does this link qualify as self updating? :) (not sure how on the ball the FCC is though since whyy isn't even on it) http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?state=PA&call=&arn=&city=philadelphia&chan=&cha2=69&serv=&type=0&facid=&list=1&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&size=9Try this filter, you need to go by radius: http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?state=&call=&arn=&city=&chan=&cha2=69&serv=&type=3&facid=&list=2&dist=75&dlat2=39&mlat2=57&slat2=7&dlon2=75&mlon2=9&slon2=51&size=9

Search Parameters
Record type: (blank)
Search radius: 100.00 km
Center lat / lon: N 39 57 7.00 W 75 9 51.00
Lower Channel 2
Upper Channel 69

For 100 km radius from Philly, all services, licensed stations. That should cover the TV DXers in this crowd. WHYY-DT is missing from the query because it's not operating as a licensed station. At least as far as the database is concerned. Expand to all services:

Channel 50 is listed as "new"
Channel 55 has 3 listings: CP, STA, APP

(This thread is now titled "Philly ComCast", so I'll mirror this response in the new Philly OTA thread. All OTA now over there.)

Anyone have a problem with Discovery Health SD tonight on ComCast 52? It's MIA. All other channels OK. I missed out on a few shows :mad:.

FiOS will be installed 2/9.

There's a Philly Verizon FiOS thread at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=792568&page=2&pp=30.

On another message board that I frequent, I've learned that Comcast will soon be introducing the NHL Network to some areas. I don't have a definite date as of yet. When OLN/Versus was awarded the NHL telecasts, they agreed to create the NHL Network by July 2007. Since it will be a channel owned by Comcast, it should appear where NHL markets are abundant. I will keep you posted.

Can someone on the Willow Grove system tell me the QAM assignments for at least the HD channels?
I assume all I will get are HD locals?

The channels I got in HD were:

Universal HD
NBC
ABC
FOX
CBS
CW
MY PHL 17

My brother-in-law currently has Dish and wants to move over to Comcast. He lives in the Plymouth Meeting area and wants HD service with DVR. Can anyone tell me what DVR device is available from Comcast in the area?

Thanks.

The channels I got in HD were:

Universal HD
NBC
ABC
FOX
CBS
CW
MY PHL 17
I would assume PBS HD as well.
I am sure Universal HD is temporary, but thanks, anyway.

The more important question was what are the QAM assignments for these channels?
(Not the Comcast STB/CC channels assignments.)

My brother-in-law currently has Dish and wants to move over to Comcast. He lives in the Plymouth Meeting area and wants HD service with DVR. Can anyone tell me what DVR device is available from Comcast in the area?

I live in the next service area, Comcast of Willow Grove, and we use Motorola. Currently it would a 3416 or 3412, since we have All Digital Simulcast, but possibly a 6416 or 6412, since they work just as well (the analog tuner just isn't used.).

This general area, comprised of many systems, uses Motorola and has ADS in effect.

How do you go about asking for a promo discount, when you don't actually want to switch from Comcast?

I was thinking of providing some Services and Prices for TV and HSI from competitors, and saying I am thinking of switching, so can I get a better price than I pay now; does that sound good?

And if they refuse, is there anything else to say to try to convince them?

I live in the next service area, Comcast of Willow Grove, and we use Motorola. Currently it would a 3416 or 3412, since we have All Digital Simulcast, but possibly a 6416 or 6412, since they work just as well (the analog tuner just isn't used.).

This general area, comprised of many systems, uses Motorola and has ADS in effect.

Thanks. Do both boxes have HDMI for video & audio?

Comcast has a monopoly (especially w/ the Flyers, Sixers, and Phils). Think they are going to listen to their customers? Not in your lifetime. Sorry.
They are a monopoly. And to fund that nice new building downtown, they raised rates on us. Aren't rates supposed to fall when competiton (Verizon) comes in? Humm....oh well, to them, I say FU. I'm off to Verizon Fios.

How do you go about asking for a promo discount, when you don't actually want to switch from Comcast?From what I here, tell them you want to cancel for another provider (Verizon, Dish, etc.). They should transfer you to a "customer retention" person who will try to keep you. Negotiate from there. Over in the FiOS forum, people are getting deals on free HBO for 6 months. From JWhip's post at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9597654#post9597654 (I edited it for relevance to your question): ...THey didn't try initially when I first checked around but they must have been losing more people than thewy thought and changed and began offering deals but for 6 months only. They also offered free HBO for a couple of months. When I did the cost analysis, that was about even with FiOS in terms of overall cost...

Thanks. Do both boxes have HDMI for video & audio?
The 3416/12, 6416, and 6412 (Phase III) do have HDMI.
I have a 6412 (Phase II) from when they they intoduced the DVR, it has DVI; I doubt they would deploy any of the DVI boxes anymore.
I don't think they even deploy 6416/12 (Digital/Analog) anymore; just 3416/12, AFAICT.

From what I here, tell them you want to cancel for another provider (Verizon, Dish, etc.). They should transfer you to a "customer retention" person who will try to keep you. Negotiate from there. Over in the FiOS forum, people are getting deals on free HBO for 6 months. From JWhip's post at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9597654#post9597654 (I edited it for relevance to your question):
Thanks, I read that. But, say they don't offer anything, just ok, I will process your cancellation, then I will say, well, I'll think about it?
It would make more sense, if they try to convince what a great value it is, and then I say ok, I'll stay; but they might not do that.

Thanks, I read that. But, say they don't offer anything, just ok, I will process your cancellation, then I will say, well, I'll think about it?
It would make more sense, if they try to convince what a great value it is, and then I say ok, I'll stay; but they might not do that.

You have to do something, either cancel or downgrade, to get any real offers. Saying "I'll think about it" won't get you any deals. I signed up in 2005 for their dish special and got digital silver w/HBO for 12 months @ $29.99. When that was over, and it went to $83/month, I called and downgraded to digital classic for $60.I only stayed in the digital tier so I could keep my DVR. 3 weeks later I realized I went too far and called to go up to digital plus for $65/month. The CSR asked if I wanted to go higher than plus and I said no. He then offered me the Variety package(HBO, Starz, Showtime) for $74 for 12 months. Normally that's $99, so I took the deal. I asked for a deal when I originally downgraded, but they said they didn't have any at that time. Miraculously, 3 weeks later they had a $300 deal for me. So if you aren't comfortable with cancelling your service, you can always give downgrading a shot.

What deals do you think Comcast will offer when someone who has Dish or DirecTV calls and asks about pricing? My brother-in-law is interested and he has Dish.

You have to do something, either cancel or downgrade, to get any real offers. Saying "I'll think about it" won't get you any deals.

The CSR asked if I wanted to go higher than plus and I said no. He then offered me the Variety package(HBO, Starz, Showtime) for $74 for 12 months.

So if you aren't comfortable with cancelling your service, you can always give downgrading a shot.
I said, if they agree to cancel my service, I would say, I'll think about it, because I don't want to cancel, and I don't want to downgrade either.

But, what you say is interesting, as they didn't give a deal to prevent a downgrade, rather when you upgraded, they gave you more services for a discount.

I am wanting to add a 'DVR with Digital Services A/O' for $16.95 (that is their label for a Second DVR with Digital Mirroring); how would I go about leveraging that to get a discount?
(Say on my HSI, but TV is ok, but I don't think my sub is high enough, but I don't care which one.)

I could be straightforward and say, I will get a second DVR if you discount my HSI or is there a craftier way to say it?

The reason I ask, is I think one can try once, maybe twice, for a discount, and since they keep notes of this, and after that, they might then just dismiss it right away; just for guess.

To me, the key is to upgrade for a lesser price than what you had been paying. That is what I did with the competition. I added a third HD box for the old 34" CRT in the family room, added HDNet and HDNet MOvies and am paying about $30.00 less.

Jim;

Any chance you'd be willing to do that with Abington Township??


I'd like to know who to call also.

Can't believe WillowGrove, Abington / Glenside don't have it yet and all these small other places do.
Hope there is another choice soon!

I wrote to the township manager and here is his response. It's not good. This is the Abington guy.

We too are interested in having Verizon in our community. We are currently in deliberations with them for a franchise agreement. Unfortunately, their build-out schedule for Abington is several years away as far as their being able to offer the TV service. They apparently started in some of the smaller communities to the west of us.



Burton T. Conway

Township Manage

Variety package(HBO, Starz, Showtime) for $74 for 12 months.
I just went for this. I had Digital Classic, but now with an HDTV I wanted Digital Plus to get the non-OTA HD channels (Discovery, etc.). The CSR offered Digital Plus for $60 or all the premium stuff for $74.69.

I'm trying to be frugal, but what the heck, it's a good deal.

I wrote to the township manager and here is his response. It's not good. This is the Abington guy.

We too are interested in having Verizon in our community. We are currently in deliberations with them for a franchise agreement. Unfortunately, their build-out schedule for Abington is several years away as far as their being able to offer the TV service. They apparently started in some of the smaller communities to the west of us.



Burton T. Conway

Township Manage

Its because some townships wanted too much from Verizon in give-backs. Bucks Co. was the worst. So now they have to go to the back of the build out queue. Did you know is costs $1.8M to build video distribution for each serving central office?

I just went for this. I had Digital Classic, but now with an HDTV I wanted Digital Plus to get the non-OTA HD channels (Discovery, etc.). The CSR offered Digital Plus for $60 or all the premium stuff for $74.69.

I'm trying to be frugal, but what the heck, it's a good deal.
All of the non-Local, non-Premium HD is on Digital Classic, except for Encore-HD OnDemand on Digital Plus.

Has anyone in Northwest Philadelphia experienced a problem where CBS, NBC and ABC HD channels all give the "One Moment - This Channel Should Be Available Shortly" screen?

Both me and a friend have had this happen to us and we live about 5 minutes away from each other. It's been going on for me for almost two weeks now and Comcast's only suggestion was to switch out my box (we already tried zapping it, power cycling, etc.).

Has anyone in Northwest Philadelphia experienced a problem where CBS, NBC and ABC HD channels all give the "One Moment - This Channel Should Be Available Shortly" screen?

Both me and a friend have had this happen to us and we live about 5 minutes away from each other. It's been going on for me for almost two weeks now and Comcast's only suggestion was to switch out my box (we already tried zapping it, power cycling, etc.).

It was happening to me about a month ago. I was only on one of the tuners though. I swapped out the box and haven't had the problem since.

Has anyone in Northwest Philadelphia experienced a problem where CBS, NBC and ABC HD channels all give the "One Moment - This Channel Should Be Available Shortly" screen?

No, but in the Malvern area, our digital feeds have been terrible this week. Lots and lots of pixelization, artifacting and image freezing. Last night, several of the HD channels kept dropping to black for a second and coming back, it made shows virtually unwatchable.

All of the non-Local, non-Premium HD is on Digital Classic, except for Encore-HD OnDemand on Digital Plus.
Ah yes, you're right. I think I'll go back down to Classic when this 12 month period is over.

It was happening to me about a month ago. I was only on one of the tuners though. I swapped out the box and haven't had the problem since.
Thanks for the response. I really appreciate it.

i heard Verizon is being sued for installing Fios only in affluent neighborhoods so far. Any truth to this. A comcast employee told me, so take with a grain of salt.

if true i doubt they could get anywhere with a case like that because there is a lot more to it then just that as each area/township/city has certain rules they make that verizon or any comm co. has to go by.

i know in one area they said they couldn't offer service until every house was set up for it. so they couldnt roll it out a little at a time.

From what I here, tell them you want to cancel for another provider (Verizon, Dish, etc.). They should transfer you to a "customer retention" person who will try to keep you. Negotiate from there. Over in the FiOS forum, people are getting deals on free HBO for 6 months. From JWhip's post at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9597654#post9597654 (I edited it for relevance to your question):

yeah they always offer stuff for 6 mo. which kinda sucks cus when that runs out, it goes back up to a higher price then the competition offers.

i heard Verizon is being sued for installing Fios only in affluent neighborhoods so far. Any truth to this. A comcast employee told me, so take with a grain of salt.

A quick search (Google, Comcast, Verizon & various tech news sites) did not support this claim. I would imagine if Comcast was to file a suit regarding this issue - it would've made news.

Furthermore, proving that Verizon was 'red lining' or purposely avoiding FIOS rollout due to residential income levels would be difficult at this point. So, like you said, consider the source of this statement.

i heard Verizon is being sued for installing Fios only in affluent neighborhoods so far. Any truth to this. A comcast employee told me, so take with a grain of salt.

if true i doubt they could get anywhere with a case like that because there is a lot more to it then just that as each area/township/city has certain rules they make that verizon or any comm co. has to go by.

i know in one area they said they couldn't offer service until every house was set up for it. so they couldnt roll it out a little at a time.

Not true about being sued. However the city of Phila thinks they are being shunned.

Verizon is not being sued over this. There is NO truth to this at all. As to verizon in Philadelphia, Steve Cohen at Comcast is on record as saying that one of the reasons they agreed to provide CSN to Verizon was that they did not think that Verizon would enter Philadelphia in the near future. Frankly, it would seem to me that the whole City of Philadelphia would be too big a chunk for Verizon to bite off at this time. Thier plan is claerly to hit the most affulent townships at first where they think they can get their biggest penetration and move from there. This seems a reasonable plan to me. They will move on to Philadelphia once they are able to show that their whole FiOS TV plan is a viable one.

Too bad. From what I have read (haven't seen yet), I would have dropped Dish for Fios here in the city. Considering that I am about to buy a place in Lower Merion, I am not going to cry forever. :)

Ah yes, you're right. I think I'll go back down to Classic when this 12 month period is over.
Of course, they just raised Classic from $10 to $12, whereas Plus is still $15.

Has anyone in Northwest Philadelphia experienced a problem where CBS, NBC and ABC HD channels all give the "One Moment - This Channel Should Be Available Shortly" screen?

I've had this exact problem in Center City for several weeks. I've noticed it sporadically mentioned in this forum and others as well.

I could use any definitive information on what causes it and what fixes it.

A quick summary:
Symptons - Intermittent but complete loss of some HD channels with the "One Moment - This Channel Should Be Available Shortly" message. Almost always ABC-HD, CBS-HD, NBC-HD, FOX-HD. A few people have mentioned loss of some standard channels. I have lost NFL and LOGO. Sometimes the sympton is moderate to severe pixelating

Comcast Response:
Pretty minimal. The problem has to be occurring when the tech is at the house.

Some suggested causes and fixes:
Frequency-specific signal loss. Apparently you can experience line losses at particular frequencies which explains why it only occurs in some channels. Some people have had success in removing or replacing splitters. I've done that with no effect. I have also installed a 10db amp without effect. Some people have reported replacing a significant section of their cable lines without success, plus it sounds like it could be a huge job...

Permission "Codes" not set. This was suggested by the Comcast tech. He wasn't certain enough to actually call anybody to get the codes reset, but I'm pretty sure it was crap anyway. The Comcast rep on the phone had verified the codes already.

Bad box. Some people have had some success replacing the box. I haven't done this yet. I skeptical that this is the problem because the issue is intermittent and occurs on BOTH of my Hi Def boxes at the same time.

Has anybody who has had this problem gotten a complete answer and solution from Concast?

Some diagnostic steps for the ""One Moment - This Channel Should Be Available Shortly" screen":

1. First, go to one of the channels with the problem. Power Off, then "Select" within 5 seconds and you will get a diagnostic screen. Go to "D04", InBand Status. AGC and SNR should be good, there should be NO errors, either correctable or uncorrectable. If so, it's a signal level problem.

If you have errors (correctable or uncorrectable) post your configuration: splitters, amplifiers, etc. that you have in line so we can figure out if there's a problem. The "please wait a moment" is the STB's way of telling you it can't lock onto the signal.

2. You may also notice that the problem is on more channels than you think. Also scan the other tiers, such as CN8 (should always be there), analog, digital / plus, HBO, etc. to see if any others are out. This may indicate an authorization problem. Call up ComCast and do a box reset. I've had this problem before.

3. Replace your STB. It will give you piece of mind to look elsewhere and may even fix the problem.

My problems are due to low signal level from ComCast - lots of pixelation, occasional channel dropouts (all verified by the STB diagnostics on the STB). The only "official" answer I got was from a lucky encounter with a ComCast tech up on the pole by my house replacing the amplifier. He acknowledged that the system was overloaded and that I should wait a few months until they rebalanced the system so I can get more signal.

Also check any/all cable connections (if on all your boxes, probably where it enters your house) - Comcast has been using twist-on F connectors that don't hold on to the cable as well as crimp-on. I had several "loose" connectors (like, I could pull the cable out of the connector easily) that for whatever reason prevented me from getting some but not all channels. Instead I got the "One Moment Please" message. No pattern to what I got and what I didn't, and only the boxes (not my direct-to-TV analog connections) were affected.

I'm crossposting this from the Sony A2000 TV thread as it mostly belongs here.

My family basically watches 4 channels: CW, ABC, Fox, and CBS. Apparently CW sucks or comcast sucks, but there is no HD offering of One Tree Hill and such.

We have the most basic limited package, apparently an analog package which is $13 a month, which is supposed to include channels 2-24. For whatever reason, CW-Phil, which used to be channel 11, is now blacked out. CW-NY, channel 25, is grainy but works. We also get tons of channels in the 50-80 range we aren't supposed to get.

The comcast guy says CW-11 was converted to a digital channel and is only available with a digital package.

His recommendation was to take the analog basic package for $13, the digital plus package for $16, and $5 for an HD receiver box. We have 3 televisions; out of which only 1 is HD.



To anyone who is familiar with this, if I buy this $16 digital package why do I need analog stuff? I can't just buy an HD box, I believe, as comcast doesn't transmit HD channels OTA. I live in Mercer County, NJ, zip code 08540.

I'm crossposting this from the Sony A2000 TV thread as it mostly belongs here.

