No. Sorry.

No they will not be, You will get an NHL HD channel or they will be on an HD Special Events channel. You need to subscribe to the Sports tier to get the channel.


Just horrible. Cant beleive they might actually squeeze more money out of me just because im a huge football fan.

did anyone else get a letter from comcast about new hd Services coming.

because of this anyone who isnt signed up for expanded basic will not get any hd channels.

letter (http://home.comcast.net/~whotony/IMG.jpg)

This is getting ridiculous. I don't have OTA to compare and didn't say I did. Where did you get that? I didn't say it is or isn't the network's fault. If others elsewhere in my system aren't noticing this then it's a Comcast issue somewhere between my STB and wherever the signal is originating at at Comcast. I just want it NORMAL the way it used to be before ALL the volume dropped on that channel several months ago, and Comcast should address the issue to determine a solution or if in the case of them just "passing it on" as you say then determine that there ISN'T a solution on their part.
Well I use OTA all of the time for the locals through my Dish 622 and a perfect example of Channel 10 lousy sound just occurred. 30 Rock is on, was all squished and not HD and the sound was loud, but 2 channel, but the volume was as loud as the NFL game I am watching on the other tuner. then someone woke up, turned on the HD and Dolby Digital and the sound is LOW, real LOW, but my 5.1 is lit up on my Yamaha. Channel 10 was horrible last year during Heroes, very low volume and horrible when I watched Sunday Night Football. They need to get their act together.

NFL Network HD is part of the Verizon package in case anyone was interested. BTW, the first minute of Post Game Live today was in HD until they switched it off. The master control room is finished at the Wachovia Center. Full time CSN HD is set to go live on October 1st.

I have had NFLHD since its inception on Dish, full time channel, too much 4:3 crap, but when they do HD it is pretty. The 2 weeks before the Super Bowl were fantastic, then they went back to SD and it was depressing.

did anyone else get a letter from comcast about new hd channels coming.letter (http://home.comcast.net/~whotony/IMG.jpg)

A letter from Comcast? That's rich! Only when they're about to squeeze more money out of you, just like the letter says.

And actually, the letter says NOTHING about new HD channels coming. It says they're adding several HD SERVICES. Read it again. :)

heh exactly I know that but mistyped was I was thinking.

Doh

did anyone else get a letter from comcast about new hd Services coming.

because of this anyone who isnt signed up for expanded basic will not get any hd channels.

letter (http://home.comcast.net/~whotony/IMG.jpg)

I thought one needed at least "digital classic" to get those HD channels? What it could be saying is that if you have "limited basic" and just "digital classic" a la carte (thus allowing you basic cable, and cable HD channels, 2-29 and 200-210, 231-240, NOT 31-99), you can no longer do that, and need to get "expanded basic" as well. I believe this doesn't apply to many people, as you need to know exactly how to pull that off, and get a CSR who knows how to put that in the computer.

I got excited till I read the letter. They aren't moving anything around, this won't speed up getting new HD channels, that SE PA is really starting to fall behind in the number of HD channels in Comcast markets.

BTW, $29.99/12 months for "digital preferred" is a really good deal. That usually runs about $67 a month. Call and see if you can get them to throw in HBO or Showtime or something too, even if for 6 months, that would be a smoking deal.

Has anyone seen the "Traffic Reporter" girl this afternoon on CBS3 HD(Ch 233) All I can say is she looks Great in HD!!! WOW.

A letter from Comcast? That's rich! Only when they're about to squeeze more money out of you, just like the letter says.

And actually, the letter says NOTHING about new HD channels coming. It says they're adding several HD SERVICES. Read it again. :)
I read the letter posted, and I don't see any moving of channels to create new HD services. Just the one major service change of non-local non-premium HD channels now requiring Digital Classic and Expd. service. Did you get a different letter?

I read the letter posted, and I don't see any moving of channels to create new HD services. Just the one major service change of non-local non-premium HD channels now requiring Digital Classic and Expd. service. Did you get a different letter?

who are you asking if they have a different letter.

he was responding to me i think before i fixed my post that said channels,
it now correctly says services.

i'm in del county upper chichester.

I thought one needed at least "digital classic" to get those HD channels?

Yes, that was the written requirement, and that meant getting just Digital Classic in addition to the required Basic. You must have thought Digital Classic with Standard, as they call it here, was a given.

What it could be saying is that if you have "limited basic" and just "digital classic" a la carte (thus allowing you basic cable, and cable HD channels, 2-29 and 200-210, 231-240, NOT 31-99), you can no longer do that, and need to get "expanded basic" as well.

Yes, the letter specifically says Expanded service is now needed in addition to Digital Classic. Some Comcast regions already had this requirement from the beginning or at least earlier than now.

I believe this doesn't apply to many people, as you need to know exactly how to pull that off, and get a CSR who knows how to put that in the computer.

You are probably right, it probably applies to very few people, for two reasons.

First, people generally want all of the many channels in Expanded service, that they don't have in HD simulcast.

Second, generally people don't know that this is even possible, because they either go by Comcast's site, which offers service in a tiered manner only, in order of Basic, Expd., Digital, Premium. (Whereas, in reality, the FCC guarantees that one could get a Premium with just Basic. And also, here, Comcast chooses to allow Basic with Digital, but it's only mentioned on the written list.)

Or if they call, they go by what the CSR says, and they will always try to upsell, by not offering all of the choices.

One had to know that the written prices/services list is what the FCC mandates to be the official policies of the cable co. Comcast indeed had it in writing to allow skipping Expd. service here, as Digital was priced a la carte w/o pre-requisites. (It is not saying that Digital a la carte is ending, just that the Digital HD channels portion of that service now have an pre-requisite of Expd.)

Even if one got/kept the price list, one still might run into an upselling or ignorant CSR, but a talk with the Supervisor would almost certainly get it done. No magic to enter it into the computer, just all of the services a la carte priced.

I knew, eventually, when they had a certain number of HD channels, (whatever it would be), that they would view this service configuration as the customer getting 'too much' value for his money. :rolleyes: Also, a few more people might drop Expd.

I got excited till I read the letter. They aren't moving anything around, this won't speed up getting new HD channels, that SE PA is really starting to fall behind in the number of HD channels in Comcast markets.

BTW, $29.99/12 months for "digital preferred" is a really good deal. That usually runs about $67 a month. Call and see if you can get them to throw in HBO or Showtime or something too, even if for 6 months, that would be a smoking deal.
I doubt they would throw in a premium channel to the deal. In reality, it is as good a deal as could be expected.

Those services w/o Expd. here cost ~$31, so they are giving you Expd. for free for a year plus $1. Other areas should be similar.

who are you asking if they have a different letter.

he was responding to me i think before i fixed my post that said channels,
it now correctly says services.

i'm in del county upper chichester.
As I quoted, I was asking Maxman if he got a different letter for creating new services, rather than just a service. I realize there are no new channels.

People from three areas got this letter, but I didn't here in the Willow Grove service area. It sounds like you all got it about the same day. I wonder if it got lost or our area isn't changing the policy. If they are changing, I sure would like to get Expd. effectively for free for a year. (Seeing as it will be very costly, once we have to upgrade.) The letter says one has two weeks to add Expd.

If anyone gets this letter from the WG system, or any other area not already represented, please reply.

well it looks like the close up king is running the show on the phils game tonight.
missed the play with burrell sliding in the first inning and just now in the second inning a fly ball to center was not seen because they are doing close ups on every thing.

it's not nearly free or a good deeal for me.
it's 30 dollars more a month that i have to spend if i want to watch the hd channels.
i hvae no need to watch one single channel in that tier.

the current set of channels i get now starts at 1 and goes up to about 23.
from there i get maybe 3 or 4 channels until i get to channels 75.

i get everything from 75 on up that isnt a premium channel.

dont need those either, dont watch them.

so i get 1-23 then 75 on up.
i would cancel every thing from 20 up to 200 if i could.
i dont need them.

i guess i have no choice.
fios is not in this area yet.

I read the letter posted, and I don't see any moving of channels to create new HD services. Just the one major service change of non-local non-premium HD channels now requiring Digital Classic and Expd. service. Did you get a different letter?

No, I didn't get any letter.

Got same letter in Upper Pottsgrove.

i think i may just cancel it.
i only watch the hd channels and barely watch anything else.
i never use the on demand.

i can listen to any game i want on radio or sat radio.

i dont know, this is just a kicj in the boys to me.

When will Comcast add "New HD Channels" in N/E Philly???

it's not nearly free or a good deeal for me.
it's 30 dollars more a month that i have to spend if i want to watch the hd channels.
i hvae no need to watch one single channel in that tier.

the current set of channels i get now starts at 1 and goes up to about 23.
from there i get maybe 3 or 4 channels until i get to channels 75.

i get everything from 75 on up that isnt a premium channel.

dont need those either, dont watch them.

so i get 1-23 then 75 on up.
i would cancel every thing from 20 up to 200 if i could.
i dont need them.

i guess i have no choice.
fios is not in this area yet.
I was referring to the Digital Preferred offer of $30/mo. for one year, that someone else mentioned, not the price after a year.

"Those services w/o Expd. here cost ~$31, so they are giving you Expd. for free for a year plus $1."

Of course, after a year, this is a terrible deal, here it would now cost $66/mo., which is $35 more to have Expd. service.

If you don't watch any cable-only non-premium HD channels, then you don't need to upgrade. It sounds like you don't watch the Digital Classic/Preferred SD either, so you could drop that service too, unless you have a DVR.

Get this, KYW-DT is now mapped to 26-1 on my system. WHYY-DT3 on 1-5. Yes, ONE-5.

Why 26? That is KYW's current digital OTA frequency, but nobody outside us AVS'ers really knows that. Still called "Prog 1"

Remember, it's still being found/transmitted at 90-2, the PSIP is simply remapping it to "26-1". My TV goes by PSIP data, but my OnAir GT will let me keep a listing for "3-1" because it's really mapped to 90-2 still. So depending on how your tuner handles PSIP mapping, you might see the real channel(90-2 in my case) or the mapped channel, now 26-1 for me.

Get this, KYW-DT is now mapped to 26-1 on my system. WHYY-DT3 on 1-5. Yes, ONE-5.

Same here in Media, PA. Luckily, my QAM devices don't make me rescan when the PSIP changes. So it doesn't really matter, just wierd to have a channel on 1-5.

ft

Anyone in South Jersey getting WPVI-DT on QAM from Comcast? I haven't found it...

I got the same letter, see my post here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=898392). Our problem is that this increases our prices over 210%, and for those who want HD only; we are paying about $90 a month for 16 HD non-premium channels.

If Comcast sticks to their guns on this; it means I'll be paying $40 a month for 7 HD Local channels with DVR.

That certainly makes it much more attractive for me to downgrade to the $12.30 limited cable service and buy a HTPC to do the DVR via the unencrypted QAM stream - it would pay for itself in under 2 years.

I got the same letter
Which Comcast system do you have?

well i called comcast about this letter.

it is true that those who dont have the middle tier whatever that tier may be will have to have that, if
they want to see the hd channels listed in the letter.

as it turns out they offer a discount on the tier you already have from about $67 to 29.99.

so with the new tier added in, it actually lowers my cable cost about $.83.
but this is only for the first 12 months.
after that it goes to the full price.
i also asked about a discount on hbo and there was nothing available.

so basically if you want these hd channels and you currently do not have the channels between 25-70 you will have to now.

well i called comcast about this letter.

it is true that those who dont have the middle tier whatever that tier may be will have to have that, if
they want to see the hd channels listed in the letter.

Why would you doubt it? :)

BTW, it is called Expanded or Expd. Basic, as mentioned in the letter.

as it turns out they offer a discount on the tier you already have from about $67 to 29.99.

Actually, it is a discount on Digital Preferred package, which is what you would have once you get Expanded service.

so with the new tier added in, it actually lowers my cable cost about $.83.
but this is only for the first 12 months.
after that it goes to the full price.

I mentioned this twice before as saving ~$1, and being a great deal for a year, then it is terrible.

i also asked about a discount on hbo and there was nothing available.

It doesn't surprise me. You have to say you are cancelling, and be ready to follow through. ;)

so basically if you want these hd channels and you currently do not have the channels between 25-70 you will have to now.

Unfortunately, yes. :(

BTW, I still didn't get this letter for the Willow Grove system. I wonder if it got lost or if it doesn't apply to here.

Has anyone in SE PA w/o Expd. service not gotten this letter?
If so, which system?

csr told me they are auditing the setups on eveyones plans, his words not mine.

so they will eventually get around to anyone who doesn not have the extra tier.

he said it was never supposed to be they way i had it and they are just catching up with
fixing this situation.

i would call just in case so you dont miss out on a possible price break o the $67 tier.

csr told me they are auditing the setups on eveyones plans, his words not mine.

so they will eventually get around to anyone who doesn not have the extra tier.

he said it was never supposed to be they way i had it and they are just catching up with
fixing this situation.

i would call just in case so you dont miss out on a possible price break o the $67 tier.
Even when one calls Comcast's toll-free number, AFAIK, one is still routing to the local office. Did he say the entire country or region? If not, I am guessing he is talking about your service area.

As far as them saying this config. is not be what they intended, that is silly. They write the Channel Cards, and they have about thirty notes on there, regarding service and other pre-requisites, so they could have easily required Expd. service before.

In fact, they could have configured their system, so as not to accept Digital Classic or above w/o Expd. Just as it doesn't accept anything w/o Basic. Furthermore, in some Comcast areas, Expd. has been a pre-requisite for Digital for several years, already.

I will request a new Channel Card and a new Price Card, and see what it says. Although, I could call them now, as I would be asking for the promo. deal in the letter, so they would have no $ to gain for a year by falsely saying, yes one needs Expd.

the guy i spoke to said he didint know were i was, so i dont know were he was.

i dont think i got a local office.

so comcast doesnt offer the hd feed of the nfl net this year?

i have it on 275 and it is listed as hd on the channel guide.

also now that i have all the channels, do i need a box to watch them.

i have the line hooked in to tivo but cannot get the 25-70 channels.
i put the cable right into the tv and still no channels.

i get them on the other boxed tv's/

Same here in Media, PA. Luckily, my QAM devices don't make me rescan when the PSIP changes. So it doesn't really matter, just wierd to have a channel on 1-5.

ft


Same here!

I'm on a different system than you as well. Comcast of Reading, 750 MHz. I wonder if the PSIP data is corrupted from the actual source (KYW and WHYY).

WHYY PBS 12 moved to Channel 1-5 Yep thats one dash 5.

KYW CBS 3 moved from 3-1 to 26-1. This is a virtual map because Ch 26 is QVC in Analog.

