Did channel channel 17 change from 1080i to 720p? I noticed it a couple of days ago.

I've had the CC from Comcast. Yes, they supply it and yes they charge an install fee, they say they do not charge a fee for the card BUT your bill will now have an "digital a/o" charge of $8.90/month added. I removed the card after arguing with them on this (6 months) & returned it to my local office.
The whole 'Digital A/O' is confusing, because they combine STBs/CCs and Program Mirroring into one fee, and, here, they include an STB in Digital tiers; any other STB/DVR fee is to upgrade to that new STB/DVR, not add it; the former is explained, but the latter is not, in their price sheet.

I think I understand it very well though. They should have an explanation page similar to this incldued. :)

The only truly free CC is when you have Basic or Standard and use it for Digital Simulcast channels and Local HD.

Any time you get a Digital tier they inlcude an otherwise $5.05 STB/remote in the price (that is the STB price for a la carte premiums). You can then substitute a CC for the STB for no extra fee. If you only have a CC, there is no Digital A/O fee.

I am guessing some of you have a DVR and a CC to get a third tuner to watch on the same TV. If so, unfortunately, Comcast has no way of knowing if you move the DVR to a different TV, therefore they usually charge the Digital A/O fee.

Now, one doesn't have to have Digital A/O fee of $8.90, as is for mirroring Standard and Digital Classic/Plus and for the STB/CC.

You can get an 'Enhanced A/O' of $4.75. that will mirror just Standard, and in effect is just for the STB/CC.

If you get a CC on an A/O just for Basic it should be free.

Also, add a 'Whole House Premium Access' fee of $5, if you want premiums on more than one TV; at least that covers all other TVs. :rolleyes:

They really nickel and dime us at Comcast. :(

Hello all, I am wondering if I can get some feedback from people close to my area. I live near Reading, PA and have had DTV's HD service, with the H20 receiver and 5 LNB Mult-Sat dish since February 2006. I have not had any issues with the HD locals until Sunday, August 27. Since then, what I am getting seems to vary among (a) no picture at all - displays a message that it is searching for signal; (b) a highly pixelated picture; or (c) picture comes through with no issues. Most of the time, I am not getting any picture at all, and this is regardless of whether the program being telecast is in HD or standard. In fact, I do not have any problems at all with the ESPNSs, TNT, HDNET, etc - all the non-local HD channels come in just fine. Also, the standard locals - which are showing the exact same program as the HD locals - come in with no problems.

A service rep from DTV came out the previous Thursday, and indicated that there were issues with the signal being sent out by those stations. However as of Saturday night, there has been no change. With football season upon us, I'm a bit upset about this. Basically, I am writing to see if other people in my area have been experiencing the same/similar problems with their HD locals - I want to be sure that this is an issue with the signal being sent by the stations, and not an issue that DTV is neglecting to fix. Also, if anyone has any tips, suggestions, or needs some info I will be glad to try anything.

Here are the local stations, all out of Philadelphia:

KYW (CBS)
WPVI (ABC)
WCAU (NBC)
WTXF (Fox)

If any of you have NOT had any issues lately viewing these channels, please let me know. The last time I took the visiting service tech's word, and am wondering if I was a bit too accepting of his explanation!

Rob

what happened to the guid INFO for INHD 1

The whole 'Digital A/O' is confusing, because they combine STBs/CCs and Program Mirroring into one fee, and, here, they include an STB in Digital tiers; any other STB/DVR fee is to upgrade to that new STB/DVR, not add it; the former is explained, but the latter is not, in their price sheet.

I think I understand it very well though. They should have an explanation page similar to this incldued. :)

The only truly free CC is when you have Basic or Standard and use it for Digital Simulcast channels and Local HD.

Any time you get a Digital tier they inlcude an otherwise $5.05 STB/remote in the price (that is the STB price for a la carte premiums). You can then substitute a CC for the STB for no extra fee. If you only have a CC, there is no Digital A/O fee.

I am guessing some of you have a DVR and a CC to get a third tuner to watch on the same TV. If so, unfortunately, Comcast has no way of knowing if you move the DVR to a different TV, therefore they usually charge the Digital A/O fee.

Now, one doesn't have to have Digital A/O fee of $8.90, as is for mirroring Standard and Digital Classic/Plus and for the STB/CC.

You can get an 'Enhanced A/O' of $4.75. that will mirror just Standard, and in effect is just for the STB/CC.

If you get a CC on an A/O just for Basic it should be free.

Also, add a 'Whole House Premium Access' fee of $5, if you want premiums on more than one TV; at least that covers all other TVs. :rolleyes:

They really nickel and dime us at Comcast. :(

Whew! Customer service is in the dark for upcoming new channels but they can keep up with this? Your right though. When I got the CC I was assured there would be "no additional costs". But there were. Maybe we should be asking billing about upcoming new channels? I bet they get it right.

therob

if you start with my post here, you will see my posts over the past month with philly OTA.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8156200&&#post8156200

while some problems may be my rig, there are definitely problems with fox that others have seen on cable. My outtages with cbs and nbc are likely my setup but it was still weird to have a total outtage and now you say you had the same thing. Weird coincidence I guess.

Did channel channel 17 change from 1080i to 720p? I noticed it a couple of days ago.
Yes. They changed resolution to conform to the new MyNetworkTV premiering this week.

comcast sucks

I have the Comcast DVR, and anytime I record a FOX show (Bones, House, etc.), there are always a few "breakups" during the show. Is anyone who's watching OTA Fox seeing the same thing? I'm not seeing it on the other channels...

INHD hasn't had a TVGuide listing for a while, and it seems like INHD or INHD2 are constantly being blacked out. What's up with that?

Originally Posted by QZ1
The whole 'Digital A/O' is confusing, because they combine STBs/CCs and Program Mirroring into one fee, and, here, they include an STB in Digital tiers; any other STB/DVR fee is to upgrade to that new STB/DVR, not add it; the former is explained, but the latter is not, in their price sheet.

Whew! Customer service is in the dark for upcoming new channels but they can keep up with this? Your right though. When I got the CC I was assured there would be "no additional costs". But there were. Maybe we should be asking billing about upcoming new channels? I bet they get it right.
Well, maybe they could use a flow chart.

Like first, is the decoder, CC or STB?
They seem to know the difference there. :rolleyes: :D

Second, is it the first or an addtl. decoder?
Sometimes, they are aware of the difference.

Third, if it is an A/O, they should ask the customer what programming tiers they want mirrored on the A/O.
I bet they rarely do this; they probably just mirror all tiers, unless instructed not to, by the customer.

I got all this info. from decyphering their prices/services list.
Sometimes, I think I should be teaching the CSRs. ;)

INHD hasn't had a TVGuide listing for a while, and it seems like INHD or INHD2 are constantly being blacked out. What's up with that?

not from here.

the only time i didnt get a guide is when it was switched to NFLHD for a day

not from here.

the only time i didnt get a guide is when it was switched to NFLHD for a day

NFLHD looked great! Hopefully they'll do this when the NFL network starts carrying games later this year.

So you had the guide yesterday for INHD? INHD2 was blacked out yesterday here in Comcast Trenton country. Did you have INHD2 programming?

i havent lost either channel or have been blacked out unless a local team is broadcast on another network.

as i said i only lost guide info that one day for a few hrs.

I have the Comcast DVR, and anytime I record a FOX show (Bones, House, etc.), there are always a few "breakups" during the show. Is anyone who's watching OTA Fox seeing the same thing? I'm not seeing it on the other channels...
I have the same thing happen with my Dish 622. I was watching Justice live for the first half and didn't notice any issues. Then I watched it with my wife the other day and it broke up a bit in a part I had watched without any issues.

i've been watching eagles pre-season and other than the espn game (i.e. all the abc games) have been in 4:3.

are the regular season fox games going to be broadcast in 16:9? i'm assuming both monday night games are since they are espn games, but how about the standard games? i'll watch them in sd 16:9 instead of hd 4:3 but be disgusted doing so. anybody have any info?

i've read the past 12 pages or so looking for an answer and searched eagles to no avail. i would love to have some people over to watch the game on the new tv but don't want to disappoint :) thanks for any info.

btw, eagles come through comcast hd box ;)

subscribing

Chansigril, all the regular season games will be on ESPN, FOX, CBS, or NBC (I believe ABC 6 will broadcast any Eagles game on ESPN on Monday nights). All the ESPN and NBC games will be in HD (as well as the NFL Network later in the season). Now, as for FOX and CBS, I am not so sure. Last year, it just depended on the game being played, location, time.. who knows, but there were plenty in only 4:3 SD, with no HD broadcast. :mad: Perhaps this year all are in HD? We'll find out Sunday. Eagles at Texans, Sunday at 1pm... we'll find out on Fox.

Chansigril, all the regular season games will be on ESPN, FOX, CBS, or NBC (I believe ABC 6 will broadcast any Eagles game on ESPN on Monday nights). All the ESPN and NBC games will be in HD (as well as the NFL Network later in the season). Now, as for FOX and CBS, I am not so sure. Last year, it just depended on the game being played, location, time.. who knows, but there were plenty in only 4:3 SD, with no HD broadcast. :mad: Perhaps this year all are in HD? We'll find out Sunday. Eagles at Texans, Sunday at 1pm... we'll find out on Fox.

alright well i hafta check back, unfortunately i am going to miss the first game of the season, i'm going to be on the road from ohio back. radio :rolleyes: but meryl does fine.

i'm planning on some people over for the giants game tho and want to make sure it's going to be broadcast in true 16:9 not 16:9 with bars :mad:

i was one angry mofo first pre-season game. the only one in 16:9 was the steelers espn game and they didn't play for long.

well i'll check back in sunday night when i get home, mebbe somebody can tell me how they broadcast it :)

The preseason games were broadcast on the Eagles Television Network, no HD. The ESPN game will always be in HD, so that's why they were. Because of DTV and their HD Sunday ticket with the NFL I would expect an HD game available for every game from the Networks.

Because of DTV and their HD Sunday ticket with the NFL I would expect an HD game available for every game from the Networks.It wasn't like that last year. I remember seeing more than one game in SD only. And they had a HD Sunday Ticket last year as well. It's usually the big games that are in HD, but then again there's no rhyme or reason from this end as to what games were broadcast in HD. Perhaps all games will be in HD this year? One can only hope.

Did Comcast supply the card? If so, are you saying that you paid a one time installation fee and that's it? I guess I'm not sure if I can ask this outright, but how much was the installation fee?


Yes, Comcast supplied the card, the installation fee was nineteen dollars and some change. I really don't remember. My bill from comcast states n/c for cable card. I have digital classic tier. The box that I have is for enhanced cable, I receive all digital and analog channels, but no HD channels on that set, which is not a HDTV anyway.

My thoughts are that all Comcast systems charge a different fee depending on your location. I may be wrong though

Any time you get a Digital tier they inlcude an otherwise $5.05 STB/remote in the price (that is the STB price for a la carte premiums). You can then substitute a CC for the STB for no extra fee. If you only have a CC, there is no Digital A/O fee.


You can get an 'Enhanced A/O' of $4.75. that will mirror just Standard, and in effect is just for the STB/CC.


They really nickel and dime us at Comcast. :(


As I stated,this is precisely what I subscribred to with Comcast. Cable card with no "digital a/o fee" The enhanced a/o is on the second set and receives analog and digital channels. CSR at Comcast said I would only receive the analog channels, which was fine with me, so my better half could watch her shows while I am watching my shows, but I get all channels except HD.

Go figure.

This is interesting quote from Bill Conlin-Philadelphia Daily News-Sports Columnist:

There are many reasons to be happy the NFL's exhibition charade is over. No. 1 for me, however, is that Eagles fans who have invested in high-definition TVs won't have to endure that washed-out, bandwidth-sparing signal Channel 6 put out over so-called digital Channel 231 during their portion of the preseason fun. It's amazing the first TV station in the region to go to full hi-def for its news shows would serve a signal so unwatchable to digital viewers. The option, of course, was to tune to analog Channel 6, which was even worse. When Comcast SportsNet replayed the Jets game Sunday, they were stuck with the same dishwater picture. WPVI assigns part of its total digital bandwidth to channels 245 (news replays and public affairs) and 246 (weather news).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have my fingers crossed but it appears Comcast Garden State has resolved the picture break up and stuttering problem. I recorded Prison Break last night on Fox and replayed it with no break up.

INHD hasn't had a TVGuide listing for a while, and it seems like INHD or INHD2 are constantly being blacked out. What's up with that?

I'm in Lawrenceville NJ so we are on the same system. Yes, I've noticed the same problems and am wondering what the hey is going on here???? No guide information for INHD and INHD2 is blacked out.

Also, I never saw picture break-up problems on Comcast HD channels until about 2 or 3 weeks ago - on FOX HD 234 for example, it's been pretty common. Looks like bandwidth problems are now surfacing.

Now WPVI's treatment of HD is getting (rightfully) ripped by a crusty, wizened senior citizen columnist who usually talks about Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth in his columns. Who knew it would take Bill Conlin (of all people!) to finally bring attention to WPVI's shameful mismanagement of bandwidth that robs our HD pictures.