My family basically watches 4 channels: CW, ABC, Fox, and CBS. Apparently CW sucks or comcast sucks, but there is no HD offering of One Tree Hill and such.

We have the most basic limited package, apparently an analog package which is $13 a month, which is supposed to include channels 2-24. For whatever reason, CW-Phil, which used to be channel 11, is now blacked out. CW-NY, channel 25, is grainy but works. We also get tons of channels in the 50-80 range we aren't supposed to get.

The comcast guy says CW-11 was converted to a digital channel and is only available with a digital package.

His recommendation was to take the analog basic package for $13, the digital plus package for $16, and $5 for an HD receiver box. We have 3 televisions; out of which only 1 is HD.



To anyone who is familiar with this, if I buy this $16 digital package why do I need analog stuff? I can't just buy an HD box, I believe, as comcast doesn't transmit HD channels OTA. I live in Mercer County, NJ, zip code 08540.

Every local franchise has their own policies, but here are the general rules for Comcast HD. Local HD networks are broadcast unencrypted and available on the basic programming package. You either need an HDTV with a builtin QAM tuner or you need to rent an HD converter box from Comcast. I believe all the A 2000's have a builtin QAM tuner, so you don't need the box from comcast. Just take the Comcast feed coming out of your wall and plug it into the RF Input of your A 2000. Do an autoscan and the local HD channels should show up in the 80's or low 100's. It is possible that your local franchise doesn't offer any HD local channels. I tend to doubt it, but it is possible. If they do offer them, they will be in the basic package though, it is an FCC rule. Upgrading to a digital package will not add any local HD networks that aren't included in the basic package.

National HD networks are a different story on Comcast. To get ESPN-HD, TNT-HD, UHD etc. you do need to upgrade to a digital package. To make matters worse, it's not just basic for $13 and Digital Plus for $16, you also have to add Expanded basic for $40. So it costs a minimum of $69 a month to upgrade to Digital Plus. You also need Digital Plus ( or Classic for $5 less) to get a Comcast DVR.

As far as your 2 SD TV's go, the Comcast guy was partially right. If CW-11 has gone all digital, you won't be able to get it on the analog TV's without a digital converter box. You should be able to rent a non-HD digital converter box for $5 a month without upgrading you basic package. Good luck.

Not true about being sued. However the city of Phila thinks they are being shunned.

The people or city government?

I recall the "warm" reception RCN received from Phila.'s city council when it tried to enter the City of Philadelphia market. Maybe, past history is hurting Phila.'s spot in line.

The people or city government?

I recall the "warm" reception RCN received from Phila.'s city council when it tried to enter the City of Philadelphia market. Maybe, past history is hurting Phila.'s spot in line.

The city itself. They want to know why Verizon is not deploying FiOS TV citywide.

Some diagnostic steps for the ""One Moment - This Channel Should Be Available Shortly" screen":

1. First, go to one of the channels with the problem. Power Off, then "Select" within 5 seconds and you will get a diagnostic screen. Go to "D04", InBand Status. AGC and SNR should be good, there should be NO errors, either correctable or uncorrectable. If so, it's a signal level problem.

If you have errors (correctable or uncorrectable) post your configuration: splitters, amplifiers, etc. that you have in line so we can figure out if there's a problem. The "please wait a moment" is the STB's way of telling you it can't lock onto the signal.

Thanks for the very complete answer and some great advice.

Here are some answers:

The D04 screens definitely indicate a loss of signal. For those channels not coming in the screen shows but is not filled in. After a few seconds, the screen fills in the blanks and SNR is 0 and AGC is 0% with the word "Invalid" next to it. For channels that are coming in SNR ranges from Poor to Good and errors are definitely non-zero.

The configuration looks like this:

A. Cable in to 3-way splitter
1. Cable Modem
2. HDTV-1 STB
3. 2-way splitter
a. HDTV-2 STB
b. 6-way Distribution splitter
1) SDTV-1 STB
2) SDTV-2 STB
3, 4, 5, 6) Rest of house - not used

Yesterday, I replaced Splitter A, and Splitter A.3 with a 4-way 10 dB amplifier. (so that A.1, A.2, A.3.a, and A.3.b were all coming stright from the amp.) The problem was a little worse. This morning the problem was even worse. I lost ESPN-HD, ESPN2-HD, and S-HD (mostly). I removed the amp and returned the configuration to as before. I got those channels back, but it is still generally worse today than it was yesterday.

I suppose the amp could be bad, but I don't know. I'll have the STB's replaced, but I'm not holding out much hope. The problem seems upstream of the boxes. I guess I'll have to wait for Comcast to "rebalance" the system?

It's not a good idea to put amplifiers in series. You will be adding distortion caused by the first amplifier to be amplified and distorted even more by the 2nd amplifier. Not a good way to go. That may be part of the problem, but I think the signal loss is more of a factor here.

Splitter type Loss
2-way 3 dB (1/2 of signal)
3-way 5 dB (4.77 dB in theory, 1/3 of signal)

The loss of the splitters is important. Each splitter in the line knocks down (attenuates) the signal. You've got about 8 dB of loss, plus whatever the coax loss contributes. That's a bit too much here. Also very important is that the splitters you are using are rated for 5 - 1000 MHz. Less than that (higher than 5 MHz or < 800 MHz on high end) will be additional problems, especially since many channels (including HD) are at the top end of the frequency range (700 MHz+). You need the splitter and amplfier to be rated close to at least 800 MHz, 1 GHz (1,000 MHz) is better.

Hopefully, you are using good quality shielded cable with short lengths (< 25 feet or so?).

Here's the attack plan:
1. Establish that it's possible to get a good signal to your STB at the main entrance. You need to know that ComCast is OK on their end. After that, it's up to you. You can do this by bypassing the splitters and amp with in-line adapters (female-female 'F'). Replace each splitter and amplifier with an adapter so you get a single shot from the main entrance to your STB. You can also run a single (short) coax line to the STB instead, but this may be easier assuming that the coax runs are all over the house and a pain to get to the main entrance.
2. If you can't get a good signal with a single run, put your distribution splitter at the main entrance and see if things get better (still with the single line run). This amplifier should be rated for cable TV (800 MHz+, with a 5 - 40 MHz return path). If it's for normal TV, you'll be missing a lot of channels and your cable modem and STB on-demand won't work correctly.

It's important to put the distribution splitter (amplifier with multiple outputs) first, then the splitters. This is the ideal solution. I'm sure others will have different opinions, but this is a good place to start.

One other idea: Call Comcast and have them send a reset signal to your boxes. I used to think this was hooey until I had them do it once for the same problem you're having and it actually worked. I had previously tried a hard reboot (power cord unplug) and a hard reset, but the remote reset worked.

Verizon is not being sued over this. There is NO truth to this at all. As to verizon in Philadelphia, Steve Cohen at Comcast is on record as saying that one of the reasons they agreed to provide CSN to Verizon was that they did not think that Verizon would enter Philadelphia in the near future... Please check names. Someone on Broadbandreports.com is stating that it's steve burke or david cohen, not Steve Cohen. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17764641

1. Establish that it's possible to get a good signal to your STB at the main entrance. You need to know that ComCast is OK on their end. After that, it's up to you. You can do this by bypassing the splitters and amp with in-line adapters (female-female 'F'). Replace each splitter and amplifier with an adapter so you get a single shot from the main entrance to your STB. You can also run a single (short) coax line to the STB instead, but this may be easier assuming that the coax runs are all over the house and a pain to get to the main entrance.
2. If you can't get a good signal with a single run, put your distribution splitter at the main entrance and see if things get better (still with the single line run). This amplifier should be rated for cable TV (800 MHz+, with a 5 - 40 MHz return path). If it's for normal TV, you'll be missing a lot of channels and your cable modem and STB on-demand won't work correctly.

It's important to put the distribution splitter (amplifier with multiple outputs) first, then the splitters. This is the ideal solution. I'm sure others will have different opinions, but this is a good place to start.

Once again, thanks a ton for the detailed advice. I always knew I was taking some chances with the complex set of splitters I was using.

As it turns out, the problem was on Comcast's end. As I was walking home today, I noticed a Comcast truck in front of my house. I hadn't made a call to them since the day the technician came over and found no problems. Nonetheless, the tech on the pole told me the "settings were too high" and they were adjusting them. After he was done, he knocked on my door (he must have seen where I went in), came in and tested my TV. Everything worked fine. The technician said extreme temperatures require that their equipment be adjusted.

Now, I have to say, I am one of Comcast's most critical customers. Frankly, I rarely say anything nice about them. However, this was one of the best examples of customer service I have seen out of them. They apparently took some information from my original call, figured out the problem, fixed it, and then came to my house to test it. Without any follow-up call by me.

Geekgirl - thanks for the detailed responses. I will definitely try to improve my splitter situation. (Just not today ;) )



But I seemed to get pretty good reception as I added them, so I didn't concern myself too much. I got rid of the amplifier (there was only one) primarily because it seemed to have no affect.

Sorry, it is David Cohen. My bad. Do a search at the Inquirer achvies. He was quoted or cited in an article concerning the appearance of CSN on Verizon.

Splitter type Loss
2-way 3 dB (1/2 of signal)
3-way 5 dB (4.77 dB in theory, 1/3 of signal)
The 2-way signal loss is in theory, also.
The splitters are usually labeled as -3.5 db, and even that is at the lowest frequency range.
When one is dealing with Digital channels and Broadband, at that point it is ~-4 db.

As for 3-way splitters, usually people have unbalanced splitters, which are labeled -3.5 db, -7 db, -7 db.
Balanced 3-way splitters are less common, AFAIK. IIRC, they are usually labeled -5.7 db.
Of course, add more signal loss to both types for high frequencies.

Chenolio - Yes, there's a lot of bad press about ComCast. However, nice people work there too. The conversation I had with the tech up on my telephone pole that day was the best info I ever got. Real nice guy. BTW: Welcome to AVS forum.

QZ1 - Thanks for the info. I'm not used to the consumer parts. It's a tough balance between being accurate and trying to explain a concept. For example, a "splitter" is more correctly called a directional coupler. Especially if it's unbalanced. I wouldn't know where to start to explain that you can use the same part for both splitting and combining (summing) :).

Is everyone in South Jersey still getting the Scientific Atlanta 8000HD DVR? This thing was manufactured in 2004, and while it gets the job done, the small hard drive and pixellated SD guide leave much to be desired (an HD guide could fit so much more of the schedule on the screen). Plus I can only assume that upscaling chips have improved a lot since then, and that a newer box would deliver better video quality (not that I can honestly complain, given that I have no reference with other HD STBs).

My reception (Malvern, PA) has been really poor for the past week. Frequent 'hiccups', with the signal getting very pixelated (think half the screen turning into an artifact), sound drops and lots of noise. I used the comcast DVR to record Heroes last night and the broadcast was fine (with one or two noise incidents) until the last 15 minutes of the hour, when the sound dropped out for minutes at a time and the picture was filled with artifacts and terrible transitions. I've seen this on different channels at different times, and even swapped channels to make sure it wasn't just the channel in question. I saw some of it during the Superbowl, as well and it made Jeapordy unwatchable a few days ago.

Has anyone seen similar behavior?

WizarDru - The "hiccups", pixelation, artifacts, etc. on the ComCast digital channels indicate a low signal level into the box. See my recent posts starting at #8036 about this problem.

Basically, you need to ask the STB box what's going on. The diagnostics menu D04 menu screen will tell you. Be sure to check the channels for standard, digital, HD tiers as well. If you are getting errors or low AGC / SNR, then we need to take a look at how you are feeding your STB from the entrance into the house.

Search this thread for "pixelation" and STB diagnostics. You should find plenty of information. This is a very common problem.

Basically, you need to ask the STB box what's going on. The diagnostics menu D04 menu screen will tell you. Be sure to check the channels for standard, digital, HD tiers as well. If you are getting errors or low AGC / SNR, then we need to take a look at how you are feeding your STB from the entrance into the house.

Search this thread for "pixelation" and STB diagnostics. You should find plenty of information. This is a very common problem.

I'll do that if the problem recurs. I contacted Comcast and they sent someone out who cut new cabling for us, and that appears to have fixed the problem, so far.

While I'm on the sujbect: while I'm the first to pick apart Comcast's pre-sales support, let me just say that overall, their phone support service has historically, for me anyways, been very good. This time was no different, and I think they deserve a nod for it. I can remember what service was like 10 years ago and it's nice to see how things have improved.

It's amazing how many times replacing the actual coaxial cable will fix the problem, especially with HSI. It's usually the first thing I recommend to people with issues.

Of course, most of the coax has probably been around for many, many years. Most of it is probably original install.

Anyone catch the repeating loop midway through the 2nd period of the Flyers game tonight? It was repeating over a several second span. Must have gone on for close to a minute before someone caught it. ComCast HD.

Yeah I saw it. Rather annoying. Good thing we didn't miss any of the Penguins scoring!!

Lets Go Pens!!

does anyone know when south jersey will be getting VSGLF.. right now all we have is VS. - SD on channel 207

Channel 207 in the old "Garden State Cable" is VSGLF. It depends on what the are showing when a golf event is on the will simulcast that, when hockey is on the will simulcast that. There is very little other HD content on either Vs. or Golf Channel to warrant a fulltime channel of each.

i understand that, but i've yet to see any HD content on this channel. its being broadcast in 480i, not even 1080i upconverted, and i have seen absolutely NO golf.. its just a mirror of the regular Versus channel

Is anyone using their TV's (or STB's) QAM tuner for HD Locals?
If, so, have you gathered the Comcast QAM channels list for this area?
All I could find is 78-1 ABC-HD and 78-2 NBC-HD, and some SD Locals.
I would like to know where the other HD Locals are, as well as any other channels you have found.

QZ1;
74.1 ABC HD
74.2 NBC HD
75.2 WHYY HD
110.1 CW HD
110.2 Universal HD
111.2 Fox HD
111.3 My Phil 17 HD

Hope that helps.

I live in Delaware County. Here is what I have for HD:

90.1 ABC1 HD
90.2 NBC1 HD
91.1 PBS1 HD
91.2 CBS1 HD
110.1 CW HD
110.2 UHD HD
111.1 MNT HD
111.2 FOX HD

As recently as last week, I was able to tune to HD channels that were carried on Comcast cable in the clear. I'm in the Ocean County, NJ area. My Panasonic TH-58PX60U was able to tune to ABC-HD, NBC-HD, CBS-HD, and others in the 200 - 250 channel range. This was handy when the Comcast DVR was already recording two channels, and I didn't want to watch either of those channels while recording. Today I noticed that all of those channels are gone. Has anyone else noticed this, and perhaps found them in a different location? I guess Comcast doesn't have to offer these channels in the clear if they are on the digital STB?

Typically the cable companies offer the HD locals in the clear, but encrypt everything else (DHD Theater, INHD, ESPN HD etc.), but some don't. It sounds like they're encrypting it now. If that is indeed the case, than you'll need the STB.

It's particularly frustrating since I was considering putting a smaller LCD HDTV in the kitchen, and taking advantage of the HD locals in the clear to view the HD channels. I don't want to put a STB in the kitchen.

What part of Ocean County are you in? I'm located in Brick. I checked about a month ago with one of my TVs with a built in tuner and I was able to pick up the locals in HD as well as INHD and basically all the channels that were in the Limited Basic package here.

QZ1;
74.1 ABC HD
74.2 NBC HD
75.2 WHYY HD
110.1 CW HD
110.2 Universal HD
111.2 Fox HD
111.3 My Phil 17 HD

Hope that helps.

I live in Delaware County. Here is what I have for HD:

90.1 ABC1 HD
90.2 NBC1 HD
91.1 PBS1 HD
91.2 CBS1 HD
110.1 CW HD
110.2 UHD HD
111.1 MNT HD
111.2 FOX HD

Thanks, apparently there are different QAM lists within this metro area, as here on the Willow Grove system, ABC-HD is 78-1 and NBC-HD is 78-2, as I said.

Nevertheless, since both of those lists are similar and there seems to be a pattern of groupings, so maybe I can find some or all the rest of the HD Locals. I found the SD Locals near those two HD Locals, but not the rest of the HD Locals.

What part of Ocean County are you in? I'm located in Brick. I checked about a month ago with one of my TVs with a built in tuner and I was able to pick up the locals in HD as well as INHD and basically all the channels that were in the Limited Basic package here.

I'm in Toms River. The channels were there last week. I'll keep checking to make sure it's not temporary. If I call Comcast I probably won't get to talk to anyone who understands my question!

i understand that, but i've yet to see any HD content on this channel. its being broadcast in 480i, not even 1080i upconverted, and i have seen absolutely NO golf.. its just a mirror of the regular Versus channel

Sorry,

Maybe they are still testing on the Vineland system.

I live in Central NJ (Monmouth County) and have Comcast HD. Yesterday my HDTV stopped picking up the HD channels in the 230-240 range. Now you have to tune the actual frequency like 85.1 I called Comcast and they claimed nothing changed but reading other posts on this forum indicates that other areas served by Comcast are having the same problem.

I live in Central NJ (Monmouth County) and have Comcast HD. Yesterday my HDTV stopped picking up the HD channels in the 230-240 range. Now you have to tune the actual frequency like 85.1 I called Comcast and they claimed nothing changed but reading other posts on this forum indicates that other areas served by Comcast are having the same problem.

I keep searching for the channels. The problem is when I auto-program the channels on my TV, I get so many digital channels that the TV thinks has a signal, but they don't tune to a picture (Channel not avaliable). I don't know if these means they are encrypted. I'll have to go through them one by one and see if I find any in the clear.

Thanks, apparently there are different QAM lists within this metro area, as here on the Willow Grove system, ABC-HD is 78-1 and NBC-HD is 78-2, as I said.