WPVI ABC 6 returned to 6-1

WCAU NBC 10 returned to 10-1 from 6-1
WCAU Weather Plus returned to 10-2 from 10-1

WPHL MyNetw 17 returned to 17-1
The Tube returned to 17-2

WTXF FOX 29 returned to 29-1

WPSG CW 57 returned to 57-1

The Music Choice lineup shuffled around (Same channels but different stations are on each number). I did not write all of this down.

http://home.comcast.net/~cypherx/freeqam.htm

Phillies road games in HD? (not a rant)

A couple weeks ago, the Phillies games at Washington DC were broadcast in HD. Does anyone know if the games Sept 20-23 will be done in HD?

I'm guessing the will be, since they were before, but it'd sure be nice if Sportsnet publicised such occurances ahead of time.

Should be

I keep meaning to send an email to CSN about their HD schedule. Why don't they toot it more and update it with the road games in HD(2 sites, @NY and @WAS) I'd guess the series in Washington will be HD again, along with the last Mets series. But no official word.

One bad thing about CSNHD, with all their work on HD, they now can crunch the screen up and show scores, on the HD channel. Used to be no score updates on CSNHD. The text for them looks very sharp and crisp, but I hate how they crunch up the screen, about twice as high as ESPN's bottomline, no transparency

It's also interesting that our recent QAM remappings follow the Reading system too, which is a bit of a drive from Philly, not really considered a "suburb", but I think Berks county is the last one in that direction to be in the Philly market/DMA, right?

the guy i spoke to said he didint know were i was, so i dont know were he was.

i dont think i got a local office.
Ok, well, then it sounds like it is at least regional, if not national. Of course, we don't know how reliable this CSR's info. is; but, it is worth questioning.

Should be
It's also interesting that our recent QAM remappings follow the Reading system too, which is a bit of a drive from Philly, not really considered a "suburb", but I think Berks county is the last one in that direction to be in the Philly market/DMA, right?

That's correct. We are part of a 7 system cluster and the main headend is in Lebanon, PA I believe. Lebanon, Pottsville, Reading have the same channel map in the 100+ range. Starting at Pottstown and eastward you are in Comcast Southeastern PA division. I am in Comcast East-Central PA division.

So it's even more odd because were in two different divisions. We don't have things like Bloomburg, and our MHD is on 229 instead of 209, and other oddities.

Should be



One bad thing about CSNHD, with all their work on HD, they now can crunch the screen up and show scores, on the HD channel. Used to be no score updates on CSNHD. The text for them looks very sharp and crisp, but I hate how they crunch up the screen, about twice as high as ESPN's bottomline, no transparency


yes please send them emails about this horrible squeeze tactic.

they have been doing it for years on the sd feed and now a few weeks ago on the hd feed.

they can do it wit no squeeze, i know because i saw it.

i have sent several emails to ask for an end to the squeeze.
it is a joke and no reason for it.

plus 4 times an hour

3 times is plenty.
every 20 minutes would be just right.

also at the end of the score scroll the comcast logo hangs the bar on the screen for another half minute to a full minute with nothing but the word
comcast sportsnet.com.

shheesh what do they need this for.
totally low class network nonsense.

Does anybody know if the Pottstown PA Comcast system is offering Multi-stream CableCards yet. I am thinking of picking up the new TivoHD and would like to be able to use both tuners with a single CableCard rental fee. - Thanks

Anyone in South Jersey getting WPVI-DT on QAM from Comcast? I haven't found it...

Here I get it on 113.1

I haven't found it in Cherry Hill. Maple Shade is a different headend, I think.

i just noticed the bottom line was just up about 5:44 pm tonight.
there was no squeeze and the bar did not fall over into the side bars.

they can do it, why dont they all the time.

hey guys, new to this thread, my home cable is time warner in NYC.

anyway, my parents just bought a sharp 52" LCD ... they have comcast in the philly burbs.

what are the DVR options? I am sure comcast offers a DVR - is it any good? They have a strong preference for buying their own, external DVR box but I have concerns about how it will interface with the comcast guide software.

any recommendations in this regard ? apologies is this is a common question - dont have time to read the thread, i am going down there tomorrow to help them with this

A poster on broadbandreports in Chalfont PA(Bucks County) said that he got a letter in his Comcast bill that new channels will be added around 9/25:

National Geographic HD
Food Network HD
HGTV HD
NFLHD
A&EHD
Fuse(digi classic)
WE(digi classic)

Anyone else get notice of these in their bill? Since I'm in Lower Bucks, I will keep an eye out for these feeds being "tested" in the next couple weeks!

FOX HD is UNWATCHABLE today !!! The HD feed of the Eagles game and even the 2nd game was totally unwatchable - the pixelation was horrible. I called Comcast, but of course, they had no answer and blamed FOX. All of my other HD channels were fine, just FOX was terrible.

I'm in South Philadelphia - did anyone else experience these horrible problems today ???

FOX HD is UNWATCHABLE today !!! The HD feed of the Eagles game and even the 2nd game was totally unwatchable - the pixelation was horrible. I called Comcast, but of course, they had no answer and blamed FOX. All of my other HD channels were fine, just FOX was terrible.

I'm in South Philadelphia - did anyone else experience these horrible problems today ???
djdez- the broadcast was fine in Collegeville. Wish I could say the same for the special teams.

FOX HD is UNWATCHABLE today !!! The HD feed of the Eagles game and even the 2nd game was totally unwatchable - the pixelation was horrible. I called Comcast, but of course, they had no answer and blamed FOX. All of my other HD channels were fine, just FOX was terrible.

I'm in South Philadelphia - did anyone else experience these horrible problems today ???

No problems here. Game looked good. Just had to switch the DVR to output 720p, since fox does 720p broadcasts.

Now I have the Giants / Dallas game on and switched the DVR to output 1080i since NBC broadcasts in that resolution.

I noticed that the image looks really sharp as long as its in the matching resolution. It still looks good if the resolution of the channel doesn't match the box, but it's a bit softer looking.

Wish the dag garn Motorola box did a native HD passthrough. Also wish the Eagles would of won. Here's hoping that the Giants win. Ok I'm off to watch the game. Commercial almost over.

The broadcast was fine in Willow Grove, PA. The CBS feed however was pretty bad; sort of like the entire game was played in a fog.

A poster on broadbandreports in Chalfont PA(Bucks County) said that he got a letter in his Comcast bill that new channels will be added around 9/25:

National Geographic HD
Food Network HD
HGTV HD
NFLHD
A&EHD
Fuse(digi classic)
WE(digi classic)

Anyone else get notice of these in their bill? Since I'm in Lower Bucks, I will keep an eye out for these feeds being "tested" in the next couple weeks!

Yes, I got the same flyer with my latest bill (I'm in Lower Bucks too). On or about 9/25 I think was the date.

Haven't noticed any testing...but I'm biting my fingernails. Not over this directly, but because I've just started capturing my 6200's firewire output on my Linux PC (mythtv) and it's working great. So I can confirm the 5c encryption has been turned off, as has been the rumor (to me, anyway) nationwide for about 6 months now (although it seemed to vary by headend system, so people have been unable to discern if there was an actual coordinated policy change). I'm just hoping it's wasn't turned off temporarily to facilitate these new channels while they remap things. I believe they have a history of such things, as they did when introducing digital cable.

(I don't subscribe to any premium channels, so I don't know if HBO-HD is firewire restricted. But I can capture all the non-local HD's by firewire: CSN, ESPNs, Discovery, NFL, etc, in addition to the SD digital, so I'm looking forward to being able to get the new HD ones--just need bigger hard drives now...500GB just isn't enough. :))

Yes, I got the same flyer with my latest bill (I'm in Lower Bucks too). On or about 9/25 I think was the date.

Haven't noticed any testing...but I'm biting my fingernails. Not over this directly, but because I've just started capturing my 6200's firewire output on my Linux PC (mythtv) and it's working great. So I can confirm the 5c encryption has been turned off, as has been the rumor (to me, anyway) nationwide for about 6 months now (although it seemed to vary by headend system, so people have been unable to discern if there was an actual coordinated policy change). I'm just hoping it's wasn't turned off temporarily to facilitate these new channels while they remap things. I believe they have a history of such things, as they did when introducing digital cable.

(I don't subscribe to any premium channels, so I don't know if HBO-HD is firewire restricted. But I can capture all the non-local HD's by firewire: CSN, ESPNs, Discovery, NFL, etc, in addition to the SD digital, so I'm looking forward to being able to get the new HD ones--just need bigger hard drives now...500GB just isn't enough. :))

SHHHHHHHHHHHHH! :)

It's been off for me since about February. I still have HBO on my current promo for free, and yes that channel is protected. I remember seeing MHD and/or UHD come online with 5C alive and working, so I don't think it's something they have to turn on/off to add HD channels.

The only channels that should have 5c on them are premiums like HBO, PPV, etc. It shouldn't be temporary. There was a pretty big national uproar after the TiVo Series 3 came out b/c of incorrect copy flags, and Comcast has been fixing it system by system. They've been flagging correctly in Center City for at least 6 months.

The only channels that should have 5c on them are premiums like HBO, PPV, etc. It shouldn't be temporary. There was a pretty big national uproar after the TiVo Series 3 came out b/c of incorrect copy flags, and Comcast has been fixing it system by system. They've been flagging correctly in Center City for at least 6 months.
I understand the encryption technologies just enough to be dangerous...but I thought the 5c encryption was separate from any CableCard/QAM encryptions. At least they are on the technology level. Perhaps at a higher level of headend administration they are linked. That's just my uninformed guestimate.

I am very pleased to hear that the 5c situation should be permanent (just in time for me to record the Torchwood premiere on BBC America). I agree this is the way it should be (only HBO's restricted--that's fair to me), but following the mythtv mailing lists, other cable operators still have firewire encryptions enabled, to their customers endless frustration. I haven't read everything out there about this (who could), but I had not come across any indication that Tivo Series 3 (CableCard) was what prompted Comcast to "fix" this. It makes sense that the Tivo user base (and implicit FCC compliance with separating conditional access from set top boxes) would have enough pull to get things changed. Everything I had read indicated that the path of least resistance for Comcast was by default to "lock down" everything that wasn't a local broadcast to appease the content providers. From what I've read to date, Verizon has 5c restrictions active on just about any channel, so at least for the moment this is something that will keep me loyal to Comcast. Paying for an extra digital outlet/settop rental paired with my mythtv set-top is of more value to me than a Series 3.

SHHHHHHHHHHHHH! :)

It's been off for me since about February. I still have HBO on my current promo for free, and yes that channel is protected. I remember seeing MHD and/or UHD come online with 5C alive and working, so I don't think it's something they have to turn on/off to add HD channels.

SHHHH indeed...I did hesitate before posting my upstream comment, you never know who might be listening. ;)

Since I've got some attention on this topic at the moment, a question...could I have read somewhere that UniversalHD is being sent QAM-in-the-clear? Yes, I could attempt a channel scan on my Linux hardware at home, but right now that's a PITA and I might break something. If it is in-the-clear, I'd like to add it to my QAM capture card channel list. (The safest way is a manual database addition right now in mythtv of the digital multipex, once the QAM transport frequency and service ID is found, which must be done by trial-and-error.)

SHHHH indeed...I did hesitate before posting my upstream comment, you never know who might be listening. ;)

Since I've got some attention on this topic at the moment, a question...could I have read somewhere that UniversalHD is being sent QAM-in-the-clear? Yes, I could attempt a channel scan on my Linux hardware at home, but right now that's a PITA and I might break something. If it is in-the-clear, I'd like to add it to my QAM capture card channel list. (The safest way is a manual database addition right now in mythtv of the digital multipex, once the QAM transport frequency and service ID is found, which must be done by trial-and-error.)

Wow, didn't realize this was a national "uproar" about the 5C thing. I thought that was just DCMA crap that I had to live with. Too bad it didn't happen sooner, I have an unforgetable college bball game on DVHS from Feb 2006 that I wish to never loose. I'm at a dead-end, as it is on a DVHS tape with "copy-once" on it, so I can never export an HD copy to any other device.:( This would be MAJOR points to stay with Comcast, if Verizon does indeed flag everything. I have a working setup to capture from the firewire on my 3416 to my PC, and an HDTV with firewire input. I'm pissed that I probably won't be able to find a new HDTV with firewire input when I get a new one in a couple years, they seem to have gone the way of cablecard slots on new HDTVs(extinct) I'll have to get a JVC DVHS deck JUST to use as an MPEG2 decoder(firewire in-component out):(

As for Universal HD, it's been in the clear(QAM unencrypted) in many areas around the country, not exactly sure why. That's not really a secret. You should be able to find it. On my system it's on 110-2, but i'm sure it's different for each system/headend.

Yes, QAM encryption and copy protection are 2 different animals. It's perfectly acceptable for Comcast to QAM encrypt everything but OTA locals. It is a pay service after all. Copy protection is different. There's copy freely, once, and never. I don't know the exact rules, but premiums are supposed to be copy once, and PPV/VOD is supposed to be copy never.

The uproar from TiVo users was because TiVos have a "save to VCR" function for archiving that was being blocked by copy protection flags. This was especially bad in systems that have digital simulcast, as nearly EVERY channel was blocked. Now that it's fixed you can save anything except HBO, etc. This will be even more convenient come November when TiVo-to-go is enabled, as that feature also relies on the copy flags.

I agree. I had to go to regular channel to watch Eagles game. Majority of HD channels were fine yesterday. Seemed like a Comcast problem but they said it was Fox. Is Verizon better

Yes. I can't compare to Comcast, but Verizon was just fine for the Eagles game. OTA was also fine.

FWIW, the OTA SD and HD channels were in sync. WYSP was about 2 Seconds ahead of OTA (OK), about 5 seconds ahead on Verizon FiOS (not OK).

Thanks GeekGirl. The game and the HD reception were both very frustrating

Not in Philly, but just up the blue route in Allentown, PA.
FOX broadcast was just o.k. and no more than that on SECTV(my local) with both PQ and AQ.

Now comcast on my local service has the WORST audio of any channel ever! But they are the only game in town that is even 'allowed' to carry the comcast channel, so no choice in the matter.

FOX HD is UNWATCHABLE today !!! The HD feed of the Eagles game and even the 2nd game was totally unwatchable - the pixelation was horrible. I called Comcast, but of course, they had no answer and blamed FOX. All of my other HD channels were fine, just FOX was terrible.

I'm in South Philadelphia - did anyone else experience these horrible problems today ???
Hi djdez - I had the same thing. Could not what the HD broadcast. what causes some to have the problems and others not. Is it comcast? Perkasie is about 45 miles NE of S. Phila.

Hi djdez - I had the same thing. Could not what the HD broadcast. what causes some to have the problems and others not. Is it comcast? Perkasie is about 45 miles NE of S. Phila.

What really bothered me is that all my other HD channels were fine ... I actually posted my complaint on the main HDTV board and the thread got closed down real quick as they classified it as a 'local issue' -- yet, everyone on there was complaining about how bad the CBS HD games are and I was able to flip to that channel and watch with NO interruption. FOX was messed up from the pre-game - so I knew it was going to be a LONG day. And the second game (San Diego vs Chicago) was just as bad.

