonder what those poor souls who don't have AVS are doing.

It's working great though, besides the remote thing. minor issues with i-Guide... but I don't think that everyone on AVS forums realize that users of this latest box are actually BETA-testing the guide for comcast. ;)

Reply to all re how to swap. Try your "last" button and see what happens. On our remote, the "last" button switches between a show that we are watching, that we recorded earlier, and our last selected "live" channel.

Z -

I noticed that, too... but the SWAP function actually allows you to switch between tuners. The LAST button, although the switching between live TV and where you were in the DVR is kinda neat, it's not the same thing. Maybe someone else can confirm this. I think swap is, crudely, an A/B switch... while LAST is last activity.

I believe Dawn has this nailed. Zack, if you do not use the "swap" function, you will be unable to watch one channel while recording another one. "Last" will not accomplish that.

ok how about 6412's in del county from the pennel rd office.

To whotony: I guess they would be the same as those distributed in Chester County.

Originally posted by whotony
ok how about 6412's in del county from the pennel rd office.

i should have said "has anyone been able to get one fromthe pennel rd office?"

Is anyone experiencing an issue with WB 17-1 (54 on UHF) whereby the signal goes completely out and after awhile comes back on. This has been happening throughout Everwood. All the other Philly HD stations are fine.

While we're on the topic of TV stations messing up, maybe we can all chip in and get an alarm clock for the nice folk at WCAU-DT to remind them to flip the %^&(% switch at the beginning of HD shows.

On the other hand, kudos to Fox for finally being able to inset a station ID tag on th hour without switching to SD.

I noticed that on Fox, but I was more upset that they were pre-empting their Sunday night schedule for national feed post-game even though our game was over a little after 7.

I'm in Chester County and I called Comcast today to ask for a 6412. Of course they told me that they were out of them in my area. The odd thing was that they said I was already on the list for a callback when they had some. I guess everyone with a 6408 is "on the list" for a call (I had already had my 6408 for months when they got around to calling me).

BTW thanks to Progear for the heads up. I often do work in his office and he always lets me know when there are Comcast HD developments. (That is you right CA?)

Thanks for the info guys I did not know the 6212 units was in. :D

I just called and the 6412 install is setup for tomorrow between 12-4.

One less Replaytv for me.

Anyone having problems with the sound on 64-1 through their MyHD card? When run through the sound card, I'm getting a very distorted sound. I first noticed it with recordings of Lost, thinking it was an issue with the recording, but last night, I noticed it during the live tv - MNF (I almost never watch live tv through the card). Just curious if anyone else is having this issue. I have tried different volume settings, but nothing fixes it. This started when I installed the new driver and app.
Thanks.

Originally posted by trailblazer
Is anyone experiencing an issue with WB 17-1 (54 on UHF) whereby the signal goes completely out and after awhile comes back on. This has been happening throughout Everwood. All the other Philly HD stations are fine. Yes I have had it happen to me since Saturday on both my HD TiVo and my Samsung SIR T-165 both OTA with a Channel Master 4228 ant. Signal strength is 90 percent for maybe 5 -10 minutes and then its gone for a minute or 2 or longer sometimes.

The 6412's are dribbling out across the area. My local office in SJ didn't have any as of Friday. When I got the call from Comcast (which I'm still shocked about), I was told that the 6412's were going directly from the warehouse(s) and were unlikely to be distributed through the local shops for self installs...

I preferred to do the self install to avoid issues like trickd experienced last week...but since this option was not available this time around, I kept a close eye on the instaler dude to make sure he simply dropped the 6412 in exactly as the 6208 was setup...and there was NO FEE!

The Comcast installer dude (who knew his stuff, unlike some others reported in this thread) conveyed a similar story about availability. He stated that the 6412 inventory is still limited in the region and are likely going to those with 6208's first. He said that his crew rec'd a bunch last week, but I got his last one on Sunday and he didn't know when more would be available.

Musashi...that's me. Good to see you on the boards.

Chris.

progear (Chris)-
Did they give you the old remote?

I know this is a little out of the stream of this thread at this point, but is anyone successfully recording HD via the 6200 and firewire to a DVHS machine?

Thanks and everyone have a safe/ great holiday!

Dawn...new remote, with swap button, PIP controls (although not active yet). I was a little concerned after reading the number of 6412 installs with no remote, and seeing how everyone was reprogramming the old one...the tech wasn't aware that the old ones could be reprogrammed...

Originally posted by Barrybud
I know this is a little out of the stream of this thread at this point, but is anyone successfully recording HD via the 6200 and firewire to a DVHS machine?

Thanks and everyone have a safe/ great holiday!

You should be able to. I had a 6200 connected to a Mac running Virtual DVHS. I made plenty of recordings. I later migrated to a 6208 and now a 6412. I can still record unencrypted 5C copy-freely, local HD to my Mac using my 6412. You should be able to record encrypted copy-once and unecrypted copy-freely programs to a JVC DVHS VCR using a 6200.

Got my 6412 installed yesterday. Comcast South Jersey (Turnersville system.) I love the box so far.

Any word on when HD UPN is coming to comcast? I've been enjoying Veronica Mars, and it's "Simulcast in HD"...

Any help would be appreciated.

Thre are no plans for Comcast to add UPN any time soon. Sorry to say.

Joe, re the hookup from your STB to your Mac, do you have a way to get the data back from your Mac to your STB or TV so that you can watch the saved programs on your main TV?

Just had my 6208 swapped out for the 6412 this morning.

WOW - speed, the I-Guide, the SWAP function (thanks to all here for the codes) - i'm very impressed.

One thing that surprised me - there is no CABLE OUT from the box to your TV anymore - had to hook up with component cables.

As a result, I had to rearrange my home theater setup. But no big deal. Thank God i knew how to hook up the box as the tech was unfortunately clueless..lol. :-)

Now i just have to wait for them to send the I-Guide to my 5100 HDTV box in the bedroom!

Nice work Comcast!

I just called comcast and was told they have none and have no idea when they may have some as they are so back ordered in the CSRs words "it doesnt look good". He also had no idea when I guide maybe rolled out to the 6208.

Jeepmatt:

was your tech on time? mine has 70 minutes to swap my 6208 for a 6412 before they owe me $20 :)