Nevertheless, since both of those lists are similar and there seems to be a pattern of groupings, so maybe I can find some or all the rest of the HD Locals. I found the SD Locals near those two HD Locals, but not the rest of the HD Locals.

I am a couple systems over on Bensalem/Lower Bucks and have these:

89-1 - WPVI-DT
89-2 - WCAU-DT
89-3 - WPVI-SD(action news now)
89-4 - WPVI-DT2(weather)
89-5 - WCAU-DT2(weather)
90-1 - WHYY-DT
90-2 - KYW-DT
90-3 - WHYY-DT2
90-4 - WHYY-DT3
110-1 - WPSG-DT(CW)
110-2 - Universal HD
111-1 - WPHL-DT(MNT)
111-2 - WTXF-DT

All the digital versions of the SD locals reside around the 77-79 range. They are just the regular SD channels, NOT the HD locals. A few others scattered around(History, Animal Planet, Bravo,G4,ESPN Classic, MSNBC, TV Guide)

njmacuser - Those channels your TV picks up but are blank, are indeed the rest of the channels which are all encrypted. My TV literally picked up hundreds, and yes I had to go through and delete 80% or so of them since they were the encrypted ones.

njmacuser - Those channels your TV picks up but are blank, are indeed the rest of the channels which are all encrypted. My TV literally picked up hundreds, and yes I had to go through and delete 80% or so of them since they were the encrypted ones.

Thanks for that info. It looks like I will have to try each of the channels and delete all of the encrypted ones. Hopefully I will find some that are in the clear.

I am a couple systems over on Bensalem/Lower Bucks
Thanks, but those aren't the same either, but from the other replies, I was able to find them all, a few days ago. They used similar channel numbers, but channels were in a different order.

Comcast-Willow Grove system, HD Channels:

78-1 ABC
78-2 NBC
90-1 PBS
90-2 CBS
91-1 MNT
91-2 FOX
110-1 CW
110-2 Universal

I just went through all of the digital channels that my TV identified via auto programming. None of the channels are in the clear. Looks like Comcast has encrypted all of the HD signals in my area.

I just went through all of the digital channels that my TV identified via auto programming. None of the channels are in the clear. Looks like Comcast has encrypted all of the HD signals in my area.

Well that is illegal per the FCC... they must be somewhere. Funny how CommyCast doesn't tell you that, you get HD locals included at NO extra charge when you have standard cable. No cable box needed.

Well that is illegal per the FCC... they must be somewhere. Funny how CommyCast doesn't tell you that, you get HD locals included at NO extra charge when you have standard cable. No cable box needed.
After reading your posting, I decided I had to call Comcast and get an answer. I was told that I needed a cable box to view HD channels, and none of the channels had been moved. I insisted that prior to this weekend I was able to tune HD channels without a cable box, and they are no longer there. My question was elevated to a supervisor and I was told that someone else called yesterday asking the same questions. They are waiting for a response from technical support and will get back to me.

After reading your posting, I decided I had to call Comcast and get an answer. I was told that I needed a cable box to view HD channels, and none of the channels had been moved. I insisted that prior to this weekend I was able to tune HD channels without a cable box, and they are no longer there. My question was elevated to a supervisor and I was told that someone else called yesterday asking the same questions. They are waiting for a response from technical support and will get back to me.

I had the same probelm. Had 2 services call and the tech did confirm that they were encrypted now on 231 etc.

I did an auto scan and found them. This is the channel lcoations for HD in Mount Laurel NJ

80.1 ABC
80.2 NBC

81.21 PBS
81.22 CBS


106.21
106.22 FOX

116.21 CW

Well that is illegal per the FCC... they must be somewhere. Funny how CommyCast doesn't tell you that, you get HD locals included at NO extra charge when you have standard cable. No cable box needed.

You can also see this if you check the Channel Lineup for Basic Cable on the Comcast website:

Among what is listed for my area for "Basic" - of course these aren't the "in-the-clear" channel numbers:
231 WPVI-DT (ABC) HDTV* High-Definition TV
232 WCAU-DT (NBC) HDTV* High-Definition TV
233 KYW-DT (CBS) HDTV* High-Definition TV
234 WTXF-DT (Fox) HDTV* High-Definition TV
235 WPHL-DT (WB) HDTV* High-Definition TV
240 WHYY-DT HDTV* High-Definition TV
245 WPVI News** News & Info
246 WPVI Weather** News & Info
248 WCAU Weather** News & Info

Also, the following disclaimer:
* HDTV broadcast feeds (ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, WB and UPN) are included in limited basic service and may not be available in all areas.

Did anyone notice last night about 11PM that the community bulletin board channel (66, I think) took over and was being displayed on all channels? My boxes were completely locked down....could not enter the guide, menus, OnDemand...nothing. The only buttons that worked were channel up/down and power. Channel up/down would change the channel number, but the programming on channel 66 was still displayed. Even my TiVo Series3 was completely locked down...couldn't do anything. I checked with my neighbor and his box was doing the same thing as well. This went on for at least a half hour until I got fed up and went to bed. Anyone know what happened?

Did anyone notice last night about 11PM that the community bulletin board channel (66, I think) took over and was being displayed on all channels? My boxes were completely locked down....could not enter the guide, menus, OnDemand...nothing. The only buttons that worked were channel up/down and power. Channel up/down would change the channel number, but the programming on channel 66 was still displayed. Even my TiVo Series3 was completely locked down...couldn't do anything. I checked with my neighbor and his box was doing the same thing as well. This went on for at least a half hour until I got fed up and went to bed. Anyone know what happened?


Same thing happened to me, was fine in the morning though

One's local prices/services list should show HD broadcast channels as part of 'Basic'. The CSRs are generally ignorant, so all they know is to say one needs an HD box, but it isn't true, Comcast sends HD Locals in the clear nationally. (In a rare few Comcast areas the HD Locals have been encrypted, but I recall it was by mistake and corrected when brought to there attention.)

not on my tv

Did anyone notice last night about 11PM that the community bulletin board channel (66, I think) took over and was being displayed on all channels? My boxes were completely locked down....could not enter the guide, menus, OnDemand...nothing. The only buttons that worked were channel up/down and power. Channel up/down would change the channel number, but the programming on channel 66 was still displayed. Even my TiVo Series3 was completely locked down...couldn't do anything. I checked with my neighbor and his box was doing the same thing as well. This went on for at least a half hour until I got fed up and went to bed. Anyone know what happened?

Sounds to me like an Emergency Alert System channel force-tune. It was a test most likely or someone fat-fingered something in the head-end.

I had something similar between 9-10 PM in Willow Grove. Was watching a recorded show, and twice the box locked up on RTV Phila, whatever that is - some Spanish channel, for several minuntes. Was also recording CSI, and the recording was broken into 3 recordings when the box locked. My sister in Phila claimed to have had this happen quite often, and dropped digital. I didn't believe her. I do now.

i deleted the message on my box.. i was just wondering when the free preview of HBO is

i deleted the message on my box.. i was just wondering when the free preview of HBO is

HBO Free Preview is March 15-19.

I am on the Willow Grove PA Comcast system. I subscribe to all the analog channels including the premium channels: HBO, Showtime & The Movie Channel. I just received a letter stating that effective March 14 2007 Comcast Willow Grove will no longer broadcast the premium channels on their analog system and that if I still want to continue to receive the premium channels I must convert to Digital and rent a Digital STB.

The offer is $1.00 more per month for the first Digital STB and I get the Digital Starter Package and On Demand plus all of the Premium channels I have on analog. I can rent additional outlets for $4.95 per month per outlet which I presume is delivered via an STB or a Cable card (the method of delivery for the second outlet is not described in the letter) I honestly do not know if I add a dollar to my current bill, if in fact, this offer really is a deal compared to other digital offers that Comcast makes.

Comcast has been sending digital upgrade offers to us for about a year, we get a new offer every month. I suspect Comcast has changed their strategy; instead of luring analog Customers with low cost 1 year digital conversion deals, now Comcast will "force" analog customers to move to digital by turning off the analog channel content that the analog customers specfically subscribe to.

I have been receiving Comcast QAM delivery of the HD content that Comcast must send in clear for free, looks like I will be moving to digital for the premium content at an additional dollar per year. Unfortunately I do not have Verizon FIOS in my township yet.

Thought those of you who like to keep up on all things Comcastic would get a chuckle out of the new Comcast "Mandatory digital conversion of analog premium subscribers." Stay tuned to a analog Comcast system near you for your mandatory digital upgrade!

I am on the Willow Grove PA Comcast system. I subscribe to all the analog channels including the premium channels: HBO, Showtime & The Movie Channel. I just received a letter stating that effective March 14 2007 Comcast Willow Grove will no longer broadcast the premium channels on their analog system and that if I still want to continue to receive the premium channels I must convert to Digital and rent a Digital STB.

The offer is $1.00 more per month for the first Digital STB and I get the Digital Starter Package and On Demand plus all of the Premium channels I have on analog. I can rent additional outlets for $4.95 per month per outlet which I presume is delivered via an STB or a Cable card (the method of delivery for the second outlet is not described in the letter) I honestly do not know if I add a dollar to my current bill, if in fact, this offer really is a deal compared to other digital offers that Comcast makes.

Comcast has been sending digital upgrade offers to us for about a year, we get a new offer every month. I suspect Comcast has changed their strategy; instead of luring analog Customers with low cost 1 year digital conversion deals, now Comcast will "force" analog customers to move to digital by turning off the analog channel content that the analog customers specfically subscribe to.

I have been receiving Comcast QAM delivery of the HD content that Comcast must send in clear for free, looks like I will be moving to digital for the premium content at an additional dollar per year. Unfortunately I do not have Verizon FIOS in my township yet.

Thought those of you who like to keep up on all things Comcastic would get a chuckle out of the new Comcast "Mandatory digital conversion of analog premium subscribers." Stay tuned to a analog Comcast system near you for your mandatory digital upgrade!

Same thing is happening in Collingswood NJ. Friends of mine are being told they need to upgrade to digital w/STB by the end of June.

I am on the Willow Grove PA Comcast system. I subscribe to all the analog channels including the premium channels: HBO, Showtime & The Movie Channel. I just received a letter stating that effective March 14 2007 Comcast Willow Grove will no longer broadcast the premium channels on their analog system and that if I still want to continue to receive the premium channels I must convert to Digital and rent a Digital STB.

The offer is $1.00 more per month for the first Digital STB and I get the Digital Starter Package and On Demand plus all of the Premium channels I have on analog. I can rent additional outlets for $4.95 per month per outlet which I presume is delivered via an STB or a Cable card (the method of delivery for the second outlet is not described in the letter) I honestly do not know if I add a dollar to my current bill, if in fact, this offer really is a deal compared to other digital offers that Comcast makes.
Many areas, I have read about, have had all of their premium channels on Digital-only for years.

I am on the WG system, and if you have all of the premiums, then you should already know that first Starz was dropped from 'Analog w/o a box' in Fall '04, then Cinemax was dropped from 'Analog with a box' in Spring '05, thus both require a Digital box or CableCard.

It is a better to have the box anyway, because instead of getting just one Premium channel for each service, one gets the Premium mult-plex channels, OnDemand, and a Guide. CC would just get the multi-plexes.

The service offer they made is simply the going rate for the new required configuration of services/boxes, this is all listed in the Prices/Services List, that
they sent out recently, and can be received from Comcast upon request.

By adding a Digital box/CC to Standard service, it becomes Digital Starter, that box/remote is normally $4.15 more, but they ask only for $1 more, as per the list. Digital Starter adds Digitally-Simulcast Standard channels, rather than Analog, OnDemand, PPV, and Guide. Again, CC just gets the channels.

The extra boxes/CCs they offered, are billed at $4.95, (rather than $4.15), and are called Digital Starter A/Os; again, one gets extra features besides having to pay for the box/CC rental.

The Digital offers you would normally get are not simply to add a box for Digital Starter, they are for Digital Plus $15 (including box); but usually packaged with Premiums, so that makes it Digital Silver, Gold, Gold Plus, and Platinum.

It's particularly frustrating since I was considering putting a smaller LCD HDTV in the kitchen, and taking advantage of the HD locals in the clear to view the HD channels. I don't want to put a STB in the kitchen.

Please clarify, are you saying you can receive certain channels in HDTV without a HD-digital cable box through Comcast simply by plugging the coax into the "Cable IN" on the back of your HDTV? Does the TV have to have an HDTV built-in for this to work? Do you need a "cable card" or can you really get some channels in HD from Comcast just by plugging in the coax cable into the back of your HD set?

I thought you needed component video cables or HDMI to get "true HD". I didn't know 720p or 1080i could be transmitted through just a basic coaxial cable connection.

Thank you.

IPman, in a digital world, did you really expect to remain an analog hold-out? I'm not sure what you mean by you not having a digital box, but good luck with the upgrade!

Please clarify, are you saying you can receive certain channels in HDTV without a HD-digital cable box through Comcast simply by plugging the coax into the "Cable IN" on the back of your HDTV? Does the TV have to have an HDTV built-in for this to work? Do you need a "cable card" or can you really get some channels in HD from Comcast just by plugging in the coax cable into the back of your HD set?

I thought you needed component video cables or HDMI to get "true HD". I didn't know 720p or 1080i could be transmitted through just a basic coaxial cable connection.

Thank you.

If you have a set with a built in tuner (QAM, aka HDTV built-in), all you need to do, is hook the coaxial cable directly to the set without a cable card. You'll get the Local HD channels and it's legal.

If you have a set with a built in tuner (QAM, aka HDTV built-in), all you need to do, is hook the coaxial cable directly to the set without a cable card. You'll get the Local HD channels and it's legal.

However, be prepared to have to rescan periodically to find the new locations of the channels. I eventually gave up and simply upgraded to Digital just to get consistent channel locations (and deemed the HD non-locals worthy of the price).

IPman, in a digital world, did you really expect to remain an analog hold-out?

Jim you are right it is a digital world... Honestly my frustration is that I had hoped to hold out until Verizon FIOS was available in my township.

For me the question is not so much of Digital vs. Analog... I mean thats just protocols and delivery methods; I am frustrated by being forced by Comcast to do anything...

Comcast is always finding ways to take advantage of their Customers. I wonder if I would have been forced to make this digital upgrade if in fact I had another option like Verizon FIOS coming down my street?

I think not. Its just another way for Comcast to exploit their Customer base and try to convert me to digital before other competitive options are offered to my community.

Many areas, I have read about, have had all of their premium channels on Digital-only for years.

The service offer they made is simply the going rate for the new required configuration of services/boxes, this is all listed in the Prices/Services List, that
they sent out recently, and can be received from Comcast upon request.

The Digital offers you would normally get are not simply to add a box for Digital Starter, they are for Digital Plus $15 (including box); but usually packaged with Premiums, so that makes it Digital Silver, Gold, Gold Plus, and Platinum.

QZ1 Thanks for your reply...

I am not familiar with the Willow Grove rates for digital service. Should I accept their offer of just adding $1.00/month to my current analog and premiums invoice or should I disconnect the analog service and negotiate for a 1 year discounted digital package that includes premiums? Plus I guess if I am going to go digital, I should subscribe to the HD content that Comcast WG offers.

What is the least cost path for a new digital subscription: that includes the basic channels, Premiums and HD content?

Also I have 2 Plasma TV's that have Component or HDMI interfaces... do I need to specify that I want an HD handoff.... and does a HD capable STB cost more, or is it simply Customer requested?

...I wonder if I would have been forced to make this digital upgrade if in fact I had another option like Verizon FIOS coming down my street?....
My FiOS TV is being installed on Thursday. My overall savings...$12 per month! I thought it would be quite a bit more, but I need to rent three more set-top-boxes than I would normally use because FiOS only shows about 15 stations if you don't connect with one. I've chosen every option for my installation, but that's what I had with Comcast also. The reduced cost is quickly eaten by the added boxes, so beware of that. Read the separate thread about the service for the Philadelphia Verizon posts...everyone seems to be quite satisfied with the picture quality.

QZ1 Thanks for your reply...

I am not familiar with the Willow Grove rates for digital service. Should I accept their offer of just adding $1.00/month to my current analog and premiums invoice or should I disconnect the analog service and negotiate for a 1 year discounted digital package that includes premiums? Plus I guess if I am going to go digital, I should subscribe to the HD content that Comcast WG offers.

What is the least cost path for a new digital subscription: that includes the basic channels, Premiums and HD content?

Also I have 2 Plasma TV's that have Component or HDMI interfaces... do I need to specify that I want an HD handoff.... and does a HD capable STB cost more, or is it simply Customer requested?
You should really pick up a prices/services list, as it is all spelled out there.
But, in the meantime, I will try to answer your questions.

You can't have the Analog service disconnected per se, as you need to keep at least Locals (Basic), as per the FCC.

As I said, they are offering the going rate.
If you really are consdiering cancelling you can try for a promo rate with Comcast.
I don't really see the big deal, though, for $1 more, you get a lot more value from your subscription.
Although, if you really use secondary TVs a lot, then you lose value there, unless you pay the $4.95 for each Box/TV.
But, it is a moot point as Cable is moving to Digital-only eventually.

There is no HD service, just an HD Box.
Basic has the HD Locals.
Digital Classic has a variety of HD channels
Each Premium has an HD channel (except TMC)

You can put together the services any way you want, as long as you have Basic, and see what is least expensive for what you want.
There are so many choices now, you really need to look at the list.
I recommend the HD DVR (they just call it the DVR), it costs more than the HD Box, and in turn the Digital SD Box.
The DVR requires Digital Classic or Plus.

HD Services, dont forget HD OnDemand....

mitch

If you have a set with a built in tuner (QAM, aka HDTV built-in), all you need to do, is hook the coaxial cable directly to the set without a cable card. You'll get the Local HD channels and it's legal.