When I did call Comcast, I got the runaround and was told it was FOX and there was nothing THEY could do about it. It was a 'FOX' issue and the lady told me 'they need to get it together on their end' .. too funny.

Is this going to be happening every week now ?? I sure as hell hope not !

I have a splitter on my TV and I tried the direct input into my TV and it was actually worse, because instead of pixelation, I'd get a blank screen with a blue box that said 'CHANNEL NOT AVAILABLE' - that's what shows up on my Panasonic Plasma when you lose signal on a channel, when using direct input and no box ...

In any event, it's frustrating, and it better not do it again !

"FOX" as in WTXF-DT or the network? Here in central Connecticut, I had no problems with the Eagles vs Packers game on WTIC-TV/DT (FOX) A 61/D 31 of Hartford.

The broadcast was fine in Willow Grove, PA. The CBS feed however was pretty bad; sort of like the entire game was played in a fog.

Off topic from the football, but when Golf is broadcast on NBC or even the Golf/Versus (when NBC is running it on the weekend), the HD image is HORRIBLE! When you see the golfers walking, it is like a blur and you also can see when they zoom, the picture is even worse. The brightness is way over the top. Two weeks straight now and NBC and/or comcast hasn't done a thing about it.

I am in the Willow Grove area.

Edit: I see I am not the only one who has an issue.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/2007/09/nbc-sports-in-hd-i-can-hardly-weather.html

Off topic from the football, but when Golf is broadcast on NBC or even the Golf/Versus (when NBC is running it on the weekend), the HD image is HORRIBLE! When you see the golfers walking, it is like a blur and you also can see when they zoom, the picture is even worse. The brightness is way over the top. Two weeks straight now and NBC and/or comcast hasn't done a thing about it.

I am in the Willow Grove area.

Edit: I see I am not the only one who has an issue.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/2007/09/nbc-sports-in-hd-i-can-hardly-weather.html


edit: nevermind I just read the link you posted. Come on NBC!
I saw the same thing both weeks. I think its the cameras? Some camera views are better then others.

Just an update to my FOX29 situation. As of today, the pixelation is STILL occuring, so, I don't think it was a Football related thing, perhaps there is actually a problem with the line coming into my house.

However, all of my other channels, and HD channels are just fine ... could a line problem cause this to occur on ONLY one channel ??? Seems kinda strange - I'm having Comcast come out anyway to check it out.

I am in the Willow Grove area.
Do you, or anyone else on the Willow Grove system, not have Expanded service?

If so, did you get a letter saying it will be required to get the non-premium 'cable' HD channels? (They list them, they are all in Digital Classic.)

Do you, or anyone else on the Willow Grove system, not have Expanded service?

If so, did you get a letter saying it will be required to get the non-premium 'cable' HD channels? (They list them, they are all in Digital Classic.)

I have the expanded package. The only letter I got was in regards to the "insurance" plan that they are discontinuing.

the new hd channels and the chanels number in delco upper chichester

NG HD CH. 210
FOOD HD CH. 216
HGTV HD CH. 213
NFL HD CH. 218
A&E HD CH. 211

new dig classic channles
WE ch. 117
fuse ch. 148

...The uproar from TiVo users was because TiVos have a "save to VCR" function for archiving that was being blocked by copy protection flags. This was especially bad in systems that have digital simulcast, as nearly EVERY channel was blocked. Now that it's fixed you can save anything except HBO, etc. This will be even more convenient come November when TiVo-to-go is enabled, as that feature also relies on the copy flags.
Thanks for the explanation. Makes perfect sense to me. It seem obvious in hindsight that the Series3, essentially being one big CableCard device, has to respect whatever DRM rules are originally transmitted. Firewire users like myself are the beneficiary of this prominent group getting Comcast to do what the right thing. Of course, they should have been doing it this way from the beginning, but since firewire support has only recently become mature in mythtv, I can't complain about that too much. It's also good to know that because of Tivo users, Comcast has a reason to continue doing the right thing, and not take it away from us. Wonder if and when Verizon and other cable cos. who have not been as deliberate in dealing with firewire will follow suit. (I continue to read about people on other systems who can't even get their firewire port active [despite the FCC mandate] so they don't even know what their 5c situation is.)

No HD for the Phils tonight while in NY, what gives? Road games at Shea have definetly been HD before... I guess it's because they are upgrading the studios/station for all HD.

I've seen the cuts to Post Game Live start off in HD, right after the game is done, before the final wrap-up.

Wow, Fox 29, OTA digital was really strong tonight. Got an 88 reading
on my sony hdd500 in Central NJ. Best ever was 61. WTXF must be transmitting a stronger signal. Will be great for Eagles games. Especially for
people who are in the NY DMA and watch the Eagles.

I watched the SNY HD feed in Central NJ

the new hd channels and the chanels number in delco upper chichester

NG HD CH. 210
FOOD HD CH. 216
HGTV HD CH. 213
NFL HD CH. 218
A&E HD CH. 211

new dig classic channles
WE ch. 117
fuse ch. 148

FIOS has had these NG HD , FOOD HD, AND HGTV HD, for some time now. not sure about A&E but i think maybe fios doesn't have it and fios nflnet station seems to be mixed in with the hd chans but isn't always hd if ever , not sure.

i guess my question is, is which now has more HD chans? Comcast or FIOS? it was FIOS before comcast just got these new hd chans. are they equal now? or does fios still have more, or does comcast now have more. does fios have a&e hd and nflnet hd?

if comcast has equal or more hd chans to fios now is there any reason to keep fios?

what about direcTV? are they really getting 150 hd chans as they advertise and when?

having to listen to the penn state game on xm radio because neither fios nor comcast (i have both) have the big ten network.

comcast mentions it on their automated system when you call but they dont seem to have it nor are getting it so i have no idea why they would mention it.

there is only one more penn state game that will only be on the big ten network. so short of next season and beyond its already too late if they do get it now.

i hate how fios has you in a cell phone like contract that you have to pay an etf to get out of.

all i know is that when directv does get 150 hd chans, that is 3x or more as many as the other 2 and will be hard to resist.

having to listen to the penn state game on xm radio because neither fios nor comcast (i have both) have the big ten network.

comcast mentions it on their automated system when you call but they dont seem to have it nor are getting it so i have no idea why they would mention it.

there is only one more penn state game that will only be on the big ten network. so short of next season and beyond its already too late if they do get it now.


David Cohen was on WIP last week discussing the Big 10 network. If basically the same old story we heard with the NFL/MLB channels. The Big 10 wants to be on basic tiers where they get paid for every single Comcast subscriber, Comcast wants to put them on the sports package and only pay for the subscribers of that package. The problem for the Big 10 is that the new network only offers the bottom of the barrel games that aren't already covered by their deals with ESPN and ABC. I don't ever see Comcast offering this channel until the major network contracts expire.

ok finally something that makes sense. thanks for explaining. yeah its only one more penn state game that isn't on the major networks and therefore only on the big ten network. not worth getting direct tv just for big ten network now just for one game. the rest will be nationally televised. usually we are at the games anyway but have a new baby. next year we'll prob be at most the home games again maybe with the little one.

Wow anyone notice that the Monday Night football HD feed was much sharper and clearer (also about 4 seconds ahead) of WPVI's HD feed?

I did change my cable box output to 720P to match ESPN/ABC, and just for the heck of it I switched between ABC-HD and ESPN-HD and ESPN's direct feed was much better hands down.

Must be those extra channels ABC has (Weather Plus and News Now) starving the bandwidth from WPVI.

Message on my DVR this AM announced 5 new HD channels to start 9/25. National Geo, A&E, HGTV, Food Network, & NFL HD.

Message on my DVR this AM announced 5 new HD channels to start 9/25. National Geo, A&E, HGTV, Food Network, & NFL HD.

Same message here, I want to take a picture and frame it for crying out loud, it's about freakin time. This is the first notice I've actually gotten, nothing in the mail yet. I knew we would get it, but still.

Notice how most every system in SE PA(and Wilmington) will be getting it on the same day. So the capability to get it is obviously at a higher up level than just by headend, on a regional level node or something.

Do ALL these systems getting these 5 on 9/25 have room for one more HD channel(TBS HD?) We shall see, but it sounds like we'll either all get it, or nobody in the area gets it at all.

A poster on broadbandreports in Chalfont PA(Bucks County) said that he got a letter in his Comcast bill that new channels will be added around 9/25:

National Geographic HD
Food Network HD
HGTV HD
NFLHD
A&EHD
Fuse(digi classic)
WE(digi classic)

Anyone else get notice of these in their bill? Since I'm in Lower Bucks, I will keep an eye out for these feeds being "tested" in the next couple weeks!

Yes, I got the same flyer with my latest bill (I'm in Lower Bucks too). On or about 9/25 I think was the date.

Haven't noticed any testing...but I'm biting my fingernails. Not over this directly, but because I've just started capturing my 6200's firewire output on my Linux PC (mythtv) and it's working great. So I can confirm the 5c encryption has been turned off, as has been the rumor (to me, anyway) nationwide for about 6 months now (although it seemed to vary by headend system, so people have been unable to discern if there was an actual coordinated policy change). I'm just hoping it's wasn't turned off temporarily to facilitate these new channels while they remap things. I believe they have a history of such things, as they did when introducing digital cable.

(I don't subscribe to any premium channels, so I don't know if HBO-HD is firewire restricted. But I can capture all the non-local HD's by firewire: CSN, ESPNs, Discovery, NFL, etc, in addition to the SD digital, so I'm looking forward to being able to get the new HD ones--just need bigger hard drives now...500GB just isn't enough. :))

Message on my DVR this AM announced 5 new HD channels to start 9/25. National Geo, A&E, HGTV, Food Network, & NFL HD.

carl have you read the last 50 posts or so.
that was posted several times starting in post 8546 2 weeks ago.

Apparently folks in Springfield, PA already have these channels. A co-worker told me on Wednesday he already had them. Congrats to the Comcast Delaware folks!

I'm guessing that your co-worker lives in Springfield, Montgomery County? I live in the Delaware County version of Springfield and it's not here for me - yet.

I'm guessing that your co-worker lives in Springfield, Montgomery County? I live in the Delaware County version of Springfield and it's not here for me - yet.

If that is the case, I would have it and do not. I am less than 2 miles from there and I can only guess they are on the Willow Grove system as well.

I'm just hoping that they show up in the South Jersey version of Comcast. I've had National Geographic HD & A&E HD for a few months now, but I'd gladly trade both of them for NFL HD & Food Network HD.

down visiting mom yesterday.

they have these channels now too.

couldnt tell for how long.
they never watch them and probably didnt even know they had them.

When I called today to order the Center Ice package, I asked if any new HD channels were coming to South Jersey. The rep just said "Not Yet."

I'm guessing that your co-worker lives in Springfield, Montgomery County? I live in the Delaware County version of Springfield and it's not here for me - yet.
If that is the case, I would have it and do not. I am less than 2 miles from there and I can only guess they are on the Willow Grove system as well.
It isn't. Springfield Twp. is in the Comcast 'Montgomery County' system, covering municipalities in central Mont. co.

I'm guessing that your co-worker lives in Springfield, Montgomery County? I live in the Delaware County version of Springfield and it's not here for me - yet.

I live in Broomall, Delaware County. And I received messages on my cable boxes yesterday that the new HD channels will be available on 9/25.

The channels are A&E HD, NG HD, NFL HD, HGTV HD and one other I forget.

And "Food Network HD" to be added in Philly on 9/25.

does anybody read the previous posts before posting?

anyway.

i need to return my old 6412.
shuts off all the time.

what is new that i should make sure i get.
is there one larger then the 6412 now.

Friggen Comcast removed some of the channels i used to get on the direct feed to my set i am not going to pay for a digital converter for simple channels i used to get. I used to get Weather Scan Local what is on analog 120 in Delco on 80-9 but now that is gone. Its like they are just screwing with us in a sense moving stuff and not putting things back or removing stuff.

does anybody read the previous posts before posting?

anyway.

i need to return my old 6412.
shuts off all the time.

what is new that i should make sure i get.
is there one larger then the 6412 now.

Read some prior posts, and you can find the answer to your question:) Go get a 3416, it does have a 160GB drive, a little better than the 120GB in the 6412's. You might even get a DCH, which are hot off the factory and haven't been deployed for long.

LMolineux-
Comcast has been playing around with the mappings all over the area, right now just for the network HD feeds. Read some of my prior posts a page or two back. I'll have to check out Wscan though. For us, we have been getting it at TWO high up analog channels, 121 and 113 or something. That's totally a waste of an entire slot, good for 2 more HD channels.

Friggen Comcast removed some of the channels i used to get on the direct feed to my set i am not going to pay for a digital converter for simple channels i used to get. I used to get Weather Scan Local what is on analog 120 in Delco on 80-9 but now that is gone. Its like they are just screwing with us in a sense moving stuff and not putting things back or removing stuff.

Weatherscan local is not meant to be on analog. It's supposed to be on Ch 101 with a digital box. What is Ch 120? Isn't that DIY or Fine Living or something?

Years ago when Weatherscan came out, we got it on analog on Ch 90 or somewhere around there. On the Motorola cable boxes it was always Ch 101, it just mapped to analog Ch 90. Nowhere on ANY channel lineup did they ever advertise Weatherscan local on an analog Ch. number. I think it was a fluke, or maybe they didn't have enough QAM modulators at the time, so they mapped the analog stream to the digital boxes.

Fast forward 7 years later... we can receive Weatherscan local via unencrypted QAM, or basic service and renting a box. My uncle has the basic service (12.95 a month) which is 27 channels, but he has a box for HBO. He does get Weatherscan Local on 101, including a bunch of music channels, and other obscure stuff like MoviePlex, G4, Fox News, etc..

Your system was likely using Weatherscan local as an analog test channel. They like to take RF readings from the low, mid, and highband for signal quality measurements during installs. They probobly put a meter on the line and verify the quality at Ch 2, 61, and 120. Now they will just have to get a digital reading at one of the higher QAM channels.

Our system measures 2, 61, and 116(digital mode). I am in a 750 MHz system, so Ch 116 is the upper limit. Pottstown and eastward to Philly are a 870 MHz system, which is why you were able to get a channel past 116.

So last Thursday (5 days ago) the CableCard (Motorola version) in my Toshiba HM94 TV stopped working (after 2 years of continuous uninterruption service). It's stuck on a channel, and when I try and change, it says "stand by: obtaining channel map", which of course it never does. Tried the usual of removing it and cycle TV power, and also calling Comcast to send the "hit". No joy.