This is interesting quote from Bill Conlin-Philadelphia Daily News-Sports Columnist:

There are many reasons to be happy the NFL's exhibition charade is over. No. 1 for me, however, is that Eagles fans who have invested in high-definition TVs won't have to endure that washed-out, bandwidth-sparing signal Channel 6 put out over so-called digital Channel 231 during their portion of the preseason fun. It's amazing the first TV station in the region to go to full hi-def for its news shows would serve a signal so unwatchable to digital viewers. The option, of course, was to tune to analog Channel 6, which was even worse. When Comcast SportsNet replayed the Jets game Sunday, they were stuck with the same dishwater picture. WPVI assigns part of its total digital bandwidth to channels 245 (news replays and public affairs) and 246 (weather news).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hile I agree with Bill Conlin in general and have written about this issue before here and on another website, the problem Friday night was with the ETN production. It was substandard in all respects. It is amazing that the Eagles care so little about how their games look. An HD feed was available for this game and the Eagles have refused offers to provide an HD feed for the home exhibition games the last couple of years due to cost. Other teams are doing HD, like the Pats, Bucs, Giants and Jets to name a few but NOT the IGGLES.

hey, the eagles dont spend $$ on thier player (except QB), so why would they spend extra $$ on tv production....

mitch

ETN is a joke. Why can't the Eagles dissolve it and let whoever bids the highest to provide the production for it? I am sure that since all the locals have ties to the Nets, they could bring their production in. Has anyone seen the Jets or Giants exhibition season games? The graphics from CBS in NY (during exhibition season) used the same graphics that CBS Sports used during last regular season, not only that, HD was broadcast as well. :mad:

I watched the Eagles - Jets replay on NFLHD Sunday and it was CBS Channel 2 from NY. Great picture, enjoyable to watch. I couldn't watch 30 seconds of the ETN. The picture was blurry and the grass was brown and blotchy.

I watched the Eagles - Jets replay on NFLHD Sunday and it was CBS Channel 2 from NY. Great picture, enjoyable to watch. I couldn't watch 30 seconds of the ETN. The picture was blurry and the grass was brown and blotchy.
superdave, I had the exact same experience as you.
The Jets telecast vs the eagles telecast was night and day.
You would think a team worth $1billion could provide
a watchable picture. Oh well, I still watch.

not that i really care, but why isn't MyNetworkTV showing their soap opera's in HD?

I could do without the HD for preseason eagles if they didn't kill us with Spadero and Jaws.

I'm in Lawrenceville NJ so we are on the same system. Yes, I've noticed the same problems and am wondering what the hey is going on here???? No guide information for INHD and INHD2 is blacked out.

Also, I never saw picture break-up problems on Comcast HD channels until about 2 or 3 weeks ago - on FOX HD 234 for example, it's been pretty common. Looks like bandwidth problems are now surfacing.

Definitely some type of problem. I have the 6412 and I record everything to watch later. CSN and FOX have both had problems.

I agree - they're overloading the system with cable tv, internet, and internet phone, although I don't know anyone who actually has the phone...

I just hope they have this worked out before football season starts...

Are we going to see NGHD anytime soon???

Are we going to see NGHD anytime soon???

Not Likely, but you will soon be getting CN8.

CN8?? what a waste

not that i really care, but why isn't MyNetworkTV showing their soap opera's in HD?

what soap opera's

major macroblocking on the Steelers-Dolphins game last night on NBC-HD (Mercer County, NJ). darn near unwatchable in parts...had to look away to avoid getting a headache. anyone else experience similar behavior?

what soap opera'sMynetworktv shows soap operas, also called telenovelas. They originated from Spanish langauge TV programming and adopted for American tastes. I may tune in for a look see.

Still no INHD guide.

major macroblocking on the Steelers-Dolphins game last night on NBC-HD (Mercer County, NJ). darn near unwatchable in parts...had to look away to avoid getting a headache. anyone else experience similar behavior?

Well, I stopped watching the game in the 3rd quarter, but I thought it looked great up to then. I'm in Ewing - Comcast Cable.

Still no INHD guide.have you called comcast yet

have you called comcast yet

nah - i think someone else said they were having the same problem.

Over the past week or so, I noticed that all of my digital SD and HD channels were slowly degrading. The pictures were intermittently jerky and sometimes almost looked like film. There was no pixellation. It got worse over time.

Finally, I replaced the STB box on Saturday. Problem fixed. This is a Motorola DCT6200/2005, no PVR. The diags menu (hit "Select" within 5 S of power off) shows at least 33 dB SNR and AGC at 50% (good). No errors.

The only explanation I can think of is that the STB had a problem and it was increasingly dropping frames after decoding. The "film" look and jerkiness are the classic symptoms of dropped frames.

I'm on Bucks County / Lower Makefield Twp ComCast.

For the record, this happened in February. I replaced the STB box with the same result, so this is the 2nd time in 7 months. Same DCT6200/2005.

Anyone having similar problems? Also posted in the non-HD forum http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8397350#post8397350

While watching the Iggles today hopefully mop up the Texans after a bit of a slow start, I noticed that at 4 PM Cinemax-HD has one of my all-time movies on, Dirty Harry. I don't subscribe to this channel (I have HBO-HD), but would love to watch this. The channel screen suggests this might be available for purchase as OnDemand. I've used OnDemand for free movies, DNL, etc, but never this. Can anyone confirm whether an HD movie on a non-subscribed movie channel can be watched? If yes, do you have 24h to watch it, or you have you to purchase just as the show begins?

alright so...comcast people, was the eagles game on fox broadcast in 16:9 hd today? i'm planning on having some people over next weekend for the home opener but want to prepare them if they have to watch it in sd/ed instead of hd. i am not watching the eagles game in 4:3 hd :mad:

any info is appreciated, thanks :)

yeah, but Fox's HD isn't that good. Next will will be in HD too.

As I'm sure most are aware, Action News is now in HD. Something new I noticed on tonight's 11pm Action News broadcast is that many of the field camera segments (some taped, some live) were in HD. For the live segments in HD some were local and some were via satellite (from Houston and New York).

the field camera segments (some taped, some live) were in HD. For the live segments in HD some were local and some were via satellite (from Houston and New York).Please do not spread incorrect information. Their field cameras are not HD. They are SD broadcasting in 16:9 mode.

And to chansigril, Comcast isn't the one that determines whether the game is in HD or SD. It is Fox that makes that decision.

nah - i think someone else said they were having the same problem.


yeah that was me and i learned long ago calling comcast is a waste of time

Please do not spread incorrect information. Their field cameras are not HD. They are SD broadcasting in 16:9 mode.

EXCUSE ME! Sorry if I'm sitting 9 feet away from a 32" LCD HDTV and was only casually watching the news broadcast anyway (I'm not in the habit of scrutinizing the picture detail of a news broadcast). I just happened to notice that they were filling the screen on some of the field cameras and thought I'd pass the word since I know Action News has said they would be adding HD field cameras in the future. I shouldn't have jumped to the conclusion that it was HD but it's not like I intended to spread misinformation.

yeah, but Fox's HD isn't that good. Next will will be in HD too.

I thought the Eagles game looked pretty good yesterday on FOX. I couldn't see the blocking as bad on the field as some sports broadcasts.

EXCUSE ME! Sorry if I'm sitting 9 feet away from a 32" LCD HDTV and was only casually watching the news broadcast anyway (I'm not in the habit of scrutinizing the picture detail of a news broadcast). I just happened to notice that they were filling the screen on some of the field cameras and thought I'd pass the word since I know Action News has said they would be adding HD field cameras in the future. I shouldn't have jumped to the conclusion that it was HD but it's not like I intended to spread misinformation.I apologize for the tone of my post. I should have worded it differently. :o

yeah, but Fox's HD isn't that good. Next will will be in HD too.

do you mean relative to football? Last year I did notice (and maybe it's because the type of show) that things like 24, american idol etc were noticeablely better than ER etc. Even if you hate AI, you gotta tune in once to see all the colors etc. Looks pretty brilliant from that aspect of it. Now just get rid of the singers and judges and it would be the best show on tv :)

Hi all,

With the TiVo Series 3 rumors flying around that it will be released this week(end), I'm seriously considering picking one up. I plan to turn in my Moto DVR and replace it with 2 CableCards, so I called Comcast to get prices. Originally I was told that the first card would be free and the second card would be $8.90 for an "additional outlet." I explained that both cards were going into one box, so there is no "additional outlet." The rep spoke with tech support, then called me back and said that ALL CableCards are free and don't incur any additonal outlet charges. That seems overly generous for Comcast.

So, does anyone know for sure what the Cable Card price policy is for Comcast in Center City? Also, does anyone know if I can just go down to the office on Delaware Ave and pick them up?

I apologize for the tone of my post. I should have worded it differently. :o

No problem. All is good. :)

Hi all,

With the TiVo Series 3 rumors flying around that it will be released this week(end), I'm seriously considering picking one up. I plan to turn in my Moto DVR and replace it with 2 CableCards, so I called Comcast to get prices. Originally I was told that the first card would be free and the second card would be $8.90 for an "additional outlet." I explained that both cards were going into one box, so there is no "additional outlet." The rep spoke with tech support, then called me back and said that ALL CableCards are free and don't incur any additonal outlet charges. That seems overly generous for Comcast.

So, does anyone know for sure what the Cable Card price policy is for Comcast in Center City? Also, does anyone know if I can just go down to the office on Delaware Ave and pick them up?
Since both CCs are married to the one DVR, indeed they should both be free, assuming this is the first outlet. If it is an A/O, then it depends on the programming to be mirrored, as outlined in my previous post on this subject in this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8343853&&#post8343853

This is all listed in their price list, but not explained.
I haven't heard of being able to pick up a CC yet.

I thought the Eagles game looked pretty good yesterday on FOX. I couldn't see the blocking as bad on the field as some sports broadcasts.

I think FOX broadcasts are of lesser quality then CBS or NBC, which I like more then ESPN, which IMHO seems to have a bit of color overload. I think 1080i looks more natural then 720p for footbaLL games, although everyone tells me that 720p is better because of motion artifacts. Maybe this is not as much of a problem as it was a few years ago.

Yes, I was refering to sports on FOX. I don't watch much of their other stuff, but their filmed based HD looks fine in the few minutes I've seen. Not sure about ER, but some of the CBS stuff I've seen still looks nicer then anything fox has filmed. Actually anything I've had the pleasure of seeing in both 1080i and 720p has looked better from the 1080i source. Whether it was a movie or sport.

mikeewing, the 720p is better for sports rhetoric is utter crap. I've been watching HD for 4+ years or so now and I have seen none of that. I have had a 1080p set for almost a year. With 720p you get slightly better motion resolution on things like wide reciever jerseys when they are going full bore, but the motion isn't any smoother and the overall PQ is much softer. Also I tend to notice more mosquito noise and video noise/grain in 720p.

And to chansigril, Comcast isn't the one that determines whether the game is in HD or SD. It is Fox that makes that decision.

i understand that :) i was just letting folks know that i was comcast instead of satellite.

so are some of the fox games not going to be in 16:9?

how does the fox broadcast differ from the espn broadcast i saw last night watching monday night football. espn has looked :cool: so far this year :D i haven't seen a game on fox yet, first one this sunday :)

well ive been having tons of pixilating on the 3 majors lately

when i watch delayed it stutters and skips.

by skips i mean it will time jump.

for example, watching the phils it will skip entire parts of an inning.

i suppose this is from the stuttering and pixilating causing the time skipping.

Comcast Launches Unprecedented HD Programming Initiative to Offer 100 Hours of High-Definition Video-On-Demand Programming

Wednesday September 13, 11:44 am ET

Industry-Leading HD VOD Push Kicks Off with Starz HD ON DEMAND and Encore HD ON DEMAND During Starz Free Preview September 15-17
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to Lead Series of HD Movie Premieres on Comcast ON DEMAND


PHILADELPHIA and ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning September 15, Comcast will offer 100 hours of high-definition video-on-demand (HD VOD) programs on its signature ON DEMAND service. As part of this industry-leading initiative, Comcast and Starz Entertainment today announced that at least 20 high-definition movies from Starz Entertainment will be available each month. The debut of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on September 15 -- more than one week before its scheduled airdate on the Starz HD cable channel -- kicks off a series of Hollywood blockbuster HD VOD premieres on Comcast this fall.
Comcast's HD VOD rollout comes as video-on-demand usage is soaring, with customers viewing more than three billion ON DEMAND programs since 2004 and clamoring for more HD programming on demand. In a recent survey of 200 cable customers with HD service conducted by ICR (International Communications Research) for Comcast, nearly 80 percent of respondents said they prefer to watch high-definition programs on their terms, not when the shows air on a traditional television schedule. When asked to identify the importance of types of programming in HD, customers listed their preferences as:


* Primetime broadcast network shows (65%)
* Premium channel movies and series (62%)
* National sports (61%)
* Local sports (58%)

"Customers have clearly expressed their desire for more HD programming, and our fall HD VOD lineup will become the destination for HD movie fans," said Page Thompson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video Services for Comcast. "The addition of Starz HD to Comcast's growing HD VOD library and early premieres like The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe are helping to transform the HD viewing experience for our customers by giving them more programming on their schedules."

Comcast also will offer a Starz Free Preview from September 15-17 for all of the Starz Entertainment services it offers, including the Starz suite of premium channels, HD, and the newly launched Starz HD ON DEMAND and Encore HD ON DEMAND.

"HD customers love movies, and we are delighted to make available regularly up to two dozen great Hi-Def films from Starz Entertainment on Comcast's ON DEMAND platform," said Andrew Nigolian, Senior Vice President of Affiliate Sales with Starz Entertainment. "HD ON DEMAND is a terrific showcase for movie content. The Starz Free Preview on Comcast from September 15-17 is a great way for all Comcast customers to check out the hit movies on our premium channels and ON DEMAND."

Comcast was one of the first video providers to offer HD and VOD services. The company's industry-leading high-definition lineup now includes affiliates of all major broadcast networks; comprehensive sports coverage with ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD, as well as regional sports networks across the country; every available premium HD network, including Starz, HBO, Cinemax and Showtime; and the most popular HD cable networks, including Discovery, MHD and TNT. Comcast's ON DEMAND service offers a growing library of more than 7,500 programs available anytime customers want to watch them -- with the ability to fast forward, rewind and pause selections.