Thanks for answering my question about getting HD through the regular coax cable "IN" without component video cables. I have a 32" secondary tv (with HD built-in) in the basement that I would like to use for when there are 2 games on TV, but I didn't want to have to get a second HD digital cable box. If I can just plug in the regular cable to the back of the secondary TV and get the broadcast HD channels, this will be great. I never knew this before and always thought you needed component video cables or HDMI out from a digital cable box to get "HD" from cable.

Thanks for answering my question about getting HD through the regular coax cable "IN" without component video cables. I have a 32" secondary tv (with HD built-in) in the basement that I would like to use for when there are 2 games on TV, but I didn't want to have to get a second HD digital cable box. If I can just plug in the regular cable to the back of the secondary TV and get the broadcast HD channels, this will be great. I never knew this before and always thought you needed component video cables or HDMI out from a digital cable box to get "HD" from cable.

Think about it, if you needed component or HDMI out from a cable box, how is it getting to the cable box in the first place? Via a coax cable :) The HDTV's tuner is just like what is in a cable box, except it displays right to the screen rather than output via a cable.

I had the same probelm. Had 2 services call and the tech did confirm that they were encrypted now on 231 etc.

I did an auto scan and found them. This is the channel lcoations for HD in Mount Laurel NJ

80.1 ABC
80.2 NBC

81.21 PBS
81.22 CBS


106.21
106.22 FOX

116.21 CW

Pardon the ignorance. What are the numbers after the decimal point "81.21"? What does the .21 mean and how do I exactly do I key into my remote to tune in the signal?

hmm both dvr's last night starting having trouble displaying recorded programming when accessing through the my dvr button.

i just get a couple of weird symbols on top of the menu like, " i'yF$
accept that the apostrophe' is right on top of the lertter i

i have to go into menu ---> dvr --->dvr recordings to get to the list of shows.

hmm both dvr's last night starting having trouble displaying recorded programming when accessing through the my dvr button.

i just get a couple of weird symbols on top of the menu like, " i'yF$
accept that the apostrophe' is right on top of the lertter i

i have to go into menu ---> dvr --->dvr recordings to get to the list of shows.

I'm having the same issue here in Northern Ky. using Insight cable. Any ideas?

I'm having the same issue here in Northern Ky. using Insight cable. Any ideas?


I'm on Comcast in NJ. I first noticed the problem Monday night. It was there all day Tuesday. Then on Wednesday afternoon at 2pm my box rebooted on its' own. After the box powered back up, the problem was gone. It's been 10 hours now, and everything is still fine. Other people who have had this problem rebooted their boxes themselves for a temporary fix, but the problem always came back after the program guide info filled back in. My guide info has finished repopulating, and the problem is still fixed, so I don't know what is going on. If you would like to follow the progress of the bug on a nation-wide basis, here's a link:

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17869326

well i did figure out that while this odd menu glitch is there if you hit enter it will bring up the recorded show list.

hmm both dvr's last night starting having trouble displaying recorded programming when accessing through the my dvr button.

i just get a couple of weird symbols on top of the menu like, " i'yF$
accept that the apostrophe' is right on top of the lertter i

i have to go into menu ---> dvr --->dvr recordings to get to the list of shows.

Had the same problem last night. I haven't checked it yet, today, to see if it's still there.

I had the problem as well, and it was fixed this morning. Others on the Comcast 3416 thread have said it has been fixed today for them as well.

hmm both dvr's last night starting having trouble displaying recorded programming when accessing through the my dvr button.

i just get a couple of weird symbols on top of the menu like, " i'yF$
accept that the apostrophe' is right on top of the lertter i

i have to go into menu ---> dvr --->dvr recordings to get to the list of shows.


I am experiencing the exact same situation with my dual-tuner Comcast HD DVR when I push the "DVR" button on the remote with the scrambled letters and characters appearing on top of the menu. If anyone knows of a fix, please advise.

Mine was fixed as of this PM. The box had re-booted and is now re-populating it's data.

I am experiencing the exact same situation with my dual-tuner Comcast HD DVR when I push the "DVR" button on the remote with the scrambled letters and characters appearing on top of the menu. If anyone knows of a fix, please advise.


It seems this glitch was caused by corrupted guide data. From the reports here and in other forums, it looks like they have isolated the bad data and pushed out a fix. If you haven't got the new data yet, you can unplug your box and try to download fresh guide info. That will only work if your headend has the new data. If your local system is still pushing the old data, the problem will return. My box rebooted on its' own Wednesday afternoon and has been glitch free for over 24 hours.

I was was planning on using the HDMI port on the cable box but I remember hearing that the HDMI port was not working on the Comcast Motorola DCT 6412 lll right now because of bad firmware is that still true?

It seems this glitch was caused by corrupted guide data. From the reports here and in other forums, it looks like they have isolated the bad data and pushed out a fix. If you haven't got the new data yet, you can unplug your box and try to download fresh guide info. That will only work if your headend has the new data. If your local system is still pushing the old data, the problem will return. My box rebooted on its' own Wednesday afternoon and has been glitch free for over 24 hours.


As the others have said, it appears the problem has been fixed. Thanks to all for the reports. The DVR menu screen is appearing fine.

Thanks for answering my question about getting HD through the regular coax cable "IN" without component video cables. I have a 32" secondary tv (with HD built-in) in the basement that I would like to use for when there are 2 games on TV, but I didn't want to have to get a second HD digital cable box. If I can just plug in the regular cable to the back of the secondary TV and get the broadcast HD channels, this will be great. I never knew this before and always thought you needed component video cables or HDMI out from a digital cable box to get "HD" from cable.
zippy,

There's a chance that your 32" TV may say "HD Built-in" but not have a QAM tuner. By Definition, an "HD Built-in" TV has to have an ATSC tuner, which means that it can get HD via an antenna. Typically, if a TV has QAM, it also has ATSC, but not necessarily the other way around.

What model number is the 32" TV? That'll be the easiest way to tell if it has a QAM tuner.

ft

Pardon the ignorance. What are the numbers after the decimal point "81.21"? What does the .21 mean and how do I exactly do I key into my remote to tune in the signal?
What kind of TV do you have? If you have a TV with an ATSC and/or QAM tuner, you'd have a "." button on the remote.

The decimal channel number are just how digital channels work. There are sub-channels that can be used.

I also think that some TVs (and people) use a "-" instead of the ".". So maybe your TV has channels like 29-1, and so on...

Well, I haven't seen anyone post anything yet, so here goes. In South Jersey Comcast appears to have added a golf channel in HD. I think it's 207. I'm not sure as I'm so not into golf. I'd rather they spend the bandwidth on something a little more universal, say, HDNet. But there it is. Perhaps it's temporary, there may be a tiurnament going on?

zippy,

There's a chance that your 32" TV may say "HD Built-in" but not have a QAM tuner. By Definition, an "HD Built-in" TV has to have an ATSC tuner, which means that it can get HD via an antenna. Typically, if a TV has QAM, it also has ATSC, but not necessarily the other way around.

What model number is the 32" TV? That'll be the easiest way to tell if it has a QAM tuner.

ft

I have a Samsung LN-S3241D 32" LCD. I know it has the ATSC tuner, but I am not sure about the QAM. I read it's description on Amazon.com and don't see anything mentioning the QAM. If it doesn't have QAM does that mean I won't be able to enjoy HD on the broadcast channels via the coax cable into the back of the set?

Thanks.

Well, I haven't seen anyone post anything yet, so here goes. In South Jersey Comcast appears to have added a golf channel in HD. I think it's 207. I'm not sure as I'm so not into golf. I'd rather they spend the bandwidth on something a little more universal, say, HDNet. But there it is. Perhaps it's temporary, there may be a tiurnament going on?

Comcast has an ownership interest in both The Golf Channel and Versus. They are going to be showing a ton of PGA Golf on Golf Channel this year, and it will be nice to have it in HD. Versus is doing more and more sports such as NHL, Boxing, and Rodeo so most of these will be in HD as well.

So far, I have not been impressed with this new channel, but give it time.

I was wondering if any other South Jersey Comcast DVR subscribers were paying an additional $5 "Incremental Charge for HDTV Converter" fee on top of the standard $11.95 DVR fee? More specifically, I'm trying to find someone who subscribes to the new Variety Promotion along with a DVR rental.


I have been trying for a couple of months to get this charge eliminated from my bill. My first year on the Ditch the Dish promotion, I had a DVR and Digital Silver at a special rate and no $5 HDTV fee. When that was over last October, I went to Digital Silver and DVR at regular rates, still no $5 fee. In November, I downgraded to Digital Classic and DVR and the $5 fee kicked in. I asked why I never paid the fee with Silver and was told it was always there but that they waive it for Premium Digital packages. It sounded strange to me, but I agreed to it anyway. A few weeks later, I was unhappy with channel lineup on Classic and called to upgrade. They offered me the Variety package for a nice price. I asked if the $5 incremental fee would be waived, and the CSR said yes, so I accepted. Naturally, the fee was not removed on my December bill, but I was happy enough with the promotion I was getting, that I let it slide. When the January bill arrived, the $5 fee was there along with the $2 DVR fee increase. For some reason that really bugged me, so I called the 800 number and was told the CSR who upgraded me was mistaken about the fee being waived and the new CSR refused to remove it. I knew it was pointless to argue, so I let it go. I just got my February bill and I am still paying $17 for one HD DVR. So before I start calling and asking to speak to supervisors, I thought I better check here and see what the current policy was. Any info one way or another would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

The DVR charge was raided to $16.95 a month. THat was the last straw for me.

The DVR fee went to $11.95.

The second DVR fee went to $16.90.

A DVR is only available with Digital Classic or Plus, which includes a non-itemized $4.15 box.
It is $11.95 to upgrade to a DVR.
So, the effective cost of first DVR is $16.10.

So, obviously they will try to get at least the same fee for the second DVR at $16.90.

In this area, previously, one could choose-

(Second) DVR $9.95, and Enhanced A/O $4.95 = $14.90.
Now, it is 16.90, (A $2 increase)

-OR-

(Second) DVR $9.95 and Digital Classic/Plus A/O $8.90 = $18.85.
Now, it is $16.90 (A $1.95 decrease)

And, no more $5 Whole House Premium Access fee.

So, they re-shuffled the itemizations, and in many cases, it will be a bit less costly now for a second DVR, at least in this area.

A DVR is only available with Digital Classic or Plus, which includes a non-itemized $4.15 box.
It is $11.95 to upgrade to a DVR.
So, the effective cost of first DVR is $16.10.



This is where I think they are mistaken. I am paying the $4 Digital Converter charge in the Variety Package, then a seperate $5 "incremental" HDTV converter fee and finally the $11.95 DVR fee. That's $20.95 in converter fees for 1 outlet and 1 DVR. Here are the Service Charges Detail exactly as they appear on this month's bill:


Comcast Digital Variety Promotion $74.69
(includes LTD Basic Service @10.00
1 Digital Converter @$4.00
1 Remote Control @ 0.20)
Cable Guard 0.30
Incremental Charge for HDTV Converter @$5.00/each 5.00
Digital Video Recorder 11.95

Total Monthly Services $91.94


I am really just looking for confirmation from other South Jersey DVR subscribers that these charges are the standard DVR charges for everyone.

anyone have problems with CBS HD on thus/friday nights? It seems like cbs is the only one taking a hit for me. It's just minor pixelation and the occasional streaky color spot on the screen.

just wondering if cable had the same problem as my ota

anyone have problems with CBS HD on thus/friday nights? It seems like cbs is the only one taking a hit for me. It's just minor pixelation and the occasional streaky color spot on the screen.

just wondering if cable had the same problem as my ota
I have seen occasional pixelation on CBS-HD via Comcast for the past couple of weeks.

anyone have problems with CBS HD on thus/friday nights? It seems like cbs is the only one taking a hit for me. It's just minor pixelation and the occasional streaky color spot on the screen.

just wondering if cable had the same problem as my ota

Comcast HD was good for us on Friday night - but in my area (Ocean County, NJ) the CBS-HD feed is from NYC, not Philadelphia.

This is where I think they are mistaken. I am paying the $4 Digital Converter charge in the Variety Package, then a seperate $5 "incremental" HDTV converter fee and finally the $11.95 DVR fee. That's $20.95 in converter fees for 1 outlet and 1 DVR.

I am really just looking for confirmation from other South Jersey DVR subscribers that these charges are the standard DVR charges for everyone.
I am in SE PA, but, AFAIK, if you have a 'DVR', there should not be an 'HD' fee, in any Comcast area, but obvously I can't know all systems.
People have been mistakenly charged this HD fee, and had it removed many times, not always, but that doesn't make it right.

The reasons being-
1. There is no HD service, HD channels are in their respective services.
2. You are not renting the HD box, you are renting the HD DVR.

Now, maybe your area has both a DVR and an HD DVR, and they are charging $5 more for the HD DVR? (In the form of an incremental fee)

Here, all DVR customers get an HD DVR (line item- 'DVR') for $11.95 more than the non-itemized box fee of $4.15.

Phila PA...My 3416 had the My DVR problem but it resolved itself. Now there are hiccups or "skips" every few frames in the HD programming on almost all channels except 231 - ABC. Any one elso out there experiencing the same in Delaware County? Anyone know the cause/fix? Never had the problem before. Thanks.

I've spent several hours searching the forums for answers to my questions, but I've reached the point where I have to ask to be spoonfed. My apologies.

I've gotten tired of constantly tweaking my attic antenna. Too many trees here in Swarthmore, and I'm at a low point, so I can't get the HD channels for 10, 12, or 29 without dropouts. I've tried several different antennas, in different locations (but I refuse to go on the roof), and I suspect the only thing that will help is a chainsaw. Even chopping down my neighbors' trees might not work, since there seems to be a time-of-day issue that could indicate some electrical interference between me and the transmitters.

So, for the very first time, I have signed up with the devil (Comcast). I got their $99 Triple Play deal - since I'm already paying Verizon $90/month for internet+phone, it seems like a good deal for me. My install is scheduled in a couple weeks.

Immediately I started having issues with the phone rep. She told me, "you won't get any HD unless you purchase our upgraded HDTV service." I told her, "The FCC requires you to pass through all broadcast channels on you basic service, including the HD ones." She acknowledged that I was right, but returned to her tactics to coerce me to upgrade. It was also clear from discussing it with her that she really does not know anything about it, since she said the HD signals for 3, 6, and 10 would come through on 2, 4, and 5 (the same channels as the analog signals). I asked her "what about the subchannels" and she said, "what are subchannels?" So it was worthless going any further with her - I just made the purchase and decided to come here for help.

FYI, I have digital QAM tuners in both of my HDTV's, as well as in my HTPC with BeyondTV DVR software. I really don't want to pay any extra Comcast fees for a upgraded digital box when I already own the needed tuners for unencrypted HD programming. I'll take their one digital box to one of the sets so I can do the on demand stuff.

Here are my questions:

A few weeks ago someone on another thread posted a link to the FCC regulation that requires cable providers to pass through the HD broadcast signals, but after hours of searching I still can't find it. Does someone know the link, or at least the citation in the FCC rules (47cfr76.640, perhaps)?
Can someone point me to a channel listing that gives the mappings for the HD versions of 3.1, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 10.1, 10.2, 12.1-4, 17.1, 29.1-2, etc. If not, could you type out a couple of them so I can rest assured that these stations are actually available? I believe that Swarthmore goes by the Glenolden channel listings. And I believe that I will only get channels up to 100, so I need someone who has the similar basic service to confirm that there are some HD stations below 100.

FYI, I have digital QAM tuners in both of my HDTV's, as well as in my HTPC with BeyondTV DVR software. I really don't want to pay any extra Comcast fees for a upgraded digital box when I already own the needed tuners for unencrypted HD programming. I'll take their one digital box to one of the sets so I can do the on demand stuff.

Here are my questions:

A few weeks ago someone on another thread posted a link to the FCC regulation that requires cable providers to pass through the HD broadcast signals, but after hours of searching I still can't find it. Does someone know the link, or at least the citation in the FCC rules (47cfr76.640, perhaps)?
Can someone point me to a channel listing that gives the mappings for the HD versions of 3.1, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 10.1, 10.2, 12.1-4, 17.1, 29.1-2, etc. If not, could you type out a couple of them so I can rest assured that these stations are actually available? I believe that Swarthmore goes by the Glenolden channel listings. And I believe that I will only get channels up to 100, so I need someone who has the similar basic service to confirm that there are some HD stations below 100.

I have a buddy in Delaware that just pays for Comcast basic. He then uses his QAM tuner to get the Philly digital channels plus some other digital channels. I have heard that the numbers can change from time to time. It is relatively easy to go through your available channels to find their IDs. He also mentioned that channels will also come and go depending if Comcast is encrypting them or not. This system gives him many more channels than with strictly analog service at a very low price.

Well, I think I'm going to cancel my Comcast Triple Play. Although there's ample evidence that I would be able to pick up broadcast stations in HD and watch them in real time, my BeyondTV DVR software is not compatible with QAM, and there seems little likelihood that it will be in the near future. Virtually all the TV that I watch is timeshifted with BeyondTV, and I'm unwilling to pay their upgrade fees for digital TV and PVR rental. Have any of you tried any 3rd party PVR hardware/software with Comcast's unencrypted QAM feeds?

Unless anyone can suggest any low-cost PVR options, I think it's back to the attic to do some experiments with horizontal antenna stacking to overcome my multipath problem.

hdhomerun dual HDTV network tuner with Sage TV does over-the-air and unencrypted QAM. I get all locals in unencrypted HD as well as UHD from comcast qam unencrypted in Delaware County. I also get all locals via broadcast. I think hdhomerun is working with MCE now also doing unencrypted QAM.

Unless anyone can suggest any low-cost PVR options, I think it's back to the attic to do some experiments with horizontal antenna stacking to overcome my multipath problem.