So I have a tech visit scheduled Wednesday morning. At first when making the appointment, the CSR told me that Comcast is "discontinuing" CableCard support, which I responded had to be incorrect--all the Tivo Series3 people would be awfully surprised. I made sure she made a note to have the tech bring a replacement card (so they don't waste our collective time), but I won't hold my breath.

At first I thought Comcast might have mucked something up with whatever modifications they are making for the imminent new HD channels. But who knows--maybe they just pushed out a bad software upgrade to the card (happened to a co-worker on a SA system, and after 4 replacement cards he gave up because the Comcast people involved were untrained about CC.). My DCT-6200 boxes are fine, so it should not be a signal integrity issue. I post this as a public service, in case any other CableCard users have had a similar problem recently. The CSR's I spoke with could tell me of no known issue effecting other customers. But that means next to nothing, considering how under-informed they are.

It's official (http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcastphilly092407.htm), Comcast in Philly will be adding TBSHD in time for the playoffs!

Now if only the Phils don't blow it and make it in somehow....

Also found a couple new digital channels down in 72-74 range that are already encrypted, I'm assuming these are the new channels we are getting tomorrow.

wow did anyone see the random white sparkling lines throughout dark scenes on Heroes (WCAU HD)? Looked kind of like terrestrial interference on an analog C-Band.

Got worried and thought maybe my TV was on the fritz. Well so far CSI: Miami looks great on KYW HD.

Well commercials almost over. Later.

Yes, I noticed the white lines at the end of "Chuck" (WCAU HD) also. I wonder if Comcast is screwing things up with the new channel rollouts? ESPN and ESPN2 look horrific, like there's a strange 3:2 pulldown.

It's official (http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcastphilly092407.htm), Comcast in Philly will be adding TBSHD in time for the playoffs!

Now if only the Phils don't blow it and make it in somehow....



wow baseball, neat.

Read some prior posts, and you can find the answer to your question:) Go get a 3416, it does have a 160GB drive, a little better than the 120GB in the 6412's. You might even get a DCH, which are hot off the factory and haven't been deployed for long.


thats for the replay.

i did find some info on this but it wasnt exactly 1 post previous to my post.
:p

New channels are LIVE as of 12:15AM:) All are set to copy-free, CCI flag is not set. All are encrypted. No NFL network for me as I don't get the sports package, they have that set up to authorize correctly.

who's idea was it to waste channel channel space with fuse.

total garbage.

nflhd not working for me, it's supposed to, i have the sports package and regular nfl net.

Yes, I noticed the white lines at the end of "Chuck" (WCAU HD) also. I wonder if Comcast is screwing things up with the new channel rollouts? ESPN and ESPN2 look horrific, like there's a strange 3:2 pulldown.

It was also happening on Fios and direct OTA so it must have been recorded that way or being sent out from head quarters with errors..

[QUOTE=ak3883;11712160]Read some prior posts, and you can find the answer to your question:) Go get a 3416, it does have a 160GB drive, a little better than the 120GB in the 6412's. You might even get a DCH, which are hot off the factory and haven't been deployed for long.

Boy, I wanted to say that too, I just haven't figured out how to add the smiley face to let him know I was just yanking him a little.:)

Yes, channels here too, just a little disapointed though when I checked them out this AM most were "paid programming".

Read some prior posts, and you can find the answer to your question:) Go get a 3416, it does have a 160GB drive, a little better than the 120GB in the 6412's. You might even get a DCH, which are hot off the factory and haven't been deployed for long.

Boy, I wanted to say that too, I just haven't figured out how to add the smiley face to let him know I was just yanking him a little.:)

Yes, channels here too, just a little disapointed though when I checked them out this AM most were "paid programming".

A&E as we already know is mostly stretch-o-vision. Food, even though it was paid programming, was all messed up. Hope they fix that. Lots of inference. The only channel that wasn't stretch-o-vision was NGHD.

And as expected, NFLHD is blocked if you don't subscribe to the sports tier package.

New channels are LIVE as of 12:15AM:) All are set to copy-free, CCI flag is not set. All are encrypted. No NFL network for me as I don't get the sports package.

I fell asleep at midnight too. :)

Gee, I thought I would be breaking some news when answering my own post:
So last Thursday (5 days ago) the CableCard (Motorola version) in my Toshiba HM94 TV stopped working (after 2 years of continuous uninterruption service). It's stuck on a channel, and when I try and change, it says "stand by: obtaining channel map", which of course it never does. Tried the usual of removing it and cycle TV power, and also calling Comcast to send the "hit". No joy.

So I have a tech visit scheduled Wednesday morning...

At first I thought Comcast might have mucked something up with whatever modifications they are making for the imminent new HD channels...
Decided to check my CableCard TV before heading off to work this morning, and low and behold, it's now working! I was able to change channels, and do indeed have the new HD channels on the CableCard (NFLHD included, unstretched SD content, as I subscribed to the Sports Package.) Didn't check the STB, but I'm sure they're there.

Don't know what magic healed things, but as I speculated earlier I suspect that it was something to do with the new channel additions...that they had done something "special" with the channel map (either embargoing a new one or hiding the new channels) so that the CableCard could not successfully decipher it and just hung.

Don't care why, just glad I can cancel my tech visit. Just wish that Comcast was more on the ball to deal with tech questions like this and tell me what's going on--I'm sure there's someone inside the labyrinth who knows what caused this. I was without service for 6 days.

Glad to here the copy protection is turned off on the new channels (for firewire)--I'll have to update my Mythtv DVR channel lineup. One caveat to my earlier comments about the CCI...when I first checked the NFL Network firewire capture, I was able to get it. But since the start of the season, it seems to be on, so I can't record. Don't know whether it is on a per show basis (sometimes on, sometimes off). Perhaps respecting some upstream broadcast flag. Haven't had time to investigate what the set top reports at different times.

Does anyone have a South Jersey Unencrypted QAM Channel Line up available? If not I might be able to put a rudimentary list together (if not lazy)

wow did anyone see the random white sparkling lines throughout dark scenes on Heroes (WCAU HD)? Looked kind of like terrestrial interference on an analog C-Band.

Got worried and thought maybe my TV was on the fritz. Well so far CSI: Miami looks great on KYW HD.

Well commercials almost over. Later.

I noticed the lines during Heroes also. I also thought the feed seemed to be overly compressed and a bit blurry during the action scenes. Surprisingly, the commercials seemed to be of much higher quality...

Did anyone notice severe macro-blocking and dropouts last night on WPVI-6, both SD and HD? At times it was totally unwatchable. I was switching between channels 6 and 231 and both were having these issues. I'm in the area with digital simulcast and using DCT-3412 as well as DCT-700 upstairs. Both boxes same problem. For anyone who has OTA receiver did ABC have issues last night?

wow did anyone see the random white sparkling lines throughout dark scenes on Heroes (WCAU HD)? Looked kind of like terrestrial interference on an analog C-Band.

Got worried and thought maybe my TV was on the fritz. Well so far CSI: Miami looks great on KYW HD.

Well commercials almost over. Later.

Noticed it here too on Heroes. Was worried it was my stb, and I'd really like to have one that lasts a year or more given the difficulty of access to it in our setup.

Can't comment on commercials, since I didn't watch a single one! :p

CSI Miami is on the dvr for later. I don't even like where the storylines were going on that show, but it's a must-see in HD, if just to marvel at the picture quality! :D

Did anyone notice severe macro-blocking and dropouts last night on WPVI-6, both SD and HD? At times it was totally unwatchable. I was switching between channels 6 and 231 and both were having these issues. I'm in the area with digital simulcast and using DCT-3412 as well as DCT-700 upstairs. Both boxes same problem. For anyone who has OTA receiver did ABC have issues last night?

Yes! I had problems with the HD channel 231, even this AM it was acting up. Maybe it has to do with the added channels. Will check OTA and see if it is having problems.

No new HD for Chester County today, looks like just the surrounding counties. Just WE and fuse, how exciting.....booo

My pictures is nothing but alternating wavy lines with lots of blockiness.

Eric

My pictures is nothing but alternating wavy lines with lots of blockiness.

Eric

Same.

Growing pains for Comcastic... Were is fios when you need them??? ;)

My pictures is nothing but alternating wavy lines with lots of blockiness.

Eric

Oh! I had forgotten that today was new channel day! My National Geographic is all lines, alternating between ok & lots of little flashing blocks! The others all look great!

Same.

Growing pains for Comcastic... Were is fios when you need them??? ;)

Funny you should mention that. I just watched Verizon install Fiber down my street yesterday... Decisions/Decisions...

Do I have any chance to get TBS HD for the upcoming MLB playoff?

NHL Network starts on October 1st for Digital Preferred customers (Willow Grove systems).

And regarding the issues with NGHD, I had the same issues which cleared up within a few minutes. It was the same problem that I mentioned earlier regarding FoodHD. Hopefully the will work out the glitches.

And regarding the issues with NGHD, I had the same issues which cleared up within a few minutes. It was the same problem that I mentioned earlier regarding FoodHD. Hopefully the will work out the glitches.

Good, at least it wasn't just me seeing the problems. Although my problems did clear up eventually on NGHD, it lasted well over 2 hours.

Eric

Bill, where did you see confirmation on NHL Network? I've been eagerly watching for this announcement. Hockeybuzz has rumors that it will start on Comcast on the 1st but was curious if you had something more concrete?

Bill, where did you see confirmation on NHL Network? I've been eagerly watching for this announcement. Hockeybuzz has rumors that it will start on Comcast on the 1st but was curious if you had something more concrete?

It was on my messages this morning. Said channel 276 or 278 (or something like that. ) I deleted it.

WCAU HD last night had the same problem with random horizontal sparkles in it's broadcast. Most notibly during dark scenes. I really noticed this on Law & Order. It's only affecting NBC10 in HD.

I'm off the Reading system, which did not get the HD Channels that the Philly area got yesterday. Our system is 750 MHz and in the Reading, Pottsville, Lebanon, East-Central PA Management Group.

It was on my messages this morning. Said channel 276 or 278 (or something like that. ) I deleted it.

Yes,
It will be on 276 beginning next Monday.

If the Phils make the playoffs (IF), I see the games will be on TBS. Will they also be on ComcastSportNet HD? Or any other HD channel for that matter?

I doubt comcast with give us TBS HD by then, especially chester county...

So does anyone in Chester County have the five new HD channels yet?

If the Phils make the playoffs (IF), I see the games will be on TBS. Will they also be on ComcastSportNet HD? Or any other HD channel for that matter?

I doubt comcast with give us TBS HD by then, especially chester county...

I read on tv predictions or Multichannel, that Comcast will be adding TBSHD to "65-70% of the areas they serve" and saw confirmation in an article that quoted a Comcast spokesperson saying Philly WILL get TBSHD in early October, I'm guessing that would be Tues or Wed.

TBS has exclusive rights to the playoffs(paid big bucks, that's why) and the games will NOT be on any other channel. With Saturday's game on FOX and tonight and Sunday on WPSG, there are no more games on CSN for the season.

I read on tv predictions or Multichannel, that Comcast will be adding TBSHD to "65-70% of the areas they serve" and saw confirmation in an article that quoted a Comcast spokesperson saying Philly WILL get TBSHD in early October, I'm guessing that would be Tues or Wed.

TBS has exclusive rights to the playoffs(paid big bucks, that's why) and the games will NOT be on any other channel. With Saturday's game on FOX and tonight and Sunday on WPSG, there are no more games on CSN for the season.

Well, technically TBS just has rights to the NL & AL Divisional Series & the NLCS. The ALCS & World Series will be on Fox.

However, if there's a tie & there are playoff games that take place before the Divisional Series, will they be on CSN? According to major league baseball, that's part of the regular season.

Edit: Nevermind - All tiebreaker games would be on TBS and/or TNT.

any news for us in jersey

So does anyone in Chester County have the five new HD channels yet?

Chester Co. will see them in November.

Saw in my local paper (Daily Journal) that TBSHD is coming Oct. 3. Channel 220.

...
Glad to here the copy protection is turned off on the new channels (for firewire)--I'll have to update my Mythtv DVR channel lineup. One caveat to my earlier comments about the CCI...when I first checked the NFL Network firewire capture, I was able to get it. But since the start of the season, it seems to be on, so I can't record. Don't know whether it is on a per show basis (sometimes on, sometimes off). Perhaps respecting some upstream broadcast flag. Haven't had time to investigate what the set top reports at different times.

Are these new HD channels still unencrypted? Sage recorded some new HD stuff on Fri & Sat here in Wilmington, DE, but today (Sun) all recordings on these new channels seem to fail (over Firewire BTW). Just wanted to know if they became encrypted or my setup became messed up.

Thanx

Saw in my local paper (Daily Journal) that TBSHD is coming Oct. 3. Channel 220.

what about other channels

what about other channels

Yesterday's (Sunday) paper? I'm trying to narrow down when they place these ads.

Noticed this AM TBS HD has been added on channel 220 here as well.

TBS-HD live here this morning, on channel 220. Absolutetly NO notification from Comcast, no red light, nothing in my bill(which I just got last week, and had a flyer for the other 5 new HD channels, that I get AFTER they were added)

Today is supposed to be the day CSN starts doing shows in HD. The first formal notification of this I actually saw was in a supplement in the Sunday Inqy about Comcast's services, they had an article on CSN turning 10, and had a caption saying that starting Oct 1st they will produce all studio shows in HD. Coeincidence that is the day when Phillies game broadcasts from "The Bank" are done for the season?

TBS-HD still not live here in SJ

TBS-HD live here this morning, on channel 220. Absolutetly NO notification from Comcast, no red light, nothing in my bill(which I just got last week, and had a flyer for the other 5 new HD channels, that I get AFTER they were added)

Today is supposed to be the day CSN starts doing shows in HD. The first formal notification of this I actually saw was in a supplement in the Sunday Inqy about Comcast's services, they had an article on CSN turning 10, and had a caption saying that starting Oct 1st they will produce all studio shows in HD. Coeincidence that is the day when Phillies game broadcasts from "The Bank" are done for the season?

Great news! Now, hopefully they will also show college games in HD via foxsportsnet like they should given the games are in HD.

And as far as TBS, I checked late last night and nothing was there, but like you, I should have it as well.

TBS-HD live here this morning, on channel 220. Absolutetly NO notification from Comcast, no red light, nothing in my bill(which I just got last week, and had a flyer for the other 5 new HD channels, that I get AFTER they were added)

Checked Sunday night, no message, no sign of TBS-HD & here it is today on 220! I was hoping we'd have it before Wednesday's Phillies game. So I have to give Comcast a thumbs up for this. Kudos also to this forum, otherwise I wouldn't have even known to look for this new channel! :D

Looks like we got TBSHD this morning in Chester Co., right in time for the playoffs!

So does anyone have The Weather Channel in HD yet and if it is going to be only on the Digital side or will it be free out on the direct hookup to your set?

TBS-HD still not live here in SJ


south jersey screwed again :rolleyes:

obviously some of you failed geography AND reading classes.. Oct. 3 for TBSHD in southern NJ.

