Comcast is offering a great deal for trading in my Sat dish for HD cable. They are offering HD Cable and HBO for $40.00 for 12 months for the swap. This will cut my bill down to half. Is there anything I should be concerned about making this deal? Are there anything I should look for in regards to hardware if I switch to Comcast?Then, after 12 months, your Comcrap bill will be more than what DTV charges. Why go through the hassle w/ cable? I've been happy w/ Dish.

Comcast is offering a great deal for trading in my Sat dish for HD cable. They are offering HD Cable and HBO for $40.00 for 12 months for the swap. This will cut my bill down to half. Is there anything I should be concerned about making this deal? Are there anything I should look for in regards to hardware if I switch to Comcast?

I took advantage of the same deal w/dual tuner DVR for $39/month for 12 months back in september. It's worked out great so far. There are some minor annoyances with the program guide and the stupid flip bar, but nothing earth shattering. Getting CSN-HD and all the local networks in HD was worth the switch for me even without the discount.

For those who do begin receiving TNT-HD please confirm that the WEST Coast feeds have been removed and if your area has completed DS.

TNT-HD just showed up in my guide in Coatesville, PA tonight. What west coast feeds are you referring too? I still see SUNDw, FLIXw, E-WSw, etc. Also, I still see west coast HBO channels.

I assume DS is digital simulcast? How can I confirm this?

watching TNT-HD now in lansdale
(upconverted xfiles)


mitch

I noticed early this morning as I was watching some TV on my Mac with EyeTV 500 that TNT-HD was no longer available in clear QAM , so I assumed it was now available for real... I turned on the ole tellie and there it was on channel 204 here in Wayne, PA. Kewl.

TNT-HD is up and running officially on channel 204 at the on the Chester County system.

TNT-HD is up and running officially on channel 204 at the on the Chester County system.

Same in Montco

Here in South Jersey, still no TNT-HD. Still have all the west-coast feeds...I dont care about them...i want TNT-HD.

btw...DS is complete...the only analog channel i have left is the local school's channel.

Thanks once again for screwing Jersey over, Comcast.

Also in Bucks County. Angel in HD right now. :)

Also on 204 in Wilmington.

Here in South Jersey, still no TNT-HD. Still have all the west-coast feeds...I dont care about them...i want TNT-HD.

btw...DS is complete...the only analog channel i have left is the local school's channel.

Thanks once again for screwing Jersey over, Comcast.

And the worst thing is we don't have other cable TV choices.

Does anyone have the official answer on why Philly and Delaware are now receiving TNT HD and Jersey isn't? :(

probably the same nonsense as with UPN

TNT-HD here in montgomery county pa. Good timing comcast and TNT for the NBA. Hopefully prices will stay the same...

probably the same nonsense as with UPN


shades - What was the issue with UPN? I've only had Comcast since August 2005.

There is some notice law in NJ, JWHIP knows better but we didn't get UPN until 15 days later.

does every program TNT run in the full screen format? I cant wait to watch Basketball tonight.

Does anyone know if it TNT-HD will be on in NJ today?

The notice issue deals with the NJ Public Utilities Commision I believe. Non HD material on TNT-HD is stretched to fill your screen.

does every program TNT run in the full screen format? I cant wait to watch Basketball tonight.

For the last few days, while it was available in clear QAM, they seemed to be stretching all the SD content to 16:9. They seem to use one of those stretch modes that modify the sides more than the middle - it was really evident during pans. It seems kinda dumb to me, because if people want to watch SD content stretched they could have their display do it... Personally, I would rather see bars...

Of course, they are now encrypting it, so no NBA for me tonight...

Z

does every program TNT run in the full screen format? I cant wait to watch Basketball tonight.


TNT-HD uses stretch-o-vision for non-HD content. On these programs, you will see some distortions as objects move from the pillar box areas to the 4x3 safe area. HD content generally looks fine but not stunning or pristine like HDNet. Movies are generally not OAR. I get HDNet from Dish's HD Pak to supplement what I don't get from Comcast.

Haven't checked the board in a couple days, and i wake up this morning with a message on my 6412 that says TNT-HD is now availible:) Nice surprise that I didn't know was coming.

Now if we can only get ESPN2HD I will be happy as a clam. Planning on ordering Full Court soon, I'll tell them I want it, but they won't care.

Looks like no TNT for NJ today. NO channel request change request has been put in yet in NJ. Why, I have no clue. I do not have contacts in NJ.

And the worst thing is we don't have other cable TV choices.That's why there is satellite. I have had TNT-HD for the longest time. Been happy w/ them and their pricing. They only want an arm, not an arm and a leg. :p

I wish i could go to dish right now :mad:

Woo hoo TNT-HD just got added for me in Wilmington Delaware, its about damn time!

I just called the main Comcast Number in Phila (215) 665-1700 and inquired why New Jersey is the only state in the Northeast that still does not have TNT-HD yet? Today the Phila and the Delaware area received that channel today on 204. Hope to get a response from Corporate soon. If you want to put pressure on them give them a call and ask for their marketing Department and DEMAND IT!

I just called Comcast up and they told me they are not sure if they will be adding anything soon because of bandwidth problem, I am in Northern NJ

South Jersey will be getting it just not today. Sounds to me like the same issue with UPN57 which came on 15 days after the Pa side of the river.

Did you call corporate or your local Comcast office?

NO I called 973-736-7400, I think that is a local branch office. I don't know the number for the Corp.

See my previos post at 2:00 PM today for the Corporate Number

I just got off the phone with Comcast Corp., they said that at this time they are not offerring it, but will be soon within years end.

Guys-

Someone posted over at BroadbandReports that effective December 1, comcast in NJ will be getting rid of all the west coast feeds except for HBO and will be adding Hallmark Channel and four foreign channels. So I guess that might be the best time, that we will see TNT-HD. A lot of bandwidth will probably be freed up.

december 1????? does he have a source?

Source is the people at Comcast. We shall see how good they are!

TNT-HD is now on Lower Bucks Comcast, channel 204. Didn't see any channels deleted (so far).

Message was also sent to STB: TNT-HD on channel 204 starting 11/1.

Now I need to find a way to get all of OLN's hockey games in HD. They're not showing tonight's game (Red Wings / Black Hawks) on INHD like it was on Monday.

Are the NBA games from NBA TV atill going to be on INHD

Looking for a little help. I'm trying to listen to the Sixers on 610 via the net and another station's audio is playing in the background. It's as if 610 is tuned in on 620 or so. Anyone have an idea of what this is and how to correct it?

Guys-

Someone posted over at BroadbandReports that effective December 1, comcast in NJ will be getting rid of all the west coast feeds except for HBO and will be adding Hallmark Channel and four foreign channels. So I guess that might be the best time, that we will see TNT-HD. A lot of bandwidth will probably be freed up.

What do you mean by foreign channels?

The foreign channels could be either from India, Korea, etc....

The foreign channels could be either from India, Korea, etc....

Foreign channels? How about Al-jezerra! I wanna see all these messages from Bin-Laden :p

Guys-

Someone posted over at BroadbandReports that effective December 1, comcast in NJ will be getting rid of all the west coast feeds except for HBO and will be adding Hallmark Channel and four foreign channels. So I guess that might be the best time, that we will see TNT-HD. A lot of bandwidth will probably be freed up.

Well, another date. Just like they did it FIVE months ago.

I just noticed that you live in Mercer County which is in the Phila DMA so you may get TNT-HD earlier than we do who reside in the NY DMA. We shall see!!!!!!!!

Hey guys!

I just got an LCD TV (awesome by the way) the other day. I ordered Comcast HD but it has not been installed yet. Just to check it out I plugged the built in QAM tuner into the current feed (analog only) and was able to receive the local HD channels. Also - was getting TNTHD unencrypted until Monday afternoon, when it moved to being encrypted. I am in the Chester County (Coatesville) area for Comcast. For anyone else that is curious, my QAM channel numbers are:

107-1 = UPNHD
109-1 = TNTHD (no longer unencrypted)
114-1 = ABCHD
114-2 = NBCHD
114-3 = ABC2HD
114-4 = ABC3HD
114-5 = NBC2HD
115-1 = WHYYHD
115-2 = CBSHD
116-1 = WBHD
116-2 = FOXHD

So basically the broadcast channels are unencrypted.

Anyway - I did have a question for those familiar with Comcast Service in this area. We only want to receive the HDTV channels - at a minimum the broadcast channels, ideally the extra non-premium HD channels - ESPNHD, TNTHD, DHD, INHD. Can you get these channels a la carte so we are not paying for the extra 150 channels we hardly watch? Or do they only serve them in the extra fancy digital package.

You need to get at least digital basic to get those other HD channels.

Thanks for the info. I guess we don't have too much hand in negotiating any other kind of HD only package :/

I just noticed that you live in Mercer County which is in the Phila DMA so you may get TNT-HD earlier than we do who reside in the NY DMA. We shall see!!!!!!!!