I agree with rbt, if I were in your situation, I would go the $10 Comcast basic subscription package if you have multipath issues. The PVR hardware would depend on the horsepower and OS of the PC you will be using. For a dual core/ Vista/MCE PC, I would probably go with the HDHomerun. If I was limited to a single core CPU/XP system, I'd go for the MyHD MDP-130 pci card. I just setup a new MyHD box to suppliment my Comcast DVR and I'm pretty happy with the results. There are tons of threads on both solutions over on the HTPC forum. Good luck.

I am in SE PA, but, AFAIK, if you have a 'DVR', there should not be an 'HD' fee, in any Comcast area, but obvously I can't know all systems.
People have been mistakenly charged this HD fee, and had it removed many times, not always, but that doesn't make it right.

The reasons being-
1. There is no HD service, HD channels are in their respective services.
2. You are not renting the HD box, you are renting the HD DVR.

Now, maybe your area has both a DVR and an HD DVR, and they are charging $5 more for the HD DVR? (In the form of an incremental fee)

Here, all DVR customers get an HD DVR (line item- 'DVR') for $11.95 more than the non-itemized box fee of $4.15.

Thanks for the reply. I have always assumed that this incremental charge is in their system for people who move from a non-DVR SD digital converter to a non-DVR HD digital converter. It makes sense and if I were in that situation, I would be fine with the charge. My problem has been convincing the CSRs that the $5 incremental fee is built into the $11.95 DVR fee. I guess I'll just have to play CSR roulette and keep trying until I find a CSR with some common sense. It might take a while though:)

Anyone getting poor PQ on NBC HD prime time programs? I have been told my problem is called macroblocking. The picture looks out of focus/blurry, and you want to blink your eyes to refocus. This doesn't happen on Leno, Conan, or SNL, and I haven't noticed it on NBC sports in HD. It does happen on ER, Friday Night Lights, Las Vegas, and Crossing Jordan(tonight). I don't have this problem on any other HD channel including CBS, which also broadcasts in 1080i.

Can Comcast fix this problem for me?

Thanks

The PVR hardware would depend on the horsepower and OS of the PC you will be using. For a dual core/ Vista/MCE PC, I would probably go with the HDHomerun. If I was limited to a single core CPU/XP system, I'd go for the MyHD MDP-130 pci card.
There are no issues with the horsepower of my system - I get perfectly smooth HD video from ATSC. The issue is that the software and hardware does not decode QAM. From what I understand, even if it did, Comcast's tendency to constantly remap the channels would wreak havoc with the guide functionality, which BeyondTV uses for all scheduled recording.

I'm also concerned with compression losses from Comcast's feed. I get dazzling quality from ATSC on 3, 6, 17, 23, 35, 48, 61. 29 and 10 usually come in, but occasional dropouts. 12 never comes in except on an exceptional day. So I'll buy a second antenna first and see if that helps.

For now I'm not willing to repurchase new software and tuners to make this work. I'll try other things first.

HTPC Setup: eMachines T5216 | 1.5Gig memory | WD 160 gig IDE | Seagate 200 gig IDE | Windows MCE 2005 | Integrated sound | XFX nVidia GeForce 7600 GS PCIE video card (passive cooling) | Ultra Vseries 600w power supply | two Hauppauge HVR-950 USB hybrid tuners (WinTV2000 not installed) | BeyondTV 4.5 | Amplified antenna in attic | Sony KDS50A2000 via DVI-HDMI cable

I've been paying Comcast a fortune for over a year...I just took the plunge and returned their DVR, downgraded my service to the 'limited basic' for $12.30 a month (since the unencrypted HD channels will still be available). For DVR use I've hooked up my old Tivo, subscription expired (can only manually record, just like an old VCR; no guide data).

Yes, I will miss HBO, dual tuner recording in HD, and the program guide. But for essential recordings I've got the Tivo. And I can live with limited SD shows. It will end up saving me over $70 a month. That's $840 a year. I think I'll put that money in a college fund for the kids.

Limited basic has a few channels I didn't think it would, like MSNBC and Animal Planet, but the drastic shift is going to be hard. Maybe fewer channels will get my butt off the couch and into the gym?

Thanks for the reply. I have always assumed that this incremental charge is in their system for people who move from a non-DVR SD digital converter to a non-DVR HD digital converter. It makes sense and if I were in that situation, I would be fine with the charge. My problem has been convincing the CSRs that the $5 incremental fee is built into the $11.95 DVR fee. I guess I'll just have to play CSR roulette and keep trying until I find a CSR with some common sense. It might take a while though:)
IIRC, Scientific Atlanta systems do have SD and HD DVRs, so then they could charge extra for an HD DVR, if they want. In that case, to remove the fee you would have to exchange your DVR.

If your area is a Motorola system, and has only one SD/HD DVR, then that billing line for HD is meaningless, unless they really control the HD channels with that in your area; but I have never heard that, as HD channels are part of their respective services, as I said.

If the latter is the case, maybe you should quit trying to convince them that the fee is incorrect, eventhough it is, rather just say you don't want the HD incremental box fee anymore, you don't have to keep it, and see what they say. I bet all they say is that you won't get the HD channels anymore. You should say fine, and I bet you still will still get HD. If you don't, then call back and add HD again.

Hey, long time no see.

Does anyone else ever run into this situation?

I will set up a series recording using the guide. For example, Lost. I set up the series recording on the HD channel. By the next week, the DVR will record it on the SD channel.

Any ideas?

Yes, but they corrected that here on the Willow Grove system a long time ago. The cause was both channels being called 'WPVI', so the DVR would periodically set it to the lower channel number, 6, rather than 231. They subsequently labeled the HD channel, as 'ABC-HD', which matches the labeling format of the other three major networks, and there is no longer a problem.
Curiously they labeled both versions of ESPN2 the same, until recently the HD version is now, 'ES2HD'.

I have a Samsung LN-S3241D 32" LCD. I know it has the ATSC tuner, but I am not sure about the QAM. I read it's description on Amazon.com and don't see anything mentioning the QAM. If it doesn't have QAM does that mean I won't be able to enjoy HD on the broadcast channels via the coax cable into the back of the set?

Thanks.Correct. Without the QAM tuner, plugging in the cable coax to the TV would only get you the Analog channels. The digital channels just won't show up. You'll need to get the cableco's set top box or buy a QAM tuner for yourself.

You might want to wait a month or so for the Digital DVD Recorders. A few of them will have QAM tuners. If, and that's a big if, can pass through HD signals, it would be a good device to get your QAM and time-shifting needs all in one box. Otherwise, there are a few QAM tuners out there as well.

ft

Anyone having problems with the NCAA games on CBS-HD channel. The motion is all jerky. It is almost impossible to watch the game it is so bad.

Ok, i'm an HD newb here. I just purchased an Olevia 542i HD set which has a QAM tuner built in. I currently have Comcast Basic Digital(new as of Jan 1 07) and my lineup is the Pottstown, PA one. I do have a small digital box. When i plug in the coax out of the digital box and into the tv, i can see the comcast guide and all that, but am unable to tune to their HD local channels, is ther something i'm missing? Shouldn't i just be able to go to the local HD channels in the 200's and tune them in?

Ok, i'm an HD newb here. I just purchased an Olevia 542i HD set which has a QAM tuner built in. I currently have Comcast Basic Digital(new as of Jan 1 07) and my lineup is the Pottstown, PA one. I do have a small digital box. When i plug in the coax out of the digital box and into the tv, i can see the comcast guide and all that, but am unable to tune to their HD local channels, is ther something i'm missing? Shouldn't i just be able to go to the local HD channels in the 200's and tune them in?

If you want to use the QAM tuner on your Olevia, you skip the box entirely and plug the cable from the wall directly into the TV. Run the autoscan program on the TV and the local HD channels will show up. They most likely will not be in the 200's though. Try looking in the low 80's and low 100's.

The reason the HD locals aren't showing up in your current configuration is that you are using the coax out. You need to switch to component, HDMI or DVI cables, whichever your box supports.

If you want to use the QAM tuner on your Olevia, you skip the box entirely and plug the cable from the wall directly into the TV. Run the autoscan program on the TV and the local HD channels will show up. They most likely will not be in the 200's though. Try looking in the low 80's and low 100's.

The reason the HD locals aren't showing up in your current configuration is that you are using the coax out. You need to switch to component, HDMI or DVI cables, whichever your box supports.
Here we have QAM channels from 78 through 110.

Ok, I went home at lunch and plugged in the cable directly to the tv and ran the auto scan. It looks like these are the channels that might be in HD:
111.2 - Fox HD
110.2 - Universal HD?
110.1 - CW HD
77.2 - CBS HD
76.2 - NBC HD
76.1 - ABC HD

they looked pretty good to me, are there other channels I might be missing and could get in HD from the QAM tuner if so which ones?

I have a Samsung QAM/OTA tuner. Just recently, I noticed that Comcast has mapped the ABC/CBS/NBC/PBS locals to channel numbers closer to their "real" OTA designations. Now it would be really cool if they would carry the guide data that you can get over-the-air.

Ok, I went home at lunch and plugged in the cable directly to the tv and ran the auto scan. It looks like these are the channels that might be in HD:
111.2 - Fox HD
110.2 - Universal HD?
110.1 - CW HD
77.2 - CBS HD
76.2 - NBC HD
76.1 - ABC HD

they looked pretty good to me, are there other channels I might be missing and could get in HD from the QAM tuner if so which ones?

You should be getting PBS and MNT(formerly the WB) as well. It's easier to check during prime time hours as most stations still run SD programming during the day. You might also want to double check your stations in the 70's. I get 3 sets of local channels on my QAM tuner. The normal analog SD in the single digits, digital SD in the 80's and HD locals in the 100's. I posted my QAM channel assignments back in post 7704 of this thread.

A few posts back, I mentioned how I downgraded my service to the Limited Basic plan ($12.30/mo.) Well, the comcast guys went out to the drop and installed a filter or trap or whatever you call it.
So I proceeded to do an autoscan with my Sony KDF-E42A10. I get the analog channels as advertised, 3-27. And the broadcast HD channels as well. But For some reason, maybe a bad filter was installed, I am getting a lot of other digital channels passing through. I get all of the Comcast music channels, MTV2, CSN-HD (but no audio), the History channel, Discovery Health, and a few others. How about that? And on some channels I get somebody elses Pay Per View. Pretty good deal! All for the low price of $12. I'm happy for now.

A few posts back, I mentioned how I downgraded my service to the Limited Basic plan ($12.30/mo.) Well, the comcast guys went out to the drop and installed a filter or trap or whatever you call it.
So I proceeded to do an autoscan with my Sony KDF-E42A10. I get the analog channels as advertised, 3-27. And the broadcast HD channels as well. But For some reason, maybe a bad filter was installed, I am getting a lot of other digital channels passing through. I get all of the Comcast music channels, MTV2, CSN-HD (but no audio), the History channel, Discovery Health, and a few others. How about that? And on some channels I get somebody elses Pay Per View. Pretty good deal! All for the low price of $12. I'm happy for now.I think the trap only blocks the rest of the analog lineup. Since most of the digital lineup is encrypted they see no need to place a trap.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ohendo
A few posts back, I mentioned how I downgraded my service to the Limited Basic plan ($12.30/mo.) Well, the comcast guys went out to the drop and installed a filter or trap or whatever you call it.
So I proceeded to do an autoscan with my Sony KDF-E42A10. I get the analog channels as advertised, 3-27. And the broadcast HD channels as well. But For some reason, maybe a bad filter was installed, I am getting a lot of other digital channels passing through. I get all of the Comcast music channels, MTV2, CSN-HD (but no audio), the History channel, Discovery Health, and a few others. How about that? And on some channels I get somebody elses Pay Per View. Pretty good deal! All for the low price of $12. I'm happy for now.

I think the trap only blocks the rest of the analog lineup. Since most of the digital lineup is encrypted they see no need to place a trap.
Correct. The Digital channels are at higher frequencies than the Analog channels, so the filter for part of Analog is irrelevant, as you said. The Digital channels rely on encrpytion to get blocked. All of the Digital channels besides HD and SD Locals should be blocked, but not all are. The digital channels he mentioned are those left unencrypted in this area at this time, it can change.

As far as I know, this trap only effects HBO analog channel 14 (in our area).

As far as I know, this trap only effects HBO analog channel 14 (in our area).
There isn't just one trap/filter used. They can and do block out a number of frequencies or frequency ranges.

This area had a filter for each premium on Analog w/o a box, there used to be four, thus four filters. In a few days there will be no more Analog premiums. Plus, they have a Value Pack that would require a fifth.

Many areas block out Expanded service with a filter. Our area, can't filter out Expanded this way becasue the Expd. channels are scattered amongst the Basic channels. So they filter out all of Analog and provide a Basic-only box. It is Basic-only in terms of what one would receive in Analog on a given TV, one could still have other TVs with Basic and Premiums and/or Digital.

OK, I have a few more newb questions . . .
1. Does CBS have an HD channel that broadcasts in widescreen? Because the only HD CBS station I have is in 4:3 so it has bars on the side.
2. While watching some HD shows, some are widescreen (lost, heros, 30 rock) but some are 4:3 (scrubs, americas next top model) Why is that?
3. Is there any advantage to getting comcast's HD DVR box? Will I get additional HD channels, if so which ones other than the basic ones, ABC,CBS,NBC,FOX,CW

Thats all for now, i'm sure i'll have additional questions, this place is great, I love that there is an active forum this specific to the area I live in!

OK, I have a few more newb questions . . .
1. Does CBS have an HD channel that broadcasts in widescreen? Because the only HD CBS station I have is in 4:3 so it has bars on the side.
2. While watching some HD shows, some are widescreen (lost, heros, 30 rock) but some are 4:3 (scrubs, americas next top model) Why is that?
3. Is there any advantage to getting comcast's HD DVR box? Will I get additional HD channels, if so which ones other than the basic ones, ABC,CBS,NBC,FOX,CW

Thats all for now, i'm sure i'll have additional questions, this place is great, I love that there is an active forum this specific to the area I live in!
1. Are you sure you're actually on the CBS HD channel, and not perhaps the Digital channel? If you're using a QAM tuner, you can actually see THREE versions, iirc...the analog version, the digital version and the HD version. The HD feed of CBS is wide-screen...except when:

2. Some shows aren't SHOT in HD, so when you're watching them on the HD channel, they show them in the 4:3 format with bars. Shows like American Idol, Lost, Heroes, CSI: NY, Law and Order and so forth were filmed and are broadcast in 16:9 and in HD. Some shows are broadcast in HD, but from an SD source, and are thus in 4:3 and appear somewhat blurrier or less detailed, even on an HD channel. An excellent example is if you watch ESPN...you can immediately tell when some shows are broadcast from an SD feed, as ESPN puts up logo boxes on the sides.

3. The question becomes, as opposed to what? Do you already have an HD DVR? I am currently looking at getting rid of mine in favor a Series 3 Tivo. If you are just using the QAM tuner in your TV and have HD service, you will get the main affiliates (you forgot PBS, there) and possibly some unencrytped digital channels. An HD DVR from Comcast will let you record two shows at once and record them in HD. It (or even just a cable box or cablecard in your TV) will give you access to the other HD channels: INHD, Versus/Golf, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, TNT HD, Universal HD and Discovery Home Theater HD....as well as any digital channels you get with your level of service.

My CBS HD channel must be an HD feed of an SD signal. Because when i hit the info button, it shows its broadcasting at either 1080i or 720p, i forget which. I guess I just don't get the actual HD channel for CBS, bummer.

If the only additional HD channels are the ESPN's, TNT and Discovery (I actually get the Universal HD channel) then it dosen't seem quite worth it. I suppose i'm just suprised that there aren't more HD channels. I curently have a DVR set up in my PC, it just records SD though, i might save the money i would pay to rent the HD DVR from comcast and invest in another Hard Drive and a HD tuner card for the PC.

Does anyone know if Comcast is planning on adding more HD channels? I recently got something in the mail about DirectTV having tons of channels in HD soon. It would seem to me that that might be a good wat to go to get more of a HD selection. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

Thanks for the response WizarDru, I appreciate it!!!

My CBS HD channel must be an HD feed of an SD signal. Because when i hit the info button, it shows its broadcasting at either 1080i or 720p, i forget which. I guess I just don't get the actual HD channel for CBS, bummer.

If the only additional HD channels are the ESPN's, TNT and Discovery (I actually get the Universal HD channel) then it dosen't seem quite worth it. I suppose i'm just suprised that there aren't more HD channels. I curently have a DVR set up in my PC, it just records SD though, i might save the money i would pay to rent the HD DVR from comcast and invest in another Hard Drive and a HD tuner card for the PC.

Does anyone know if Comcast is planning on adding more HD channels? I recently got something in the mail about DirectTV having tons of channels in HD soon. It would seem to me that that might be a good wat to go to get more of a HD selection. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

Thanks for the response WizarDru, I appreciate it!!!


CBS actually places grey bars on the SD programs it shows on its' HD channel, so it should be easy to figure out. If you don't see the grey bars, you are on the SD digital channel.

My CBS HD channel must be an HD feed of an SD signal. Because when i hit the info button, it shows its broadcasting at either 1080i or 720p, i forget which. I guess I just don't get the actual HD channel for CBS, bummer.

If the only additional HD channels are the ESPN's, TNT and Discovery (I actually get the Universal HD channel) then it dosen't seem quite worth it. I suppose i'm just suprised that there aren't more HD channels. I curently have a DVR set up in my PC, it just records SD though, i might save the money i would pay to rent the HD DVR from comcast and invest in another Hard Drive and a HD tuner card for the PC.

Does anyone know if Comcast is planning on adding more HD channels? I recently got something in the mail about DirectTV having tons of channels in HD soon. It would seem to me that that might be a good wat to go to get more of a HD selection. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

Thanks for the response WizarDru, I appreciate it!!!