Have the broadcast network channels been relocated for anyone else in Central Jersey? They used to simply be sub-channels before, but now they're in a bunch of random, seperate locations in the 100s.

Also, is TBS coming in unencrypted in Central Jersey? If it isn't, how much does it cost to change my plan to get encrypted channels? And are there any better, cheaper alternatives in the area?

Heads-up: Phillies game is listed on the MLB web site for 3 PM start time. http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=phi. I'm on Verizon FiOS, no HD for me. :mad:.

obviously some of you failed geography AND reading classes.. Oct. 3 for TBSHD in southern NJ.

well plenty of other places got it early for the game tonite :rolleyes:

first 2 games are 3pm start times

TBS HD was added today in Lower Bucks County. Great to see the ball games in HD. This makes the 6th HD channel in a week period. Comcast is on the roll.

P.S. I did the count for myself 2 hours ago and with TBS HD Comcast in Lower Bucks Co. has now 27 HD channels. Cool!

So, was Comcast trying to do something this morning here in Philly? Nearly all channels are unwatchable and macroblocking since 12:30-2:30 this morning (based on DVR recordings), and fully analog signals have "technical difficulties" screens.

delco comcast was fine.
watched the ballgame on tbs hd then a few other shows after.

Well if anyone hasnt noticed Comcast has displayed the info about WPHL's broadcast of The Tube that they used to air on 17-2 is now gone. So that free's up one slot for something else.

In my area, Comcast is a total joke:

no History HD
no NGC HD
no Food HD
no CNN HD
no TBS HD
no USA HD
no HGTV HD
(do I miss anything?)

I am thinking to switch to Fios or D*....
Anyone is on the same boat?

Don't go to FIOS then... you won't see History, CNN, TBS or USA for quite some time.

(do I miss anything?)

A&E Hd
NFL Hd

(do I miss anything?)

A&E Hd
NFL Hd


Right. thnx.

I wonder why Comcast still holds the cable market in my area. Clearly they don't give a **** to their customers in Mercer County. I only can see more and more people like me dump them.

I don't think we have USA HD. Does anyone else in SE PA have it?

TBS just showed up on Comcast of Maple Shade, ch. 220. They stuck it in between HBO-Cinemax & Showtime-Starz.

Well any word on The Weather Channel {HD}?

is tbs hd showing up uncrypted anywere?
111-1 or in that range of numbers?

Wondering if any of you guys have gotten any NS or PNY errors when trying to playback from your dvr box. I have now gotten my third box and I'm still have problems with it. I have tried HDMI and now im back to component to see if that was the problem. My playback usually stops 1 minute in, and freezes the picture.

Glad to here the copy protection is turned off on the new channels (for firewire)--I'll have to update my Mythtv DVR channel lineup. One caveat to my earlier comments about the CCI...when I first checked the NFL Network firewire capture, I was able to get it. But since the start of the season, it seems to be on, so I can't record. Don't know whether it is on a per show basis (sometimes on, sometimes off). Perhaps respecting some upstream broadcast flag. Haven't had time to investigate what the set top reports at different times.

Are these new HD channels still unencrypted? Sage recorded some new HD stuff on Fri & Sat here in Wilmington, DE, but today (Sun) all recordings on these new channels seem to fail (over Firewire BTW). Just wanted to know if they became encrypted or my setup became messed up.

Sorry for the delay...had to wait until my program guide source (SchedulesDirect/TMS) added the new ones to the lineup before I attempted with Mythtv. They finally did, and I tested it last night, and can confirm that I get all these new HD's over Firewire, except of course NFLHD. I'm thinking I should just delete it from my setup. In August I could record NFL SD, but apparently they have locked it down for the season (...or maybe I'll setup an STB analog capture with the channel change done by firewire).

I haven't checked if these are also sent unencrypted QAM, but I would think not. Comcast in my area has been pretty consistent on only sending OTA channels in the clear.

Sorry for the delay...had to wait until my program guide source (SchedulesDirect/TMS) added the new ones to the lineup before I attempted with Mythtv. They finally did, and I tested it last night, and can confirm that I get all these new HD's over Firewire, except of course NFLHD. I'm thinking I should just delete it from my setup. In August I could record NFL SD, but apparently they have locked it down for the season (...or maybe I'll setup an STB analog capture with the channel change done by firewire).

I haven't checked if these are also sent unencrypted QAM, but I would think not. Comcast in my area has been pretty consistent on only sending OTA channels in the clear.

At least for me, all these new HD channels are indeed encrypted, but not copy protected(5C). I haven't tried the 4 HDs(A&E,FOOD,HGTV,NGEO) but my TV shows up "copy-free" when I view through the 1394 input, and I checked the flags in the 3416 diagnostic pages, all flags clear. I did capture from TBS-HD successfully during Monday night's playoff game.

However, most of the NHL Center Ice channels are open for this week's preview, I can get them on my OnAir GT on my computer. 119-1 to 119-10 for me.

I did capture from TBS-HD successfully during Monday night's playoff game.

I did the same thing last night on TBS-HD, during Family Guy. In theory I'm all set to go for Game 1, except my program guide data (via SchedulesDirect) last night was not up-to-date...it showed the participants TBD with a game time from 1:30-4pm. I'm sure it's not their fault, just that TMS hadn't yet updated. So I couldn't schedule a recording. Forget to do it this morning (when in theory the final programming update should have trickled in overnight), so I have to wait for the wife to come home from child's swimming lessons to do it for me (don't have remote login capability yet, but I guess this is a sign that I should.)

so you guys are using an external hd to record tbs hd?

so you guys are using an external hd to record tbs hd?
More than just an HD...a PC running linux with (1) firewire port (connected to settop box) (2) QAM demodulator card (3) analog receiver MPEG2 encoder card. Using (1) to record TBS-HD.

so you guys are using an external hd to record tbs hd?

No, Comcast boxes won't work with external hard drives. Just using the firewire output from the DVR to my HTPC(running XP PRO) and using CapDVHS.

Also of note: KYW(broadcasting on WPSG) has a half hour postgame from the game, live in HD. This is interesting because it is a remote location and it is being done in HD. Shots to reports from the locker room entrance were in HD as well. I wonder how they do this, didn't think they could do reports from the field in HD... yet. Did they get a truck or something, rather than a microwave uplink from a van(don't think that whole spectrum reallocation project done yet, so no HD yet).

Nice on the HD postgame special, not so nice result of the game:(

Have the HD broadcast network channels been relocated for anyone else in Central Jersey? They used to simply be sub-channels of the SD versions before, but now they're in a bunch of random, seperate locations in the 100s.

Also, is TBS coming in unencrypted in Central Jersey? If it isn't, how much does it cost to change my plan to get encrypted channels? And are there any better, cheaper alternatives in the area?

please answer. :(

Shots to reports from the locker room entrance were in HD as well. I wonder how they do this, didn't think they could do reports from the field in HD... yet. Did they get a truck or something, rather than a microwave uplink from a van(don't think that whole spectrum reallocation project done yet, so no HD yet).


If they were true HD images and not up-res 16:9 SD, then they may've used the fiber connection from the ballpark. You are correct - the 2GHz relocation project is still ongoing. KYW (along with PVI, FOX and the majority of affiliates doing HD news) is not able to send full HD via microwave, yet.

Don't go to FIOS then... you won't see History, CNN, TBS or USA for quite some time.

fios had food and hgtv hd first but yeah now i think comcast has everything fios does and then some. fios doesn't have tbs-hd so fios subscribers in cities like philadelphia where ppl want to watch their team in themlb playoffs in hd are pissed.

i'm switching to dtv.

Has anyone watched the bionic Woman on NBC10HD - I have a TivoHD and both episiodes have horizontal white lines that show up in most dark scenes - or even on the Black Clothing of actors - just wanted to see if it is my Tivo or if anyone else saw the same thing -

Does anyone have a timetable on when new HD channels will be added? I live in eat Greenwich, NJ, and I am stuck with Comcast due to no high speed internet besides cable being available.

No NFL network in HD? Considering we pay a monthly fee for the channel, HD should be a requirement.

The only channels I watch are HD since the other channels look like crap. For the price I expect more options.

Has anyone watched the bionic Woman on NBC10HD - I have a TivoHD and both episodes have horizontal white lines that show up in most dark scenes - or even on the Black Clothing of actors - just wanted to see if it is my Tivo or if anyone else saw the same thing -


Heroes on Monday had the same thing, I couldn't tell if it was my DVR (Comcast) since I recorded the first 15. mins, then watch it on delay til catch up. Sounds like a channel problem now. I haven't watched TV since then to see it it still happened.

Also, last year on more than one occasion Lost was having problems, the picture would freeze and the sound would continue, this went on at certain intervals for about 20-30 mins., defineately had to do with the signal, it got so bad I started watching the non HD abc channel. It was only that show I noticed doing that.

Heroes on Monday had the same thing, I couldn't tell if it was my DVR (Comcast) since I recorded the first 15. mins, then watch it on delay til catch up. Sounds like a channel problem now. I haven't watched TV since then to see it it still happened.

Also, last year on more than one occasion Lost was having problems, the picture would freeze and the sound would continue, this went on at certain intervals for about 20-30 mins., defineately had to do with the signal, it got so bad I started watching the non HD abc channel. It was only that show I noticed doing that.


The season finale of LOST was downright AWFUL, pixelation and drop outs about every 30 seconds, lasting for several minutes at a time. I'm still pissed that the HD copy I have of the finale is crap. Hopefully they show it again before the season starts up, without the dropouts.

Has anyone watched the bionic Woman on NBC10HD - I have a TivoHD and both episiodes have horizontal white lines that show up in most dark scenes - or even on the Black Clothing of actors - just wanted to see if it is my Tivo or if anyone else saw the same thing -

Both new episodes of Heroes on the HD channels (DCT 3416) had this so far. Glad to hear it's not my tv

The season finale of LOST was downright AWFUL, pixelation and drop outs about every 30 seconds, lasting for several minutes at a time. I'm still pissed that the HD copy I have of the finale is crap. Hopefully they show it again before the season starts up, without the dropouts.

We had to make backup recordings of LOST from the SD channel & would switch to watching that when the HD got too bad! Come to think of it, we have multiple problems from the ABC HD channel last season.

Come to think of it, I watched an episode of CSI last season, the one with Method Man in episode, the sound was out except for one of the background channels, it seemed the main voice channel was out and the music was really low lasted for about ten minutes...

Also my DVR never recorded the office even though it's set to record series, I had to download the torrent to watch it. I'm not paying 99 cents to watch it on demand.

Are these problems with Comcast or the individual channels...

The white streaking is happening on almost all of NBC's primetime shows. I even switched to OTA and it is there too, so it's not a comcast or DRV problem. It was almost constant on Life last night, ruining a pretty good new series. It's been happening since the Heroes premiere on the 24th, so you'd think they would have a solution by now. I guess they don't think it is a big deal.

I've also had 2 shows stop recording a minute or two before they were over. It was Grey's Anatomy & Heroes, so different networks. I had to watch them online to see the endings. I assume it's an iguide issue, even though one of the shows did record for 61 minutes. Is anyone else having this problem?

You can set the DVR to record en extra minute or two to get the ends, I noticed I had to do that on the Office, I think the shows run too late.

Anyone notice on the office last night that the picture stopped at times at then once whole picture and sound got jarbled for what seemed like ten seconds.

You can set the DVR to record en extra minute or two to get the ends, I noticed I had to do that on the Office, I think the shows run too late.

Anyone notice on the office last night that the picture stopped at times at then once whole picture and sound got jarbled for what seemed like ten seconds.

Yeah, I did notice this. Became quite messed up at one point

You can set the DVR to record en extra minute or two to get the ends, I noticed I had to do that on the Office, I think the shows run too late.

Of course I did that right after it happened with the first show, but not knowing which other show it might happen to, I then missed the ending of a different show! :(

Plus a show didn't record that was scheduled to begin at 10:00 b/c my 9:00 recording was going until 10:02. I may have to start watching the shows when they air! :p

Anyone know why WPVI is not offering the Penn State game in HD. (The game is in HD on ESPN2)

How can that be done??

You can set the DVR to record en extra minute or two to get the ends, I noticed I had to do that on the Office, I think the shows run too late.

Anyone notice on the office last night that the picture stopped at times at then once whole picture and sound got jarbled for what seemed like ten seconds.

Anyone know why WPVI is not offering the Penn State game in HD. (The game is in HD on ESPN2)

yeah i dont know it sucked that it was 4:3 not hd. my wife turned to the sd ch an to get full screen. i turned back to hd chan and just set to the tv to wide fit zoom or whtever and it was better then the sd but still not great and i guess wasnt hd in 16:9

its annoying how many hd chans show non hd programming.

Anyone have a channel line up of what's still availble over QAM in Philadelphia. I'm thinking of switching from OTA to cable but don't want to be bothered getting a cable box. So what HD channels are availble unencrypted?

Anyone have a channel line up of what's still availble over QAM in Philadelphia. I'm thinking of switching from OTA to cable but don't want to be bothered getting a cable box. So what HD channels are availble unencrypted?

I was just checking this out at Hi-fi House in Broomall. I was shopping for a kitchen TV -- so there won't be a place for a cable box. I'm mounting a 20 inch lcd on the wall in my kitchen.

Hi Fi House has a bunch of small flat panel TVs hooked up just to coaxial cable from Comcast.

As far as I could tell you could get all of the broadcast local digital/HD channels (nbc, cbs, fox, etc.). I think also maybe one of the ESPN HD channels, but I wasn't sure if that was the analog version -- it was early in the day so not a lot of HD on. Of course, no Discovery HD, MOJO or A&E HD, etc.

For a kitchen TV, I would be happy with just the broadcast/local HD channels though.

I would think, legally, they can't encrypt the local broadcast HD channels? Or am I wrong?

I was just checking this out at Hi-fi House in Broomall. I was shopping for a kitchen TV -- so there won't be a place for a cable box. I'm mounting a 20 inch lcd on the wall in my kitchen.

Hi Fi House has a bunch of small flat panel TVs hooked up just to coaxial cable from Comcast.

As far as I could tell you could get all of the broadcast local digital/HD channels (nbc, cbs, fox, etc.). I think also maybe one of the ESPN HD channels, but I wasn't sure if that was the analog version -- it was early in the day so not a lot of HD on. Of course, no Discovery HD, MOJO or A&E HD, etc.

For a kitchen TV, I would be happy with just the broadcast/local HD channels though.

I would think, legally, they can't encrypt the local broadcast HD channels? Or am I wrong?

Hmmm.... I wonder if I can get their basic cable package along with their HD package without getting the HD tuner from them. I guess I should call to find out but I'm afraid that the CSA won't have a clue as to what I'm requesting. lol

BTW, very nice Home Theater Caeser1

Anyone have a channel line up of what's still availble over QAM in Philadelphia. I'm thinking of switching from OTA to cable but don't want to be bothered getting a cable box. So what HD channels are availble unencrypted?