I hope so. Man, I really don't expect much from Comcast.

Further indication about foreign channels.Received a brochure today about subscribing to TV5 a french channel by Dec.31.Channel is not currently on my system in Northern New Jersey.

All,

Got a note from COMCAST yesterday. As of 11/29/05, Cinemax, STARZ, Showtime and TMC will be available on Digital Only.

As of 1/31/06 HBO will be available on Digital Only.

Another move in the right direction.

faceoff!

Face-
Congrats on that - down here in DE (New Castle system) we only have 1 HBO still on analog - but I remember when I was still in PA on the Montco system they had ALL the premiums still on analog - including 3 HBO's!!

I was wondering when they were going to clean up some bandwidth on that system!

Rcodey - West Orange NJ is in the NY DMA - Comcast which covers mostly Central and Northern NJ and parts of CT. It would be helpfull to put that info also in that forum as well. Like you I check this thread out to get an understanding of what is happening with the Phila customers and try to post info in the NY thread to keep others updated. Our system in most cases gets updated after Phila.

That's why there is satellite. I have had TNT-HD for the longest time. Been happy w/ them and their pricing. They only want an arm, not an arm and a leg. :p But that "leg" is my kids cartoons every morning Ondemand, and a little passion of mine called "Philly home teams in HD" (CSNHD) !
I'd give both legs :D

Did anyone on the Willow Grove system (Montco., PA) get a notice about Premiums being removed from Analog?

On the WG system, they removed Starz last Fall, and Cinemax last Spring.

I am hoping Show/TMC and HBO are removed soon, so we can get more HD.

I'd never consider satellite, verizon fios maybe.

so....any update on TNT-HD for South Jersey?

We are the forgotten people

I really hope TNT-HD is on by years end in NJ.

And I really don't think so. If MPEG-2 is good, I will switch to D* ASAP.

MPEG 2 or 4... no difference in PQ. Just a different way to fit 5 lbs. of stuff in a 1 lb. bag.

MPEG 2 or 4... no difference in PQ. Just a different way to fit 5 lbs. of stuff in a 1 lb. bag.


I'll probably butcher this, but isn't mpeg 4 ... um.. wavelet based? And instead of macroblocking doesn't it just get additional video noise?

So while the PQ is the same (but maybe at less bitrates for mpeg4) when the encoder breaks down we get a less distracting artifact?

I'll probably butcher this, but isn't mpeg 4 ... um.. wavelet based? And instead of macroblocking doesn't it just get additional video noise?

So while the PQ is the same (but maybe at less bitrates for mpeg4) when the encoder breaks down we get a less distracting artifact?

No, it is not wavelet based. You can read more about H.264 or MPEG4 Part 10 in this
PDF (http://images.apple.com/quicktime/pdf/H264_Technology_Brief.pdf) and this page with links (http://www.apple.com/quicktime/technologies/h264/) (lower right).

sucks that desperate housewives and greys anatomy are being shown at different times in SD.

I noticed that...but I also noticed that OTA isn't affected by heavy storms while my satellite went out for a few minutes :) I didn't know that would be the case. Better pic PLUS no interruptions is wonderful indeed.

Are you sure? I saw a bunch of Desperate Housewives pretending to play football. Grey forgot to show up though, rumor has it she had a sports hernia.

No, it is not wavelet based. You can read more about H.264 or MPEG4 Part 10 in this
PDF (http://images.apple.com/quicktime/pdf/H264_Technology_Brief.pdf) and this page with links (http://www.apple.com/quicktime/technologies/h264/) (lower right).
Thanks.

Are you sure? I saw a bunch of Desperate Housewives pretending to play football. Grey forgot to show up though, rumor has it she had a sports hernia.

I think the Eagles overall played pretty well. If you look at the stats, they led in almost every category. The call by McNabb at the end of the 1st half was just stupid, and the refs seemed to be calling EVERYTHING against the Eagles. Especially the two challenges.

I seemed to notice blocking on the game last night during still field shots, more so that usual. However the blocking during movement is not as bad on ESPNHD, I would assume b/c they are 720P and so is my Sammy.

The broadcast looked pretty good last night, not the best I've seen but very good.

I think the Eagles overall played pretty well. If you look at the stats, they led in almost every category. The call by McNabb at the end of the 1st half was just stupid, and the refs seemed to be calling EVERYTHING against the Eagles. Especially the two challenges.

You're joking right? 24 yards rushing on 17 carries, McNabb reminding us that he enjoys playing the end of halves and games with his hands around his throat, the defense failing to force a turnover yet again, lousy special teams play all against the weakest team and our division and you think they played pretty well overall? We put up 10 points. God help us all.

Well we forced fumbles, and we got unlucky bounces. And that one fumble on the goal line was called a touchdown. And I already sed McNabb made a poor decision. By the way, Washington didn't run much more than Philly, and we had way more passing yards.

So....has anyone found out when South Jersey is getting TNT?

wish we had our own thread with people who have contacts in jersey because really noone in PA really cares about us

And IMO, no one wants to go through 186 pages of posts for info.

I'd like to see Philly and South Jersey split and make OTA and Cable separate threads.

For anyone interested, Comcast now has the 3412 DVR available. It has an active HDMI output as well as component. It is a dual tuner with a 120 gig hard drive.

For anyone interested, Comcast now has the 3412 DVR available. It has an active HDMI output as well as component. It is a dual tuner with a 120 gig hard drive.

You mean the "phase III" 6412 -- don't you?

They had a 6412 (dual tuner DVR) for a while, with no HDMI.

But the "phase III" version has HDMI.

Or is the 3412 something altogether different?

You mean the "phase III" 6412 -- don't you?

They had a 6412 (dual tuner DVR) for a while, with no HDMI.

But the "phase III" version has HDMI.

Or is the 3412 something altogether different?

Hello.

(First time poster on this thread)

When I called them over the weekend they mentioned a 3412 dvr, but I couldn't find any specs on it online.

Does it offer direct passthrough? That's my biggest complaint with the 6412, I have to send all HD to my tv 1080i, I'd much rather my TV do the translating of everything.

Don't really care about HDMI as I use a 5.1 system for sound and I JUST (as in yesterday) ordered a HMDI->DVI cable...

However if passthrough is available, I may have to discard that cable...

You mean the "phase III" 6412 -- don't you?

They had a 6412 (dual tuner DVR) for a while, with no HDMI.

But the "phase III" version has HDMI.

Or is the 3412 something altogether different?



The 3412 is all digital, no analog tuner.

Since it is a Digital Tuner will the Digital simulcast stations become noticably clearer than the analog tuner?

You mean the "phase III" 6412 -- don't you?

They had a 6412 (dual tuner DVR) for a while, with no HDMI.

But the "phase III" version has HDMI.

Or is the 3412 something altogether different?
The first and second phase had just DVI. You are correct, Phase Three has HDMI.

The 3412 is a new DVR, it is Digital only, it is 3 or 4 inches shallower, IIRC. It has a few other enhancements, which I can't remember.

For anyone interested, Comcast now has the 3412 DVR available. It has an active HDMI output as well as component. It is a dual tuner with a 120 gig hard drive.
JWhip, do you know which DVR was the first to have DSG, the 'Home Networking' capability?

The 3412 is all digital, no analog tuner.


Forgive my ignorance, but aren't there still channels that come over in analog only? Would those channels disappear? or is the idea that my TV can decode those? For instance, I thought most comcast channels 1-60 were analog.


Of course, I'm a rediculous nube at all this...

all of the analog channels now have digital counterparts. If you have digital cable, the box you have no longer recognizes the analog channels. I should have the 3412 tomorrow. I am interested in seeing how the HDMI looks as I did not like the DVI picture. The 3412 looks a lot smaller than the 6412.

JWhip - Motorola's DCT3412 comes with choices of 120GB, 160GB and 320GB hard drives. Will Comcast give its customers the ability to choose the 320GB?

The phase III DVR reports lots of sound problems when using HDMI (DD dropping out). I'll be interested in your feedback on that issue.

By the way, there is one analog channel still coming through (WHYY on channel 97). I assume this is to allow TV Guide pass through for folks who have that feature.

I am not getting HDMI for audio. I will not use it for that at all. I will use it for video only as I do with my DVD player. The hard drive seleted by Comcast is the 120 gig. I guess they do not want to use the bigger ones so you will not record everything so you will buy up that VOD. Who would pay 99 cents to watch CSI anyway when you can DVR it and in HD to boot?

Anyone else have a problem with the law and order movie sunday night? 2nd hour wasn't so 'wide' as the first :)

Anyone else have a problem with the law and order movie sunday night? 2nd hour wasn't so 'wide' as the first :)
Same here for Law and Order on WCAU OTA. I e-mailed them, and received the reply I expected--nothing.

I am not getting HDMI for audio. I will not use it for that at all. I will use it for video only as I do with my DVD player. The hard drive seleted by Comcast is the 120 gig. I guess they do not want to use the bigger ones so you will not record everything so you will buy up that VOD. Who would pay 99 cents to watch CSI anyway when you can DVR it and in HD to boot?