Your TV will always see the CBS HD channel as 1080i format, even though there is regular old 4:3 programming on it with gray bars on the sides. KYW uses gray pillar bars as opposed to black like most channels. CSNHD uses a dark dray pattern with "ComcastSportsNet HDTV" in the bottom left, and ESPNHD uses pillar bars that say HD ironically, you only see those "HD" pillar bars when you are watching SD...

Anyway you won't see any HD on CBS(or any network) except during prime time from 8pm-11pm. That's pretty much how all the networks operate, except for someone like WPVI, which has been doing all news broadcasts in HD for a few months now. Check out CBS during primetime and you should not see the gray bars, and the picture will look a lot better and fill your entire TV since it's really HD.

Cable companies and DirecTV(for now) really only have about 15-18 HD channels: We have CSNHD as our regional sports network, ESPNHD,ESPN2HD,TNTHD,DiscoveryHD,INHD,Versus/Golf HD, UniversalHD,MHD. The corresponding premium movie channels have their own HD channels as well: HBOHD,CinemaxHD,StarzHD, ShowtimeHD. So right now you would only gain 9 HD channels with 4 of those sports-oriented. Comcast has started to carry Nat'l Geographic HD and Food Network HD in other markets and will eventually get it in SE PA.

ok, if I understand this correctly, because I was watching the CBS HD channel last night broadcasting in 1080i and they were playing Survivor and there were grey bars on the side of the screen, then it was just a SD broadcast on an HD channel? This was during primetime from 8-9 last night. Is it possible that Survivor is just not broadcast in HD?

Survivor is NOT in HD. You are watching a 4x3 SD broadcast in a 16x9 window.

Look for KYW to start HD newscasts soon. As soon as they move into their new studios... probably by the end of March/beginning of April.

Look for KYW to start HD newscasts soon. As soon as they move into their new studios... probably by the end of March/beginning of April.

The tentative date of KYW's first HD broadcast (from the new studio) will be 3/26 at 11p.

Just got a TV with a QAM tuner.

Anyone in Lower Makefield have a current Comcast listing?

My set picked up 300+ digital channels.

Need some help.

I have a Sharp Aquos LCD TV with QAM tuner hooked directly from the wall jack. I get all CBS, ABC, NBC, WHYY, FOX, UPN, CW and universal Digital channels via QAM tuner. BUT I AM desperately seeking some information on CSNHD, and ESPNHD as well as Discovery HD availability. I understand that the QAM tuner picks up "unencrypted" HD signals as I am getting them already. But does anyone know if CSNHD, ESPNHD, Discovery HD channels are also transmitted via Comcast unencrypted????

If so, what digital channels are they coming thru???? I scanned and scanned over and over and I cannot seem to find them. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

By the way, I am served by Willow Grove market area and am in Huntingdon Valley.

We will only pick up un-encrypted channels. You will NOT get ESPN HD or Discovery HD. I get CSNHD but no sound.

OK, here is a question I hope someone can answer. My wife really likes the digital box because of the guide feature, however If I run the cable into the digital box and then to the tv, I can't pick up any of the Unencrypted HD stuff (unless i'm missing something). Here's my thinking. If I were to run 2 lines, one to the box and one to the tv and then rejoin the signal after the box with another splitter, would I be able to just put the tv on channel 4 and use the digital box, or use the QAM tuner with my non comcast remote at the same time? Or maybe there is an easier way around this.

Your description isn't clear to me. What do you want to do? Do you just want to want to have a guide without needing the box?

There's another way: TV Guide on-screen is broadcast over WTXF analog. If your TV supports TV Guide On-Screen, then it should just automatically pick it up. No ComCast boxes are needed.

(Caveat: I dropped ComCast last month for Verizon FiOS, so I hope the info is still current.)

There's another way: TV Guide on-screen is broadcast over WTXF analog. If your TV supports TV Guide On-Screen, then it should just automatically pick it up.It seems to not be working lately... at least for my guide.

We will only pick up un-encrypted channels. You will NOT get ESPN HD or Discovery HD. I get CSNHD but no sound.

Thanks for th info. I really like to get the CSNHD and ESPNHD along with the Discovery HD. One of my co-worker in the office lives in Conshohocken area and she tells me that she gets the ESPNHD and Discovery HD. She is not one who knows alot about HDTV stuff, so could be wrong on Discovery HD (She may have tghought one of the WHYY Nature program as DiscoveryHD).

But are you sure the ESPNHD is transmitted "encrypted?" And since you said you are picking up the CSNHD w/no sound, what channel are you picking thiss up? I know you are in Wilimington, DE area, but this tells me that CSNHD is sent out as "unencrypted."

Thanks

One needs a subscription to at least Digital Classic (along with Basic) to get the other non-Local non-Premium HD, and a CableCard TV or CC Box with a CC installed, if one doesn't want a Comcast Box.

Occasionally, a few HD and SD channels are left unencrypted temporarily, usually when they are new, like Universal-HD, or when they are moving around channel frequencies. One won't be able to get CSN-HD or any others with sound, AFAIK. The reason even Locals are unencrypted is that all cable subs must take Basic, but anything else is optional, so they have to encrypt other channels.

One needs a subscription to at least Digital Classic (along with Basic) to get the other non-Local non-Premium HD, and a CableCard TV or CC Box with a CC installed, if one doesn't want a Comcast Box.

Occasionally, a few HD and SD channels are left unencrypted temporarily, usually when they are new, like Universal-HD, or when they are moving around channel frequencies. One won't be able to get CSN-HD or any others with sound, AFAIK. The reason even Locals are unencrypted is that all cable subs must take Basic, but anything else is optional, so they have to encrypt other channels.

I have two HDTVs; one connected to a COMCAST Digital STB and one (Sharp Aquos w/QAM) hooked up directly to the wall jack. My Comcast subscription (Silver Digital HD package) gets me all the Comcast HD channels above 200. This is received via my 250 Lb Hitachi 51" in my rec room.

My Comcast Co-ax is split up at the point of entry in the basement. My Sharp HDTV w/QAM picks up all locals in Analog, Digital, and HD Digital format at all different sub-channels. This TV is ONLY hooked up to the wall jack, now...

Locals= [KYW, WCAU,WPVI, WHYY, WTAF (Fox), UPN, CW, Universal HD (this was recent)].

So, if what you said is correct and someone else claimed that CSN-HD is in the clear, should'nt I be picking it up using the QAM tuner???? Afterall, I DO have the digital package subscription.

I am somewhat puzzled.....

I have two HDTVs; one connected to a COMCAST Digital STB and one (Sharp Aquos w/QAM) hooked up directly to the wall jack. My Comcast subscription (Silver Digital HD package) gets me all the Comcast HD channels above 200. This is received via my 250 Lb Hitachi 51" in my rec room.

My Comcast Co-ax is split up at the point of entry in the basement. My Sharp HDTV w/QAM picks up all locals in Analog, Digital, and HD Digital format at all different sub-channels. This TV is ONLY hooked up to the wall jack, now...

Locals= [KYW, WCAU,WPVI, WHYY, WTAF (Fox), UPN, CW, Universal HD (this was recent)].

So, if what you said is correct and someone else claimed that CSN-HD is in the clear, should'nt I be picking it up using the QAM tuner???? Afterall, I DO have the digital package subscription.

I am somewhat puzzled.....



It's fairly straightforward. FCC rules state that if Comcast carries any local OTA HD channels, they must pass them in the clear on their basic subscription package. There are no FCC rules concerning the National and non-OTA HD channels they carry, so Comcast can do whatever they want with them. As a rule, they generally encrypt them all, but occasionally they will pass one or two national/non OTA HD channels in the clear. In your case, your local franchise has decided to pass UHD in the clear. Mine happens to show TNT-HD. I'm sure it has something to do with bandwith/network performance, but that's just a guess. Either way, it is totally at Comcasts' discretion which non-OTA HD channels are encrypted or unencrypted.

As far as getting encrypted channels on your Aquos goes, as QZ1 explained, you only have 2 choices. You can either rent an STB from Comcast or a use a CableCard enabled TV or device such as a Tivo 3. That's it. You will never be able to pick up any encrypted channels on your Aquos QAM tuner because Comcast has no way to communicate with the tuner to verify that you are in fact a digital package subscriber and entitled to de-crypt them.

To add; When I mentioned CSNHD with no sound, a channel like that is "here today, gone tomorrow" and pops up occasionally when Comcast does channel re-mapping.

To get program guide info (without a stb), you must have TVGOS built into your TV.

It's fairly straightforward. FCC rules state that if Comcast carries any local OTA HD channels, they must pass them in the clear on their basic subscription package. There are no FCC rules concerning the National and non-OTA HD channels they carry, so Comcast can do whatever they want with them. As a rule, they generally encrypt them all, but occasionally they will pass one or two national/non OTA HD channels in the clear. In your case, your local franchise has decided to pass UHD in the clear. Mine happens to show TNT-HD. I'm sure it has something to do with bandwith/network performance, but that's just a guess. Either way, it is totally at Comcasts' discretion which non-OTA HD channels are encrypted or unencrypted.

As far as getting encrypted channels on your Aquos goes, as QZ1 explained, you only have 2 choices. You can either rent an STB from Comcast or a use a CableCard enabled TV or device such as a Tivo 3. That's it. You will never be able to pick up any encrypted channels on your Aquos QAM tuner because Comcast has no way to communicate with the tuner to verify that you are in fact a digital package subscriber and entitled to de-crypt them.

I guess I have to be content with the freebie HD signals. Since my Aquos is not CableCard enabled TV, I guess I will have to invest in one of those Tivos, Tivo 3 to be specific, I guess...... Where can I purchase such TIVO 3? and how much do they cost?

I had asked previously if anyone had any idea (or a spreadsheet) of what all the QAM channels are.

But, I guess if they change all the time, it's probably useless to compile one?

I picked up 300+ channels. Music channels, etc..

I had asked previously if anyone had any idea (or a spreadsheet) of what all the QAM channels are.

But, I guess if they change all the time, it's probably useless to compile one?

I picked up 300+ channels. Music channels, etc..

That's correct. If you look through this thread a few pages back, even that would have little value for you. For instance, ABC HD here (Wilmington) is mapped to a different location than Philly.

I had asked previously if anyone had any idea (or a spreadsheet) of what all the QAM channels are.

But, I guess if they change all the time, it's probably useless to compile one?

I picked up 300+ channels. Music channels, etc..

I painstakingly mapped the entire digital channels (from 78.1 thru 119.4) that Willow Grove Market station was pumping for the Lower Moreland area. Granted, each market will be different, but I can post it if it will help. Yes, I mapped it in spreadsheet format.

I discovered by accident that I could manually enter channels via remote control to even at the lower end where you know they are in Analog mode. I.E.) If I enter, say, 12.5 via remote, the screen will say "digital" on the upper right corner whether it had a capturable screen or not....

I also discovered that my channle lineups on 83.1, 83.2, 83.3, etc.... to 86.12 are reserved for "on-demand" stuff. I sometimes pick up Sopranos, Howard Stern, late run movies, including soft porns.

Speaking of soft porns, does anyone know how to BLOCK these soft porns from showing up on the sub-bands on Channels (83 to 86) using the TV's built-in V-CHIP? I have a 14 year old son, and I am concerned about him "browsing" these channels while we are not home. I know the V-Chip can be programmed to block those stations that are more permanent, but on those "dynamic" channels, I do not know how to do this....

I painstakingly mapped the entire digital channels (from 78.1 thru 119.4) that Willow Grove Market station was pumping for the Lower Moreland area. Granted, each market will be different, but I can post it if it will help. Yes, I mapped it in spreadsheet format.

I discovered by accident that I could manually enter channels via remote control to even at the lower end where you know they are in Analog mode. I.E.) If I enter, say, 12.5 via remote, the screen will say "digital" on the upper right corner whether it had a capturable screen or not....

I also discovered that my channle lineups on 83.1, 83.2, 83.3, etc.... to 86.12 are reserved for "on-demand" stuff. I sometimes pick up Sopranos, Howard Stern, late run movies, including soft porns.

Speaking of soft porns, does anyone know how to BLOCK these soft porns from showing up on the sub-bands on Channels (83 to 86) using the TV's built-in V-CHIP? I have a 14 year old son, and I am concerned about him "browsing" these channels while we are not home. I know the V-Chip can be programmed to block those stations that are more permanent, but on those "dynamic" channels, I do not know how to do this....

I get the OnDemand stuff on 83-86 as well, I knew this would be a problem with some household, because of the "adult" programs that tend to show up later on at night, haha. As far as I know, the TV doesn't get EPG ratings for those programs(I do see some of the movies on 83-86 that pop up, DO have the EPG ratings transmitted, so the V-chip would block them...) I guess the best thing to do is to make sure that NO channels from 83-86 are programmed in the channel memory. That way the ONLY way you could see them would be to go into the menu and manually add channels 83-86. My TV they are added, but they kinda randomly show up since each feed is a different subchannel on 83-86. But I have them added. If you don't have them added, they probably won't show up. Unless your kid knows how to go into the menus and add channels 83-86, this should keep them from showing up...

I get the OnDemand stuff on 83-86 as well, I knew this would be a problem with some household, because of the "adult" programs that tend to show up later on at night, haha. As far as I know, the TV doesn't get EPG ratings for those programs(I do see some of the movies on 83-86 that pop up, DO have the EPG ratings transmitted, so the V-chip would block them...) I guess the best thing to do is to make sure that NO channels from 83-86 are programmed in the channel memory. That way the ONLY way you could see them would be to go into the menu and manually add channels 83-86. My TV they are added, but they kinda randomly show up since each feed is a different subchannel on 83-86. But I have them added. If you don't have them added, they probably won't show up. Unless your kid knows how to go into the menus and add channels 83-86, this should keep them from showing up...


You know some MSO's encrypt the ONdemand content in fear of QAM tuner user filing a suite against them.The way that is done is by encrypting the file before it is loaded on the ONdemand server. One day when the equipment is capable, that content will be encrypted as it is being distributed to the STB from the server. Changes will come as more users use QAM as one method of watching programing.

You can also see this if you check the Channel Lineup for Basic Cable on the Comcast website:

Among what is listed for my area for "Basic" - of course these aren't the "in-the-clear" channel numbers:
231 WPVI-DT (ABC) HDTV* High-Definition TV
232 WCAU-DT (NBC) HDTV* High-Definition TV
233 KYW-DT (CBS) HDTV* High-Definition TV
234 WTXF-DT (Fox) HDTV* High-Definition TV
235 WPHL-DT (WB) HDTV* High-Definition TV
240 WHYY-DT HDTV* High-Definition TV
245 WPVI News** News & Info
246 WPVI Weather** News & Info
248 WCAU Weather** News & Info

Also, the following disclaimer:
* HDTV broadcast feeds (ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, WB and UPN) are included in limited basic service and may not be available in all areas.


What are the 'in the clear' for these channels?

And what does something like 80.1 mean? Channel 80, then what do I do?

And there are 2 coaxial jacks on my TV: Air and Cable. Which should I use?

If you have a set with a built in tuner (QAM, aka HDTV built-in), all you need to do, is hook the coaxial cable directly to the set without a cable card. You'll get the Local HD channels and it's legal.

I have a QAM tuner on my set. Plugged the coax in and did a scan. I'm not getting any HD channels, and certainly no decimal channels of the 80.1 variety. In fact, I can't enter those at all.

I live in Princeton, NJ08540

For those unsure if they have a QAM tuner; on the back of your TV you will have three coax inputs; 1)air-for over the air signals, 2)analog cable-for regular cable, and 3)digital cable-for your digital cable such as 80.1.

When you do a scan for cable channels, you must scan both analog and digital channels.

For those asking for a spreadsheet of channels; they change so much, any spreadsheet is rendered almost useless quite often. For instance, for me the locals changed last night. As an example, ABC HD was 74.1, this morning it's 6.1

Using a QAM tuner for me keeps a stb out of the picture (a good thing) but it's negative is the constant easter egg hunt!! I could just get a CC but I'm too cheap to pay Comcast what I believe to be an outrageous charge for the privilege. So for those of us insisting on using the QAM tuner...happy hunting!!

For those unsure if they have a QAM tuner; on the back of your TV you will have three coax inputs; 1)air-for over the air signals, 2)analog cable-for regular cable, and 3)digital cable-for your digital cable such as 80.1.


Mine only has 1, so that might be an option, too.

:rolleyes:

Does anyone know what KYW's plans are for this weekend's NCAA tourney coverage? I read on the HD Programming thread that CBS is only distributing the nationwide "flex" feed in HD. Constant feeds for local games are not distributed in HD, and will be shown in upconverted SD.

So for A&M/Penn and Kentucky/Villanova we will see the entire game, at the expense of loosing HD. That sucks :(

Last year they had some different games on the HD channel than the regular SD channel. Doesn't look to be the case this year... I emailed the station but haven't heard anything back. Couldn't find the schedule page that tells what games they are showing on what channel either, their "NCAABB TV Schedule" page still lists games for the weekend of 3/4.

For those unsure if they have a QAM tuner; on the back of your TV you will have three coax inputs; 1)air-for over the air signals, 2)analog cable-for regular cable, and 3)digital cable-for your digital cable such as 80.1.

When you do a scan for cable channels, you must scan both analog and digital channels.

For those asking for a spreadsheet of channels; they change so much, any spreadsheet is rendered almost useless quite often. For instance, for me the locals changed last night. As an example, ABC HD was 74.1, this morning it's 6.1

Using a QAM tuner for me keeps a stb out of the picture (a good thing) but it's negative is the constant easter egg hunt!! I could just get a CC but I'm too cheap to pay Comcast what I believe to be an outrageous charge for the privilege. So for those of us insisting on using the QAM tuner...happy hunting!!
I never heard of a TV with three coax inputs, but I don't doubt it. I have heard of a TV with 'air' and 'cable' inputs. My TV has just one input, and it has a QAM tuner. So, the number of coax inputs is irrelevant.
One just needs to look for the QAM tuner spec., although sometimes it isn't listed, as it isn't for my TV. However, the manual and menu mentions scanning for Analog and Digital Cable channels.