It's varies depending on the system you're on, but most people in SE Pennsylvania get the 7 Networks plus whatever they don't encrypt. Here's what I get (Delaware County):

ABC-HD
NBC-HD
CBS-HD
PBS-HD
CW-HD
MyNetwork-HD
Fox-HD

UniversalHD
Telefutura (SD)
ESPNClassic (SD)
Bravo (SD)
History Channel (SD)
G4 (SD)
Discovery Health (SD)
and some others ...


ft

Hmmm.... I wonder if I can get their basic cable package along with their HD package without getting the HD tuner from them. I guess I should call to find out but I'm afraid that the CSA won't have a clue as to what I'm requesting. lol

BTW, very nice Home Theater Caeser1
I think that you can, but it depends on your area. What you want (and should request) is Basic Cable plus the HD package. They will probably want to upsell you to digital blah blah blah. For this combo, you'll need a STB or Cable Card.

Some systems have changed the packages and now require Expanded Basic and/or Digital before you can add on the HD package. Subscribers in those areas that previous had Basic/HD tier were offered a special price for upgrading to Digital/HD tier.

ft

It's varies depending on the system you're on, but most people in SE Pennsylvania get the 7 Networks plus whatever they don't encrypt. Here's what I get (Delaware County):

ABC-HD
NBC-HD
CBS-HD
PBS-HD
CW-HD
MyNetwork-HD
Fox-HD

UniversalHD
Telefutura (SD)
ESPNClassic (SD)
Bravo (SD)
History Channel (SD)
G4 (SD)
Discovery Health (SD)
and some others ...


ft


I'm in DE county too. Do you know if, legally, the local broadcast HD channels must remain un-encrypted? I'm a little worried that my 20 inch kitchen TV with a QAM tuner (which I just ordered), will be useless without a cable box or antenna soon (if Comcast encrypts everything).

What happens when analog goes away (in 2009), and HD local channels are (possibly) encrypted? Will I be able to see anything on my kitchen TV without a cable box (the TV is only 2 inches in depth -- so no cable box is possible anyway).

I'm in DE county too. Do you know if, legally, the local broadcast HD channels must remain un-encrypted? I'm a little worried that my 20 inch kitchen TV with a QAM tuner (which I just ordered), will be useless without a cable box or antenna soon (if Comcast encrypts everything).

What happens when analog goes away (in 2009), and HD local channels are (possibly) encrypted? Will I be able to see anything on my kitchen TV without a cable box (the TV is only 2 inches in depth -- so no cable box is possible anyway).

Caesar, your TV in the kitchen will be fine. If you read the fine print on Comcast's Web Site or your bill/channel card, they MUST offer the broadcast HD's with ANY package, and they are NOT encrypted.

Until I finally broke down and got digital cable and an HD box, my Panasonic Plasma with built in QAM tuner was able to receive all the broadcast HD's as well as a few other unencrypted channels just by plugging the coax directly into my tv. I even had the music channels until recently, when they took those away - EXCEPT for the Alternative Music channel (go figure). I also receive all of the digital versions (not HD) of the broadcast channels (ABC, NBC, CBS etc) up in the 79-1 to 79-12 channel range - and still get the respective 3, 6, 10 channels on different channels in the lower range. Plus, a few of the other channels mentioned. Simply do a scan when you get your new tv and you will see what is available in your area. Also, don't forget the On-Demand stuff that leaks through - mine was on channels 83-87 and all the subchannels in between.

I have the HD cable box now, but split my signal and occasionally just use the tuner in the TV to see any channels that comcast may let through from time to time, including the neighbors' on-demand selections !!!

I think that you can, but it depends on your area. What you want (and should request) is Basic Cable plus the HD package. They will probably want to upsell you to digital blah blah blah. For this combo, you'll need a STB or Cable Card.

Some systems have changed the packages and now require Expanded Basic and/or Digital before you can add on the HD package. Subscribers in those areas that previous had Basic/HD tier were offered a special price for upgrading to Digital/HD tier.

ft


Ok, so what your saying is that in order to get the HD package I do have to get a STB? Dang that sucks. Seems to me that they should just be able to send those channels to me unencrypted if I'm paying for them. Oh well. I almost purchased an HDTV w/o a tuner. Since It looks like I have to get an STB anyway I should have just went with that.

Caesar, your TV in the kitchen will be fine. If you read the fine print on Comcast's Web Site or your bill/channel card, they MUST offer the broadcast HD's with ANY package, and they are NOT encrypted.



I understand this is true today. My concern is what will happen in February of 2009, when the digital transition is supposed to occur and analog stations go away.

I'm not sure whether Comcast can then, at that time, legally encrypt the broadcast/local HD channels. I've read conflicting information on this (at DSL reports).

I guess we may not know for another 1.5 years (or more).

I'm in DE county too. Do you know if, legally, the local broadcast HD channels must remain un-encrypted? I'm a little worried that my 20 inch kitchen TV with a QAM tuner (which I just ordered), will be useless without a cable box or antenna soon (if Comcast encrypts everything).I think Comcast is mandated by the FCC to provide the local broadcasts unencrypted. So I think you're safe with the QAM TV. If you look at Comcast's website, you'll notice that all 7 HD locals are included in the Basic Channel line-up.

What happens when analog goes away (in 2009), and HD local channels are (possibly) encrypted? Will I be able to see anything on my kitchen TV without a cable box (the TV is only 2 inches in depth -- so no cable box is possible anyway).I would suspect that nothing would change, however, between FCC mandates and cableco's whims, it wouldn't surprise me if they did change (for the worse).

Where in Delaware County are you at? I think there are a few systems in DC. I'm on the Media system.

Ok, so what your saying is that in order to get the HD package I do have to get a STB? Dang that sucks. Seems to me that they should just be able to send those channels to me unencrypted if I'm paying for them. Oh well. I almost purchased an HDTV w/o a tuner. Since It looks like I have to get an STB anyway I should have just went with that.
If you want all of the HD channels (not just the locals), then yes, you'll need a STB or Cablecard. Sounds like your TV doesn't have a CableCard.

If all you want is the local HDs, then your TVs QAM tuner is very useful.

Anyways, I think everyone should have some sort of STB on their main TV. Everyone NEEDS a DVR, whether it's a Tivo, Sony or leased box. It really is a "game changer". ;)

I understand this is true today. My concern is what will happen in February of 2009, when the digital transition is supposed to occur and analog stations go away.

I'm not sure whether Comcast can then, at that time, legally encrypt the broadcast/local HD channels. I've read conflicting information on this (at DSL reports).

I guess we may not know for another 1.5 years (or more).

I think come 2009 and/or in the future, Comcast can encrypt HD locals, the FCC rule doesn't apply to ATSC channels, only NTSC or something like that. Short term you will be fine, but eventually(probably at least a couple years) analog cable will be gone, everything will be encrpyted and need a cablecard or box.

To get the cable HD channels(ESPNHD,CSNHD,HD Theater, etc), they recently stated that you need to have at least "expanded basic" to do this. Expanded basic and "digital starter" cost difference would be about $6, $5 for the HD box, and $1 difference(at least in my area). Or you could get a cablecard if your TV supports it(getting harder and harder to find). Some report you can get it with just digital starter or expanded basic and an HD box, some say you need digital classic in order to get the cable HD channels.

But network HD channels are in the clear around SE PA, at least for now, along with a few others. Most people don't know about this, so I don't think this is exactly at the top of the priority list for Comcast. Heck with just basic cable and a QAM tuner, one can get like 10+ cable channels, and all the local HD's... b/c they aren't encrypted... yet... Comcast does NOT want you to know that.

Where in Delaware County are you at? I think there are a few systems in DC. I'm on the Media system.

Broomall.

It's varies depending on the system you're on, but most people in SE Pennsylvania get the 7 Networks plus whatever they don't encrypt. Here's what I get (Delaware County):

ABC-HD
NBC-HD
CBS-HD
PBS-HD
CW-HD
MyNetwork-HD
Fox-HD

UniversalHD
Telefutura (SD)
ESPNClassic (SD)
Bravo (SD)
History Channel (SD)
G4 (SD)
Discovery Health (SD)
and some others ...
Here on the Willow Grove system, we get the same HD channels in the clear, and the SD channels sound like what we get, as well.

But network HD channels are in the clear around SE PA, at least for now, along with a few others. Most people don't know about this, so I don't think this is exactly at the top of the priority list for Comcast. Heck with just basic cable and a QAM tuner, one can get like 10+ cable channels, and all the local HD's... b/c they aren't encrypted... yet... Comcast does NOT want you to know that.
While I don't think Comcast goes out of their way to tell people that all they may need is a TV with QAM, I don't think they are hiding it. They even list the HD locals as part of the Channel line-up for Basic.


Broomall Yeah, like I said, I'm in Media, so you're probably on a different system. Even so, I would imagine that you'll get at least the 7 locals in HD plus UniversalHD. Many people in the area get UniversalHD.

Here on the Willow Grove system, we get the same HD channels in the clear, and the SD channels sound like what we get, as well.

As far as the SD-QAM channels go, only G4 is a digital channel only. I get all of the other channels as analog.

Although ESPN Classic is a little wierd. It's not on the analog tier and it's not on the digital tier either (according to Comcast's Channel line-up and Yahoo's Listings). Yet it's on clearQAM. I don't watch that channel, so it's moot.

It would be nice if they happened to have the HDNet's on clearQAM, but not on their Digital packages. ;)

While I don't think Comcast goes out of their way to tell people that all they may need is a TV with QAM, I don't think they are hiding it. They even list the HD locals as part of the Channel line-up for Basic.


Yeah, like I said, I'm in Media, so you're probably on a different system. Even so, I would imagine that you'll get at least the 7 locals in HD plus UniversalHD. Many people in the area get UniversalHD.

Broomall and media and Rosemont Havertown all even here in Ardmore,Delco are all out of the Wallingford Headend so our channels are all the same but for local channel 10 and 11 for local schools or township local access. But other then that our channels are all the same, my channels in Radnor are the same as here in Ardmore, and also in Brookhaven and also Wallingford since that is where it comes from is all the same. I used to work for Suburban Cable, which then was taken over and bought-out by comcast then the channels got re-aligned for alot of the county.

I think come 2009 and/or in the future, Comcast can encrypt HD locals, the FCC rule doesn't apply to ATSC channels, only NTSC or something like that. Short term you will be fine, but eventually(probably at least a couple years) analog cable will be gone, everything will be encrpyted and need a cablecard or box.

I don't think that is correct. Right now, there is a difference of opinion on whether ATSC OTA channels sent as QAM to cable customers can be encrypted, because ATSC isn't specifically mentioned, AFAIK. However, Comcast has decided to leave the ATSC Locals in the clear. Seeing as they send NTSC locals in the clear now, when ATSC becomes the only standard, I see them continuing to send them in the clear, even if there isn't an FCC mandate obligating them to do so; athough, I bet there will be.

To get the cable HD channels(ESPNHD,CSNHD,HD Theater, etc), they recently stated that you need to have at least "expanded basic" to do this. Expanded basic and "digital starter" cost difference would be about $6, $5 for the HD box, and $1 difference(at least in my area). Or you could get a cablecard if your TV supports it(getting harder and harder to find). Some report you can get it with just digital starter or expanded basic and an HD box, some say you need digital classic in order to get the cable HD channels.

Actually 'Expanded' and 'Digital Starter' have a $1 difference, (the latter includes an otherwise $4 SD box). However, one can upgrade the included SD box to an HD box, for $9 in this configuration, total extra cost is $10 to go HD. (The $5 HD box upgrade fee only appplies to Digital Classic and above.) But, it is not clear from the letter, without seeing an updated price card, whether Digital Starter and an HD box would yield just HD Locals or those plus the national 'cable' HD channels listed above.

But network HD channels are in the clear around SE PA, at least for now, along with a few others. Most people don't know about this, so I don't think this is exactly at the top of the priority list for Comcast. Heck with just basic cable and a QAM tuner, one can get like 10+ cable channels, and all the local HD's... b/c they aren't encrypted... yet... Comcast does NOT want you to know that.
I think it is just a matter of them wanting to get their cable box in one's home. Also, they keep moving around the Local QAM channels, so it is something for which they don't want to provide support.

I think that you can, but it depends on your area. What you want (and should request) is Basic Cable plus the HD package. They will probably want to upsell you to digital blah blah blah. For this combo, you'll need a STB or Cable Card.

Some systems have changed the packages and now require Expanded Basic and/or Digital before you can add on the HD package. Subscribers in those areas that previous had Basic/HD tier were offered a special price for upgrading to Digital/HD tier.

Apparently, this Comcast region changed its requirements for the national 'cable' non-premium HD channels. The channels formerly only requiring Basic and Digital Classic, now, according to the letter, require a 'level of service including Expanded Basic'.

Its sounds like Basic and Expd. is all that is required, but possibly, Digital Classic is also still required; it could have stated that in the letter, but didn't. Maybe they figure, it is understood, since all the letter receipients had Digital Classic or Preferred already.

Or Digital Classic isn't required, and by taking the discounted Digital Preferred Package, one won't figure this out, unless one actually reads the pre-requisites on the new price/channel cards sent in December for January changes. ;)

We could find out now, if there have been changes since printing, they print interim updated cards. However, when downgrading from Digital Classic/Preferred to Starter, the HD Box goes from $5 to $9, but there is still a net savings of Clasisic $8/ Pref. $11.

For the DVR, one needs Digital Classic or above anyway, but we shall see what they require in January.

Unless there was another letter sent to Basic subs with HD boxes, that configuration still works, HD Box is $9 in this config. and receives the HD Locals.

While I don't think Comcast goes out of their way to tell people that all they may need is a TV with QAM, I don't think they are hiding it. They even list the HD locals as part of the Channel line-up for Basic.


Yeah, like I said, I'm in Media, so you're probably on a different system. Even so, I would imagine that you'll get at least the 7 locals in HD plus UniversalHD. Many people in the area get UniversalHD.

So UniversalHD is in the clear? Can anyone in Philadelphia confirm this?

So UniversalHD is in the clear? Can anyone in Philadelphia confirm this?

It was (i'm in South Philadelphia) but I lost it around 3 months ago, when it suddenly disappeared one day.

I did a new scan about a week ago, and it still has not come back. However, other areas do still have it, apparently ...

Well, I just called comcast and apparently I have to get a STB even with basic cable. Not sure why that is though. Just for the heck of it I got a spliter and plug one cable into my HDTV and the other back into my modem.( I currently have Comcast HSI) I got all the local HD/SD stations as well as Toon Disney and TV Land.

Was the audio and video during Heroes on NCAUDT out of sync for anyone else? I also got the white horizontal specks again.