So our hopes are dashed of getting a box with a bigger hard drive, stupid comcast!!! :mad: I didn't think that 3412 was coming out till next year.

So our hopes are dashed of getting a box with a bigger hard drive, stupid comcast!!! :mad: I didn't think that 3412 was coming out till next year.

I don't know if this was answered, but does anyone know if the 3412 offers passthrough of HD signals? Or do you still have to select either 720p or 1080i like on the 6412?

The phase III DVR reports lots of sound problems when using HDMI (DD dropping out). I'll be interested in your feedback on that issue.

By the way, there is one analog channel still coming through (WHYY on channel 97). I assume this is to allow TV Guide pass through for folks who have that feature.

Since I still choose say, channel "24" for CNN on my 6412, how do you know what is analog and what isn't?

The 3412 looks a lot smaller than the 6412.
Please tell us what those dimensions are, when you get a chance.

I am really hoping to get one for my bedroom, so a smaller sized DVR would be welcomed.

Since I still choose say, channel "24" for CNN on my 6412, how do you know what is analog and what isn't?
If the Digital Simulcast is complete in your area, when you select any of the channels 2-99, you will get the Digital channel instead of Analog.

To tell if it is Digital, you can look for the DD symbol on the flip bar.

Now, sometimes it disappears, so you can always go into the Diagnostics menu and it will tell you Digital or Analog.

That being said, you should notice quite a difference right away.

im not getting a new box until they give us a bigger hard drive. Picture quality from the dvi to the hdmi will not be a big enough difference to change. Unless they are handing out the new boxes for free with the replacement of our old ones.

im not getting a new box until they give us a bigger hard drive. Picture quality from the dvi to the hdmi will not be a big enough difference to change. Unless they are handing out the new boxes for free with the replacement of our old ones.

If you're renting the box shouldn't it be just that? A free exchange?

Since I still choose say, channel "24" for CNN on my 6412, how do you know what is analog and what isn't?

My Sharp has CC & displays "digital" for all channels except 97 which is displayed as analog. Plus, you can definately see the difference between channel 12 (WHYY digital) vs channel 97 (WHYY analog).

I am not getting HDMI for audio. I will not use it for that at all. I will use it for video only as I do with my DVD player. The hard drive seleted by Comcast is the 120 gig. I guess they do not want to use the bigger ones so you will not record everything so you will buy up that VOD. Who would pay 99 cents to watch CSI anyway when you can DVR it and in HD to boot?

I'll be interested to hear if the picture is in fact different vs. DVI, I've been pleased with the DVI image although one of the "quirks" with the 6412 has been a split or shifted image when turning the STB on, corrected only by switching the channel to a HD image to re-center (occasionally). Have you had that issue? If so, I'll also be interested to hear if that has been corrected.

Another "quirk" has been freezing on the 6412, especially when you load up scheduled recordings. Please let us know how you fare with this issue as well.

The other issue you may have is that your set was ISF calibrated using DVI (I assume), will you get them back out to re-calibrate for HDMI?

NO my set was calibrated with HDMI. I have used a DVI to HDMI cable for the 6412 and really prefer the component picture. I have two HDMI blades but have only installed the one which I use for DVD.

Has anyone added a 2nd hd dvr lately? Everytime I call, I still get the "there's a shortage, only 1 per household." I haven't called for about a week thought.

I'll be interested to hear if the picture is in fact different vs. DVI, I've been pleased with the DVI image although one of the "quirks" with the 6412 has been a split or shifted image when turning the STB on, corrected only by switching the channel to a HD image to re-center (occasionally). Have you had that issue? If so, I'll also be interested to hear if that has been corrected.
I only have this issue when I turn on the TV and it is on a 720p channel, regardless of the STB's output setting.

Has anyone added a 2nd hd dvr lately? Everytime I call, I still get the "there's a shortage, only 1 per household." I haven't called for about a week thought.
It varies by system.

EDIT: I know it doesn't help you much, but the point is, if they say there is a shortage in a particular system, usually it is true. But maybe, others on your system can chime in.

Does anyone have a second DVR?
If so, besides the $10 DVR fee, are you also paying a Digital Addtl. Outlet fee of $5-8?

Please mention what system you are on.

They are supposed to assess this fee, but someone once said they weren't. I think there is no consistency.
This might be the difference maker for me, as here it is $7, so a second DVR at $17 is expensive.

(In reality, the first DVR is $15, because Digital packages include a $5 regular STB, and then it is $10 to upgrade to DVR. But, still I am hoping for the least $) :)

I'll be interested to hear if the picture is in fact different vs. DVI, I've been pleased with the DVI image although one of the "quirks" with the 6412 has been a split or shifted image when turning the STB on, corrected only by switching the channel to a HD image to re-center (occasionally). Have you had that issue? If so, I'll also be interested to hear if that has been corrected.

Another "quirk" has been freezing on the 6412, especially when you load up scheduled recordings. Please let us know how you fare with this issue as well.

The other issue you may have is that your set was ISF calibrated using DVI (I assume), will you get them back out to re-calibrate for HDMI?

I have those same issues with my DVI connection. When i turn on my tv, and leave the box on, I will have the split picture with is sorta distorted on the HD channels, Easily fixed by changing the channel but none the less annoying.

Does anyone else have problem while paging through the channels where the box freezes up? Then i have to sit there and wait from 3 to 15 seconds for the box to allow me to do anything? This happens every day and just wondering whats goin on. Has happened since I have had the box.

Side note...just turned on DNL and noticed comast HD is now running side bars, which are very similar if I do say to ESPN's bars. The gray color with some sort of design on them. Will they be running this for all non HD content now? And does anyone know why they cant run DNL in HD when they have a home event in HD, either being sixers or flyers. Wondering if they will be rolling out a new HD lineup...maybe for sportsrise?sportsnite?post game live?

I would say it is permenent. CSN lacks enough euipment such as HD switchers to do DNL in HD when there is a home game in HD. All of the necessary equipment is used for the games. They only started doing DNL in HD with the hockey strike which meant that the equipment was sitting unused for long stretches of time and it was decided to use it of DNL. I am hopeful that this will change in the near future.

all of the analog channels now have digital counterparts. If you have digital cable, the box you have no longer recognizes the analog channels. I should have the 3412 tomorrow. I am interested in seeing how the HDMI looks as I did not like the DVI picture. The 3412 looks a lot smaller than the 6412.
I am worried about Comcast removing the analog channels. I think their plan is to remove the analog channels to free up bandwidth for more non HD digital channels or more likely more room for internet use. If they remove the 60 plus analog channels my cable ready sets in the house will need STBs at $8 a month for the "additional outlet fee" which is just another name for a STB rental. Comcast in some areas is already providing smaller STBs (dct 700) that are digital that have composite output only for this purpose. If this is the case I will go to Satillite where those "fees" per TV are less.

There is no doubt that Comcast will eliminate analog service in the next couple of years either totally or with some sort or compression system. I doubt that they will price this service higher than DBS when they do.It makes no sense at all to have the duplicate system they have now.

Quite happy to see side bars on CSNHD for non HD stuff. I've noticed that the HD PQ seems to be better when watching the last Sixers game and the flyers games this week.

side bars are awesome now

Does anyone have a second DVR?
If so, besides the $10 DVR fee, are you also paying a Digital Addtl. Outlet fee of $5-8?

Please mention what system you are on.

They are supposed to assess this fee, but someone once said they weren't. I think there is no consistency.
This might be the difference maker for me, as here it is $7, so a second DVR at $17 is expensive.

(In reality, the first DVR is $15, because Digital packages include a $5 regular STB, and then it is $10 to upgrade to DVR. But, still I am hoping for the least $) :)

QZ-
I have 2 DVR's and a regular box. I have 2 $9.95 charges (DVR, DVR A/O), and then an $8.90 charge for the 3rd regular box. I subscribe to Digital Platinum and am on the New Castle system.

The side bars on CSN are sweet. I hate stretched content and the picture I get on CSN HD seems to be better than the picture I get on the SD version even though the content is the same.

Anybody have a problem with ABC (Ch6) OTA reception lately? I have no problems until a week or so ago. Suddenly the signal strength is down. Nothing changed in my setup so I'm thinking it could either be weather related or broadcast issue. No MNF & Lost for me... :(

No problems here w/ WPVI-DT. Watching GMA in HD this morning.

I don't know if this was answered, but does anyone know if the 3412 offers passthrough of HD signals? Or do you still have to select either 720p or 1080i like on the 6412?

I second that question. Its the most annoying thing about the 6412.

Why on NBC 10 thru my HDtivo do I have a tapping sound whenever it's right before or after shows? It sounds like a hammer tapping on a stone or a 'tinny' sound like that. It is not on CBS 3 and I'm in the process of ruling out other stations now.