AFAIK, channel 6.1 would be the alias for the actual QAM frequency of the channel.

Here, a CC for Basic service is free.
For other services, it is nominally free, but in reality, there is a box fee built into the service prices, so one is effectively paying a CC fee equal to the box fee.

What are the 'in the clear' for these channels?

And what does something like 80.1 mean? Channel 80, then what do I do?

And there are 2 coaxial jacks on my TV: Air and Cable. Which should I use?
I have a QAM tuner on my set. Plugged the coax in and did a scan. I'm not getting any HD channels, and certainly no decimal channels of the 80.1 variety. In fact, I can't enter those at all.

I live in Princeton, NJ08540
Each service area varies QAM channel frequencies.

For entering channels, there should be a '-' or '.' button on your remote, like on my TV it would be 80-1.

Since we are talking about cable you need to use the Cable jack. ;)

I never heard of a TV with three coax inputs, .

my old hitachi crt rptv had antenna a, b and cable. :)

I have three LCDs (2 sharps and 1 magnovox) and a Pio plasma. They all have three coax inputs BUT if they are are making them now with one input and split the signal internally that's great! Sure means less mess on the back doesn't it?

I have three LCDs (2 sharps and 1 magnovox) and a Pio plasma. They all have three coax inputs BUT if they are are making them now with one input and split the signal internally that's great! Sure means less mess on the back doesn't it?
Well, the new ones I see have one or two. Splitting internally might be an issue, and I thinking combining them before input might be an issue. I could see using a splitter in reverse as a combiner, but I just don't know enough about it, to know if cable and air signals can be combined.

I think the intent of the manufacturer is that you will only be supplying 1 of the 3 choices, not all at once. It's not a good idea to combine OTA with cable TV channels in the same coax.

- The channel frequencies overlap at UHF. Here's a breakdown: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/catv-ch.html (ham radio site)
- You are combining different channel bandwidths, signal strengths and spacing (frequency separation). Bad news for the RF tuner front ends. It might work for a few channels, but not all.

Anyone know the comment Dawn Stensland made on the news on Tuesday night for which she apologized Wednesday? She opened the broadcast by "apologizing for the self-depricating comment I made on last night's broadcast."

Read today's Daily News. It is in there.

She used the word "retard" in describing how she felt sometimes. Folks took offense to the comment so she apologized.

She used the word "retard" in describing how she felt sometimes. Folks took offense to the comment so she apologized.

I take offense at folks taking offense for broadcasters words.

There you go...we are ALL offended!!

Off topic - Deleted

TO GET thread this back on focus...

when she said that, was it in HD?

:)

mitch

You may feel differently if someone close to you was afflicted with such a condition.

No offense intended or taken.

Frank

The word "offend" is way over used and has lost all meaning. Its being used as a substitute for "I don't like that".

Well tough. You don't have to like everything that others say and do.

And whether I know someone afflicted with any condition or not, I couldn't care less what someone on TV says about that condition.

If my relative was mentally "handicapped" -- what difference does it make if a news personality or anyone uses the word retarded?

I may not like that or want to use it -- but it has no bearing on my life or my afflicted relative's life. They are just "words" get over it.

I knew that there would be some complaining about that comment as soon as I heard her say it. And, yes, it was in HD! :D

Does anyone have any idea what part(s) of Bensalem twsp have FiOS? According to wiki, Bensalem is listed as one of the twsp's that has it in Bucks county, don't know if that is accurate or not.

I think the intent of the manufacturer is that you will only be supplying 1 of the 3 choices, not all at once. It's not a good idea to combine OTA with cable TV channels in the same coax.

- The channel frequencies overlap at UHF. Here's a breakdown: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/catv-ch.html (ham radio site)
- You are combining different channel bandwidths, signal strengths and spacing (frequency separation). Bad news for the RF tuner front ends. It might work for a few channels, but not all.
But, there are TVs with two coax inputs, and one goes to the Air tuner and the other goes to the Cable tuner, so there is no combining; one has to switch inputs on the remote to access two separate channel lineups.

I guess a third input would be so one could have Cable, a UHF Antenna, and a VHF Antenna. Those that still have some Analog Cable, have that in combination with Digital cable, so no need for another input there, AFAIK.

Does anyone have any idea what part(s) of Bensalem twsp have FiOS? According to wiki, Bensalem is listed as one of the twsp's that has it in Bucks county, don't know if that is accurate or not.
This is the Comcast thread. You can ask this question in the Verizon thread, for a better response. :)

But, there are TVs with two coax inputs, and one goes to the Air tuner and the other goes to the Cable tuner, so there is no combining; one has to switch inputs on the remote to access two separate channel lineups.

I guess a third input would be so one could have Cable, a UHF Antenna, and a VHF Antenna. Those that still have some Analog Cable, have that in combination with Digital cable, so no need for another input there, AFAIK.
The cable tuner is anaolg and another for digital (QAM). It's either handled inside the set (I guess) or as in my case as seperate coax inputs on the back of the set.
The third is for air and yes, you have to switch inputs.

The cable tuner is anaolg and another for digital (QAM). It's either handled inside the set (I guess) or as in my case as seperate coax inputs on the back of the set.
The third is for air and yes, you have to switch inputs.
But I don't see how to split boxless Analog and boxless Digital Cable, even with a splitter, they would still both go to both inputs. It sounds to me it is for those old A/B cable systems, just an educated guess.

The separate input for Air is good, in case one needs to get to some HD Locals from Air, as well as from HD Digital Cable (along with SD Digital and Analog Cable).

I noticed tonight that WPSG-DT got moved on my system(Bensalem) to 57-1... punching in 110-1 where it used to be somehow automatically redirects the tuner to 57-1...

Anyone else see this, perhaps on Willow Grove or Fort Washington systems?

No HD for the Villanova game? Ch 3 forget to throw the switch?

No HD for the Villanova game? Ch 3 forget to throw the switch?

That is my guess. I'm optimistic the switch will get thrown back to HD soon. :-)

Hi, we just recently got HDTV from Comcast...and i had just bought a Samsung s4253 plasma (still breaking in)..Right now i only have a regular coaxial cable from the wall that "screws" into the back of the TV. Reception is ok at best..few channels are nice but most are a little fuzzy/snowy. Its not bad "fuzzy/snowy" per say, but you can tell its not as clear as they can be. Its just not "smooth"...

So my question is whether or not i can actually tap into the cable that goes into the back of the HD box and get HD channels on my TV?? I'm pretty sure i cant because that would be considered stealing...??? What is the cheapest and simplest way i can do that if i can?? I know i can get an extra box, but i dont feel like paying for it..i dont watch that much tv anyways so i am not that worried about it..

If i cant do that however, what are some of the ways that i can improve the signal/reception of my regular cable? I already replace the cable but thats about it for now..any suggestions?

That is my guess. I'm optimistic the switch will get thrown back to HD soon. :-)

I called the news room, they "can not" send the HD signal for this game.
do other details, but I believe tonight was schedule to move from 5th and market to the new location on spring garden. I was told all other games will be in HD.

Sounds like this could be part of the "Flex Region", "Constant Region" feed issue. I have to confess that I do not totally understand the concept (just found the thread), but that would explain why KYW "can not" send the HD feed.

Sounds like this could be part of the "Flex Region", "Constant Region" feed issue. I have to confess that I do not totally understand the concept (just found the thread), but that would explain why KYW "can not" send the HD feed.


I did a quick search and found the forum about the constant and flex issue.
Here in a nut shell is the best example

Details are for CBS5 in Kentucky, gets the point across.
"Hi all. Regarding our upcoming broadcasts of the NCAA tourney, I wanted to give you a heads-up. This year CBS requires our HD game (5.1) to be the same game as on our analog channel. We cannot put a different game on 5.1 than on 5 analog as we have in the past.

Most feeds to affiliates are what's called "flex feeds" where the scheduled game is the main game but New York control may jump around to various games as situations warrant. But stations may choose to have a "constant feed" of a game that has high local interest. In our case of course that would be the KU game.

Many or all of you may be very disappointed, but due to current CBS infastructure limitations of separate HD feeds to affiliates, they can only provide "flex" HD feeds. Since again, we have to have the same game on analog 5 and HD 5.1, and there are no "constant" HD feeds available, we must upconvert the KU game this Friday from the SD constant feed. The KU game Friday will not be in HD. "

No HD for the Villanova game? Ch 3 forget to throw the switch?

It was unwatchable for me! The other games that were shown in HD have been very good for the most part.

For what it is worth, the 'Nova game was in 4:3 SD over the Verizon FiOS feed also, so it was an issue with CBS, and not your cable. The strange part was that they showed the HD logo, mentioned that the game was in high def "where available"!

It has nothing to do with switching. We were stuck with the SD feed due to the fact that it was a local game and there were no cut outs. See the programming thread for an explanation.

I noticed tonight that WPSG-DT got moved on my system(Bensalem) to 57-1... punching in 110-1 where it used to be somehow automatically redirects the tuner to 57-1...

Anyone else see this, perhaps on Willow Grove or Fort Washington systems?
From reading the following, it sounds to me like Comcast might be starting a project to do this nationwide.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10048579&&#post10048579

I am on the WG system, I will check my TV when I get a chance.

It makes sense I suppose. This is what I've experienced this past week with my channel line up.

I have a QAM tuner on my set. Plugged the coax in and did a scan. I'm not getting any HD channels, and certainly no decimal channels of the 80.1 variety. In fact, I can't enter those at all.

I live in Princeton, NJ08540

I have the Comcast coax going directly to my "cable" input on the HDTV (Sony XBR960) and then selected 'auto program' from the HDTV's menu. It then scans and notifies how many analog and digital channels it has picked up.

With the decimal channels, look at your remote and see if there is a decimal on it, mine is below the number 7 on the remote.

What model is your HDTV? If it has a QAM tuner, you should be receiving the Comcast freebie channels in HDTV.

Was there a recent firmware upgrade? Fast forward and rewind on my Motorola 6412 seem to be about 5 times faster then before. Takes a little getting used to...

Also, does anyone know what's going to happen to channel 210? Most of the time there's no signal, but sometimes I see MSG HD. I am on the Trenton, NJ Comcast system.

Was there a recent firmware upgrade? Fast forward and rewind on my Motorola 6412 seem to be about 5 times faster then before. Takes a little getting used to...

Also, does anyone know what's going to happen to channel 210? Most of the time there's no signal, but sometimes I see MSG HD. I am on the Trenton, NJ Comcast system.

I'm on a different system in South Jersey, but my firmware went from 9.19 to 16.20 last week. Personally, I prefer 9.19. The faster FF/RW is nice, but overall the box is more sluggish and I really hate the sub-menu they added to the My DVR button. There is a firmware version 16.35 out there that is supposed to be more stable than 16.20, but I have no idea why we didn't get it.

If nobody watches WCAU HD and it is off the air for over 3 days does anyone make a sound?

Has anybody else on the old Garden State Cable (Marlton, NJ) system noticed that WCAU HD on channel 232 has been missing? The sub is up and channel 10 is up.

Everyone keep an eye out for 16.35 firmware, I just got it this morning, on the Bensalem system. This is nice considering about 3 months ago I still had 12.22 and just got 12.31 maybe in January?

Woke up this morning and turned on the TV, immediatly noticed a different font on the guide, hit 'my dvr' and sure enough got the new menu, and found out I finally got 16.35 and the new S/W version above xxxx-1203.

Immediate observations:
-different font for all characters. Looks a little easier to read and looks to be optimized for LCD's, just like XP's "cleartype" font that smoothes the edges of characters.
-the obvious my dvr button takes you do another menu. I can learn to live with hitting my dvr and then ok pretty quickly.
-little "HD" logo in the information bar, next to the dolby symbol for HD programs.
-FF/REW didn't seem to be much faster, but the overall menu responsiveness was better. It usually is after a reboot though we'll see if it lasts.
-My 45 second skip still DOES work.

I bet i can break the box on the ol' firewire bug but I am curious to try and see if I can break it.

Other users say that 16.35 fixes the HDMI problem with receivers/repeaters. I use the component to my receiver and then HDMI to the 1 HDMI input on my TV. It looks fine to me, not sure if I'll bother getting another HDMI cable to use from the 3416 to the receiver.

First impression has been positive.

I also got the new firmware today.

Something that now works (it didn't for me before) ...
The Grid Cell Height in the Guide Setup can be set to single height. Then when browsing the guide on screen shows 3 rows instead of 2. This setting as been there and never done anything from what I can remember. It started working on my non-HD box over the weekend, I guess it had been set to Single Height in there when it got the update.

I'm on a different system in South Jersey, but my firmware went from 9.19 to 16.20 last week. Personally, I prefer 9.19. The faster FF/RW is nice, but overall the box is more sluggish and I really hate the sub-menu they added to the My DVR button. There is a firmware version 16.35 out there that is supposed to be more stable than 16.20, but I have no idea why we didn't get it.

I am neutral on the whole My DVR menu, but my wife absolutely hates it. "Just another friggin' thing to worry about", she says...

I wish they would fix the stupid keystroke buffering issue. You know, when the box freezes, you hit about 5 or 6 keys, and it executes them all at once. Now that's annoying!!!

An interesting article in today's Inquirer on how ComCast is forcing customers to upgrade their service: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20070321_HBO_move_riles_some_Comcast_customers.html
Article discusses the impact of moving from analog to digital from the business perspective. One case in point is that local communities that negotiated terms of service with ComCast are now up in arms over the change. ComCast claims that the move will help save bandwidth and allow them to offer more channels and better services.

The article further mentions that irked customers can probably use the move to negotiate better rates. However, complaints about moving to digital have forced the ouster of a top Time Warner Cable executive.

They didn't cover all the issues this is causing. For instance, my Panasonic E95 is now pretty useless. My Tivo Series 1 is also useless, insofar as I can't record any HBO content on either. I'm not running out to rent additional boxes. Pretty pissed about this but wasn't shocked. $400 million in salary and bonus wasn't enough for Brian Roberts; they are absolute thieves.

An interesting article in today's Inquirer on how ComCast is forcing customers to upgrade their service: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20070321_HBO_move_riles_some_Comcast_customers.html
Article discusses the impact of moving from analog to digital from the business perspective. One case in point is that local communities that negotiated terms of service with ComCast are now up in arms over the change. ComCast claims that the move will help save bandwidth and allow them to offer more channels and better services.

The article further mentions that irked customers can probably use the move to negotiate better rates. However, complaints about moving to digital have forced the ouster of a top Time Warner Cable executive.

Big deal, we aren't talking about moving ESPN or Comedy Central to digital only. HBO is a premium channel, i fully believe those should be the first ones to get pulled from analog. Having no premiums on analog too is much more convienient for service too, don't they have to use traps or filters or something at the drops to turn on/off analog premiums? With them all digital, they can turn them on/off right over the phone, and may only require a service call to have cable initially turned on or off. $1.99 fee to change service is cheaper than a $40 service call.

EWTV and CSPAN2, are certainly "niche" markets with the older population, makes 100% sense to move those to digital only.

Just one person's opinion.

It IS a big deal, whether or not you believe it is. What are you, a shill for Comcast? It's bull. I pay 105 a month for cable only (hi-def and dvr) and if I want to split off the cable to run to a Tivo or another machine I should be able to. There is NO reason they did this other than profit. Grow up already.

It IS a big deal, whether or not you believe it is. What are you, a shill for Comcast? It's bull. I pay 105 a month for cable only (hi-def and dvr) and if I want to split off the cable to run to a Tivo or another machine I should be able to. There is NO reason they did this other than profit. Grow up already.

I agree. But with limited bandwidth I think they have no choice but to eliminate analog. That's why Verizon looks so inviting.

It IS a big deal, whether or not you believe it is. What are you, a shill for Comcast? It's bull. I pay 105 a month for cable only (hi-def and dvr) and if I want to split off the cable to run to a Tivo or another machine I should be able to. There is NO reason they did this other than profit. Grow up already.
Get used to it, because it's only going to get worse...it's been noted upstream on this thread that Comcast's medium-term plan is to migrate more analog channels to digital only. The only way they can get additional bandwidth for more HD channels. It's not strictly about profit, but that is a potential happy by-product for them. They rolled out the digital simulcast of the analog channels over the past several years, and now they are tightening the noose.

I believe some Comcast Chicago systems have already lost the Sci-Fi channel from analog to digital. And if you look at Verizon's FIOS TV lineup, there's not much more than local network broadcast in analog -- as only channels lower than 50 are analog. No matter the provider, in the not so distant future, us existing Tivo and Mythtv (Linux PVR) users will need to use settop boxes with IR blasters to get many of the channels we get today. I refuse to pay for some crappy cable-supplied PVR box, even when they put Tivo software on it (and pay additional for that privilege).

I myself can't decide whether to switch to Verizon, as it's just come into my neighborhood. I'd save money, but because of the reasons above, I'm taking a wait and see as I'd have to invest time upgrading my Mythtv set-up to work with a set top. But I had been thinking of doing the same thing with Comcast, to be able to record digital channels. I'm hoping that the upcoming FCC-mandated July deadline for cable operators to separate conditional access from settop boxes will allow consumer electronic makers to bring products to market which will make this integration easier for the DIY. I loathe having to rent the box, and they can be a PITA to control using a separate PVR.

What I'd like to see is a "slim" set top box that I could buy, having dual-tuner with dual output composite and component analog video outputs (and thereby do HD, but of course I wouldn't be able to capture the digital stream, because of all the DRM restrictions). And I'd want the channel changing on this box to be controllable by serial, USB, or Firewire ports. No need to support the program guide or any fancy on screen stuff, just tune the channels. Someday someone will come out with an MPEG4 component HD real-time capture card. That's why I want the analog component outputs.