Starz HD

The high-definition version of the flagship Starz service, Starz HD has a mix of recent Hollywood hits and other popular films. East and West feeds of Starz HD are transmitted in wide-screen 16x9 1080i and feature Dolby® Digital 5.1 sound. Upcoming titles available from Starz HD include The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; National Treasure; Flightplan; Rent; and The Incredibles.

let me know when howard stern hd on demand is there

We've been having major macroblocking/dropout issues in Cherry Hill. Comcast has barely responded to our repeated calls and we are thinking seriously about D*. Trouble is, D* is having its own growing pains. They have a new PVR, the HR20, which may be hard to get. There's a stiff upfront fee for that machine. And I've been hearing about an interlace issue.

So I guess I'll be sticking with the dropouts a little longer...

OTA i'm happy to report that this new tv season, past 2 weeks, not a single glitch on nbc, cbs, fox, abc

I was having major dropouts the past 2 weeks, and I finally had enough(plus my box deleted all my recordings w/o warning), so i went and got a brand new box. I got a 3416PI, and so far no problems at all.

I live in Collegeville, but was unsuccesful in receiving OTA HD. Besides Channel 3, I was unable to pull in Fox, 6, or 10 above 30% using a 120" boom, 40" boom, and a circular amped antenna from Rat Shack. I used a signal amp for each boom.

I had eatch boom in my attic, as well as on my 2nd story deck. I have some serious trees (30+ feet) behind me (towards 140 degrees for the aformentioned channels) and I am thinking that is what the cause of my problems are. Antennaweb says I require a violet (Large Directional) for every channel besides 3. I know of no Large Directional antenna which I could buy and easily take back like I've done with Rat Shack (if the antenna doesn't work). Does anyone have any suggestions, ideas, or similar experiences?

Does the entire Phila. region of Comcast have the Motorola 3416 available now?
I am on the Willow Grove system, so I am wondering if they would have them so I can replace my 6412.

I'm next to Willow Grove on Lower Bucks, and I got a 3416(I didn't even ask for one, but when she pulled it out I did ask, and she said it indeed was a 3416).

I'm only 5min from my office so it would haven't been a big deal if they didn't. My office is the headend for Lower Bucks, so they might have more inventory or something, not sure.

when is south jersey getting MHD

why does comcast blackout the phillies game on espn2hd when that's the only hd source available?

why does comcast blackout the phillies game on espn2hd when that's the only hd source available?

i think thats baseball's call

Does the entire Phila. region of Comcast have the Motorola 3416 available now?
I am on the Willow Grove system, so I am wondering if they would have them so I can replace my 6412.

Why? I have one & I'm not impressed. Freezes as much as the 6412. Hard drive no bigger & picture is definately not better.

what the....

watching the phils game i just had a freeze of about 20 secs, this was during live tv
went rewound it about 30 secs to watch againa and it just skipped right from the freeze to were it wasnt frozen.

and just now watching about 30 secs behind live, while utley was up i saw him with an 0-1 count.
then all of a sudden he had a 2- count.

this has been happening a lot lately gettiing annoying.

also the wb mason commercial during every break is just about enough now

I want my WB, but I'll settle for my CW.

what the....

watching the phils game i just had a freeze of about 20 secs, this was during live tv
went rewound it about 30 secs to watch againa and it just skipped right from the freeze to were it wasnt frozen.

and just now watching about 30 secs behind live, while utley was up i saw him with an 0-1 count. then all of a sudden he had a 2- count.

Do you have a DVR? I have been noticing on the last few Eagles games that the difference between WYSP and the television would vary at different points during a game. Usually after commercials. I didn't know if it the built-in delay of the DVR or the broadcasters changing their delay (we wouldn't want another attack of the breast from Janet Jackson!).

(we wouldn't want another attack of the breast from Janet Jackson!).Speak for yourself! :p

also the wb mason commercial during every break is just about enough now

u gotta get yourself tivo or the equivalent...can't imagine watching anything live ever...ugh commercials
---
regarding time delays, even with a dvr, there can be delays depending on source. Through my tivo, i can turn from OTA to directvs locals and see the same thing 2x without hitting replay :)

Guess my OTA is faster than their satellite !

Speak for yourself! :p

Of course I meant "we" as in "FCC" or Federal Censorship Commission.

In Lower Makefield...

Having the same sort of freezing and stuttering issues.

Usually I unplug the 3412 and replug, seems to work better.

But the Phils games freeze. NBC looks horrible, and often so do the other channels...

Do you have a DVR? I have been noticing on the last few Eagles games that the difference between WYSP and the television would vary at different points during a game. Usually after commercials. I didn't know if it the built-in delay of the DVR or the broadcasters changing their delay (we wouldn't want another attack of the breast from Janet Jackson!).

i noticed wysp had significant lag, typically about a down during the preseason. it was basically unwatchable with 94 as the audio :(

i'm very interested to see how this sunday's game turns out.

since the janet thing all sports have a delay on the live tv side.
sometimes as much as 14 secs.

radio has a delay also.

not much is true live without delay at this point.

my wife bought me this device (http://delayplay.com/) last year but the price wasnt worth it.

I've been trying to watch the Chronicles of Narnia HD during the free Starz preview this weekend. When the movie actually comes through, the middle portion of the screen is gone. There is a line down the middle and it is fuzzy. Other times I get the message "Error retrieving data. Call 1-800-Comcast..."

Anyone else experiencing this??

Why? I have one & I'm not impressed. Freezes as much as the 6412. Hard drive no bigger & picture is definately not better.
If I was talking about the 3412, which also has 120GB HDD, I would agree, but I am not. :confused:
The 3416 has a 160GB HDD. :)

I'm next to Willow Grove on Lower Bucks, and I got a 3416(I didn't even ask for one, but when she pulled it out I did ask, and she said it indeed was a 3416).
Thanks. The key would be getting an appt. for a day after not recording so much, so I could watch everything the night it is recorded. ;) Otherwise, I would get one now, as I could use the extra HDD space.

I've been trying to watch the Chronicles of Narnia HD during the free Starz preview this weekend. When the movie actually comes through, the middle portion of the screen is gone. There is a line down the middle and it is fuzzy. Other times I get the message "Error retrieving data. Call 1-800-Comcast..."

Anyone else experiencing this??

I tried a few times today, but always get the error message. I do remember the message on my box saying "Starz and Starz On-Demand Free Preview", but I guess they decided not to include the HD movies.

the hd movies are included

i did get the same message the first hd demand movie i loaded up but i went back in and it loaded fine.
too bad narnia is cropped to fill the screen from it oar of 2.35x1

It finally worked for me about an hour after I posted.

If I was talking about the 3412, which also has 120GB HDD, I would agree, but I am not. :confused:
The 3416 has a 160GB HDD. :)
Ah!! My bad...I want one too!!

i did get the same message the first hd demand movie i loaded up but i went back in and it loaded fine.
too bad narnia is cropped to fill the screen from it oar of 2.35x1

I had the same problem loading ANY of Starz HD movies Friday. Went back ~ an hour later & they loaded up fine.

This is for all the Time Warner/Urban cable people -

Does anyone have a problem with a channel sort of lagging evey 3 seconds or so. Every once in a while I will switch to a channel that will lag, i hit swap and change the second tuner to different channel and swap back and the lag stops. It seemed like this was only happening when the number 2 tuner was on Fox but this just may be b/c I am recording Fox a lot - simpsons, king of the hill, etc. I thought this was just my 6412 but I had a second installed in our bedroom and this one is doing the same thing and it is even more inconveint since 90% of what we watch upstairs is off of the DVR and once it is recorded with the lag it is too late. Anyone else have anything like thi happening?


PS - I got the letter on Friday, billing will be switched to Comcast starting in October, tech supprort in November, with the full change over including the converter box software upgrade happening in December. Which I have mixed feelings about, Comcast's On Demand is clearly superior and the 30 sec commercial skip will be nice but I am concerned about a price increase plus I have had nothing but good experences with Time Warner's customer service and tech support - even when it was Urban Cable. The letter made no mention about the price changing.

PS - I got the letter on Friday, billing will be switched to Comcast starting in October, tech supprort in November, with the full change over including the converter box software upgrade happening in December. Which I have mixed feelings about, Comcast's On Demand is clearly superior and the 30 sec commercial skip will be nice but I am concerned about a price increase plus I have had nothing but good experences with Time Warner's customer service and tech support - even when it was Urban Cable. The letter made no mention about the price changing.I got the letter too. I don't have their cable, only their cable modem. I haven't had any problems with them at all. In fact, I am happy to have TWC. If they raise the price one penny - I am off to Verizon and their DSL (which I have heard isn't too bad).

Hi all - not sure if Philly OTA is more appropriate for this message, but here it goes.

I picked up a 27" Westinghouse set yesterday and have my Comcast cable fed right into it (no box). It scan's the channels and displays the HD images beautifully.

However, it picks up a few hundred channels in the HD realm and I can't discern any pattern, nor can I find a list of what channel is what.

IE, 234 on my Motorola box is FOX 29; I haven't found it yet going through the channels on the Westinghouse.

Is there anyhwere I can find a list of how their channels map? I'm in Burlington Township, NJ (Comcast Willingboro).

TIA,

-Kris

welp game looked great today, shame they threw it away in the 4th quarter :mad:

interestingly, 94ysp broadcast was actually a couple of seconds earlier than the fox broadcast. meryl was calling the play as i watched the players line up. i couldn't take it so by halftime i was watching and listening. at least they broadcast in 5.1, even if the broadcasters suck (at broadcasting).

hopefully next week against the niners they keep it together all game... and the game looks just as nice :)

Anyone else noticing extreme pixilation on Comcast South Jersey while viewing the Dallas/Washington game on HD (channel 232)?

The game on NBC looked horrible last night, I only flipped to it for a few minutes since i was watching other things. Get used to it, it's NBC HD and the fact that WCAU has 2 subchannels going makes any motion in HD look like youtube.

Knock on wood, my new 3416 hasn't given me any problems other than the firewire bug.

At least it can't be as bad as WPVI-DT. With 3 subchannels they take the cake for the worst HD picture in the market.

Has anyone had trouble receiving 12.1, 12.2, or 12.3 in Philly with an antenna? I had it fine yesterday, and now it is too weak to tune in. My other stations are fine. If not, does anyone have suggestions as to the cause of something like this? I've tried moving the antenna with no change.

Anyone else noticing extreme pixilation on Comcast South Jersey while viewing the Dallas/Washington game on HD (channel 232)?

Not just you, that was one of the worst I have ever seen. ( I am on TWC btw so it was not just a comcast problem.)

Hi all - not sure if Philly OTA is more appropriate for this message, but here it goes.

I picked up a 27" Westinghouse set yesterday and have my Comcast cable fed right into it (no box). It scan's the channels and displays the HD images beautifully.

However, it picks up a few hundred channels in the HD realm and I can't discern any pattern, nor can I find a list of what channel is what.

IE, 234 on my Motorola box is FOX 29; I haven't found it yet going through the channels on the Westinghouse.

Is there anywhere I can find a list of how their channels map? I'm in Burlington Township, NJ (Comcast Willingboro).

TIA,

-Kris
This is CC Maple Shade:

Fox is 111.2
57 is 109.1
TNT is 110.2
3 is 117.2
6 is 113.1
10 is 113.2
12 is 117.1
17 is 111.1


This is what I get with my built in Sony tuner. My sister has an RCA and her channels are exactly what CC lists.

Hope it helps.

Iron Temple,

I can confirm the loss of 12.1, 12.2 and 12.3 OTA. I am only 3 or 4 nautical miles from the antennas. While the signal is a weak one to begin with, I couldn't get a lock all day (or night).

Take it to the bank;

Universal HD coming August 15th system-wide in Philadelphia (Channel 208).


What does that mean :o

and here i thought my lack of 12.1 was just my usual daytime loss of signal ;)

Sounds like I'm not the only one having problems with freezing. Have the Comcast Motorola dual-tuner DVR box and am in Center City Philadelphia. NBC, CBS and ESPN games have been freezing. Also, the Phillies game last night on Comcast SportsNet HD had the same problems. If I flip to the SD channel everything is fine, then when I go back to the HD channel it will say "One moment please. Channel is unavailable" or something like that. Sometimes the HD comes back after a few seconds, sometimes I have to keep toggling between HD and SD for a few minutes before the HD comes back. Pretty frustrating

My HSI has also been down, in addition to the aforementioned freezing issues.

Sigh...

Of course no one knows anything.

I KNOW someone at Comcast knows something, but you can never talk to that person.

Hooked up my new Series 3 TiVo last night (yay!). Since I don't have CableCards yet (coming Monday), I scanned through the QAM channels just to see what I could watch in the meantime. On one of the QAM channels, I noticed that Game Show Network was playing. This channel isn't on the regular channel lineup for Center City, so why would I be able to see it in QAM? Is Comcast preparing to add this channel? How many more "hidden" QAM channels could there be?

Noticed the same freezing problems on some of the primetime shows last night (Smith on CBS and the pilot episode of NBC's Studio 60 that I had DVR-d). No problems with Weeds which I had recorded from Showtime HD. Same problems with the Phillies game that I had reported before. Comcast coming next Tues to take a look

Sounds like they are testing the channel before adding it so the cable box can see it. It happens frequently.

Sounds like they are testing the channel before adding it so the cable box can see it. It happens frequently.JWhip, I know GSN is available in other parts of the city...up in the NE for instance. Do you know if this is part of some effort to make the channel lineups/selection uniform throughout the city, especially since all 4 franchise zones are now owned by Comcast?

No but it is logical to assume that they will be eventually.

For all of you experiencing video problems (blocking, freezing, etc.) on HD channels, the issue is that Comcast has a bandwidth problem that is now surfacing much more frequently and more widely. It is commonly an issue on FOX-HD. As more programs on the HD channels they carry go high-def, this problem will worsen until they implement one of the 3 or 4 possible fixes they claim they have. Why they don't implement them now is typical Comcast.

Verizon will eat their lunch when FIOS comes on line unless they get moving.

I was thinking of repalcing my bedroom 19 sd set with an HD set.