Was the audio and video during Heroes on NCAUDT out of sync for anyone else? I also got the white horizontal specks again.

Looked and sounded fine to me. Chuck before that also.

How can that be done??

When you go to set a recording, hit "view all settings" or "view recording settings for this program". (it depends on if you are doing an individual recording or a series recording) You will see "Start recording" and
"Stop recording". The default is "On time" but they both can be changed. I think that's it. Now if we only knew which programs would run later than scheduled ...

Yes, It will be on 276 beginning next Monday.Did the NHL Network show up today? HD? No hockey on FiOS today.

Was the audio and video during Heroes on NCAUDT out of sync for anyone else? I also got the white horizontal specks again.

Yes, just watched it and it was out of sync here. I didn't notice the white lines this week, maybe I'm getting used to them.

I got the white lines, and some minor ghosting or tracing, you could see it when the faces moved across a dark background.... i didn't notice the audio.

Yes, just watched it and it was out of sync here. I didn't notice the white lines this week, maybe I'm getting used to them.

Kinda Sad if you say your getting used to them? LOL. j/king but still its bad when you can say your getting used to them.

Anyone also know of anything if anyone gets fricken The Weather Channel HD if its going to be Free QAM or only encrypted?

Was the audio and video during Heroes on NCAUDT out of sync for anyone else? I also got the white horizontal specks again.

I saw this for the first time Fri night when I tuned into Las Vegas for a bit, I can't believe how bad it is. First thing I did was switch over to OTA, still there. Glad that none of my shows I watch this season are on NBC. Also of note, I didn't see it on Leno last night(or have I ever seen it, when flipping over to Leno)

Anyone also know of anything if anyone gets fricken The Weather Channel HD if its going to be Free QAM or only encrypted?
I don't think Comcast has even announced they will carry TWCHD, have they? Even if/when they do, I'm sure it will probably be encrypted, it is not a local channel, around here Comcast encrypts all the non-local HD channels as they should/can do. But I have no clue why Universal HD is still and always has been in the clear. It still is for me, on 110-2.

Apparently, this Comcast region changed its requirements for the national 'cable' non-premium HD channels. The channels formerly only requiring Basic and Digital Classic, now, according to the letter, require a 'level of service including Expanded Basic'.

Its sounds like Basic and Expd. is all that is required, but possibly, Digital Classic is also still required; it could have stated that in the letter, but didn't. Maybe they figure, it is understood, since all the letter receipients had Digital Classic or Preferred already.

Or Digital Classic isn't required, and by taking the discounted Digital Preferred Package, one won't figure this out, unless one actually reads the pre-requisites on the new price/channel cards sent in December for January changes. ;)

We could find out now, if there have been changes since printing, they print interim updated cards. However, when downgrading from Digital Classic/Preferred to Starter, the HD Box goes from $5 to $9, but there is still a net savings of Clasisic $8/ Pref. $11.

For the DVR, one needs Digital Classic or above anyway, but we shall see what they require in January.

Unless there was another letter sent to Basic subs with HD boxes, that configuration still works, HD Box is $9 in this config. and receives the HD Locals.

Just wanted to chime in on this subject. I just ordered Digital Starter for $33 per month( a promotion for 6mos but they gave me 12 ), the HD package for $8.95 and the HD DVR for $11.95. My understanding, according to the tech, is that I'll get all the HD channels with this config.

Edit: Just got my serviced installed this afternoon and it turns out I had to upgrade to digital classic after all.

Well, I just called comcast and apparently I have to get a STB even with basic cable. Not sure why that is though. Just for the heck of it I got a spliter and plug one cable into my HDTV and the other back into my modem.( I currently have Comcast HSI) I got all the local HD/SD stations as well as Toon Disney and TV Land.
I think the reason that you need a STB for Basic is that you're in Philly. There's too much cable theft in the city because the housing units are typically touching each other. So they block everything and required a STB. As for the locals, I don't think they encrypt (as you can plainly see).

Does your HDTV have a QAM tuner? If so, do they pass the local HDs in clearQAM?

ft

I think the reason that you need a STB for Basic is that you're in Philly. There's too much cable theft in the city because the housing units are typically touching each other. So they block everything and required a STB. As for the locals, I don't think they encrypt (as you can plainly see).

Does your HDTV have a QAM tuner? If so, do they pass the local HDs in clearQAM?

ft

Yes, local HD's are in the clear.

Well I just surfed through my HD channels here in Toms River NJ and got a few new ones

NGC HD
UHD
NFL HD
TBS HD


Good to hear! I wonder what else we are going to get

The instructions for my new TV say to choose 1 of these 3 types of cable connections (I'm plugging the cable directly into the back of the TV -- as it has a QAM tuner).

The 3 possibilities are: STD; HRC and IRC

So which does Comcast use (Standard, HRC or IRC)? I understand they are different ways that cable operators transmit signals.

The instructions for my new TV say to choose 1 of these 3 types of cable connections (I'm plugging the cable directly into the back of the TV -- as it has a QAM tuner).

The 3 possibilities are: STD; HRC and IRC

So which does Comcast use (Standard, HRC or IRC)? I understand they are different ways that cable operators transmit signals.

My LG tuner/dvd player asks the same question. While I have no idea what comcast uses, IIRC I got the best results with Standard, similar results from HRC and poor results from IRC.

Personally I would try each to see what gave you the best results as there is no harm in doing the scan for channels.

My LG tuner/dvd player asks the same question. While I have no idea what comcast uses, IIRC I got the best results with Standard, similar results from HRC and poor results from IRC.

Personally I would try each to see what gave you the best results as there is no harm in doing the scan for channels.
Here's the history as I understand it:


In the early days of the cable TV industry, only Channels 2-13 were
used. Just as in the over-the-air broadcast world, second-harmonic
distortion was a potential problem; however, the fact that Channels
2-13 were split into two separate octaves rendered this problem moot:
all second harmonics fell outside of the bands of interest.


But as the industry grew, more channel space was needed, so channels
14-22 were added in the midband (120-174 MHz). Once those were used,
more channels were added in the superband (above channel 13).


These new channels were vulnerable to, and created, all sorts of
distortion products that fall in other channels. These products are
classified as follows:


SECOND ORDER DISTORTION: F1 +/- F2 (including second
harmonics). Example: the sum of the channels 3 and 4
visual carriers:


61.25 + 67.25 = 128.5 MHz.


This combination produces a spurious signal at 128.5
MHz, which falls 1.25 MHz above the visual carrier of
cable channel 15, right in the middle to the video
sidebands, where it causes rolling horizontal lines in
the picture.


THIRD ORDER DISTORTION: F1 +/- F2 +/- F3 Example:
channels 7, 8 and 9 visual carriers:


175.25 + 181.25 - 187.25 = 169.25 MHz


This combination produces a distortion product at 169.25
MHz, approximately at the visual carrier frequency of
cable channel 22. But (assuming that the three carriers
are generated by independent oscillators), this product
will not fall precisely on the visual carrier, so it
produces a "thumbprint" in the desired picture. If the
oscillators drift, the thumbprint dances around.


These problems became particularly severe as amplifier cascades became
longer: the more amplifiers in a cascade, the worse the distortion at
the end of the line. (The design goal for most cascades was a maximum
of 20 amplifiers, but I once heard of a cable system in California
that had a 67-amp cascade!)


To solve (or at least hide) these problems, various schemes were
developed for locking the visual carrier frequencies together at the
headend. The goal was to force the distortion products caused by the
interaction of visual carriers to fall precisely on top of other
visual carriers, effectively masking them.


Two schemes were developed:


- INCREMENTALLY RELATED CARRIERS (IRC)
(not to be confused with Internet Relay Chat)


This scheme phaselocks all visual carriers to a master oscillator
operating at F0 = 6.0000 MHz according to the formula


F = F0 * N + 1.2625


where N is an integer and 1.2625 is a constant (it was originally
1.25, but it was offset to 1.2625 to avoid conflict with aeronautical
communications -- but that's a different story).


Thus:


Channel 2 visual falls at 55.2625 N = 9
Channel 3 visual falls at 61.2625 N = 10
Channel 4 visual falls at 67.2625 N = 11
Channel 5 visual falls at 79.2625 N = 13
Channel 6 visual falls at 85.2625 N = 14


This scheme solves the third-order distortion problem, although it
doesn't solve the second-order problem.


Note that this scheme moves Channels 5 and 6 up by 2 MHz.
Consequently, this scheme only works if special arrangements are made
to accommodate this shift. Some cable operators provided special IRC
converters; others just left 5 and 6 vacant. Some "cable-ready" TV
sets were equipped with obscure little switches (or menu options) that
made the shift.


Note that this scheme leaves a 6-MHz gap (72-78 MHz) between Channels
4 and 5. Which just happens to equal one television channel. And
that's cable Channel 1, with a visual carrier at 73.2625 MHz.


- HARMONICALLY RELATED CARRIERS (HRC)
(not to be confused with Hillary Rodham Clinton)


This scheme phaselocks all visual carriers to a master oscillator
operating at F0 = 6.0003 MHz +/- 1 Hz (that's right: plus-or-minus ONE
HERTZ) according to the formula


F = F0 * N


where N is an integer. The master oscillator frequency was originally
6.0000, but it was offset to 6.0003 to avoid conflict with
aeronautical communications -- again, that's a different story.


Thus:


Channel 2 visual falls at 54.0027 N = 9
Channel 3 visual falls at 60.0030 N = 10
Channel 4 visual falls at 66.0033 N = 11
Channel 5 visual falls at 78.0039 N = 13
Channel 6 visual falls at 84.0042 N = 14


This scheme solves both the second order and the third-order
distortion problems.


Note that this scheme moves everything down by (about) 1.25 MHz,
except for Channels 5 and 6 which move up by 0.75 MHz. Like IRC, this
system only works if special arrangements are made to accommodate the
shift. Some cable operators provided special HRC converters, and some
cable-ready TV sets were equipped with switches or menu options.


This scheme also leaves a 6-MHz gap (approximately 70.75- 76.75 MHz)
between Channels 4 and 5. So again, we have cable Channel 1, this
time at 72.0036.


In recent years, the use of fiber optics in cable TV networks has
dramatically reduced the need for long amplifier cascades (some
networks now have cascades as short as two amplifiers). This in turn
has virtually eliminated the need for IRC and HRC frequency schemes.
So most cable TV systems now use the "standard" frequency allocation
scheme: cable channels 2-13 fall at the same frequencies as broadcast
channels 2-13. And "cable channel 1" has been relegated to the
dustbin of ancient history.

The instructions for my new TV say to choose 1 of these 3 types of cable connections (I'm plugging the cable directly into the back of the TV -- as it has a QAM tuner).

The 3 possibilities are: STD; HRC and IRC

So which does Comcast use (Standard, HRC or IRC)? I understand they are different ways that cable operators transmit signals.

I just got a new tv as well & my choices were STD, HRC, IRC or AUTO. I found posts that said the Comcast uses HRC so I tried that. Only got the channels under 72 or so. I tried the other 3 settings & still didn't pick up a single digital channel. Next I made a more direct connection to the tv by removing a vcr & got some of the digital channels that I thought I should get with the tv's tuner, but not all of them and no HD locals. I have another tv in the house that does get the local HD's so I knew they werent' encrypted here.

The next day I brought the new tv to a connection that was closer to where the cable comes into the house & before some splitters. The AUTO scan found 384 channels this time, compared to the 81 & 184 that it found upstairs. That's more like it!

I also found something in my tv's menu that didn't appear on the poor connection. It was a Digital Antenna Strength meter. My first connection listed it at around 45, w/o the vcr was around 65, but downstairs it was 100! We have a digital package & DCT 3416 for the main tv downstairs & really didn't feel we needed all that for a bedroom tv, but the picture is so much better on the digital channels. So now we're going to get new & better cable & run it upstairs & see if we can't eliminate some of the splitters. That should do it! :D

For all the gory details, the ARRL (a ham radio site) has a complete list of CATV channel frequencies: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/catv-ch.html

I just got a new tv as well & my choices were STD, HRC, IRC or AUTO. I found posts that said the Comcast uses HRC so I tried that. Only got the channels under 72 or so. I tried the other 3 settings & still didn't pick up a single digital channel. Next I made a more direct connection to the tv by removing a vcr & got some of the digital channels that I thought I should get with the tv's tuner, but not all of them and no HD locals. I have another tv in the house that does get the local HD's so I knew they werent' encrypted here.



Well I just went with standard, and it found all the HD locals (and Universal HD I believe), and quite a bit more digital channels, not in HD. Like animal planet, espn classic, kids channels, etc.

All the "analog" channels were found too -- the same as everything from 2 to 99 on the other sets I have, that have the Comcast Cable box attached.

Additionally, I'm seeing other people's On Demand and Pay per View stuff in the digital realm. A lot of people watching Howard Stern On Demand apparently. :D

So UniversalHD is in the clear? Can anyone in Philadelphia confirm this?

I'm in the Philly suburbs and get Universal HD on my new QAM tuner set.

That and all the local broadcast HD channels.

Will the Comcast "analog" channels (2 to 99) go away in 2009? For example, the same set with the QAM tuner picks up everything on Comcast from 2 to 99 (shown as "analog" on my TV tuner), like MTV on channel 53, Comedy Channel on 43, TBS on 99, etc.

I assume those channels will go digital at some point? If so, will they be encrypted and my kitchen TV will be good for only the local broadcast channels? No CNN, no MTV anymore?

I'm in the Philly suburbs and get Universal HD on my new QAM tuner set.

That and all the local broadcast HD channels.

Will the Comcast "analog" channels (2 to 99) go away in 2009? For example, the same set with the QAM tuner picks up everything on Comcast from 2 to 99 (shown as "analog" on my TV tuner), like MTV on channel 53, Comedy Channel on 43, TBS on 99, etc.

I assume those channels will go digital at some point? If so, will they be encrypted and my kitchen TV will be good for only the local broadcast channels? No CNN, no MTV anymore?

No, the analog channels aren't strictly tied to the 2009 date, but they will be replaced eventually, they have already pulled a few to digital only(GSN,EWTV,Philly Park, TV Guide, etc). Eventually, all you might get is the local broadcast channels with a QAM tuner, but I'm not positive about the FCC rules for that after the 2009 date. Some new rule about must carry stations, in analog and/or digital only or something, I dunno.

Philly has had the local stations in analog, SD digital, and full HD digital on cable for years. Even all the gov't access channels are sent digitally as well as analog. For the main networks, you have the plain old analog station(that every single TV can see), the SD digital(what channel "2" for KYW maps to on your cable box), which is just a digital version of the analog channel. Finally you have the full digital/HD station(what channel 233 for KYW maps to on your HD-capable cable box).