I guess it has something to do with switching from local/national stuff or commercials? But why would it only be on NBC? Just now I did a 30 second skip and heard the same sort of clicking when I do a 30 second skip on a CBS show. But it's not at the end of each station break on CBS.

Is this something inherent to OTA recordings? I've been using the HD tivo for 2 months and never had it on SD programs off the satellite.

That sound always comes on NBC10 when they are switching between the local and national feeds. NBC doesnt really care about their HD channel, so don't even worry about it, you'll just have to get used to it.

I noticed the CSN sidebars yesterday, they look much better than the stretched out crap they had before. If I want stretched I'll go to the nonHD CSN(I have 4:3 channels stretched). Confirmed it was full time when SportsRise had them this morning.

Anyone else notice that the Flyers and Sixers games are looking razor sharp? Especially the Sixers games from the WAC, they just look incredible. I can't even see blocking, which I see on every NFL game and almost every other HD broadcast.

THere is definitely an improvement. It is not at CSN but in the link to Comcast for distribution.

The Sixers games have looked great lately. I haven't been able to see the quality on the NBA games on TNT since we still don't have it in South Jersey. Any word on that? I was hoping to see Saving Private Ryan tonight, but it looks like that isn't happening.

Can someone help me with the channels on which HDTV is broadcast in Philadelphia from the Roxborough farm? I just need to know if the digital signal is all in the UHF frequencies or if some are in the VHF.

Thank you.

QZ-
I have 2 DVR's and a regular box. I have 2 $9.95 charges (DVR, DVR A/O), and then an $8.90 charge for the 3rd regular box. I subscribe to Digital Platinum and am on the New Castle system.
Thanks, I recall someone in CC Phila, had the same fee structure; I am hoping it is the same here in WG, probably is.

The moniker 'DVR A/O' seems to ring a bell, as well. Since it is another $9.95, it is really another DVR w/o the 'Dgtl. A/O fee.'

Other replies are welcomed. :)

They are all UHF.

www.antennweb.org
www.titantv.com

I am worried about Comcast removing the analog channels.

If they remove the 60 plus analog channels my cable ready sets in the house will need STBs at $8 a month for the "additional outlet fee" which is just another name for a STB rental.

Comcast in some areas is already providing smaller STBs (dct 700) that are digital that have composite output only for this purpose.

Removing analog in inevitable.

Digital A/O fee is more than an STB rental in many places. Here, for instance a Digital STB is $5, but the Digital A/O is $7, so there is a $2 mirroring fee added.

I know in some areas they have rolled out these DCT-700s. Does anyone know how they are pricing them?

I recall in a few areas w/o analog the first three were free and the rest were $2 for a year, then $5. But I wonder how this varies in areas were they are optional.

If you have Digital Classic or Plus and a Premium(s), (but not a Digital Silver or above bundle), are you paying a 'Whole House Premium Access Fee'?

If not, do you get the Premiums on all Digital STBs anyway?

Please note your system.

If they indeed assess this fee on some Digital subs, I am trying to decide if is worth getting.

Thanks

Just a quick fyi: it looks like Comcast in Turnerville, NJ (old Gardenstate cable system) has switched most (all? but the premiums) of their analog channels over to digital, as I now get them all via clear QAM (scanned via a LG LST-3510A). The analog still works. I keep scanning hoping to see TNTHD.

That sound always comes on NBC10 when they are switching between the local and national feeds. NBC doesnt really care about their HD channel, so don't even worry about it, you'll just have to get used to it.

What's different about nbc that makes the other stations able to quash this annoying noise? It stinks when your amp is up and you have to hear it louder.

JWhip;

Initial impressions with the 3412?

does anyone know if the dvi port on the comcast moto boxes work yet?

does anyone know if the dvi port on the comcast moto boxes work yet?
I can verify they have been working for at least a year. IIRC, it is probably 1.5 years. :)

i just got off the phone with a comcast csr who told me that they don't work but they are getting new boxes in december.

i just got off the phone with a comcast csr who told me that they don't work but they are getting new boxes in december.
Don't believe everything the CSRs tell you. If you indeed are on a Motorola system, then the 6412 DVR has been out for a year with active DVI. I believe the 6200 HD STB has it as well. I can't imagine that they still have the 5100, although I don't remember if it had DVI or not.

At this point, the 6412 is already on Phase III, and it has active HDMI.
If your area has a Digital Simulcasting, then they will be rolling out the 3412 with HDMI.

i hope your right i would hate to have to watch hd-lite though the comp wires

does anyone know if you can pull in the newyork hd feeds over the air with an antenna?

Yeah... on a 50'+ mast/tower and a good antenna.
FWIW... folks within 20 miles of NYC have problems, so... good luck.

thanks

i just got off the phone with a comcast csr who told me that they don't work but they are getting new boxes in december.
I've been using the DVI port on mine since I got it 8 months ago.

I was just at the new Coatsville office of Comcast over the weekend, swapping out my 6200 (bedroom unit) for another 6200 with an active DVI. They even gave me a DVI to HDMI cable (an expensive proposition to buy, unles you buy online) I've had the 6412 in the living room for about a year, with the DVI in use. Everything works fine, although I don't think there's a huge difference in pic quality. If I didn't have to use it because of a lack of more than one component input on my TV, I probobly wouldn't bother.

Hi I am looking to buy another OTA for HD. I am not sure which one to get. I have a radio shack on the roof now, but I get alot of droup outs with it on 6ABC. It hardly ever comes in. I have done everythig I could think off ie: moved it around pre-amp. And according to http://www.antennaweb.org I am no farther than 17.0mi from the towers. So I am hopping that its just the antenna. I would like to get some advice from u guys on what u think I should do, and what Antenna I should get.
TIA
Ps I have a HR10-250 HD TiVo . I had VOOM last year and never had a problem with OTA signals. So maybe its the Tivo?

Hi I am looking to buy another OTA for HD. I am not sure which one to get. I have a radio shack on the roof now, but I get alot of droup outs with it on 6ABC. It hardly ever comes in. I have done everythig I could think off ie: moved it around pre-amp. And according to http://www.antennaweb.org I am no farther than 17.0mi from the towers. So I am hopping that its just the antenna. I would like to get some advice from u guys on what u think I should do, and what Antenna I should get.
TIA
Ps I have a HR10-250 HD TiVo . I had VOOM last year and never had a problem with OTA signals. So maybe its the Tivo?

Bases on my experience do not get a TERK antenna (useless), Winegard is very good if not the best. I have had trouble with channel 6.1 and 12.1, use RG6 throughout your house, and don't use a diplexer, it weakened the signal for 12.1 especially. For 6.1 I really had to point the antenna at one spot, a little to the left or right and I experienced lots of dropout and a generally weaker signal.

Bases on my experience do not get a TERK antenna (useless), Winegard is very good if not the best. I have had trouble with channel 6.1 and 12.1, use RG6 throughout your house, and don't use a diplexer, it weakened the signal for 12.1 especially. For 6.1 I really had to point the antenna at one spot, a little to the left or right and I experienced lots of dropout and a generally weaker signal.
Thanks Pack, What model Winegard do u suggest?

Hi I am looking to buy another OTA for HD. I am not sure which one to get. I have a radio shack on the roof now, but I get alot of droup outs with it on 6ABC. It hardly ever comes in. I have done everythig I could think off ie: moved it around pre-amp. And according to http://www.antennaweb.org I am no farther than 17.0mi from the towers. So I am hopping that its just the antenna. I would like to get some advice from u guys on what u think I should do, and what Antenna I should get.
TIA
Ps I have a HR10-250 HD TiVo . I had VOOM last year and never had a problem with OTA signals. So maybe its the Tivo?
I am using a Radio Shack U-75r yagi uhf antenna that claims to have a 75 mile range(I guess thats for analog). It works pretty well but I have problems with Fox 29.1. I get some intermittent dropouts. It is really hard to position this antenna when I have no signal strenth meter on my Mitsubishi HDTV. When I tried a preamp I had lost some channels. I dont think a preamp is good for digital. It may distort the signal. According to AntennaWeb I am 20 miles from Phila transmitters.

75 miles is optimistic.

FWIW... I initially used the same antenna in my attic for two years and always had problems with WTXF. Switched to a Channel Master 4228 and all is good.

I found the pre-amp ruined 12.1 for me, and I'm 43 miles out.

Unless you have a really long run from antenna to head unit, you shouldn't need a pre-amp.

Regarding Comcast digital simulcast and the Motorola 34xx boxes...
Does anyone know if these have active Firewire ports on them? I'm starting to contemplate what hardware I'll need in a post-analog cable world, to use with my Linux PVR (mythtv) -- a settop dedicated to (or shared by) the PVR, instead of the PC analog capture card. I assume sometime soon using a Tivo will have to be done just like it is now with satellite service (if you use a stand-alone/homemade PVR). Is there a timetable for analog being discontinued, or will it coincide with the end of terrestrial analog, whenever that happens?