I want to go cheap, so I find a 30" samsung on sale for $750.00. Seems like a decent deal.

Anyway, i call comcast to see if there is still a one PVR per houshold limitation.

Told there isn't, but a second PVR is $18.90/ mo!

I guess I am paying that for the first one, but didn't realize it so it didn't hurt so bad.

Anyway, the TV has a built in HD tuner, but the online info I found doesn't mention QAM.

Is QAM a seperate type of tuner? How can I tell if this TV has it?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsung-30-Slimfit-HDTV-TXS3082W/sem/rpsm/oid/147559/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do#tabs
I am currently on page 2 of the "Official AVS TXS3082 thread, maybe an answer will be in there, lol.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=669114
I see a lot of posts about QAM channels not being the same as the numbers in the channel line up, and that they occasionaly "move".

If I rely on the QAM tuner (if the TV even has it?), will I be constantly searching for channels?

Sorry for the newb questions, any help appreciated.

No but it is logical to assume that they will be eventually.I read an article online that had Comcast do this to its myriad systems in the different municipalities in South Florida. It is bound to happen here.

Verizon will eat their lunch when FIOS comes on line unless they get moving.

Considering that Verizon has been 'installing' FIOS in my neighborhood for over a month-and-a-half now and that Comcast gave them a Cease-and-Desist after they severed the cable lines on half the block AGAIN, I'm not really feeling that Verizon is going to be much better, frankly, at least in my area.


Will the Series 3 TiVo work with FIOS, at all?

I'm always reporting problems here. I thought I'd take the time to report a good experience. Now with most networks in full swing, and i have a reliable baseline to report from since i'm watching every network but cw currently, I'm happy to report not a single OTA problem on any of the big 4 networks .NBC even got both law and order HD switch flips right. Totally perfect. Perhaps they invested in automatic equipment finally? tuesdays used to suck with SD pics and unexplainable happenings.

Comcast coming next Tues to take a look

Let us know what they find.

I am tempted to have them come out, but I know they won't find anything.

Last time they were upgrading our area, I had 4 techs come out, replace modems, splitters, etc., until it was finally escalated, and the higher tech said "Oh ... they are upgrading your equipment at the pole in this area."

Hi all,

I'm on the final straw with Comcast and will be cancelling as soon as possible. Our box died yesterday afternoon for no reason and the earliest they can get out here is Monday afternoon. I've got a PPV UFC fight party this weekend so my wife (with our 3month old) drove the 15miles today to a local office to pickup a new box. This was AFTER calling and waiting on hold to make sure they had said proper box at this office.

She shows up today with baby and they tell her, oops, that's a delaware county (I'm in SE PA) box, and that you have to go to another place an hour away. My wife was obviously not happy.

So I'm looking to switch. Soon.

I watch a good bit of the major channel HD/SD content (Prison Break, CSI, Lost, etc), watch a good bit of my local sports (Eagles/Penn State), and enjoy watching Discovery HD. I've never had any of the premium channels (showtime, hbo, cinemax, stars), but wouldn't mind having them if the cost is not greatly increased. So far I'm swinging towards Dish based on price and my requirements, I'm just having a hard time parting with Comcast's excellent cable internet (basically the thing that always kept me from dropping them when their cable tv service bothered me).

Any Philadelphia or SE PA members want to help me out with a decision? I'm looking to keep the costs down if possible (no more than $60-70 per month)?

If I should start a new post please let me know and I'll delete this.

Thanks in advance.

justin

EDIT: And to top this all off, the "new" comcast box they gave us is now turning itself off randomly (think it might be a heat problem), and all the channel listings have to get downloaded back. I'm really, really sick of this company.

As someone who dislikes Comcast. I have my cable modem service from Time Warner and satellite service from Dish Network. I have been happy with both. However, now that Comcast is somehow taking over TWC, I have a feeling they are going to raise rates. So, Verizon has a package that is $14 less per month on a 3MB/768K connection, without having local phone service. I have Lingo.com as my VOIP phone. I think I am going to go w/ Verizon once Comcast officially takes over.

7Enigma,

At this time I have Both Comcast & Dish Network and live in Western Montgomery County.

I switched to the Cable Card with Comcast and Subscribe to Digital Classic. This enables me to get their HD Channels (INHD, CSN...Ect.). The Comcast DVR was always giving me problems. I even exchanged it for a different one. My monthly cost is Approximately $63.

While Dish Network is cheaper for Standard Digital, the cost of HD can add up. There Basic HD Bronze Package is $49. Add in a DVR $6 and Locals $5 Total monthly bill will be $61. This does Not Include the One Time Fee for the DVR of $200. There is also a installation fee of $50.

I happen to have the HD Gold Package for $97. Yes I am Crazy. I will eventually cancel Comcast for the TV and just keep it for the Internet.

Keep in Mind with Dish you will Not be Able to get Comcast Sports Net(either SD or HD) for the Phillies, Flyers & Sixers. They also do not offer Channel 57 CW in HD.

Please note I rounded the Numbers off.

Thanks.

7Enigma,

At this time I have Both Comcast & Dish Network and live in Western Montgomery County.

I switched to the Cable Card with Comcast and Subscribe to Digital Classic. This enables me to get their HD Channels (INHD, CSN...Ect.). The Comcast DVR was always giving me problems. I even exchanged it for a different one. My monthly cost is Approximately $63.

While Dish Network is cheaper for Standard Digital, the cost of HD can add up. There Basic HD Bronze Package is $49. Add in a DVR $6 and Locals $5 Total monthly bill will be $61. This does Not Include the One Time Fee for the DVR of $200. There is also a installation fee of $50.

I happen to have the HD Gold Package for $97. Yes I am Crazy. I will eventually cancel Comcast for the TV and just keep it for the Internet.

Keep in Mind with Dish you will Not be Able to get Comcast Sports Net(either SD or HD) for the Phillies, Flyers & Sixers. They also do not offer Channel 57 CW in HD.

Please note I rounded the Numbers off.

Thanks.

Thanks for the reply. I only watch occassionally the Eagles and Penn State so Comcast sports doesn't really bother me. I didn't know about the 1 time fee, that's pretty big to swallow, lets hope they have a promo where the box is free or something.

They (Dish) rebate all the upfront fees, the $49 was instant, and the $200 is $20/mo for 10 months off your bill. I did it, with the 18 month commitment. It is prorated so you can get out, but it covers the equipment fully and I don't expect any one to offer anything better for at least a year. I still have CC HSI, and I can use it as a backup for TV, but never had to. With Vonage it is still cheaper and faster than Verizon w/DSL.

I am wondering since i bought this HDTV that when i hooked up the cable line to it directly i am able to get some channels in hdtv format and some just digital. What is this about and how is there a way to find out what can filter it out better and for a channel lineup?

Another strange day with WPVI, cannot get it OTA or with Dish HD, but I can see it through my basic Comcast life line. I hate that there are some programs we watch on this channel, it is the most unreliable channel we get!

did fox forget to hit the hd switch for nfl pregame?

and now the ame is not hd

ABC has the puerto rican day parade in hd

I am wondering since i bought this HDTV that when i hooked up the cable line to it directly i am able to get some channels in hdtv format and some just digital. What is this about and how is there a way to find out what can filter it out better and for a channel lineup?

This is perfectly normal. Of course Comcast does not tell you that local HD channels are FREE(well, you already pay for them/don't pay any more for them). But you do need an HD cable box if you want ESPN HD, CSN HD, HBO HD, etc.
The number of digital channels you get varies by headend/area. There is no "guide" for these digital channels, you have to map them yourself. Just do an autoscan(it will probably find hundreds) and erase all the ones that give you no picture(which would mean that channel is encrypted, most are).

Here where I am I used to get Travel Channel on my tv, yet the cable box didn't have it at all, even on digital cable. ESPN Classic is still this way, it's nowhere on the cable box but my TV picks it up.

For all of you experiencing video problems (blocking, freezing, etc.) on HD channels, the issue is that Comcast has a bandwidth problem that is now surfacing much more frequently and more widely. It is commonly an issue on FOX-HD. As more programs on the HD channels they carry go high-def, this problem will worsen until they implement one of the 3 or 4 possible fixes they claim they have. Why they don't implement them now is typical Comcast.

Verizon will eat their lunch when FIOS comes on line unless they get moving.

Good to get confirmation on this. I've called them at least three times for freezing, and they've had techs out to my building (center city apartment) at least twice. I'm also experiencing audio dropouts (audio 'skips' once every 5 minutes or so). Would this be related? I'm about to call comcast about this during my lunch break, but I suspect I'll get a better response from this forum.

Good to get confirmation on this. I've called them at least three times for freezing, and they've had techs out to my building (center city apartment) at least twice. I'm also experiencing audio dropouts (audio 'skips' once every 5 minutes or so). Would this be related? I'm about to call comcast about this during my lunch break, but I suspect I'll get a better response from this forum.

I'm experiencing tons of freezing on my plasma -- which is getting comcast via a cable card.

It always had a minor amount of freezes, but over the last month or so, there has been a very noticeable increase in the frequency of freezes (on digital channels -- not just HDTV -- but any digital).

The fact that it flucutates leads me to believe it is comcast -- and not the TV or the cablecard. Some days it is fine. ANd then bam, one day it will freeze every few minutes for a while.

This weekend it was better.

Is this definitely a Comcast issue though?

I'm experiencing tons of freezing on my plasma -- which is getting comcast via a cable card.

It always had a minor amount of freezes, but over the last month or so, there has been a very noticeable increase in the frequency of freezes (on digital channels -- not just HDTV -- but any digital).

The fact that it flucutates leads me to believe it is comcast -- and not the TV or the cablecard. Some days it is fine. ANd then bam, one day it will freeze every few minutes for a while.

This weekend it was better.

Is this definitely a Comcast issue though?

Comcast definitely thinks it's their issue, and that it's a systemic thing (although they think they can fix it at the street level). For what it's worth (very little, I expect) they're coming back to my apartment on Monday. Also, since I've called multiple times and it's a continuing issue, they gave me a sweet internet deal for 12 months, so I'm happy.

regarding replacing Comcast in the Philly region:
(1) as mentioned, Comcast Sportsnet is only available via cable - just so you know;
(2) DISH seems to have the largest array of HD channels (non locals) of all the providers;
(3) My DISH vip622 does a much much better job of picking up OTA HD Locals than my DirecTV HD TiVO did - FOX 29 and PBS 12 come in fine, while they were always problems with the DirecTV TiVo;
(4) the DISH Vip622 only has one OTA HD tuner - weird for a unit with so many other high - tech features - meaning if you want to record more than one HD network show, say something on NBC & CBS at the same time, you'll want to order your networks from DISH (even if you do get them via OTA, too);
(5) I really, really like the DISH units with built in distribution systems, like the Vip622 - it allows two different tvs in two areas of the house to display two different shows at once.

Net Neutrality Fight Moves to Pennsylvania Legislature

http://mydd.com/story/2006/9/23/5138/41475

Not to get all political here, but if you have any interest in net neutrality and/or video franchising, you may want to check out the above-linked information.

One of these states is Pennsylvania, and the bill is called SB 1247.

Now, video franchising isn't bad in itself, but this bill is horrible. It allows redlining, which means that no one will invest in building out broadband to rural areas. The only people who will get cable and internet service over fiber are in high income suburbs and dense urban areas. And obviously, there is no net neutrality protections.

There is a broad coalition opposing this bill, from local municipalities to cable interests to progressive organizers. It's beatable, and the hearing is tomorrow. If you care about net neutrality and live in Pennsylvania, please call the following legislators, and use the following script:

“This bill weakens significant consumer protections with no guarantee of real consumer choice for cable. I urge you to vote no on SB 1247 as written, and work to craft cable competition legislation that protects consumers, not Verizon.”

regarding replacing Comcast in the Philly region:
(1) as mentioned, Comcast Sportsnet is only available via cable - just so you know;
(2) DISH seems to have the largest array of HD channels (non locals) of all the providers;
(3) My DISH vip622 does a much much better job of picking up OTA HD Locals than my DirecTV HD TiVO did - FOX 29 and PBS 12 come in fine, while they were always problems with the DirecTV TiVo;
(4) the DISH Vip622 only has one OTA HD tuner - weird for a unit with so many other high - tech features - meaning if you want to record more than one HD network show, say something on NBC & CBS at the same time, you'll want to order your networks from DISH (even if you do get them via OTA, too);
(5) I really, really like the DISH units with built in distribution systems, like the Vip622 - it allows two different tvs in two areas of the house to display two different shows at once.I have Dish also. Just switched from DTV and I really like the 622. When you get a metallic package you get the locals over the satellite. So I hooked up my little Indoor OTA HD Antenna and now I can record 3 programs at the same time! Came in handy last night, my wife was recording Desparate HWs and Cold Case, and I had a tuner free to watch Football in Hd. I could have watched it live though my CC HSI feed, but I like watching with a buffer, where I can pause or rewind any time.

Comcast and TiVo Series 3 units?

How is Comcast handling distribution and installation of cable cards for the S3? Any problems with them understanding what the TiVo S3 is, and that it really does use two cable cards? Are the requiring one of their 'techs' to handle the install, even though they probably know less about the TiVO S3 system than the purchaser?

Comcast and TiVo Series 3 units?

How is Comcast handling distribution and installation of cable cards for the S3? Any problems with them understanding what the TiVo S3 is, and that it really does use two cable cards? Are the requiring one of their 'techs' to handle the install, even though they probably know less about the TiVO S3 system than the purchaser?Just had my 2 CableCards installed yesterday after a 2-week wait for an appointment. I had no problems on the phone when I said I needed 2 cards to go into a TiVo. The tech came out and said he had heard about the Series 3, but this was his first install. We installed the cards, followed all the directions, etc. The tech did a great job, but the people he was talking to on the phone horribly botched the initializaton/activation. It ended up being a 2.5-hour ordeal. He finally got fed up and called the Columbus Blvd office (saying the people in the NE Phila office didn't know what they were doing). Once he got on the phone with those people I was up and running in 15 minutes. I don't know why he didn't call Columbus Blvd in the first place...I get service out of that office.