If you think it's fun to see Stern on demand(I see a lot of that too where I am), wait till Friday/Sat nights and you can almost always find some "adult" material on. Pretty funny to see people REW/FF :p

Here's the history as I understand it:


In the early days of the cable TV industry,
... (snip) ...
And "cable channel 1" has been relegated to the dustbin of ancient history.

Cyberstream,

Thank you for the info, I'm not sure I understand it all :D , but thanks just the same.

when is the Philadelphia area Comcast getting tivo hd dvr boxes in place of moto ones? Philly is Comcasts HQ so I would think they would be one of the first.

I have had FIOS for almost a year but had to keep Comcast anyway for other rooms in my house with tvs without qam and without a box (i think comcast gets more chans through coax even with a qam capable tv) and for HD on demand which fios still doesnt have.

FIOS was only better then Comcat for a short while when it had a few more HD chans but now its the opposite and Comcast has more. plus the dvr functionality believe it or not is better on Comcast then fios even though they both use moto.

Fios was so busy claiming they were better then comcast that i feel they forgot to match comcast before attempting to beat them.

during the recent MLB playoffs many phila area fios subscribers were angered to find that fios did not have TBS-HD while Comcast did (even if the phillies were swept 3-0 in the first round embarassingly)

For me that was the last straw and I decided to get rid of fios as they were now behind comcast in hd channels and the one supposed redeeming quality of the better SD pq of fios over comcast to me was not apparrant and in fact quite the opposite at times.

But I did not want to just go back to Comcat and DTV is currently the clear #1 in HD chans and by Dec. will be 3x that of comcat and fios and neither will catch up to dtv for a long time.

Alas, dtv isn't perfect and does not have Comcat sportsnet Philly (thanks to comcast purposely throwing a wrench in the works )

that small factor combined with comcast getting tivo dvr boxes has me ready to cancel dtv install , cancel fios and just have all comcast through out our house.

Will Comcast continue to be better then fios? will they ever catch dtv? they dont have the bandwidth to match dtvs hd chans though right?

will the tivo hd dvr boxes be better then any hd dvr boxes that dtv or fios have?

No, the analog channels aren't strictly tied to the 2009 date, but they will be replaced eventually, they have already pulled a few to digital only(GSN,EWTV,Philly Park, TV Guide, etc). Eventually, all you might get is the local broadcast channels with a QAM tuner, but I'm not positive about the FCC rules for that after the 2009 date. Some new rule about must carry stations, in analog and/or digital only or something, I dunno.

Philly has had the local stations in analog, SD digital, and full HD digital on cable for years. Even all the gov't access channels are sent digitally as well as analog. For the main networks, you have the plain old analog station(that every single TV can see), the SD digital(what channel "2" for KYW maps to on your cable box), which is just a digital version of the analog channel. Finally you have the full digital/HD station(what channel 233 for KYW maps to on your HD-capable cable box).

If you think it's fun to see Stern on demand(I see a lot of that too where I am), wait till Friday/Sat nights and you can almost always find some "adult" material on. Pretty funny to see people REW/FF :p

at our beach house where we use strictly qam through coax with comcast (not worth paying for a stb there) I did seem to get other ppv or on demand channels at tiems that were later gone. I did at least once see it rew or ff and was wondering what that was. I thought it was someone watching it but wasnt sure. that is funny.

So with a non qam capable tv, comcast definately picks up way more channels then fios as you basially get nothing without qam with fios and just coax and no stb. But does comcast get more channels with qam capable tv then fios or the same? i guess it gets about equal as many digital channels but with the analog mixed in , its more overall.

the # of channels picked up both analog and digital through qam is another reason i'm thinking of just switching back to comcat completely. while i kept comcat for more channels through coax (both analog tvs and those equipped with qam) in side rooms with no stb, when we switched for the most part to fios, we did also keep one tv with comcast hd dvr stb for hd on demand and the couple chans that fios doestn get like mojo at the time and now there is more that comcat has in hd that fios doestn.

i'm thinking more and more to just switch back completely to comcast and then upgrade my non qam capable tvs to ones that are, then i wont need a cable box at all in the kitchen, where we have a fios sd box and is otherwise a perfect place to just use qam and we will actually get hd there where as no hd obviously with the fios SD box. then in our home office where we never watch the fios hd box is a waste so i could just use qam there as well as the 2 other roosm we are currently using qam. Then it would just be a matter of where to put the 2 hd dvr boxes between basemetn , fam room and bedroom and where to put the one hd box. currently kind of spoiled with fios hd dvr boxes inf am room and bedroom adn comcast hd dvr in basement.

but we can def eliminate the hd box in home office and just go qam with comcast, be fine with just hd (no dvr) box in basement and hd dvr in bedroom. not need sd box in kitchen andjust upgrade the smaller flat lcd to a qam capable one and go coax with qam in the rest of the rooms. I'd just need to sell 3 non qam tvs (one being a crt that has to go anyway) and upgrade to qam capable tvs in those 3 rooms

that idea has me ready to cancel dtv installation and just spend the money on the tv upgrades as justification. will have to keep comcast anyway with dtv, which while the best of both worlds, sucks paying for both.

I guess you dont get any channels evn with a qam capable tv with dtv plus no Comcast Sportsnet Philly on dtv. dtv will have on demand next month though not sure its HD, i'm betting it will be sine they alrady have more hd chans then anyone and adding even more in the next 2 months while FIOS still has no HD on demand and limited on demand offering in general.

I have to decide this immediately but yeah, while comcast might not have as many hd chans as dtv, its better then fios, and with csn philly, more hd chans then fios, hd on demand, and all analog and digi ota hd chans through coax.... it might be the best value right now to just go back to comcast completely and forgo dtv.

I kind of want to give dtv a try though. but not sure how long if any of a trial period there is and dont want to get locked into a contract which i believe like fios they make you sign 2 year. no ETF luckily for getting out of fios tv becaus were keeping the internet but as much as i want to try dtv, i will kick myself if its just a waste of time and money, plus messing up my house due to the need to install a second coax line to each dtv hd dvr box which will be difficult wiht basement finished.

i guess dtv is still worth a try, especially since now is the time to get in before their price goes up in Dec. when they get even more hd chans. at least then when i go back to comcast, i'll know i tried the other 2 best choices in our area, i just hope all the compeition keeps Comcast on their toes and A game, cus Comcat wasnt always a pleasure to deal with but I have to say that they resolved and made up for the problems and inconveniences better then fios ever did and we were generally happier with comcast over fios where we've had to learn to live with no hd on demand and the inferior dvr functionality with no swap button capability on fios remote evn though there is a button, jut to name a couple.

Anyone care to comment on the best PQ for HD locals - comcast, fios, ota or dtv? Currrently ota but looking to go direct coax with qam via cable. Also, is it true that comcast carries only pbs HYY in HD and fios both PBS HYY and NJT (out of camden/ trenton) ? THanks

If you think it's fun to see Stern on demand(I see a lot of that too where I am), wait till Friday/Sat nights and you can almost always find some "adult" material on. Pretty funny to see people REW/FF :p

I was trying to figure out how the on demand/ppv stuff works over QAM via Comcast.

I see it is mostly found on channels 83.xx through 86.xx

I think though, it must not be the entire "head-end" you are attached to, but a small segment, from which you see the unencrypted streams. As I rarely see more than about 10 different on demand or PPV streams at any one time. I can't imagine, on a Friday/Sat night, that the entire head-end only has 10 people watching PPV or on demand.

My family room TV, attached to a Comcast cable box, is right off my kitchen (which has the TV with the coaxial cable only attached to it -- and a QAM tuner). So I picked an on demand show on the family room TV, and then went to the kitchen TV to see if I could find my own on demand stream. Sure enough, I found it at channel 85.11.

Since my QAM tuner on the initial scan found a number of "blank" channels between 83.x and 86.x (channels that were memorized, but no programming going on at the time) -- are those channels always kept "open" for PPV/on demand streams? Do you have to continually do re-scans to find additional "open" channels in the 83.xx to 86.xx range?

Anyone care to comment on the best PQ for HD locals - comcast, fios, ota or dtv? Currrently ota but looking to go direct coax with qam via cable. Also, is it true that comcast carries only pbs HYY in HD and fios both PBS HYY and NJT (out of camden/ trenton) ? THanks

OTA is the source. It will always be the best PQ. Or, phrased a different way, nobody will have better PQ, though other providers may have PQ that's just as good. For sat/cable/fios, it's just a degree of how much they compress it before distributing it.

I have no idea what FiOS carries, but Comcast (in Center City/South Philly, at least) doesn't carry NJN-HD. It carries WHYY-HD and all of their multicast subchannels.

Hey guys,
Are u guys getting tbs hd ?

I was trying to figure out how the on demand/ppv stuff works over QAM via Comcast.

I see it is mostly found on channels 83.xx through 86.xx

I think though, it must not be the entire "head-end" you are attached to, but a small segment, from which you see the unencrypted streams. As I rarely see more than about 10 different on demand or PPV streams at any one time. I can't imagine, on a Friday/Sat night, that the entire head-end only has 10 people watching PPV or on demand.

My family room TV, attached to a Comcast cable box, is right off my kitchen (which has the TV with the coaxial cable only attached to it -- and a QAM tuner). So I picked an on demand show on the family room TV, and then went to the kitchen TV to see if I could find my own on demand stream. Sure enough, I found it at channel 85.11.

Since my QAM tuner on the initial scan found a number of "blank" channels between 83.x and 86.x (channels that were memorized, but no programming going on at the time) -- are those channels always kept "open" for PPV/on demand streams? Do you have to continually do re-scans to find additional "open" channels in the 83.xx to 86.xx range?

You are correct, it's just on a per "node" basis. My guess as to how it works is that each "node" is wired into the headend, and when a user wants to watch something ondemand, it sends that request to the headend, and then picks an unallocated frequency(from ch 83-86), starts the program up on that frequency and sends it to the node that the request came from, and then the user's box receives the "message" that playback has started at xxx frequency, and the box tunes to that frequency, puts up a counter bar, and the user is watching what they selected. Encrypting this would be much more complex, since both the box and headend would have to generate keys, exchange them, etc etc.

Since those channels are distributed unencrypted direct to the node, any QAM tuner that is connected to that node would be able to watch what is being sent if it tunes to the right frequency(channels 83-86). Including what your box is watching, I can switch over to my TV's QAM tuner(or my OnAir GT box connected to my PC) and watch what I am streaming to my cable box via OnDemand. When digital cable/OnDemand first came out, QAM tuners weren't nearly as commonplace, so this was even less of an issue than it is today. I think Comcast has plans to eventually encrypt all OnDemand. But I can't imagine that being the top priority right now.

Channels 83-86 are always kept open for OnDemand. Since they change a lot, yes you have to rescan a lot. My TV, upon going to the first channel, say 83-3, will pause for like 5 seconds and then let me select only the channels that have something on 83 right now. Same when I get to 84-something, 85-something, etc. It's actually quite convienient. But each TV handles those feeds differently.

All this applies to regular ondemand, I have no idea how Comcast does live PPV events like wrestling, or some of the adult stuff on ch 198.

Hopefully I didn't present any incorrect information in there!

Hey guys,
Are u guys getting tbs hd ?

Got it here in Philly.

Here in Woodbury NJ, too. Any info on when we will get more HD channels?

OTA is the source. It will always be the best PQ. Or, phrased a different way, nobody will have better PQ, though other providers may have PQ that's just as good. For sat/cable/fios, it's just a degree of how much they compress it before distributing it.
I have no idea what FiOS carries, but Comcast (in Center City/South Philly, at least) doesn't carry NJN-HD. It carries WHYY-HD and all of their multicast subchannels.I've got FiOS and did a comparison a few months ago. The PQ on FIOS for OTA channels is somewhat better than antenna. Both cable and FiOS get their OTA feeds via fiber- they don't go through the broadcasting chain. For critical viewing, you can see the difference.

Channel 106 is Fox Business News. Couple other channels were changed. Saw this listed on my new bill!

Also, I called Comcast and got them to lower my bill by $20 and give me free Starz and Showtime for 1 year. Woohoo!

NFL HD just appeared around midnight, but i guessi have to pay 5 dollars more to see it

Woke up this morning and all my HD channels and everything above channel 20 where missing. On top of that the internet was off. I called and got the internet issuse ironed out and they where supposed to reprogram the HD DVR box but I'm still not getting my HD channels. Looks like another long wait on the phone for me. :(

NFL HD just appeared around midnight, but i guessi have to pay 5 dollars more to see it

I think they've got a special temporarily going on for $1.99/month.

Also, I called Comcast and got them to lower my bill by $20 and give me free Starz and Showtime for 1 year. Woohoo!

How?

I think they've got a special temporarily going on for $1.99/month.

is nflhd worth it

is nflhd worth it

If you want to see the Thursday games after thanksgiving you will need it.

I haven't been home so I didn't sign up yet, last year they had On demand, all the games from the weekend in a 15 min highlight clip, like a cliffs note version of the game, taking out all the crap and unimportant plays, it was nice. Do they still have those? Are they in HD now?

So UniversalHD is in the clear? Can anyone in Philadelphia confirm this?

i'm in the burbs, but was making up a new list of the channels my qam tuner picked up & i had this one channel that i couldn't figure out what it was. it had no logo in the corner (never thought i'd actually wish for one) i finally figured out it's UHD. it's on 110-2 here. i wouldn't have found it all the way down there if it wasn't right next to CW

we got our signal strength up with new cable & splitters, so now we get all the channels that we should! :D

is nflhd worth it

Maybe not just NFL HD - but all the Fox college sports channels, CSTV, NBA TV, as well as NHL Network which is coming on 10/23 - now THOSE are worth $1.99/mo extra.

Send me a PM if you need any details.

How?

Well, a family member upgraded their service so I called and wanted the same deal. Their deal was insane ($19.99 internet for 1 year, $35.00 HD/Digital for 1 year) both per month, but it was a "thank you" for upgrading. Also, about 3 boxes for free (regular boxes, not the HD box.)

The girl told me that the new bill would be $20.00 lower. Also, they have a promotion for free Starz and HBO for a year. Since I already have free HBO for a year, she gave me showtime for a year.

I see the NHL network (SD ch 276)) was added to South Jersey as well as NFL Network HD. How come Comcast doesn't use their message service on the boxes to inform of new channels?

I see the NHL network (SD ch 276)) was added to South Jersey as well as NFL Network HD. How come Comcast doesn't use their message service on the boxes to inform of new channels?

There is no messaging capability on the Scientific Atlanta boxes, only the Motorola boxes. Which do you have?

Both of my boxes are Motorola. I get messages all the time for Boxing, Comcastic Careers and UFC. I used to get messages for new channels. But none for new channels for over a year.

Both of my boxes are Motorola. I get messages all the time for Boxing, Comcastic Careers and UFC. I used to get messages for new channels. But none for new channels for over a year.

Guess they're only sending messages when it can make them money. Comcast doesn't care about anything else anymore.