And of course, there's the Tivo Series 3 which works with CableCard.

It IS a big deal, whether or not you believe it is. What are you, a shill for Comcast? It's bull. I pay 105 a month for cable only (hi-def and dvr) and if I want to split off the cable to run to a Tivo or another machine I should be able to. There is NO reason they did this other than profit. Grow up already.

Ummm, nothing is stopping you from splitting a cable off and running it to a Tivo or another machine, last I checked there are still about 70 analog channels. Where did I say that you couldn't split off a cable?

No I'm not a shill for Comcast, but if I were them and had to eliminate channels from analog and move them to digital, those 2 would be among the first since they have a small audience. Getting rid of the 5 or so community bulletin board/school district channels would be the best, but they are mandated by laws to have those(I think).

Of course it boils down to profit, I never said it didn't. "Grow up already"? Ummm, sure.... I'm very confused, you have no good reasons for your accusations and insults to me and accuse me of saying things I did not say. Relax!

Get used to it, because it's only going to get worse...it's been noted upstream on this thread that Comcast's medium-term plan is to migrate more analog channels to digital only. The only way they can get additional bandwidth for more HD channels. It's not strictly about profit, but that is a potential happy by-product for them.
Interviews with Comcast I have read, say they will drop all or nearly all 'Expanded' Analog channels in 2/09, and leave just 'Basic' Analog, and possibly a few others, for a few years afterwards.

Having no premiums on analog too is much more convienient for service too, don't they have to use traps or filters or something at the drops to turn on/off analog premiums? With them all digital, they can turn them on/off right over the phone, and may only require a service call to have cable initially turned on or off. $1.99 fee to change service is cheaper than a $40 service call.
I am resigned to having Cable Boxes at each outlet. With Motorola areas getting the small DCT-700, I am ok with it, alhtough not thrilled.
At least we can get more HD. In the last few weeks here on the Willow Grove system they dropped four Analog channels, so that means room for at least 8 HD channels, AFAIK.

As to the fees for changing premiums, you are correct as far as Electronic Service Changes are $2.
But Upgrade- Trip Required is $15.65 and Downgrade- Trip Required is $12.85.
Other systems' prices will vary, but are usually very close.

Has anyone seen anything regarding MLB Extra Innings on Comcast in the area yet this year? I signed up for the package last year and loved it, but I haven't seen any ads yet, or messages on my stb, or anything.

Thanks.

It is going to be on Directv exclusively this year... just like the NFL Sunday Ticket.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/cable-makes-pitch-retain-extra/story.aspx?guid=%7BC7DEA5AE-9288-485C-89A5-7816A7AB42EA%7D

I am resigned to having Cable Boxes at each outlet. With Motorola areas getting the small DCT-700, I am ok with it, alhtough not thrilled.
At least we can get more HD. In the last few weeks here on the Willow Grove system they dropped four Analog channels, so that means room for at least 8 HD channels, AFAIK.

As to the fees for changing premiums, you are correct as far as Electronic Service Changes are $2.
But Upgrade- Trip Required is $15.65 and Downgrade- Trip Required is $12.85.
Other systems' prices will vary, but are usually very close.

What blows, though, is getting charged $13.95/mo for each addiitonal HD-capable box (?16.95? for a second DVR)

What blows, though, is getting charged $13.95/mo for each addiitonal HD-capable box (?16.95? for a second DVR)

Yes, that burns me too. I have 3 DVR boxes. I get charged $11 for the initial box, then $16 (total of $32) for the other two boxes.

That is an opposite pricing model for most businesses. Usually the MORE you buy, the more discounts you get.

In other words, perhaps the 1st DVR should be $16, then each addtional DVR should be $11.

They have it backwards!

Its a rip off.

Langhorne area

Comcast seemed to just change the channel numbers used to pick up the digital channels via a QAM tuner. I found
CBS on 3-1
ABC on 6-1
NBC on 10-1

But I couldn't find Fox or Channel 17 or 57 (from analog) when cycling thru all the channels.
For anyone picking up digital channels thru their QAM tuner, have you found them?
thanks

Langhorne area

Comcast seemed to just change the channel numbers used to pick up the digital channels via a QAM tuner. I found
CBS on 3-1
ABC on 6-1
NBC on 10-1

But I couldn't find Fox or Channel 17 or 57 (from analog) when cycling thru all the channels.
For anyone picking up digital channels thru their QAM tuner, have you found them?
thanks

Just noticed the rest of the channels today, WPSG-57 changed last week, tonight all of the channels seem to have been switched. At least on my system(Bensalem), I have found all of the channels. They are all mapped:

3-1: KYW-DT
6-1: WPVI-DT
6-2: WPVI-SD
6-3: WPVI-WX(weather)
10-1: WCAU-DT
10-2: WCAU-WX(weather
12-3: WHYY-DT
12-4: WHYY-DT2
12-5: WHYY-DT3
17-1: WPHL-DT
17-2: WPHL-TUBE(The Tube)
29-1: WTXF-DT
57-1: WPSG-DT

Once last week I even saw program information passed through cable on 57-1! Comcast used to strip this information off, guess they are putting it back?

Names show up as well, my TV doesn't let you name digital channels. On my TV, I punch in 90-1(which used to be WHYY-DT) and I get nothing now. I have to punch in 12-3 for WHYY-DT, or 3-1 for KYW, etc.

Now my USB HDTV tuner for my PC, slightly different. There if I try to tune to 3-1, it won't let me. I still have to go to 90-2. But if I add channel 90 to it's memory, it creates a listing for 3-1, so I guess it is seeing some kind of mapping over to the frequency for 3-1?

I AM seeing EPG guide information from the cable on my USB HDTV tuner, did not get that before. So Comcast definetly added/re-enabled something, guide wise.

Give it another couple days, and all of them should show up.

Yes, that burns me too. I have 3 DVR boxes. I get charged $11 for the initial box, then $16 (total of $32) for the other two boxes.

That is an opposite pricing model for most businesses. Usually the MORE you buy, the more discounts you get.

In other words, perhaps the 1st DVR should be $16, then each addtional DVR should be $11.

They have it backwards!

Its a rip off.
I have a good understanding of Comcast's confusing pricing structure, and I have noticed that what one nominally pays for an item isn't always reflective of the actual cost to the subscriber.

With the DVR, the only way officially to get a DVR is to have Digital Classic or Plus.
Well they have a $4.15 box/remote included in the service, but not itemized.
(The only reason the price is known is because the box price is listed for a la carte premiums).
So, in reality, the first DVR is $4.15 + $11.95 = $16.10, very close to the second DVR price of $16.90.

And actually, they did reduce the effective price of the second DVR for many people.
The DVR was $9.95 and some kind of mirroring was needed (A/O), usually Digital Classic/Plus mirroring, which was $8.90, so the total was $18.85.
One would expect it to now be $20.85, but, now the DVR and Digital Mirroring are included in the $16.90, as a second DVR is now called a 'DVR with Digital Services A/O'.

I have a good understanding of Comcast's confusing pricing structure, and I have noticed that what one nominally pays for an item isn't always reflective of the actual cost to the subscriber.

With the DVR, the only way officially to get a DVR is to have Digital Classic or Plus.
Well they have a $4.15 box/remote included in the service, but not itemized.
(The only reason the price is known is because the box price is listed for a la carte premiums).
So, in reality, the first DVR is $4.15 + $11.95 = $16.10, very close to the second DVR price of $16.90.

And actually, they did reduce the effective price of the second DVR for many people.
The DVR was $9.95 and some kind of mirroring was needed (A/O), usually Digital Classic/Plus mirroring, which was $8.90, so the total was $18.85.
One would expect it to now be $20.85, but, now the DVR and Digital Mirroring are included in the $16.90, as a second DVR is now called a 'DVR with Digital Services A/O'.

Its still BS. The "digital mirroring" is nonsense. It does not cost Comcast one penny more to have more than one box have the same level of service -- the signal comes to the house already -- they just need to activate each box based on its ID number/MAC address -- which involves a button push by a CSR.

If I get digital classic service, it should be one charge for that service PER HOUSEHOLD -- and each box should be a separate charge. So $9.00 at the most for each additional box. The A/O charge is a complete and utter rip off.

Also, in addition to my DVRs I have a digital box (not HD, NOT DVR), the charge for that is the same as the a/o charge. Which shows that there is no need for an a/o charge on top of the DVR cost itself.

Does the phone company charge me per phone in my house? Does the water company charge me per faucet in my house? Does the electric company charge me per outlet in my house? Does the gas company charge per gas utilizing device? Does Comcast even charge per computer in your house for Internet service?

NO NO NO NO and NO.

So the A/O thing is a complete load of horse manure.

thanks, I also noticed a TV Guide channel while searching. Also noted TBS, Discovery Health, Animal Planet and a few others. One channel was even broadcasting Howard Stern's Sirius show (must have been a taped from earlier) But when went back to that channel later it was totally different programming.

Its still BS. The "digital mirroring" is nonsense.
There used to be one for DVRs, as I said, and the breakdown effectively was-
Digital A/O $8.90 (was $4.75 box and $4.15 mirroring) and a DVR upgrade was $9.95.
So, effectively the DVR was $14.70 and Mirroring $4.15.
But, this irrelevent now, as this pricing structure is obsolete.

In reality, there is almost no fee for 'Digital mirroring' anymore on a second DVR.
The first DVR effectively costs $16.10, as I enumerated before, (it is an upgrade of the non-itemized included box).
And the second DVR costs only $0.80 more, at $16.90.
Read it again, and you will see this. :)

Digital mirroring is now still in effect for HD and SD non-DVR Boxes, as they need 'Digital Classic/Plus A/O' $8.90 ($4.15 box and $4.75 mirroring) to get those services on the A/O.
I agree the mirroring part should not be allowed.

thanks, I also noticed a TV Guide channel while searching. Also noted TBS, Discovery Health, Animal Planet and a few others. One channel was even broadcasting Howard Stern's Sirius show (must have been a taped from earlier) But when went back to that channel later it was totally different programming.

People have said they get PPV on there. Maybe that's what you were picking up.

Was "Girls Gone Wild" on next? ;)

Its still BS. The "digital mirroring" is nonsense. It does not cost Comcast one penny more to have more than one box have the same level of service -- the signal comes to the house already -- they just need to activate each box based on its ID number/MAC address -- which involves a button push by a CSR.

If I get digital classic service, it should be one charge for that service PER HOUSEHOLD -- and each box should be a separate charge. So $9.00 at the most for each additional box. The A/O charge is a complete and utter rip off.

...So the A/O thing is a complete load of horse manure.
Completely agree -- like that makes any difference. Why I care is for when I can buy my own set top box, as some people are already experiencing with Tivo Series3. They can re-package how they call out their rental charges for plain set-tops or DVR's, so that it is "one" price (which is still outrageous). But as the previous poster accurately describes, the actual additional outlet item doesn't cost them anything more -- it's pure profit. They do it because they can.

It's like going back to the bad old days of early analog cable, before converter boxes were widely commercially available. To get ESPN and CNN, you had to "rent" their box, so they control your access and incrementally charge for it. They couldn't use analog traps on a per channel basis, so eventually you got most programming tiers regardless of the number of outlets.

Since the entire QAM transport is on coax going to every house, of course they have to selectively decrypt only what level of service I subscribe to. But there's no good reason, other than hiding behind the supposed DRM demands of the content providers, to encrypt the firewire port of cable boxes. It just makes it more difficult for those of us who don't want to rent their DVR.

The real test of their pricing power will be when digital TV's build in the hardware for the OCAP software-only authentication scheme (which is supposed to leap-frog two-way CableCard). In theory you won't need a set-top, except for DVR. Will people still stomach paying something like $8.70 extra per TV, for 3 or 4 sets, if they no longer have a Comast-owned physical box to justify it?

It will also be interesting to see if Verizon FIOS-TV, since they can control the subscription at the ONT (where is it QAM and analog modulated), will ever let the digital channels go out on your house coax without encryption. Probably the same DRM boogeyman will be the excuse, but there's no technical reason for them not to.

Completely agree -- like that makes any difference. Why I care is for when I can buy my own set top box, as some people are already experiencing with Tivo Series3. They can re-package how they call out their rental charges for plain set-tops or DVR's, so that it is "one" price (which is still outrageous). But as the previous poster accurately describes, the actual additional outlet item doesn't cost them anything more -- it's pure profit. They do it because they can.?

I agree, it doesn't matter how they re-arrange them, what matters is the effective cost.
A second DVR is only effectively $0.80 more than the first, it used to be effectively $4.15 more, and there is no $5 Whole House Premium fee anymore, either.
These are all steps in the right direction to correct some of the overcharging.
Now we need to get them to drop the mirroring fees for SD and HD non-DVRs, as they are effectively $4.75.

The real test of their pricing power will be when digital TV's build in the hardware for the OCAP software-only authentication scheme (which is supposed to leap-frog two-way CableCard). In theory you won't need a set-top, except for DVR. Will people still stomach paying something like $8.70 extra per TV, for 3 or 4 sets, if they no longer have a Comast-owned physical box to justify it?

Well, if they were to maintain the current pricing stucture, they would go $8.90 A/O - $4.15 actual rental fee = $4.75, and charge that for mirroring.
Hopefully, they will change it before then.

If one wants to say the DVR rental is too expensive, I agree.
I am just saying the $0.80 extra for a second one is fine.
Heck, to me the most outrageous fees are for the channels and for HSI.

thanks, I also noticed a TV Guide channel while searching. Also noted TBS, Discovery Health, Animal Planet and a few others. One channel was even broadcasting Howard Stern's Sirius show (must have been a taped from earlier) But when went back to that channel later it was totally different programming.

You were seeing what others were watching OnDemand. Those channel numbers appear and disappear often, as it changes when someone else watches something else. It's not hard to find "adult" entertainment and/or see someone REW/FF to the good stuff :p

Just noticed the rest of the channels today, WPSG-57 changed last week, tonight all of the channels seem to have been switched. At least on my system(Bensalem), I have found all of the channels. They are all mapped:

3-1: KYW-DT
6-1: WPVI-DT
6-2: WPVI-SD
6-3: WPVI-WX(weather)
10-1: WCAU-DT
10-2: WCAU-WX(weather
12-3: WHYY-DT
12-4: WHYY-DT2
12-5: WHYY-DT3
17-1: WPHL-DT
17-2: WPHL-TUBE(The Tube)
29-1: WTXF-DT
57-1: WPSG-DT

Once last week I even saw program information passed through cable on 57-1! Comcast used to strip this information off, guess they are putting it back?

Names show up as well, my TV doesn't let you name digital channels. On my TV, I punch in 90-1(which used to be WHYY-DT) and I get nothing now. I have to punch in 12-3 for WHYY-DT, or 3-1 for KYW, etc.

Now my USB HDTV tuner for my PC, slightly different. There if I try to tune to 3-1, it won't let me. I still have to go to 90-2. But if I add channel 90 to it's memory, it creates a listing for 3-1, so I guess it is seeing some kind of mapping over to the frequency for 3-1?

I AM seeing EPG guide information from the cable on my USB HDTV tuner, did not get that before. So Comcast definetly added/re-enabled something, guide wise.

Give it another couple days, and all of them should show up.
I noticed that Comcast remapped a the local HD channels on my system. Previously, the HD locals were mapped to 90.x, 91.x, 110.x and 111.x. Now, they are mapped to the OTA channel numbers (i.e. 3.1, 6.1, 10.1, etc.). This is how it works on my Sharp 62U-series tv.

The funny thing is that my Sony DVR has those channels mapped to the old channel numbers. I came home on Thursday and noticed my wife was watching 6.1 and thought, "oh crap, we missed a few recordings ...". But everything was fine.

Kinda funny.

Also of note, I used to be able to tune into a few extra digital channels, but without any sound. Comcast SportsNet HD came in on 115.2 and Jetix was on 117.something. But without sound, they were pretty useless. But since Wed/Thurs, they are no longer there.

ft

Just noticed the rest of the channels today, WPSG-57 changed last week, tonight all of the channels seem to have been switched. At least on my system(Bensalem), I have found all of the channels. They are all mapped:

3-1: KYW-DT
6-1: WPVI-DT
6-2: WPVI-SD
6-3: WPVI-WX(weather)
10-1: WCAU-DT
10-2: WCAU-WX(weather
12-3: WHYY-DT
12-4: WHYY-DT2
12-5: WHYY-DT3
17-1: WPHL-DT
17-2: WPHL-TUBE(The Tube)
29-1: WTXF-DT
57-1: WPSG-DT

Once last week I even saw program information passed through cable on 57-1! Comcast used to strip this information off, guess they are putting it back?



Yes, I can confirm the above channel re-mapping. Comcast also lets the channel descriptions come through. In the case of 17-2, the description is too long so it comes through as "The Tub". LOL

The PQ also seems cleaner on several other analog channels. The digital channels that come through above 73 are still limited and many are still encrypted. Does anyone have any idea what will happen when analog broadcasting ends in 2009?

When I've asked a Comcast CSR, they told me that analog will still be sent down the cable. Is this true?

I also was able to negotiate a substantial discount from Comcast for cable and internet after I got a quote from Verizon FIOS and gave Comcast the details for a comparison. Do your homework before you call!

I was offered a discount to but once I saw the better PQ across the board with FiOS, it was a no brainer for me.

Probably more important. Would you stay with a company that has been over charging their customers for years? I pay $98 for std cable and internet; no boxes, no HD, no digital. Doesn't seem right to me. If they offered me fee service, I'd think about it. I try not to do business with companies that rip me off. Unless I have to, like comca$t. The triple play is their way of trying to retain customers they have been ripping off for years.

I'm going to Fios ASAP.