I bet we get screwed out of HD for the Phils game tonight, since ESPN has the game, I'm sure it will be blacked out so I can enjoy 480 glorious lines of resolution interlaced in old school 4:3 :rolleyes:

is there any way we can complain to comcast to have at least the hd version not blacked out? Now that the playoff race is heating up, all these phillies HD games on ESPN are going to be blacked out

Considering that Verizon has been 'installing' FIOS in my neighborhood for over a month-and-a-half now and that Comcast gave them a Cease-and-Desist after they severed the cable lines on half the block AGAIN, I'm not really feeling that Verizon is going to be much better, frankly, at least in my area.



I've been hearing similar stories from friends and co-workers about Verizon causing major problems when they install the lines in selected neighborhoods because they cut the existing lines, disrupt service and do a very sloppy job. The grass isn't always greener, I guess.

is there any way we can complain to comcast to have at least the hd version not blacked out? Now that the playoff race is heating up, all these phillies HD games on ESPN are going to be blacked out


I think this is an MLB thing right?

At 10PM, I was able to turn on ESPN HD and see the rest of the game till the ending. I am glad MLB or Dish or whoever doesn't enforce the blackout the entire game.

ANother game, same deal tonight, it's on ESPNHD. If the game goes past 10pm I guess they just program the blackout for 3hrs, so after 3hrs we could watch the HD over on ESPN...

At 10PM, I was able to turn on ESPN HD and see the rest of the game till the ending. I am glad MLB or Dish or whoever doesn't enforce the blackout the entire game.


Yeah, I recall from years ago that DISH seems to have their blackouts set to the TV time/game time window and people seem to get their blacked-out programming back in overtime/extra innings.

As for complaining and who's at 'fault': Comcast/CW 57/??? 'own' the rights to the local broadcast. Advertisers are sold on the idea that there is one place, and one place only, to see that game (and same dealo with the Flyers and mostly with the Sixers--although I sometimes find out of town games for the Sixers availble on TBS or TNT or whoever does that coverage).

The advertisers would be very uphappy if the commercials for which they paid went unwatched because we were tuning over to another channel.

Yes, I know and agree that we the viewers, fans, subscribers get the short end of the stick on that deal, but the current revenue-creation system of local broadcasts means that we're forced to get those games from the local provider.

It's likely to be that the most effective method of getting HD broadcasts of away games is to monitor who advertises the games, especially the away games if it varies from home games, and express to those advertisers that you - as 'high dollar 'HDTV' consumers - as disatisfied with Comcast's lack of HD road games. That' you're less like to spend money at their businesses since you don't watch as many of away games and don't see their commercials.

When it comes down to a tight race at the end of the season, they know they've got you, but in April and May, when the weather's getting better, the sun is lasting longer, you could make a case that you have better things to do than watch sub-HDTV Phillies games!

ANother game, same deal tonight, it's on ESPNHD. If the game goes past 10pm I guess they just program the blackout for 3hrs, so after 3hrs we could watch the HD over on ESPN...

The whole game was blacked out on ESPN HD for me tonight, I was looking forward to a half-hour of HD.

The whole game was blacked out on ESPN HD for me tonight, I was looking forward to a half-hour of HD.

At least your in the Philadelphia market.I'm with Comcast in Northern Nj near NYC(12 miles away) and they black us out.The Ny market! They've done it for the past year!

I wasn't blacked out, I have Dish HD. I wonder what will happen Thursday when HDNet is supposed to run the Flyers game in all it's HD glory. I don't see Mark Cuban spending all his time and money to be blacked out. Guess I'll send an email and see if I can get a response.

Don't have to wonder:
National Hockey League Blackout Information

Blackout restrictions apply to all NHL on HDNet games. Blackout restrictions are designed to protect the television rights holders in the competing teams' respective home markets. Blackouts are NOT based on arena sellouts.

An example would be if the St. Louis Blues are playing the New York Rangers, the local telecast areas of the Blues and Rangers will be blacked out on HDNet, regardless of whether the teams are televising locally.

If the teams are televising locally, HDNet subscribers can view the game on their over-the-air television station or their local regional sports network (RSN).

Wonder if they will black out the replay too.

I noticed on FOX-DT the sidebars for 4:3 programming are now gray, very close to KYW's. Is this just a mere different setting, or did they maybe get the ability to show syndication in HD(like for Seinfeld)? It's only during the shows, commercials and other programming, the bars are black...

anyone else know any more or have any info?

I have an HR10-250 D* receiver and when watching Ohio State vs Iowa on WPVI-HD I noticed some strange pixelation. Each time they went to a replay I would see signal breakup and again when they went live. During the live play everything was fine. Did anyone else see this OTA?

Me thinks it may have been an overmodulation issue when the ESPN red graphic was displayed. I did not see this on the NY feed via DirecTV.

neeshu89 wrote: "Is there any way we can complain to comcast to have at least the hd version not blacked out? Now that the playoff race is heating up, all these phillies HD games on ESPN are going to be blacked out."



Well, as of Sunday 10-1-06, that is one less problem that we will have to worry about. :(

There is a statistic that I read or heard a few years ago. Is it really true that the Phillies have had more losses, than any team in the history of Earth? :eek:

There is a statistic that I read or heard a few years ago. Is it really true that the Phillies have had more losses, than any team in the history of Earth? :eek:

This link CBS Phillies History (http://sportsline.com/mlb/teams/history/PHI) shows their records since the 1880s. There are some very bad years, and it looks there is a lifetime yearly average way below .500. Playing that many years may add up to the most losses of a professional team.

they do have more losses then any team and next year will surpass 10,000 losses

what a bunch of chokers... i can't stand philly teams anymore.. they always let me down

The 10pm WTXF-DT news broadcast is now in high definition. Field reports still 4:3 SD but the studio picture looks good. This makes two news broadcasts in HD in Philly. Who will be next?

BrentHD wrote [http://sportsline.com/mlb/teams/history/PHI] - CBS Phillies History shows their records since the 1880s. There are some very bad years, and it looks there is a lifetime yearly average way below .500. Playing that many years may add up to the most losses of a professional team.

Thanks BrentHD for the link.

I'm a former D*HD DVR customer, but just moved to the area. Line of sight issues made D* a non-option. I called Comcast and got set up with what seems like a crappy DVR -- I need to spend more time with it, but so far it doesn't seem to let me change the channel while recording.

Does anyone know of a calibration program on Comcast that I could grab on the DVR? HDNet has a 10 minute program broadcast on d*, but I haven't found that channel or a similar program on Comcast. Thanks.

I'm a former D*HD DVR customer, but just moved to the area. Line of sight issues made D* a non-option. I called Comcast and got set up with what seems like a crappy DVR -- I need to spend more time with it, but so far it doesn't seem to let me change the channel while recording.

If you have the craptastic motorola 6412, then you're correct, afaik. If you manually start a recording, you can't change the channel without canceling the recording, even if the other tuner isn't doing anything. You can change the channel if an automated recording starts AND you're not tuned to that channel when it starts.

Those who have D*TV, are any of you experiencing "crappy" MPEG 4 on the local stations...especially pertaining to sports? Everything appers blurry and in "slow motion"...it is really annoying. Both football games looked like this, but the commercials were fine. Also, OTA 3-1 cuts in/out and pixelates on both my -600 and -100...anyone else experiencing this?

The 10pm WTXF-DT news broadcast is now in high definition. Field reports still 4:3 SD but the studio picture looks good. This makes two news broadcasts in HD in Philly. Who will be next?KYW-DT will be next, after they move into their new place in the spring.

ESPNHD has issues i am noticing. Like their focus becomes out of focus I am watching the EAGLES game on WPVI HD through Comcast who is using ESPNHD and i am noticing the sharpness becomes out of focus and some wierd fade is like showing.

And i noticed this i am very interested in watching another News Broadcast in Philly in HDTV.
But i am surprised it is going to take that long for KYW to go over to HD on their news even since they are going to a new building but NBC10 WCAU is surely lagging and i dunno why they fell off the band-wagon. But thye surely are going to have some sort of loss in a sense.

The Eagle Monday night game on WPVI was awful compared to ESPN-HD.Pic on WPVI was softer,out of focus with dull colors.

The Eagle Monday night game on WPVI was awful compared to ESPN-HD.Pic on WPVI was softer,out of focus with dull colors.
AH SO it wasnt me that was noticing how screwed up the picture quality became at times. It was hurting my eyes hard-core and i dont have Digital Cable or a Digital box just an HDTV.

That's not entirely true. The 6412 is a dual tuner DVR. While you can't directly change the channel, you can hit the swap button (1 of the black buttons) at the bottom of your remote. That acts like an A/B switch. After you hit that, your show will still be recording and you can watch something else by changing the channel.

If you have the craptastic motorola 6412, then you're correct, afaik. If you manually start a recording, you can't change the channel without canceling the recording, even if the other tuner isn't doing anything. You can change the channel if an automated recording starts AND you're not tuned to that channel when it starts.

Midd beat me to it and is 100% right. Bash Comcast all you want but know how the equipment actually works before you begin posting and bashing.

And i noticed this i am very interested in watching another News Broadcast in Philly in HDTV.
But i am surprised it is going to take that long for KYW to go over to HD on their news even since they are going to a new building but NBC10 WCAU is surely lagging and i dunno why they fell off the band-wagon. But thye surely are going to have some sort of loss in a sense.

It makes perfect sense that KYW isn't going HD till they move into their new digs. It takes a lot of time and work to refit a studio for HD, it's not just simply replacing the cameras with HD cameras. Gotta rewire everything and change ALL the equipment to be able to handle HD. If you are building a new studio in a new building that is the perfect time to wire it up from the start with HD equipment.
This leaves NBC10 out in the dust even more, all they have is a meterologist with a well known nickname.

ESPNHD has issues i am noticing. Like their focus becomes out of focus I am watching the EAGLES game on WPVI HD through Comcast who is using ESPNHD and i am noticing the sharpness becomes out of focus and some wierd fade is like showing.


Why are you watching WPVI's ESPN HD feed when you can be watching ESPN's HD feed undiluted on Channel 202?

The differences between the ESPnHD feed and the feed shown on WPVI clears up any debate, IMHO, on the effects of multicasting even on a 720p signal.

Maybe we should invite WPVI sportscasters to look for themselves next time. Alas, I think this cat is too far out of the bag to expect change!

WPVI has advised me that they were using an adpative filter last night vs fixed and that this explains the softness in the picture. As the softness was not intermittent, I do not feel that this is the problem. The problem rests with multicasting, especially two subchannels. I was also told that Comcast bit starves WPVI and not ESPN which is total BS since they are owned by the same company. There is no problem with PQ on KYW-DT on Comcast. The game last night looked soft on Comcast as well as OTA. The line of BS out of WPVI is amazing. So much so in fact that they should work for the government.

WPVI has advised me that they were using an adpative filter last night vs fixed and that this explains the softness in the picture. As the softness was not intermittent, I do not feel that this is the problem. The problem rests with multicasting, especially two subchannels. I was also told that Comcast bit starves WPVI and not ESPN which is total BS since they are owned by the same company. There is no problem with PQ on KYW-DT on Comcast. The game last night looked soft on Comcast as well as OTA. The line of BS out of WPVI is amazing. So much so in fact that they should work for the government.
LOL yeah Government WPVI at our service. LOL

That would blow chunks all over the place.

Midd beat me to it and is 100% right. Bash Comcast all you want but know how the equipment actually works before you begin posting and bashing.

Hence the AFAIK, for one thing. Since Comcast decided I didn't need any instructions on how to use the DVR, I'm not sure how you think I'd know that it worked that way. The interface and software being so counter-intuitive certainly doesn't help matters, nor does Comcast's total lack of support in it's use. I've had the box for a year-and-a-half and I was unaware that it would allow me to do that.

My litany of dislikes for the 6412 doesn't come from mindless bashing...it comes from a long period of exposure to it's many flaws.

That is why these boards are so useful, you can get information on how to use the 6412. Things like programming a 30 second skip on the remote for example and your issue which you could have had answered easily right here in this thread. There are also whole threads on the 6412 in the HD Recorders section. You could also have called Comcast tech support. While all the Comcast DVR's have flaws, they do exactly what I want them to so and that is record the HD programming I want to time shift and output them so I can keep them on D-VHS tape. It does that perfectly.

The 10pm WTXF-DT news broadcast is now in high definition. Field reports still 4:3 SD but the studio picture looks good. This makes two news broadcasts in HD in Philly. Who will be next?

ditto the AM stuff

Hence the AFAIK, for one thing. Since Comcast decided I didn't need any instructions on how to use the DVR, I'm not sure how you think I'd know that it worked that way. The interface and software being so counter-intuitive certainly doesn't help matters, nor does Comcast's total lack of support in it's use. I've had the box for a year-and-a-half and I was unaware that it would allow me to do that.

My litany of dislikes for the 6412 doesn't come from mindless bashing...it comes from a long period of exposure to it's many flaws.

you have a 2 tuner dvr for over a year and didnt ask how to access the other tuner?

:confused:

I have noticed tonight that 6abc signal is delayed on the analog side now just 1 or 2 seconds behind their HD signal which last week it was the other way around.

you have a 2 tuner dvr for over a year and didnt ask how to access the other tuner?

:confused:

I access the second tuner all the time and routinely tape two shows at once. The issue that I was unaware of was that I had to FORCE the DVR to manually switch if I happened to be on the channel when it started recording. Using the PIP Swap button, when I found it after this discussion, never occured to me. And I certainly wasn't going to call Comcast for what I assumed to be yet another counter-intuitive and poor design choice.