The additional digital outlet charge really bugs me, and sometime soon everybody will be stuck paying it if you have more than one TV. Does the cable customer public really understand their VCR's are going to almost obsolete real soon? And are the cable operators, under pressure from the content providers, going to forever cripple the video that comes out of a settop's firewire port?

The 3412 as well as the 6200 and 6412 have active firewire ports. I use them all the time to D-VHS.

The 3412 as well as the 6200 and 6412 have active firewire ports. I use them all the time to D-VHS.

Does your D-VHS handle the 5C encryption? From what I've read here and in other places, the number of channels available to a firewire connection without 5C (any open hardware platform) varies, and seems to be ratcheting downward. I haven't heard what's available in the Delaware Valley. I can understand restricting HBO, but not being able to access anything other than the local broadcast networks or basic channels is frustrating.

The additional digital outlet charge really bugs me, and sometime soon everybody will be stuck paying it if you have more than one TV. Does the cable customer public really understand their VCR's are going to almost obsolete real soon? And are the cable operators, under pressure from the content providers, going to forever cripple the video that comes out of a settop's firewire port?
Depending what they charge for Digital A/Os in your area, it is for the box, and, in some places, a mirroring fee is tacked on; this is not itemized, of course.

I don't think they will be able to continue with Digital A/O fees, beyond the cost of the box, once there is no more Analog Standard cable.

Do you have a two DVRs and pay an A/O fee?

I do not have HBO or any premium movie channel on Comcast so can't comment on that. I am able to copy all of the other HD channels with the exception of Discovery, which I have had trouble with at times.

D* announced that Philadelphia HD LILs should be added this month:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604495

D* announced that Philadelphia HD LILs should be added this month:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604495

Interesting. I wonder if D* will contact us Phillyians about making the transition.

Hi I am looking to buy another OTA for HD. I am not sure which one to get. I have a radio shack on the roof now, but I get alot of droup outs with it on 6ABC. It hardly ever comes in. I have done everythig I could think off ie: moved it around pre-amp. And according to http://www.antennaweb.org I am no farther than 17.0mi from the towers. So I am hopping that its just the antenna. I would like to get some advice from u guys on what u think I should do, and what Antenna I should get.
TIA
Ps I have a HR10-250 HD TiVo . I had VOOM last year and never had a problem with OTA signals. So maybe its the Tivo?

I have the same constant problem with 6ABC but it only started a couple of weeks ago. I first noticed it when I tried to watch the Colts-Pats MNF game. Funny thing is last night when it was raining and wind gusting I was able to watch LOST. The only other station that gives me problem is PBS Trenton. I too have a RS antenna but it's in the attic. I was looking at the DB4 antenna from antennasdirect.com but I'll try to move the antenna outside first.

I'm thinking this is a multi-path issue since 6ABC was watchable the whole of summer.

I read over in the HD Recorders section that the Motorola 3416 DVR (160GB) will be here for Comcast soon; does anyone have one? Does anyone have any info on rollout? (I know the 3412 is out; I want the 3416 for the larger HDD)

I was told today this we will not be getting the 3416 here. Only the 3412.

JWhip - any new on NJ getting TNT-HD?

I am waiting for a response after asking this afternoon.

Has there been any mention of when TiVo and Comcast's partnership may bear fruit?

I have the same constant problem with 6ABC but it only started a couple of weeks ago. I first noticed it when I tried to watch the Colts-Pats MNF game. Funny thing is last night when it was raining and wind gusting I was able to watch LOST. The only other station that gives me problem is PBS Trenton. I too have a RS antenna but it's in the attic. I was looking at the DB4 antenna from antennasdirect.com but I'll try to move the antenna outside first.

I'm thinking this is a multi-path issue since 6ABC was watchable the whole of summer.

An easy way to determine if your having multipath issues is to tune in the 6ABC analog channel and look for ghosting of the images on the screen, if you don't see ghosting your not having multi-path issues.

I have the same constant problem with 6ABC but it only started a couple of weeks ago. I first noticed it when I tried to watch the Colts-Pats MNF game. Funny thing is last night when it was raining and wind gusting I was able to watch LOST. The only other station that gives me problem is PBS Trenton. I too have a RS antenna but it's in the attic. I was looking at the DB4 antenna from antennasdirect.com but I'll try to move the antenna outside first.

I'm thinking this is a multi-path issue since 6ABC was watchable the whole of summer.

Outside is best of course, if it's easy to run the wire. I started having problems a week after installing the antenna and figured it was the change in seasons or leaves or something. I raised it about a foot off the ground and perfect signal in every station but fox, which actually comes in better for me the lower the antenna. So I give up fox to get all the others from philly but that's not too bad with trees and a house in the way :)

I too have had great success with heavy rain. About a week ago had perfect signal through a torrential 10 minute storm.

I have contacted two people at Comcast and they have no info on TNT-HD for S. Jersey. That does not mean that it won't happen soon, perhaps on 12/1, it is just not their area.

Hi,
I am new here and new to over the air HD. Im on the second floor of a multistory building @ school house lane and wisshickon in east falls/germantown.

Setup:
Accurain HST 6000 OTA Box
Silver Sensor pointed toward roxbrgh. antenna farm.

I am recieving:
3.1 HD
6.1 HD
6.2
6.3
10.1 HD
10.2
12.1 HD
12.2
17.1 HD
29.1 HD
35.1
48.1
57.1 HD i think, ill find out in prime time i guess
61.1
61.2
61.3
61.4
64.1
64.2
64.3 (which are the same as 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3)
65.1
65.2
All at at least 90%

is anyone else in the area pulling in anything else?
Thanks for all the advice, this forum holds a huge wealth of information.

adavis, that's all you'll get pointed to Rox. And yes, 57.1 is UPN HD. You'll see UPN programming in HD - the little there is of it). They broadcast all Phillies home games in HD as well.

Regarding Comcast digital simulcast and the Motorola 34xx boxes...
Does anyone know if these have active Firewire ports on them? I'm starting to contemplate what hardware I'll need in a post-analog cable world, to use with my Linux PVR (mythtv) -- a settop dedicated to (or shared by) the PVR, instead of the PC analog capture card. I assume sometime soon using a Tivo will have to be done just like it is now with satellite service (if you use a stand-alone/homemade PVR). Is there a timetable for analog being discontinued, or will it coincide with the end of terrestrial analog, whenever that happens?

The additional digital outlet charge really bugs me, and sometime soon everybody will be stuck paying it if you have more than one TV. Does the cable customer public really understand their VCR's are going to almost obsolete real soon? And are the cable operators, under pressure from the content providers, going to forever cripple the video that comes out of a settop's firewire port?

im on Urban Cable, so our software might be different, but i use the FW ports on my Dual tuner DVR to record A/V into my Mac using FireWire SDK and MPEGStreamclip. If i understand it properly, the software tricks the set top into think that the Mac is a D-Beta or D-VHS deck. I have had very few problems with recording digial shows stored on the DVR this way.

adavis, that's all you'll get pointed to Rox. And yes, 57.1 is UPN HD. You'll see UPN programming in HD - the little there is of it). They broadcast all Phillies home games in HD as well.

newsman, thanks.

can expect to get anything in addition to what i have by pointing in a different direction, i belive i am pointing at 292^ (which i think i am getting all of), and antennaweb shows 3 stations at 151^, Uni (i think is Univision, which i dont really care about) which leaves PBS and IND?. Basically what i want is your opinion on if you think its worth it to work on getting those as well. they are almost 30 miles out, so maybe i am being greedy. Any thoughts?

I wouldn't worry about it. Why? The programming that you'll get from the Roxborough towers is more than good enough. If you were able to get programming from New York (in HD), then I'd say go for it. I am in Wynnefield Heights and get strong signals from Rox too. I tried playing w/ my roof top antenna, and couldn't get much in the way of signals from NY, Baltimore, and DC. Though, I did pick up channel 8 (WGAL-TV NBC) out of Lancaster/York. So, I returned the antenna to the best position for picking up signals out of Rox.

As a side note, I have a friend who lives in a 33rd floor apartment in Center City, facing north, who is able to get - with rabbit ears, all Philly programming (analog and digital), and NY programming (analog only). His neighbor who has a south view, doesn't get the Philly channels all that well and gets Baltimore and DC channels. He doesn't have a DTV, so he doesn't know whether he can pick up digital signals from those cities.

thanks for the info. I am much happier with the silver sensor than with the other 2 antennas i have tried. i still don't understand the physics of an unpowered antenna working better than one with 22db of gain. but anyway, thanks again

Whats comcast doing? i turned on my TV this morning and most of the channels look much improved, not like DIRECTV used to but close on many channels, almost all signs of compression are gone on many channels

Why does the flyers game on 57-1 have bars OTA? Shouldn't it be full 16:9? I have to use 4:3 expanded on my screen because the 16:9 standard has the bars and 16:9 expanded makes me lose too much picture.

newsposter, i'm not sure what you are asking.

there are bars because it is a road game and is not broadcast in widescreen hd.

are you trying to fill your screen?
sounds like myou are stretching to widen the image.

so why can't away games be in HD? I didn't understand it because my tv is set to 16:9 std and even on stuff on the standard def channels, it fills the screen...so when a supposed HD broadcast is shown, I thought the hockey should fill it at 16/9 standard also.