That is why these boards are so useful, you can get information on how to use the 6412. Things like programming a 30 second skip on the remote for example and your issue which you could have had answered easily right here in this thread. There are also whole threads on the 6412 in the HD Recorders section. You could also have called Comcast tech support. While all the Comcast DVR's have flaws, they do exactly what I want them to so and that is record the HD programming I want to time shift and output them so I can keep them on D-VHS tape. It does that perfectly.

Apparently you've had a lot more success at getting technical help both here and from Comcast than I ever had. My questions about Cablecards prior to my TV purchase and then DVR setup certainly didn't provide me with any useful answers at the time. Comcast gave me five different answers to the same question, and attempted to sell me three different packages. When I HAVE called Comcast technical support, their solution is effectively to hit the box, tell me to power it off and on and then give up. I did implement the 30-second skip, but it works so poorly compared to my TiVos that I never use it....just as I tolerate the 6412 periodically getting confused and then queuing up the last four or five commands and executing them all at once.

The 6412 works...it just doesn't work well, IMHO.

It makes perfect sense that KYW isn't going HD till they move into their new digs. It takes a lot of time and work to refit a studio for HD, it's not just simply replacing the cameras with HD cameras. Gotta rewire everything and change ALL the equipment to be able to handle HD. If you are building a new studio in a new building that is the perfect time to wire it up from the start with HD equipment.
This leaves NBC10 out in the dust even more, all they have is a meterologist with a well known nickname.From what I hear, WNBC is now HD. Eventually in a year or so, all the NBC owned & operated stations (WCAU is one of them) will go with whatever WNBC is using, in a package deal to keep costs down. For future reference, check out http://www.broadcastingcable.com. It has a lot of stories all related to this kind of information - though, I didn't pick up my info from them.

Free Shotime weekend?

Sorry guys but I forgot to mention, the borad of supervidors in a unanimous vote approved the Verison FiOS tv deal in TRedyffrin Township. Depending on the availability of STB's and installers, they service should be available in most of the township in November. The price of the package of 180 channels which I believe includes HD is to be $39.95. I am sure that cable box will add to that. It is my understanding that CSN will not be offered.

Sorry guys but I forgot to mention, the borad of supervidors in a unanimous vote approved the Verison FiOS tv deal in TRedyffrin Township. Depending on the availability of STB's and installers, they service should be available in most of the township in November. The price of the package of 180 channels which I believe includes HD is to be $39.95. I am sure that cable box will add to that. It is my understanding that CSN will not be offered.

The latest on CSN is it will be available as a premium channel on Verizon FiOS.

I am checking into that. If it is, it will make the cost of the FiOS amd Comcast packages about the same and FiOS does not have INHD.

The key for me would be CSN-HD, if we ever have FIOS available here. And, in Baltimore, where they have CSN-Mid-Atlantic on FIOS, it is only SD; so I would expect the same here, which is lame. Of course, they might be negotiating on HD, who knows.

The latest on CSN is it will be available as a premium channel on Verizon FiOS.
I think that is a smart idea, one could drop/add it, based on how the teams are doing. I mean, it is good for people not interested in sports ;) :D

Well, I have been able to confirm with Comcast that both the SD and HD versions of CSN Philly will be carried on FiOS here in Tredyfrin Township. They will be carried as premium channels although I have not been advised what the cost will be for them. I will have to get that info from Verizon.

I'm visiting Philly this week and it looks like Comcast (Center City area) doesn't carry any of the local HD stations QAM in the clear? I hooked up my OnAir USB GT to a Comcast connection and I can see a bunch of barker channels and what looks like a PBS subchannel and a weather channel. The other QAM channels the tuner picks up are encrypted. I was hoping to get the football games on Fox and CBS in HD today.

as far as I am aware, all the broadcast HD channels are in the clear.

I cant believe Fox29 is not broadcasting HD today!!! Fortunately I have Fox NY.

I cant believe Fox29 is not broadcasting HD today!!! Fortunately I have Fox NY.
They are broadcasting in HD. Its just they are having issues. Fox29 needs to do some more work.

Also i dont have a digital cable box.

Fox 29.1 is coming in fine for me, though, my signal level has gone down to low 70s from mid 70s. :(

Fox29 needs to get their antenna higher and quickly they are now broadcasting their news broadcasts in HD and with this problem they will have a huge loss if they do not correct it fast. So far during this Eagles game its doing ok but during the earlier game it sucked.

Fox29 needs to get their antenna higher and quickly they are now broadcasting their news broadcasts in HD and with this problem they will have a huge loss if they do not correct it fast. So far during this Eagles game its doing ok but during the earlier game it sucked.

The earlier problems during the Giants game were NOT Fox29's. I was watching the game on DirecTV and there were a lot of issues. The HD picture kept going away in lieu of an SD picture.

The earlier problems during the Giants game were NOT Fox29's. I was watching the game on DirecTV and there were a lot of issues. The HD picture kept going away in lieu of an SD picture.

Yea today's issues were with the FOX nat'l feed, incl the delayed switchover to HD for today's early game.

Hey guys, pardon a newbie to HDTV. I'm just setting up my HT in my basement, carpet will be installed this coming Saturday, so I'm starting my research on OTA HDTV (don't wanna spend the money on Comcast/E*/D* unless I have to). I live in Bear, DE which is about 20 minutes south of Wilmington, wondering if I'm too far away from the Philadelphia area to be able to get good OTA HD signals or not???

I'll be running this through a Sanyo Z4 FP on a 92" screen Drapar Luma screen.

Also, if anyone can suggest a good receiver for HDTV signals, that would be most helpful. I'm not yet familiar with what I need equipment-wise.

Hey guys, pardon a newbie to HDTV. I'm just setting up my HT in my basement, carpet will be installed this coming Saturday, so I'm starting my research on OTA HDTV (don't wanna spend the money on Comcast/E*/D* unless I have to). I live in Bear, DE which is about 20 minutes south of Wilmington, wondering if I'm too far away from the Philadelphia area to be able to get good OTA HD signals or not???

check out antennaweb.com, it seems like, in theory, you shoud be able to get Philly/SNJ and Baltimore signals in addition to Wilimington.



Also, if anyone can suggest a good receiver for HDTV signals, that would be most helpful. I'm not yet familiar with what I need equipment-wise.

I have an Accurian which I got on clearance @ radio shack a while back. From what I have read, it seems like the antenna is much more important then the reciever.

Is anyone else out there experiencing widely differing audio levels on WPVI-DT? Started a few days ago for me...

Regarding WPVI-DT, nothing wrong with my audio levels. Could it be their sound engineer?

When does WPVI HD work correctly?

It's driving us crazy! Local news is at least 10db louder than commercials or network. Yet no one else is noticing this?

I am on Comcast South Jersey. I have to doubt Comcast is responsible. All other stations seem fine.

When they run the network feed, levels match other stations. It's just their local live inserts, such as the news, that are way loud. I even hear some distortion fom the loudness.

No one else is noticing this?

Is anyone else out there experiencing widely differing audio levels on WPVI-DT? Started a few days ago for me...

Yes!! I have to hit mute when the ads are on (as I skip through them) because of the extreme volume change from show to ads!

Yes!! I have to hit mute when the ads are on (as I skip through them) because of the extreme volume change from show to ads! I also noticed on Desperate Housewives on Sunday that the center channel/dialogue was much lower than background noise. Had to turn the volume way up to hear what people were saying, then was jumping out of my chair when the commericals came on. Good to know it wasn't just me.

I also noticed on Desperate Housewives on Sunday that the center channel/dialogue was much lower than background noise. Had to turn the volume way up to hear what people were saying, then was jumping out of my chair when the commericals came on. Good to know it wasn't just me.


Any chance that this difference is due to 5.1 surround sound during the show vs generic stereo (or even mono) sound for commercials, bumpers, etc?

Any chance that this difference is due to 5.1 surround sound during the show vs generic stereo (or even mono) sound for commercials, bumpers, etc?I don't think so. I watch HD/5.1 daily, and it was particularly pronounced during Desperate Houswives. It was as if the center channel volume was at 5 while the other 4 channels were at 10.

It doesn't surprise me though. There have been times (though not recently) where the center channel has gone out completely. I seem to remember having that problem on WCAU a while back.

These channels have been broadcasting in HD for quite a few years. One would think they'd have the kinks worked out by now, but apparently not. It makes me scared for when they go all digital in 2009.

check out antennaweb.com, it seems like, in theory, you shoud be able to get Philly/SNJ and Baltimore signals in addition to Wilimington.

I have an Accurian which I got on clearance @ radio shack a while back. From what I have read, it seems like the antenna is much more important then the reciever.

Gotcha, I'll be heading to Radioshack to purchase some cabling for speakers and a/v equipment, so I'll check out HDTV receivers while there.

Given my proximity to Philly, Baltimore, and Wilmington, can anyone recommend an antenna that would work well?

Here's my antennaweb info:

DTV Antenna
Type Call Sign Channel Network City State Live
Date Compass
Orientation Miles
From Frequency
Assignment
yellow - uhf WPPX 61 i WILMINGTON DE 88° 22.4 61
green - uhf WTXF 29 FOX PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.2 29
green - uhf WPSG 57 CW PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.2 57
* lt green - uhf WPPX-DT 61.1 i WILMINGTON DE 52° 38.4 31
* red - uhf KYW-DT 3.1 CBS PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.2 26
* red - uhf WPSG-DT 57.1 CW PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.4 32
red - vhf WCAU 10 NBC PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.5 10
red - uhf WGTW 48 TBN BURLINGTON NJ 51° 38.3 48
* red - uhf WPVI-DT 6.1 ABC PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.2 64
red - uhf WPHL 17 MNT PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.3 17
* red - uhf WPHL-DT 17.1 MNT PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.4 54
red - uhf WYBE 35 PBS PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.4 35
* red - uhf WYBE-DT 34.1 PBS PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.4 34
blue - uhf WUVP 65 UNI VINELAND NJ 91° 46.8 65
blue - vhf WPVI 6 ABC PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.3 6
blue - uhf WTSD-CA 14 IND WILMINGTON DE 43° 4.6 14
blue - uhf W40AZ 40 TBN WILMINGTON DE 47° 19.3 40
* blue - uhf WGTW-DT 27.1 TBN BURLINGTON NJ 52° 38.4 27
blue - vhf WHYY 12 PBS WILMINGTON DE 52° 38.3 12
blue - vhf KYW 3 CBS PHILADELPHIA PA 52° 38.3 3
violet - uhf WNJS 23 PBS CAMDEN NJ 92° 46.5 23
violet - vhf WMAR 2 ABC BALTIMORE MD 260° 53.9 2
violet - uhf WNUV 54 CW BALTIMORE MD 259° 60.6 54
violet - uhf WBFF 45 FOX BALTIMORE MD 260° 53.9 45
violet - vhf WBAL 11 NBC BALTIMORE MD 260° 53.9 11
violet - vhf WJZ 13 CBS BALTIMORE MD 260° 53.9 13

CJB;

You might check the Delaware forum. BJMoose is the only one I can think of who uses OTA for locals in Northern Delaware and he reports getting Baltimore was well as Philly (outsise ant.). I tried an indoor ant. (also in N Delaware & didn't pick up anything).

CJB;

You might check the Delaware forum. BJMoose is the only one I can think of who uses OTA for locals in Northern Delaware and he reports getting Baltimore was well as Philly (outsise ant.). I tried an indoor ant. (also in N Delaware & didn't pick up anything).

Ok, will do, didn't know there was a Delaware forum. :)

Ok, will do, didn't know there was a Delaware forum. :)

I will respond here just in case you don't get what you need in the DE forum.

I think that a lot of people on the Philly OTA forum use the Sharpshooter for long distances, since you are looking into getting philly and baltamore you may want to look into a system with a rotator. Talk to the people on the OTA specific forum and i am sure you will get a ton on anntenna advice.

I am less than 1 mile away from the Roxborough antenna farm (just ouside of Philly) and my upstairs 2nd floor window faces directly at them so I have the cheapest indoor radio shack antenna. I get eveything from that farm @ 85 or above.

I'm unsure if this is the right place to ask, if not please forgive me. I am utterly at a loss to decipher Comcasts' website and I need some advice.

I live in MontCo in Upper Providence Township. I currently have the expanded basic package. I have an older hdtv with component inputs only.

Can someone very simply explain what i will need to upgrade to a digital tier. I would like to have a dvr and hdtv (locals-ESPN-Discovery) but no premium channels or on demand service.

Private messages are welcome if this is an inappropriate topic. TYIA.

You will be fine with the comcast DVR box. They have component outputs.

I'm unsure if this is the right place to ask, if not please forgive me. I am utterly at a loss to decipher Comcasts' website and I need some advice.

I live in MontCo in Upper Providence Township. I currently have the expanded basic package. I have an older hdtv with component inputs only.

Can someone very simply explain what i will need to upgrade to a digital tier. I would like to have a dvr and hdtv (locals-ESPN-Discovery) but no premium channels or on demand service.

Private messages are welcome if this is an inappropriate topic. TYIA.

After a year on the Ditch the Dish plan, I just went through this process. In order to get a DVR, you must have a digital package. There are 2 digital choices if you do not need any premium channels:

Digital Classic $60.15/month
Digital Plus $65.15/month

On Demand services are included for free on both packages. There are no digital packages available without On Demand.
The HD package(Discovery, ESPN, TNT, INHD,UHD) is not included in either of the 2 packages listed above. They cost an extra $5/month.
The DVR fee is $9.95/month.

The total cost per month for HD locals, HD package and DVR would be:

Digital Classic $60.15 + HD $5.00 + DVR $9.95 = $75.10
Digital Plus $65.15 +HD $5.00 + DVR $9.95 = $80.10
If you wanted to add 1 premium channel, you would get:
Digital Silver $83.65 + HD (no charge) + DVR $9.95 = 93.60

I had Digital Silver + HSI under the Ditch the dish plan, and my bill was $83/month. After it ended in Sept, my new total was $138/month. I downgraded to the Digital Classic, but I'm not very happy with it. I am missing a bunch of channels in the 100 to 200 range, and my bill is still $120/month with HSI. I am definitely upgrading to at least Digital Plus before my next billing cycle, but will probably go to Digital Silver since it's only $13 more.

The thing that drives me nuts is that I can get HD locals with Limited Basic for $10/month. I could then add the HD package to that for another $10/month. Add in another $9.90 monthly fee for a non DVR HD box and I could watch 98% of the stuff I am currently watching for less than $30/month. I would do that in a heartbeat if they let me keep my DVR. If the new Tivo S3's ever come down in price, that's probably the way I would go. HTH.

Excellent summary LongRufus but this doesn't jive with the website or my experience. Where I am the HDTV tier channels (ESPN,Discovery,INHD) are as recently as my last channel guide 9/06 considered part of the Digital Classic package. Is this yet another hidden rate increase or is the $5 charge just for non-digital customers?

Reception Alert!

Please be advised that WHYY-DT will be off the air beginning mid-day Monday, 10/16 for 2-3 days for technical changes. When the station returns to the air, WHYY-DT will be operating on UHF Channel 50 at the same power and antenna location.

To receive WHYY-DT off-air, you will need to rescan your DTV receiver or enter the new channel 50 location into your preset channel memory. This channel change has been authorized by the FCC to enable WHYY to test prototype convertors and other advanced technical components.

Our apologies for the service interuption. We are working with Comcast to hopefully continue the digital service on Comcast cable during the off-air transition period.


Bill Weber
Chief Technology Officer
WHYY, Inc.

bill weber, that name sounds familiar?

In addition to Tredyffrin Township, it is also my understanding that FiOS has also struck a deal with Radnor Township in SE Pa. There are quite a number of townships who have approved the FiOS video service. Instalations are set to start in November in any SE Pa township where FiOS has been approved. It is also my understanding that Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia will be on from the start up in both SD and HD and will be part of the 180 or so channel package at a cost of $39.95. THis also includes HDNet and HDNet Movies but as of yet does not include INHD. Installtion is free for up to 3 sets. They use a 6412 DVR with a 160 gig hard drive but that is an extra $12.95 a month. The 6200 is $9.95 a month. They are able to stream content from a DVR to any other STB in the house but can do so with SD only at this time. HD is supposed to be added to this service in about 6 months or so. I had extensive discussions with FiOS people in NYC on Thursday. They are very committed to HD and claim to be adding between 6 to 10 new HD channels in the next few months. Hopefully, INHD will be one of them. This is great news to all of us here as with CSN, we will have a level playing field for the first time and will hopefully result in some rate reductions with Comcast for those who want to keep their service. My initial calculations indicate a savings of at least $30.00 per month over Comcast with TV and broadband combined. It will be really interesting to see how Comcast responds to that. It may also result in HDNet being added to Comcast. Competition is nice.

JWhip, thanks much for the FiOS update. I live in Radnor township and I'm hopeful that when details of the pricing and services are available from Verizon, a call to Comcast will result in them lowering my bill to keep me as a customer. I'd love to get my bill from 130 a month at or below 100!

In addition to Tredyffrin Township, it is also my understanding that FiOS has also struck a deal with Radnor Township in SE Pa. There are quite a number of townships who have approved the FiOS video service. Instalations are set to start in November in any SE Pa township where FiOS has been approved.

Will we ever be able to get FIOS into a high or mid-rise building?
I know the rental management or condo board (whichever the case may be) needs to make a an agreement. But the problem could be no attics, basements, or drop ceilings. Even if they could take over the building's wires run by Comcast, how do they wire each apt.? I just don't see how without destroying the walls. :(

BTW, the DCT-6412 doesn't have a 160GB HDD. Either they are using a 6412 with 120GB or the 6416 with 160GB. :)

[QUOTE=Bill Weber]Reception Alert!

Please be advised that WHYY-DT will be off the air beginning mid-day Monday, 10/16 for 2-3 days for technical changes. When the station returns to the air, WHYY-DT will be operating on UHF Channel 50 at the same power and antenna location.

To receive WHYY-DT off-air, you will need to rescan your DTV receiver or enter the new channel 50 location into your preset channel memory. This channel change has been authorized by the FCC to enable WHYY to test prototype convertors and other advanced technical components.

That ends my reception of digital WHYY in Northern NJ.Ch.50(NJN) analog is just a few miles away in Montclair.

will going down on UHF help me receive 12 better during the daytime?

Depending on your area, you might not get charged the $5 for the "HD Box" on TOP of the $9.95 for the DVR box. Where I am, I'm only charged $9.95 on top of my digi plus package for the DVR box, and I get all the HD channels. If I got rid of the DVR i'd be paying an extra $5 anyway, so for me the DVR really only costs $5 more for me:)

Anyone know what and when the next comcast cable tv service promo will be? There 3 for $33 each is garbage. I want to sign up for service but would like to get on while there's a good promo.

Anyone know what and when the next comcast cable tv service promo will be? There 3 for $33 each is garbage. I want to sign up for service but would like to get on while there's a good promo.

So you think the "3 for $33 each" is garbage? Good luck finding a better deal than that. It is an outstanding offer if you are used to paying $65+ for digital and $43 for broadband...

Yes but for how long? With FiOS we should pay alot less than we already do now. It will be interesting to see how this starts to shake out next month here.

So you think the "3 for $33 each" is garbage? Good luck finding a better deal than that. It is an outstanding offer if you are used to paying $65+ for digital and $43 for broadband...

Yeah it is garbage. Wasn't asking validation for that.

whotony wrote: "bill weber, that name sounds familiar?"

If you're my age (nearly 50) then you might remember Bill Weber aka Wee Willy Weber, who hosted Phillie channel 17's afternoon kids show. The program carried such shows as the animated 8th Man and Speed Racer, and Ultra Man, which might have been live action.

Bill Weber, who posted the notice to this forum about WHYY-DT, if you're reading this, I realize that you may be a different person.

Wee Willy Weber's competition at least at some point might have been Sawdust Sam on Channel 29 (then WTAF I think), who ran Hanna Barbara cartoons. Sawdust Sam may have been on a few years earlier than Wee Willy, though. My brother and I once were in the latter's peanut gallery. I think the studios may have been somewhere nearby the transmission towers that are near Ivy Hill Road. I recall that the backgrounds were painted in black and white because that's how the program was broadcast. So this may have been a few years before Wee Willy.

Yesterday in talking to a co-worker about WHYY, I referred to it "Channel 12." Boy I really am dating myself. By the way I used to live in the Victor phone exchange, which included Mail Zone Phila 19 Pa.

whotony wrote: "bill weber, that name sounds familiar?"

If you're my age (nearly 50) then you might remember Bill Weber aka Wee Willy Weber, who hosted Phillie channel 17's afternoon kids show. The program carried such shows as the animated 8th Man and Speed Racer, and Ultra Man, which might have been live action.

Bill Weber, who posted the notice to this forum about WHYY-DT, if you're reading this, I realize that you may be a different person. [stuff deleted].

I remember him too. His last name is Webber. There is a nice write up of his broadcast history at Bill Webber History (http://www.geocities.com/broadcastpioneers/webberbio.html). I met him once and saw that it was a joke calling him "Wee Willie" since he is over 6'5". He now has a Sunday radio show on 92.1 FM out of Vineland NJ from 3 to 6 pm.

I hope this is the right place for this post. I live in Fairless Hills (19030), which is just north of Philadelphia. My OTA reception sucks, so I have basic (yep, basic) Comcast CATV. (formerly Lower Bucks Cablevision). I am thinking of retiring my old trusty Radeon 7500 All-In-Wonder, building a new Core2 Duo Rig and buying a separate video card and HDTV Tuner (possibly a Fusion Gold or USB). I understand the Fusions built-in QAM Tuner may possibly allow me to watch unencrypted local and network feeds and possibly other clear channels in QAM. The question is - does my local Comcast broadcast these in unencrypted mode, so it'll be worth my while ?

If they don't, do you think my local Comcast will rent me a box that will pick-up HDTV channels along with my BASIC service ?

I currently receive channels 1-125 analog only and since I had a free digital box for 6 months as a promo a few years ago, I know their digital channels are numbered 300 up.

An HDTV Plasma / LCD for my main TV Room is in the future, so this post doesn't concern my TV Room.

Thanks in advance for any help,
Glenn

Edit: I met Wee Willie Webber about 45 yrs ago, when I was 10 yrs old. He's very tall. I was on Channel 12 TV and Romper Room when I was a little tike. (class trips)

So you think the "3 for $33 each" is garbage? Good luck finding a better deal than that. It is an outstanding offer if you are used to paying $65+ for digital and $43 for broadband...

Last year it seemed like every month Comcast was giving away "Digital Silver"(HBO as the prem) for $29.99 for 6months. These days you are lucky to find "Digital Plus" for $40/month for like 3 months.

I agree the $33 each is garbage, it's just clogging up more bandwidth and making HD feeds freeze up because of EVERYONE now using the phone,internet, and cable through Comcast. Basically they are giving away the phone for free, b/c internet and digi plus regular prices are >$99 month, so if you get the $33 deal you only save about $20, and many have no interest in a land-line based phone deal.

Internet deals are drying up, but you can still get at least 3 months for $30 through Best Buy or Circuit City, plus the modem for free. Last year I made out great on my internet, I think it was $30/month for 6months, free modem AR, free self install kid AR, AND a $75BB card AND a $25 imagelab card. And yes I got all my rebates.

Technically you could go over to Verizon DSL for a few months, then come back to Comcast HSI, to get the HSI deals you have to not have had HSI for like 3 months or something.

I hope this is the right place for this post. I live in Fairless Hills (19030), which is just north of Philadelphia. My OTA reception sucks, so I have basic (yep, basic) Comcast CATV. (formerly Lower Bucks Cablevision). I am thinking of retiring my old trusty Radeon 7500 All-In-Wonder, building a new Core2 Duo Rig and buying a separate video card and HDTV Tuner (possibly a Fusion Gold or USB). I understand the Fusions built-in QAM Tuner may possibly allow me to watch unencrypted local and network feeds and possibly other clear channels in QAM. The question is - does my local Comcast broadcast these in unencrypted mode, so it'll be worth my while ?

If they don't, do you think my local Comcast will rent me a box that will pick-up HDTV channels along with my BASIC service ?

I currently receive channels 1-125 analog only and since I had a free digital box for 6 months as a promo a few years ago, I know their digital channels are numbered 300 up.

An HDTV Plasma / LCD for my main TV Room is in the future, so this post doesn't concern my TV Room.

Thanks in advance for any help,
Glenn

Edit: I met Wee Willie Webber about 45 yrs ago, when I was 10 yrs old. He's very tall. I was on Channel 12 TV and Romper Room when I was a little tike. (class trips)

You plan about the HDTV tuner for you PC sounds like a good one, Comcast SHOULD be sending out unencrypted QAM feeds of the networks channels. If they aren't you can complain and go higher up, this is mandated per the FCC. I'm not sure if you can get an HD box with just basic, I don't see why not. I know you can't get a DVR w/o digi cable in many areas, but that is not what you are asking.

I for one am seriously considering switching to FiOS saving at a minimum $30.l00 a month over what I am paying now for broadband and cable. They will be starting installing FiOS here in a couple weeks.

Comcast does send out the local HD stations in clear QAM. But they strip the program information (including the virtual channel table) from the streams, which makes actually finding the stations a pain.

I am paying Verizon about $65 each month for unlimited local and long-distance so the Comcast Digital Voice - even at $39.95 per month - represents significant savings of about $25 each month. If you can get it as part of the "Triple Play" for $99 then you are really coming out ahead.

I simply disagree that the $33 for digital or internet is "garbage" as the original post called it. It is a substantial savings off the normal prices that you can lock in for 12 months. After the 12 months, I have heard the prices do not go up as much as people fear either.

I agree with JWhip that it will be interesting to see how the pricing battle plays out once Verizon starts large-scale deployment. In the end, I'll choose the provider with the best service, features and value for the price.


Last year it seemed like every month Comcast was giving away "Digital Silver"(HBO as the prem) for $29.99 for 6months. These days you are lucky to find "Digital Plus" for $40/month for like 3 months.

I agree the $33 each is garbage, it's just clogging up more bandwidth and making HD feeds freeze up because of EVERYONE now using the phone,internet, and cable through Comcast. Basically they are giving away the phone for free, b/c internet and digi plus regular prices are >$99 month, so if you get the $33 deal you only save about $20, and many have no interest in a land-line based phone deal.

Internet deals are drying up, but you can still get at least 3 months for $30 through Best Buy or Circuit City, plus the modem for free. Last year I made out great on my internet, I think it was $30/month for 6months, free modem AR, free self install kid AR, AND a $75BB card AND a $25 imagelab card. And yes I got all my rebates.

Technically you could go over to Verizon DSL for a few months, then come back to Comcast HSI, to get the HSI deals you have to not have had HSI for like 3 months or something.

I am paying Verizon about $65 each month for unlimited local and long-distance so the Comcast Digital Voice - even at $39.95 per month - represents significant savings of about $25 each month. If you can get it as part of the "Triple Play" for $99 then you are really coming out ahead.If you're going to get Comcast Digital Voice (VOIP), you might as well go with Lingo or Vonage or Sunrocket or one other company. They are even less than Comcast. I have Lingo for $21.95 per month, and you get everything (Caller ID w/ name, three-way, voice mail, et cetera), PLUS, I can call everywhere in the USA (and US territories), Canada, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea, as a local call! Incredible. Comcast is far behind when it comes to making their $33 (and whatever it costs later) competitive with other VOIP providers.

During the summer several posters made reference to a new DVR to be offered by Comcast in the fall. Does anyone have more info? If I get the CC DVR now will they let me upgrade to a new model when it is released?