If the game isn't in HD, 57-1 being a digital channel, will show the 4:3 game with black sidebars as part of the 16:9 image. As far as your TV knows, it is receiving a 16:9 HD signal, so it will not automatically manipulate the image.

Whats comcast doing? i turned on my TV this morning and most of the channels look much improved, not like DIRECTV used to but close on many channels, almost all signs of compression are gone on many channels

Shades-
Looks like the digital simulcast might be complete in your area!

The DS has been complete for awhile, any way the channels are back to looking blurry, comcast must have been testing something because the other night channels looked clearer than i have ever seen

WTF, no HD for the eagles today?

Newspoater, it costs money to do the road games in HD and Comcast Sportsnet has decided not to do so. They produce all the local broadcasts of the Phillies, Flyers and Sixers irregardless of where they are shown locally.

WTF, no HD for the eagles today?
i think it just kicked in in HD, my amp switched to DD and the pillars disappeared.

i think they kicked off early or something, usually it isnt in HD until 1:10, the coin toss and all is pillar boxed for me until KO at 1:10

Fox HD 29-1 just came up. Luckily, I was watching it on Channel 88 D* which started in HD. Now, back to the game OTA.

I have this old guide, it's slow, big and clunky. I'm thinking of upgrading to DVR(SA 8000HD box) will that give me the newer guide??

I see pictures of this nice clean, crisp guide on there website but for the 2 years i'v had comcast i still have the old one.

I'm using a SA3100hd i think... Could the older box be the problem... will i get the newer guide with the 8000 dvr box??

Thanks in advance

Are any of you having OTA reception problems w/ Fox 29-1? I can't get a decent signal this afternoon. So, I have no games in HD today (Pitt-Baltimore is in SD on CBS). :(

Are any of you having OTA reception problems w/ Fox 29-1? I can't get a decent signal this afternoon. So, I have no games in HD today (Pitt-Baltimore is in SD on CBS). :(

ive had it the whole time today, but i did need to reposition my antenna (silver sensor) earlier this morning. good luck pulling in the 4 o clock.

the pq is looking a lot better all of a sudden on the Eagles game....Too bad the refs are making it a horrible game by calling pass interference on EVERY play

Agreed. Of course we now have to suffer the horrible baltimore pittsburg game instead of getting the colts game. I wish they would stop showing those two boring teams in this area. And the Jets games too.

Newspoater, it costs money to do the road games in HD and Comcast Sportsnet has decided not to do so. They produce all the local broadcasts of the Phillies, Flyers and Sixers irregardless of where they are shown locally.
Though, I assume that they will, eventually, slowly start to phase in some HD road broadcasts, correct?

BTW, 'irregardless' is not a word, because it's a double negative. It's 'regardless' or 'irrespective'.

Sorry, I couldn't resist correcting you, as I hear this so often in this area. :)

I saw the first ad for the winter olympics, will NBCHD be at least sub par by then. Does anyone have any contacts at NBC 10 that we can pressure?

Was anyone seeing horrible pixelation/tiling today on the Eagles/Giants game as well as some other HD channels? Most of the Eagles game was unwatchable (for reasons other than the Eagles poor play),and I was getting alot of "channel available in a moment" BS. This appeared to happen only on the HD channels, but the picture quality was pretty lousy on all stations.

I am in Bryn Mawr, on the Delco system. Anyone else see this?

Was anyone seeing horrible pixelation/tiling today on the Eagles/Giants game as well as some other HD channels? Most of the Eagles game was unwatchable (for reasons other than the Eagles poor play),and I was getting alot of "channel available in a moment" BS. This appeared to happen only on the HD channels, but the picture quality was pretty lousy on all stations.

I am in Bryn Mawr, on the Delco system. Anyone else see this?

Ewing/Trenton system was fine after the "engineer" woke up and threw the HD switch.

Too bad the defense fell asleep during the second half.

Was anyone seeing horrible pixelation/tiling today on the Eagles/Giants game as well as some other HD channels? Most of the Eagles game was unwatchable (for reasons other than the Eagles poor play),and I was getting alot of "channel available in a moment" BS. This appeared to happen only on the HD channels, but the picture quality was pretty lousy on all stations.

I am in Bryn Mawr, on the Delco system. Anyone else see this?

Biker - Same thing in Drexel Hill (and this is not the first Sunday that I've had problems).

NO problems on the Chester County system other than the poor PQ from Fox.

QZ1, I did not realize we were being graded for spelling and grammer on this forum. I guess I will have to do better.

He's caught you with that one...
http://www.bartleby.com/61/84/I0238400.html

But, as long as you don't get corrected for your technical insight and assistance, I can overlook your grammer error. :)

Carry on!

He's caught you with that one...
http://www.bartleby.com/61/84/I0238400.html

But, as long as you don't get corrected for your technical insight and assistance, I can overlook your grammer error. :)

Carry on!

Too funny. Please tell me this was intentional!

What was up with the games on sunday. Usually the FOX pre-game show is in HD, but when the game then wasnt in HD until 1:10 i was wondering if it would ever go to HD. And the pitt ravens game was just a horrible PQ on 233. barely watchable. Thank god the colts bengals game looked good and was a enjoyable game.

And the pitt ravens game was just a horrible PQ on 233. barely watchable. Thank god the colts bengals game looked good and was a enjoyable game.The Pittsburgh-Baltimore game was not a HD game. It was broadcast in standard definition only. That's why the PQ was horrible.

Too funny. Please tell me this was intentional!

Nope! GRAMMAR...

If everyone understood HD this well... there would be no need for this forum. :rolleyes:

JWhip, how are you defining poor PQ on Fox? Is it tiling/pixelation, or just poor image quality?

I have had technicians at my house maybe 10 times over the past 2 months for a number of issues, mostly related to tiling/pixelation. While this has normally occurred along with a loss of HSI, the more recent issues seem to be just tiling on the HD channels, and it frequently occurs on Sundays just in time for kickoff.

Any suggestions on what might be causing this- the line from the pole to my house was replaced a month ago, and all my internal wiring has been checked and rechecked, so I dont think its that.

This is getting very frustrating, especially for $120/mo.

Hi all I live on the third floor of a 12 floor condo in the Philadelphia area. I have been trying like mad to find a good indoor antenna. Please Help, I've already try a few rabbit ears without any success.

Biker, no tiling, just a fuzzy pucture from Fox.

JWhip, how are you defining poor PQ on Fox? Is it tiling/pixelation, or just poor image quality?

I have had technicians at my house maybe 10 times over the past 2 months for a number of issues, mostly related to tiling/pixelation. While this has normally occurred along with a loss of HSI, the more recent issues seem to be just tiling on the HD channels, and it frequently occurs on Sundays just in time for kickoff.

Any suggestions on what might be causing this- the line from the pole to my house was replaced a month ago, and all my internal wiring has been checked and rechecked, so I dont think its that.

This is getting very frustrating, especially for $120/mo.

Biker - I am definitely getting the tiling/pixellation/"This Channel Should Be Available In A Minute" nonsense, and I am not too far from you in Drexel Hill. I couldn't get the first half of the Eagles-Giants on Sunday. Like you, I have had these same issues on a few other Sundays (I had some minor issues on CBS last night). Like you, I have had multiple service calls. The problem is sporadic, and at times even affects only one of my two 6412s. Another periodic symptom of this is no INHD2 ("This Channel Should Be Available...).

In some sense, I feel relieved to hear of your issues, because it gives me some confidence that the problem is not at or in my house. Does anyone have some suggestions on how to get Comcast to deal with this? I'm getting sick of listening to my wife complain that "HD sucks" and being forced to switch to SD because we are losing 2 second clips of dialog every couple minutes (which happened for the first 15 minutes of 2 and a Half Men last night).

As for PQ on Fox, this past Sunday was another painfully obvious example of how not all HD is created equal. CBS' Colts-Bengals game absolutely blew the Eagles game away in terms of PQ. As I have commented before, there are times watching Fox HD when I would not be terribly surprised if I were told I was watching stretched SD or the old Fox 480p stuff.

Trickd- I see all the same symptoms as you do, including the INHD2 problems, issues on WPSGD, and lots of channel not available BS.

By any chance do you have Comcast Internet as well? When the cable gives you problems, do you also have the internet go out? As we speak, WPSGD is tiling like crazy, INHD looks like crap, and Fox is sporadically unavailable.

I would also like to hear from folks the best way to get this resolved, as I am sick of having techs come out and tell me everything is fine inside the house and that the problem is out in the system and then it new gets fixed.

TIA.