Thanks to everyone for making this forum a very valuable resource!

2 to 3 days just got longer...


Good Morning All,

WHYY-DT was scheduled to be off-the-air for about 2-3 days this week. Our
digital services were being relocated to UHF Channel 50 during that
period. Unfortunately, a major problem has been confirmed during the
technical construction work underway at the transmitter related to
WHYY-DT. Additional materials must be shipped to the site and several
days of labor will be required to remove the old line and re-install the
new transmission line.

The earliest we can expect to return to the air is next Thurday, October
26th. DTV service still continues uninterrupted on Comcast Cable. We are
truly sorry for the inconvenience. If you need any additional information
please contact us by email dtv@whyy.org or telephone 215-351-1270.

Thank you for your continuing support and patience during this technical
transition.

Shamaine N. Walker
Technology Coordinator
WHYY, Inc.

Depending on your area, you might not get charged the $5 for the "HD Box" on TOP of the $9.95 for the DVR box. Where I am, I'm only charged $9.95 on top of my digi plus package for the DVR box, and I get all the HD channels. If I got rid of the DVR i'd be paying an extra $5 anyway, so for me the DVR really only costs $5 more for me:)


I am a newbie here (love the forum!!) and recently purchased a Samsung HL-S6188W and have Comcast standard cable. The internal QAM tuner picks up the local HD broadcasts with no problem (albeit with a little searching for them). I also pick up some digital broadcasts such as TBS and WGN (not HD). I am craving for ESPNHD and CSN HD, however, and I spoke to Comcast 3 times recently about upgrading from standard service and got 3 different stories.

I want a CABLECARD since I don't want a Set Top Box. I assumed that I would simply need to upgrade to Digital Classic at an additional cost of $9.95/month since their latest price list clearly states CABLECARD listed as "NO CHARGE." Today, the rep told me I would still need to pay $5 for HD service. I feel this is "double dipping" since those HD channels are listed in the Digital Classic Tier on the channel listings dated August 2006.

Does anyone know how to get around this? Or, is it possible to simply pay the $5 for the HD service, receive all the HD channels, and not receive all the other channels listed in the Digital Classic tier (which I really don't care that much about) and save the $9.95?. I don't need V-O-D, the program guide (the TVGOS included with the 6188 works good enough for me!) or on Demand either. Just want my HD channels!

And why in the world does a tech have to come to my house just to insert a PCMCIA-like card into a slot on the back of my TV??!!!??

Thanks

Last year it seemed like every month Comcast was giving away "Digital Silver"(HBO as the prem) for $29.99 for 6months. These days you are lucky to find "Digital Plus" for $40/month for like 3 months.

I agree the $33 each is garbage, it's just clogging up more bandwidth and making HD feeds freeze up because of EVERYONE now using the phone,internet, and cable through Comcast. Basically they are giving away the phone for free, b/c internet and digi plus regular prices are >$99 month, so if you get the $33 deal you only save about $20, and many have no interest in a land-line based phone deal.

Internet deals are drying up, but you can still get at least 3 months for $30 through Best Buy or Circuit City, plus the modem for free. Last year I made out great on my internet, I think it was $30/month for 6months, free modem AR, free self install kid AR, AND a $75BB card AND a $25 imagelab card. And yes I got all my rebates.

Technically you could go over to Verizon DSL for a few months, then come back to Comcast HSI, to get the HSI deals you have to not have had HSI for like 3 months or something.

Well I'm not sure what deal/promotion I just got with Comcast. But there giving me Digital Plus with the HD DVR and HD Feed for about $63 a month. I can upgrae to get 3 Premiumum Channels (HBO, Cinemax, Stars) for $15 more extra a month. I'm still debating whether to get that or not.

This is probably the best deal I'm going to get with comcast right now correct?

I want a CABLECARD since I don't want a Set Top Box. I assumed that I would simply need to upgrade to Digital Classic at an additional cost of $9.95/month since their latest price list clearly states CABLECARD listed as "NO CHARGE." Today, the rep told me I would still need to pay $5 for HD service. I feel this is "double dipping" since those HD channels are listed in the Digital Classic Tier on the channel listings dated August 2006.
Well, first off, you are a savvy user for a first time poster, as you have read your local prices/services card, rather than just relying on the clueless Comcast CSRs. :) That card is binding, so you can decide what you want and insist on getting it.

Your analysys is correct, there should be no $5 for 'HD service', as there is no HD service per se; the $5 is to upgrade from a standard Digital Box to an HD Box.

Since the CC is nominally free, you can take that instead of the standard Digital Box included in Digital tiers. And you are right, HD channels such as Disc. are in Digital Classic. Also, HD Premiums such as Starz are included with each premium. You could even get a CC with Standard (or even Basic) just to get your HD Locals on the same channel locations as a Box.

Unfortunately, some CSRs try to add this $5 for HD, or more commonly when someone goes from HD Box to an HD DVR Box they sometimes will leave the $5 HD fee there.

CC installations are indeed done by techs., because often the first card won't work.

If you are tired of the phone CSRs, try going to the local office in person, and show them their card. Always total your Services/STBs fees before speaking to them; and then, after your order, ask them for the total to see if it matches yours.

ike65

About the cablecard, installing it is no big deal...and if a customer asks for one they should be able to get it.

If it doesn 't work because it's a bad card there's a easy solution: swap the card out. The best solution is for them to raise their quality control. People buy and install PCMCIA cards for their laptops all the time, without hand holding.

The real problem is that COMC*** needs to set up a procedure for handling "activation" of the cards in their system. The only reason I had problems with mine is that most people I dealt with didn't have a clue, or "didn't have access to the computer" to enter my card data. When I finally got the right person (they're not in on weekends?) everything was done from their offices in less than 20 minutes!!!

COMC*** is actively discouraging people from the cablecard. Even the "tech" that came out asked me why I wanted one. When I asked him why he was so negative he said "because they don't work". When he put the card in and tried to call in "the numbers", he was on hold for at least a half hour! I can understand why a lot of people would just give up and take the box...the HUGE box. In the old days, you could put the box on top of the TV, but with flatscreens like my Sony Bravia, that's impossible, and you can't put the TV on top of the box (their manuals say so), so where does that leave you?

And then, they deliberately strip off the program information the broadcasters put out, that tells you the name of the show, time remaining, etc. ... they probably figure you don't need it, since you have their channel guide...the one that you only get with "the box".

And why would they do this?? Because if you use the card, you can't do pay-per-view, on which they make more than a few bucks!

They say that there isn't much demand for cablecards, so some TV manufacturers are taking them out of new sets - like the new Sonys. Little surprise, given how COM*** is acting.

I just hope that when I have to replace my Sony XBR1, I can still get a set that's "cable card ready" or DCR, as they call it; the XBR2 that replace it is NOT.

ike65

About the cablecard, installing it is no big deal...and if a customer asks for one they should be able to get it.

If it doesn 't work because it's a bad card there's a easy solution: swap the card out. The best solution is for them to raise their quality control. People buy and install PCMCIA cards for their laptops all the time, without hand holding.

The real problem is that COMC*** needs to set up a procedure for handling "activation" of the cards in their system. The only reason I had problems with mine is that most people I dealt with didn't have a clue, or "didn't have access to the computer" to enter my card data. When I finally got the right person (they're not in on weekends?) everything was done from their offices in less than 20 minutes!!!
Sometimes, they bring four cards, as it might have to be swapped out three times. How many times are you willing to drive to Comcast's office? ;) And yes, their activation system doesn't work well, that is why they want the tech to do it.

Is any getting TV Guide On-Screen (TVGOS) OTA or on Comcast? It's been missing for a while. Both the Comcast analog RF feed, direct to my DVR, and OTA can't download the listings and have been reporting "please wait while the channel list is rebuilding" for over a week now.

It's reported MIA for the Philly area on the TVGOS thread (other than me): http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8718108#post8718108

Anyone on this thread have any insight? Can't blame Comcast on this.

Sometimes, they bring four cards, as it might have to be swapped out three times. How many times are you willing to drive to Comcast's office? ;) And yes, their activation system doesn't work well, that is why they want the tech to do it.

Thanks all for the replies to my initial post. I have mixed news to report. Comcast came out this evening. The tech first checked signal strength (good) and right after inserted the CABLECARD. He did a "Cablecard Pairing" from the TV menu which took less than 5 minutes. He then called the office and gave what appeared to be the "address" of the card (similar to a MAC address on a Ethernet card I suppose). We were soon getting channels (great) with the following exceptions: Comcast SportsNet HD (which is a killer) and only the audio comes in on ESPN News. The other HD channels and Digital Classic tier come in great! But I've got to have my CSN HD.

He called around to other techs to no avail. The one action he really wanted to try was to install a "red" CC as opposed to a "green" CC which he installed. He told me he usually carries at least two but grabbed the last CC at the warehouse. He wasn't sure of the difference between the two.

What was encouraging is he said that the CC installations usually are smooth and that he seems to be doing them often enough. I know I could have done it myself. They will be sending out another tech Monday evening with a "red" card.

Anyone know the difference between a "red" and "green" card, or has anyone run into this problem?

I'll have to report back on my cable bill. He referred my questions to the office.

Excellent summary LongRufus but this doesn't jive with the website or my experience. Where I am the HDTV tier channels (ESPN,Discovery,INHD) are as recently as my last channel guide 9/06 considered part of the Digital Classic package. Is this yet another hidden rate increase or is the $5 charge just for non-digital customers?


I just got my first bill since I downgraded from Digital Silver to Digital Classic. I was charged a $5 "Incremental charge for HDTV converter" as well as the usual $9.95 DVR fee, just as the CSR said I would when I made the change. After my original post, I got a few PM's from people stating the $5 fee "should" be included in the $9.95 DVR fee. I am located in South Jersey, so it may be a local franchise policy. I am planning on going back up to at least Digital Plus for the NFL network, so I'll try to get a definite answer then.

Is anyone getting TV Guide On-Screen (TVGOS) OTA or on Comcast? ...
It's reported MIA for the Philly area on the TVGOS thread (other than me): http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8718108#post8718108
TVGOS just came back tonight OTA. Now, waiting to see if my DVR can resurrect the channel listings on the ComCast RF feed (via WTXF analog). Also discussed on the TVGOS thread.

That's killing this OTA dependent. I've been trying to keep an eye out for work on the Roxborough towers, but I'm not positive which one WHYY has their DTV antenna on. I'm assuming they need some gear to crawl a new TX line all the way up. I haven't seen signs of that yet though.

That's killing this OTA dependent. I've been trying to keep an eye out for work on the Roxborough towers, but I'm not positive which one WHYY has their DTV antenna on. I'm assuming they need some gear to crawl a new TX line all the way up. I haven't seen signs of that yet though.

Bugs me too. I spoke to an engineer this afternoon - wind and weather have been hampering the effort to install the new line... now they're talking next monday at the earliest.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've been watching TV in Philly for over 50 years and I don't recall one instance where an analog transmitter has been off the air due to equipment malfunction (or anything else for that matter) for more than a half day or so (and that usually due to lightning strike or major power outage at the Roxborough farm.) There's nothing like routine maintenance and redundancy to avoid surprises - I guess they don't consider their digital transmitter as "important" as their analog. Apparently it took days just to have the replacement parts shipped here.

Bugs me too. I spoke to an engineer this afternoon - wind and weather have been hampering the effort to install the new line... now they're talking next monday at the earliest.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've been watching TV in Philly for over 50 years and I don't recall one instance where an analog transmitter has been off the air due to equipment malfunction (or anything else for that matter) for more than a half day or so (and that usually due to lightning strike or major power outage at the Roxborough farm.) There's nothing like routine maintenance and redundancy to avoid surprises - I guess they don't consider their digital transmitter as "important" as their analog. Apparently it took days just to have the replacement parts shipped here.

You're probably right. However in 2009 digital will be the only game in town.

To further that point, I found it very odd that the *only* notification about the DTV transmitter going down (and changing frequencies to boot), goes out in email, or a post here. And you'd only get the email if you subscribed to their dtv mailing list, which I was not aware of, prior to this issue.

WHYY's website doesn't even acknowledge this move, or that the channel is down and has been down for over a week. We're talking several days here, not hours.


WHYYs DTV OTA content really 'makes' OTA in the Philly area. It's a shame that this whole issue looks like an afterthought.

I still remain cautious on the 2009 transition; I still don't see the kind of industry movement taking place that really ought to be. The date has moved before.

This is putting the final nails in the coffin of this 'pay tv' hold-out.

I need some help with receiving my OTA signal in KoP. I can receive all the networks with good (80-95) signal strength without amplification. I am using a nice looking Lacrosse from Atennas Direct which is mounted in my attic facing out a window as best I could in the direction 130 degrees. I got the number from antennaweb and confirmed with the FCC database. I used a compass to get the degrees right.

Here's my problem: I can receive CBS, ABC, NBC, MyPHL (MNT), and FOX just fine. I can receive picture from WYBE (34) and CW (32) but no audio. Initially I was using a Silver Sensor and was able to receive a spotty picture+audio for CW (32) by re-orienting the antenna in a weird direction (which I have been unable to repeat). When I used the Silver Sensor, I had problems will all channels (minor to severe) and the new antenna has "fixed" them. At one point I was even getting Channel 69 from Allentown!

I talked with a co-worker who runs his own amateur radio statio and he thought that the problem had nothing to do with obstructions in the way because I can receive a good signal from other stations in the same direction. He guessed that there might be a local source of interference. I am hoping someone else in the KoP area might have some insight.

TIA

So. I spent some more time on this and I found my problem, software.

I have a Linux setup using the pcHDTV 5500. I have not yet setup MythTV since I wanted to learn the parts and so I am. The packaged xine is having problems picking up the audio stream for both channels. Not sure why, but when I did a direct capture with the azap utility the resulting mpeg file had audio.