I do have Comcast internet, but have had no problems with that for close to one year. I am not home right now, so I cannot do a live test of whether I am experiencing the same problems at the same time. That would be an interesting piece of data to present to Comcast, which we should try to accomplish at some point.

JWhip - any thoughts about this type of problem and possible solutions?

trickd,

I had similar problems about 3-4 years ago with Comcast Sportsnet. Went through the same string of service calls, checks to my house wiring, new line from pole installed etc. Turns out my local comcast office wasn't really monitoring the video problems they were sending downstream to us. I eventually got the name of a service supervisor who was extermely helpful. But I had to go up about 2-3 levels within the service organization to get there. He gave me his personal cell number so I could call him when I saw the problems so he could check if he saw the same thing in his office at the same time. It took about 3 months but the problems were corrected.

So my suggestion is to go higher up within the service structure at Comcast. Always ask to speak with the supervisor on duty at the time you're having problems.

HTH,

Eric Finn

I have a friend who has an EDTV. I think it would be worthwhile for him to get the HD Motorola box from Comcast to view the "widescreen" versions of the HD channels beginning at channel 200. Does anyone know what settings to set on the cable box for an EDTV (when you hit power & menu and the white screen comes up that allows you to set the settings) - is it 480p?

Thanks.

trickd- call 215-665-1700 and ask for the Executive Customer Service Center. Let them know what you are seeing and that you know others are as well. I got fed up after I called the regular office and they offered to send a tech out again. Hopefully, that will get some resolution to the issue.

It is either a problem at the head end or your box. Given that more than one of you is seeing it, I would assume it is at the head end. We had the d same problem here a couple of years ago and it was at the head end and all it took was a very minor adjustment on their end. There was no one monitoring the HD stuff then either. YOu need to be able to speak with someone in the system. The CSR's are of no help. Good luck. It is likely a very, very minor issue on their end.

Zippychimp, set the output resolution of the cable box to 1080i and let the scaler in the EDTV do the rest. I have an older Panasonic 42PWD4UY plasma in the bedroom which is EDTV and have always fed the box a 1080i signal on HD and a 480i or 480p SD signal via the overide function in the box's menu. The resulting picture is great.

JWhip, how are you defining poor PQ on Fox? Is it tiling/pixelation, or just poor image quality?

I have had technicians at my house maybe 10 times over the past 2 months for a number of issues, mostly related to tiling/pixelation. While this has normally occurred along with a loss of HSI, the more recent issues seem to be just tiling on the HD channels, and it frequently occurs on Sundays just in time for kickoff.

Any suggestions on what might be causing this- the line from the pole to my house was replaced a month ago, and all my internal wiring has been checked and rechecked, so I dont think its that.

This is getting very frustrating, especially for $120/mo.


I get the same thing. ridiculously annoying. Almost every sunday just around kickoff of the 1pm games, I start getting pixelization and dropuots. Internet cuts out as well.

If I were you, I'd send a 720p signal if possible, since your TV can't produce the 1080 pixels, at least let it get the entire progressive signal...assuming your TV is capable of displaying 480p.

Hey everyone,
I was wondering if anyone else in the Philly area on Urban Cable (time warner for now but will soon be comcast) is having problems with the FOX SD channel (009) freezing up? Everyone once in a while the channel will freeze. a simple change of channel will de-freeze and bounce back to live tv.Anyone else having a similar issue? thanks - A

Hi all I live on the third floor of a 12 floor condo in the Philadelphia area. I have been trying like mad to find a good indoor antenna. Please Help, I've already try a few rabbit ears without any success.

try a silver sensor, ive had a couple others, amplified jensen and an amplified radio shack, they were ok, but i wasnt able to consistantly pull in the channels.(see my post from a couple days ago for all the details) I live on the second floor of a 12 floor condo in East Falls. I just point it toward roxbrgh and it works very well.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006FXR9/104-1465051-2987124?v=glance&n=172282&n=507846&s=electronics&v=glance

This reply is to newsposter who asked back in oct about putting 2 or 3 sections of pipe r mast together to avoid going on the roof.

I did something like you want to get to. I got a 21' piece of pipe and mounted my rotor and mast on the end of the pipe. With a pulley on the top brace I can raise and lower the whole thing without going on the roof ( it is on top of my flat roofed porch).

I used pipe because I thought aluminium would bend when then whole thing was horizontal and the antenna and rotor were hanging off the end of it.

Its worked out for me.

davede

I tried using both 720p and 1080i on the ED plasma and 1080i always looked better, even on 720p programming.

This reply is to newsposter who asked back in oct about putting 2 or 3 sections of pipe r mast together to avoid going on the roof.

I did something like you want to get to. I got a 21' piece of pipe and mounted my rotor and mast on the end of the pipe. With a pulley on the top brace I can raise and lower the whole thing without going on the roof ( it is on top of my flat roofed porch).

I used pipe because I thought aluminium would bend when then whole thing was horizontal and the antenna and rotor were hanging off the end of it.

Its worked out for me.

davede

Interesting. Maybe I'll wind up doing that someday. Currently I moved the 10 ft pole diagonally away from my house and have mostly high 80s but can't get in fox. However with yesterdays wind, I learned my mast wasn't perfectly tight. WB moved down to 60's signal and nbc had a few dropouts.

Can I ask about the pulley. Do you mean you mounted it on the pipe? I can't picture how/where the pulley is mounted that you could pull the whole antenna up. See, thing is, i dont see how a huge DB8 could be pulled up the side of the house without damaging it a bit. So i gave up on the high pole attempt.

I am in the Philadelphia area and just got a new HDTV (Pioneer 5060) and HD DVR Box from comcast. I have some very basic questions, but have searched the boards to no avail - hoping someone can be nice enough to help....

If I am watching the local news (for example) on NBC, what is the diff between watching it on NBC and NBCHD? Since it isn't an HD broadcast (or is it?), does it make a difference? Is it an HD broadcast on the regular channel? I guess I dont understand the difference between watching NBC and watching NBCHD for just a regular show, versus for something broadcast in HD.

By the same token, if I want to watch Sunday night football, which is available in HD, do I just watch it on ESPN or on ESPNHD? Is this true for NBC as well, as an example? If I am just watching regular ESPN or regular NBC, am I not seeing an HD Broadcast? If something isn't being broadcast in HD, what is the difference between watching it on NBC versus NBCHD, if any?

Thanks - sorry for the obvious beginner questions.

Pyleaxp -
What you are describing as the "HD Channels" are more accurately described as "Digital" channels. When you are watching a non-HD broadcast on a digital channel (those in the 200 range), you are seeing a digital broadcast which should be of noticeably better quality than an analog broadcast, but with side "pillar" boxes embedded in the broadcast itself. Some people (my wife, for example, with Survivor) actually prefer to watch the non-digital channel, stretched to fill the screen, than to watch the digital channel with gray sidebars (which CBS uses). It is a purely subjective question of your personal preference.

For Sunday Night Football (or any HD football, for that matter), you should absolutely be watching the digital channel, in that case ESPN-HD, in order to get the benefit of HD. A quick comparison of switching between the channels will make the difference obvious. Again, if the game happens not to be in HD (such as this past weekend's Ravens-Steelers game), you will notice the sidebars on the digital channel, which are a dead giveaway that you are not watching HD.

Hope this answers your questions, and enjoy!

re the pulley: I have 3 braces on the side of the house that normally secure the pipe to the house. If I want to lower it, I just hang a pulley from the top one and tie a rope to the pipe just below the pulley. If you get somebody to help its not much of job to lower it.

I am not familiar with a DB8, so I can't help you there. I can tell you I have a 120" radio shack with a rotor, mast , and pre-amp and its ok. The weak link is when the system is horizontal and wants to bend.

Dave

Pyleaxp....basically, always watch the digital/HD channel, no matter what. There will always be better quality picture and audio. You should be able to tell the difference on HD programs, and the shows with the side bars should look a little better.

With a new plasma, I would watch the SD channels stretched when not watching an HD program, at least for the first 100 hours or so to avoid both image retention and burn in.

Any word on TNT-HD here in South Jersey...I know we're asking about it lot...but we're getting impatient now

Is anyone in the South Philadelphia area able to get FOX OTA. I am not able to pick up that station at all. I get all the other channels with little tweaking. I am using an indoor antenae(Ratshack bowtie and a Silver Sensor). Getting ready to switch to an outdoor.



I'm from South Philly and I'm having problems picking up 29-1 with my hd receiver. My OTA antenna is on the roof. I pick up all the rest of hd channels without a problem. I have no clue how to fix the Fox hd problem. :(

I'm from South Philly and I'm having problems picking up 29-1 with my hd receiver. My OTA antenna is on the roof. I pick up all the rest of hd channels without a problem. I have no clue how to fix the Fox hd problem. :(It isn't just you. I am about 4 miles from the Rox towers and cannot get 29.1 either. I haven't been able to watch channel 29's digital channel in quite a while. I have a roof top antenna too. I thought at first it was my antenna, now I realize I am not the only one with problems on 29.1.

Wow glad to hear you close people have problems. I'm 40 miles out and when hooking up my db8, couldn't find the right mix to get fox vs all other philly channels. There was one point where I got it so that the lower I put the DB8 I got fox in great.... but then the rest went bad. Finally decided to get the other stations in good and forget fox. NBC was doing weird stuff this week so I went out yesterday and aimed a bit more, and put some shims to angle my antenna a bit more (yes it's not really horizontal now but hey, signals dont lie!). I was getting 80's on most channels except WB. Then this morning i had an 88 on fox!! unbelieveable. 2 hours later..back to 20's and no fox. The other stations only dropped maybe 4-7 on the meter. Got me wondering if day/night affects this as there was no wind today to mess it up. If i wake up tomorrow with an 88 on fox, i'll flip lol.

For me, fox is 2 degrees different than all the others but if you are only 4 miles from the tower, I dont see how you couldn't get them..amazes me

doesn't fox have an application in for a higher antenna?

Any word on TNT-HD here in South Jersey...I know we're asking about it lot...but we're getting impatient now

I guess they won't add it in the near future.

It isn't just you. I am about 4 miles from the Rox towers and cannot get 29.1 either. I haven't been able to watch channel 29's digital channel in quite a while. I have a roof top antenna too. I thought at first it was my antenna, now I realize I am not the only one with problems on 29.1.

no problems here as of tonight (the eagles are actually playing football, FINALLY!), i think i may closer than 4 miles though (19144), i was having alot of problems with fox though, before switching antennas.

So, just to update everyone on the pixelation issues I posted about last week, here is where I stand. I called the Comcast Executive Customer Service Center on Tuesday afternoon and was helped by a very nice CSR rep who took all my information and then asked me to stay on the line while she pulled up my account history. After holding for 5 minutes or so, she came back and asked me a couple of questions about my recent service calls and then scheduled a service call for the following day.

The next morning, Wednesday, a different CSR called me back to let me know she was going to be tracking the progress of the service call and the resolution of the issue. She gave me the names and number of the techs that would be out and said she would follow up with me after they left. The techs arrived right at the beginning of their window and right away, I knew these guys were the real deal. They were in a bucket truck and very polite and professional, even more so they the other techs who have been out who have also been very good IMO. They took some readings at the tap and noted that some levels were good while others where a bit off. After communicating with HQ, they determined that the problem was not at the pole however, but out in the system. Due to a freeze on changes made around the holiday, the tech explained that they could not resolve the issue right away. He was very apologetic and very sincere, but promised to follow up on Friday.

The tech called Friday morning with two pieces of info: first, there is a problem with a node in my system that may or may not be causing the issue. It will be replaced by the end of this week. Its unclear whether this is causing my particular issue or not- 50/50 chance that it is or that it is something else. Second, if the node is fixed and the issue is not resolved, they are going to do a scan of the system from the headend to me to isolate the issue. This cant be done until the node is fixed.

All in all, I am happy that someone who knows WTF they are doing is taking charge of the issue and is being proactive about fixing it. Sure, its not repaired yet, but I have confidence that it will be soon enough. For all those having issues, especially in the Delco/Radnor area, I highly recommend calling the number I posted before to the Comcast Executive Customer Service Center. It gets results.

Anyone in Montgomery County (Norristown/Lafayette Hill area) get the 3412 box yet?

I'm wondering if I can trade in my 6412 phas I for a 3412?

The 3412 is available but other than the HDMI vs. the DVD output, the PQ is the same.

The 3412 is available but other than the HDMI vs. the DVD output, the PQ is the same.

Same as the 6412 phase I, or same as the 6412 phase III -- or are all 3 the same PQ wise?

Also, does the 3412 have a smaller footprint (if so, what are the measurements)?

I could use a smaller box if it is smaller.

I hope everyone was happy with the PQ on the Sixers-Blazers game last night on CSN-HD!

I was happy with the PQ on the north carolina game on ESPN. Man that blue with the orange of illinois really looked great. I had trouble watching the sixers game as it wasnt really a game.

I really hope comcast can work something out and get ESPN2 going because I just love watching college BBall.

Sixers game looked very good.

The 3412 as well as the 6200 and 6412 have active firewire ports. I use them all the time to D-VHS.

Ok,

I got around to trying to connect my 6412 to my iMac last night using the firewire port, but my iMac didn't see the box at all. I am assuming it should be picked up automatically when I plug it in. I assumed the port is inactive....Am I missing something?

I hope everyone was happy with the PQ on the Sixers-Blazers game last night on CSN-HD!

j, just wondering why you mentioned that.
was there something about the csnhd broadcast that is different?

Ok,

I got around to trying to connect my 6412 to my iMac last night using the firewire port, but my iMac didn't see the box at all. I am assuming it should be picked up automatically when I plug it in. I assumed the port is inactive....Am I missing something?


Visit the Mac HTPC forum at AVS. I suggest downloading a program called iRecord which works great with Moto boxes in recording HD OTA channels carried by Comcast. You can play back the file on the iMac using the EyeTV software which is a free download from Elgato.

iRecord (http://www.ammesset.com/software/irecord/)

EyeTV (current 1.8.4) (http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=support_updates_eyetv)

No, I just thought that it looked better than ever.

Visit the Mac HTPC forum at AVS. I suggest downloading a program called iRecord which works great with Moto boxes in recording HD OTA channels carried by Comcast. You can play back the file on the iMac using the EyeTV software which is a free download from Elgato.

iRecord (http://www.ammesset.com/software/irecord/)

EyeTV (current 1.8.4) (http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=support_updates_eyetv)


Is iRecord still only for 10.4? I am on 10.3.9 and i still use VirtualDVHS and MPEGstreamclip adn then use VLC for viewing/editing converting. I am sure that iRecord would be easier to use.

Sorry if this is old news, but I just noticed for the first time last night that there is actually a full-length HD movie, "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) available for free in OnDemand. That's the first time I've seen something HD on-demand for free. Have free HD movies been in OnDemand before?

Sorry if this is old news, but I just noticed for the first time last night that there is actually a full-length HD movie, "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) available for free in OnDemand. That's the first time I've seen something HD on-demand for free. Have free HD movies been in OnDemand before?

NOt that it matters much on an old movie like that, but I wonder if DD 5.1 sound is offered over on-demand (for free).

I was happy with the PQ on the north carolina game on ESPN. Man that blue with the orange of illinois really looked great. I had trouble watching the sixers game as it wasnt really a game.

Pfft. I wish we could enjoy 82 games like that. 16 games in and I think I've already had enough seizures for a full season.

Sorry if this is old news, but I just noticed for the first time last night that there is actually a full-length HD movie, "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) available for free in OnDemand. That's the first time I've seen something HD on-demand for free. Have free HD movies been in OnDemand before?

dont bother with that.
it's cropped to fill the screen.

just run to local bestbuy and pick up the superbit version for $10 before the sale is over.

this SB is the version to get and watch until the hd dvd version.
the SB dvd has been corrected from the previous dvd as the color timing has been corrected and has the added dts sound track.

For the past few days all my Comcast stations here in Chester County have been without Dolby stereo or DD5.1. The information banner no longer shows the sound format on any channel. Anyone know anything about this?

do you have a 6412 box hooked up to the tv?
sometimes it loses the DD 5.1 for an unknown reseason and you have to turn it off then back on again to get it back.


otherwise, no answer.

BrentHD, I am in the Chester County system and have 5.1 where the program is being broadcast in that sound format.

sometimes it loses the DD 5.1 for an unknown reason and you have to turn it off then back on again to get it back.

That did the trick! Thanks whotony (and thanks JWhip for letting me know the system was OK).

Question about th fight tonight...I noticed on HDsportsguide.com that it was being broadcasted in HD. When I order it will there be 2 channels to choose from one SD and one HD? Me and some buddies are getting together and watching it and just wanna make sure im getting the HD broadcast of the fight.

LETS GO HOPKINS>

i have a smsung hlr-6167w that can get comcast hd channels and some ppv channels unscambled too with out the hd box has anyone heard of this happing before?

TNT-HD for South Jersey??? Any info?

What's up with comcast south jersey... I live in blackwood and just got a 8300hd dvr and i still have this crappy guide. I thought they had a new iguide or something like last year?

Hey, anyone here doing QAM on Comcast around Chester County, PA? I just got a FusionHDTV 5 USB tuner and would like to compare channel scan results.

TNT-HD for South Jersey??? Any info?

do yourself a favor like i have and just give up asking about us, noone knows and noone cares obviously

i have a smsung hlr-6167w that can get comcast hd channels and some ppv channels unscambled too with out the hd box has anyone heard of this happing before?
i think the tv's that have a built in Qam tuner can pick up dig channels if the cable is connected directly to the tv.

thanks. what about unscambled ppv channels?

only if someone on your cable line is watching, you might pick that up.